Today in Minot

What began as a favor for a stranger has become a decade-long mission of reverence and restoration. In her Minot home studio, artist Judy Bell has painstakingly revived a collection of fire- and time-damaged paintings by renowned religious artist Berthold von Imhoff. Once forgotten in a heap, the saints now prepare for their return to public view—this time as part of an exhibit at the Taube Museum of Art. For Bell, the work has become more than craft; it’s a quiet conversation with history. Jill with Minot Daily News has the full story.

Big changes are coming to college sports—and North Dakota State isn’t waiting around. By opting in early to the NCAA’s new revenue-sharing model, NDSU secured a head start on paying athletes and earned some breathing room on new roster limits. That means more stability for walk-ons and more clarity for coaches. At the same time, the school is streamlining its NIL efforts with a new fund that rewards donors with perks and tax benefits. It’s a new era for Bison athletics, and it starts now.

Utah’s legal battle with Snapchat has entered a new phase—and the latest revelations are deeply troubling. State officials have unsealed details that show just how far the app’s reach goes into the lives of Utah’s children, from late-night screen time to explicit chatbot conversations with minors. The complaint paints a picture of addictive design, lax oversight, and missed warnings—raising urgent questions about what digital childhood looks like when safety systems fail. This case may set the tone for how states push back against Big Tech’s influence on kids. Katie McKellar with Utah News Dispatch has the story you’ll want to read if you’ve got kids with phones.

Minot’s special mayoral election isn’t just a local political oddity—it’s a case study in how national turmoil is rewriting small-town politics. What began with a scandal-driven resignation has morphed into a wild four-way race featuring criminal records, far-right endorsements, and legal threats over billboards. Two candidates represent steady governance; the other two are riding waves of outrage and spectacle. What happens next in Minot could echo far beyond city limits—because dysfunction doesn’t need a passport to move from D.C. to your doorstep. That’s the gist of Rob Port’s latest on Minot’s Mayoral race, don’t miss the full story on InForum

The Oil and Gas Research Program is accepting applications for the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) grant program of the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC). The deadline for submitting applications for consideration in the upcoming grant round is Aug. 15, 2025. Applications may be submitted via email...

The skies over the Northern Plains could soon get busier—and louder. The U.S. Air Force is proposing changes to its training operations in the massive Powder River Training Complex, which spans parts of four states, including western North Dakota. The updates would raise flight ceilings, increase training days, and extend hours of activity. Before anything changes, though, the public has a say. Community meetings begin this week, and the Air Force is listening—especially to those living and working beneath the roar. Joey Harris with Bismarck Tribune has the full story.

More information on the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC) and the proposed changes can be found here.

When grief cuts deep, the promise of one more moment—one more voice, one more glance—can be hard to resist. Technology now offers a version of that promise through AI-generated “grief bots,” but what does it cost us spiritually? In this reflection, a Buddhist scholar Elaine Lai draws on centuries-old teachings to question whether digital afterlives ease suffering or deepen our attachment to illusion. Through stories of ancient wisdom and personal loss, she invites us to sit with grief, not escape it—and to find healing in presence, not simulation. Read more from Elaine Lai with The Conversation.

A new tree in your yard might just come with a $300 thank-you from the City of Brandon. Through its Tree Planting Reimbursement Program, the city is encouraging residents to green their neighborhoods by offering reimbursement for approved trees planted on private property. The goal? More shade, cleaner air, stronger ecosystems—and a more beautiful Brandon. With clear steps and support from city staff, it’s a simple way for homeowners to invest in their own space while contributing to the community’s future. Betty Sawatzky with Discover Westman has the full story.

Long before “dude” became shorthand for surfer chill or Big Lebowski cool, it was a jab at overdressed New York dandies in the 1880s. The word has since shape-shifted through cowboy cosplay, zoot suit swagger, and skater slang to become one of the most flexible terms in American English. This week’s deep dive into its roots reveals not just the evolution of a word, but a snapshot of changing culture, identity, and the ways we find connection—one “dude” at a time. Kat Lonsdorf with has the full story.

Across the West, water-conscious landscaping is finally having its moment—but the supply chain isn’t ready for it. As native plants rise in popularity for their resilience and water savings, landscape architects are hitting a frustrating wall: the nurseries can’t keep up. From city governments to private homeowners, everyone wants drought-tolerant plants. The demand is real, but the infrastructure to support it is lagging. What’s unfolding now isn’t just a horticultural hiccup—it’s a test of how fast industries can adapt to a changing climate and shifting public priorities. Patrick Sisson with Fast Company has the full story.

Sweden is rethinking screen time for its youngest learners. A new preschool curriculum, now in effect, shifts away from digital tools like tablets and apps, urging educators to use them sparingly—if at all, for children under two. Education Minister Simona Mohamsson says the move is backed by research showing analog environments better support early development. While critics argue the policy confuses educational tools with passive screen use, Sweden is drawing a clear line: less screen, more hands-on learning. Listen to the report from Radio Sweden below.

Russian drone strikes once again tore through Ukrainian skies, killing at least seven civilians and injuring 21 more in a relentless 24-hour barrage. From Kharkiv to Dnipropetrovsk, homes and infrastructure were hit as 78 drones swarmed the country—51 intercepted, but many not. It’s the latest sign of Moscow’s increasing reliance on unmanned assaults while refusing calls for a ceasefire. For those on the ground, it’s not just a statistic—it’s another night of sirens, smoke, and survival. Tim Zadorozhnyy with The Kyiv Independent has the full story.