North Dakota

Rallying on the Ellipse, Harris calls on voters to reject Trump’s ‘chaos and division’ • North Dakota Monitor

Published

1 year ago

October 29, 2024

Rallying on the Ellipse, Harris calls on voters to reject Trump’s ‘chaos and division’ • North Dakota Monitor

WASHINGTON — Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, with the White House as her backdrop, gave what she called her closing argument Tuesday evening, pressing voters to support her bid over that of “unstable” Republican candidate Donald Trump.

The 30-minute speech on the Ellipse was the same location where Trump, then president, held a rally nearly four years ago before his supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol. Harris highlighted Democrats’ core argument that another term for the former president would present a threat to the country’s future.

“This election is more than just a choice between two parties and two different candidates,” Harris said. “It is a choice about whether we have a country rooted in freedom for every American, or ruled by chaos and division.”

Harris evoked the conception of the United States, how it was “born when we wrested freedom from a petty tyrant.” She said since then, Americans across generations have fought to protect those freedoms and expand them, from those who marched in the civil rights movement to the troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy.

“They didn’t do that only to see us submit to the will of another petty tyrant,” she said. “We are not a vessel for the schemes of wannabe dictators.”

Karoline Leavitt, Trump campaign national press secretary, said in a statement that Trump’s “closing argument to the American people is simple: Kamala broke it; he will fix it.”

In the crowd of tens of thousands of rallygoers was LaShaun Martin, 52, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, who said she is voting for Harris because the vice president is “incredibly positive.”

“She has been for all people, Republicans and Democrats,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what walk of life you come from. She really wants to represent you, and whatever it is you need to be able to be a prosperous person.”

One week until Election Day

Harris’ speech took place just one week before voting ends on Nov. 5, following a history-making campaign that began when President Joe Biden withdrew from the race following a disastrous debate this summer.

Biden’s endorsement of Harris and widespread support from Democrats throughout the country forced the GOP to overhaul its approach to the campaign, as Democrats shifted their focus from the policies that Biden wanted to champion to those important to Harris.

In her remarks, Harris rebuked Trump and his supporters for their disparaging comments about immigrants living in the country illegally, a main element of his campaign.

“Politicians have got to stop treating immigration as an issue to scare up votes in an election,” Harris said. “And instead treat it as the serious challenge that it is, that we must finally come together to solve.”

Harris pledged to work with Congress on immigration policy as well as a pathway to citizenship for farmworkers and for the more than 500,000 children brought into the country without authorization. They are known as Dreamers, enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Harris touched on several of her top policy issues, including housing affordability, abortion access nationwide, a ban on price gouging at grocery stores and expansion of the child tax credit.

Reaching out to the undecided

Harris campaign communications director Michael Tyler previewed the speech earlier Tuesday, telling reporters the vice president would speak directly to undecided voters’ “sense of frustration, their sense of exhaustion with the way that our politics have played out under the Trump era — and offer them directly a vision that something is different, that something different is possible.”

Trump on Sunday appeared at a six-hour campaign event at Madison Square Garden in New York City that brought bipartisan condemnation for a comedian who called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean.”

Ahead of Harris’ Tuesday speech, Trump gave remarks at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, accusing her of trying to divide the country and seeking to distance himself from the racist and vulgar remarks made by the comedian and other speakers during the rally.

Trump did not take questions, but told ABC News earlier in the day he did not hear the comedian’s remarks.

“I don’t know him,” Trump said. “Someone put him up there.”

With the presidential race essentially tied, Harris and Trump have both focused their final campaign push on the crucial swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Harris promised the crowd during her speech that if elected she will protect institutions and the democratic ideals that are the bedrock of American law. She also slammed Trump’s comments referring to Democrats as the “enemy from within.’”

“The fact that someone disagrees with us does not make them the enemy within,” Harris said. “They are family, neighbors, classmates, coworkers, they are fellow Americans, and as Americans, we rise and fall together.”

Time to ‘turn the page’

Harris said the country must move beyond the ever-widening polarization that she described as a distinct feature of Trump’s grip on American politics.

“Donald Trump has spent a decade trying to keep the American people divided and afraid of each other,” Harris said. “That’s who he is.”

