
Today in Minot
A New Way to do the Local News!
Local Politics or Live Music?
Actually, you don’t have to chose, but we had to — for today’s cover image. Both are in today’s edition. Our first two questions for our Mayoral candidates have dropped, the rest will roll tomorrow. But the most important role for you today is to find your way to Citizens Alley for live music and a great chicken sandwich!
Today in Minot
Today is Friday, August 1st. The sun will rise on the 43rd day of summer, and the 213th day of the year at 6:20 AM. We will see 15 hours 1 minute of daylight before it sets at 9:21 PM.
Today is: Minority Donor Awareness Day, National Raspberry Cream Pie Day, National Water Balloon Day, International Beer Day, International Mahjong Day, Congressional Startup Day, Respect For Parents Day, National Girlfriends Day
Today’s Featured Happenings
The news we share here is ForMinot. You can learn more about what guides our editorial decisions here.
A triathlon isn’t just a race—it’s a test of will, endurance, and scenery. This weekend, athletes from across Manitoba will gather at the International Peace Garden, straddling the U.S.–Canada border, for one of the province’s most scenic and unique competitions. With swims across Lake Stormon, bike rides through open grounds, and a garden-lined finish, it’s more than a race—it’s an experience. And for the first time, it’s a world qualifier, giving local athletes a shot at the global stage. Betty Sawatzky with Discover Westman has the full story linked below.
With a playoff berth on the line, the Minot Honeybees didn’t need to win—just hold their ground. And thanks to a little help from Mankato, they did just that. Despite a narrow 8-7 loss to league-leader Madison, the Bees clinched second place in the Northwoods League and punched their ticket to next week’s championship series. Game one is coming to Minot on Monday, where the Honeybees will face a familiar foe—the very same Night Mares who just edged them out. John Jacklin with KMOT has the full story.
Charlottesville set out to tackle its housing crisis by rewriting the rules—eliminating single-family zoning and parking mandates to make room for more homes. But now, that bold step is on hold. A missed legal deadline in a resident-led lawsuit has temporarily erased the entire zoning code, freezing development citywide. As the city scrambles to recover, it’s a cautionary tale about how procedural missteps can stall even the most ambitious reforms—especially when the stakes are as high as housing affordability. Danielle McLean with SmartCitiesDive has the cautionary tale.
North Dakota’s prison population is on the rise—and fast. With inmate numbers expected to nearly triple by 2026, the state is taking a proactive step: building four smaller correctional facilities to ease the pressure. These “mini prisons” aren’t just about adding beds—they’re designed to support rehabilitation and re-entry, tailored to individual case plans. Led by Corrections Director Colby Braun, the initiative aims to deliver services where they’re needed most, creating a more flexible, responsive approach to a growing statewide challenge. Tyler Pflibsen with KX News has the full story.
The Trump administration is reshaping how America treats its public lands—quietly handing over millions of acres in Alaska while rolling back environmental protections nationwide. But within that shifting landscape, a new conservative-led effort is emerging to redefine what environmental stewardship means on the right. At its center is Benji Backer, a young activist pushing for bipartisan conservation—even as his allies remain closely tied to fossil fuel interests. The result is a complicated mix of optimism, policy battles, and a race against time to protect what’s left. Lois Parshley with Grist has the story that has a chance of bucking your expectations.
In Cedar Rapids, the memory of the 2008 flood still lingers—but so does the resolve to never face it unprepared again. Nearly two decades later, the city has fortified itself with miles of levees, gates, and pump stations. Though just 35% complete, the system already shields the most flood-prone neighborhoods like NewBo and Czech Village. As the Cedar River rises again, cresting well below disaster levels, city officials and residents alike are breathing easier—proof that steady, patient investment in protection is paying off.
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On This Day
On this day in 1834, Britain claimed the moral high ground over us. In 1936, the Jess Owens show got going in Berlin, and in 1981, “Video Killed the Radio Star.” In 1918 Minot, we were mourning the loss of a local war hero, and the partnership between local food and fun and local media was on full display.
On this day in 1834, slavery was abolished in the British Empire with the Slavery Abolition Act, freeing over 800,000 enslaved Africans and marking a significant milestone in the fight against slavery.
On this day in 1936, the Summer Olympics opened in Berlin, Germany, amidst the rise of the Nazi regime. The games were used by Adolf Hitler to promote his ideals of Aryan supremacy, but were famously challenged by the achievements of African American athlete Jesse Owens.
On this day in 1981, MTV (Music Television) was launched, revolutionizing the music industry by providing a platform for music videos and becoming a major cultural force in shaping music, fashion, and popular culture.
