Today in Minot

Decisions about land use in Grand Forks may soon have a new voice at the table: the Grand Forks Air Force Base. In response to state legislation aimed at protecting military installations from development conflicts, local leaders are exploring ways to add base representation to planning and zoning commissions. While the move could strengthen communication and avoid controversies like the Fufeng project, some officials caution that the state’s plans remain unclear. For now, the discussion continues, with any changes likely still weeks away. Matthew Voigt with the Grand Forks Herald has the full story on how the locals are reacting to SB 2398; bill details are below.

Utah lawmakers are tightening the rules on ballot initiatives, setting the stage for a high-stakes question in 2026: Should citizen-led efforts to raise taxes require 60% voter approval instead of a simple majority? While supporters argue that major tax decisions need broad consensus, critics see it as yet another roadblock for grassroots initiatives. Alongside new requirements for funding disclosures and publication rules, these changes reflect growing tension over who gets the final say in shaping state policy—voters or the Legislature.

Why does this matter in North Dakota? Because we’re going through the exact same process — setting the bar which citizen-led — or sometimes lobbyist led — ballot initiatives need clear in order to become law. We’re sharing simply as a matter of perspective, other states are wrestling with these same questions. HC 3003 is the bill moving through North Dakota’s legislature that deals with a similar question.

Throughout history, moments of national anxiety have often led to policies that target the most vulnerable. A century ago, after war and a deadly pandemic, fears of decline fueled restrictive immigration laws, forced sterilization programs, and the rise of movements that sought to reshape the nation’s identity. Today, echoes of that era are resurfacing as policies take aim at marginalized groups in the name of national strength. Looking back at the 1920s provides a stark reminder of how easily fear can be weaponized against those with the least power.

Alex Green writing at The Conversation has the full look back that comes with a mirror to reflect on our own time.

The press isn’t perfect, but a free and fair one is essential to democracy. Yet, politicians on both the left and right have found it convenient to take swings at journalists—whether it’s a mayor lashing out after a tragedy or a former president using lawsuits to intimidate. The attacks aren’t new, but they’re escalating. Now more than ever, the press must push back. Not for prestige, not for profit, but because a society that silences its reporters is one that’s choosing ignorance over accountability.

Bill Lueders writing for The Bulwark has the more nuanced look at why you should care about more than unfettered social media.

Cases of avian flu in humans are rising across the U.S., with at least 67 infections and one death. While poultry and dairy farm workers remain most at risk, health experts warn that inconsistent testing could be masking a larger problem. With states setting their own tracking protocols and many workers lacking healthcare access, gaps in surveillance leave public health officials playing catch-up. Meanwhile, concerns grow that shifting federal priorities under President Trump could weaken disease response efforts at a critical moment.

A career in the National Park Service is often built over decades—but what happens when that future is cut short? The Trump administration’s mass firing of 1,000 probationary employees, along with deep budget cuts, has sent shockwaves through the agency. Former park superintendents warn that these cuts will ripple far beyond lost jobs, impacting visitor experiences, research, and even the preservation of fragile resources. With hiring freezes, delayed seasonal staffing, and growing uncertainty, national parks may face one of their most challenging summers yet.

Get the full story from Seth Tupper writing for South Dakota Searchlight.

A bill moving through the North Dakota Legislature could change how public notices are published, shifting some responsibility from newspapers to the secretary of state’s website. Supporters say it’s a safeguard against publication failures, but opponents warn it undermines independent oversight and could pave the way for government-controlled public notice. With newspapers already offering an online option, critics argue the bill is unnecessary. After a narrow Senate passage, the House will now decide whether this shift in transparency becomes law. Peytobn Haug with Inforum has the full story.

Minnesota’s housing crisis is pushing lawmakers to take another run at zoning reform. A bipartisan group has introduced bills that would make it easier to build duplexes, townhomes, and apartments by limiting city restrictions that developers say drive up costs. Local governments, however, worry about infrastructure strain and losing control over zoning decisions. With a divided Legislature, these bills will need broad support to move forward. Advocates say it’s a necessary step to lower housing costs—opponents warn of unintended consequences.

