News & Views with Joel Heitkamp

01/05/26: Joel Heitkamp is joined by former Congressman Denver Riggleman for a conversation on the unexpected US military operation that led to the capture of the Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro. Mr. Riggleman previously served in the U.S. Congress, as a Republican representing the 5th District of Virginia and as Senior Technical Adviser to the January 6th Select Committee. His national security background includes serving as an intelligence officer for the USAF where he deployed for multiple operations including directly after 9/11 with the 34th Bomb Squadron. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01/05/26: Fargo City Commissioner Denise Kolpack is serving as Deputy Mayor, and was elected to the Fargo City Commission in June of 2022. She joins Joel Heitkamp in the KFGO studio to announce she's running for Mayor of Fargo. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1/2/26: Former State Senator, Vern Thompson, joins News and View, to discuss his letter he wrote to US Representative, Julie Fedorchak. Vern Thompson and Joel Heitkamp also talked about what is going on regarding Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/31/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined by former Fargo Broadcaster and KFGO Reporter Al Aamodt, as well as Jack Zaleski, former Editor of the Devils Lake Daily Journal and The Forum’s editorial page. The three of them share their thoughts on some of the biggest stories of the year, like the assassination of Charlie Kirk and Speaker Melissa Hortman, the Big Beautiful Bill becoming law, ships being blown up by the Trump Administration, and more. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/30/25: Michelle Kommer is filling in for Joel Heitkamp on "News and Views" and has a full studio to have a conversation about different generations in the workforce. Michelle previously served as North Dakota’s Labor Commissioner and Commerce Commissioner, and chats with mother and daughter duo, Krista and Lily Andrews for more generational perspective. Krista Andrews is a shareholder in ABST Law in Fargo and Lily Andrews is a student at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/29/25: North Dakota State Senator Josh Boschee is filling in for Joel Heitkamp on "News and Views," and is joined in the KFGO studio by Levi Bachmeier. Governor Armstrong appointed West Fargo School District Business Manager Levi Bachmeier as North Dakota’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction. He served as business manager of the West Fargo School District since 2019, while also coaching track and field. From 2016 to 2019 he served as education policy adviser and policy director for then-Gov. Doug Burgum. Bachmeier previously taught high school social studies for two years with Teach for America and spent a summer as a policy analyst fellow at the U.S. Department of Education. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/29/25: Josh Boschee is filling in for Joel Heitkamp on this snowy Monday, and is joined by the newly-elected North Dakota Farmers Union President, Matt Perdue. He farms with his family near Ray, N.D., where they raise spring wheat, durum, canola, lentils and soybeans, and he previously worked at NDFU and National Farmers Union. Josh asks him about his goals for 2026, the soybean crisis, and more. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/26/25: Joel Heitkamp is back on the air after Christmas and is joined by the YWCA Cass Clay CEO, Erin Prochnow. They talk about Christmas traditions within their family and the importance of YWCA during the holidays. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/23/25: Katie Christensen Mineer is the President of the Fargo School Board, but also is an avid outdoor enthusiast! She is joined in the KFGO by two members from FM Trailbuilders, Tim Krieg and Jason Pike. They talk about FM Trailbuilders, winter outdoor activities, the work the trails take in the winter, and more with Katie. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/23/25: Katie Christensen Mineer joined Planned Parenthood North Central States as an educator and later eventually stepped into her current role as North Dakota State Director. She's hosting for Joel Heitkamp and is joined on KFGO by Christina Sambor, an attorney who argued against the abortion ban before the North Dakota Supreme Court, and Diana Greene Foster, author of the Turnaway Study, which examines what happens when people are denied abortion care. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/23/25: Katie Christensen Mineer joined Planned Parenthood North Central States as an educator and later eventually stepped into her current role as North Dakota State Director. She's hosting for Joel Heitkamp and is joined in the KFGO studio by Chris Johnson from the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. They talk about sexual abuse and violence prevention and what behaviors allow behaviors like this to develop and continue. They also talk about ND laws related to sex education and their impact on consent and abuse. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/22/25: White Joel Heitkamp takes some vacation, Vogel Law attorneys, Mark Friese and Bruce Quick, interview Carl Oberholtzer in the KFGO studio. Carl’s first teaching job was in 1974 in Hettinger, N.D., then went on to Wahpeton, N.D., in 1975 where he taught U.S. and World History, Sociology and Economics, and eventually moved to teach at Fargo North, all while teaching a variety of sports. Over the years, he became friends with Art Phillips, the owner of Video Arts Studio in Fargo, and eventually created a documentary on Little Rock Nine, as well as on Herman Stern and Detroit Lakes. You can read more about Carl from this Senior Perspective article. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/17/25: Macy Kraemer is the Director of Marketing of BIO Girls, and joins Joel on "News and Views" to talk about their organization. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/19/25: Minnesota State Senator Rob Kupec is filling in for Joel on this Friday before Christmas, and has a conversation about a train consolidation with Darin Broten and Amy McBeth. Amy is the General Director of Public Affairs for BNSF Railway and Darin is the Executive Director of Minnesota AgriGrowth. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/19/25: While Joel Heitkamp is out, Minnesota State Senator Rob Kupec takes his place as the host of "News and Views." Rob is joined by Evan Roe, the Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), to talk about paid family medical leave that'll start up in Minnesota in January 2026. You can learn more on their website at https://pl.mn.gov/. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/19/25: Minnesota State Senator Rob Kupec is hosting while Joel takes some vacation, and is joined by Minnesota's Secretary of State, Steve Simon. Steve is Minnesota’s 22nd Secretary of State, and was sworn into office on January 5, 2015. He and Senator Kupec talk about election integrity and abnormalities. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/19/25: Minnesota State Senator Rob Kupec is filling in for Joel Heitkamp, and is joined by Don Johnson to talk about the American Revolution. Don Johnson researches popular politics during the era of the American Revolution, with a particular emphasis on how the experiences of ordinary people shaped social and political change. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/18/25: Joel Heitkamp is broadcasting from Studio South on this snowy Thursday, but he's still joined by Rusty Halvorson, Tom Szymanski, and Jack Michaels for another week of NFL picks. They're also joined by the Owner of West Main Pizza, Todd Sawrey, as their guest picker. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/18/25: Chris Gibbs is an Ohio Farmer, and former Chair of the Republican Party in Selby County Ohio, serving for seven years until 2015. He was then elected as the Chair of the Democratic Party in Selby County in Ohio. He’s also the Chair of Rural Voices USA and the Chair of Gateway Arts. He's become a good friend of "News and Views," and joins Joel again to talk about President Trump's recent address to the Nation regarding our economy, farmers, and more. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/16/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined by Mary and Jen to take all of our recycling and garbage questions ahead of Christmas. Jen Pickett is the Recycling Coordinator for the City of Fargo, and Mary Aldrich is the Sales Manager at MinnKota EnviroServices. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/17/25: The City of Casselton was named the 2025 City of the Year, recognized for its strongcommunity spirit, forward-looking initiatives, and commitment to youth engagement. Casseltonhas embraced inclusive leadership by involving students in council meetings and communityprojects, including painting city snowplows. Michael Faught has served as Mayor of Casselton, ND, since 2022. Casselton is a vibrant and growing city located in Cass County, about 20 miles west of Fargo. Known for its small-town charm and friendly atmosphere, Casselton offers a unique blend of walkability, community spirit, and economic growth that makes it an inviting place to visit or call home. As mayor, Faught has been highly involved in local development and planning efforts. Faught currently works at Arthur Companies where he holds the position of Seasonal Operations Manager and also drives semi-trucks as part of his duties. Adrienne Olson is the Community and Economic Development Director of Casselton, ND. She is responsible for supporting existing businesses, recruiting new businesses and services into Casselton, and creating opportunities for residents to engage in and love their city. Casselton's Economic Development office creates and sustains prosperity and quality of life for Casselton's people, businesses and organizations. Her prior experience includes executive communication roles in John Deere and Fargo real estate redevelopment firm Kilbourne Group. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/17/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined on "News and Views" by former Congressman Earl Pomeroy to talk about the Affordable Care Act. Congressman Pomeroy served as North Dakota’s at-large U.S. Representative from 1993 to 2011 and North Dakota Insurance Commissioner from 1985 through 1992. On the night that the House passed the Affordable Care Act in March 2010, Congressman Pomeroy cast the 218th out of 219 votes to pass the bill. Then that November, he was one of 63 Democrats who lost their seats because of his support for the 2010 health care law, sometimes known as Obamacare. As we near the end of the year, it's looking likely that Congress will leave without extending Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies. The enhanced subsidies for ACA marketplace plans will expire, spiking premiums for millions of Americans, with many seeing the price tag of their plans double or triple. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/16/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined by the Head Coach for UND Football, Eric Schmidt. He played for UND from 1998 to 2001, was a two-time All-North Central Conference selection and earned All-America as a senior in 2001. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/16/25: Matt Perdue, a farmer from Ray, was elected President of North Dakota Farmers Union this past weekend. He is just the tenth person to hold that leadership position and the youngest at 33 years of age. He previously worked at North Dakota Farmers Union and National Farmers Union. