Today in Minot

A year after Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s towering wooden trolls arrived in Detroit Lakes, they’ve become a destination phenomenon. Names like Alexa, Barefoot Frida, and Long Leif have drawn tens of thousands of visitors, even earning a spot on TIME’s “World’s Greatest Places” list. Whether it’s geocaching, treasure hunting, or simply hiking the trails, the community’s creative twist on public art keeps visitors exploring. Local groups are already planning new touches to extend the magic into the second summer. Vicki Gerdes with DL-Online has the full story.

MINNEAPOLIS, M.N. – Neil Roberts, a professional communication professor at Minot State University, has been a storyteller most of his life. His experience as a television anchor and reporter for local television, more than 25 years of doing syndicated radio reporting, and over 30 years as...

The 69th North Dakota Legislative Assembly focused on delivering real results for the people of our state. From historic tax relief and reform to education and rural infrastructure investment, we made decisions that will strengthen communities today and protect the state’s financial health for the future....

David Steiner, former CEO of Waste Management and current FedEx board member, has been tapped to lead the U.S. Postal Service starting in July. His appointment comes as the USPS faces mounting political and financial pressures under the Trump administration. Critics point to Steiner’s ties to FedEx, a major USPS competitor, as a potential conflict of interest. Supporters say they’re ready to work with him but remain cautious. The future of America’s mail service—and its independence—may hinge on the choices Steiner makes next. Hansi Lo Wang with NPR has the full story.

A week-long national safe boating public awareness campaign is May 17-23, an annual event that serves to educate boaters and water users heading into summer.A boat should have enough U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable life jackets on board for all passengers. North Dakota law requires all...

A new report from the Center for Climate Integrity is challenging the plastics industry’s latest promise: chemical recycling. While touted as a breakthrough that could make plastics infinitely reusable, the report argues the technology remains costly, inefficient, and largely unproven at scale. Internal documents from industry giants, including Exxon Mobil, reveal long-standing doubts about its feasibility. Critics say chemical recycling often creates fuel rather than new plastic, falling short of a true solution to the global plastic pollution crisis. Joseph Winters with Grist has the full story.

After more than a decade and countless miles traveled on behalf of family farmers, Mark Watne announced he will step down as president of North Dakota Farmers Union in December. Watne, who helped expand the group’s business ventures and youth programs, says it’s time for new leadership and fresh vision. Delegates will choose his successor at the state convention in December. So far, longtime NDFU leader Shelly Ziesch is the first to declare her candidacy, pledging to continue the grassroots advocacy the organization is known for.

In his first address to the press, Pope Leo XIV urged journalists to reject the “war of words and images” and embrace communication as a force for peace. Speaking to thousands at the Vatican, Leo praised the courage of reporters covering conflicts and called for the release of imprisoned journalists worldwide. He also warned of the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence and stressed the need for responsibility and discernment. His message: clear, compassionate communication is vital in turbulent times. Sarah Ventre with NPR has the full story.

During a recent visit to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari described the local economy as strong but tinged with growing uncertainty. Business leaders and community members shared concerns over persistent labor shortages, rising construction costs, and global trade pressures. While some employers welcomed a slight easing in the labor market, others cited workforce gaps, supply chain worries, and the impact of tariffs. The visit was part of the Federal Reserve’s Fed Listens initiative to gather on-the-ground insight for future monetary policy decisions. Erick Garcia Luna with Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis has the full story.

Polish rock band Trupa Trupa knows touring the U.S. feels more like mission impossible than a celebration of music. Frontman Grzegorz Kwiatkowski describes months of delays, visa uncertainty, and the looming risk of being turned away at the border. He’s not alone. International artists are weighing whether the steep costs, complicated visa process, and increased scrutiny under Trump’s second term are worth it. Some are pausing U.S. plans altogether, while others persist, believing cultural exchange remains vital despite the risks. Nastia Voynovskaya with MPR has the full story.

A high-profile foreclosure case tied to the former CEO of EPIC Companies is headed to trial in Ward County on February 2, 2026. Bravera Bank is seeking nearly $3 million in unpaid mortgage payments from Henry Land Holdings, a subsidiary of EPIC Holdings. Former CEO Todd Berning is among the defendants. EPIC Companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2024, and Berning also faces a separate civil suit in Cass County over more than $300,000 in disputed investments. Joe Skurzewski with KMOT has the full story.

North Dakota students are getting a hands-on introduction to the future of farming, thanks to a partnership between Microsoft and FFA. Through a new classroom program, students use AI-powered sensor kits to monitor soil moisture, detect nutrient deficiencies, and practice precision agriculture. The goal is to equip the next generation of farmers with the tools and data skills needed to meet challenges like drought, frost, and pests. It’s an early lesson in blending traditional farming know-how with cutting-edge technology. Megan Topping with KX News has the full story.

Two Minot communicators, Candace Brekke and Jessica Ackerman, were recognized for their standout work at the North Dakota Professional Communicators’ 2025 state conference. Brekke earned multiple awards across advertising, photography, and web categories, with several first-place entries advancing to a national competition this fall. The pair also shared a second-place win for website management. Grand Forks’ Amanda Kosior was named NDPC Communicator of Achievement, the group’s top honor, for her decades of leadership in communications and marketing. Minot Daily News has the full story.

LINCOLN — A new vaccine strategy developed and tested by a team from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln could signal an end to the annual flu shot routine. The possible breakthrough is laid out in newly published research in Nature Communications. The study, “Epitope-Optimized Vaccine Elicits Cross-Species...

Starting August 1, public boards across North Dakota will have to open the floor to the people at every meeting. A new law, signed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong, guarantees a public comment period for local government meetings—including school boards, park districts, and water resource boards. While boards can set reasonable limits on time and topics, the law addresses growing frustration over public bodies restricting citizen input. As Sen. Jose Castaneda put it, the aim is balance: giving the public a voice without derailing meetings. Michael Achterling with North Dakota Monitor has the full story.

Eighty years ago this spring, Europe was finally quiet. Planes no longer dropped bombs, tanks sat stationary, rattling machine guns fell silent. After six bloody years, World War II was at last over on the continent. But peace alone didn’t mean a return to life as...

Montana is doubling down on its promise to protect Native American heritage in schools. Two new laws, championed by Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, aim to strengthen both Indian Education for All and Native language revitalization efforts. One law creates tougher financial accountability for how schools spend state funding on Native history and culture education. The other gives tribes more control over language preservation partnerships. Both measures reflect a deeper commitment to honoring the cultural integrity of Montana’s American Indian communities.

MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University is proud to continue its long-standing tradition dating back to its first graduating class in 1914 by celebrating its 110th Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 16. “The annual MSU Commencement ceremony each May is such a special day when the...