Today in Minot

HCR 3013 is dead, but the real story is how it went down. As Rob Port points out, the North Dakota Senate voted on one of the year’s most contentious issues—without a recorded roll call. Lawmakers had the chance to go on the record, but most chose to keep their votes in the dark. Whether it was fear, strategy, or something else, the result is the same: the public was left in the dark on an issue that deserved full transparency.

Wasted energy is wasted opportunity. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is leaking into the atmosphere at an alarming rate—costing the U.S. economy billions while accelerating climate change. But solutions aren’t just necessary; they’re creating jobs. Wyoming is emerging as a leader in methane mitigation, with a 46% growth in industry jobs since 2021. Strong regulations and smart investments are fueling this expansion, proving that cutting pollution and boosting the economy go hand in hand. The challenge now? Ensuring that progress isn’t undone.

If it can be done in Wyoming, surely it’s possible in North Dakota, no?

Freshwater is a limited resource, and how we use it matters. Agriculture, especially meat and dairy production, accounts for most of the world’s water consumption, with a significant portion going toward growing feed crops. In places like California and Utah, shifting weather patterns and increasing demand are prompting conversations about more efficient water use. Experts suggest solutions like improved irrigation techniques and adjusting crop choices to help balance agricultural needs with long-term sustainability. The challenge isn’t just about scarcity—it’s about smarter management.

Get the full story on water scarcity and agricultural usage from Sentient.

Measles is back, and the latest outbreak is more than just a public health failure—it’s a symptom of something deeper. Decades of medical progress are being undermined by misinformation, fear-driven vaccine hesitancy, and policies that prioritize politics over public health. The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS secretary only fuels these concerns, as his long history of spreading vaccine skepticism raises questions about the nation’s ability to manage future health crises. When science takes a backseat, public trust—and public health—pay the price.

For the full commentary, the Minnesota Reformer has Dr. Olson’s commentary that was originally published with Itascan Independent Review.

Minot State University is making social work education more accessible with its new fully online Bachelor of Social Work program, launching in summer 2025. Designed for rural students, working professionals, and community college graduates, the program mirrors MSU’s in-person degree while offering flexibility without sacrificing quality. With small class sizes, interactive coursework, and experienced faculty, graduates will be well-prepared for licensure and careers in the field. For those passionate about making a difference, this program opens new doors to social work.

Mike Linnell with Minot State has the full story linked below.

For many, Medora is a summer stop—a place to visit, work, and move on. But for Justin Morales, it became home. Originally from Los Angeles, Justin arrived in Medora through a ministry program during the pandemic and never looked back. Now the Front Desk Manager at the Rough Riders Hotel, he’s worn just about every hat in town, from making popcorn to bartending. What keeps him here? The people. In Medora, strangers wave, life slows down, and community still means something.

The page linked below is part news, part story, part job posting from the Medora Foundation, but in all of it is a success story for North Dakota and Justin Morales who found opportunity here.

As North Dakota considers charter schools for the first time, Montana’s experience offers insight. Two public charters in Bozeman and Jefferson County are shutting down after failing to meet enrollment requirements set by the state. Both schools, approved in 2024, struggled to attract enough students to remain financially viable. While Montana has seen 24 charters open in two years, these closures highlight the challenges of sustaining alternative education models. 

From Manitoba to Minot, election misinformation is a growing concern. Our northern neighbors are considering hefty fines—up to $20,000 a day—for those who spread misleading claims about elections. It’s a bold move, but one that raises tough questions: How do you separate falsehoods from political debate? Who decides what crosses the line? With deepfakes and viral disinformation becoming more common, efforts like these are becoming more urgent—and more complicated. Manitoba’s bill is one approach, but the challenge is universal.

Get the full story on Manitoba’s attempt to address the issue in this story from Discover Westman.

A federal judge has ruled that thousands of federal employees fired by the Trump administration must be reinstated within a week, calling the mass terminations unlawful. The ruling challenges the administration’s broad efforts to reshape the federal workforce, particularly targeting probationary employees. The White House is pushing back, vowing to appeal. At the heart of the case is a larger question: where does the executive branch’s authority end, and what safeguards exist to protect public employees from politically motivated dismissals?

North Dakota lawmakers are working with a tighter budget forecast, adjusting for lower projected oil prices and economic uncertainty tied to trade policies. The latest revenue estimate anticipates $5.07 billion in general fund revenues for 2025-27, down $105 million from January’s forecast. While oil production is expected to dip slightly, sales and income tax revenues remain strong. Lawmakers now face tough decisions on spending, balancing priorities like property tax relief and school funding while navigating a cautious economic outlook.

Minot’s recycling program is doing better than expected, city officials say, with financial returns surpassing initial projections. At City-organized Neighborhood Meeting Thursday evening, residents toured the landfill and learned more about how the program works, including the steady demand for materials like cardboard. With 100 tons collected each month and contamination rates lower than many other programs, the effort is making a difference. Jill Schramm with The Minot Daily News has the full story.

No more worrying about porch pirates—Marketplace Foods in Minot is offering a new way to keep your packages safe. Over the weekend, the South Broadway location installed an Amazon Locker, giving shoppers a secure pickup option for their orders. Instead of waiting on the doorstep, deliveries go straight into a locked compartment, accessible with a unique six-digit code. It’s a simple fix for a growing problem, and with all Marketplace Foods locations set to get lockers by month’s end, convenience is about to get a little more secure.

Minot needed a spark, and Ariana Rood delivered. With the game hanging in the balance, her clutch three-pointer ignited a late surge, propelling the Majettes past Fargo Davies in the state tournament quarterfinals. It was a night of resilience—Rood’s hustle, Kinley Bartsch’s steady scoring, and LeeLee Bell’s grit after an injury scare all played a role in the 65-59 victory. Now, Minot turns its focus to Bismarck Century in the semifinals, Ryan Spitza with The Dickinson Press has the full story.