Today in Minot

The first in a series of neighborhood meetings by the City of Minot tackled a tough but familiar issue—problem properties that burden the city and its taxpayers. At the first meeting in a new series, city officials laid out the challenges of enforcing zoning codes and abating nuisance properties, including one case that could eat up half the city’s nuisance budget. Most property owners comply when notified, but for those who don’t, the process is costly and slow. Officials encouraged residents to report issues early and previewed upcoming discussions on floodplain properties, recycling, and public safety.

Upcoming meetings and topics include:

• March 13: Sanitation, landfill and recycling at the Recycling building
• March 25: Snow & Ice Action Plan at the Parker Center
• March 27: Public Safety & Legacy City Hall at the Minot Public Library

A stretch of North Dakota highway is set to become a lasting tribute to fallen law enforcement officers. With unanimous support from both chambers, Senate Bill 2277 designates Highway 200 as the North Dakota Fallen Peace Officers Memorial Highway, ensuring that those who gave their lives in service are honored along the route. Families of the fallen will help determine individual memorial sites, and donations will fund the effort. The bill passed without opposition, joining other measures recognizing North Dakotans who served their country in Vietnam and World War II. KX News has the full story; bill details can be found below.

A high-stakes legal battle over the Dakota Access Pipeline has reached its midpoint, with Energy Transfer arguing that Greenpeace’s advocacy crossed into defamation and financial sabotage. The company claims it incurred hundreds of millions in losses due to protests and reputational damage, while Greenpeace counters that the lawsuit is an attempt to silence environmental activism. As expert witnesses debate financial impacts and legal teams spar over liability, the trial—expected to last five weeks—will test the boundaries between advocacy and corporate accountability.

For the full midpoint update, check out this coverage from Mary Steurer writing for the North Dakota Monitor.

As concerns over inflation and national debt grow, North Dakota lawmakers are weighing a proposal to invest a portion of the state’s treasury in gold and silver. Supporters argue that precious metals provide a hedge against the weakening dollar, following the lead of other states and global financial shifts. But questions remain—how to securely store the metals, the cost of implementation, and whether this approach best serves taxpayers. With strong opinions on both sides, the debate reflects broader economic anxieties about the future of the U.S. dollar.

Michael Achterling with the North Dakota Monitor has the full story. Bill details are below.

Nebraska’s unique way of awarding Electoral College votes is once again up for debate. A legislative committee, under pressure from Gov. Jim Pillen and Republican supporters, has advanced two proposals—one to switch to a winner-take-all system and another to let voters decide through a constitutional amendment. While supporters argue the change would unify Nebraska’s voice in presidential elections, Democrats call it an effort to silence diverse political representation. With a filibuster looming, the proposals face a tough road ahead in the Legislature. Get the full story from the Nebraska Examiner.

A former Grand Forks police officer has taken her fight to federal court, alleging discrimination, retaliation, and negligence by the city and its police leadership. Carrie Sell claims she was wrongfully terminated after reporting misconduct by a fellow officer, who she says harassed and stalked her. The city recently moved to fire that officer—months after Sell raised concerns—leading her to accuse officials of covering their tracks. As the lawsuit unfolds, it raises broader questions about accountability and the treatment of women in law enforcement. Sav Kelly with the Grand Forks Herald has the full story.

Saskatchewan is one of two provinces holding out on extending a federal deal that funds $10-a-day child care, raising concerns that parents will see rising fees and daycare closures. The deal, part of a nationwide child-care strategy, mirrors how Canada funds health care—federally supported but provincially run. While the federal government is offering billions to extend the program, Saskatchewan says it wants more flexibility before committing. With child-care centers already struggling, providers warn that delay could destabilize a system many families now rely on.

Why does this matter in Minot? Child care is among the larger challenges in our moment of stewardship, and we’re struggling with solutions. It seems unlikely there’s an appetite for Canada’s federal approach in the U.S. but the cost that gets passed to families is certainly one that will raise an eyebrow or two. Get the full story from the Regina Leader-Post.

