Today in Minot

Nearly one in three American students is chronically absent from school—missing 18 or more days each year—and the problem didn’t start with the pandemic. Detroit has been wrestling with this crisis for over a decade, trying everything from messaging campaigns to court programs, yet their chronic absenteeism rate still sits at 66 percent. A new book by researchers who studied Detroit’s struggles reveals why traditional school-based solutions keep failing: they’re treating symptoms, not causes. When missing school stems from poverty, unreliable transportation, health issues, or unsafe neighborhoods, the answer isn’t better attendance tracking—it’s addressing the complex web of challenges that keep kids from getting to their desks in the first place. Mary-Liz Shaw with EdSurge has the full story.

Sometimes honoring culinary heritage doesn’t require fancy gimmicks—just ask the folks behind Reykjavík’s newest restaurant, Torfan. This spring opening takes a refreshingly unpretentious approach in a city overrun with deconstructed Nordic cuisine and seaweed garnishes. Located in a 19th-century building once home to Iceland’s national poet, Torfan serves moose from Lapland, traditional halibut soup, and a clever vegan take on Iceland’s beloved fish stew—all in a space where 90s Icelandic pop and whale ceiling murals somehow feel perfectly natural together. Ragnar Egilsson with Reykjavik Grapevine has the full story that’s offered as a seed of savory inspiration.

Teachers have a clear message about artificial intelligence in their classrooms: help us work smarter, not harder. While edtech companies rush to AI-ify everything from lesson planning to grading, educators are drawing firm boundaries around what they actually want from these tools. They’re embracing AI for time-consuming tasks like creating rubrics, translating materials, and differentiating content—work that can free up precious hours for building relationships with students. But when it comes to making pedagogical decisions, assessing student work, or nurturing the human connections that make teaching meaningful, teachers want to stay firmly in the driver’s seat. Ellen Ullman with EdSurge has the full story.

The North Dakota Republican Party has formally rebuked its own governor—but won’t say who supported it. Two resolutions censuring Gov. Kelly Armstrong passed without a recorded vote, despite requests for transparency. Critics inside the party are now asking: if you believe in the censure, why not own it? Rob Port with InForum has the full story.

Israel’s missile defense systems have been stunningly effective—intercepting roughly 90% of Iran’s recent missile attacks. But success comes at a cost. Arrow interceptors, the backbone of Israel’s long-range defense, are in short supply, and restocking isn’t quick or cheap. The U.S. is helping, but it too is draining its reserves. Experts warn: it’s not about whether these systems work—it’s about how long they can hold. As the region braces for what’s next, the math of missile defense is shifting fast, and time is not on anyone’s side. Wall Street Journal has the full story you can watch below.

Three vintage warbirds from Minot’s Dakota Territory Air Museum recently took flight far from home — not just in miles, but in meaning. From honoring Jimmy Stewart’s legacy in Pennsylvania to commemorating D-Day and Flag Day on the East Coast, these aircraft carried history back into the skies. Among them, Thunderbird, once owned by Stewart himself, still holds five speed records. Now back in Minot, they stand as reminders that aviation’s golden age isn’t behind us — it’s preserved, piloted, and representing Minot well beyond our boarders.

Severance packages are once again straining North Dakota’s higher education budget. As the State Board of Higher Education prepares to finalize its next two-year budget, it’s facing an $800,000 hit—money redirected to cover payouts for two departing college presidents. Lawmakers say the settlements were too generous, and now the central office is tightening its belt, relying on retirements and attrition to balance the books. Interim Chancellor Brent Sanford says the message from the Legislature is clear—and this time, it’s not being ignored. Robin Huebner with InForum has the full story.

Across Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota, nonprofit organizations are feeling the ground shift beneath them. Federal funds are drying up, private donations are faltering, and costs—from food to wages—keep climbing. In a spring survey of over 250 nonprofits, nearly every response pointed to mounting financial pressure. For some, it means scaling back services; for others, it’s a fight for survival. The message is clear: in today’s uncertain economy, even mission-driven work isn’t immune to the squeeze. And once support disappears, it’s hard to bring back. Tu-Uyen Tran with Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis has the full story.

Van life isn’t fading—it’s shifting into high gear. More than 12 million Americans are expected to go overlanding in 2025, up from 8 million last year. At Overland Expo, attendance has soared to 80,000, and nearly 80% of van owners plan upgrades within a year. These aren’t just campers—they’re high-tech, high-dollar rigs built for off-grid adventure with onboard power, solar, and satellite internet. Whether it’s a $250K Sprinter or a $500K expedition truck, one thing’s clear: overlanding has outgrown the hashtag—it’s become a booming lifestyle. Adam Bluestein with Fast Company has the full story.

The aroma of grilling food often fills neighborhoods at this time of year, bringing a wave of nostalgia with the scent of outdoor cooking. When I was growing up, we did not have a grill until I was nearly in college. My dad was the chef...