Today in Minot

After a marathon final stretch that ended just after 4 a.m. Saturday, the North Dakota Legislature wrapped up a session marked by record bill volume, $20.3 billion in spending, and some late-session turbulence. Lawmakers passed about 600 of 1,035 introduced bills, but closing debates on rare earth minerals, campaign finance rules, and public broadcasting cuts kept emotions high to the end. While leaders praised historic tax relief and infrastructure gains, others lamented missed chances on housing policy and called for smoother cooperation next time. Peyton Haug and Grant Coursey with InForum have the full story.

Grand Forks school leaders are requesting $1.6 million over seven years to revamp English curriculum for K-5 students, aiming to boost reading and literacy scores districtwide. The plan builds on recent investments in middle school materials and would include resources from Great Minds and additional handwriting and reading tools. High school educators, meanwhile, are crafting their own curriculum and seeking separate funding for updated texts. The School Board will vote on the full package of proposed purchases at its next meeting.

Why does this matter in Minot? Educational outcomes are slipping across the state, and school districts have a responsibility to address the issue. But many different methods will be chosen along the way. So, knowing how other places are approaching the challenge may be worthwhile as we chart our own course.

President Trump’s tariffs are causing much consternation at both the kitchen table and the business table. Much of this anxiety comes from the rapid release of multiple Executive Orders (EO) relating to tariffs, making it difficult to grasp the individual and collective impact of the tariffs....

North Dakota drivers will soon have a new way to stand out on the road — and help fund highways while they’re at it. Gov. Kelly Armstrong has signed off on blackout license plates, featuring a sleek black background with white lettering. The new option, available starting August 1, comes with a $25 fee and is projected to generate more than $6 million in revenue over four years. No logos allowed, but the bold, minimalist look has already proven popular in states like Minnesota. April Baumgarten with InForum has the full story.

Tech-savvy but troubling — North Dakota health and law enforcement officials are raising the alarm over a new wave of “smart vapes” disguised as everyday gadgets. Shaped like phones, watches, and even highlighters, these devices are harder to detect and packed with features like touchscreens and Bluetooth connectivity. But behind the sleek design is a potent hit of nicotine. As youth usage rises, public health advocates stress the long-term damage to developing brains — and the growing need to outpace the marketing tactics targeting kids.

What’s the real motive behind banning a bathroom design that works better for everyone? That’s the question at the heart of House Bill 1144, a new North Dakota law that bars the construction of multi-stall, gender-neutral bathrooms in public schools. While enforcement of past laws may justify some of the bill’s provisions, columnist Rob Port argues this one stands out—not for improving comfort or safety, but for sending a political message. And in the process, it may do more harm than good for all students. Read the full commentary at Inforum.com linked below.

When I grew up, attending college was a badge of honor increasingly required for career success and a widely praised life experience that helped young people become adults, fueling American prosperity. I remember watching public-interest TV ads extolling the benefits of college and, at least implicitly,...

For generations, an American university degree was considered a ticket to a better future. It promised intellectual growth, exposure to various experiences and perspectives, and economic opportunity and security. Unfortunately, that no longer is the case. American universities have lost their way, and students should question...

Minot has a lot to celebrate this spring, and the May edition of The Communicator from the Chamber EDC pulls it all together. From being named a 2025 Great American Defense Community to honoring local entrepreneurs and civic-minded students, the issue highlights progress, pride, and momentum. You’ll also find a recap of the 38th Prairie Warrior Auction, local business milestones, and Eagle Award winners. Whether you’re a business owner or a neighbor, there’s something here that connects you to Minot’s forward march.

https://issuu.com/minotchamberedc/docs/the_communicator_-_may_2025

Head Start has been a lifeline for Nebraska families for six decades—offering stable child care, early education, and essential health services while parents work toward self-sufficiency. Now, a federal budget proposal threatens to eliminate that support entirely by 2026. With more than 5,600 children and 2,000 staff in Nebraska alone depending on this program, advocates are calling on Congress to protect what’s long been a bipartisan promise. The message is clear: cutting Head Start isn’t just short-sighted—it’s a threat to families, futures, and economic stability.

Sarah Ann Kotchian with Nebraska Examiner has the commentary. If you read it, you’ll find the ‘Nebraska’ and ‘North Dakota’ quite interchangeable.

If you’ve spotted a few puffed-up turkeys strutting through your neighborhood, you’re not alone. Spring is breeding season, and Minot’s urban landscape—especially along the Souris River corridor—makes for prime turkey territory. While their tail fans and feathered displays might be fun to watch, officials warn that these birds can get aggressive. The best advice? Keep your distance. And if they become more than a novelty, city officials have urban hunting guidelines and other resources available to help manage the growing flock.

