Today in Minot

During the pandemic, schools grabbed every digital tool they could—sometimes out of need, sometimes out of panic. Now, with budgets tightening and pressure mounting, districts are asking hard questions: What’s actually working? What’s just digital clutter? From Oklahoma City to Natick to Grapevine, leaders are trimming down, prioritizing tools that align with clear goals, protect privacy, and elevate student voices. The future of edtech isn’t more—it’s better. And that starts with knowing what you have, why it matters, and who it’s really serving. Ellen Ullman with EdSurge has the full story.

Motorcycles aren’t just for joyrides—they’re economic engines, too. That’s the focus of a new research project led by Minot State professor Andrew Bertsch, who’s surveying riders to understand how motorcycle tourism could benefit North Dakota. With rallies, road trips, and off-road adventures all part of the mix, the potential impact stretches well beyond scenic highways. Bertsch hopes his data will help shape future opportunities—and put North Dakota on the map for riders looking for more than just the open road. Jill Schramm with Minot Daily News has the full story. You can join the survey directly below, also.

Take the Survey Here

Scrolling through someone’s posts might offer more than a glimpse into their day—it could offer early signs of deeper struggles. At Iowa State University, researchers are training a deep learning model to detect potential mental health symptoms through the language used on social media. Unlike earlier tools that focused on vague mood signals, this model looks for more specific patterns tied to clinical language and life events. The goal isn’t diagnosis, but early support—using technology to help people feel seen, and maybe even helped, before it’s too late. Brooklyn Draisey with Iowa Capital Dispatch has the full story.

In a state often overlooked by tourists, Nebraska’s lesser-known museums and historical gems are getting their moment. Thanks to WanderNebraska, a grassroots program by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation, more than 200 sites—many in small towns—are now on travelers’ radars. With brochures, billboards, and even prizes, the effort is turning quiet landmarks into meaningful stops. It’s history made accessible, and it’s helping the state rediscover its past—one road trip, one log cabin courthouse, one dusty museum at a time. Paul Hammel with Nebraska Examiner has the full story.

Some stories don’t need to shout to leave a mark—they hum quietly, rooted deep in soil and spirit. In the small prairie town of Westhope, North Dakota, a farmer named John Talcott sowed more than seed—he sowed a prayer. His 1919 poem, The Sower’s Prayer, carried the hopes of immigrant hands and ancient Scandinavian myth, linking Yggdrasil’s sacred roots to a Christian plea for rain. What began in a “radical” paper became a national hymn of humility, reminding us where faith and folklore meet—in the furrows of everyday life. Tom Isern with Prairie Public News has the full story in his column Plains Folk.

If you’ve ever belly-flopped into a lake and emerged to cheers—or laughter—you’ve brushed up against a tradition that’s been perfected half a world away. In New Zealand, manu jumping turns the art of the cannonball into a national pastime rooted in Māori culture. But there’s more than fun behind the splash. Researchers have found that the biggest bursts of water—those that wow at competitions—are driven by physics as precise as any Olympic dive. The secret? Angles, timing, and a surprising robotic assistant named Manubot. And if you really want to make an impression at the lake or pool this summer, this article by Pankaj Rohilla writing for The Conversation is the place to start.

Whether it’s a quiet cabin escape or a weekend city adventure, Canada is calling—and this time, there’s an auction for that. Golden West, in partnership with Travel Manitoba, is launching the Best Western See MORE Canada Auction to help Canadians explore their own backyard while supporting the tourism industry. With one-of-a-kind experiences up for bid and small businesses in the spotlight, it’s more than just a deal—it’s a celebration of community, connection, and the places that make Canada feel like home.

Editor’s Note: This headline has been sensationalized. The story linked below from Discover Westman is positive example of self-promotion. We’ve chosen to feature it in this light as an editorial for our American readers. It’s an example of what’s happening North of the border. For reasons possibly reasonable or otherwise, President Trump has antagonized the long-cordial relationship with our Canadian neighbors. The reaction to this been swift and predictable. When threatened, Canadians are responding. The article linked below is one of countless examples that can be pulled from news of the gathering spirit of Canadian patriotism.

