Today in Minot

Massachusetts is taking a hard line on housing near transit. A new court ruling affirms that the state can sue cities and towns that fail to legalize multifamily housing near MBTA stations, enforcing a 2021 law aimed at boosting density around public transit. In this Upzoned episode, hosts Abby Newsham and Chuck Marohn unpack the ruling, debate the effectiveness of state intervention in local zoning, and argue that the real problem isn’t just restrictive land use—it’s a broader failure to align transportation investments with sustainable development.

Why does this matter in Minot? First, we need to start looking at zoning laws as a current problem, one that has the potential to be a current solution. Currently, we’ve turned zoning into an attempt to mitigate every disagreement among neighbors. Unfortunately, there is no fruit on that tree. What we need from zoning is to use it as a tool that furthers prosperity. Second, we — Minot — have had conversations on this exact topic — housing and transit. We evaluate them separately; they need to be tied — tightly.

Have a listen to the Strong Towns conversation below.

A century ago, Los Angeles rewrote the rules of the road, and America has been living with the consequences ever since. The 1925 Los Angeles Traffic Ordinance prioritized cars over people, redefining streets as spaces for speed rather than shared public life. Jaywalking laws, higher speed limits, and a shift away from streetcars helped solidify auto dominance, shaping cities nationwide. As pedestrian deaths climb and cities reconsider car-centric policies, the anniversary of this ordinance invites a fresh look at whether streets should serve vehicles—or the people who use them.

This is article is a fantastic look at one of the most forgotten and most impactful shifts in American urban development. If you want to understand why our places today are more costly, less prosperous, and less community oriented — this is a great place to start.

New research has confirmed what many feared—plastic isn’t just in our environment, it’s in our brains. A study published in _Nature Medicine_ found nanoplastics in every human brain sample analyzed, with concentrations rising over time. Brains from dementia patients contained significantly more plastic, though researchers caution that a direct link remains unproven. The findings raise urgent questions about long-term health effects and how well the brain protects itself from microscopic pollutants. As plastic use continues to grow, so does the need for deeper investigation into its impact on human health.

The Minot Public School District is facing a common but pressing challenge: a shortage of substitute teachers, particularly in elementary schools and at Minot Air Force Base. While there are nearly 200 substitutes available, many only cover high school classes, leaving younger students vulnerable when teachers are absent. Sarah Putt, a human resources assistant, highlights the importance of having qualified substitutes in every classroom to ensure that students receive uninterrupted learning. Efforts are underway, both locally and at the state level, to streamline the process for potential substitutes. KX News has more on the story linked below.

Outside of Fargo in Horace, hundreds of residents are weighing in on the future of the city’s downtown area, particularly regarding the historic grain elevator. Discussions led by local officials and the Metropolitan Council of Governments have highlighted a significant preference for keeping the elevator as part of the town’s identity. With plans for community space and new developments, residents are exploring three design concepts while aiming to balance modern needs with their small-town charm. Feedback opportunities remain open as the project progresses.

Why does this matter in Minot? We’ve got two historical elevators downtown that are no small part of the Magic City’s skyline. What’s the future hold for them? For one, a mural from a world-renown artist. For the other — a future much less certain. Perhaps Horace’s approach of gathering feedback from the community is an approach Minot should mirror.

To learn more about the Union Silos project and the work that will be completed this year by Guido van Helten, check the website here.. And for our look at this same topic from a long time ago you might enjoy reading about the technicolor elevator.

Home is more than a place—it’s a sense of belonging. For many in Montana’s LGBTQ+ community, that feeling is slipping away. As the state pushes forward with legislation affecting transgender residents, people like Charley Macorn are making the painful decision to leave. An oral history project at the University of Montana is capturing these stories, documenting a “queer drain” shaped by politics, fear, and a search for safety. What happens to a place when its own people no longer feel welcome? Montana is finding out.

