Minot’s search for its next police chief took a hit this week as finalist Dr. Richard Rosell withdrew, citing concerns about political entanglement—specifically referencing a council member now running for mayor. His blunt exit email sparked new questions about the city's internal dynamics and whether its national search is casting a wide enough net. With only three candidates remaining, and years of high-profile controversies still fresh—including leadership turnover, political tension, and public scandals—Minot may face a broader challenge: convincing top-tier candidates that the city is not just hiring a chief, but ready to be led.
Gov. Kelly Armstrong inadvertently vetoed $35 million meant for affordable housing and homelessness programs due to a staff markup error in Senate Bill 2014, the Industrial Commission budget. The veto, meant to cut just $150,000 for a homelessness liaison position, mistakenly canceled the full housing allocation. Armstrong has pledged to fix the mistake, potentially calling a special session if no legal workaround is found. Legislative Council is reviewing options, though a special session—estimated to cost $65,000 a day—remains the most likely remedy. The funding was to support the Housing Incentive Fund, with $25 million targeted for new development and $10 million for homelessness.
Delon Davis, 46, testified in his own defense Wednesday in the murder trial of Mark Ramon McMillan Jr., claiming self-defense in the April 2024 shooting. Davis alleged McMillan and another man fired first after threatening him over missing cartel-linked drugs, prompting Davis to return fire. He said he didn’t report the incident due to threats from a man he believed was tied to a Mexican cartel, who allegedly forced him to clean and conceal the crime scene. Davis admitted to hiding the body and continuing normal routines out of fear. On cross-examination, prosecutors challenged inconsistencies, including the lack of bullet holes and Davis's failure to disclose key details earlier. The state rebutted Davis’s cartel claims with testimony from Anthony Decoteau, who denied involvement and said he had never met Davis prior. Closing arguments took place Thursday before the jury found Davis guilty.
A coalition of environmental and landowner groups is celebrating the removal of a controversial provision from the U.S. House’s budget reconciliation bill that would have allowed federal approval of carbon pipelines over state objections. The change comes after backlash from states like South Dakota, which recently banned eminent domain for carbon pipelines. While opponents failed to repeal federal carbon sequestration tax credits or a fast-track permitting option for gas pipelines, they view the dropped provision as a major win. The $9 billion Summit Carbon pipeline, which depends on eminent domain, remains stalled in South Dakota following recent legal and regulatory setbacks.
The U.S. House narrowly passed the GOP's sweeping 1,116-page budget reconciliation package — dubbed the “big, beautiful bill” — in a 215–214 vote early Thursday. The legislation, backed by President Trump, includes extensions of 2017 tax cuts, $625 billion in Medicaid cuts, border and defense spending increases, stricter Medicaid work requirements, and higher electric vehicle fees. It also expands the SALT cap and alters SNAP funding. Democrats unanimously opposed the bill, calling it a giveaway to the wealthy at the expense of vulnerable Americans. The Senate is expected to rewrite key parts before final passage by July 4.
