Today in Minot

Pizza may be one of America’s most beloved comfort foods, but it refuses to be standardized. While global chains crank out uniform slices by the thousands, independent pizzerias keep the spirit of creativity alive—especially in towns like Gainesville, Florida. There, a mix of engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs are tossing dough with precision and personality, proving that pizza is still a deeply local affair. From square pies topped with curry to school buses turned dining rooms, small shops remind us that flavor—and community—can’t be franchised. Paula de la Cruz-Fernández with The Conversation has the full story.

North Dakota Tourism is proud to announce a new partnership with country music duo Tigirlily Gold, uniting the power of storytelling, music, and North Dakota spirit. As part of this collaboration, the Hazen-born sisters have written and recorded a brand-new anthem inspired by their appreciation of the beauty, people and tranquility of North Dakota. The song will debut Thursday, with a live performance at ND Country Fest on July 10, and an official release later this year.

Krista and Kendra Slaubaugh, the voices behind Tigirlily Gold, have never been shy about their love for the place that raised them. Now, through this special partnership, they’ll add new sound and energy to North Dakota’s “Hello” campaign, sharing their connection to the state on a national stage.

“It’s so fun to work with people who are true ambassadors for North Dakota,” said North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism & Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman. “I’ve watched these women grow up and seeing them use their platform to celebrate and support our state has been really inspiring.”

The partnership includes appearances at North Dakota promotional events, including the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Phoenix, which took place in February, social media and branded content, a North Dakota photo shoot, and music and assets to be used in North Dakota promotional efforts. Additionally, they will be sharing stories about their experiences growing up in North Dakota and highlighting fun things to see and do in the state during interviews.

“We’ve always dreamed of working with North Dakota Tourism,” the duo added. “This collaboration is truly full circle, and we’re honored to share what makes our home state so special.”

The duo wrote the song this spring and North Dakota Tourism officials are hopeful it becomes the soundtrack to celebrate North Dakota and make others more aware of our state.

Flood protection is never simple, especially when the stakes involve homes, businesses, and decades of planning. In Minot, phases eight and nine of the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project are under scrutiny after recent design changes left a key business suddenly outside the protection zone. Tim Smith, owner of Precise Transport, says the shift risks more than property—it risks jobs and economic ripple effects. While engineers tout $4.5 million in savings, city leaders are urging a second look. Lindsey Miller with KMOT has the full story.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong just handed a controversial decision back to the people of Burleigh County—and rightly so. Despite acknowledging Auditor Mark Splonskowski’s glaring incompetence, Armstrong declined to remove him from office, instead deferring to the voters who put him there. The message? In a democracy, the responsibility doesn’t just rest with those in power—it belongs to the electorate, too. That’s the gist of Rob Port’s latest column, the rest is worth your time and found on Inforum.

Tariffs are often pitched as a way to bring factory jobs back home—but the math doesn’t hold up. New analysis suggests that current and proposed U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods could cost up to 3.4 million American jobs. Why? Because most trade today isn’t in finished goods—it’s in parts. So when tariffs raise the cost of inputs, U.S. manufacturers struggle. Add in foreign retaliation, especially in export-heavy regions like the Midwest, and the picture gets worse. The takeaway: protectionism may sound strong, but it rarely ends in strength for workers. Michael E. Waugh, Jeff Horwich with Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis have today’s lesson in foreign trade economics.

In a quiet but significant shift, the IRS has signaled it won’t penalize churches for endorsing political candidates—so long as it’s done as part of regular religious messaging. The move effectively softens the long-standing Johnson Amendment, which has kept houses of worship officially out of campaign politics since 1954. While rarely enforced, the rule has long been a flashpoint in debates over free speech and religious freedom. Now, the IRS is framing political talk from the pulpit more like family conversation than campaign intervention. Daniel Burke with NPR has the full story.

A century ago this week, a small Tennessee town staged a courtroom drama that would ripple through classrooms and pulpits for generations. The 1925 Scopes “Monkey Trial” wasn’t just about one teacher defying a state law—it was a flashpoint in America’s ongoing struggle to reconcile science and faith. Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan turned a test case into national theater, exposing deep cultural divides that haven’t gone away. From biology textbooks to school board meetings, the debate over evolution still echoes—and the lines drawn back then remain strikingly familiar today. Scott Neuman and Nell Greenfieldboyce with NPR has the full story.

Building a modest rowhouse shouldn’t take years—but in most North American cities, it often does. Calgary just changed that. Starting this fall, builders in new neighborhoods can skip an entire layer of red tape if their plans already meet zoning rules. It’s not a flashy move, but it’s a powerful one: cutting permitting time, reducing costs, and boosting much-needed “missing middle” housing. In a market desperate for momentum, Calgary’s quiet reform might be the clearest blueprint for progress seen all year.

Oil prices may still fluctuate, but the broader trend is clear: the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects them to drop. Even after a slight upward revision tied to unrest in the Middle East, the forecast puts Brent crude at under $70 a barrel for 2025—and even...

Sweden is the latest country to reconsider how young is too young for social media. The government is launching an inquiry into setting a formal age limit for platform use, citing growing concerns over the impact of online content on children. Public Health Minister Jakob Forssmed says it’s about protecting kids from material that may not match their maturity. With Australia already moving to restrict access under age 16, Sweden’s move signals a broader global shift in how nations approach youth and digital life. Listen to the full story from Radio Sweden below.

For years, the U.S. military has acknowledged the growing need for more robust air and missile defense—but now it’s moving from talk to action. In its 2026 budget request, the Army is pushing to quadruple its Patriot missile inventory, a clear sign that global tensions are reshaping priorities. Recent missile attacks in the Middle East and the ongoing drain on munitions due to support for Ukraine are forcing a serious rethink: how deep is deep enough when it comes to ammunition stockpiles? The answer, it seems, is “more.” Meghann Myers with Defense One has the full story.

Minot residents heading to City Council meetings will now follow a clearer process when speaking during public comment. A new state law prompted the council to adopt a formal policy, including speaker cards that list name, address, and topic. The goal? Preserve openness while adding structure.