Today in Minot

Minot’s construction season is in full swing, with 13 projects totaling $43 million underway—and 16th Street Southwest is just one piece of the puzzle. At a neighborhood meeting this week, City Engineer Lance Meyer laid out both the immediate disruptions and long-term improvements, from upgraded intersections and drainage fixes to new signals and shared-use paths. Residents raised concerns, including dust and business access, while Meyer emphasized the city’s broader push to improve street conditions citywide—even as budget decisions for 2026 loom. Another neighborhood meeting is set for Thursday, this time focused on water mains.

WEST FARGO, N.D. — The demand for jet fuel is going up. The demand for gasoline is going down. That’s the simple explanation from Chris Ryan, the president and CEO of Gevo, on why the company plans to add a sustainable aviation fuel plant to the...

What began as protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles has spiraled into a national showdown over federal power, state authority, and the use of military force on U.S. soil. On Capitol Hill, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced tough questions about the $134 million deployment of troops—an action critics say is less about public safety and more about political theater. As legal challenges mount and tensions escalate, the battle isn’t just about boots on the ground—it’s about who gets to decide when, where, and why they’re deployed. Jacob Fischler with North Dakota Monitor has the full story.

Next week, teachers from across North Dakota will trade classrooms for oilfields as they head to Bismarck for a hands-on seminar exploring one of the state’s biggest industries. Hosted by the North Dakota Petroleum Council, the four-day event gives educators a close-up look at drilling rigs, refineries, and the technology behind energy production. The goal? Equip teachers with real-world knowledge—and classroom-ready activities—while showcasing the broad career paths available in the petroleum sector, from skilled trades to engineering. It’s industry education with boots on the ground. Morgan DeVries with KX News has the full story.

While testing the radio in his new car, columnist Rob Port landed on Minot’s KFLK 88.1—and into a troubling broadcast from Rep. Jeff Hoverson and Joel Hylden. On their show Two Men and a Bible, the two men lamented women’s clothing in grocery store checkout aisles, with Hylden suggesting burkas might not be such a bad idea. Hoverson didn’t push back. He doubled down. Read the rest of Mr. Port’s commentary on InForum.

Governor Kelly Armstrong sees opportunity in what’s been left behind—specifically, the 85% of oil still sitting in North Dakota’s Bakken formation. At the Energizing North Dakota’s Future event, Armstrong made the case for enhanced oil recovery as a way to unlock billions of barrels without the disruptions of another boom. But tapping that potential depends on innovation, infrastructure, and smart policy to attract private investment. It’s not just about oil—it’s about long-term revenue, local stability, and preparing North Dakota’s economy for the decades ahead. Carrie McDermott with Grand Forks Herald has the full story.

The dream of an indoor skate park in Fargo hit concrete reality when city officials flagged a zoning issue that forced the North Dakota Skateboarding Association to scrap its planned location. The group had nearly reached its fundraising goal and was ready to move in—until they learned too late that the space wasn’t zoned for public recreation. It was a hard fall, but not a knockout. Now, the group is searching for a new, compliant space, using the setback to refocus on its mission and keep momentum rolling.John Lamb with InForum has the full story.

Voters in Williston have spoken—and they’re keeping sales tax dollars flowing to parks and recreation. In a decisive outcome, residents backed the indefinite extension of the district’s one percent sales tax, which has funded major projects since 2012. The move secures revenue for future plans, including a new ice arena and an 18-hole golf course. Williston remains the only park district in North Dakota using sales tax for support, a model its leaders say is key to maintaining and growing recreational opportunities.

Cedar Rapids is taking steps to put everyday walkers, bikers, and bus riders at the heart of city planning. A newly proposed Active Transportation Advisory Commission aims to keep momentum going on trails, transit, and bikeway investments by giving residents a direct voice. With unanimous early support from city leaders and the public, the commission would guide long-range planning, monitor progress, and advocate for safer, more accessible transportation options. If approved, the group could begin shaping the city’s mobility future as soon as August. Grace Nieland with Cedar Rapids Gazette has the full story.

A plan to sell off half a million acres of public land in Nevada and Utah is back on the table—and it’s putting pressure on Montana’s senators to take a clear stand. After the controversial proposal was dropped in the House, Utah’s Sen. Mike Lee is pushing to revive it in the Senate. Sen. Steve Daines says he opposes public land sales—but also insists the budget bill must pass. Critics say you can’t have it both ways. The next round of debate kicks off Wednesday morning. Amanda Eggert with Montana Free Press has the full story.

What began as a protest over an ICE raid has escalated into a national flashpoint. In Los Angeles, demonstrators rallied for labor leader David Huerta—arrested during the protest—and marched to the courthouse where he was released on bond. But tensions surged when the Trump administration deployed 700 Marines to the city, marking the first such mobilization in decades. With additional National Guard troops now en route, the protests have intensified. In this video, the Wall Street Journal does a nice job of capturing a wide-angle shot of what’s developing in Los Angeles. Watch below.

When bars start swapping out pretzels for wasabi peas, some TikTokers say it’s time to brace for a recession. It’s a joke—sort of. From men’s underwear sales to frozen pizza spikes, recession “indicators” have long had a life beyond spreadsheets, and now they’ve gone viral. In a new Planet Money episode, economists and everyday observers alike explore how public mood—and memes—can sometimes signal just as much as market data. The takeaway? Recession chatter says a lot, even when the economy might be doing just fine. Greg Rosalsky with NPR has the full story.

The U.S. is pumping out near-record levels of crude oil, but falling prices are set to slow production—and that’s just one of the shifts outlined in the latest energy forecast. In its June outlook, the EIA projects Brent crude to dip below $60 a barrel by...