Why does this matter in Minot? If you think Montana is all that different, we’d like to invite you to consider the news headlines out of the legislature over the past month. Bathroom bills, restrictions on health care, banning books and restricting librarians — and the list could go on. What impact do you think all this has on someone a little outside the standard definition of “normal?”

In a world where moving to a more accepting place has never been easier, where opportunities are everywhere, where would you want to be? In a place that was hostile to your lifestyle or a place that accepted it? This story from the Daily Montanan should be required reading for anyone stepping into public service.

When push comes to shove, Canadians know how to rally—with a bagel, a flight path, and a well-placed moose in the snow. In response to Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats (and his offhand musing about making Canada the 51st state), patriotic creativity is taking center stage. Montreal bagels are going red and white, pilots are sketching Maple Leafs in the sky, and coffee lovers are rebranding the Americano as the “Canadiano.” Even the Super Bowl is getting the cold shoulder. If diplomacy fails, at least Canada’s got cider, snow art, and national pride to keep warm.

Why does this matter in Minot? Canadians are both our friends, family, and tourists in our town. And it seems President Trump’s trade war is stirring up some sentiments — and now actions — that may not necessarily be good for Minot. Time will tell.

Norwegian historian Thor Gotaas recently visited Minot to explore the North Dakota chapter of Sondre Norheim’s life. Known as the father of modern skiing, Norheim left Norway in 1884, eventually settling in McHenry County. Gotaas, commissioned to write a book for Norheim’s 200th birthday, is no stranger to storytelling—his passion for history was sparked by family tales of resilience during World War II. With 51 books to his name, Gotaas remains dedicated to preserving Norwegian heritage, much like Norheim preserved the spirit of skiing.

For more on the author’s time in Minot, check out this story from

Tom Robbins, the novelist who spun wild, lyrical tales that defied convention, has died at 92. Best known for _Jitterbug Perfume_, _Skinny Legs and All_, and _Even Cowgirls Get the Blues_, Robbins infused his work with humor, surrealism, and deep philosophical musings. Though often labeled a counterculture writer, his novels explored feminism, social justice, and the environment beneath their whimsical surface. Robbins believed language itself was the heart of storytelling—brilliant, evocative, and playful to the end. His words remain, crackling with life and mischief.

North Dakota’s workforce shortage is no secret—job openings far outnumber available workers, and businesses across industries are struggling to keep up. Yet, a new bill aims to eliminate the Office of Legal Immigration, a program designed to help employers navigate the complex process of hiring foreign workers. Supporters of the bill argue that Americans should fill these roles, but with thousands of unfilled jobs, businesses say they can’t afford to wait. At stake isn’t just policy—it’s the ability of North Dakota’s economy to function.

Get the full story from the North Dakota News Cooperative. Bill details are below.

North Dakota Republican leaders recently voiced strong disapproval of Rep. Nico Rios following a controversial social media post they deemed antisemitic. The District 23 NDGOP’s executive committee not only issued a vote of no confidence in Rios but also highlighted a history of troubling behavior, including previous racist comments during a DUI arrest. While Rios plans to apologize and wants to focus on his legislative work, the party underscores the need for accountability as they navigate a delicate situation.

Michael Acterling with the North Dakota Monitor has the full story linked below.

The actions of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus have raised eyebrows among local officials and residents alike. Their legislative push seems aimed at diminishing the authority and resources of the very communities they represent. Striking a balance between tax relief and maintaining vital services has proven elusive, with proposed cuts risking the stability of local governments. As these reforms unfold, it’s important to consider the broader implications and to engage local leaders in conversations about consequences, rather than pursuing an ideological agenda.

Why does this matter in Minot? We’re having the exact same conversations in North Dakota. Consider the recent bill on non-binary bathrooms — on the one hand, the legislature is forcing Minot Public Schools to address their bathrooms in our brand new high school. If they don’t — fines. On the other had, we’re blaming local officials for their spending and the solution is to cap their budgets. How do those two ideas — forcing spending, and capping budgets reconcile? They don’t. And this is just one example.

