Today in Minot

On July 13, 2025, the Ward County Sheriff’s Department and Ryder RFD responded to a report of a grass fire at a rural farm near Ryder. The fire spread quickly to a nearby barn, which was soon fully engulfed. Larry Russel Johansen of Eldorado Hills, CA,...

Minot police have confirmed that a 92-year-old man who was struck by a vehicle Saturday afternoon in southwest Minot has died from his injuries. Rollin W. Rogness, of Minot, was crossing the intersection of 31st Avenue SW and 16th Street SW around 2:58 p.m. on July...

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is working to add as many as 300 additional beds to its overburdened prison system over the next year. “We’re literally trying to lift up about, as far as I’m concerned, four mini prisons across the state all...

In parts of Detroit, residents aren’t just worried about potholes — they’re worried about the air they breathe. A concrete plant in the Cadillac Heights neighborhood has stirred up dust, truck traffic, and serious health concerns, with air monitors showing pollution levels far above EPA standards. Thanks to a growing network of community-installed monitors, residents now have real-time data to help protect themselves and push for accountability. The fight for cleaner air here is a reminder: sometimes the first step to fixing a problem is simply measuring it. Brian Bienkowski with The New Lede has the full story.

Editors Note: Coughs, clears throat.

Mosquitoes beware — your days might be numbered, and this time it’s not citronella doing the work. A Chinese engineer has unveiled the Photon Matrix, a laser-equipped gadget that tracks and zaps mosquitoes right out of the air, one tiny villain at a time. Sure, it won’t cover your whole patio and it’ll set you back about $500, but it feels like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. As disease-carrying mosquitoes push into new regions, this might just be the most satisfying way yet to bite back. Jesus Diaz with Fast Company has the full story, or watch below.

A few years ago, Alabama’s math performance ranked dead last in the nation — but today, it’s turning heads for all the right reasons. Thanks to focused investments in teacher preparation, coaching, and curriculum, the state has climbed from 52nd to 32nd in fourth grade math, defying national trends of stagnation. The lesson? Helping kids succeed starts with helping teachers succeed. Alabama’s progress shows what’s possible when policymakers commit to giving educators the tools and support they need — and other states might want to take notes. Daniel Mollenkamp with EdSurge has the full story.

BISMARCK, N.D. — Baseball historian and author Phil S. Dixon will present “Legacies on the Mound: Baseball Players in North Dakota History” at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck. The free public event is a partnership...

The North Dakota State Fair is back — and longtime fairgoers will notice some updates this year. From smoother ticketing with self-serve kiosks and cashless food vendors to improved lighting and walkways, organizers are working hard to make the fair more convenient and welcoming. Free bus service from Dakota Square Mall helps skip the parking crunch, and a B-52 flyover on opening night promises a memorable start. But at its heart, the fair still delivers what matters most: fun, food, music, and a safe place for the whole community to gather. Charles Crane with Minot Daily News has the full story.

Minot has a new chief — and he’s eager to get to work. Michael Frye stepped into his role today, bringing over two decades of experience and a clear vision for the department’s future. His priorities? Supporting officers, strengthening community ties, and refreshing the department’s image, all while emphasizing that the officers residents know and trust remain at the heart of the force. Frye’s leadership begins with energy and optimism — and he says he’s ready for Minot to get to know him right back. Megan Topping with KX News has the full story.

Dunn County residents turned out last month to see their new West Dunn Fire Hall in Killdeer, a $6 million project completed under budget. The station includes larger garage bays, gear storage, office space, upgraded living quarters, and an indoor training area so firefighters can train year-round. It replaces the old hall on Highway 22, which will be torn down. The department’s 40 volunteer firefighters serve nearly 2,200 residents across about 1,000 square miles — and this new facility is designed to help them do it more efficiently. Evan Butow with Dickinson Press has the full story.

Montana’s iconic rivers are feeling the strain this summer, and so are anglers. With drought deepening and water temperatures rising, officials have imposed early restrictions and closures across nearly two dozen rivers to protect vulnerable trout populations. These “hoot owl” closures, which limit fishing during the hottest parts of the day, reflect just how fragile conditions have become. For anglers, this season is shaping up to be as much about conservation as recreation — a reminder of the delicate balance between Montana’s wild waters and those who love them. Amanda Eggert with Montana Free Press has the full story.

Canada’s wildfire season is once again forcing thousands from their homes, and today Prime Minister Mark Carney is calling together key leaders to confront the crisis. Communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan are under evacuation orders for the second time this summer, while smoke blankets large parts of both provinces. With conditions worsening and warnings in British Columbia of dangerous fire behavior ahead, this latest wave underscores just how relentless and disruptive this wildfire season has become.

The City of Minot, in conjunction with Minot Air Force Base and the Ohio Air National Guard, has scheduled aerial spraying for mosquito control in the Minot area for an evening between July 14-18, weather permitting. A second spraying has been scheduled for the week of...