Today in Minot

North Dakota has long wrestled with the challenge of keeping young, talented professionals in the state. People like Austin Foss—an architect, an NDSU graduate, a lifelong North Dakotan—are exactly who policymakers say they want to stay. But after the state House passed a resolution calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn same-sex marriage rights, Foss, who is gay, stood on the House floor and said he has never felt more unwelcome. His words underscore a broader concern: What message is North Dakota sending about who belongs here?

Rob Port has the latest commentary on a topic we hope the legislature hears. You should, too.

Nearly 1,000 political scientists from across the U.S. have signed a letter, saying American democracy is under threat based on the early actions of the new Trump administration. A North Dakota expert is among those speaking out. Those who added their names to the statement work...

For years, tenure has been rightfully debated within the public domain and State Board of Higher Education (SBHE), the governing body responsible for all 11 public institutions of higher education. Legislative assemblies have also taken a keen interest through bills such as HB 1437 this session....

Robots that sprint, dance, and leap have already dazzled us, but Marc Raibert, the visionary behind Boston Dynamics, has his sights set on something bigger: true intelligence. His latest work focuses on teaching machines to move and adapt without human micromanagement, using AI to refine their instincts. While startups rush to showcase humanoid helpers, the real breakthrough will come when these robots act autonomously, not just follow scripts. If Raibert’s advances pay off, we may be closer to robots that don’t just move like us—but think like us too.

There’s so much change on the horizon and it’s going to come so fast it makes you uncomfortable. But better to know what’s coming, then to be caught by surprise. This article from Wired is a primer.

Reykjavík’s rapid growth is drawing sharp criticism from architects and urban designers who say beauty is being sacrificed for profit. A group of specialists has launched a petition demanding a shift in city planning, arguing that financial interests are shaping development at the expense of public well-being. While city officials defend Reykjavík’s transformation, they acknowledge aesthetics often take a backseat. As the capital evolves from a town into a city, the debate highlights a deeper question: should urban growth prioritize function, or does beauty deserve a greater role?

There’s a couple beautiful lessons in this quick story. First, loving a place does not mean placid acceptance of it, but it’s important to see the difference between complaining and constructive criticism. Second, the physical appearance of a place matters to the people who live there, and our distant Scandinavian relatives want the place they’re going to live with their entire lives to be beautiful. Is that too much to ask?

Universities constantly evolve to keep pace with student interests and workforce demands, and Iowa’s public institutions are no exception. The Board of Regents has approved a slate of changes, adding new programs while retiring others with dwindling enrollment. Iowa State University and the University of Iowa will phase out degrees in areas like American studies and rural history, while introducing a new integrated health sciences degree to meet growing industry needs. As schools refine their offerings, officials emphasize that these decisions aren’t made lightly—but with the future in mind.

Editorial Comment: we make a habit of pointing out institutional adaptation when we see it.

West Fargo is on the cusp of significant change, as discussions unfold about the West 94 Area Transportation Plan. At a recent meeting, residents learned that the development of open land near Interstate 94 and Sheyenne Street could potentially boost the city’s population by 50%. This plan, led by the Metropolitan Council of Governments, examines necessary traffic infrastructure to accommodate future growth once the F-M Diversion project is completed in 2027. With the right planning, West Fargo could see thousands of new homes and jobs, reshaping the community’s landscape.

Why does West Fargo’s projected growth matter in Minot? Answer: we should be paying close attention to the places that are thriving so that we might become more like them.

Minot is hosting firefighters from across North Dakota this weekend for the 71st annual state fire school—a vital training event that ensures first responders stay sharp and ready for any emergency. Organized by the North Dakota Firefighter’s Association, the event brings together around 800 firefighters, from rookies to seasoned commanders, for hands-on learning. While not required, most departments encourage attendance, knowing that passing down knowledge is essential for the next generation. With courses at the Clarion Hotel and the State Fair Center, Minot continues its role as a hub for firefighter training.

“Are you a runner?” I asked my dinner companion as she galloped ahead of me.  “No, but I am kind of a slow jogger — a ‘slogger,’” she replied. I trotted slowly on the cobblestone sidewalk, trying not to break my “hoof” on the uneven surface....

North Dakota is rolling out the welcome mat in 2025 with new attractions, expanded experiences, and milestone celebrations across the state. From the rolling Badlands to vibrant city centers, visitors can explore rich cultural heritage, thrilling entertainment, and immersive outdoor adventures—all without breaking the bank. And...

North Dakota’s water future depends on smart planning, and state officials are taking a proactive approach. After a comprehensive study on Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR), the Department of Water Resources has identified three key aquifers for further analysis. These underground reserves—vital for agriculture, industry, and communities—are...

Diplomacy is often a careful dance, but President Trump’s tense exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear—this was a confrontation, not a negotiation. In a globally broadcast Oval Office meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance pressed Zelenskyy on gratitude and ceasefire talks, while Zelenskyy pushed back, questioning what diplomacy with Russia really means. The clash, raw and unscripted, raises new uncertainties about America’s role in Ukraine’s defense. As support hangs in the balance, the stakes—for Ukraine and beyond—couldn’t be higher.

The article linked below from the Associated Press provides the unvarnished transcript of the exchange.