Today in Minot

Minot’s intermodal facility was built to connect North Dakota’s producers to the world — but lately, that world has been shifting. With China’s soybean embargo cutting off what was once half of America’s export market, local shippers are finding new paths forward. Rail Modal Group, which operates the Minot hub, is turning toward smaller but promising markets like Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. It’s a reminder that even in global trade, adaptability — not size — often determines who stays competitive. Lindsey Miller with KMOT has the full story.

Trust is the lifeblood of journalism, and it’s draining fast. Once, most Americans believed the press played fair. Today, barely a quarter still do — and among Republicans, that faith has nearly vanished. In Indianapolis, one experiment hopes to change that. A new “public editor,” independent of any newsroom, will critique local coverage and explain how journalism works. The goal isn’t to scold, but to rebuild something essential: the fragile trust between those who report the news and those who depend on it. If the idea catches your curiosity, read more by Dave Busiek published on Iowa Capital Dispatch.

Two Dakotas, one political color — but very different shades. While South Dakota’s Republican Party has veered toward populist upheaval, driving out its more traditional members, North Dakota’s GOP has mostly held its ground. That divide is now shaping billion-dollar decisions, with one company moving its investment north, calling North Dakota “a breath of fresh air.” But party tensions here are growing, too. The 2026 primaries may decide whether North Dakota keeps its pragmatic streak—or follows its southern neighbor’s path. For a look at the emerging political picture and its impacts as it ripples out, Rob Port’s commentary at Inforum is worth a read.

As Minot looks toward the next 25 years of growth, city leaders are turning their attention to how people move — not just by car, but by bike, bus, and on foot. At this week’s City Council meeting, the Metropolitan Planning Organization unveiled its long-range transportation plan, focused on safety, affordability, and community needs. The goal isn’t grand projects for show, but practical ones that fit the city’s budget and future. Next up: securing the council’s support to put the plan in motion. Jack Meyer with KX News has a brief report on the topic or you can watch the full presentation made to Council below.

The Federal Reserve often feels like a distant force—moving interest rates, shaping markets, and influencing everything from mortgages to job growth. But in this conversation, Mary Daly, president of the San Francisco Fed, pulls back the curtain. She explains how decisions made in real time—guided by data, independence, and conversations with everyday people—help steer the nation’s economy through uncertainty. From inflation to AI’s growing influence, Daly offers a clear, grounded look at what drives America’s financial future and the balance behind every policy move. Read a sum-up article on the interview by Robert Safian with Fast Company or listen to the full conversation below.

At Moorhead High School, a group of students is preparing to leave their classrooms this week — not in defiance, but in determination. Their “Rally for Justice” aims to draw attention to issues close to home and far beyond: gun violence in schools, immigration raids, and global conflict. Senior Cherish Lee says the goal is simple — to make change where they can. School leaders are supporting the students’ right to speak out, reminding everyone that even in protest, safety and respect come first. Robin Huebner with InForum has the full story.

Across the world’s universities, artificial intelligence is no longer an elective — it’s a reckoning. From Beijing to Columbus to Sydney, campuses are rethinking how students learn, test, and think in an age when machines can write essays, solve equations, and mimic understanding. Some schools are embracing AI as a teaching tool; others are drawing lines to protect human thought. As debate grows over ethics, learning, and dependence, one truth is clear: higher education is being rewritten. If you want a hint at the direction its heading, Helen Pearson with Nature has an in-depth look.

Staffers at public libraries said it is not easy to convince teens to keep coming back to their branches when they have digital tools and other entertainment options at their disposal but a local spot in North Dakota reflects a renewed push to stay engaged with...