Today in Minot

The Bottom-Up Shorts podcast highlights ordinary folks making extraordinary changes in their communities. In this episode host Norm Van Eeden Petersman chats with Edward Erfurt about a simple yet transformative 4-step public investment approach. Drawing from real-life experiences in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and Chisholm, Minnesota, they highlight the magic of starting small, focusing on achievable actions today, and rallying local support. It’s a method that proves meaningful change is possible without waiting for grand solutions. Listen below.

Andy Lansing built his career on a simple truth: great food makes great experiences. As CEO of Levy Restaurants, he’s not just running a $4 billion hospitality empire—he’s walking concourses, tasting the menu, and making sure fans in the nosebleeds get the same quality as those in VIP suites. His journey from aspiring sports agent to the architect of stadium dining is part business savvy, part happenstance, and a whole lot of hot dogs. The secret to Levy’s success? A relentless focus on what actually makes people happy—good food, done right.

It’s among the most savory of stories — one where success, intention, and attention to detail intersect. Fast Company has it (possible paywall); it’s a fun read that has good lessons that any place could mirror.

Montana lawmakers are tackling a growing problem in education: classroom disruptions. While much of the focus has been on low teacher pay, Senate Bill 138 shifts attention to the struggles educators face managing student behavior. The bill would give teachers clearer authority to remove disruptive students, but concerns remain about how it impacts students with disabilities. Supporters argue it could help retain teachers, while critics urge a more nuanced approach. For now, debate continues as lawmakers work to balance discipline with student rights.

Do you suppose North Dakota students are much better behaved than Montana students? If so, you probably don’t need to concern yourself with this. If you’re of the mind that kids are kids, even in North Dakota, then this little nugget out of Montana may be interesting — it’s about supporting teachers in more ways than wages. You’ll find it at the bottom of the MFP’s weekly Lowdown.

Understanding the mysteries beneath Yellowstone is akin to piecing together a complex puzzle. In thisCaldera Chronicles column, Scott K. Johnson from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory delves into the techniques scientists use to map the magma reservoirs below the surface. By employing methods similar to those in medical imaging, researchers analyze seismic waves and electrical conductivity to create detailed images of what lies underground. This intricate process plays a vital role in monitoring volcanic activity and ensuring safety in the region.

If your curiosity is peaked; follow the link below for more from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has unveiled a plan aimed at reducing local property taxes, an issue that has been a focus throughout the summer. As discussions around tax reform heat up for 2025, Pillen and fellow Republicans emphasize the need for a realistic approach. While many advocate lowering property taxes, others are asking for consideration of how these changes impact various income groups. A balanced tax policy could ensure that working families don’t bear an unfair burden while larger landowners benefit from cuts.

Perhaps most interesting of all — and an item that’s often missing from tax debates — is the first acknowledgement that before Nebraska acts, they should ask what they want to get back. It’s a question we haven’t seen yet in North Dakota. The article from the Nebraska Examiner is worth reading if you’re passionate about tax reform or paying less of them.

High school principals in Grand Forks report a notable uptick in student attendance after reinstating academic penalties for those with chronic absenteeism. At both Grand Forks Central and Red River, data shows a significant decrease in students accumulating over 12 unexcused absences, which previously hampered academic performance and graduation rates. This change aims to encourage students to prioritize attendance, benefiting both their education and reducing the burden on teachers. As they navigate this shift, school leaders remain focused on creating a positive outcome for all students.

Get the full story from Joshua Irvine with the Grand Forks Herald.

Axial Seamount, a restless giant beneath the Pacific, is swelling again—its molten heart pushing the seafloor upward, hinting at an eruption before 2025 ends. Scientists have watched this underwater volcano off Oregon’s coast for decades, tracking patterns of inflation and surging earthquakes. When it erupts, it won’t explode but rather crack open, releasing lava that forms new ocean crust. While no threat to land, Axial’s activity offers a rare opportunity: a real-time look at how volcanoes behave, shaping our understanding of eruptions worldwide.

Get the full story from Science Alert.

North Dakota is considering a new initiative aimed at enhancing language education for young students. Senate Bill 2275 proposes financial stipends of up to $2,000 per year for teachers who focus on foreign languages in kindergarten through third grade. With a two-year pilot program budgeted at $25,000 from the state’s general fund, the decision to participate would be up to individual school districts. Senator Larry Luick emphasizes the importance of early introduction to foreign languages, citing the multilingual backgrounds of many students.

Megan Topping with KX News has the story. Bill Details are below.

Recent assessments show a mixed bag for students’ academic performance. Math scores reveal some positive trends, while reading results continue to decline, raising concerns about literacy levels among students. This duality prompts important questions about the underlying challenges that contribute to these struggles. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for educators and policymakers as they aim to address the gaps in student achievement and enhance support where it’s needed most.

This is an introduction, and a very good primer for the topic of measuring education outcomes. We’ll be diving deeper into how North Dakota is doing over the past five years but also further back.

Swedish universities are taking proactive steps to establish guidelines for using generative AI in academic work, addressing concerns about ethics and integrity. Uppsala University, responding to feedback from students and faculty, emphasizes the need for AI literacy and critical thinking regarding technology’s role in education. As educational institutions navigate the balance between innovation and academic honesty, these guidelines aim to foster an environment that embraces both technological advances and ethical considerations.

Why does this matter in Minot? AI is not going away, and it’s moving fast. We need to wake up and get in front of the technology – as much as we can — so we have the best chance of shaping how its used. The story on Sweden’s approach is below from Radio Sweden.

Three new bills in North Dakota aim to enhance protections for renters, but they face a skeptical Senate Industry and Business Committee. Senate Bills 2235, 2236, and 2237 focus on addressing late fees and providing tenants with options for recourse against non-compliant landlords. With nearly 35% of households renting and many struggling to afford housing, these proposals seek to tackle the pressures of rising fees and the risk of homelessness. However, concerns remain about their effectiveness and impact on landlord practices.

The Bismarck Tribune has the full story; bill details are below.

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It’s illegal to sell kids lung cancer and nicotine addiction, but diabetes? Sure. Fine.

Food companies pledged to clean up their act, but sugary cereals still dominate kids’ TV screens—and their breakfast bowls. A new study finds that despite promises to promote healthier options, cereal makers continue marketing their least nutritious products directly to children, fueling an already alarming rise in diet-related diseases. 

When the private sector refuses to do what we know is needed, is that the moment that it’s ok for regulators to step in? Get the full, more opinionated story on the topic in the piece from The New Lede linked below.