Today in Minot

The Minot Fire Department responded to a mobile home fire at 500 30th Ave. NW early this morning at approximately 5 a.m. While en route, Minot Central Dispatch informed responding crews that an occupant was still inside the home and unable to exit due to fire...

The School Board of Minot Public School District No. 1 will hold its Regular Board Meeting Thursday, February 13, 2024, at 5:30PM at the Minot Public Schools Administration Building (Board Room).Live Stream is available on the Minot Public School Board YouTube Channel. Board Packet Information can...

Big banks dominate today’s financial system, but that wasn’t always the case. For much of American history, local banks—small, community-focused institutions—had the power to create money and invest in the people around them. That power has dwindled, leaving communities with fewer resources and greater dependence on institutions with no local ties. In _The Banks We Deserve_, Oscar Perry Abello explores how reclaiming community banking could restore economic agency, fund local needs, and challenge the grip of megabanks on our future.

It’s a book on local banking you could find at a local book store like, say, Main Street Books 😉 And we should feel lucky that out here in Minot, community banking has not been lost. The topic is still worthy, Next City has more.

Donald Shoup, an influential figure in the realm of urban planning, passed away last week at the age of 86. Known for his deep exploration of municipal parking policy, he transformed a seemingly mundane topic into a vital area of study, earning a dedicated following of fans, known as Shoupistas. His approach highlighted the significance of what many overlooked, proving that even the least glamorous subjects can yield profound insights. Shoup’s unique perspective reshaped conversations around urban spaces and their challenges.

It’s unfortunate you’re only being introduced to Donald Shoup after his passing. He’s among the few people among us who correctly identified what’s happening in our communities — and specifically — the unseen factors that shape them. Parking is chief among them. If you’re a regular reader, you’ve been teased on this from time to time in the past, but the future holds a lot more about parking and Donald Shoup. And if you’re looking for an immediate introduction, watch below.

Satchel Paige’s time in Bismarck was more than baseball—it was history in motion. In the 1930s, he led an integrated team to a national championship, breaking barriers long before the major leagues followed suit. Now, Michael Schwartz is leading an effort to honor that legacy with a bronze statue at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark. What started as his father’s idea has become his mission, a way to preserve a story of resilience, teamwork, and change. With $10,000 raised and a $100,000 goal, the effort is just getting started.

This is a great story by KX News out of Bismarck about honoring a little-known part of North Dakota’s past.

West Fargo’s artists are inviting the community to reimagine their city through the lens of creativity. On Feb. 20, a Civic West fire hall chat will explore what an “artful West Fargo” could look like, from music and theater to sculpture and photography. Led by Adam Pankow and Tania Blanich, the discussion will highlight existing artistic efforts, uncover challenges, and spark new ideas for integrating the arts into civic life. It’s a chance to shape the city’s creative future—one idea at a time.

West Fargo is North Dakota’s fastest growing community. Perhaps it makes sense to keep an eye on where they’re focusing their energy? Here’s one example.

Minnesota lawmakers are weighing a proposal to ban cell phones and smart watches in elementary and middle schools while limiting their use in high school classrooms. Educators shared positive experiences with existing policies at a recent Senate hearing, highlighting reductions in disciplinary issues and increased classroom engagement. However, some argue the proposed law may create unnecessary uniformity, given that schools are already required to establish their own cell phone policies. Proponents maintain it would support existing efforts to manage technology in education.

Why does this matter in Minot? This seems to be one of the few non partisan topics state legislators are talking about. Many surrounding states are acting decisively; North Dakota’s legislature chose to pass the buck down to the local level, requiring they create a policy. In Minnesota, they’ve already done that and the issue is back before them.Read about our past coverage on this here. Minnesota Public Radio has more on what’s happening in Minnesota linked below.

