Today in Minot

For decades, drunk driving has haunted North Dakota’s roads—but there’s a new story unfolding. In 2024, alcohol-related traffic deaths were cut nearly in half from the year before, dropping from 38 to 19. Behind that hopeful shift: changing culture, smarter tech, and bold grassroots action. From rideshares to Vision Zero outreach to tougher laws like Tyanna’s Law, the message is sticking—driving drunk isn’t just dangerous, it’s unacceptable. The work’s not done, especially in rural towns, but the trend is finally bending in the right direction. Emmeline Ivy with KFYR has the full story.

The other day, my husband sent me a text with a link to a story about old food. Someone had found 25-year-old mayonnaise that looked like caramel. Not good. Later, I was reaching deep into my cupboards to see if any food had eluded us. Our...

When it comes to driving in North Dakota, the needle might soon be nudging higher. Lawmakers in Bismarck just advanced a bill that would raise the interstate speed limit to 80 mph — but with a catch. Alongside the faster pace come steeper fines and stricter penalties for traffic violations. Supporters say it’s about aligning with neighboring states and better enforcement. Critics worry it’s an invitation for more accidents. Either way, your next road trip might look — and cost — a little different. Joel Porter with KX News has the full story; bill details are below.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative...

A North Dakota legislative committee this week recommended adding $1 million in the budget bill for the Office of Management and Budget for a “life education committee” to teach people about abortion alternatives. The amendment was brought by Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg. Myrdal said the program...

Yellowstone’s gates are open, and the shelves in West Yellowstone are once again stacked with shot glasses, hoodies, and stuffed bison calves. But this summer’s tourist season carries a different tone. While American families may still hit the road, the global crowd is thinning — a ripple effect of tariffs, market unease, and shifting international sentiments. Local business owners are watching booking numbers closely, hoping that what’s lost in foreign foot traffic might be gained in a renewed appetite for local adventure. The geysers will erupt either way — the question is, who’ll be watching?

Angus M. Thuermer Jr. with has the full story.

Campaign finance rules in North Dakota are getting a long-overdue tune-up. With an overwhelming 85-5 vote, the House passed updates that aim to simplify deadlines, clarify reporting standards, and make the system more transparent for the public. While donor thresholds are inching up and address requirements dialing down, lawmakers say the changes will streamline the process for candidates and watchdogs alike. It’s not a sweeping reform, but it’s a step toward a disclosure system that’s easier to follow—and harder to ignore. Grant Coursey with Bismarck Tribune has the full story; bill details follow below.

President Trump’s declaration of a “Golden Age in Arts and Culture” has so far meant fewer grants, canceled programs, and tighter ideological controls on who qualifies for public funding. But while federal support is being slashed, the story of American art has never hinged solely on government dollars. From underground abolitionist plays to mutual-aid art schools, artists have always adapted—and resisted—through uncertain times. This moment is no exception. If necessity is indeed the mother of invention, what may look like a war on culture could, yet again, spark a creative uprising.

Johanna K. Taylor with The Conversation has the full story.

In a housing market where rent often eats up more than its fair share of your paycheck, Bismarck stands out—for all the right reasons. A new WalletHub study ranks North Dakota’s capital as the most affordable U.S. city for renters, with average rent taking just 15.3% of median income. That’s not just good news—it’s rare. As rent prices soar nationwide, Bismarck, along with fellow Midwestern standouts like Fargo and Sioux Falls, is quietly proving that affordable living isn’t a thing of the past. Edward Segal with KX News has the story on the Wallet Hub study. A short comment on the meta theme follows directly.

Editor’s Note: while we don’t’ typically push forward these stories about “studies” that rarely have more meat than click-bait, this one was shared because North Dakota ranks high, and because it’s a topic that matters more. Affordability equates to opportunity, and opportunity attracts the type of individuals that are ready to work and create things. These same individuals are savvy enough to seek value. These are the characteristics that built this place, and this is the narrative that attracted the first wave of North Dakota’s European settlers.

Minot’s to-do list for the next five years is long—and expensive. At the center of the city’s proposed $955 million Capital Improvement Plan is a $6.37 million move to relocate Fire Station One to the growing south side, where coverage is falling behind. But instead of abandoning the current station, city leaders are eyeing a repurpose: giving the police department breathing room without building a costly new HQ. As council members juggle priorities, one thing is clear—making do matters just as much as building new.

Jill Schramm with Minot Daily News has the full story on the $955 million plan, the estimated cost of which is almost 2/3 flood protection related.

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In Mead, Nebraska, the legacy of one ethanol plant’s careless handling of pesticide-coated seeds still lingers—in the soil, in the water, and in the minds of residents. As Earth Day approaches, locals and advocates are rallying to demand tighter regulations on neonicotinoid-treated seeds, which have been linked to pollinator die-offs and potential human health risks. With cleanup efforts still underway and trust running thin, the community isn’t just asking for accountability—they’re fighting for the right to clean air, safe water, and a future without silent poisons. Shannon Kelleher with The New Lede has the full story.

The Air Force is betting big on stealth, speed, and silicon. With President Trump unveiling the F-47—America’s first sixth-generation fighter jet—paired with AI-powered drone wingmen, the future of air combat just got a bold new outline. But innovation comes with trade-offs. As cutting-edge programs take flight, aging tankers and fighter jets continue limping along. The Air Force is pushing to modernize while juggling tight budgets, shifting priorities, and a fleet nearing its breaking point. The question now: can it build the future without letting the present fall apart?

For more on the the state of the Air Force in 2025, Audrey Decker with Defense One has the high level look at the bigger pieces shaping and molding the trajectory of an arm of the military that’s more than a little bit important to Minot.