Today in Minot

Senate Republicans are racing to push through a sweeping tax and spending bill before the Fourth of July—but it comes with a hefty price tag. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the plan would add more than $3.2 trillion to the deficit over the next decade. Packed with changes to Medicaid, SNAP, higher ed, and tax policy, the 940-page package has already run into resistance—not just from Democrats, but from a few Republicans as well. With floor debates underway, the outcome is anything but certain. Jennifer Shutt with North Dakota Monitor has the full story.

In a rare show of unity, Montana’s congressional delegation chalked up a win in the early rounds of debate over the Senate’s massive spending package. Over the weekend, lawmakers stripped out a controversial provision that would have allowed the sale of millions of acres of public land—land opponents said was vital for clean water and recreation. Montana wasn’t directly affected, but its delegation stood firm, arguing the proposal set a dangerous precedent. The message: some resources are too valuable to put on the market.

A sign that once hung quietly in Idaho classrooms—declaring “Everyone is Welcome Here”—is now officially banned. The Idaho Attorney General’s Office ruled the message violates a new state law barring political expressions in public schools. The decision follows months of controversy after a teacher refused to remove the sign, prompting national attention. Critics say the ruling weaponizes vague language to silence inclusion, while state officials argue it’s about keeping politics out of classrooms. For now, the sign is out—and the debate is far from over. Emma Epperly with Idaho Capital Sun has the full story.

As smoke from Canadian wildfires drifted across North Dakota this spring, six state tournaments and the Fargo Marathon carried on under hazy skies. While neighboring states have clear air quality guidelines for school sports, North Dakota doesn’t. The decision to play or postpone? That’s left to local schools—unless it’s a state event, then it’s a group call. With air quality becoming a recurring issue, some wonder if common sense is enough. For now, there’s no firm line—just a growing awareness that clearer guidance may soon be needed. Ryan Spitza with InForum raises the question that needs answering.

Alberta’s classrooms are facing a rising tide of disruption, and the province is calling in reinforcements. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides has launched a new advisory group to tackle growing concerns over violence, aggression, and mental health in schools. Over the next six months, educators and system leaders will craft policy solutions—with some changes potentially rolling out as early as this fall. While opinions differ on the fixes, there’s wide agreement on the urgency: students and teachers need more support, and they need it soon. The Canadian Press has the full story.

Summer can spark anxiety for parents worried about academic backsliding—but the research offers a bit of relief. Yes, some kids forget skills over break (especially math), but most recover quickly once school resumes. Still, a little structure goes a long way. A summer plan doesn’t have to be intense—library reading challenges, simple goals, and playful learning can keep kids sharp without draining the fun. The key takeaway: it’s not about preventing every slip, but turning summer into a season of balance, curiosity, and steady growth. To give your kids the best chance at hitting September running, this story from Scientific American is a good starter.

As Russia ramps up its drone attacks on Ukraine, NATO is reinforcing the supply lines that keep Ukraine in the fight. Norway announced it will send F-35 fighter jets to Poland this fall to help protect the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport—just 60 miles from Ukraine’s border and a critical hub for Western military aid. With thousands of drones flooding Ukrainian skies each month, safeguarding this logistics lifeline isn’t just about Polish airspace—it’s about ensuring Ukraine continues to receive the support it needs to defend itself. Kateryna Hodunova with The Kyiv Independent has the full story.

Minot’s city leaders are staring down a $1.7 million gap in next year’s budget—and a new state law capping property tax increases isn’t making the math any easier. As budget talks heat up, ideas are on the table: tapping reserves, slowing street maintenance, rethinking outside agency funding, and potentially redirecting existing sales tax toward public safety. While some council members balk at the idea of any new tax, others say it’s time to reprioritize. The message from City Hall: now’s the time for residents to speak up. Jill Schramm with Minot Daily News has the full story.

The Supreme Court’s Sackett decision may have redefined what counts as a federally protected wetland—but it didn’t change what wetlands actually do. They still filter drinking water, buffer floods, and store massive amounts of carbon. Now, with federal protections slashed, it’s up to states to decide whether these natural safeguards are worth preserving. Some, like Colorado and New Mexico, are stepping up. Others lag behind. The outcome? A fragmented map of protections—and a test of how much the West values its waterlogged lifelines.

When North Dakotans head to farmers markets this summer, they might want to see which ones accept SNAP benefits, as the state is enhancing a search tool so that those eligible can stock up on fruits and vegetables. EBT cards distributed through SNAP are now accepted...