Today in Minot

A new Duke University analysis puts a striking price tag on America’s plastic problem, estimating that production, use, and disposal saddle the country with up to $1.1 trillion in hidden social costs each year. Most of that burden falls on public health, from chemical exposure to the emissions tied to fossil-fuel extraction. The report arrives as states push for stricter rules and industry groups push back, underscoring a widening divide over how far the nation should go to curb plastic use — and who ultimately pays the price. Shannon Kelleher with The New Lede has the full story.

The United States remains the world’s dominant natural gas producer, widening its lead even further in the most recent data. In 2023, the U.S. produced 104 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d)—about 75% more than Russia, the second-largest producer. And production has only climbed since: U.S. output averaged 106 Bcf/d in the first half of 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Three U.S. regions now rank among the top ten natural-gas-producing areas in the world when measured against entire countries. Appalachia’s Marcellus and Utica shale plays remain the heavyweight, producing 33 Bcf/d, enough to rank second globally on their own. The Permian Basin follows with 25 Bcf/d in 2025, and the Haynesville region—spanning Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas—adds another 14 Bcf/d, placing it eighth worldwide.

Although growth varies by region, the broader trend is clear: the United States has held the title of the world’s largest natural gas producer since 2009, and recent production shows no sign of slowing.

North Dakota rancher August Heupel has yet to sell any of the beef calves he has raised this year, so far avoiding the recent drop in prices that was fueled in part by comments from President Donald Trump on importing beef. Heupel is hopeful that prices...

President Trump’s latest tariff-related claim is already rippling through the news cycle: a $2,000 “dividend” for Americans who aren’t high-income. The idea appeared in a weekend Truth Social post, but even his own treasury secretary says he’s unaware of any such plan. Experts note the math doesn’t come close to adding up, yet the suggestion is likely to fuel another surge of rumors, click-bait timelines, and false hopes—echoing the stimulus-check frenzy that once dominated the early pandemic years. Christopher Zara with Fast Company has the full story.

Canadian travel to the U.S. has been slipping for months, but the impact is hitting places like Kalispell (an Minot) particularly hard. After years of relying on Canadian visitors to fill hotels and storefronts year-round, the Flathead Valley is now seeing steep declines in spending and border crossings — a downturn local businesses attribute to rising political tension and stalled trade talks. With empty rooms and fewer teams traveling south for tournaments, Kalispell is trying to rebuild the relationship, rolling out a “Canadian Welcome Pass” to remind northern neighbors the door is still open. Justin Franz with Montana Free Press has the full story.

Rocky’s Burgers, Franks & Fries has made its way to Fargo, marking a quick expansion for a brand that got its start in Minot just one year ago. Led by longtime restaurateur Mike Sartwell, Rocky’s mixes big-city flavors — including a New York-sourced hot dog — with a hometown feel. Opening day in Fargo drew steady lines, friendly staff guiding traffic, and early converts from Fargo’s burger faithful. David Olson with InForum has the full story on the local franchise that’s trending up and “rounding up” for good causes, too.

Community theater took center stage in Watford City this weekend as three companies from across the region came together for the first North Dakota Stage Fest. McKenzie County Community Theater, Williston’s Entertainment Inc., and Fargo-Moorhead Community Theater each brought a 30–40 minute performance, turning the high school auditorium into a showcase of the state’s theatrical range. From dark mystery to sharp comedy to classic gothic drama, the night offered a reminder that North Dakota’s local stages are overflowing with talent — and worth celebrating. Olivia Feddeler with Dickinson Press has the full story.

Editors Note: Three Minot-area stages have productions rolling in the next 10 days… check SavorMinot.com for more details.

The Minot Police Department continues to investigate the homicide that occurred during the early morning hours of Friday, November 7, 2025, in northeast Minot. The victim has been identified as Anthony William Redmond, a 27-year-old Minot resident. Redmond died as a result of injuries sustained from...