During Monday's City Council meeting, Minot resident Josiah Royce announced he has submitted nearly 500 signatures—well over the 293 required—to trigger a special election for the vacant mayoral seat. Assuming verification, the earliest election date would be July 20. Royce also declared his candidacy, vowing to serve as a "Constitutional Mayor" and challenging policies he sees as conflicting with the nation’s founding principles. His announcement follows a lengthy public statement criticizing the Minot Police Department.
In this episode of Minot Matters, host Jonathan Starr sits down with David Lakefield, Minot’s Finance Director, for an in-depth conversation about the city’s budget, financial planning, and the strategies behind funding key services and infrastructure. We explore how taxpayer dollars are allocated, the challenges of balancing a growing city’s needs, and what residents should know about the financial health of Minot. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a local business owner, or just curious about how city finances work, this episode gives you a transparent look behind the numbers.
In a 51-48 vote, Senate Republicans passed a budget resolution paving the way to extend the 2017 tax cuts and potentially add nearly $6 trillion to the deficit, according to outside estimates. The resolution sets up a reconciliation process that could also include major increases in defense and border security spending. Critics warn the plan favors the wealthy and could spike inflation, while libertarian and progressive groups alike are blasting it as a fiscal disaster in the making. The measure now heads to the House.
North Dakota may soon launch a dedicated website to display investments tied to its $12 billion Legacy Fund, following unanimous Senate approval of House Bill 1319. The site would list all public holdings, aiming to streamline access for citizens and reduce public records requests. While some fund details—like institutional investments—remain confidential, officials say the platform will increase transparency and save time. The project, supported by Gov. Kelly Armstrong, is expected to take several years to complete.
A bill to clarify when North Dakota’s legislative term limits begin failed in the House on a 48-42 vote Monday. House Bill 1300, backed by Rep. Ben Koppelman, would have started the term limits clock on Jan. 1, 2023, following confusion from the 2022 voter-approved measure. With the bill’s defeat, questions linger about how terms will be counted—especially for lawmakers elected in 2020 and 2022. Meanwhile, a separate resolution that would expand term limits to four terms per chamber heads to the 2026 ballot.
North Dakota will stick with changing clocks twice a year after the Senate voted 32-15 to kill a bill aimed at ending seasonal time shifts. House Bill 1259 initially proposed year-round standard time but was amended to adopt permanent daylight saving time—only if neighboring states did the same. Supporters cited benefits for construction and evening activities, but concerns about time mismatches with border states and federal law ultimately sank the bill.
In a rare joint visit to Fort Yates, Govs. Kelly Armstrong (ND) and Larry Rhoden (SD) met with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to discuss looming federal funding cuts and long-standing sovereignty concerns. Tribal Chairwoman Janet Alkire urged state leaders to advocate for Indian Country as Trump-era budget rollbacks threaten essential services. Both governors expressed support, while tribal leaders pressed for help on infrastructure, economic development, and meaningful consultation moving forward.
