Today in Minot

NDSU Extension - Burleigh County It’s that time of year again — garden centers and greenhouses are well-stocked with beautiful holiday plants. They make great gifts for friends and families. Nothing looks better on a table or desk than a blooming Christmas cactus or the red...

The bearing of winter’s real teeth recently brings a stark reminder that while some of us are settling in, others are facing a cold reality: rising evictions and a growing lack of stable shelter. This article breaks down a serious threat to housing stability across the state. Federal funding changes could force organizations like the YWCA of Cass Clay to lose nearly half of their permanent supportive housing units, creating major gaps in support. Michael Standaert, Sabrina Halvorson with North Dakota News Cooperative has the full story in The Backstory.

John Scalzi’s latest science-fiction novel opens with a premise as absurd as it is universal: what if the moon suddenly turned into cheese? Rather than treating it as a throwaway joke, Scalzi builds a world where scientists, politicians, journalists, and everyday people must navigate the implications—both physical and emotional. The book leans into real planetary science, cultural reactions, and even misinformation, showing how society might struggle to explain the inexplicable. It’s fiction, yes, but also a reminder of how science responds when reality refuses to behave. Sarah Lewin Frasier with Scientific American has the interview with the author. Main Street Books can deliver the fully savory experience if you’re looking to read longer 😉

Cars were once a ticket to opportunity, opening access to work, housing, and recreation far beyond traditional neighborhoods. But the same system that expanded freedom has gradually boxed people in. Put simply, when cities organize themselves around vehicle convenience rather than human mobility, the benefits fall apart—economically, socially, and physically. Roads and parking consume vast amounts of space, families take on heavy transportation costs, and people without cars lose independence. The cautionary comparison to King Midas is clear: when everything turns to gold—or asphalt—what once felt like abundance becomes a burden. Andy Boenau with Urbanism Speakeasy has the full story.

The protective dome covering Chornobyl’s ruined reactor—designed to stop radiation leaks—has taken on new urgency after a Russian drone strike damaged its steel shell earlier this year. The International Atomic Energy Agency now says part of the structure has lost its core safety function, and temporary fixes are no longer enough. Ukraine plans major repairs with international support, aiming to restore the shield once the war allows. The attack renewed concerns about nuclear sites being targeted, underscoring ongoing risks at facilities caught in Russia’s war. Dominic Culverwell with The Kyiv Independent has the full story.

Leftover pizza may have just earned a surprising nutritional upgrade. Researchers studying how starchy foods behave when cooled found that pizza crust—along with rice, pasta, and potatoes—develops what’s called “resistant starch.” Once cooled below about 40 degrees, those starches link into chains that act more like fiber than carbohydrates, changing how your body processes them. Even reheating doesn’t break that structure down. Early studies suggest this could soften blood-sugar spikes and boost gut health, offering a quirky upside to food that sits overnight in the fridge.

Watch and Learn below from Scientific American.

North Dakota State has built its dynasty on winning games like this—the early-round playoff matchup at home, heavily favored, expected to roll. But that script collapsed in Fargo yesterday, when Illinois State stunned the undefeated No. 1 seed with two late touchdowns and a decisive two-point...

North Dakota State University is beginning the search for its next president, and the State Board of Higher Education has set the process in motion. With David Cook preparing to leave for Iowa State, the search committee voted to hire Academic Search, a national firm, to guide the effort. A tentative timeline is already drafted, with applications closing in late January, interviews in February, and a finalist expected by mid-March. The board hopes to have the new president on campus early this summer, giving them time to settle in before fall classes begin. April Baumgarten with InForum has the full story.

Steinbach Manitoba's composting program has quietly grown into a cornerstone of its waste strategy, and city leaders say it’s only gaining momentum. A recent report shows steady participation, keeping organics out of the landfill and returning finished compost to residents each spring. The city is now...