Today in Minot

Broadcast television is slowly fading out. Over the past two decades, fewer people are flipping channels, opting for on-demand streaming instead. Streaming services are bagging the top shows and sports events, often leaving traditional TV struggling for audience and ad revenue. What’s more, controversies linger, with figures like Trump and FCC nominee Brendan Carr threatening to pull broadcast licenses. While it’s not disappearing overnight, this steady decline hints at a future where broadcast TV, once a free entertainment staple, might eventually be a relic of the past.

Ward County has seen a modest 2.67% increase in agricultural land values for 2025, setting the average at $830.43 per acre. On Tuesday, the County Commission narrowly decided to peg property tax calculations at 94% of this certified value, after a lively debate on whether to ease the percentage to give local property owners a break. While some commissioners argued for a softer approach, concerns about compliance with state requirements ultimately shaped the decision. As tax seasons unfold, this move highlights the Commissioner’s attempt to balance tax burdens and adhering to tax law.

It’s a new year and new Congress. While most legislation we’ll see this term has yet to be introduced, some of the early bills are out of touch with the needs of most Americans.  Although many voters supported Donald Trump in the hope that he’ll address...

** **Team Minot leaders and newly inducted honorary commanders pose for a photo at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Jan. 15, 2025. The honorary commander program aims to connect Team Minot leaders with leaders from the local community to foster mutual support, partnership, and awareness of...

North Dakota lawmakers on Wednesday rejected another attempt at legalizing online sports betting. Rep. Scott Louser, R-Minot, said he hoped to stave off a citizen-initiated measure on legalizing online sports betting with a resolution that would have put the issue up to a statewide vote.  But...

In the heart of Minot, North Dakota, the Blue Rider bar is becoming more than just a local landmark—it’s a cinematic story. Filmmakers from Sole Purpose Films are crafting a documentary that celebrates 30 years of this historic wood frame building, capturing the essence of community through the lens of a beloved neighborhood gathering spot.

House Bill 1373 is stirring debate with its proposal to legally define an unborn baby as a human being from the moment of fertilization. While supporters, like state Sen. David Clemens, see it as a means to extend legal rights to the unborn, critics are worried about its impact on in vitro fertilization (IVF). For instance, Fargo resident Shauna Erickson-Abou Zahr fears the bill could dim the hopes of families striving to have children.

Kjersti Maday writing for Inforum has the story.

In a world bustling with innovations and digital distractions, there’s a quiet, delightful rebellion afoot—Stick Nation. This worldwide movement reminds us of the simple joy found in nature’s most unassuming creations: sticks. People everywhere are embracing their inner child, crafting whimsical narratives around these humble twigs. It’s a celebration of creativity and a nod to the wonder of imagination. So, if life’s complexities have you down, maybe it’s time to see what stories a stick might tell you.

People who care about their community often feel like they can’t make a difference. They see their neighborhoods struggling with unaddressed problems, hoping someone else will step up to fix things. It’s easy to feel powerless, but a Local Conversation group in Chicago is proving that...

Hunting, fishing, trapping and conservation issues can change quickly with a nasty winter, disease and other influences that challenge the animals on the landscape and the people who pursue them. Then again, sometimes the stars align and both animals and people benefit. To see where we...

House Bill 1430 challenges the boundaries of counseling for those questioning their sexuality or gender identity. If passed, the bill will only allow counseling aligning with heterosexual norms or biological sex. Introduced by Representative Lori VanWinkle (R, Minot), who cites statistics on adolescent identity alignment, the bill demands transparency and consent from individuals or their guardians. Opponents, like Jennifer Boeckel of the Board of Social Work Examiners, warn it could border on unethical practices.

Megan Topping with KX News has the full story.