Utility bills are climbing across the U.S., but costs like lobbying fees and corporate advertising are often hidden in those charges. A recent report highlights how some states are starting to tackle this issue, banning utilities from passing on these expenses to[...]
Section: Laws & Regulations
City to allow more time for sidewalk snow removal
Minot property owners may soon find a little extra time after winter storms to manage their sidewalks. The City Council has approved an ordinance on first reading that extends the snow removal deadline from 24 hours to 72 hours. This change aims[...]
North Dakota federal judge axes environmental rule
A North Dakota federal judge has ruled that the Council on Environmental Quality, established by Congress in 1969, has been operating beyond its intended role as an advisory body. U.S. District Court Judge Dan Traynor struck down a 2024 regulation that altered[...]
A Solution: How Single-Stair Reform Can Help Unlock Incremental Housing
Small apartment buildings like Oak Terrace used to be common, filling cities with well-scaled, community-friendly homes. But thanks to modern building codes, structures like this are now nearly impossible to build. A single rule requiring two staircases with a fire-rated corridor has[...]
Protections for North Dakota renters face skepticism in committee
Three new bills in North Dakota aim to enhance protections for renters, but they face a skeptical Senate Industry and Business Committee. Senate Bills 2235, 2236, and 2237 focus on addressing late fees and providing tenants with options for recourse against non-compliant[...]
Subscribe!
It's free and it helps us grow and provide better information ForMinot!
City of Minot Planning Commission Agenda | February 4, 2025
The City of Minot’s Planning Commission will meet Tuesday, February 4th at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The agenda for the meeting will be linked below and livestreamed via the city’s Youtube channel. Any persons requiring special accommodation is asked to contact[...]
Nebraska lawmakers consider measure to preempt local rent regulations
Nebraska lawmakers are currently discussing a proposed bill that would prevent local governments from imposing rent controls on private property. At a public hearing, supporters argued that the measure is a proactive step to fend off potential rent regulations. However, opponents contended[...]
A Modern Definition of Marriage for North Dakota?
North Dakota’s approach to marriage is under review as lawmakers consider Senate Bill 2264, which seeks to update the state’s definition of marriage. If passed, the bill would transition from traditional labels like “husband” and “wife” to a broader recognition of marital[...]
GOP attorneys general urge Costco to drop diversity policies, cite Trump’s order
A group of 19 Republican attorneys general, including North Dakota’s Drew Wrigley, is urging Costco to reconsider its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. In a letter directed to CEO Ron Vachris, they argue that these practices lead to unlawful discrimination and[...]
They Followed North Carolina Election Rules When They Cast Their Ballots. Now Their Votes Could Be Tossed Anyway.
Judge Jefferson Griffin’s effort to overturn his North Carolina Supreme Court loss has left thousands of voters stunned. His argument? Ballots missing a driver’s license number or Social Security digits should be thrown out—despite state laws confirming their legitimacy. The impact is[...]
Subscribe!
It's free and it helps us grow and provide better information ForMinot!
As more states adopt traffic enforcement cameras, here’s where North Dakota stands
Traffic cameras spark debates across the nation—praised for saving lives but criticized for their fairness and effectiveness. In states like New York, they’ve proven their worth, cutting speeding and crashes in school zones. Yet in North Dakota, where no laws permit their[...]
HB 1505 Addresses Lawmaker Immunity and Conflicts of Interest
North Dakota state Rep. Jason Dockter recently faced a misdemeanor conviction linked to a conflict of interest regarding votes that financially benefited him. This situation has sparked conversations among lawmakers about the ethical boundaries within their ranks. In response, legislative leaders have[...]
Who decides? How algorithms and humans interact in judges’ decisions about bail
Keith White’s story stands at the intersection of human judgment and algorithmic prediction. Arrested in Kentucky, he faced charges that could have left him in jail simply because he couldn’t afford bail. This scenario plays out daily across the U.S.: judges must[...]
North Dakota Supreme Court denies state’s request to reinstate abortion ban
The North Dakota Supreme Court chose not to reinstate a nearly total abortion ban while the state’s appeal continues. In a majority opinion, justices raised concerns about the law’s clarity and applicability, hinting at a potential siding with the plaintiffs. Originally passed[...]
Bill would allow unsupervised 16-year-olds to provide ‘flex care’ for infants
In Iowa, a new bill is sparking debate: should teenagers be allowed to care for infants without adult supervision? House Study Bill 8 suggests they could, offering “flex care” for quick breaks—but it leaves parents and experts uneasy. Imagine leaving your newborn[...]
Subscribe!
It's free and it helps us grow and provide better information ForMinot!