Today in Minot

It is arguable that the recent special election in Minot regarding the mayoral race was a waste of money. The winner will only serve from August 2025 until June 2026. That said, it may well have been worth it as a snapshot into the views of...

Global talks are underway in Geneva to hammer out a treaty to end plastic pollution, and the U.S. is at the table — but not on board with every idea. While backing measures to improve waste management, recycling, and product design, the U.S. opposes caps on plastic production, citing its economic importance and role in many industries. The divide over whether to limit supply or focus solely on cleanup and reuse will be central to the 10-day negotiations involving nearly 200 nations.

North Dakota’s growing population has fueled demand for housing — and state leaders are working to keep supply and affordability in balance. During a recent visit, HUD Secretary Scott Turner joined local stakeholders to discuss ways to expand affordable housing, from boosting federal tax credits to redeveloping outdated properties. The talks also highlighted programs that help first-time buyers and encourage homeownership. Morgan DeVries with KX News has the full story.

Artificial intelligence is making its way into agriculture, but farmers aren’t embracing it without questions. At a recent panel in Morgan, Minn., industry experts discussed how AI is already helping with tasks like spot spraying, combine adjustments, and rapid decision-making — and how its real potential lies in providing better information before and during fieldwork. While some fear being replaced, panelists stressed that AI is a tool to work with, not against, and urged farmers to guard their data as the technology becomes more common. Emily Beal with InForum has the full story.

Microplastics — the tiny plastic fragments now found from mountaintops to ocean floors — have also been detected in human brains. A recent study suggested their presence has increased over time, but scientists caution the evidence is too limited to know if they cause harm. While some experts urge restraint, others argue the potential risks warrant action now, especially as global plastic production soars. Next week’s UN talks in Geneva will weigh how to curb pollution before it becomes an even greater public health challenge.

Mandan is taking stock of its urban forest. Crews from Moore Engineering are spending the next couple of months cataloguing every tree on city property and public rights of way, noting species, size, and condition. The data will help identify hazards, track disease or pests, and guide future planting plans. Workers in high-visibility vests began August 3 and expect to wrap up by October. Some trees will be tagged for inventory purposes only — a marker that doesn’t mean removal is planned.

The union for front-line RCMP members says Canada’s national police force needs to widen its recruitment net — even to experienced officers from the FBI, UK, or Australia. Right now, applicants must be Canadian citizens or long-term residents, but the National Police Federation wants rules eased, arguing it could bring in skilled talent faster and fill urgent gaps. The call is part of a broader push for modernized hiring, better training capacity, and quicker access to equipment — all aimed at keeping the RCMP fully staffed and ready for today’s policing demands. Jim Bronskill with The Canadian Press has the full story.

More U.S. companies are leaning on interim CEOs — not just as placeholders, but as specialists who can steady the ship in turbulent times. A new study shows one-third of new CEOs in early 2025 first served in an interim role, triple last year’s rate. Boards are turning to these short-term leaders amid record CEO turnover, economic uncertainty, and high-stakes transitions. Done well, interim leadership can deliver stability and transformation — but it also risks prolonging uncertainty if companies delay finding a permanent fit. Brian O’Connell with Quartz has the full story.

The Perseids are back, promising one of summer’s brightest sky shows — even if the nearly full Moon will dim the faintest streaks. Peaking August 12, this dependable meteor shower can still deliver 50 to 100 shooting stars an hour for patient observers, especially before dawn. With a little planning — maybe a hillside to block moonlight and a warm drink in hand — you can watch comet dust flare across the sky, a tradition linking stargazers today with sightings recorded for more than two millennia. David Dickinson with Universe Today has the full story.