Good morning, Minot.

The Minot Area Community Foundation announced its July funding awards of $248,608, approved by its board, with $160,445 in grants + $88,163 in scholarships for local nonprofits and colleges.

The awards include 50 scholarship payments already announced to support community education.

Facing a delay in nearly $500,000 in federal funds, the High Plains Fair Housing Center, the only nonprofit serving discrimination claims in North Dakota, said it will lay off half its staff by month-end, which could reduce support for about 1,000 inquiries + many disabled clients.

Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot celebrated the groundbreaking of its new African Plains Pavilion — an 800 sqft covered space for giraffe feedings, educational programming, and community events — and it is expected to open later this fall.

KXMC-TV in Minot will switch from CBS to The CW on Saturday, Aug.

1, as Nexstar finalizes a multi-year plan. Local news + weather will continue, keeping the station's service unchanged.

Basin Electric will spend $200 million to upgrade 80 wind turbines at a farm between Minot and Max—making them produce more power.

Ward County Commissioners approved the plan on July 7, and a public hearing is scheduled in August for local input.

The Minot Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for two youth development grant programs in northwest North Dakota.

Eligible groups may apply for the NWND Fund for Girls Grants by Sept. 4 or for Chevron 4-H Club & FFA Chapter Grants due Nov. 30, with details online.

Homeless advocates hope the new federal housing law, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which just became law, will boost affordable housing and ease voucher inspections to help counter North Dakota’s growing housing shortage, especially in rural areas.

NDHFA announced a planned $240,000 distribution through the Helping HAND program to fund housing rehab projects (including $22,430 for a Minot group) as part of its effort to keep homes safe for lower-income residents.

This initiative builds on over $7.3 million granted since 1993.

In Kenmare, 16-year-old Kiley Whillock placed second in an air rifle contest at the national 4-H meet last month.

She has competed in 4-H for nearly a decade & plans to set new goals next year.

Beulah standout Jack Skalsky, who earned All-State honors with 105 tackles last season, is switching to baseball as he begins his career at Bismarck State College.

He is the first from his program to advance to college baseball, setting high expectations for growth on the diamond.

Raynes & Liam Keeney Concert

5-9 p.m. — Citizens Alley — Free entry — Experience a night of free live performances in a vibrant Downtown Minot atmosphere.