Today in Minot

I was compelled to jot down some interesting numbers that pertain to North Dakota’s outdoors as Jeb Williams, Game and Fish Department director, recently addressed the joint Senate and House Legislative Natural Resource committees. Did you know the Game and Fish Department manages 439 fishable waters...

North Dakota's legislative session is in the rearview mirror, and the impact of hundreds of bills that were approved is still being assessed. That includes by county governments, getting ready for property tax changes. Of the nearly 1,100 bills introduced this year, North Dakota lawmakers approved...

When Justin Bibb needed fresh air during the pandemic, Cleveland’s green spaces gave him room to breathe—literally and politically. Now, as mayor, he’s working to make sure every resident is within a 10-minute walk of that same relief. Across the U.S., cities like Cleveland are leading on climate action not just with carbon goals, but with practical benefits: lower bills, cleaner air, and more jobs. As federal support fluctuates, it’s local leaders who are keeping the momentum alive—by staying close to the people they serve. Matt Simon with Grist has the full story.

BEULAH, N.D. – A former coal mine in western North Dakota that will be converted into a processing site for nickel mined in Minnesota was touted Wednesday as a way for the U.S. to reduce its reliance on China and other countries for critical minerals needed...

After five rounds of negotiations, Minot Public Schools and the teachers union are closing in on a new contract. The latest discussion brought agreement on retention bonuses—ranging from $750 to $1,200 depending on experience and education—and maintaining the current salary scale. There’s also a proposed increase in the number of accumulated personal days. Next up: ratification by the teachers union. If approved, the deal goes to the school board. If not, both sides will head back to the table. Lindsey Miller with KMOT has the full story.

Minot is nearing a pivotal decision in its search for a new police chief. After months of evaluating candidates, city leaders hosted a public meet-and-greet with the three finalists: a Minneapolis veteran turned campus chief, a Wisconsin chief with federal credentials, and the city’s current interim leader. Each brings a distinct background and philosophy—but all aim to restore trust and stability within the department. Megan Topping with KX News has more reporting on the story linked below. You can watch the public forum via Youtube next.

As battlefield losses mount and international pressure builds, Vladimir Putin is signaling he’s open to peace—on his terms. New reports suggest the Kremlin wants written guarantees halting NATO’s eastward expansion and easing sanctions in exchange for a ceasefire. But with Ukraine unwilling to compromise on sovereignty and the West wary of repeating past missteps, the path forward is uncertain. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s involvement adds another layer, as the former president pushes for a deal while warning Putin not to overplay his hand. The stakes remain global, and the window for diplomacy narrow. Guy Faulconbridge with Reuters has the full story.

When a pipeline ruptures and nearly 400,000 gallons of oil spill into North Dakota wetlands, you expect the story to focus on damage and blame. But in Walsh County, what lingers isn’t the disaster—it’s the cleanup. Local officials recall the 2019 Keystone Pipeline spill not for its scale, but for the swift, thorough response that followed. With the site restored and no lasting complaints, leaders credit the former operator, TC Energy, for handling the crisis with transparency, urgency, and uncommon effectiveness. Delaney Otto with Grand Forks Herald has the full story.

North Dakota lawmakers aren’t packing away their notebooks just yet. Senate Majority Leader David Hogue has asked for a full briefing on five possible scenarios that could trigger a special session—ranging from redistricting fallout and veto disputes to oil market shocks and lost federal funding. While the regular session left six unused legislative days on the table, whether they’ll be called back depends on court rulings, economic shifts, and unresolved questions about a mistaken veto that may have cut millions in housing aid. For now, it’s wait, watch, and prepare. Grant Coursey with Bismarck Tribune has the full story.

When research funding dries up, scientists start looking for new soil—and lately, many are turning to Europe. As U.S. institutions face tightening budgets and growing political pressure, European labs are seeing a surge in interest from American researchers. The challenge? Europe has the talent and infrastructure, but lacks a unified strategy. This call to action argues for bold, coordinated investment across the continent—before the opportunity slips away. Because science doesn’t wait, and global leadership in research is up for grabs. Maria M. Mota with Nature has the full story.

Editor’s Note: This might not seem like ForMinot content, but few places understand the consequences of talent moving on better than the American prairies. The rhetoric and policies from on high in Washington are already having consequences and they can be observed by the reorganizing they’re triggering. This is just one example that it’s happening. And it’s hard to imagine pushing talented people away is a good long-term strategy.

Manitoba is facing one of its most serious wildfire emergencies in recent memory. With more than 100 active fires—many burning out of control—the province has declared a state of emergency and begun evacuating thousands from northern communities, including Flin Flon. Dry conditions and high winds are accelerating the spread, while smoke is impacting air quality across the region. Premier Wab Kinew has requested military support, and officials are urging residents to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice as the threat continues to grow. Mike Thom with Discover Westman has the full story.