Today in Minot

MINOT, N.D. – Weather permitting, Minot State University will plant red clover as a cover crop on Tuesday, May 13, as part of the ongoing development of the Plum River Native Prairie at the former site of Erik Ramstad Middle School. This initiative brings together environmental...

The North Dakota State University campus is buzzing with construction like never before. From a cutting-edge engineering complex to a new agricultural research lab, student housing upgrades, and even a dedicated wrestling facility, NDSU is undergoing a massive transformation. University leaders say it’s the busiest building phase in campus history. Many of the projects, including an expanded Memorial Union and new green spaces, are designed with student input and funding partnerships. By 2026, today’s hard hats and cranes will have reshaped the student experience. Robin Huebner with InForum has the full story.

All across North America, small developers are trying to help solve the housing crisis one modest project at a time — but the system often stops them before they can even begin. Cary Westerbeck, an architect and infill developer in Bothell, Washington and a longtime member...

Bismarck, ND – House Bill (HB) 1020, the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) budget bill, was signed by ND Governor Kelly Armstrong providing the DWR with a 2025-2027 biennial appropriation of $769 million. DWR’s budget is almost entirely supported by North Dakota’s Resources Trust Fund (RTF),...

With a measles outbreak confirmed in Williams County and cases now appearing just North of the boarder, Minot Public Schools are preparing for potential local impacts. Superintendent Scott Faul outlined the district’s close coordination with First District Health and detailed communication efforts with families of unvaccinated students. As a precaution, a middle school band trip to Williston was canceled. Should a case arise locally, a 21-day quarantine would be mandated by state health officials. Ward County’s current vaccination rate stands at nearly 92%, providing some reassurance. Charles Crane with Minot Daily News has the full story.

As U.S. research faces deep budget cuts and political uncertainty, a growing number of scientists are heading abroad. Economist Matthias Doepke, after 30 years in the U.S., left Northwestern University for London, citing the erosion of support for science and academic freedom. Others, wary of funding instability and visa crackdowns, are also exploring opportunities in Europe and Canada. Their departures reflect a troubling trend: the U.S. risks losing top talent at a time when global competition for scientific leadership is intensifying. Giorgia Guglielmi with Nature has the full story.

Ethics scandals used to end careers. Today, they often barely dent approval ratings. In Rob Port’s latest commentary, he traces how public tolerance for political profiteering has shifted—from the uproar over Billy Carter’s Libya ties in the 1970s to today’s partisan indifference. North Dakota isn’t exempt. State lawmakers recently blocked a bill that would have improved campaign finance transparency, banking on voter apathy. The unsettling question remains: in a democracy where accountability rests with the people, what happens when the people stop caring? Read the full piece at InForum.

Major League Baseball has quietly rewritten a chapter of its history. Commissioner Rob Manfred has removed Pete Rose, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, and 15 others from the sport’s permanent ineligibility list, opening a path—though not a guarantee—to Hall of Fame consideration. The decision follows Rose’s death last year and a petition from his family. Manfred reasoned that a lifetime ban ends with life itself. While Rose’s legacy remains complex, the move marks a rare posthumous shift in baseball’s approach to redemption. Russell Lewis with NPR has the full story.

The dandelions are back in Minot, dotting lawns with bright yellow bursts—whether homeowners want them or not. As the summer heat sets in, residents are once again mowing and weeding, though today’s weed control looks far different than in 1935. Back then, failure to remove dandelions could land you in jail. While the city still requires yards and boulevards to be tidy, the penalty is now limited to a fee. The battle against weeds continues, just with a bit less drama. Eloise Ogden with Minot Daily News has the full story.

RIVERDALE, N.D. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, announces changes to traffic patterns for Garrison Dam Crest Goad and Spillway Bridge due to summer maintenance and construction. The Crest Road lighting replacement is scheduled for May 15 to Sept. 12, 2025, and Spillway...

An all-encompassing uniform statewide building code might speed development, but it could also raise costs. The state does have a building code adopted by the legislature that covers all New Hampshire towns. However, the individual towns can and do create amendments to address their various needs....

In Finland, a quiet revolution is turning data centers from energy guzzlers into community heaters. Ari Kurvi, a pioneer of this technology, helped transform waste heat from servers into warmth for thousands of homes. Now Microsoft is building the world’s largest heat-recovering data center near Helsinki, expected to heat 100,000 homes. As demand for computing surges, Nordic countries are leading efforts to offset environmental impacts. It’s not a perfect solution, but it shows how innovation and necessity are driving greener energy practices in the digital age. Lars Paulsson, Kari Lundgren, Kati Pohjanpalo with Bloomberg has the full story.

Manitoba health officials are urging vigilance as new measles cases emerge without clear links to previous exposures. The province is expanding its public notification of potential exposure sites and reminding residents of the early signs: fever, cough, and the telltale red rash. Measles spreads easily and can be dangerous, especially for young children. Immunization remains the best protection. Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and encourage anyone with symptoms or concerns to contact Health Links for guidance. Betty Sawatzky with Discover Westman has the full story.