Today in Minot

The future of flight isn’t coming—it just landed in Utah. With a new partnership between air taxi innovator BETA Technologies and aerospace group 47G, the state is laying the groundwork for electric aircraft, high-speed deliveries, and even a potential spaceport. It’s bold, ambitious, and timed with an eye toward the 2034 Olympics. But beyond the sci-fi headlines lies a real push for economic development, new jobs, and statewide infrastructure. Utah isn’t just watching the future unfold—it’s trying to pilot it. Katie McKellar with Utah News Dispatch has the full story.

Getting through the gates at a Twins game just got a high-tech upgrade. Starting this season, fans at Target Field can opt into facial recognition entry—no tickets, no phones, just a quick scan and you’re in. It’s faster, it’s hands-free, and it’s part of a growing trend across Major League Baseball. But as with any new tech, it raises big questions about privacy, security, and trust. MPR’s “Minnesota Now” dives into the details with AI expert Manjeet Rege.

A quiet earthquake just hit the nation’s health institutions. In a sweeping move, thousands of federal health officials—scientists, regulators, and career public servants—were fired, reassigned, or sent packing to remote posts. The official reason? Efficiency. The real effect? Decades of expertise, gone overnight. On this week’s What the Health? podcast, Julie Rovner and a panel of reporters break down what the purge means for public health, policy, and the people caught in the middle—just as the Supreme Court weighs access to care for millions.

Alberta is rethinking how it handles its growing backlog of inactive oil and gas wells—and this time, the public might not be left with the bill. A new version of a government-commissioned report recommends the province manage an industry-funded insurance program, rather than relying on taxpayer money for cleanup. It’s a shift that follows public outcry over leaked proposals suggesting otherwise. With nearly 450,000 wells sitting idle, the stakes are high—and the province says decisions on next steps are coming soon.

North Dakota leads the nation in honey production, but the buzz is growing quieter. A recent report shows commercial beekeepers lost over 60% of their colonies between June and February—a staggering hit, even in an industry familiar with hard winters and tough cycles. Will Nissen of Five Star Honey Farms isn’t shocked, but he is concerned. Longtime threats like mites—and the viruses they carry—are taking a heavier toll. For an essential industry built on tiny wings, the challenges are growing fast and landing close to home. Lindsey Miller with KMOT has the full story.

Property taxes are getting a closer look in North Dakota—and relief may be on the way. This week, lawmakers unanimously approved a plan to boost the annual property tax credit for homeowners from $500 to $1,250, while also expanding the renter’s refund program. The bill aims to offer meaningful relief without letting local taxes quietly rise in the background. With bipartisan warnings about repeating past mistakes, the focus now turns to ensuring this fix brings both short-term help and long-term stability.

Trinity Health’s emergency room is busy—more than 50 patients a day—and like many hospitals right now, it’s feeling the strain of limited staffing. That’s why doctors are encouraging people in Minot to consider walk-in clinics for non-urgent needs. It’s not about turning anyone away—ER physician Dr. Scott Knutson makes clear that if it feels like an emergency, it’s okay to come in. But when care can wait, knowing your options helps ease pressure on the system and keeps resources ready for true emergencies. Will Albert with KX News has the original reporting.

Minot, North Dakota, home to Minot Air Force Base (MAFB) is one of the three communities recognized as a 2025 Great American Defense Community.

The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) announced the three selected communities at the Defense Communities National Summit earlier this month of which Minot was recognized for support of Minot Air Force Base. The two other communities recognized this year are Greater Buckley Region in Colorado for their support of Buckley Space Force Base and Yuma, Arizona for their support of Marine Corps Air Station.

“We’re excited to welcome Minot, North Dakota as a 2025 Great American Defense community,” said ADC President Karen Holt. “We are especially honored to recognize Minot’s unwavering commitment in educating stakeholders on nuclear deterrence and national security.”

The Great American Defense Communities program was launched by ADC in 2016 to recognize and celebrate the communities and regions that support military installations for their exceptional commitment to improving quality of life for military.

“North Dakota is committed to being the most military-friendly state in the nation, and this recognition of Minot as a Great American Defense Community is proof of that commitment,” Gov. Kelly Armstrong said. “The dedicated airmen of the 91st Missile Wing and 5th Bomb Wing, along with the support personnel from the North Dakota Air National Guard’s 219th Security Forces Squadron, play a crucial role in safeguarding our nation and are an incredibly important part of the Minot community.”

Minot will be spotlighted by ADC throughout the year with plans for leadership from the association to travel to North Dakota and celebrate with the community this summer. Then Minot will be featured at the ADC Innovation Forum in Monterey, California at the end of October.

“Minot has always been a proud military community, and being named a Great American Defense Community is a testament to the deep connection between the Minot area and Minot Air Force Base. This recognition highlights what we in Minot have always known—our community and the base share an unbreakable bond,” said Ryan Ackerman, MACEDC Board Chair. “We are honored to support them in every way possible.”

“Minot Air Force Base is not just a military installation—it’s a driving force in our community,” expressed Pete Hankla, Task Force 21 Chair. “With a $651 million economic impact, its presence strengthens our local businesses, schools, and workforce, while its mission strengthens our national security. This recognition as a Great American Defense Community is proof of that commitment.”

Communities are chosen through a competitive nomination process based on community building efforts, such as educational and employment opportunities, and support and collaboration with neighboring military installations. In ten years, 50 communities have been selected as Great American Defense Communities across all branches of military. To learn more about ADC, visit defensecommunities.org.

