Today in Minot

Concerns about online scams have taken a sharp turn in Sweden, where a major publishers’ association has filed a police report against Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg. The move follows a surge of fake ads on Facebook that misuse the names of trusted Swedish media outlets and journalists to deceive consumers. Publishers say Meta isn’t doing nearly enough to stop the fraud — even as the company profits from the ads — while Meta insists it’s prioritizing the fight against scams. Listen below:

A burst fire-suppression line left the Minot YMCA with more than a million dollars in damage this summer, but the organization is steadily rebuilding its way back to full strength. Executive director Roger Mazurek says flooring, carpets, and key mechanical systems were among the first fixes, with another $400,000 in improvements planned as part of a broader effort to reimagine unused space. The updates will expand adult and group exercise areas and create dedicated room for Prairie Grit’s therapy services. Thanks to community support, the south gym’s new flooring is on track for completion by February. Lindsey Miller with KMOT has the full story.

Families who fled a war zone hoping to rebuild their lives in the Upper Midwest are now being forced to pack up again—this time because of expired work permits. A Moorhead couple, Svitlana and Max, became part of the community, held steady jobs, and watched their boys thrive in school. Now they’re gone, sent into uncertainty despite local employers and volunteers pleading for them to stay. Their story reflects a growing crisis for thousands of Ukrainians whose future in the U.S. now hangs in the balance. Jim Shaw with InForum has the full story.

Drivers across the country may be feeling the squeeze, but a new breakdown of average monthly car payments shows just how uneven the pressure really is. Costs now top $700 a month in several Southern and Western states, led by Texas, while much of New England and the Great Lakes region see far lower averages. The numbers reflect broader regional trends in vehicle prices, lending practices, and household budgets—offering a snapshot of where car ownership is hitting wallets hardest. North Dakota comes in 10th highest at $687 per month. Sarah Stasik with Quartz has the complete list.

Sometimes, when the world seems overwhelmed by conflict and crisis, it’s easy to feel lost and forget our fundamental capacity for good. We invent gods to reflect our best selves, yet the truth is, we are our own shepherds. In this short piece, Maria Popova draws on the timeless wisdom of Kahlil Gibran, inviting us to confront the full, complicated scope of what it means to be human—the contradictions and the boundless potential—as the only true path back to spiritual perfection and, ultimately, to ourselves. Read the full contemplation at The Marginalian.

Ukraine’s defense industry is taking another step toward long-term self-reliance. Kyiv and Oslo have signed an agreement to begin joint drone production, with a pilot line planned for 2026. The partnership blends Ukraine’s battlefield-tested innovation with Norway’s industrial base and research strength, underscoring how critical drones have become in the war. As U.S. support becomes less certain, Ukraine is widening its circle of defense partners — and Norway’s multibillion-dollar commitments signal a deepening strategic investment in Ukraine’s future. Martin Fornusek with The Kyiv Independent has the full story.

The Minot Police Department has made two warrant arrests: Autumn Jade Rose Tincher, 22, of Minot, and Cole Ronnie Brown, 21, of Minot, earlier today in connection with the Nov. 7 homicide of Anthony William Redmond in northeast Minot. This is in addition to the Nov....

An 88-year-old man from Bottineau died Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Highway 83 and Highway 37. The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports the collision occurred around 4:55 p.m. on November 28, as snow and wind created icy, wet road conditions. According...

The Ward County Commission will hold a regular meeting Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 9:00 am in the Commission Chambers at the Ward County Administrative Building, located at 315 3rd St SE. Ward County Commission meetings can be live-streamed through the county's Vimeo page found here....