Today in Minot

It turns out humans aren’t particularly good at getting around—unless we’re on two wheels. A new look at a 1973 Scientific American chart shows that a person on a bicycle ranks among the most energy-efficient travelers in the animal world, rivaling birds and fish. The reason is simple physics: wheels reduce the effort needed to fight gravity and move forward. Add an aerodynamic shell, and cyclists become even more efficient—nearly gliding across land like swimmers through water. Allison Parshall & DTAN Studio with Scientific American has the full story.

Every time I have a medical test, I feel some anxiety. “What if?” goes through my head until I can access the results in a letter or email. I am sure many of you know what I mean. However, not knowing does not make underlying health...

At Dickinson State University, the next generation of entrepreneurs got a crash course in turning big ideas into real businesses. The “Idea to Investment Summit” brought together small business owners, students, and venture capital experts to talk about funding — from simple loans to high-stakes investment deals. Speakers emphasized one core truth: great ideas need smart financing and strong connections. For many in the room, the highlight came when a DSU student pitched his precision agriculture startup, proving innovation in North Dakota is alive and growing. Olivia Feddeler with Dickinson Press has the full story.

A cancer vaccine that prevents tumors before they form — that’s the breakthrough researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are chasing. In early mouse studies, their experimental vaccine trained the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, preventing multiple types of tumors with up to 88% success. The secret lies in a “super adjuvant” — a nanoparticle that turbocharges immune response. While still far from human trials, the results hint at a future where prevention, not treatment, could define the fight against cancer. Michael Irving with Science Alert has the full story.

In the middle of North America, far from any seaport, Minot has quietly become a global gateway. At the city’s Intermodal Facility, grain, beans, and other North Dakota products are loaded into shipping containers, sealed, and sent by rail to Seattle — and from there, around the world. What began five years ago as a modest operation now ships out trains twice a week, connecting local producers to international markets and proving that even landlocked states can think globally. Lindsey Miller with KMOT has the full story.

ThisKyiv Independent editorial doesn’t mince words — and it doesn’t need to. With biting frustration, it lays out what feels like a recurring pattern in global diplomacy: President Trump edges toward a move that could finally pressure Russia to end its war, and then Putin calls. The piece warns that another “peace talk” — this time planned for Budapest — risks derailing progress yet again. Ukraine, it argues, doesn’t need another hollow conversation. It needs the U.S. to stop taking Putin’s bait. Read the full editorial linked below.

Across the country, thousands of communities are taking part in a coordinated day of protest called “No Kings.” More than 2,700 events are planned in every state and Washington, D.C., most in small and midsize towns rather than big cities. Organized by Indivisible and a coalition of advocacy groups, the gatherings call attention to concerns about democracy and government overreach amid a federal shutdown and National Guard deployments. From Burns, Oregon, to Bryson City, North Carolina, local voices are joining a national chorus. Jennifer Mattson with Fast Company has the full story.

There are great games, and then there are the ones that reshape what greatness looks like. Shohei Ohtani gave baseball one of those nights last night. Three home runs, ten strikeouts, and seven innings of near-perfection lifted the Dodgers to a sweep of the Brewers and a return trip to the World Series. Greg Beacham with Associated Press has the full story.

Fargo’s city government could soon look a lot different — and some residents say it’s long overdue. A grassroots group led by former city commissioners Tony Gehrig and Arlette Preston is halfway to collecting enough signatures to put a ward system on the ballot. The proposal would divide Fargo into six districts, giving each area its own representative on the city council. Supporters say it’s about fairer representation and accountability — making sure every corner of Fargo has a voice at City Hall. April Baumgarten with InForum has the full story.

In a year when many states are grappling with declining math scores, North Dakota stands out for all the right reasons. The state’s fourth- and eighth-graders ranked among the top in the nation on federal math assessments, continuing a decades-long tradition of strong performance. Educators credit rigorous standards, skilled teachers, and community support for keeping students ahead of the curve — even as scores nationwide slide. Still, leaders say the work isn’t done: excellence, they remind us, is no excuse for complacency. Sophia Herman with Grand Forks Herald has the full story.

There’s nothing subtle about a UND–Minnesota hockey night in Grand Forks — not the chants, not the banners, and certainly not the energy inside The Ralph. With a packed house roaring from start to finish, UND’s young lineup delivered a statement win, beating the Gophers 5–2 behind two goals each from E.J. Emery and Dylan James. It was the kind of rivalry game that defines seasons — loud, physical, and proud — reminding everyone why this matchup remains college hockey’s fiercest tradition. Brad Elliott Schlossman with Grand Forks Herald has the full story.