Today in Minot

In the forests of British Columbia, Indigenous scientists and ecologists are racing against time to learn from what remains of the old-growth. For biologist Teresa Ryan and ecologist Suzanne Simard, each felled giant carries more than ecological loss—it carries cultural memory, centuries of connection erased in a moment. Their fieldwork, blending Indigenous wisdom and modern science, seeks not only to document the damage but to preserve knowledge for future generations before these irreplaceable ecosystems vanish entirely. The stakes, they know, are heartbreakingly high.

After 35 years in orbit, the Hubble Space Telescope is still delivering wonder. To mark the milestone, NASA released four breathtaking new images—ranging from the rugged surface of Mars to distant star-forming regions and a neighboring galaxy ablaze with light. Hubble’s enduring mission reminds us that discovery never gets old, and even after decades, it continues to pull back the curtain on the universe’s deepest mysteries. The latest highlights are captured beautifully in this short video.

Homegrown talent is coming back to Minot. Darik Dissette, a standout at Minot High and Mr. Basketball for 2023, has signed with Minot State after two seasons at North Dakota State. Dissette made his mark early at NDSU, appearing in nearly every game and finishing strong with a 16-point performance to close the regular season. Now, he’ll join a Beavers squad fresh off its best season ever — a fitting next chapter for the Magicians’ all-time leading scorer.

What makes a society truly happy? As the latest World Happiness Report shows, it’s not just wealth or comfort—it’s care, trust, and connection. This year’s report draws inspiration from Shakespeare, whose plays reveal how happiness grows—or withers—through relationships and inclusion. Across centuries, Shakespeare reminds us that real joy isn’t just personal; it’s communal. And when societies build happiness unevenly, the fractures can be devastating, both onstage and off. In both data and drama, the message is the same: happiness thrives where people care for each other. Cora Fox with The Conversation has the full story.

Tucked into the rugged Badlands of North Dakota, a new chapter is unfolding. The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation has opened the Three Affiliated Tribes National Park, reclaiming and preserving a stretch of ancestral land along the Little Missouri River. More than a scenic escape, the park is a quiet promise—to heal the landscape, honor a deep history, and welcome visitors to see it with new eyes. Thoughtful development and restoration efforts are already underway, laying the foundation for generations to come.

Electricity doesn’t like to wait—it’s either used right away or it’s gone. That simple truth has shaped the vast, delicate U.S. power grid for a century. But now, thanks to a surge in grid-scale battery storage, we’re starting to rewrite the rules. New battery projects are popping up across the country, storing clean energy for when it’s needed most, easing strain on the grid, and giving renewable sources like wind and solar a major boost. If momentum continues, a more stable, decentralized, and resilient energy future could finally be within reach. Umair Irfan with WIRED goes deeper with some energized Sunday reading.

North Dakota’s elk are thriving, and a recent three-year study in the Badlands has offered a deeper look into how these herds live and move. Researchers tracked elk with GPS collars, gathering more than a million data points, and confirmed what landowners have long suspected: the population is strong—and growing. While young bulls sometimes roam far, most herds stay close to home. With survival rates high and numbers climbing, wildlife officials are adjusting hunting licenses to keep the balance between elk and landowners in check. Brad Dokken with Grand Forks Herald has the full story.