Today in Minot

Negative rhetoric regarding American judges by our President has been early, often, and harsh. It isn't unlike the behavior of many NBA players during the playoffs who continually whine about fouls—most of which are the right calls. Judges come in many flavors. Having practiced law for...

Wildfire season is off to an early and intense start in Canada—and its effects aren’t stopping at the border. Hundreds of fires are burning across central and western provinces, with smoke drifting south and degrading air quality in large parts of the U.S., especially the Midwest. Interactive maps from Canadian and U.S. agencies now show how widespread the impact has become. While some relief is expected this week, experts warn: it’s only June, and Canada’s fire season is just beginning. Michael Grothaus with Fast Company has the full story.

If you’d like to check the live status of Canadian fires, you can find that resource here from the CIFFC. The EPA’s air quality map can be found here. Unfortunately there is little data for North Dakota.

Geiranger, Norway—a village known for its dramatic fjord views—is testing a new strategy to counter rural depopulation: invite remote workers to live there rent-free during the winter. The Arctic Digital Nomads Grant, launched in 2024, offers free housing and office space to a small group of digital professionals willing to engage with local life. The pilot drew over 300 applicants for 15 spots and is now expanding with new infrastructure and lessons learned. It’s part tourism, part community-building, and a response to the quiet crisis of rural decline. Richard Orange with TheLocal.norway has the full story.

Watford City is moving forward with plans for a new urban park on North Main Street, following a 2024 community survey that identified strong public interest in a downtown gathering space. The Roughrider Fund committee has allocated up to $1.5 million to purchase seven lots, four of which will be used for the park. Estimated to cost between $2.5 and $3.5 million, the park will include a stage, sound system, public art, and concessions. A capital campaign begins in 2026, with construction planned for 2027–28. Edward Segal with KX News has the full story.

A new player has entered North Dakota’s political scene. Calling itself “unapologetically conservative,” the Freedom League of North Dakota launched this week with plans to recruit members, train activists, and influence policy within the Republican Party. The group’s first convention is set for August, where it will formalize its platform and leadership. With a focus on traditional values, limited government, and grassroots organizing, the League says it’s aiming to turn conservative energy into long-term influence—well beyond just showing up at the polls. April Baumgarten with InForum has the full story.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s property tax proposal—with its $1,600 homeowner credit and 3% local spending cap—isn’t just about shrinking tax bills. It’s also opening the door to bigger conversations about how local government works. From calls to restructure elected offices to debates over ward-based city commissions, North Dakota communities are starting to ask harder questions. As Bismarck delivers its version of reform, the spotlight now turns to counties and cities: are they organized to serve, or just stuck in old habits that taxpayers are tired of funding? That’s the crux of Rob Port’s latest commentery; read it from InForum linked below.

Minot North saved its best for last—and it paid off in a big way. With the low round of the day, the Sentinels surged past Fargo Davies to win the Class A Boys State Golf Tournament at Vardon Golf Club, right here in Minot. Kasen Rostad tied for third and shared co-senior athlete of the year honors, while teammate Walter Langhans finished fifth. Coach Shane Hennegrafs was named Coach of the Year, capping a hometown title run that brought Class A’s top prize back to Minot. Full scoring and details can be found in this article from Inforum.com

Flood control doesn’t usually inspire excitement—but in Findlay, Ohio, it just might. City leaders are proposing a bold $30–35 million plan that turns a flood-prone stretch near downtown into a space filled with playgrounds, music stages, and splash pads—all built to handle high water when it comes. It’s part infrastructure, part invitation: to be proud of their place. By designing for disruption rather than against it, Findlay is showing what it means to build resilience and community at the same time.

Editor’s Note: There is no bigger opportunity in Minot right now than 13 acres of downtown-adjacent land that will be acquired and 30+ acres of Roosevelt Park adjacent land that has already been acquired. Ideas similar to what Findlay is doing have been put forth, but there is no actionable plan to turn the land into a productive use.

For local governments, trust isn’t just a virtue—it’s infrastructure. And as cities embrace new technologies like AI to improve services, that trust is on the line. At last week’s Code for America Summit, leaders from across the country shared how they’re balancing innovation with transparency, especially in communities that have long felt left behind. Their message was clear: technology can enhance public service, but only if it’s built on a foundation of human connection and earned trust. Chris Teale with Route Fifty has the full story.

It’s easy to feel deflated after a community says no to a big idea—like Minot just did with the recent fieldhouse proposal. But moments like these are also invitations to recommit. In Winnipeg, a group of citizens lost their vote to reopen a downtown intersection—but instead of giving up, they kept working. What followed rippled outward across cities and years. This isn’t just a story about civic engagement—it’s a reminder that the Butterfly Effect is real, and you might be the start of it.