Today in Minot

In Regina, residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the sight of derelict houses and abandoned lots that have lingered for years. City council is now exploring a new taxation policy aimed at these nuisance properties, which would impose higher rates on neglected land, encouraging property owners to take action. Advocates, including community leaders, are cautiously optimistic about this potential shift, hoping it will not only address safety concerns but also revitalize neighborhoods long left behind.

The hamster wheel in your head should be starting to turn wildly right now. Regina is nosing onto one of the solutions to property taxation that should be in the conversation everywhere — developing tax policy that encourages the type of community and place we want to live in. In North Dakota we do the opposite — we tax higher for keeping property nice; we tax lower for keeping property blighted and undeveloped. What if we set-up our tax policy to incentivize the type of places we wanted to live in — lower taxes for nice property, higher taxes for blighted property?

In the legislature, all eyes are on HB 1176 — a property tax solution that would increase state spending and cap local budgets. It treats symptoms; Regina is looking at curing the disease.

Sometimes, you just want to feel _something_—a little looseness, a touch of ease—without the morning-after regret. That’s the promise of Sentia, a nonalcoholic drink designed to mimic the pleasant side of drinking without the risks. Developed by a British neuropsychopharmacologist, Sentia taps into GABA, the brain’s natural relaxant, offering a subtle shift in mood rather than a full-on buzz. It won’t replace whiskey, but for those seeking a softer, social alternative, it might just be the next best thing.

Wired has the full story linked below. Also, sing it — neuropsychopharmacologist-an-ex-pi-al-a-docious 😉

In Minot, the Backpack Buddies program is set to grow significantly thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Minot Area Community Foundation. This funding will enable the program to expand its reach to Longfellow Elementary School, providing essential weekend meals for students facing food insecurity. Currently assisting 490 children across ten elementary schools, the initiative aims to ensure that children have access to nutritious food and support for their educational journey. For further details on the program, visit the Souris Valley United Way website.

KX News has more on the story linked below.

Mac Schneider, the U.S. Attorney for North Dakota, officially resigned on February 16, signaling the end of his tenure which began in December 2022. In a social media post, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with his team in fulfilling the Justice Department’s mission. Raised in a family of lawyers in Fargo, Schneider’s departure opens the door for Nicholas Chase, endorsed by North Dakota’s senators, to potentially step into the role next. The change comes as the focus on law and civil rights remains a priority.

More on the story from John Lamb writing for Inforum can be found linked below.

The Westman Multicultural Festival didn’t just bring cultures together—it turned Brandon into a world tour in three days. With crowds packing into pavilions, a record number of completed passports, and a lineup of food, music, and dance, organizers are calling it a resounding success. The new passport initiative proved a hit, pushing visitors to explore every pavilion, and next year’s event is already shaping up to be even bigger. More pavilions on Thursday? More collaboration? The momentum is there, and Brandon is ready for it.

There’s a dichotomy developing before our eyes: at the national level we’re told that diversity, equity, and inclusion is the root of all evil. At the local level, it enriches lives and attracts people. At least, that was the result of what could be labeled a ‘diversity’-embracing cultural festival in Brandon recently. It’s also worth noting for our friends at the Norsk Hostfest — there are lots of people among us with heritage and culture that extend beyond Scandinavia; those folks seem to be pretty proud, too. Hmmm.

Get the full story on Brandon’s success from Discover Westman,.

Ukraine isn’t just a stakeholder in this war—it’s the battleground. President Volodymyr Zelensky made that clear, rejecting any peace negotiations between the U.S. and Russia that leave Ukraine on the sidelines. His remarks come as reports emerge of a U.S.-Russia meeting in Saudi Arabia, a meeting Kyiv says it wasn’t invited to. European officials echo Ukraine’s concerns, warning against backroom deals. With Zelensky insisting that no leader can negotiate with Putin “about us, without us,” the question remains: Will Ukraine’s voice shape its own future?

Get the full story direct from Ukraine from The Kyiv Independent linked below.

The West Region Boys’ Hockey Tournament kicks off on February 17 in Minot, with teams eager to carve their path to the championship. Williston faces Hazen-Beulah, while Bismarck High takes on Dickinson in the play-in games. The competition is fierce this year, especially with the likes of top-seed Minot High, which boasts a strong record and a potent offense. Last year’s tournament saw Dickinson pull off a surprise victory as a fourth seed—could we see another unexpected contender rise this time around?

Get the full tournament preview from WDA sports. Games will take place at the MAYSA Arena with Minot playing it’s opening game Thursday at 11:00 AM. PSP Network will be live-streaming all games with the purchase of the WDA Tournament package.

Hunting has long been a cornerstone of North Dakota’s culture, but recent changes in land use and access are putting that tradition to the test. Limited wildlife habitats and growing barriers to accessing game areas have raised concerns among hunters and conservationists alike. In response, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department hosted a habitat and hunting access summit in Bismarck this past December. This gathering aims to address these pressing issues and sustain the state’s hunting legacy. For more details, check out this week’s NDO News.