Today in Minot

In Philadelphia, a simple window box holds more than just flowers — it carries a history of activism, community, and resilience. Historian Sonja Dümpelmann traces how women in the 19th and 20th centuries used these small gardens to beautify neighborhoods, foster social reform, and fight urban decay. Today, window boxes remain a vibrant tradition, though their role has evolved alongside the city itself, reminding us that even the smallest acts of care can shape the places we call home. Sonja Dümpelmann with The Conversation has the full story.

In a time when divisions seem sharper than ever, Manitoba is choosing a different path — one rooted in remembrance and education. Starting in 2025, the province will make Holocaust education mandatory for students in grades 6, 9, and 11, strengthening its social studies curriculum through a partnership with the Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada. Leaders hope that by teaching young people about the horrors of the past, they will help protect the future values of diversity, inclusion, and human rights that define the province. Betty Sawatzky with Discover Westman has the full story.

Ontario’s measles outbreak has now crossed a sobering milestone: over 1,000 confirmed cases since October. Public Health Ontario reported 95 new infections this week alone, with the majority concentrated in the province’s southwest. Health officials point to ongoing transmission among those who haven’t been vaccinated—especially troubling as three-quarters of cases are in children and teens. Other provinces are grappling with outbreaks too, though Quebec has just declared theirs over. For Ontario, the challenge continues, and the message is clear: vaccination matters.

Governor Kelly Armstrong signed House Bill 1160 into law, requiring North Dakota’s K-12 public schools to implement “bell-to-bell” phone-free policies starting August 1. The new law mandates that personal electronic devices be securely stowed and inaccessible during the school day, while allowing exceptions for instructional use,...

Every spring, iMagicon transforms Minot into a celebration of fandom, creativity, and connection — and this year’s move to the North Dakota State Fair Center only raised the energy. From celebrity guests like Doug Jones to the iconic 1966 Batmobile, the heart of the event remains its passionate community. Attendees, vendors, and cosplayers come together not just to share their favorite hobbies, but to create a welcoming space where everyone — from seasoned fans to three-year-old Power Rangers — can belong. Charles Crane with Minot Daily News has the full story. The event continues through Sunday at the North Dakota State Fair Center.

Two high-profile vetoes from Governor Kelly Armstrong will stand after North Dakota lawmakers failed to gather enough votes to override them. Efforts to revive a plan for education savings accounts and to impose stricter content screening in schools and public libraries both fell short of the...

For the first time in two decades, North Dakota lawmakers are seriously debating a gas tax increase — but agreement remains out of reach. The House narrowly advanced a 5-cent hike to help fund road repairs and unlock federal dollars, while the Senate unanimously rejected a smaller 3-cent proposal. Supporters argue the tax is a fair way to maintain critical infrastructure. Opponents counter that new taxes undermine promised property tax relief. Final decisions will now head to a conference committee. Amy Dalrymple, Michael Achterling with North Dakota Monitor has the full story.

With a $119 million highway project underway, Mandan businesses along the Strip are bracing for a bumpy few years — but help is on the way. The city is launching a new gift card program in late May, offering residents a 25% bonus on purchases to encourage shopping local during construction. Funded through the Mandan Growth Fund, the program aims to keep dollars circulating while road crews reshape the busy corridor. It’s a creative lifeline for businesses determined to weather the disruption.

Editor’s Note: Minot businesses along Central Avenue East are already square in the crosshairs of the flood protection project. And they’ll be double-whammyed when the 3rd St. Viaduct repair starts up. This is an idea that Minot needs to figure out.

Smarty Jones is finally heading to the Hall of Fame. Just days before this year’s Kentucky Derby, it was announced that the beloved Pennsylvania-bred colt — who captured hearts in 2004 with wins in the Derby and Preakness — will be inducted into the National Museum...

The White House is making a major push to bring artificial intelligence education into American classrooms. A new executive order calls for teacher training, expanded AI curricula, and a nationwide challenge to spotlight student innovation. A federal task force will lead the effort, aiming to prepare students — and lifelong learners — for an economy increasingly shaped by AI. While questions remain about the future of federal education oversight, this move marks a clear investment in keeping the U.S. competitive in a rapidly changing world. Alexandra Kelley with NextGov has the full story.

Thousands of international students across the U.S. just got a much-needed reprieve. After weeks of sudden record terminations that jeopardized their legal status, the federal government has announced it will restore many students’ entries in the crucial SEVIS database — at least for now. The reversal follows a wave of lawsuits and court orders pushing back against the abrupt cancellations, many of which stemmed from minor disciplinary issues. For students and universities alike, the decision brings a moment of relief in an otherwise uncertain time. Adrian Florido with NPR has the full story.