Today in Minot

Tourism doesn’t just happen—it’s built, often piece by piece, by local ideas and community effort. In Williams County, that effort just got a boost. The 2025 Tourism Grant Program is now accepting applications, offering $80,000 to support events, advertising, and capital projects that draw visitors and showcase the region. From expanded facilities to fresh events, the goal is simple: help the county thrive by giving people a reason to stop, stay, and explore.

Why does this matter in Minot? We need to be watching what our neighboring cities and communities are up to, and in Williston, they’re working on making themselves more attractive. That starts with an investment.

The future of North Dakota’s abortion laws is once again in the hands of the state’s highest court. At issue is a 2023 ban struck down by a district judge who found it vague and unconstitutional. The state argues that no such right to elective abortion exists in North Dakota’s constitution, while challengers say the law puts doctors in legal limbo. With both sides warning of blurred lines and high stakes, the justices now face a familiar, deeply complex question—where does medical judgment end, and law begin? Mary Steurer with the North Dakota Monitor has the full story.

When airmen finish their service, many pack up and leave—but what if more of them stayed? That’s the question Grand Forks economic leaders are now asking. With low unemployment and high demand in fields like health care, manufacturing, and autonomous systems, the city sees opportunity in its military neighbors. By introducing airmen to local jobs and community life before they separate, leaders hope to turn temporary duty into long-term roots. The effort is early, but the goal is clear: grow Grand Forks by keeping those already here. Joshua Irvine has the full story on what’s happening in Grand Forks.

Why does this matter in Minot? We also have an Air Force Base. And it’s not uncommon for Air Force personnel to finish their career while stationed in Minot. This has been a quietly recognized opportunity among Minot leaders for some time, but our North Dakota neighbors to the East aren’t being quiet about it anymore. Is this a sign that Minot needs to add a bit more intentionality to it’s in-town recruitment opportunities or make some more noise for their efforts?

Some stories are too good to make up—like a Gothic novel returned to a small-town library more than 51 years late. That’s what happened in Enderlin, where a copy of _Rebecca_ quietly reappeared in the mail, decades after its due date in 1973. No name, no note—just a well-traveled book and a $20 bill. What followed was part mystery, part comedy, and a reminder that even in the digital age, a good story—and a good return—still makes people smile. Tracy Biggs with Inforum.com has the full story.

The courtroom has quieted, and now the weight shifts to the jury. Prosecutors say Nichole Rice knew too much—details only the killer could know. The defense fired back, calling the case sloppy and sensational, a rush to judgment built on weak links and old memories. After weeks of testimony and years of questions, the final chapter is being written behind closed doors. What remains is the verdict. Joe Skurzewski has the update on the final day of arguments; read his full report at KMOT.

Snow removal isn’t just about plows and piles—it’s about trust between a city and its residents. At Tuesday’s downtown neighborhood meeting, Minot officials acknowledged past missteps and outlined changes already underway, from quicker blade changes to clearer communication. Residents brought frustration, but also cautious optimism. One business owner noted real progress downtown. The city’s message? They’re listening, adjusting, and trying to do better. With winter behind us, the work of rebuilding confidence is just getting started. Jill Schramm with the Minot Daily News has the story on the third of the four planned neighborhood meetings.

Julie Fedorchak’s first public forum since taking office wasn’t held in a gym or town hall—it happened over the phone, reaching thousands of North Dakotans from their own homes. In the spotlight: Social Security, Medicaid, and education funding. Fedorchak assured constituents that core benefits aren’t being cut, but acknowledged big changes are coming. The conversation was civil, candid, and occasionally sharp, reflecting a nation still figuring out how to talk—and disagree—about the programs that shape daily life. Michael Achterling with the North Dakota Monitor has the full story linked below.

The Minnesota Twins may be up for sale—but it’s not a done deal, and certainly not a simple one. The Pohlad family is seeking at least $1.7 billion, a price shaped as much by debt as by value. Add in local ownership preferences and a cautious approach from the sellers, and the timeline is looking more like a marathon than a sprint. For fans and potential buyers alike, this is a waiting game with high stakes—and plenty of hometown pride on the line. Get the full story from Field Level Media.

As research funding tightens in the U.S., American universities are looking outward—and Sweden is listening. Uppsala University’s Vice-Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt, fresh off a visit with top U.S. institutions, says the message was clear: collaboration matters now more than ever. With academic budgets under pressure in the U.S., partnerships with Sweden’s universities aren’t just valued—they’re vital. “We heard words like ‘we need you,’” Hagfeldt said. In a shifting global research landscape, the bonds between institutions may prove more important than borders. Listen below.

For the first time in nearly 100 years, the North Dakota FFA State Convention is getting a new home—and it’s not just about more seats. After years of growing attendance and packed venues, the move to NDSU’s SHAC in 2025 signals a new chapter for the state’s largest student organization. With bigger space, better tech, and fresh opportunities for industry partnerships, the convention is evolving to match the energy and ambition of its members.

Alex Cran writing for the NDSU student newspaper The Spectrum has the full story.