Today in Minot

GRAND FORKS — The University of North Dakota’s Frozen Force flying team has soared to the top of the intercollegiate division in the 2025 Air Race Classic, marking a historic first-time win for the UND program in this renowned competition for female pilots. This year’s race...

National parks may be open, but behind the scenes, the Park Service is stretched thin. A wave of top-level vacancies—from Glacier Bay to the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Park—has sparked an urgent internal hiring push called “Operation Opportunity.” But with a government hiring freeze in place, the only eligible applicants are already on the inside, meaning every filled job may leave another one empty. Eric Katz with Government Executive has the full story.

In the race to attract business and boost efficiency, Wisconsin is betting on brains—artificial ones. The state’s economic development agency is integrating AI into nearly every corner of its operation, from drafting emails to streamlining grant tracking. Backed by Salesforce tools, the goal isn’t just speed—it’s smarter service with limited staff and taxpayer dollars. But officials say the real breakthrough isn’t the tech itself—it’s understanding their own process well enough to know where AI can actually make a difference. Chris Teale with Route Fifty has the full story on Wisconsin’s adoption of the new technology.

Malaysia is closing its doors to U.S. plastic waste—and California, one of the top exporters, will feel the shift. Starting July 1, the country will block imports from nations that haven’t signed the Basel Convention, an international treaty on waste. The U.S. never ratified it. That leaves millions of pounds of plastic with nowhere to go, freezing a global pipeline already under scrutiny. Critics say it’s a long-overdue move to end a system that often burdens poorer nations with rich countries’ trash. Susanne Rust with Los Angeles Times has the full story on a trend that started in China in 2017 and is now expanding.

BISMARCK, ND – The North Dakota Industrial Commission today approved over $12.5 million in Outdoor Heritage Fund matching grants for 17 conservation and recreation projects benefiting North Dakotans across the state. The funding for this program, generated from oil and gas production tax revenue, supports projects...

Tucked beside the Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot is a quiet house with a loud story. Once a family home, the Heritage House now stands as a tribute to 200 years of Norwegian immigration to America. Every corner holds a piece of that journey—donated heirlooms, pioneer relics, and a grandfather clock that has ticked through two centuries. Thanks to volunteers and community generosity, it’s no longer just a house. It’s a living reminder of where many in Minot—and the Midwest—came from. Kyona Rivera with KMOT has the full story.

An explosion rocked a rural oilfield facility near Sidney, Montana, Wednesday night—rattling windows up to 10 miles away. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, as the saltwater disposal plant was unoccupied at the time. The fire continued to burn into Thursday, with emergency crews holding back until conditions became safe. While several storage tanks were lost, the cause remains under investigation. The blast is a stark reminder of the volatility that comes with life and industry along the Montana–North Dakota energy frontier.

In a country built on free speech, more Americans are choosing silence. Political polarization has frayed not just our public discourse but our willingness to speak at all—at family dinners, in community forums, and even among friends. According to political scientist James L. Gibson, self-censorship has reached levels surpassing the McCarthy era, driven by fear of social and institutional backlash. This “spiral of silence” is more than personal—it’s eroding the foundations of democratic debate. Read why it may be more important than ever to stand up for what you beleive from this piece on The Conversation.

The latest GDP report just confirmed what many feared — the U.S. economy is stumbling. A sharper-than-expected 0.5% contraction in the first quarter marks the worst drop since the pandemic, fueled by a spike in imports ahead of new tariffs and a pullback in consumer spending. With inflation still running hot and trade policy in flux, the slowdown looks less like a blip and more like the start of a rough stretch. Catherine Baab with Quartz has the full story.

At least $100 million in federal grants have been canceled for North Dakota state agencies under the Trump administration so far, according to an analysis presented Thursday to state legislative leaders. The analysis may not be a complete picture of the state impact, but it’s the...

Every summer, the McQuade Charity Softball Tournament brings thousands to Bismarck, but for three Minot teammates, it’s never been just about the game. Jerry Gooch, Larry Eidsness, and Kelby Smith are stepping onto the field for the 50th straight year — a streak that started in 1976 and never broke stride. Along the way, they’ve racked up wins, raised money, and built a legacy not measured in trophies but in tradition, family, and the kind of friendship that refuses to miss a weekend. Kyara Brown with KX News has the full, feel-good story.

A global food supplier is doubling down on Minot. AGT Foods, known for turning lentils and chickpeas into gluten-free pasta, is planning a $12.7 million expansion of its local facility. The MAGIC Fund Committee just gave early approval to a $269,000 forgivable loan request that would help bring two new production lines online. If the city council signs off, it could mean a fivefold increase in pasta output—and more opportunity for local farmers who supply half the ingredients that run through the plant.