Today in Minot

Some rivalries outlive the structures that built them. North Dakota and Minnesota no longer share a conference or play for standings, but when the puck drops in Grand Forks this weekend, none of that will matter. The history — the Vanek-Parise duels, the overtime goals, the noise — still echoes every time they meet. Rosters change, arenas evolve, but the energy remains constant. This weekend the rivalry renews itself in Grand Forks. This article from Brad Elliott Schlossman writing for the Grand Forks Herald is your primer.

Science doesn’t fear being wrong—it depends on it. The latest issue of Scientific American celebrates that spirit, exploring discoveries that challenge what we think we know. From a geochemist’s claim that complex life began hundreds of millions of years earlier than believed, to revelations about false promises in the supplement industry, each story reminds us how truth evolves through doubt. It’s a reminder that progress isn’t built on certainty—it’s built on the courage to question what seems settled. Unless you’re type (that science discovered) never accepts new information, you might appreciate this commentary from David M. Ewalt with Scientific American.

The Three Affiliated Tribes are building something significant in White Shield—a 37,000-square-foot casino that’s still taking shape but already sparking conversation. Tribal leaders recently walked through the construction site with the architect, looking at digital renderings of what’s to come: hundreds of slot machines, table games, a restaurant, and more. The project, announced in 2023 and set to open in 2026, is designed to honor MHA Nation’s culture while generating economic growth for the community. Right now, it’s an open canvas—which means there’s still time to shape what it becomes. Get the full story including picture of the progress from Minot Daily News.

China has tightened its grip on one of the world’s most strategic resources: rare earth metals. With new export restrictions that could impact everything from smartphones to jet engines, Beijing is signaling it’s willing to use its dominance in these critical materials as leverage in trade talks with the U.S. The move comes just weeks before a planned meeting between President Trump and President Xi, adding fresh tension to an already fragile relationship between the world’s two largest economies. Christian Shepherd with The Washington Post has the full story.

I recently attended a meeting held at the Business Department on the campus of Minot State University. Because I arrived early, I checked out what was posted on the bulletin boards in the hallway outside our meeting room. The poster that was most impressive was one...

The North Dakota Department of Commerce has awarded $15 million in Destination Development Grants to 23 projects across the state. These investments will enhance tourism infrastructure, elevate visitor experiences, and support long-term economic growth in communities large and small. The 2025 grant cycle was like a...

North Dakota nearly rolled back its restrictions on conversion therapy this year — a reminder that old battles rarely stay settled. Now, a case before the U.S. Supreme Court could decide whether states have the authority to regulate such practices at all. The outcome could ripple far beyond questions of sexuality, striking at the balance between professional standards and free speech. At its core, the case asks: does the First Amendment protect therapy that science says can do real harm? For the full story and a look at some of the rippling consequences, Rob Port has the piece worth reading at InForum.

Maria Greeley had just finished a double shift and was heading home to walk her dogs when three masked federal agents surrounded her outside a Chicago bar. They zip-tied her hands, accused her of lying about being a U.S. citizen, and told her she “didn’t look like” a Greeley. She was born at Illinois Masonic Hospital. Her story captures the fear rippling through Chicago as “Operation Midway Blitz” blurs the line between immigration enforcement and the everyday lives of American citizens. Gregory Royal Pratt with Chicago Tribune has the full story.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) will host a Fedorchak Forum: Conversations with Constituents on Tuesday, October 21, from 5:30–6:15 p.m. CT (4:30–5:15 p.m. MT). This is the sixth in her series of statewide discussions to connect with North Dakotans, answer their questions, and discuss...

For the first time in decades, the Pentagon’s press room has gone quiet. Rows of empty desks now mark a rare act of solidarity among journalists who chose principle over access. Faced with new rules that let Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth decide what information they could pursue or publish, dozens turned in their badges and walked out together. Their message was simple: if truth must be approved before it’s told, it’s no longer journalism — it’s propaganda. David Bauder with has the full story.

In Brandon, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s becoming a point of pride. The City and Chamber of Commerce are teaming up again for the 2025 Green Business Award, recognizing local companies that turn good intentions into measurable impact. Whether it’s conserving water, cutting waste, or finding creative ways to reuse materials, the award honors innovation that goes beyond compliance. Past winners prove it doesn’t take size to make a difference—just a commitment to doing business a little smarter, and a little greener. Betty Sawatzky with Discover Westman has the full story.

A new poll obtained by InsideSources shows Americans disapprove of the job Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is doing overseeing the nation’s health care — and they have serious concerns about his links to lawsuits targeting the drug companies he regulates. The...

Some people reject facts not because they’re misinformed—but because it makes them feel powerful. New research in The Journal of Social Psychology explores how, for a certain subset of people, clinging to obvious falsehoods is less about truth and more about symbolism. These “symbolic thinkers” treat misinformation as a show of strength—proof that they can’t be swayed or controlled. In their world, facts are flexible, but defiance is absolute—and the more absurd the claim, the bolder the performance. Randy Stein with The Conversation has the full story.

Across North Dakota and elsewhere, there are kids fishing, Take a Kid Hunting, and volunteer organizations to help keep the spirit of hunting and fishing alive. From 2011–16, we lost 2.2 million hunters nationwide amidst population increases. But don’t put on blinders and stick your head...

North Dakota’s fall fish surveys don’t make flashy headlines, but they quietly shape the future of fishing across the state. Fisheries biologists spent recent weeks studying this year’s young fish to see which lakes produced strong natural reproduction and where stocking efforts paid off. Early signs point to healthy walleye year classes in the state’s biggest waters — Sakakawea, Oahe, and Devils Lake — along with solid perch numbers elsewhere. It’s data-driven work today that ensures good fishing seasons tomorrow.

BISMARCK, ND – Attorney General Drew Wrigley today issued a warning to North Dakota residents regarding new scams involving fraudulent government imposters convincing individuals to purchase and transfer gold bars as a means of purportedly safeguarding their money. This scam uses false urgency and threats to...