In her pitch to undecided voters, Harris offered an opportunity to leave the Trump era behind.

“It is time to turn the page on the drama and the conflict, the fear and division,” she said. “It is time for a new generation of leadership in America and I am ready to offer that leadership as the next president of the United States.”

That leadership, she said, would seek to build on bipartisan work.

“I pledge to seek common ground and common sense solutions to make your life better. I am not looking to score political points. I am looking to make progress,” she said. “I pledge to listen to experts, to those who will be impacted by the decisions I make and to people who disagree with me. Unlike Donald Trump, I don’t believe people who disagree with me are the enemy.”

During her speech, protesters advocated for an arms embargo on U.S. military weapons sent to Israel amid the war with Hamas. Several senators have also called for an arms embargo.

“Stop arming Israel. Arms embargo now,” one protester said before being escorted out.

The death toll of more than 43,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to health authorities there, has fractured Muslims, Arab Americans and anti-war Democrats within the party. It spurred the Uncommitted National Movement that sent 30 delegates to the Democratic National Convention this summer.

After Harris’ speech, nearly 100 pro-Palestinian protesters surrounded an exit of the campaign rally.

Harris supporters gather

The campaign’s finale in Washington, D.C., was expected to draw more than 50,000 supporters, according to the local NBC affiliate. The Harris campaign estimated 75,000 spectators showed up.

It featured speeches from supporters such as a mother who was able to access affordable insulin for her son because of the Affordable Care Act; a farming couple from Pennsylvania who were previously Trump voters; and Craig Sicknick, the brother of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died following the insurrection on the U.S. Capitol.

“(Trump) incited the crowd to riot while my brother and his fellow officers put their lives at risk,” Craig Sicknick said. “Now, Mr. Trump is promising to pardon the convicted criminals who attacked our Capitol, killing my brother and injuring over 140 other officers. This is simply wrong.”

The Justice Department has charged more than 1,500 defendants in the Jan. 6 attack.

Craig Sicknick endorsed Harris, who he called a “real leader.”

The family farmers, Bob and Kristina Lange from Malvern, Pennsylvania, said they are lifelong Republicans, but will be voting for Harris this election.

“It’s very clear that Donald Trump doesn’t care about helping hard-working people like us,” Bob Lange said. “He’s too focused on seeking revenge and retribution to care about what we need. We deserve better.”

The couple have been featured in multiple digital ads targeting rural voters in Pennsylvania.

History and excitement

Attendees from as far as Illinois to local residents made the trek to the Ellipse for the speech.

Tiffany Norwood, 56, of Washington, D.C., said she attended the rally with her 87-year-old mother, Mary Ann Norwood, for “the history of it, the excitement.”

“I feel we need something different in the United States, and she is it,” said Tiffany Norwood, who identified herself as an entrepreneur. “Her plan for the economy, for the future, for women, for everyone. I love the fact that it’s a big umbrella that includes the melting pot of the United States.”

Some attendees weren’t old enough to vote, such as 13-year-old Grace Ledford of Champaign, Illinois.

The teenager said her first political rally felt “like a big party.”

“Kamala would be a great president because she is, for one, a woman, and she is African American,” she said. “A lot of men presidents don’t know how hard it is to be a woman, especially Trump.”

Daniel Nyquist, 79, of Rockville, Maryland, stood in the crowd wearing a hat with the words “Make America Less Hateful.”

“It’s the alternative of Trump’s theme,” Nyquist said, pointing to his hat. “He’s a big promoter of hate, and this is to counter that.”

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North Dakota

Four area players land on North Dakota Division A all-state team

Published

10 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

Four area players land on North Dakota Division A all-state team

GRAND FORKS — Four area athletes were selected to the North Dakota Division A all-state girls basketball team, which was released by the North Dakota High School Coaches Association on Tuesday.

The North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association will release all-state teams later this month.

Thompson’s Addison Sage led the way as a first team all-state pick, as well as receiving the division’s Outstanding Senior Athlete honor. Her coach, Jason Brend, was the Coach of the Year.

All-state second team choices from the area are Devils Lake junior Tylie Brodina, Four Winds-Minnewaukan sophomore Suri Gourd and Thompson senior Kya Hurst.

