Today in Minot

A jury in Grand Forks has found Nichole Rice not guilty in the 2007 killing of her roommate, Anita Knutson, in Minot. Prosecutors highlighted inconsistencies in Rice’s statements and presented testimony from two witnesses who claimed Rice admitted to the crime. The defense questioned law enforcement’s handling of the case and pointed to an alternate person of interest who was never charged. With the verdict returned, those hoping for justice for Anita are left with more questions than answers.

The Minnesota Vikings are pinning their hopes on rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, aiming for him to claim the starting role next season. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed confidence in McCarthy’s development but kept the door slightly open for other possibilities—most notably, the lingering speculation about Aaron Rodgers. While conversations have taken place, no deal is imminent, and the Vikings appear content to see how McCarthy performs before making any drastic moves. For now, the future in Minnesota seems firmly in McCarthy’s hands. Get the full story from the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

North Dakota lawmakers are stepping up to protect a treasured symbol of the state’s heritage. The Legislature has approved a resolution urging Congress to establish federal protections for the wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Supporters argue that the nearly 200 horses are not just a tourist attraction but also a vital part of the state’s identity. With bipartisan support and no opposition in the Senate, the resolution now heads to federal officials, where advocates hope it will lead to lasting protections for the herd.

North Dakota’s biennial legislative schedule may have served its purpose in a slower, simpler era, but that time has passed. The Grand Forks Herald Editorial Board argues that House Bill 1408, which proposes moving to annual legislative sessions, is the right move to keep pace with the state’s rapidly evolving economy. With billion-dollar budgets, global oil market influence, and emerging industries like UAS technology, North Dakota needs a more responsive and adaptable legislative process. The Senate now has a chance to embrace progress—or cling to outdated tradition, but the Herald’s position on the issue is crystal clear. The full editorial is linked below as well as bill details related to the matter.

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Attorney General Drew Wrigley’s push for stricter sentencing laws in North Dakota isn’t about making communities safer—it’s about politics. His proposed legislation, Senate Bill 2128, promises harsher sentences but ignores the steep financial costs and strains on an already overburdened corrections system. Studies show that such policies don’t reduce crime, yet Wrigley continues to sell them as a solution. Worse, those who challenge his approach face personal attacks, suggesting that for Wrigley, political gain matters more than sound policy.

Columnist Rob Port has been following this debate closely. In what may be a closing word before the legislature’s final decision on the matter he doesn’t pull any punches. Read full piece at Inforum.com.

For too long, America’s heartland has been overlooked by venture capitalists chasing the next big thing on the coasts. But while Silicon Valley pitches another AI platform and New York backs the latest fintech app, entrepreneurs in middle America are solving real problems—problems that impact millions of Americans. These founders aren’t just innovating for profit; they’re tackling healthcare gaps, improving clean energy access, and driving sustainable agriculture. The question isn’t whether these ideas can scale—it’s whether investors are ready to bet on America’s future where it matters most.

That’s the opinion of Gayle Jennings O’Byrne; read the full commentary that’s part cheerleader and part eye opener at Route Fifty.

Minot State University’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter continues to set the standard, earning top honors at the recent Collegiate State Leadership Conference held in Mandan. With 16 active members, Minot State once again claimed the Dorothy L. Travis Outstanding Chapter award, a testament to their consistent excellence. Individual and team success followed, with members earning top placements across a variety of competitive events. Now, they’re preparing to showcase their talents on the national stage in Dallas, Texas, from May 31 to June 2. The full news release from Minot State is included; individual and team awards are as follows:

 Individual event winners

• Business Communication, third place, Nate Olson
• Computer Applications, second place, Luke Curren
• Foundations of Accounting, first place, Connor Radtke; fifth place, Kyleigh Wiltse
• Foundations of Communications, second place, Tessa Galvin; third place, Shaylie Holen
• Foundations of Economics, second place, Nate Olson
• Foundations of Entrepreneurship, first place, Luke Curren; second place, Jersey Johnson
• Foundations of Finance, first place, Nate Olson; third place, Connor Radtke
• Foundations of Hospitality Management, first place, Marissa Beck
• Foundations of Management, second place, Marissa Beck
• Foundations of Marketing, third place, Jersey Johnson
• Foundations of Selling, first place, Jack Johnson
• Foundations of Technology, first place, Luke Curren
• Impromptu Speaking, first place, Cambry Ankenbauer; second place, Tessa Galvin
• Job Interview, first place, Jack Johnson
• Organizational Behavior and Leadership, fifth place, Kyle Sandy
• Public Speaking, first place, Jack Johnson
• Sports Management and Marketing, fourth place, Shaylie Holen

Team event winners:

• Accounting Case Competition, first place, Cambry Ankenbauer, Connor Radtke, Emma Taylor
• Business Presentation, first place, Jersey Johnson, Kyle Sandy, Alec Wolf
• Emerging Business Issues, second place, Marissa Beck, Kyle Sandy; third place, Shaylie Holen, Kyleigh Wiltse
• Hospitality Management Case Competition, first place, Tessa Galvin and Alec Wolf