Today in Minot

Ohio's food and agriculture industry contributes $124 billion to the state's economy annually. Some farmers, however, argue that government policies need to be revised to support farmers nationwide in cultivating healthier foods for Americans. A report from President Donald Trump's Make America Healthy Again Commission blames...

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is now accepting entries for its annual Watchable Wildlife Photo Contest. The contest, which highlights the state’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty, is open to both amateur and professional photographers, and first began in 1989. Entries must be submitted...

Two years ago, North Dakota awarded a $600,000 film grant on a timeline so short it barely qualified as competitive. Officials insisted the rush was necessary—these were time-sensitive projects, they said. But now, the final report is in, and the films still aren’t finished. Not released, not screened, not awarded. The original rationale now feels flimsy, especially as lawmakers had already hinted where the money was going. The lingering question: was this ever about competition—or just a fast-tracked favor dressed up as process? Rob Port with InForum has the full story.

When false information spreads like wildfire online, the damage often outruns the correction. But what if we could stop the spark before it ignites? That’s the promise of “pre-bunking”—a proactive approach to misinformation that trains people to spot manipulation tactics before they’re exposed. Rooted in behavioral science and social contagion theory, this strategy treats falsehoods like viruses: teach resistance early, reinforce it often, and build group-level immunity. The more we practice together, the harder it becomes for lies to take root. Shaon Lahiri with The Conversation has the full story.

Alberta is taking a serious look at nuclear power, and this fall, the public will get a say. Premier Danielle Smith says growing energy demands—from AI data centers to remote oilsands operations—make the case for small modular reactors more compelling. While natural gas still dominates the grid, new proposals range from compact, site-ready units to a large-scale CANDU reactor project near Peace River. The message is clear: as energy needs evolve, so must the mix. Nuclear, once sidelined, is back on the table. Lauren Krugel with The Canadian Press has the full story.

Oil prices are ticking upward again as OPEC+ announced another planned production hike—this time by 548,000 barrels per day in August. The move reflects confidence in global economic stability and builds on earlier increases aimed at reclaiming market share after years of restraint. Prices responded quickly, climbing above $69 for Brent and $67 for West Texas Intermediate. Still, with even more supply expected later this year, analysts suggest this bump may be short-lived as the market adjusts to rising output. Hannah Parker with Quartz has the full story.

Across North Dakota, many farmers are planting hope but harvesting debt. With crop prices falling and input costs like fuel, fertilizer, and equipment still sky-high, more producers are borrowing just to stay afloat. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring warns the numbers don’t pencil out—when operating loans approach $900,000, even a sizable bailout check barely makes a dent. While short-term aid may ease some storm-related damage, the deeper financial strain is mounting. By fall, the state could be facing a full-blown farm crisis. Ken Duffy with WZFG has the full story.

Even when something is buried, it doesn’t mean it’s gone. That’s the lesson unfolding in a quiet Ohio neighborhood, where a leaky natural gas well from over a century ago is finally being sealed—again. Millions of similar “orphan wells” lie scattered across the country, many unrecorded and quietly polluting soil, water, and air. With old cement giving way and bankrupt companies shirking cleanup, the burden of repair is falling to taxpayers. The job is massive, expensive, and far from finished—even when it looks like it is. Camila Domonoske with NPR has the final pat of a three part series on the simmering orphan well problem; we shared part two in yesterday’s edition.