Also, check it out if you’re interested international adventure within reach of Minot. And if you go, please be wear a diplomat’s hat, too. Minot’s economy depends significantly on Canadian travelers and we need the message that we’re here and we remain nearly as nice as they are to land politely 😉

Canada’s long-held assumptions about its relationship with the U.S. are being put to the test—again. With Donald Trump back in the White House, the old playbook isn’t working, and the University of Calgary is stepping in with a new one. Their “New North America Initiative” aims to rethink how Canada engages with its southern neighbor by bringing fresh voices into the conversation. The project acknowledges what many have resisted: the relationship has changed, and Canada must now prepare for what comes next. Kelly Geraldine Malone with The Canadian Press has the full story.

In a third-grade classroom in Iceland, the newest teaching assistant has four legs, a wagging tail, and a calming presence. Orka, a Labrador Retriever, is part of an innovative pilot program bringing therapy dogs into schools—not just to comfort, but to contribute. Two days a week, she helps students focus, learn, and feel at ease. Her impact is already clear: fears are easing, and engagement is growing. It’s a small experiment with heartwarming potential—and yes, she’s got her own Instagram.

The 2025 North Dakota legislative session offered a little of everything—progress, setbacks, and plenty to debate. Lawmakers delivered meaningful wins like a $1,600 property tax credit, a public school cellphone ban, and long-overdue upgrades to the Fargo National Cemetery. But alongside these came deep disappointments: harsh anti-transgender laws, cuts to Prairie Public Broadcasting, and the failure of bills on school meals, renter support, and gun safety. Some culture war proposals were blocked, others weren’t. In the end, it was a session that revealed the state’s divisions as clearly as its priorities. Read Mr. Shaw’s full thoughts on the 2025 session at InForum.

Theodore Roosevelt came to North Dakota to grieve—and left with a renewed sense of purpose. Now, that same landscape will offer the rest of us a chance to reconnect. Opening next July in Medora, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library isn’t just a tribute—it’s a bold reimagining. With a living roof, prairie restoration, and immersive design, the library honors Roosevelt’s legacy as a conservationist and thinker. It’s a place to slow down, look outward, and ask what kind of change we want to lead. Just like Roosevelt once did. Anna-Louise Jackson with Fast Company has the full story.

No handbook tells you how to live. Not really. The best ones—whether whispered by poets or rustled by trees—remind you that the answers aren’t handed down, but felt, found, and formed. Albert Camus called it the fundamental question. Nietzsche said the path is yours alone. And in Marie Howe’s poem, the trees say nothing—just “shhh.” Sometimes, that’s all we get. A quiet invitation to pause, listen, and let life itself be the answer. If you’re still enough, it might just speak. Maria Popova with The Marginalian has resurfaced the poem The Maples; it’s worth listening for in this article.

Minot’s skies have stories to tell, and the Dakota Territory Air Museum is ready to share them. Now open for the season, the museum features more than 50 aircraft across four buildings—and this year brings new additions to the collection. Some planes don’t just sit still, either; you might catch one lifting off during your visit. It’s a hands-on way to connect with living history, and at just $10 for adults, it’s one of the most accessible adventures in town. Lindsey Miller with KMOT has the full story.

Golf is gaining serious ground in Minot, especially among young players—and the numbers back it up. The Minot Junior Golf Association is drawing hundreds of kids to lessons, camps, and leagues at the Wee Links course and indoor Bunker facility. Participation is up across local schools, and demand for junior programs is spilling into every month of the year. Backed by a mission to keep the sport affordable, MJGA is helping build not just golfers, but a stronger, more connected youth sports scene across the region.

A century ago, the Ellendale Opera House rang with music, voices, and life. Then came quiet years—fires, fading plaster, and the slow erosion of purpose. But the story’s not over. Ellendale is breathing new life into its historic gem, restoring not just the building, but a sense of shared identity. Executive Director Justin Meidinger puts it plainly: this is about strengthening culture. With the stage nearly set, the hope is clear—let this become the beating heart of the town once more. Michael Anhalt with KFYR has the full story.