Today in Minot

Nebraska’s best-kept secrets took center stage at the state’s annual tourism awards, where small-town charm and major attractions alike were celebrated. Adeline’s Bakery in Burr, known for its homemade pastries and warm hospitality, won the Nebraska Passport Champions’ Choice Award. Meanwhile, Norfolk’s revitalized riverfront, featuring a whitewater park, earned top honors as an Outstanding Tourism Attraction. From ecotourism to cycling events, the awards highlighted the state’s diverse experiences—proof that Nebraska’s tourism scene is as rich and varied as the landscapes it showcases.

Why does this matter in Minot? Consider an opportunity to do some good-idea-mining. See what new and creative concepts are making a splash in other places. That’s what you’ll find in this article from the Nebraska Examiner.

Sabrina Halvorson has stepped into a vital role as the first Chief Executive Officer of the North Dakota News Cooperative, bringing more than thirty years of journalism experience to the nonprofit. Rooted in the value of local news from her early days at her father’s California newspaper, Halvorson is committed to enhancing community engagement and news literacy throughout the state. Her mission is clear: to make the NDNC a trusted source of reliable information for all North Dakotans.

FEMA is stepping back from a key rule meant to protect public buildings from flood damage, a move experts say could put communities at risk. The Federal Flood Risk Management Standard required structures in flood zones to be rebuilt with future flooding in mind, but FEMA has quietly paused enforcement under a directive tied to President Trump’s executive order. Critics argue this not only threatens public safety but may also violate federal law. Without flood protections, taxpayers could be left footing the bill for rebuilding the same structures—again and again.

Why does it matter in Minot? Some more than others will remember the degree to which Minot accommodated FEMA’s policies following the 2011 flood. And many schools and public buildings are still at risk while our larger flood project is completed. The New York Times has the full story.

Frustration over values-based legislation took center stage at Minot’s legislative forum last Saturday, where Kalyn Dewitt protested bills she sees as blurring the line between religion and government. Dressed in a costume from The Handmaid’s Tale, she spoke out against measures like a resolution acknowledging the “kingship of Jesus Christ” and a bill requiring intelligent design in schools. Lawmakers also fielded questions on restroom policies for transgender students and restrictions on explicit materials in libraries. As debates intensify, so does the divide over the role of faith in public policy.

Jill Schramm with The Minot Daily News has the full story.

Political campaigns fueled by gambling proceeds? That’s the debate sparked by Rep. Jared Hendrix’s new bill, which would classify political organizations as “public-spirited,” making them eligible for charitable gaming funds. Critics, including nonprofit leaders, worry this could erode public trust in charitable gaming, already a billion-dollar industry in North Dakota. With the state’s loose campaign finance laws, the prospect of politicians benefiting directly from gambling revenue raises serious ethical questions. At stake is whether the law protects public interest—or political self-interest.

Rob Port has the full story on Inforum.com. Bill details can be found below.

Iceland is making a fundamental shift in how it taxes road use. The longstanding fuel tax will be replaced with a kilometre-based road tax, ensuring that all vehicles—electric, hybrid, and fuel-powered—pay based on distance driven. The government says this change is necessary to offset revenue losses from vehicle electrification and keep road funding sustainable. While similar proposals failed before, officials insist this version addresses key concerns. With implementation set for mid-year, the focus now shifts to public understanding and adaptation.

Why does it matter in Minot? Also in your newsfeed this morning is a story on the North Dakota legislature’s approach this same issue. Here in North Dakota, but in North Dakota, we’re not yet rethinking our method so much as adjusting our rate. Is it possible that a mileage tax is a more equitable method for collecting from those who use roads the most? We’re saying that’s the case; we’re just introducing the idea.

North Dakota will remain the only state without voter registration after lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to reinstate it. House Bill 1287, which would have required voters to register online or in person, failed in the House with a decisive 75-15 vote. Opponents argued it would be costly and unnecessary, while supporters saw it as a way to refine the primary process. For now, North Dakotans will continue to cast their ballots without prior registration—an approach some take pride in preserving.

The Links of North Dakota is making waves in the golf world. Recognized as the Midwest’s Regional Course of the Year and honored for its standout Junior Golf Program, the course has solidified its place among the best. These achievements come after a major irrigation overhaul that restored its top-tier condition, earning it the title of North Dakota’s #1 course. While the celebration is bittersweet following the loss of longtime partner John Kasmer, his legacy lives on in the course’s success and charitable contributions.

