Despite population growth, fewer Minot residents are voting for mayor today than in the 1970s and '80s, when the city was 15,000 people smaller. A new analysis comparing elections from 1970–1986 to modern contests shows turnout has dropped by more than half, with recent elections struggling to engage even 1 in 10 eligible voters. The article explores the cultural unraveling behind this collapse — and how Minot could rebuild a stronger, more participatory civic culture ahead of the August 5 special election.
Community members are encouraged to help give 118 veterans a hero’s welcome Monday evening as the Western ND Honor Flight returns to Minot for the first time. The veterans, fresh from visiting memorials in Washington, D.C., are scheduled to land at Minot International Airport at 7:22 p.m., with free parking and festivities planned to honor their service.
See the full report from KFGO here
Newly released BCI documents reveal former Sen. Ray Holmberg discussed underage male prostitution in emails with North Dakota lawmakers and businessmen, deepening the scandal that already led to Holmberg’s 10-year federal prison sentence. Attorney General Drew Wrigley says investigations remain open and more information is expected to emerge. The North Dakota University System also expressed shock that individuals connected to higher education may have had knowledge of Holmberg’s conduct.
Gov. Kelly Armstrong’s vetoes of a library obscenity bill and private school voucher funding survived override attempts Friday, leaving both proposals dead for the session. A broader Education Savings Account bill also failed in the House Thursday night, ending major school choice efforts for 2025.
Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed a major education bill Friday banning public school students from using cellphones, smartwatches, and similar devices during the entire school day. Under the new law, devices must be locked away "bell to bell" starting August 1, with limited exemptions for medical needs and special education plans. Officials say the move aims to improve student focus, mental health, and classroom engagement.
North Dakota lawmakers remain divided over raising the state’s gas tax for the first time in two decades, with the House narrowly advancing a 5-cent hike Friday while the Senate unanimously rejected a separate 3-cent proposal. Supporters argue the increase is critical to fund road repairs and secure federal matching dollars, while opponents say it undercuts efforts to deliver property tax relief. The debate now heads to a conference committee as part of finalizing the Department of Transportation budget.
William “Wild Bill” Langer’s life was a whirlwind of populist triumphs, legal battles, and political comebacks that reshaped North Dakota’s political landscape. From his fierce rise through the Nonpartisan League to his defiant “outlaw governor” standoff, and a maverick U.S. Senate career marked by progressive crusades and conspiracy-laden drama, Langer embodied both the promise and the chaos of prairie populism — leaving behind a legacy that still sparks debate today.
A devastating car ramming attack at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day festival left 11 dead and dozens injured, shaking the city's large Filipino community and halting political campaigns on the eve of Canada’s federal election. Suspect Kai-Ji Adam Lo faces eight counts of second-degree murder, with authorities citing mental health issues and ruling out terrorism. As Vancouver mourns its darkest day, questions swirl about how such a tragedy could happen at a celebration of heritage and resilience.