Why does this matter in North Dakota? Because we have a housing shortage, too. And we’d like to hope that all the solutions — including those that encroach on local control — should be on the table.

A bill lowering North Dakota’s restrictions on vehicle window tint is now headed to Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s desk. House Bill 1340, which passed the Senate 41-6, would allow front side windows to be tinted to 35% light transmission, down from the current 50%. While the change gives drivers more flexibility, it’s still stricter than a proposed ballot measure that could allow unlimited tinting on all windows, including windshields. If that petition gathers enough signatures, voters could weigh in as early as 2026. Grant Coursey with the Bismarck Tribune has the full story; bill details are below.

A push for charter schools in North Dakota is nearing a critical vote, as lawmakers debate whether to allow them for the first time. Supporters argue that charter schools offer innovative learning models and give parents more options, while opponents worry about teacher shortages and the mixed success of the model in other states. With backing from the governor’s office, the bill has already passed the Senate. Now, all eyes are on the House as the debate over education policy continues.

Grant Coursey with The Bismarck Tribune has the latest news; bill details can be found below.

Corned beef and cabbage might be the go-to for St. Patrick’s Day, but if you’re looking to mix things up, bangers and biscuits offer a hearty, flavorful alternative. This recipe blends Irish and American traditions—flaky buttermilk biscuits with Irish cheddar and scallions, paired with homemade sausages inspired by classic Irish bangers. Whether served as biscuits and gravy or with sausage patties, this dish brings warmth and rich flavors to the table. A perfect way to celebrate, no matter your heritage.

Wide Open Table is a bi-monthly Montana Free Press column on all things food and cooking. Follow the link below for the full recipe.

As the trial against Greenpeace unfolds in North Dakota, a key question emerges—did the organization incite illegal actions, or did it simply support a grassroots movement? Energy Transfer, the developer of the Dakota Access Pipeline, claims Greenpeace encouraged destructive tactics to derail the project. But former Greenpeace employee Cy Wagoner refutes those claims, testifying that he and his team trained demonstrators in nonviolent protest. Mary Steurer with the North Dakota Monitor has the latest updates on the trial that could reshape environmental activism in the U.S.

A controversial bill before the North Dakota Senate could allow licensed social workers to offer conversion therapy, a practice widely condemned by medical and mental health experts. Supporters argue it expands treatment options, but opponents, including the state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, warn that research links conversion therapy to increased suicide risk and other harms. With the bill already passing the House, the Senate now faces a critical decision on LGBTQ+ rights and mental health protections in the state.

Washington and Kyiv are offering Russia a 30-day ceasefire, a move backed by renewed U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing. But the deal comes with strings attached—Ukraine is expected to make strategic concessions, including territorial losses and a mineral agreement with the U.S. Meanwhile, Trump’s push to remove Zelenskyy has strengthened European support for Ukraine, raising new questions about Washington’s role. As talks with Russia begin, the stakes are clear: Will this ceasefire hold, or is it just another step in a shifting power struggle?

Get the full story on the latest developments in the U.S. effort to end fighting in Ukraine from Patrick Tucker writing for Defense One.

A war isn’t just lines on a map—it’s the people who live and die within them. As U.S. leaders debate the extent of support for Ukraine, voices from the ground urge a closer look at the human cost of occupation. A recent exchange between Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underscored the divide, with Vance dismissing Ukraine’s appeals as “propaganda tours.” But those who have walked the ruins of Bucha say otherwise—arguing that witnessing the scars of war firsthand changes everything.

For a clearer picture of what Ukraine is fighting against, this commentary comes with pictures from Bucha in the early days of the war we should not forget. Read it linked below.

Nonprofits have always been a safety net, stepping in where government funding falls short. But now, that net is unraveling. Sweeping cuts to federal grants under the Trump administration are leaving organizations in a state of uncertainty—struggling not just with funding gaps, but with rising security concerns and an unpredictable policy landscape. Stacy Palmer, CEO of _The Chronicle of Philanthropy_, unpacks how nonprofits are navigating this turmoil, what’s at stake for communities that rely on them, and whether private philanthropy can possibly fill the void. If the topic touches an interest point for you, this article from Fast Company has more.