Today in Minot

When it comes to the food on our tables, the journey from farm to fork involves countless hands. Many of these hands belong to immigrants who are pivotal to American agriculture. Yet, with President Trump’s plans for large-scale deportations, the fields of U.S. farms might soon see a profound change. How would the removal of millions of workers affect not just the farms, but the entire food supply chain? The Wall Street Journal uncovers the potential ripple effects across the agriculture industry. It’s a great catch-up explainer; watch below.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s recent farewell address highlighted her concerns about an “invasion” from illegal immigration, linking it to national security threats. Yet, at home, her state faces a paradox: a significant labor shortage in sectors heavily reliant on migrant workers. This tension raises questions about Noem’s approach to immigration as she prepares for a leadership role in Homeland Security.

For the full story on the contradictory nature of immigration policy on the prairie as well as an introduction to Director Noem’s political rise, this story from the Associated Press doesn’t shade too far one way or another.

North Dakota is taking a step toward addressing mental health challenges among pilots, sparked by the tragic 2021 death of a University of North Dakota student, John Hauser. His suicide highlighted a critical issue: pilots often hesitate to seek help for fear of losing their medical certification. In response, lawmakers are considering a groundbreaking bill to establish the North Dakota Center for Aerospace Medicine, aimed at providing support and resources for pilots facing mental health struggles.

Get the full story from the Grand Forks Herald; bill details are below.

State and local governments are heading into rough financial waters. With nearly every state facing budget deficits by 2025, the pressure to balance rising costs with community needs is mounting. Traditional budgeting methods, often reactive and disconnected from strategic goals, aren’t cutting it.

That’s where full-cycle strategic budgeting comes in. By linking every dollar spent to long-term priorities and leveraging technology for transparency, cities like Fort Worth are proving there’s a better way. Aligning budgets with community needs isn’t just good policy—it’s essential for financial resilience in uncertain times.

Iowa lawmakers are considering a bill that would prevent local governments from using taxpayer money to hire lobbyists. Unanimously supported by a legislative panel, this proposal aims to strengthen property tax protection but has sparked debate. Proponents argue that lobbyists are essential for advocating community interests and securing vital funding, while opponents suggest direct communication with legislators is sufficient. As discussions unfold, the balance between funding and representation remains a key focus for both sides.

Why does this matter in Minot? We don’t have an active “lobbyist”, we have a assistant city attorney who also happens to work as a lobbyist. And I can speak from experience as a former City Council member; Minot absolutely needs a person in that role in Bismarck. The relationships and knowledge of the system and the players are essential in an environment where legislators increasingly look at local governments with hostility.

Tulsi Gabbard is stepping into the spotlight as President Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, a role overseeing 18 agencies and a hefty $100 billion budget. In 2017 she took a trip to Syria where she met with Bashar al-Assad, the meeting has raised eyebrows and sparked new scrutiny. As Gabbard prepares for her confirmation hearing, questions about her stance on U.S. intelligence and foreign policy are now front and center. A closer look at her past decisions may shed light on how she would navigate this crucial role.

The topic and Gabbard tend to provoke a lot of partisan bleating; the video below from the Wall Street Journal will catch you up without the slant.

Concerns over the potential storage of spent nuclear fuel in Wyoming have led lawmakers to reject House Bill 16, aimed at initiating a broader discussion on the topic. Facing constituents’ opposition and doubts about the reliability of “temporary” storage, committee members noted the federal government’s long struggle to establish a permanent waste repository. Lawmakers expressed the need for more public engagement and education on the issue, which remains contentious. As the debate continues, the legislative focus may shift to smaller-scale storage solutions.

Nuclear energy is having a moment; but this debate in Wyoming is a needed reminder — nuclear energy comes with a huge not-in-my-backyard problem. As in, where do we put the waste? It lasts a long time, and the moment someone tries to permit it, the locals line up to say no. Would you be any different?

Get the full story on Wyoming’s debate in this article from WyoFile.

On February 15, 1961, a tragedy unfolded in the world of figure skating when a plane carrying the U.S. National Figure Skating Team crashed in Belgium, claiming 73 lives, including 18 athletes headed to the World Championships. Among those mourning were the Foster family from Fargo, whose ties to the sport ran deep. This event not only reshaped the landscape of American figure skating but also left lasting scars on the hearts of those who lost friends and loved ones in the disaster.

This is a tragically timely story, but it’s one worth reading, too. Tracy Briggs writing from Inforum’s “vault” has it.

Watford City, North Dakota, is stepping into the spotlight as part of season 2 of the documentary series “My Town,” which explores the unique aspects of rural life. Emmy-winning documentarian Cory Hepola will highlight the town’s advanced healthcare system, energy production, and agricultural successes. As Hepola emphasizes, Watford City challenges the common stereotypes about small towns, showcasing their potential and vitality. Production begins this May, with the episode set to air early next winter.

Get the full story from Anna Garcia with KFYR.

The Williston City Commission has made a substantial commitment to local growth by approving STAR FUND grants totaling up to $332,400. These grants support both business initiatives and community projects, aiming to foster economic development and job creation in the area. Williston Economic Development Executive Director Anna Nelson highlighted this investment as a strong indicator of the community’s economic potential. Grants were awarded to several businesses and organizations, funding everything from new equipment to a major upcoming event.

Why does it matter in Minot? Whether we acknowledge it or not, we’re in competition with the communities around us. That means we’re not doing our job if we’re not calling out the plays of the other players on the field. Also, Minot is currently reviewing it’s economic development practices and priorities; that makes this story doubly valuable. Check out KX News for the full details on Williston’s investments and economic development priorities.

North Dakota lawmakers are pushing a resolution that would declare Jesus Christ as King over the state—a move that raises serious constitutional and philosophical questions. House Concurrent Resolution 3020, backed by Rep. Nico Rios and Rep. Jeff Hoverson, isn’t just symbolic; it’s a test of political loyalty, designed to pressure lawmakers into choosing between faith and pluralism. Perhaps for yet-to-come political purposes?

That last part is speculation. The rest of the story is real right now, and Rob Port has it. Bill details are included below.

NAWS water is expected in the systm this summer, but there’s more than $100 million required to complete the project. Then once it’s done, there are 500 moving parts that need oversight and regular inspection. Those are the highlights of the story told to the House Appropriations committee recently; Jill Schramm has the full story on Minot’s longest running effort — all in the name of reliable water for our region.