In the vastness of space, some discoveries reshape what we thought we knew. Scientists have long studied the galaxy NGC 6505, yet only now—thanks to the Euclid space telescope—have they spotted an Einstein Ring encircling it. This ghostly halo of light, predicted by Einstein’s theory of relativity, reveals how gravity bends light from an unseen galaxy billions of light-years away. More than a stunning image, this discovery offers a rare glimpse into the hidden forces shaping our universe, with more cosmic revelations sure to follow.

More on the discovery from Minnesota Public Radio.

On Tuesday, parents, students, and school administrators gathered at the North Dakota State Capitol to address proposed changes to high school sports transfer rules through House Bill No. 1491. This legislation seeks to simplify the transfer process by removing restrictions on recruitment and allowing immediate varsity eligibility, raising concerns among some activities directors about potential abuses. The discussion has brought to light personal stories, including that of student-athlete Kambree Draper, who faced challenges due to current transfer policies. The hearing continues Wednesday, reflecting divided opinions on the proposed changes.

Ryan Spitza with Inforum has more on the story. Bill details can be found below.

Joann Inc., the well-known fabric and crafts retailer, is facing a tough reality in its ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. Initially promising not to close any stores during its second Chapter 11 process, the company has now announced plans to shut down a number of its brick-and-mortar locations. This decision will undoubtedly impact both its customers and employees who have depended on these stores for their crafting needs and livelihoods. A court filing on Wednesday confirmed this significant shift in strategy.

According to the court filing details provided by U.S.A. Today, the Minot store is not among the listed closures; the Grand Forks store is.

The North Dakota House made its stance clear on abortion and reproductive rights, rejecting four bills with wide margins. A proposal to define personhood from conception—potentially criminalizing abortion—failed 77-16, with opponents warning of unintended consequences for IVF and medical care. A measure to legalize abortion up to 15 weeks met an even steeper defeat. Efforts to safeguard access to contraception and fertility treatments also fell short, despite arguments that families deserve medical freedom. While the votes are settled, the debate is far from over.

Michael Achterling, Amy Dalrymple with the North Dakota Monitor have full story in including floor comments from legislators. Bill details on each can be found below.

The North Dakota House of Representatives recently voted against a bill that would have required the Ten Commandments to be displayed in all public school cafeterias and state-funded colleges. With a vote tally of 58-38, lawmakers expressed concerns over potential legal challenges and the bill’s constitutionality. While supporters argued for the positive moral impact of such displays, opponents, citing a history of forced cultural assimilation, raised important questions about inclusivity and respect for diverse beliefs in public education.

Bill details are below, vote records can be found in the “Actions” link. More information can be found form the North Dakota Monitor story linked below.

In Minot, an investigation into the local police department has sparked new legislation that could limit public access to performance records. Following severe allegations of misconduct and a chaotic probe that led to the job loss of the police chief, city leaders are now targeting North Dakota’s open records laws. Senators have proposed a bill, Senate Bill 2350, that would make internal investigation records less accessible, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in government operations. A hearing is scheduled for February 13.

Rob Port with Inforum has the news and comments on the bill and its impacts which are ones he’s well acquainted with going back in Minot’s recent history. Bill details can be found below.

North Dakota is making strides in promoting local foods within schools, according to the latest USDA Farm to School Census. Leading the mountain plains region, about 75% of school food authorities in the state incorporate local produce into their lunch offerings. This initiative, managed by the...

The EPA is calling its workforce back to the office, setting a tight timeline that will see most employees returning full-time by early spring. The move, in line with a new White House directive, has already sparked union resistance, with leaders calling it a violation of existing contracts. As legal challenges take shape, questions remain about logistics—where remote workers will be stationed and how the agency will handle potential departures. With productivity gains cited during telework, the return-to-office mandate may prove to be more than just a scheduling shift.

More on the story, the timing, and the exceptions from Government Executive linked below.

It would be more fun to comment on the antics of the ongoing 2025 North Dakota legislative session. Proposals to make "That Jew" the official king of North Dakota? Will being mentioned in the North Dakota Century Code make him more divine? Isn't outlawing fluoride just...