Today in Minot

With a new Pope now elected, reflections on the legacy of Pope Francis are timely. Known for addressing human suffering and poverty with unusual candor, Francis also left a lesser-known mark on how we think about cities. In Laudato Si, he criticized car-centered development and urged leaders to design urban spaces that serve people and nature, not machines. Urbanist Jarrett Walker echoed this, arguing true beauty comes from transforming lives through walkable streets and public spaces—not from imposing architectural monuments. For a little more, the article linked below from The Overhead Wire goes deeper.

If wide-open space and quiet trails sound like the perfect getaway, Schnell Recreation Area near Richardton might be what you’re looking for. Spread over 2,000 acres of prairie and wooded draws, this lesser-known public land offers peaceful wandering, wildlife spotting, and a touch of history—Gen. Custer camped nearby in the 1870s. It’s pet-friendly, perfect for hiking or cross-country skiing, and delightfully off the beaten path. Just don’t expect crowds; Schnell’s charm lies in being North Dakota’s best-kept outdoor secret.

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Life on the homesteading frontier was tough, but it had a soundtrack. In a newly shared collection, historians have traced eight ballads that captured the hardships and humor of settlers across the Great Plains. From Little Old Sod Shanty on the Claim to the enduring Home on the Range, these songs were often first scribbled down by locals and printed by frontier newspapers hungry for content. Together, they form a rough-hewn musical history of perseverance, isolation, and community spirit on the open plains.

Moose Jaw has never been shy about welcoming visitors, and that hasn’t changed. The city’s famed underground tunnels—steeped in Prohibition-era lore and whispered tales of Al Capone—are leaning into their reputation as “The Friendly City.” Amid U.S. tariffs and shifting travel plans, local businesses are doubling down on their message: Americans are still very much invited. From gangster tours to old-time photo shoots, Moose Jaw is ready to turn a tense trade climate into a warm tourism opportunity. Jeremy Simes with The Canadian Press has the full story on how Moose Jaw captured the spirit and fascination of the prohibition era and turned it into their niche.

This episode of Plain Talk was recorded live at Minot’s Blue Rider bar, bringing community and conversation together in a familiar local setting. U.S. Rep. Julie Fedorchak spoke candidly about the unexpected cuts at the ND Center for Persons with Disabilities and the challenges of navigating federal decisions. Minot rapper Dakotah Faye also joined, performing ‘925’ and reflecting on his journey through addiction and into music and advocacy. Watch the full live episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Catch more of the story the the Grand Forks Herald or dive right in with the Youtube version below.

Cellphones are everywhere—including in the hands of kids as young as nine. But in Fargo, parents, educators, and community leaders are pushing back. A new North Dakota law will ban personal device use in schools starting this fall, and local efforts like “Tech Free Tuesday” are encouraging families to unplug at mealtimes. The movement isn’t anti-technology; it’s about regaining focus, protecting mental health, and rediscovering life beyond the screen. As one advocate put it: “This is good for kids, and we all know it.” Robin Huebner with InForum has the full story.

Brandon’s Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum has reopened for the summer, offering visitors a chance to step inside a WWII-era hangar filled with vintage aircraft, vehicles, and artifacts. The museum, a Manitoba Star Attraction and National Historic Site, honors the legacy of RCAF training efforts during the war. This season brings refreshed exhibits, new aircraft arrivals, and a special Armed Forces Day celebration on June 1. Executive Director Stephen Hayter says they’re ready to welcome visitors eager to explore history close to home. Betty Sawatzky with Discover Westman has the full story.

We’ve long assumed our big, complex brains set us apart—but birds are rewriting that narrative. From ravens planning for the future to chickadees remembering thousands of seed stashes, bird intelligence rivals that of mammals despite their much smaller, structurally different brains. New research published in Science suggests that birds and mammals evolved complex thinking independently, not from a shared ancestor. It’s a breakthrough that reshapes how we understand intelligence across species, showing nature’s remarkable ability to solve the same problem in different ways. For a closer look at how we got here, Yasemin Saplakoglu with has the full story.

The most profound creative moments often feel like an overwhelming force has taken hold of us. But as psychologist Erich Neumann explored in Art and the Creative Unconscious, these moments of “possession” are actually fragments of ourselves seeking reintegration. Neumann, a student of Carl Jung, described creativity as a powerful dance between the conscious and unconscious, where personal transformation gives way to universal connection. His work remains a fascinating guide to understanding the mysterious surge of inspiration that leads to lasting creative growth. If the topic strikes a cord, Maria Popova with The Marginalian has the full story.