Read more about the bathroom bill passed by the House here.

North Dakota lawmakers are once again debating tenure at the state’s public colleges, but a new amendment would allow it to remain—with stricter oversight. House Bill 1437 originally proposed eliminating tenure at two-year schools, but now calls for updated guidelines and more frequent reviews. Supporters argue tenure grants too much job security, while defenders say it protects academic freedom and boosts faculty productivity. The bill would require tenured professors to undergo review every three years instead of five, a change some fear would burden administrators at research universities.

The Government and Veterans Affairs Committee has yet to make a recommendation on the bill. The Bismarck Tribune has more details; that story is linked below as well as links to the bill details.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Embrace the spirit of winter at “Dog Days of Winter,” Sunday, Feb. 16, 2-3:30 p.m. at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. This free family-friendly event is open to all ages. Dogsledder Jasmyn Hatlestad will share her journey into...

A petition to increase transparency in North Dakota’s Legislature has been withdrawn just days after it was filed. The measure aimed to make all lawmaker communications on legislative business public, require conflict-of-interest disclosures, and delay salary increases until the next term. It also proposed banning lawmakers from lobbying for four years after leaving office and restricting their access to benefits. The sponsor, Jerol Gohrick, didn’t provide a reason for the withdrawal. Meanwhile, a separate petition is under review to loosen restrictions on vehicle window tinting statewide.

A cybersecurity breach has disrupted operations at Lee Enterprises, the parent company of _The Bismarck Tribune_ and newspapers across 24 states. While _The Tribune_ has continued publishing, some editions were delayed, digital access was affected, and print quality has suffered. Lee Enterprises is investigating the breach, but details remain scarce. Law enforcement has been notified, and efforts are underway to prevent future incidents. As the company works to restore full service, subscribers and readers are asked for patience during the ongoing disruptions.

North Dakota lawmakers are set to discuss a bill that would mandate the teaching of “intelligent design” in K-12 science classes. This proposal, Senate Bill 2355, aims to classify intelligent design as a legitimate scientific theory alongside evolution. Its supporters, including notable Senate and House leaders, argue it reflects their religious convictions. However, critics contend that intelligent design is akin to creationism, lacking scientific evidence and potentially discouraging families and businesses from engaging with the state’s educational system. The hearing will take place at the state Capitol on February 12.

Introduced by Sen. Dwyer, Sen. Beard, Sen. Hogue, Rep. Lefor, Rep. Rohr, Rep. Schreiber-Beck. Details can be found below. Peyton Haug with Inforum.com has more on the story.

North Dakota lawmakers have rejected a proposal to limit eminent domain for carbon pipelines. The bill, which failed by five votes in the Senate, aimed to prevent companies from using eminent domain to secure land for carbon dioxide transport and underground storage. Supporters argued it would protect property rights, while opponents warned it could stall energy projects. The debate was fueled by landowners frustrated with Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline, which is moving forward despite local objections. With the vote settled, the broader fight over land use and energy development continues.

The vote in the Senate was Yays 21, Nays 26. Bill details as well as the roll call can be found below.

North Dakota lawmakers are weighing how to fund free school meals, but the debate isn’t about whether to provide them—it’s about where the money should come from. A legislative committee backed using $140 million from the state’s general fund rather than tapping the Legacy Fund, North Dakota’s oil-fueled investment account. Supporters say it’s time for the state to cover school meal costs, while opponents warn that big spending could sideline property tax relief. Both funding options now head to a full House vote, where the next decision awaits.

Get the full story from Jeff Beach with the North Dakota Monitor. Bill details can be found below.

President Trump is pulling the plug on a research arm within the Department of Education, leaving educators and policymakers in the dark. The Institute of Education Sciences (IES), which has long provided data on student achievement and best teaching practices, is seeing its contracts canceled, according to employees who spoke with NPR. The move, directed by a White House efficiency unit, has left staff shaken and raises pressing questions about the future of education research.