Uncommon Knowledge
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Analysts think Doug Burgum could be named as former President Donald Trump’s running mate, sparking widespread interest in the North Dakota governor’s life, career, background and finances.
The 67-year-old has governed the state since 2016, but before entering politics he was a well-known businessman and led a software company that was acquired by Microsoft for more than $1 billion. Other business interests boosted his bank balance too; he spent millions on his own White House bid last year, briefly trying to run against Trump before dropping his plans and throwing his weight behind the former president.
Now Burgum’s name has been cited by several political commentators compiling lists about who may be chosen as Trump’s for Republican vice presidential candidate and bookmakers have said the odds are firmly in his favor. Being awarded the role would automatically create a favorite for the 2028 Republican nominee for president if Trump were to win and complete his second allowed term.
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With just weeks to go until the GOP convention, political news outlet The Hill said Burgum was in the top three “most likely” contenders, along with senators J.D. Vance of Ohio and Marco Rubio of Florida.
Business magazine Forbes estimated last November that Burgum is a worth $100 million “at least.” The magazine said he is worth much more than his financial disclosures would suggest, though, because some of his riches are likely to have been disbursed in trusts for his three grown children.
The governor had relatively humble beginnings, working in his family’s grain elevator business through school and college at North Dakota State University, then becoming a chimney sweep before entering an MBA program at Stanford University.
Following the $1.1 billion sale of Great Plains Software in 2001 to the tech giant, Burgum became a senior vice president at Microsoft and was awarded more than 1.7 million Microsoft shares, which then were worth roughly $100 million, according to Forbes. He later left the firm and over the coming decades sold stock regularly as well as undergoing a costly divorce from his first wife, meaning that today the Microsoft stock is just a tiny fraction of his overall portfolio and is worth up to a $1 million.
But Burgum branched out into a string of other business ventures. He has also worked in real estate development and venture capital.
Some analysts have said money is a key factor playing to Burgum’s advantage because he appears to have been modeled in Trump’s own image. He has “two things Trump wants: a fat wallet and thick hair,” Bloomberg columnist and former political reporter Patricia Lopez joked in an opinion piece on Sunday.
While the Associated Press said: “Trump likes rich people. North Dakota’s two-term governor is most definitely rich.” Burgum and his wife, Kathryn, who are said to be extremely friendly with Trump and his team, would bring “money and rich friends to the table.”
Burgum has remained tight-lipped about the VP situation, but he has been a regular face on TV screens as he campaigns for Trump.
Trump told reporters in Philadelphia this weekend that he had chosen who he wanted to join him on the Republican ticket for November’s election but added that he had not yet revealed his choice to anyone.
Newsweek has reached out to Burgum via the governor’s office seeking further information and comment.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
March 31, 1957 – June 5, 2026
Timothy Paul Ganyo, 69, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026, after a courageous six-and-a-half-year battle with non-small cell lung cancer.
Tim was born on March 31, 1957, in Grafton, North Dakota, to Willard Paul and Marlene Frances Ganyo. He grew up in Grafton, where he attended school and was active in both hockey and football. During his high school years, he also worked as a lifeguard at the local swimming pool.
Tim proudly served his country for more than three decades. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 4, 1977, and served until 1981, with an assignment at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.
Following his active-duty service, he joined the Air National Guard while attending North Dakota State University. Later, seeking a new opportunity, Tim joined the Air Force Reserve and relocated to Northern California, where he served at Travis Air Force Base as a flight engineer aboard the C-5 aircraft.
Throughout his distinguished military career, Tim was activated numerous times and served in support of multiple military operations around the world, often flying into war zones. He treasured the friendships he made with his fellow airmen and took great pride in serving alongside the members of the 312th. Tim retired from the United States Air Force Reserve on June 1, 2010.
Committed to lifelong learning, Tim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology in August 2003. Following his military retirement, he worked in the laboratory at Shell Oil Company in Martinez, California.
Tim spent more than 40 years in Northern California, where he met his wife, Roxanne. They shared 34 wonderful years of marriage. He was a devoted husband, a supportive stepdad, and a loving grandpa who cherished time spent with his family.
Tim was a passionate fan of University of North Dakota hockey and proudly remained loyal to the Fighting Sioux throughout his life. He was also a member of the Solano Yacht Club and enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie he found there.
Tim is survived by his mother, Marlene Dvorak; his beloved wife, Roxanne Ganyo; his stepchildren, Ryan Brown, Chad (Tonya) Brown, Jaime Wolf (Dave), and Kristy Brown (Devin); his grandchildren, Calleigh Brown, Jaxon Brown, Taya Wolf, and Jordyn Brown; his brothers, Mark (Rhonda) Ganyo and Michael Ganyo; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Willard Paul Ganyo; and his brothers, Ray Ganyo and Philip Ganyo. Tim will be remembered for his strength, dedication, patriotism, sense of adventure, and unwavering love for his family and friends. His presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Bryan-Braker Funeral Home Chapel, 1850 West Texas Street, Fairfield, CA
A ceremony with military honors will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California, where Tim will be laid to rest.
GRAND FORKS — A Grand Forks man is working to overturn his conviction for killing his friend.
Donald Bartlette’s attorney, Kiara Costa Kraus-Parr, wants the North Dakota Supreme Court to declare a mistrial when he was found guilty of manslaughter in the October 2024 death of Tony Kiehl.
During a hearing Monday, June 22, Costa Kraus-Parr said prosecutors unfairly made jurors biased against Bartlette at trial in August of last year.
That includes referencing past drug use and testimony from a witness who called Bartlette a bully.
That testimony was objected to, and the objection was sustained.
Bartlette was found guilty of manslaughter and was later sentenced in December to 10 years in prison.
Bartlette, 46, maintains Kiehl, 49, came at him with a knife and he acted in self-defense.
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Funeral Mass for Delia “Dee” Sianghio, 91, of Dickinson, will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Father Ryan Martire celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery.
Visitation for Dee will be 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Monday, June 22, 2026 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, with rosary and vigil taking place at 6:00 pm. Dee passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at her home. Delia was born on September 5, 1934 in Zambales, Philippines to Dr. Aqualino and Solita (Ortin) Edaño. The eldest of 5 children, Delia graduated college in 1958 from University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Delia met Dr. Gregorio L. Sianghio and married in 1960, having 3 children, Leyden, Homer and Lourdes. The family embarked on a great adventure and emigrated to the United States in 1971, ultimately settling in Dickinson, ND, where Dr. Gregorio practiced in Anesthesiology at St. Joseph Hospital. Much to Delia’s dismay, she experienced extreme cold, blizzards, and having to travel to West Fargo, ND for authentic Philippine ingredients for traditional food. Delia was an avid reader, history buff, and enjoyed crocheting and knitting. After her husband died in 1985, she became an active volunteer at St. Luke’s Nursing Home in Dickinson and enjoyed exercising to step-aerobics. Delia is survived by daughter Dr. Leyden Sianghio-Reamer (Joe Reamer), Boerne, TX; son Homer Siañghio (Cindy M. Steiner-Siañghio), Kent, WA; and daughter Lourdes E. Sianghio, TX/ND; 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Delia is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Aqualino and Solita Edaño of Zambales, Philippines; husband Dr. Gregorio Sianghio of Dickinson, ND; sisters Aqualina and Susan; and brothers Aqualino Jr. and Lino, all from Zambales, Philippines. Remembrances and condolences can be shared at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.
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