The Links of North Dakota is located South of Ray, ND on the shores of Lake Sakakawea. If you’re a golfer and haven’t played there, you’ll discover a course worth every bit of recognition its receiving.

Minot residents can soon expect quicker Amazon deliveries thanks to a new delivery center, WND3, that has opened in the area. With around 40 employees managing roughly 2,000 packages daily, this facility is set to improve delivery times not just for Minot, but for surrounding communities within a 30-40 mile radius. This 30,000 square-foot warehouse is one of five in North Dakota, enhancing the promise of timely two-day Prime shipping for local customers.

Rep. Josh Christy, who served North Dakota’s District 27 with dedication since 2022, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday. Michael Achterling with the North Dakota Monitor has the full story.

North Dakota lawmakers are pushing for more transparency from public officials. The House passed a bill requiring annual statements of interest, expanding financial disclosure rules and making statewide filings available online. Supporters say it simplifies the process and helps the public track potential conflicts of interest. Critics, like Rep. Dan Ruby, argue it creates unnecessary paperwork, especially for business owners working with local governments. With the bill now headed to the Senate, the debate continues over where to draw the line between transparency and administrative burden. The North Dakota Monitor has the full story; bill details on HB 1469 can be found below.

Public notices help keep government transparent—but where should they appear? The North Dakota Senate narrowly passed a bill allowing state agencies to hold meetings even if a required newspaper notice isn’t published, as long as it’s posted on the Secretary of State’s website. Supporters say this prevents meetings from being delayed over printing errors. Opponents worry it’s a step toward eliminating newspaper notices altogether, which most North Dakotans still prefer. With the bill now heading to the House, the debate over public access isn’t over. The Bismarck Tribune has the full story; bill details can be found below.

North Dakota’s rural roads are wearing down, and lawmakers are debating how to pay for repairs. The House passed a 3% gas tax increase to create a new road fund, directing most of the money to counties without oil revenue. Supporters say heavier farm traffic has strained infrastructure, while opponents argue existing funds should cover the cost. Electric vehicle fees would also rise under the plan. With a Senate vote ahead, the debate isn’t over—but for rural communities, the need for repairs is clear. Grant Coursey with the Bismarck Tribune has the full story. Bill details can be found below.

Donald Trump’s latest comments on Ukraine are raising eyebrows—and spreading misinformation. He called President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator” with a “4% approval rating” and suggested Ukraine should hold elections despite the ongoing war. The reality? Ukrainian law suspends elections under martial law, and Zelensky’s approval rating stands at 57%. Trump also falsely claimed Ukraine started the war, echoing Russian talking points. As U.S. and Russian officials hold talks without Ukraine at the table, questions grow about whose interests are really being served.

As you might imagine, media in Kyiv took exception to the comments of President Trump. This story from the Kyiv Independent lays out the case for their offense; the headline above belongs entirely to the Kyiv Independent as well, but the editorial it conveys is worth considering.

North Dakota lawmakers sent a clear message on high school sports transfers: Change is coming, but not through legislation—yet. A bill to lift the one-year waiting period for student-athletes switching schools failed, but pressure on the state’s activities association remains. With families voicing frustrations and lawmakers threatening future oversight, the association now faces a choice: refine its hardship appeal process or risk another legislative fight. For students caught in the middle, the hope is that reforms come soon enough to make a difference.

In Wyoming, trade ties with Canada are more than a policy debate—they’re an economic lifeline. State lawmakers reaffirmed that bond this week, even as President Trump pushes steep tariffs and stirs tensions with America’s northern neighbor. With Canada buying $430 million in Wyoming goods annually, and 47 Canadian-owned companies employing locals, disruptions could hit hard. The Legislature’s message? Friendship endures, regardless of federal friction. But with trade negotiations ongoing, the stakes remain high for Wyoming’s industries and small towns.

Why does this matter in Minot? Are the economic ties between North Dakota closer to Canada than those of Wyoming? We’d wager the answer is yes. Does that make Wyoming smarter than North Dakota for attempting to smooth relations with in important trade partner in spite of what’s happening in at the national level? You’ll have to answer that 😉

The Pentagon is facing a $50 billion budget shakeup as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth orders cuts to fund President Trump’s priorities. The directive targets bureaucracy, climate initiatives, and diversity programs, aiming instead at border security and a proposed “Iron Dome for America.” But trimming this much—about 8% of the budget—raises questions. Similar cuts a decade ago hit training and operations, leading to readiness issues. What gets cut this time, and at what cost? The answers will shape the military’s future.