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/15/25: Cally Musland Peterson is the Editor of North Dakota Living and former Producer for “News and Views,” but also an alum of Brown University in Rhode Island. She joins Joel on KFGO to talk about the recent shooting at Brown University. The shooting left two students dead and nine others injured at the Ivy League school, and the suspect hasn't been found as of this interview. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/12/25: Joel Heitkamp brought "News and Views" to Bismarck, ND for the North Dakota Farmers Union State Convention. He's joined by both the National Farmers Union President, Rob Larew, and the North Dakota Farmers Union President, Mark Watne. They talk about what the organization does on a national level, current ag issues, and dig into Mark's 12-year tenure as President of NDFU. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/12/25: Joel is broadcasting from Bismarck, ND at the North Dakota Farmers Union State Convention, and is joined by Lance Boyer. Lance is the Sales Director of Financial Products for Farmers Union Insurance, and has helped Farmers Union raise awareness about the impact on health insurance premiums if Affordable Care Act tax credits aren’t extended. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/12/25: Joel Heitkamp is broadcasting from the North Dakota Farmers Union state convention, and is joined by Jacob Shapiro, a Geopolitical Analyst. As a geopolitical analyst, Jacob specializes in the study of how geography, politics, economics, militaries, culture and history interact to shape relations between regions, countries and continents. He shares his insight and predictions on ag markets and other topics. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/12/25: Joel is broadcasting live from Bismarck, but is still joined by a Minnesota candidate for a conversation on "News and Views." Kassi Sofferman, a local social worker and founder of the nonprofit Midwest Family Support and Advocacy, officially launched her campaign for Mayor of Moorhead on Monday. For more information, voters are encouraged to visit www.SoffermanForMoorhead.com. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/11/25: Joel Heitkamp is broadcasting live from the Prairie Grains Conference in Grand Forks, ND with Cale Neshem, a Director for the North Dakota Grain Growers Association, and Troy Bratcher, their Second Vice President. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/11/25: Joel is broadcasting from Grand Forks at the Prairie Grains Conference, and is joined by Casey and Nick to talk about their crops, harvesting, and more. Casey Burchill is on the Board of Directors for the North Dakota Grain Growers Association from Luverne, and Nick Sinner as its new Executive Director from West Fargo. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/11/25: Joel Heitkamp is on the road, but he's still joined by the regular crew of Tom Szymanski, Rutsy Halvorson, and Jack Michaels to make their picks for the upcoming NFL games. State Senator Rob Kupec also joins them in the KFGO studio as the guest picker for the week. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/10/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined on this icy day by the former Congressman and current Governor of North Dakota, Kelly Armstrong. They talk about the financial relief for farmers, AI data centers, and more on "News and Views." (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/10/25: Joel Heitkamp speaks with Fargo City Commissioner about his thoughts on the AI data center coming to Harwood. At a recent city commission meeting, Commissioner Piepkorn shared he doesn’t want the city’s fire department responding to the site in case of an emergency. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/10/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined by Mary Dolan from the Nelson Auto Group in Fergus Falls, MN to talk about their inventory and location. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/09/24: Jeana Peinovich is the Lend A Hand Up Director, and joins Joel again in the KFGO studio. Jeana brings Evan Balko with her to talk about his brother's upcoming fundraiser at Vic's Bar and Grill. Learn about these fundraisers and more at lendahandup.org. (Joel Heitkamp is a talk show host on the Mighty 790 KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. His award-winning program, “News & Views,” can be heard weekdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Follow Joel on X/Twitter @JoelKFGO.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/8/25: This morning on News and Views, Joel Heitkamp, Jack Michaels, and Rusty Halverson talked about different candies they have all tried, and famous people who have "Jr.", included at the end of their name. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/5/25: KFGO News Director Paul Jurgens joins News and Views to discuss a Fargo murder suspect, Tyrque Jones, being released from police custody as he was proved to not be responsible for the murder of Azeem Holmes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/5/25: Trooper Darrin Malafa with the North Dakota State Patrol joins News and Views to discuss special donations and other helpful things going on around the region at this time of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/5/25: NDSU Men's Basketball Head Coach David Richman joins Jack Michaels and Joel Heitkamp on News and Views to discuss the team at this point of the season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/4/25: Joel Heitkamp is joined in the studio by Tom Szymanski, Jack Michaels, Rusty Halverson, and our guest picker, Brad Thom for another week of Pick it or Stick! Each guy makes their pick for the upcoming NFL games thanks to West Main Pizza in the Rail District in Dilworth, MN.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/4/25: Peggy Flanagan serves as the Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. She joins News and Views to discuss running for the US Senate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.