Today in Minot

North Dakotans deserve answers. With tensions rising over U.S.-Canada relations, federal workforce cuts, and the balance of power in Washington, the state’s congressional delegation—Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer, along with Rep. Julie Fedorchak—must step forward. These aren’t abstract policy debates; they impact tourism, jobs, and the lives of thousands. Thoughtful town halls, not scripted interviews or activist-driven spectacles, would offer clarity. 

That’s the message inside Rob Port’s latest column at Inforum. It’s worth reading; it’s worth sharing.

The trial of Nichole Rice is unfolding in Grand Forks, with investigators revisiting a case that remained unsolved for years. Testimony on the second day focused on key evidence—the murder weapon, a suspicious window screen, and the role of a true crime TV series in renewing the investigation. Prosecutors questioned law enforcement about why Rice was an early suspect, while the defense pushed an alternate theory. As testimony continues, the court weighs whether long-standing suspicions hold up under scrutiny—or if another story emerges.

Joe Skurzewski with KMOT News has the story. KMOT is making the live-stream of the trial available on their website.

A North Dakota jury has delivered a staggering verdict: Greenpeace must pay more than $660 million in damages to the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline. The case, rooted in the heated 2016-2017 protests, pitted free speech against allegations of defamation and unlawful interference. Energy Transfer calls it a victory for accountability, while Greenpeace vows to fight on, warning that the ruling threatens its future. As the legal battle shifts to appeals, the outcome could have lasting consequences for activism, corporate power, and the limits of protest.

Jack Dura with the Associated Press has the full story.

Idaho’s doctor shortage isn’t just a statistic—it’s a growing crisis affecting nearly every corner of the state. With 43 of 44 counties facing a healthcare provider shortage, access to medical care is increasingly limited, leading to worse health outcomes. While partnerships with out-of-state medical schools help train new doctors, too many leave and never return. The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine is working to change that, but experts say it will take an urgent, coordinated effort to train, recruit, and retain the physicians Idaho desperately needs.

Why does this matter in North Dakota? We’re a state with labor shortages of many varieties; we need to be looking beyond to figure out the best solutions. This commentary out of Idaho is worth reading. Also, think for a minute — what if Idaho figures this out? What if they’re successful in recruiting 1,400 doctors? Where do we think some of them will be coming from?

For decades, Ray Holmberg was a fixture in North Dakota politics. Now, newly unsealed court documents reveal the disturbing extent of his crimes. Prosecutors say Holmberg used his position to prey on children—both abroad and in the communities he once served—leveraging power and influence to exploit the most vulnerable. His actions, detailed in explicit court filings, paint a picture of long-standing abuse and manipulation. Melissa Van Der Stad with Inforum has the story.

North Dakota lawmakers are looking to tighten the rules on political messaging. The state Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill aimed at curbing misleading ads, expanding existing laws to include social media, text messages, and phone calls. Supporters argue that evolving election tactics demand updated protections, especially after recent controversies over deceptive campaign texts. While enforcement remains a challenge, legislators see this as a necessary step to uphold election integrity. The bill now heads back to the House, moving one step closer to becoming law.

Grant Coursey with the Bismarck Tribune has the story; bill details are included below.

Change is coming for North Dakota State basketball. Minot’s own Darik Dissette, a former Mr. Basketball and key contributor for the Bison, has entered the transfer portal after two seasons in Fargo. While his minutes were limited, he showed flashes of potential—most notably with a 16-point performance late in the season. KMOT News has the full story.

Social media isn’t inherently good or bad—it all depends on how it’s designed. While platforms offer teens opportunities for connection, creativity, and support, they also expose them to cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and addictive behaviors. Lawmakers are debating broad restrictions, but researchers argue for a different approach: redesigning platforms to prioritize safety while preserving benefits. Features like privacy controls, algorithmic transparency, and content moderation could help mitigate harm without cutting off access. The challenge isn’t just limiting social media use—it’s making it better for the next generation.

North Carolina lawmakers are weighing how far schools should go in limiting student cell phone use. A new bill moving through the state House would require school districts to set policies on phones during class but stops short of a full ban. Some advocates want stricter “bell-to-bell” restrictions, arguing phones disrupt learning and fuel cyberbullying. Others worry about limiting communication and tech-based learning. With school districts already setting their own rules, the debate now shifts to whether statewide action is needed—or if local control should prevail.

This is one of the few bi-partisan issues state legislatures are tackling across the country, and this story from North Carolina could just as easily read “North Dakota”; the identified need, the arguments, and even the solution North Carolina are trending toward are the same. We keep sharing this thread because when we’re all taking about the same thing, there’s a good chance it’s important. Learning environments require focus, and cell phones, and particularly the apps that we put on them, are designed — literally — to steal our focus and keep our attention. This conflict needs to be addressed, but who should tackle the problem?

Are local jurisdictions the best equipped? Is this subject matter that requires some over-arching guidance from the state? The list of questions we can generate is long, perhaps the most important one — do we have time to wait or is the pace of the blinking warning light speeding up?

North Dakota lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that would require public libraries to create restricted sections for materials deemed obscene—though defining what qualifies remains a point of contention. Supporters argue it’s about protecting children, while opponents warn of vague language, high costs, and the risk of mass book challenges. With a potential price tag of over $1 million, the bill’s impact on library systems is raising concerns. As it heads to the House Appropriations Committee, the debate over censorship, access, and public spending is far from over.

Jeff Beach with North Dakota Monitor has the story; bill details are below.