Access to the Pentagon just got a lot tighter for journalists. Under new rules announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, credentialed media must now be escorted through much of the Pentagon—an abrupt shift from decades of bipartisan precedent. The stated reason: national[...]
Tag: Open Government
Curio |
Reynolds’ open-records lawsuit against the Register is disturbing and dangerous
When a sitting governor sues a newspaper for requesting public records, it’s not just a legal maneuver—it’s a shot across the bow of open government. In Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds has flipped the script, dragging the _Des Moines Register_ into court over[...]
Commentary |
Our opinion: Public comment law is a good idea, but should be happening already
It shouldn’t take a state law to guarantee public comment at local government meetings—but that’s exactly what’s moving through the North Dakota Legislature. Senate Bill 2180 would require city councils, school boards, and other local bodies to set aside time for public[...]
News |
Police remove public commenter from Dickinson City Commission meeting after threats, disruption
A city meeting in Dickinson erupted Tuesday night when a known out-of-town agitator refused to give up the podium during a public comment opportunity, prompting his removal by police. Ryan Messano, who’s gained a reputation for inflammatory remarks targeting women and minority[...]
News |
North Dakota House passes bill requiring public comment at local governing body meetings
A bill requiring public comment at all regular meetings of local government bodies is one step closer to becoming law in North Dakota. The House passed Senate Bill 2180 in an 85-4 vote, sending it back to the Senate for final approval.[...]
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News |
Fargo lawmaker who filed most records requests through Legislative Council says requests shouldn’t be public
Rep. Jim Kasper filed more public records requests than any other North Dakota lawmaker this session—then expressed regret that those requests were public. His comments came during Sunshine Week, a national initiative celebrating government transparency. Among Kasper’s nine requests were records targeting[...]
News |
Minot Mayor Under Investigation as City Debates Personnel Record Access
Minot Mayor Tom Ross is under investigation, but details remain undisclosed. The inquiry began in late January, and city officials have cited state law in withholding records until mid-April. Meanwhile, Minot representatives recently supported legislation that would have restricted public access to[...]
News |
Requiring public comment period at local meetings debated at North Dakota Legislature
Sen. Bob Paulson of Minot is advocating for Senate Bill 2180, which aims to enhance public engagement during local government meetings in North Dakota. The proposed legislation would require local boards to open a public comment period at least once a month,[...]
Curio |
The ‘GOAT’: Lawmakers unveil plan to update Nebraska regulations, cut red tape
Nebraska’s lawmakers are taking a swing at modernizing state regulations with a policy package they’ve dubbed “GOAT”—Government Oversight, Accountability, and Transparency. This multi-step plan aims to trim bureaucratic fat, keeping pace with, and even mirroring, similar national and state efforts. Led by[...]
News |
Council Votes 4-3 to Release Records on Nok Back Tavern Discussions
On a 4-3 vote, Minot City Council voted to release executive session records from April 15th and May 6th related to the purchase of the Nok Back Tavern properties. This story is part of ongoing coverage of the land acquisition that has[...]
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Commentary |
I’d Rather See Them Make the Sausage!
Before you agreed to make an offer and start a negotiating process, you must have first become convinced that you wanted to make the offer at all, right? [...]Read More... from I’d Rather See Them Make the Sausage!
Commentary |
This Level of Transparency Isn’t Good Enough For Me
On May 6th, at 4:49 p.m. at a Special City Council Meeting, Minot City Council entered what is known as an executive session to consider two agenda items. The one germane to this commentary is included here: 3. EXECUTIVE SESSION: POTENTIAL LAND[...]
News |
Minot City Council Agenda & Alderman Comments, February 19, 2019
Minot’s City Council will meet Tuesday, February 19 at 5:30 p.m. The full agenda along with the comments of one Alderman can be found below. 1. ROLL CALL 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PERSONAL APPEARANCES 4. PUBLIC HEARING Alderman Notes: On each of[...]
News |
City Council Agenda, February 4, 2019
Outlined below are the agenda items for the City of Minot’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting for February 4, 2019. Also included are brief comments of one Alderman. Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 4, 2019 at 5:30 PM City Council Chambers[...]
News |
Public engagement in local decisions evolving rapidly on the shoulders of technology
How do we awaken citizens from their apathy and get them engaged with the decisions being made in their communities? One town in Colorado made an investment in technology, trashed the traditional model that only allowed input at live meetings, and catered[...]
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Commentary |
Pitbulls… Lovable? Yes. Dangerous? That too.
None of that changes the fact that as a City Council member, I’ve got the job of deciding the issue. Mark your calendars, our meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 17th. [...]Read More... from Pitbulls… Lovable? Yes. Dangerous? That too.