Today in Minot

MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University is pleased to announce its largest first-day freshman class in 14 years, reporting a total of 415 new freshmen, representing a 15% increase over 2024. MSU was also up 4% in transfer students, with 273 students, marking the largest fall...

A man was arrested following a fire incident at an apartment complex in southeast Minot, according to a statement released by the Minot Police Department on August 26, 2025. Authorities responded to the Meadowlark Apartments on August 25 at approximately 7:59 p.m. after receiving a report...

In Bismarck, opportunity comes with a high price tag. The city has three Class D liquor licenses up for bid, each with a minimum price of $200,000. Scarcity makes them valuable, but they do come with added flexibility—unlike other permits that tie alcohol sales to food or limit options, Class D licenses allow full sales without added restrictions. Bids are due September 16, with winners chosen by the highest qualifying offers. For entrepreneurs eyeing Bismarck’s bar and restaurant scene, the minimum price to compete has been set. Morgan DeVries with KX News has the full story.

Sunflowers are having a moment. New USDA data shows U.S. farmers planted 24% more acres than expected this season, with North Dakota leading the way and South Dakota posting the biggest jump. Strong prices and steady demand for sunflower oil have driven the surge, offering growers a brighter outlook compared to corn or soybeans. And it’s not just about economics—the fields are in full bloom, drawing tourists with maps, photo tips, and even seed giveaways. For now, sunflowers are both business and beauty. Jenny Schlecht with InForum has the full story.

In the heart of America’s honey belt, beekeepers are facing losses that threaten both tradition and the food supply it supports. Families like the Hulls in west-central Minnesota, who have kept bees for more than a century, are watching half their colonies collapse year after year. The culprits are complex—mites, chemicals, climate shifts, poor forage—and often defy easy answers. What’s clear is that without healthier hives, the ripple effects extend far beyond honey jars, touching crops and communities nationwide. Kevin Wallevand with InForum has the full story.

Hope Magelky’s journey has taken her from Dickinson to the world stage. Now living in Bismarck, she’s making history as the first North Dakota woman to play for the U.S. Women’s National Sled Hockey Team. Magelky started in net for the opening game of the inaugural World Para Ice Hockey Women’s Championships, where the U.S. cruised past Australia 8-0. With pool play continuing this week, she and her teammates are chasing more than wins—they’re building a foundation for the future of the sport. Luke Gamble with KFYR has the full story.

College students aren’t just wrestling with midterms and essays anymore—they’re up against a flood of misinformation delivered through the very apps they use most. At Georgia State University, one professor decided that ignoring this reality was no longer an option. By weaving short, fact-checking modules into a massive American Government course, instructors gave students the tools to question viral claims and shady sources. The results? Stronger critical thinking, sharper digital literacy, and a reminder that even small steps can strengthen democracy.

Modernizing a nuclear arsenal isn’t just about weapons—it’s about people, communities, and trust. At a town hall in Minot, Air Force leaders laid out the scope of the Sentinel missile replacement project, a decades-long effort to replace the aging Minuteman system. Residents pressed for answers on health, safety, and land use, especially with lingering concerns over cancer risks from past service. Officials pledged transparency, safer systems, and continued readiness, while acknowledging the massive scale: 400 new missiles and a timeline stretching into the 2040s. Jill Schramm with Minot Daily News has the full story.

The Minot North Sentinels will open their season carrying the weight of high expectations. Ranked first in the Division AA preseason poll, they lead a field that includes Kindred, Red River, Central Cass, and St. Mary’s. But for head coach Jacob Holmen, the focus isn’t on headlines—it’s on preparation. With most of last year’s roster returning and a lingering drive after a semifinal loss, the Sentinels enter 2024 with confidence, discipline, and a chip on their shoulder. Minot Daily News has the full story; view the rankings below.

Division AAA Football Poll (NDAPSSA) Preseason Poll

1. West Fargo Sheyenne (8) 0-0 62
2. Fargo Davies (6) 0-0 60
3. Bismarck Century (2) 0-0 42
4. Bismarck High 0-0 31
5. Minot High 0-0 23

Others receiving votes: Bismarck Legacy 0-0, West Fargo Horace 0-0, Fargo Shanley 0-0, West Fargo High 0-0.

Note: First Place votes in parentheses.

Division AA Football Poll (NDAPSSA) Preseason Poll

1. Minot North (11) 0-0 66
2. Kindred (1) 0-0 37
3. Grand Forks Red River (2) 0-0 29
4. Central Cass (1) 0-0 28
5. Bismarck St. Mary’s 0-0 27

Others receiving votes: Devils Lake 0-0, Jamestown 0-0, Dickinson 0-0, Grand Forks Central 0-0, Fargo South 0-0.

Note: First Place votes in parentheses.

When politics feels like little more than a shouting match, it’s easy to forget that the health of democracy depends on something deeper than laws and institutions. Integrity—not policy positions or partisan wins—is the true safeguard of the Constitution. Without it, even the strongest legal protections can be bent or bypassed. From court-packing to selective prosecution, the dangers are real. The question is whether citizens still expect—and demand—honesty from those in power. Read the rest of Mr. Summner’s commentary on Econlib

India has become one of Russia’s biggest oil customers since the war in Ukraine began, but pressure from Washington is forcing a careful recalibration. U.S. tariffs on Indian imports have doubled to 50%, and New Delhi is signaling compliance by trimming—but not abandoning—its Russian crude purchases. The cuts are modest, more symbolic than substantial, as Indian refiners still lean heavily on Moscow’s supply. The standoff underscores how trade, energy, and geopolitics remain tightly intertwined in today’s global economy.