Today in Minot

In the summer of 1851, just south of present-day Minot, a little-known but significant battle took place between Métis buffalo hunters and Yanktonai Sioux warriors. Vastly outnumbered, the Métis held their ground for two days using defensive tactics and steady gunfire. The Battle of Grand Coteau isn’t widely remembered, but it marked a moment of rising tensions on the northern plains—when two groups, each with deep claims to the land, clashed during a time of rapid change across the American frontier.

K.L Collom writing for The Dakotan delivers the recent news on an old story. If local history tickles your curiosity, you’ll love this.

A bill expanding access to special allocation hunting tags is now headed to the governor’s desk after passing the North Dakota Senate with strong support. House Bill 1094 would allow veterans organizations to join charitable nonprofits in using these tags for fundraising, provided they donate a portion of proceeds to conservation. The bill also raises that donation requirement from 10% to 20%. Supporters say it’s a way to honor veterans while increasing support for wildlife and habitat efforts across the state. Grant Coursey with the Bismarck Tribune has the full story; bill details can be found below.

Rep. Jim Kasper filed more public records requests than any other North Dakota lawmaker this session—then expressed regret that those requests were public. His comments came during Sunshine Week, a national initiative celebrating government transparency. Among Kasper’s nine requests were records targeting school policies on transgender students and inquiries into potential conflicts of interest involving state officials. While some lawmakers voiced support for open records laws, Kasper’s stance has sparked renewed questions about where transparency ends and personal political strategy begins. The full debate is now squarely in the public eye.

Joshua Irvine with the Grand Forks Herald has the full story that shines a light on lawmakers activities.

A bill to tighten parental control over school surveys narrowly failed in the North Dakota House, but the debate isn’t over yet. Senate Bill 2105 would have required written parental consent before students could take surveys, especially those from outside organizations. Supporters cited concerns over intrusive questions; opponents warned it would block valuable data used to address teen health issues. With several lawmakers absent, a vote to reconsider could come as soon as Monday—keeping the question of who decides what kids are asked still very much on the table.

Grant Coursey with the Bismarck Tribune has the full story; bill details can be found below.

In the first week of the Nichole Rice murder trial, testimony took a sharp turn as multiple witnesses claimed Rice confessed to the 2007 stabbing of her roommate, Anita Knutson. The admissions, allegedly made at house parties years after the crime, added a new layer to a case that had gone cold for more than a decade. The defense pushed back, questioning memory, timelines, and outside media influence. As the trial continues Monday, the focus will be on how much weight the jury gives to long-held stories now brought to light.

Joe Skurzewski with KMOT has been covering the story closely; find his coverage linked below.

For Minnesota’s craft brewers, tariffs on aluminum aren’t just a policy debate—they’re a real hit to the bottom line. As costs rise on everything from cans to grain, small breweries are left juggling tight margins and big decisions. Do they absorb the extra cost or pass it to the customer? At places like Jack Pine and Paddlefish Brewing, the answer isn’t simple—but the stakes are clear. In an uncertain market, these brewers are doing what they’ve always done: adapt, improvise, and keep pouring.

Why does this matter in Minot? North Dakota has craft breweries, too.

There’s something grounding about a recipe that comes with a coastline. This fish casserole, shared straight from a family cabin in Norway’s Flatanger archipelago, is more than comfort food—it’s a slice of place. With cod caught in the winter winds and vegetables grown in some of the country’s richest soil, the dish blends simplicity with heart. It’s easy to make, hard to mess up, and perfect for any season. Even skeptics will find something to love in its creamy, savory warmth.

And while we don’t have cod, there are a lot of North Dakota freezers filled with fresh water white fish. If you’re open to new takes on favorite food inspired by the old country, you’ll appreciate this recipe served up by Line Klevmo Beumer with the Norwegian American.

Elon Musk’s surprise visit to the Pentagon has drawn more than headlines—it’s sparked fresh questions about where business ends and national security begins. Reports initially tied his briefing request to U.S. war plans with China, a claim later denied by both the Pentagon and President Trump. Still, the optics matter. As Musk’s business empire intersects with major government contracts and geopolitical tensions, today’s visit underscores how deeply entwined America’s tech titans have become with its strategic ambitions—and the scrutiny that comes with it. Get the full story on from Defense One.

After months of speculation, the Air Force is all in on a new chapter of air dominance—and Boeing’s at the helm. The announcement of the F-47, a sixth-generation fighter jet, marks a rare recent win for Boeing and a turning point in U.S. military aviation. With stealthier tech, longer range, and a drone wingman or two, this jet isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a vision of the future. And with billions on the table, it’s a bet that could reshape the defense industry. The Air Force plans to spend $20 billion over the next five years to develop NGAD, according to its 2025 budget request. Get the full story from Defense One.