The deal is done: Bremer Bank is now part of Old National Bancorp. The $1.4 billion merger, announced earlier this year, officially closed on May 1. Bremer, known for its strong presence in agriculture lending across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, will operate as a division of Old National until systems fully merge this fall. The Otto Bremer Trust retains an 11% stake, and former co-CEO Daniel Reardon joins Old National’s board. A $1.6 billion boost to community investments accompanies the deal.

The month of May is marked with celebrations for many families. This year has its usual events for my family with two birthdays and a wedding anniversary. Mother’s Day is in the mix, so I hope they remember. We also have two college graduations, two performance...

North Dakota’s state commerce budget is heading to Governor Kelly Armstrong’s desk with one major change — no funding for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Lawmakers struck the funding after Senate negotiators deemed it a dealbreaker, opting instead to revisit the issue next session, once the library has opened. While the library team says it won’t impact their timeline, another priority stayed intact: $9 million remains to replace Chinese-made state drones with U.S.- or ally-built models, which lawmakers called a national security imperative. Michael Anthony with KFYR has the full story.

North Dakota lawmakers have struck a deal on property tax relief—and this time, it’s significant. House Bill 1176, now headed to Governor Kelly Armstrong, boosts the primary residence credit from $500 to as much as $1,600. It also removes the requirement for homeowners to pay part of their bill out of pocket and caps local levy increases at 3% annually. With school funding safeguards included, the bill marks one of the most sweeping tax relief efforts in recent years.

President Trump has unveiled a $1.7 trillion discretionary budget proposal for fiscal 2026 that would increase defense spending by 13% while slashing most other federal agency budgets by an average of 35%. The plan spares a few departments—like Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security—but dramatically cuts funding to the EPA, Education, NIH, and NSF, among others. The administration also hinted it may withhold appropriated funds if Congress rejects the cuts, a controversial move already triggering legal challenges. A full budget proposal is expected in the coming weeks. Eric Katz with Government Executive has in-depth coverage.

North Dakota’s Ethics Commission will head into the next budget cycle with some new tools — and new rules. Lawmakers passed a nearly $1.4 million budget Friday, keeping funding for a case management system while rejecting a request for a fourth staffer. Several policy changes were also folded in, including new complaint resolution options and required time standards. Lawmakers dropped a hotly debated proposal to dismiss ethics complaints after 180 days but added a clause allowing the accused to petition for dismissal. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature. Mary Steurer with North Dakota Monitor has the full story.

North Dakota has confirmed its first measles case since 2011—an unvaccinated child in Williams County believed to have been exposed by an out-of-state visitor. Health officials are tracking contacts and urging vaccinations as national cases rise sharply, with 935 reported and 121 hospitalizations. MMR vaccination rates in North Dakota have dropped below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity, raising concerns about further spread. Several counties fall well below that mark, and experts warn more cases are likely without improved vaccination coverage. Michael Standaert with North Dakota News Cooperative has the full story.

Regina city council reaffirmed its decision to add fluoride to the city’s water, rejecting a motion to walk it back just months before implementation. After hours of debate and over 900 pages of public input, the 7-3 vote signals a commitment to public health despite ongoing pushback. While opponents raised concerns about health risks and process, most medical experts and regulatory agencies stood by fluoridation as a safe, effective way to prevent tooth decay. The city plans to proceed with fluoridation next spring. Larissa Kurz with Regina Leader Post has the full story.

A bill aimed at jumpstarting North Dakota’s rare earth mineral processing industry is headed to the governor’s desk after clearing both chambers Friday. Supporters say House Bill 1459 positions the state to attract federal funding and capitalize on coal seams containing rare earths—materials critical to electronics and national security. The main debate centered on a 2.5% royalty for mineral owners, layered on top of existing coal lease payments. While some lawmakers called it unconstitutional, others argued it ensures landowners get a fair share. Litigation is expected. Jeff Beach with North Dakota Monitor has the full story.

The Norsk Høstfest has announced the 2025 concert lineup for the Great Hall of the Vikings. The series will feature five main performances over four days, including returning artists, tribute acts, and nationally recognized groups. Concerts will take place September 24–27 at the Great Hall stage...

The League of Women Voters North Dakota is calling on the state’s congressional delegation to hold in-person town halls during the current recess. At a Friday press conference in Fargo, leaders from civic and advocacy groups said online meetings fall short—limiting access and transparency. They argue direct, open dialogue is needed now more than ever, as federal decisions are hitting North Dakotans hard. The message: It’s time for elected officials to show up, face their constituents, and listen—because democracy depends on it. Wendy Reuer with InForum has the full story.