What began as a heartfelt chat over coffee has turned into a vibrant evening of art, music, and purpose. _Be-the-cause-of-art_, founded by Holly Jacobs, shines a spotlight on Parkinson’s and mental health support through creativity and community. On April 14, The Depot and Baggage Claim will host the celebration, complete with local art, live music, games, and a few surprises. The goal? To fund programs that bring color and connection to those facing illness—and to spark something meaningful in all who attend. Elizabeth Hendrickson with Minot Daily News has the full story.

A debate over power and proximity came to a head in the North Dakota Senate this week. Lawmakers narrowly approved a bill giving the state authority to override local zoning rules for electrical transmission lines—despite opposition from landowners and a committee’s recommendation to reject it. Supporters say strict local setbacks threaten vital infrastructure; critics see government overreach favoring a single project. With utility costs and land rights on the line, the final decision now rests with Governor Kelly Armstrong.

A push to ban student cellphones statewide during the school day fell short in the North Dakota Senate this week, despite support from Governor Kelly Armstrong. The proposal, House Bill 1160, aimed to keep devices locked away from first bell to last. Supporters said it would boost academics and mental health—but critics argued local school boards should make that call. A more flexible version is still alive, with lawmakers debating how far the state should go in setting classroom rules.

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In front of his family, his fans, and the man whose record he just tied, Alex Ovechkin made hockey history. With a signature blast from the left circle, Ovechkin scored his 894th career goal—matching Wayne Gretzky’s once-untouchable mark. The celebration that followed was pure Ovi: heartfelt, loud, and shared with the people who’ve stood by him for two decades. There’s still one goal to go, but on this night in Washington, the hockey world paused to honor a moment generations in the making.

In North Dakota’s long-running debate over big game baiting, a new chapter is unfolding. Lawmakers in the House have advanced a bill that would block the Game and Fish Department from banning baiting on private land—even in areas where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been found. Supporters see it as a property rights issue; opponents warn it weakens disease control. With limits added on bait amounts and proximity to livestock, SB 2137 now moves to the full House for a vote—and likely more debate. Brad Dokken with Grand Forks Herald has the full story.

A quiet shift is underway in North American health care. Since the 2024 U.S. election, Canadian provinces have seen a surge in interest from American doctors and nurses looking north. The reasons vary—frustration with private insurers, political interference in care, and shrinking research funding—but the pattern is clear. Provinces like Manitoba and Nova Scotia are responding with targeted recruitment, and the early results suggest more health professionals could soon be trading red tape for maple syrup.

Norway is strengthening its support for Ukraine with a major boost in aid for 2025—raising its total commitment to $7.8 billion. The increase, agreed to by parliamentary leaders, includes tripling military assistance while directing spending abroad to protect Norway’s domestic economy. Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of steady backing, as Norway continues to provide not just weapons, but humanitarian help and energy support. In a time of war and uncertainty, Norway is making it clear: its support for Ukraine is unwavering and growing. Tim Zadorozhnyy with The Kyiv Independent has the full story.

MINOT, N.D. – The Minot State University Native American Center and Club will host the 35th annual Spring Honor Dance & Powwow celebration on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, in the Minot State Dome.

In addition to the powwow, on Friday, April 25, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Minot State Dome, MSU will host an educational program titled “Kennedy Bruce (Porcupine Woman) Cultural Teachings.” The program was named after former Native American Club president Kennedy Bruce, who passed away from cancer in 2015. Attendees can learn about the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, a North Dakota tribal nation. The program will feature Ojibwe teachings by Alex Decoteau, the cultural teacher at Turtle Mountain School, and his high school language students. This cultural experience is suitable for students in grades 4 through 8 and aligns with North Dakota Native American essential understandings.

Then, on Saturday, April 26, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the Plum River Native Prairie Family STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) Day event will take place at the Plum River Site (formerly the Erik Ramstad school location). Family STEAM Day will feature hands-on exhibits showcasing science, technology, engineering, art, and math from MSU programs and community partners. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Minot State Dome.

What is a powwow? 

It is called a Ni-mi-win in Ojibwe, meaning a celebration of life. A powwow is a time when people of all ages gather to sing, dance, renew old friendships, make new friends, and share the beauty of native people with everyone. There are basically two types of powwows: traditional and contest. Minot State University’s powwow is a contest powwow, part of a powwow circuit, and drums/dancers from across the United States and Canada attend powwows. There are different dance categories and age groups, from toddler to elder. 

What will you see?

• A dance arena — a circle — represents the totality of learning in a lifetime.
•  Drums — it has its own life. It is made from two living things: wood and hide. The drum is treated with respect and should only be used by the owner(s). 
•  Grand Entry is a parade of dancers and opens the powwow. Clothing worn by the dancers is called regalia or outfits.  

“This is our 35th year of honoring graduates; in my time, I’ve been part of the celebration and honoring many students,” said Annette Mennem, director, Native American Cultural Awareness Center. “I’d like to also recognize the families who support our students and acknowledge the staff and faculty who play a part in our students’ success. This powwow is a highlight of my position at MSU, the reward from it matches the work going into it, and that makes it all worth the effort.”

Grand Entry times are Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., with an honoring of graduates at 8 p.m.

There will be craft and resource vendors on site. This event is free and open to the public.