Today in Minot

North Dakota schools are preparing for a new academic year with nearly $19 million in federal education funds still locked in limbo. While $6.5 million has been released for after-school programs, districts remain unsure how to budget for key initiatives like teacher training and student support. In rural areas, the freeze has already forced summer programs to close, leaving families scrambling for childcare. Administrators warn that if uncertainty drags on, vital programs—like Bismarck’s AVID initiative—could be scaled back or disappear altogether. Michael Achterling with North Dakota Monitor has the full story.

The University of North Dakota’s strong aviation reputation is helping tackle the national pilot shortage through a unique partnership with the Air Force. Operating out of Mesa, Arizona, the program sidesteps North Dakota’s weather challenges and pushes pilots through intensive, year-round training in just 139 days. With its second class underway and a third planned for September, UND hopes to secure a long-term contract that could produce up to 150 Air Force-certified pilots annually—strengthening both military readiness and the aviation industry’s workforce. Madison Dame with Grand Forks Herald has the full story.

The salmon fishery on Lake Sakakawea is shaping up for a promising season, thanks to healthy populations of rainbow smelt and cisco—the primary forage for salmon. While water levels peaked lower this summer than in recent years, the conditions have been strong enough to support spawning efforts, with over a million eggs collected last fall and 300,000 young salmon stocked this spring. Anglers can expect bigger catches this summer, with some fish potentially reaching 8 to 10 pounds as the season hits its stride in late July and August. Watch the full story from ND Game & Fish below.

A new round of polling suggests sports betting could be headed to the North Dakota ballot, bypassing repeated failures in the Legislature. The survey asks voters whether they’d support legalizing mobile sports wagering—particularly if the estimated $5 million in annual revenue were directed toward education or addiction recovery services. While tribal casinos already offer in-person betting, expanding gambling to for-profit companies would require a constitutional amendment. With national sports embracing betting, supporters may see voters as their best shot at making it legal. Rob Port with InForum has the full story.

City leaders across the U.S. are rethinking public safety by pairing it with public health, recognizing that crime, mental health, and substance abuse are deeply connected. According to the National League of Cities’ 2025 report, mayors now rank these issues as their second-highest priority after economic development, with nearly all citing concerns over substance abuse and suicide. Many cities are exploring crisis response teams that blend law enforcement with mental health professionals, aiming for a more balanced, people-focused approach to community well-being. Robyn Griggs Lawrence with SmartCitiesDive has the full story. Robyn Griggs Lawrence with SmartCitiesDive has the full story.

The U.S. has approved two new military sales to Ukraine, totaling $330 million, aimed at keeping key artillery and air defense systems operational. The packages will provide parts, training, and maintenance support for M109 howitzers and Patriot air defense systems, enabling Ukraine to carry out critical repairs on its own. Coming just a day after $322 million in additional military aid was announced, these deals underscore Washington’s continued push to bolster Ukraine’s long-term defense against Russia’s ongoing invasion. Lucy Pakhnyuk with The Kyiv Independent has the full story.

The North Dakota State Fair is stepping into the future with a full-fiber internet connection across its fairgrounds—one of the first state fairs in the nation to do so. Partnering with SRT Communications, the fair now offers seamless, high-speed Wi-Fi for visitors, vendors, and performers alike. Whether it’s streaming a live video, sharing photos, or running sales at a booth, connectivity won’t be a concern. Fairgoers have three more days to enjoy both the rides and the free Wi-Fi before the gates close Saturday evening. Jack Meyer with KX News has the full story.

Minneapolis is setting the stage for a major transformation along its north riverfront. The City Council has approved funding for an 8,000-seat outdoor music amphitheater, part of the sweeping Upper Harbor redevelopment. Partnering with First Avenue, the Minnesota Orchestra, and local community groups, the project aims to create both cultural and economic opportunities, including hundreds of jobs. With its first shows planned for 2027, the $350 million development will also bring a riverfront park, mixed-income housing, and a renewed connection between the city’s northside and the Mississippi River. Jon Collins with MPR has the full story. Jon Collins with MPR has the full story.

Leadership changes are underway at Surrey Public School following a decisive school board vote to buy out Superintendent David Gerding’s contract. The unanimous decision came during a special meeting Thursday, marking a significant shift for the K-12 district of about 420 students. Board President Daniel Tyler also confirmed the resignation of Vice President Ron Aberle, who additionally coaches the girls’ varsity basketball team. Details on the next steps for district leadership remain forthcoming as the story continues to develop. Joe Skurzewski with KMOT has the full story.

At the North Dakota State Fair, creativity shines just as brightly as the carnival lights. For siblings Eliza and Jay Piatz of Minot’s John Hoeven Elementary, this year’s fair brought both fun and recognition as they each earned blue ribbons in the youth art competition. Eliza’s cheerful Christmas reindeer and Jay’s playful Thanksgiving turkey stood out among dozens of student entries, reflecting their favorite holidays. Their proud parents say the real prize is seeing their kids’ imagination celebrated on a public stage. Evan Brandt with Minot Daily News has the full story.

North Dakota students are heading back to school under a new rule that’s sparking mixed feelings: a statewide ban on cellphones in public school buildings from bell to bell. Starting August 1, phones must be out of sight—even during lunch and passing periods—except for medical needs or disabilities. While some parents worry about emergency communication, educators see the law as a way to cut distractions and refocus classrooms. For students, the coming school year will test how they connect face-to-face in a newly phone-free environment. Isak Dinesen with InForum has the full story.