Today in Minot

What happens when a marriage stops working—but life still has to move forward? Divorce can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start. Family law attorney Priscilla Ulloa offers a clear, practical guide to the options available, from fully uncontested splits to complex contested cases. With thoughtful insight and plain language, she breaks down the steps, costs, and timelines—helping you understand the process and choose the path that best fits your situation.

If you find yourself wondering, you should probably start learning. This article from Fargo Inc. is a good place to start if you’re also in the state of North Dakota.

In South Dakota, where Republicans hold 96 of 105 legislative seats, Dan Ahlers is trying to do something that feels close to impossible: rebuild the state’s Democratic Party. Once a force in rural America, Democrats now face deep skepticism in places like Dell Rapids, where even familiar faces can’t overcome the stigma of the party label. This article traces the long decline—and glimmers of renewal—for Democrats in a one-party state, where organizing at the grassroots may be their only path forward. Stu Whitney with South Dakota News Watch has the story of how one political party is attempting to make itself relevant again on a prairie that has a lot in common with North Dakota.

What does shock look like—and what does it mean when it’s missing? In day four of the Nichole Rice murder trial, prosecutors focused on Rice’s flat reaction to news of her roommate’s 2007 killing, while the defense pressed why another potential suspect wasn’t fully investigated. With former officers, coworkers, and forensic experts taking the stand, the courtroom is filling with questions about behavior, evidence, and missed leads. The state may rest its case soon, but the story is far from over.

Joe Skurzewski with KMOT News has the latest update from the Anita Knutson murder trial.

What do you do when the rules don’t match your values—and you’re only 10 years old? If you’re Ariel Olson of Dilworth, Minnesota, you start a petition, rally your neighbors, and take your case straight to City Hall. Ariel wants backyard chickens, just like families in neighboring towns, and she’s making a thoughtful case for fresh eggs, food security, and a fluffy bit of joy. The council didn’t respond right away, but thanks to Ariel, the conversation has officially begun. Ingrid Harbo with Inforum has the full story.

Editors Note: Kudos Ariel!

When a town of just over 1,000 people makes a big financial decision, every vote counts—and in Killdeer, they counted 127 in favor and 26 against. Voters approved a reorganization of the city’s 2% sales tax, keeping the rate in place while shifting a portion of it toward a new community fund. Starting next year, that fund will help support local organizations and development efforts, while still maintaining steady support for the aquatics center. It’s a shift rooted in growth—and in trusting the community to shape its own future. Evan Butow with the Dickinson Press has the full story.

What happens when tax breaks meant for working farms end up sheltering million-dollar homes? That’s the question at the heart of two Montana bills that just failed in the Legislature. The measures aimed to close loopholes that allow luxury properties—some with little or no real agricultural activity—to claim generous ag tax status. Supporters called it a step toward fairness. Opponents called it a tax hike. With both bills now dead, Montana’s tax code—tilted toward those with acreage and advantage—remains unchanged.

Why does this matter in North Dakota? While we don’t have the same degree of “Yellowstone” wealth as Montana, we do have a growing group of property tax exemptions. Perhaps if we were serious about lowering the rates for everyone, we’d take a serious look at who’s already paying less or none at all.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services isn’t a household name, but its work touches millions—funding everything from rural internet access to workforce training programs in local libraries. It’s the federal agency behind much of the innovation and support in American cultural institutions. Now, just days after President Trump called for its elimination, he’s appointed a new acting director, Keith E. Sonderling. The move leaves libraries, museums, and their advocates uncertain: what happens next when the agency tasked with supporting them faces shutdown? NPR has the full story on some of the less flashy work DOGE is doing behind the scenes.

Before visitors step into Louisville’s next chapter of Waterfront Park, they’ll first meet a story—painted in color, memory, and meaning. A once-blank floodwall at 10th and Rowan will become the city’s newest landmark, transformed by artist Laurie Blayney into a mural that traces Louisville’s roots through the Ohio River, local wildlife, and overlooked histories. It’s more than beautification—it’s a gateway into the city’s past and future, told through art and community voices. Work begins soon; stories welcome.

Minot has miles of flood wall. So far we’ve chosen to adorn it in “Engineer Chic.” It’s nice, but memorable? Not so much. If tax our imagination, we could probably turn these walls into canvases and if we thought it about during design, it might not even cost more.