Born and Died: Jerry Garcia, (Born, 1942) American musician and lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead, Coolio, (Born, 1963) American rapper known for his hit “Gangsta’s Paradise,” Frances Farmer, (Died, 1970) American actress known for her roles in 1930s films, Sam Mendes, (Born, 1965) British film and stage director known for “American Beauty” and “Skyfall,” Calamity Jane, (Died, 1903) American frontierswoman and professional scout, Tempestt Bledsoe, (Born, 1973) American actress known for her role on “The Cosby Show,” Corazon Aquino, (Died, 2009) First female President of the Philippines, Dom DeLuise, (Born, 1933) American actor and comedian known for his roles in Mel Brooks films.
Lieut. Huston was a real man in every sense of the word, and possessed the very highest ideals typical of the brave American soldier. That he was not permitted to live to see the work in which he had taken such a large part, completed, is to be generally regretted. While his father and dear old mother, brothers and sisters are heart-broken over the death of their dearly beloved one, they can gain much consolation in the fact that he lay down his life in the noblest cause for which any country ever went to war.
Why we published it: We do not need a holiday to remember these stories; we pass them along whenever we encounter them.
In motoring thru Montana, they saw hundreds of homesteaders deserting their claims and leaving for other parts. They saw practically no vegetation whatever, and on their way out for a distance of 560 miles they didn’t see enough green stuff to feed a jackrabbit. Hay is selling for $35 per ton and very little to be had at that price. Ranchers are trading two cows in many instances for a ton of hay he said. Very few tourists are visiting the park this season.
Why we published it: Along with a July blizzard and a Minot doctor that still recalls memories for some, this is also the story of how the Homestead Act and its 160 acres wasn't well suited to the more arid stretches of Montana. It was also a time when a group from Minot would casually bump into the Secretary of the Treasury and it only be a passing part of a broader news story.
Delicious Home Made Bread | Independent Meat Market | Rich Man, Poor Man
Why we published it: The partnership between local media and local businesses serving up food and fun was a sign of a different time in media.
On Competition and Politics
“I wanted no part of politics. And I wasn’t in Berlin to make a political statement. I was there to win a medal.”
— Jesse Owens, Autobiography: I Have Changed
Get in Touch!
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Upcoming Fun
Fun coming up that’s worth knowing about. Scroll for more at SavorMinot.com.
- 55th Birthday Block Party!
@TaubeMuseum | Saturday, August 9th - Beer Olympics 2025!
@Atypical | Saturday, August 16th - Magic City Music Fest
@BlueRider | Sunday, September 7th
Today’s Markets
These are the commodities that move Minot’s economy. See how they’re doing here.
Today’s Happenings
Kids & Families
Ice Cream Social & Milkshake Bar @MagicCitySweets
Monday, June 2nd — Sunday, August 31st
Dive into summer fun at Magic City Sweets Ice Cream Shop’s Ice Cream Social & Milkshake Bar, where families can enjoy custom ice cream creations and free retro arcade games in downtown Minot. Rated as the chillest spot, it’s the perfect hangout for kids and families until August 31st! #IceCreamFun #FamilyHangout #SavorMinot
Hot, New, Fresh
On Tap Right Now! @Atypical
Tuesday, July 29th — Sunday, August 3rd
Discover the latest brews at Atypical Brewery & Barrelworks in downtown Minot, featuring barrel-aged beers, live music, and food trucks from July 29th to August 3rd. Don’t miss out on the World Beer Cup-winning flavors and vibrant atmosphere! #CraftBeer #LiveMusic #SavorMinot
Kids & Families
Meet Aphrodite! @SVAS Pets
Sunday, July 27th — Saturday, August 2nd
Meet Aphrodite, a sweet 2-year-old cat at Souris Valley Animal Shelter in Minot, looking for a loving home! Despite her past injury, she’s full of affection and loves to chirp with her unique raspy voice. #AdoptDontShop #CatLovers #SavorMinot
Taste & Experience
Yoda Best! @CitzensAlley
Thursday, July 31st — Friday, August 1st
Join us at Citizens Alley in Downtown Minot for a taste of something special during its soft opening, featuring delicious bites from the YodaBest team this Thursday and Friday night. Don’t miss out on this unique dining experience and stay tuned for more events! #CitizensAlley #YodaBest #SavorMinot
Live Music!
Ty & Jerilyn of Mendenhall Crossing @CitzensAlley
Friday, August 1st
Experience the soulful storytelling and country grit of Ty & Jerilyn of Mendenhall Crossing as they take the stage at Citizens Alley in downtown Minot on August 1st. Don’t miss this free, all-ages live music event with food and beverages from Yodabest. #LiveMusic #DowntownMinot #SavorMinot