Sage, a 5-foot-6 guard, averaged 22.3 points per game, 3.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.2 steals per game. Sage has more than 1,900 career points and holds the Tommies’ all-time scoring record.

Brodina, a 5-8 guard, averaged 18.8 points and 2.6 steals per game. She shot 82 percent from the foul line and 32 percent from 3-point range.

Hurst, a 5-6 forward, averaged 16.3 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. She added 3.7 steals and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 39.5 percent from 3-point range. Hurst has scored more than 1,600 points and grabbed more than 840 rebounds in her career.

Gourd, a 5-8 guard, averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 4.4 steals per game. Gourd has more than 1,600 career points in her career with two more seasons to play.

Gourd led Four Winds-Minnewaukan from a 5-17 record last season to a 16-8 mark this year.

Miller has covered sports at the Grand Forks Herald since 2004 and was the state sportswriter of the year in 2019 (NSMA, NDAPSSA), 2022 (NSMA, NDAPSSA), 2024 (NDAPSSA) and 2025 (NDAPSSA).

His primary beat is UND football but also reports on a variety of UND sports and local preps.

He can be reached at (701) 780-1121, tmiller@gfherald.com or on Twitter at @tommillergf.

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North Dakota

Annabelle Weber

Published

23 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

Funeral Mass for Annabelle Weber, 95, of Dickinson will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Queen of Peace Church with Msgr. Thomas Richter celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, with Rosary and Vigil service taking place at 6:00 PM. Annabelle passed away Friday, March 6, 2026 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Annabelle S. Weber was born on December 8, 1930, in Killdeer, North Dakota, to Frank and Eva (Kowis) Schmalz. She grew up in Killdeer and graduated from Killdeer High School in 1947. At the age of 17, Annabelle began working at Zimbrich’s Department Store in Killdeer. She later moved to Dickinson, where she worked at S&L in retail sales and spent many years at Kessel’s Bridal Shop. While working at the Esquire Steak House, she met Gerald Weber, the love of her life. The couple was united in marriage on November 1, 1954, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson, where they made their home and built their life together. Annabelle was a woman who loved staying busy and caring for her family and home. She enjoyed hunting and fishing, along with hobbies such as crafts, sewing, and gardening. She was well known for keeping an immaculate home and took great pride in caring for those around her. Faith was an important part of her life. She joined the Catholic Daughters in 1957 and was active in church circles, often helping with funeral dinners and parish gatherings. Annabelle’s greatest joy was her family. Annabelle is survived by her sons, Greg (Barbara) Weber of Grand Forks, Russ (Rhonda) Weber of Dickinson; daughter, Sharon (Tony) Allen of Andover, MN; nine grandchildren, Christi (Ryan), Tiffani (Tim), Shane (Kayla), Tonya (Adam), Samantha (Scott), Kevin, Tracey (Analisa), Stacie, Tyler; 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Eva Schmalz; husband, Gerald Weber; siblings, William (Evelyn) Schmalz, Elaine (John) Buresh, and Vernon (Dolores) Schmalz; and daughter-in-law, Coleen Weber (Krance). Remembrances and condolences can be shared at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.

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North Dakota

Faber: 5 takeaways from UND’s 70-62 Summit League tournament championship loss to North Dakota State

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Faber: 5 takeaways from UND’s 70-62 Summit League tournament championship loss to North Dakota State

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — North Dakota State proved why it was the best team in the Summit League Sunday evening at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.

The Bison beat UND 70-62 in the conference tournament championship. The Fighting Hawks hung around in the second half, but couldn’t put together enough consecutive shots to retake the lead.

It was the Hawks’ first Summit League championship appearance since 2020, capping off a resurgent season for a program ravaged by the transfer portal.

Despite losing top-end talent like Treysen Eaglestaff and Mier Panoam, UND reloaded through key transfer portal additions, the emergence of redshirt freshman guard Greyson Uelmen and the return of senior guard Eli King.

The Hawks finished the 2025-26 season with an 18-17 overall record.

Here are five takeaways from the loss.

King ends collegiate career on a high note

King left it all on the court in his final three games as a Hawk.

He logged 40 minutes against NDSU. King was only off the court for two minutes against St. Thomas and four minutes against Denver.

King lived up to his billing as the Summit League Defensive Player of the Year throughout the postseason. He also averaged 15.3 points per game in the tournament.

