Today in Minot

A sizeable majority of North Dakotans believe legislators got it wrong when they rejected two bills that would have fully funded school meals during the first half of the current legislative session, according to a new statewide poll.  A total of 70% of likely voters said...

As North Dakota weighs the future of development near its military bases, a proposed **military compatibility commission** aims to set clear rules for projects in these sensitive areas. Sen. Jeff Barta, the bill’s sponsor, sees it as a way to increase transparency and prevent conflicts between developers and military operations. Supporters argue it will protect vital installations like Minot AFB and Grand Forks AFB, while critics say existing federal oversight and local zoning boards already serves this purpose. With amendments in play and strong opinions on both sides, the bill’s fate now rests with the House.

We’ve previously covered SB 2398 here. The bill has been amended as it advanced, and no longer mandates an area of jurisdiction for the proposed committee.

When I was young, a homemade meal coordinated by the local “ladies’ aid” was a monthly event. We all looked forward to the food and fellowship at our small church. The delicious aroma filled the room and drew dozens of participants. I especially liked the meatballs...

As North Dakota’s legislative session reaches its midpoint, major spending bills are taking shape. Property tax relief tops the list, with three proposals under Senate review that could total $312 million. Education funding is also in focus, with plans to direct $1,000 annually to lower-income students’ education savings accounts and a separate $4,000 per-student private school subsidy—together costing over $125 million. Criminal justice reform could add another $44 million to keep certain offenders in prison longer. Meanwhile, a $330 million new State Hospital and a $30 million incentive for a Grand Forks potato processing facility highlight the state’s appetite for large-scale projects. With oil and gas revenues strong, lawmakers see opportunities to invest, but questions remain about long-term costs and priorities.

Peyton Haug with Inforum has the full run down on the bills with the biggest price tags thus far in the 2025 legislative session.

“We’ve seen severe to extreme drought through the winter across western North Dakota, and moderate drought along the southern and southeastern portions of the state,” says Meteorologist Megan Jones with the National Weather Service in Bismarck. “The lack of significant snowpack during the winter allowed vegetation...

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) will provide $20 million in state funding to expedite the completion of a long-planned railroad underpass project near the University of North Dakota campus, Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced today in a meeting with Grand Forks officials...

BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Kelly Armstrong today announced the application period is now open for school, community and church bands, orchestras and choirs across North Dakota to apply to serve as the Governor’s Official State Band/Orchestra Program and Choral Program for the 2025-2026 school year.From the applications...

For many, the Iditarod is a test of endurance, skill, and an unbreakable bond between musher and dog. For Minot native Sydnie Bahl, it’s also the realization of a passion she found after moving to Alaska just four years ago. A University of North Dakota graduate and physical therapist by training, Bahl discovered sled dog racing, completed her qualifiers, and is now competing in the legendary race from Anchorage to Nome. Kyona Rivera with KMOT is following her progress; catch up there for the full story and we’ll pass along updates as KMOT delivers them.

And of historical note, the 2025 Iditarod is following the same route as “The Great Race of Mercy” which took place in 1925. That race is fondly remembered as the participants were a literal life line, tasked with delivering life-saving diphtheria antitoxin to Nome Alaska, which was in the midst of severe outbreak.

Public broadcasting has long been a trusted source for news, education, and cultural programming, but in North Dakota, its future is uncertain. Lawmakers are debating whether Prairie Public Broadcasting should continue receiving taxpayer support, with a House-approved bill now before the Senate that would cut state funding entirely. Supporters argue the move threatens local programming, while opponents say Prairie Public can survive on private donations. At stake is more than just dollars—it’s a question of what role public media should play in a rapidly changing information landscape. Michael Achterling with the North Dakota Monitor has the full story; bill details are below.

Utah’s 45-day legislative session ended with a clear theme: control. From judiciary oversight to public unions, local governments, and even election procedures, lawmakers sought to extend their influence over nearly every corner of state policy. Some efforts succeeded, others stalled, but the session left deep divisions—especially between the Republican supermajority and Democrats, who questioned why so much power was being consolidated. As debates over individual freedoms, local authority, and governance continue, the session’s impact will be felt well beyond the Capitol’s midnight deadline.

The commentary linked below is a perspective pulled from Utah. It’s about Utah. But if you read it, you could probably exchange Utah for North Dakota and find the broader messages and themes to be largely true.

County Auditor Mark Splonskowski is at the center of a political fight in Burleigh County, where commissioners are debating whether his position should remain elected or become appointed. It’s a conversation fueled by both his personal controversies and a larger question: Should voters decide on positions like county auditor, or is that better left to appointments? Splonskowski’s actions—including a lawsuit over mail-in ballots and accusations of mismanagement—have raised concerns about competency in down-ballot elections. But the real question is, are voters truly engaged in these races, or is it time for a change?

Rob Port unpacks the issue fully in this column on Inforum.com.

Political spin is nothing new, and identifying reliable news and information can be hard to do during any presidency. But the return of Donald Trump to the White House has reignited debates over truth, accountability and the role of media in a deeply divided America. Misinformation...

The Department of Defense has begun mass layoffs, placing thousands of probationary employees on administrative leave ahead of their expected termination. Officials say the cuts target poor performers, but no clear criteria have been provided. The move follows a broader effort to shrink the federal workforce, with plans for hiring freezes and additional staff reductions. Some employees, including veterans and well-reviewed workers, say they were caught off guard. Pentagon officials have yet to disclose how many employees are affected or how exemptions are being granted.

As it becomes clearer how these actions may impact Minot Air Force Base, you’ll find the news here.

Trade tensions between Saskatchewan and the U.S. remain high, even as President Donald Trump temporarily rolls back some tariffs. Premier Scott Moe is keeping Saskatchewan’s retaliatory measures in place, citing uncertainty over which Canadian exports remain affected. The province has halted purchases of U.S. alcohol, prioritized Canadian suppliers for government contracts, and paused some capital projects. While Canada has countered with billions in tariffs of its own, the next flashpoint looms—April 2, when the U.S. could reinstate broader tariffs, triggering even harsher retaliatory measures.

That’s the recap on the news from the Reginal Leader-Post. And if you’re reading between the lines — what we’re beginning to see is that the ripple-out impacts on attitudes and the adjustments being made in Canada are more permanent than the on and off again tariffs and tariff threats President Trump is wielding.