Mississippi has become the third state to ban cultivated meat, joining Florida and Alabama in prohibiting the production and sale of lab-grown alternatives to traditional livestock. Supporters, including the state’s agriculture commissioner, frame the move as a defense of conventional farming, while critics see it as political theater targeting an industry that doesn’t yet have a foothold in these states. With legal challenges brewing and other states considering similar bans, the fight over cultivated meat is shaping up as both a regulatory and economic battle. Get the full story from Wired.

Nuclear energy may be clean, but its radioactive waste remains a challenge. Now, researchers have found a way to repurpose that waste—by using it to power tiny batteries. A new study shows how gamma radiation from nuclear byproducts can generate electricity for microelectronics, a breakthrough that could lead to ultra-low-maintenance sensors. While still in its early stages, the concept has potential applications near nuclear facilities and even in space. If scaled up, it could make nuclear power not just cleaner, but more efficient. Get the full story from David Nield writing for Science Alert.

With reading scores in decline, educators are searching for ways to re-engage students—and new research suggests that something as simple as larger print could make a difference. A study found that books with bigger text and more spacing reduce stress, boost confidence, and encourage students to read more. Teachers reported that struggling readers became more engaged, participated more in class, and even improved their comprehension. While no single solution will fix literacy challenges, large print books might be an overlooked tool in fostering lifelong readers.

Look for an update in our design on TheMinotVoice in the coming days in response to this new research.

In his return to the White House, President Trump has moved swiftly to redefine the government’s language—banning terms like “climate change” and “diversity” while ordering agencies to erase references to clean energy. Scientists and officials who rely on federal funding are adapting, some taking their work underground. The move reflects a broader effort to reshape public perception by controlling the words we use. But while language can be erased, the challenges of a warming planet and shifting energy needs remain. Get the full story from Kate Yoder writing for Grist.

Longstanding efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation may be unraveling. With President Trump signaling a shift away from traditional alliances, U.S. partners like South Korea, Japan, and even Poland are considering nuclear programs of their own. France has floated the idea of extending its nuclear umbrella, but uncertainty remains. Meanwhile, China and Russia are watching closely, and any moves toward nuclear development could trigger a dangerous global chain reaction. As world leaders weigh their next steps, the future of nuclear deterrence hangs in the balance.

Get the full story on diplomatic action and consequence from Patrick Tucker writing for Defense One, a national defense focused periodical.

Minot’s reclassification as an urban community is bringing new rules for public transit riders, particularly those who rely on paratransit. For years, door-to-door service was widely available, but now, riders with disabilities must complete a detailed application—and eligibility isn’t guaranteed. The city is hiring a mobility manager to oversee the process, aiming to implement the new system by April. Officials say the changes align with federal guidelines, but for those who depend on paratransit, the added paperwork marks a significant shift in accessibility. Kyona Rivera with KMOT has the full story.

North Dakota’s campaign finance laws are embarrassingly weak, and that’s no accident. Candidates and committees disclose little, and even when they break the rules, the penalties are laughable. A bill to change that—requiring more transparency and stiffening fines—passed the Senate without opposition. But in the House, lawmakers are bristling at the idea of revealing more about how they raise and spend money. Some claim it would expose campaign strategy, others insist there’s no problem at all. Their resistance raises a bigger question: Why are they so determined to keep voters in the dark?

That’s the introduction. Rob Port has the full story on topic that should have every North Dakota citizen’s engagement.

For the first time in years, the U.S. is seeing a sustained and dramatic drop in fatal drug overdoses. New research shows fentanyl-related deaths have declined in all 50 states, with some regions reporting a decrease of over 50%. Experts credit wider naloxone access, changes in drug use habits, and shifts in the street supply. While fewer people are dying, addiction and health crises persist, leaving cities like Philadelphia grappling with what comes next. The challenge now is turning survival into lasting recovery. Get the full story from NPR.

A fresh round of U.S. tariffs has sparked a renewed push for buying local in Regina, as Saskatchewan shoppers scan labels to avoid American products. With Canada responding to Trump’s 25% tariffs with countermeasures of its own, grocery store shelves are becoming a battleground in the trade dispute. Some businesses, already prioritizing Canadian suppliers, are doubling down, while shoppers voice frustration—but not with Americans, just with their president. As prices rise, many say the best response is simple: support Canadian farmers, producers, and businesses.

Get the full story on the equal and opposite reaction to the United State’s trade war from the Regina Leader-Post.