Today in Minot

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Within the Republican Party, a fierce debate is underway about how candidates should make their way onto the November ballot. At the heart of this debate is House Bill 1424, championed by Rep. Ben Koppelman. This bill aims to end the state’s open primary system, claiming that candidate selection should be the domain of party insiders, not the general public. While this faction pushes for greater control, critics warn it could silence broader voter voices and alienate mainstream candidates.

Rob Port has the story on a fight that’s been brewing in the North Dakota Republican party for many years. Read it at Inforum.com.

Inauguration Day is more than just swearing in a new president; it’s an American tradition steeped in history and hopeful rhetoric. Since George Washington’s first inaugural address, these speeches have become a ritual where every president has the chance to unify the nation, reaffirm shared values, and set the tone for their leadership. By exploring artifacts and memorable words from past inaugurations, we gain insight into how these speeches fuse ceremonial expectations with deeply-rooted American ideals, shaping the first act of a new administration.

For a more complete recap on one of the first American traditions, check out this article from The Conversation.

Think a shuttered school building is just a relic of its past? Think again. Across America, resourceful communities are breathing new life into these structures. Take Philadelphia’s Bok Building: once a silent school, it’s now a vibrant hub housing artists, eateries, and enterprises, with 600 locals employed. This transformation tale isn’t unique. From New York’s Keeseville to Dayton, Ohio, innovative redevelopments are turning empty classrooms into community assets. These projects shine a light on what can be achieved when imagination meets need.

Why does this matter in Minot? For the first time in many years, we have empty schools as well as an additional hospital. And these properties do not seem to have a plan. Maybe it’s time to start looking at ideas from outside Minot? We can do that in the next four minutes if you want to get your noggin noodling on what others have done in similar situations.

Premier Scott Moe is rolling out a border security plan, bolstering enforcement along the Saskatchewan-U.S. boundary just as a new tariff threat from Donald Trump looms. With key tools and officers in place, Moe’s approach aims to ease cross-border tensions while addressing local issues like drug trafficking and illegal weapons. The timing is critical: as U.S.-Canada trade relations hang in the balance, Moe urges a united Canadian response to protect livelihoods, jobs, and the cost of living on both sides of the 49th parallel.

There’s a fresh perspective brewing in the scientific community about how we understand obesity. An international committee of scientists is urging us to rethink the way it’s defined and diagnosed. No longer satisfied with just numbers on a scale or BMI, they’re advocating for a more nuanced approach using additional measures of body composition and fat. This shift could lead to a deeper understanding of health, providing a broader picture than the metrics we’ve leaned on in the past.

Get the full story from NPR on a topic we hope is enlightening 😉

Looking to kickstart your business or refine a budding idea? The Start Up Minot Academy, empowered by CO.STARTERS, might just be the launchpad you need. This interactive, hands-on course connects you with fellow entrepreneurs and provides a chance to dive deep into your business model. Rather...

Local government leaders told lawmakers Tuesday they’re ready to work on property tax reform, but expressed concerns about the state capping their budgets. The House Finance and Taxation Committee took testimony on a bill that incorporates Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s plan to put most homeowners on a...

In the rolling plains of rural North Dakota, small towns like Wing face big challenges. Imagine trying to build a city hall with no funds or renovate a community greenhouse with change found in couch cushions. Enter Senate Bill 2097, a proposal that could flip this script. It aims to create a $50 million Rural Community Endowment Fund, a financial lifeline for communities with under 1,000 residents. If approved, projects that improve livability and sustainability might finally see the light of day, ushering a new era for North Dakota’s small towns.

Get the full story from Michael Standaert writing for the North Dakota News Cooperative.

In Grand Forks, a topic as routine as water took center stage for a contentious debate. The issue? Fluoride—hailed as a public health hero by some, viewed with skepticism by others. While the city council voted 4-3 to keep a touch of fluoride in the tap, the discussion reflects a broader national split. Some experts cite potential health risks, others champion its cavity-fighting prowess. At heart, this debate isn’t just about water chemistry; it’s about weighing public health benefits against potential risks for communities.

And there are more of these fights coming. What’s happening in Grand Forks is a sign of a debate that will begin in many communities in the future.