“We were so fortunate to get him at North Dakota,” head coach Paul Sather said. “The daily example that guy brings as far as how you treat people, how you go about your work, how you show up — he’s usually the first on the floor every day. He plays the most minutes for us. … He just smiles at adversity.

“He’s a special young guy. I’m going to think of him when I’m 75 years old, thinking about all the young people you get a chance to be a part of and coach, and I’m going to see a guy that’s probably doing really well in life, and I’m going to just be so grateful I got a chance to spend some time coaching. Eli’s going to be alright.”

Here’s what an emotional King had to say after Sunday’s loss.

“The last three years have been a blast,” King said. “Built a bunch of relationships that will last forever. Coaching staff, all the players, all the great teammates I’ve had, community support from Grand Forks. It’s been awesome. The last three years, basketball-wise, I enjoyed every second of it, had a lot of ups and downs.”

College basketball teams rarely look the same from year to year. That’s just the state of the sport right now, especially at the mid-major level.

UND is going to miss its seniors.

King was the only returning starter from last year and truly seemed to be the heart and soul of the team.

Garrett Anderson averaged 10.3 points per game, and his lengthy frame was pivotal on defense. Reggie Thomas seemed to always give a boost of energy off the bench, providing scrappy defense while averaging 4.8 points per game.

That being said, there are certainly building blocks for the future. That is, if they don’t enter the transfer portal this offseason.

Uelmen, the former walk-on, averaged 18.6 points per game in a breakout season. Redshirt sophomore Zach Kraft carved out a role in the starting lineup, providing 42.5% shooting from 3-point range and improved defense.

Junior center Josh Jones became an essential piece of the starting lineup, providing physicality, defense and a frame that the Hawks just don’t have anywhere else on the roster.

Junior forward George Natsvlishvili, freshman guard Anthony Smith III and freshman forward Marley Curtis each provided the occasional pop from the bench when needed.

“You hope so, right?” Sather said when asked if this season was something to build on. “That’s the goal. Every year right now, you kind of start with a new team. Just being real — free agency starts. But we’re to the point now where you smile at it and you wish the best for young people that are trying to do things in life that are changed (compared to) what they were 10 years ago, five years ago.

“You really take a year and you start in June, when you get them all on campus, and you try to make the most out of that time. And it’s not perfect, but it’s kind of like speed dating in a way. I don’t know what that’s like, I’ve never done it, but you don’t get to have everybody for four years or three years or even two years sometimes. But the time you have with them, make the most of it. Have the joy with it and love it. And even on the hardest days, because I’m telling you, this was a team that there were some days where we had to really be on these guys. We got some young guys that got to continue to grow and get better, but they just really responded, and their example of it was awesome.”

Kraft put up his best performance in months against NDSU.

He shot 5-for-9 from the field and finished with 19 points. Only Uelmen scored more, finishing with 24.

It was Kraft’s first double-digit point total since Feb. 19. He nearly reached his previous career high of 22 points.

Kraft scored 13 points in the second half. He nailed a 3-pointer with 3 minutes, 6 seconds to go to kick off a 9-0 run for UND.

Offensive rebounds sting again

North Dakota State collected 12 offensive rebounds and scored 12 second-chance points in the win over the Hawks.

UND managed to survive against St. Thomas while giving up 14 offensive rebounds in the tournament semifinals.

This time around, it stung.

“A game like that, where you’re not making the shots that we have been or that were just right there, we can’t be giving them extra possessions like that,” Sather said.

What opposing coaches had to say about Sather and the program

Head coach David Richman had positive words for Sather and his program after the Bison’s championship win.

“Paul Sather did a terrific job this year, terrific job,” Richman said. “You’ve got a guy like Eli King, the competitive spirit, and Greyson, and the tournament that they had. So I know there’s Bison people that don’t want to hear me talk about UND, but I’m glad to talk about a guy and a program that does things the right way. And Paul Sather does a lot of great things.”

Likewise, St. Thomas head coach John Tauer voiced his respect after the Tommies’ loss in the semifinals.

“Credit to North Dakota, they played incredibly,” Tauer said. “They’ve been really good all season. Paul does a tremendous job with his team and those guys.”

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