Today in Minot

In North Dakota, a new report is shining a light on a troubling issue: LGBTQ youth face significantly higher risks of harm and lack crucial support. Released by Harbor Health Initiative and Faye Seidler Consulting, the study reveals that these young individuals encounter more trauma, food and housing insecurity, and are alarmingly prone to suicidal thoughts. The findings urge state government to step in, promoting intervention and ensuring all youth have a safe and supportive environment. Get the full story from KX News.

In an age where smartphones feel like extensions of our hands, Nebraska lawmakers are stepping into the fray with proposals aimed squarely at safeguarding young minds. Leading the charge, State Sen. Tanya Storer and colleagues are set to introduce legislation requiring parental consent for minors to sign up on social media platforms. That’s alongside measures targeting cellphone policies in schools and outlawing AI-generated child exploitation materials.

The overarching goal? Empower parents and shield children from the digital hazards lurking behind every screen. And if you haven’t been paying attention. Theis wave is forming all around us. It seems inevitable that it will hit North Dakota, too.

Grand Forks is gearing up for a touch of transformation, focusing on the Greenway. The City Council just backed Houston Engineering to design the first phase of essential upgrades, funded by a hefty $3.49 million grant through the National Park System’s Outdoor Recreation Legacy Program. Think ADA-compliant spaces and refreshed outdoor areas. It’s a step toward rejuvenating an area that’s long overdue for some TLC, with construction slated for 2027.

Why does this matter in Minot? Grand Forks is just a ahead of us the flood and flood recovery path. They’ve navigated particularly well and taking queues from them wouldn’t be stupid. But in many respects, Minot has chosen to chart its own path. With regards to a greenway, We’ve got huge opportunities, particularly in the city center corridor, but we’ve yet to formalize any plan or task any entity.

Fargo is at a pivotal moment, with stakeholders gathering to chart its future course. At the inaugural State of Downtown Fargo event, city leaders celebrated achievements while eyeing new challenges. Mayor Tim Mahoney and community members highlighted downtown as the cultural heart of Fargo, essential for...

In North Dakota, 2025 could be another year when the state puts out the welcome mat for the livestock industry. Following [task force recommendations](https://ndlegis.gov/sites/default/files/resource/68-2023/legislative-management-final-reports/2025finalreport.pdf), the Legislature will consider updating how much local governments can restrict feedlot operations. The panel was specifically looking at distances allowed between larger...

In the heart of North Dakota, Rugby is proving that warmth isn’t just for the summer sun. Known for its genuine hospitality, this small town caught the attention of Kjersti Armstrong, North Dakota’s First Lady, whose brief stopover left an indelible positive impression. Rugby’s friendliness, championed by service industry locals as the city’s “frontline ambassadors,” mirrors a forward-thinking spirit aimed at community growth. Mayor Frank LaRocque, alongside a youthful council and development board, believes this welcoming vibe is key to Rugby’s future success.

This is a great little story from the Grand Forks Herald on that demonstrates that it’s all of us how are our places best ambassadors. In other words, don’t leave it to the professionals, it’s your job, too.

The reluctance of the North Dakota State legislature to accept the recommendations of the newly formed ethics commission should not be a surprise except to the most naive among us. Organizations historically have not been known to reform themselves. Elected officials having hubris is about as...

A bill under consideration by North Dakota lawmakers would restrict which organizations qualify to conduct charitable gambling. The discussion comes as electronic pull tab machines have proliferated in North Dakota, with 5,250 devices similar to slot machines at 846 sites across the state as of Dec....