Today in Minot

In this episode of North Dakota Outdoors Podcast, Bruce Stillings, Department big game management supervisor, and Jason Smith, Department big game management biologist, talk about the once-in-a-lifetime moose and elk hunts, the importance of hunter harvest information and some tips for being prepared for these coveted...

In Fargo, a decades-long vision to shield the metro from Red River flooding took a major step forward as water flowed for the first time into the diversion channel’s control structure. The $3.2 billion project, set for completion in 2027, will steer high waters around the city, protecting more than 260,000 residents in North Dakota and Minnesota. Leaders hailed the milestone as historic, though not without controversy—landowners south of the river continue to fight for fair compensation where floodwaters could back up during major events.

In Minot, summer weekends come with the smell of burning rubber and the crackle of engines at the Magic City International Dragway, North Dakota’s only IHRA-sanctioned 1/8-mile track. From May to October, racers young and old battle for points, prizes, and pride, while fans pack the stands for grassroots bracket runs and high-octane shootouts. Board member Mike Hanson says it’s as much about community as competition—and with its draw for visitors, the dragway fuels more than speed, boosting local businesses along the way. Sebastian Mendoza with KX News has the full story.

Oregon set out to lead the nation in wildfire preparedness with a statewide hazard map and new safety rules. Instead, poor communication and a storm of misinformation turned the effort into a political casualty. Opponents blamed the map for insurance hikes and falling property values—claims regulators say lack evidence—while conspiracy theories flourished online. Lawmakers repealed the map in a near-unanimous vote, abandoning home-hardening mandates meant to protect against a rising fire threat. Supporters say the decision leaves communities more vulnerable, all because a false narrative took hold. by Rob Davis with ProPublica has the full story.

Charlottesville’s transportation plan isn’t starting in a boardroom—it’s starting on foot. What began as monthly neighborhood walks for wellness and local history quickly became a direct line between residents and city staff. Concerns about abandoned cars, unsafe corners, and overgrown trees were met with action, turning frustration into trust. Alongside the walks, an e-bike voucher program is reshaping the local market and encouraging car-free travel. Step by step and pedal by pedal, the city is building not just infrastructure, but a culture of connection. Get the full story from Asia Mieleszko with Strong Towns.

This weekend, the Riverbank Discovery Centre in Brandon is rolling out its first-ever Seniors Days—two full days of nature, art, and community connection. Guests can hear from gardeners, birding experts, and acclaimed artists like sculptor Peter Sawatzky and painter Wheming Zhao, with food trucks and trail walks to round out the day. Weather permitting, visitors can even help paint a mural designed by local artist Doug Fraser. The event is free, open to all, and runs Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Betty Sawatzky with Discover Westman has the story.

The Air Force has closed the door on early retirement for transgender service members with 15 to 18 years of service, opting instead to separate them without benefits. The decision reverses earlier indications that exceptions might be granted, leaving those affected with only a lump-sum payout or involuntary discharge. Advocates call the move arbitrary and cruel, warning of lawsuits ahead. For service members like Master Sgt. Logan Ireland, who’s served 15 years including a deployment to Afghanistan, the policy feels like a betrayal after a career dedicated to the country. Konstantin Toropin with Associated Press has the full story.

A federal judge has delivered a sharp rebuke to the government’s sudden cancellation of humanities grants, calling the move “unlawful” and likely unconstitutional. The ruling allows a lawsuit by humanities groups to proceed, challenging the Department of Government Efficiency’s decision to halt funding already approved by Congress. While the decision is a victory for councils, museums, and libraries that depend on NEH support, the money remains frozen—leaving programs shuttered and staff laid off. For many, the fight is now about more than funding; it’s about preserving Congress’s constitutional role. Elizabeth Blair with NPR has the full story.

Astronomers and satellite operators are locked in a quiet but growing conflict over the night sky. For scientists, swarms of satellites are leaving streaks that spoil images and obscure discoveries. For companies, those same satellites promise global internet coverage and commercial opportunity. Efforts like design tweaks and altitude adjustments have helped, but not enough—and regulation remains minimal. With megaconstellations multiplying, experts warn the balance between progress on Earth and clarity in the cosmos will hinge on whether cooperation can outpace the race to orbit.

Overnight in Ukraine, the war’s toll deepened. Russian forces launched more than 100 drones—some shot down, others striking homes, towns, and vital infrastructure. At least three civilians were killed and 19 injured in a wave of attacks that battered multiple regions, from Zaporizhzhia to Kherson. Governors reported hundreds of strikes on villages and cities, damaging apartments, houses, and public facilities. As Moscow leans ever harder on drone warfare and rejects a ceasefire, Ukrainian communities brace daily for the next round of destruction. Tim Zadorozhnyy with The Kyiv Independent has the full story.

MINOT, N.D. – GlobalND will host eight Pakistani energy officials from Aug. 6 to Aug. 12. Coming to the United States under the auspices of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the U. S. State Department, the Pakistani's overall program theme is “Integrated Energy Planning...