Plain Talk With Rob Port

According to an AI analysis touted by thrice-failed statewide candidate Rick Becker, who is currently seeking a seat in the state Legislature in District 7, I'm a narcissist with obsessive compulsive disorder because I write too many articles about him. Is that an accurate diagnosis, or is this a case of yet another whiny politician trying to throw dirt on apt criticisms? We discussed it on this episode of Plain Talk, and whille me and co-host Chad Oban didn't agree with the criticism, we did find Becker's method to be a creative one, if perhaps more reflective of his mental state than mine. Also, Sen. Kevin Cramer recently wrote a letter to the editor criticizing me for suggesting that former Sec. of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (who is now apparently one of the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. or something?) was scapegoated for the Trump administration's disastrous application of immigration policies in Minnesota and beyond. Oban argues that the rampant fraud in Minnesota's safety net programs which ended Gov. Tim Walz's political career ended up being overshadowed by the too-aggressive tactics engaged in by ICE. "I think the fraud thing would have also killed Penny Flanigan's, his lieutenant governor, race for US Senate if it hadn't been for the ICE thing," Oban said. "And now she's back up in the polls against Angie Craig for that Senate primary, because there's less focus on the fraud and more focus on the ICE piece." "I think it was just a weird pitch for Cramer to swing at here," he continued. Also on this episode, we discuss the war in Iran, and the potential blowback we may face in economic challenges and terrorism, as well as Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth's status as a callow, fragile poseur who has no business in his current job. Plus, North Dakotans are still paying a local price for federal dysfunction as a local domestic violence nonprofit in Grand Forks faces hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue shortfalls due to delays in federal funding. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

According to an AI analysis touted by thrice-failed statewide candidate Rick Becker, who is currently seeking a seat in the state Legislature in District 7, I'm a narcissist with obsessive compulsive disorder because I write too many articles about him. Is that an accurate diagnosis, or is this a case of yet another whiny politician trying to throw dirt on apt criticisms? We discussed it on this episode of Plain Talk, and whille me and co-host Chad Oban didn't agree with the criticism, we did find Becker's method to be a creative one, if perhaps more reflective of his mental state than mine. Also, Sen. Kevin Cramer recently wrote a letter to the editor criticizing me for suggesting that former Sec. of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (who is now apparently one of the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. or something?) was scapegoated for the Trump administration's disastrous application of immigration policies in Minnesota and beyond. Oban argues that the rampant fraud in Minnesota's safety net programs which ended Gov. Tim Walz's political career ended up being overshadowed by the too-aggressive tactics engaged in by ICE. "I think the fraud thing would have also killed Penny Flanigan's, his lieutenant governor, race for US Senate if it hadn't been for the ICE thing," Oban said. "And now she's back up in the polls against Angie Craig for that Senate primary, because there's less focus on the fraud and more focus on the ICE piece." "I think it was just a weird pitch for Cramer to swing at here," he continued. Also on this episode, we discuss the war in Iran, and the potential blowback we may face in economic challenges and terrorism, as well as Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth's status as a callow, fragile poseur who has no business in his current job. Plus, North Dakotans are still paying a local price for federal dysfunction as a local domestic violence nonprofit in Grand Forks faces hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue shortfalls due to delays in federal funding. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

District 7, in the Bismarck area, will be a battleground in North Dakota's legislative races this cycle. Republicans have two full slates of candidates for the one Senate and two House seats, and once the primary settles that dispute, the Democrats are also fielding their own three candidates. One of those candidates, Jason Thoms, a professional musician who is seeking a House seat for the Democratic-NPL, joined this episode of Plain Talk, and talked about some of the factionalism that he sees across the partisan divide in the NDGOP. "To me, one of the things that I've been noticing a lot is more and more we have this kind of, I guess you call it MAGA, experience in our country. It says that what the leader or what the party says needs to happen overrides what the people say." "Those kind of things, I don't know, they frustrate me quite a bit," he continued. Thoms says his campaign will focus on issues important to him, including mental health, something he has a deeply personal experience with. "My wife died by suicide in 2020, and she had struggled for throughout her entire life, but she was an amazing and wonderful person. We fought we fought hard for her life," he said. "Suicide is one of these words that we kind of try to make a taboo, we hide away from, but I'm 100% against that," he continued. "We need to talk about those things. We need to make sure that we have the resources, the 988 phone lines are working and they're funded. We need to make sure that the opportunity for folks in rural communities, and here in the larger cities, have the ability to get into mental health therapy and things like this on a timely basis." Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I respond to listener feedback and discuss the strong candidate recruitment efforts of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL. We also talked about the decision by the North Dakota Republican Party's candidates not to seek their party's convention endorsement. "The purpose of a political party is to win elections, and if people who are winning elections don't want to associate with you, what are you doing?" Oban asked. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

District 7, in the Bismarck area, will be a battleground in North Dakota's legislative races this cycle. Republicans have two full slates of candidates for the one Senate and two House seats, and once the primary settles that dispute, the Democrats are also fielding their own three candidates. One of those candidates, Jason Thoms, a professional musician who is seeking a House seat for the Democratic-NPL, joined this episode of Plain Talk, and talked about some of the factionalism that he sees across the partisan divide in the NDGOP. "To me, one of the things that I've been noticing a lot is more and more we have this kind of, I guess you call it MAGA, experience in our country. It says that what the leader or what the party says needs to happen overrides what the people say." "Those kind of things, I don't know, they frustrate me quite a bit," he continued. Thoms says his campaign will focus on issues important to him, including mental health, something he has a deeply personal experience with. "My wife died by suicide in 2020, and she had struggled for throughout her entire life, but she was an amazing and wonderful person. We fought we fought hard for her life," he said. "Suicide is one of these words that we kind of try to make a taboo, we hide away from, but I'm 100% against that," he continued. "We need to talk about those things. We need to make sure that we have the resources, the 988 phone lines are working and they're funded. We need to make sure that the opportunity for folks in rural communities, and here in the larger cities, have the ability to get into mental health therapy and things like this on a timely basis." Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I respond to listener feedback and discuss the strong candidate recruitment efforts of the North Dakota Democratic-NPL. We also talked about the decision by the North Dakota Republican Party's candidates not to seek their party's convention endorsement. "The purpose of a political party is to win elections, and if people who are winning elections don't want to associate with you, what are you doing?" Oban asked. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Mark Friese, a long-time criminal defense attorney who has worked some high-profile cases, including serving as disgraced former lawmaker Ray Holmberg's attorney, has been appointed to the North Dakota Supreme Court by Gov. Kelly Armstrong. Why does he want to serve on the court? "It's a lot easier to be critical of the court when you're sitting on the opposite side of the table," he told us on this episode of Plain Talk. "I'm hopeful that I can impact some change and offer a perspective that's, quite frankly, not been held by the court previously." Friese will be the only member of the Supreme Court with a background in criminal defense. He also touted his background as a former police officer, and working in the military courts as a member of the North Dakota National Guard, as unique experiences he can bring to the bench. While expressing deep respect for the current justices, he also had some criticism.  "There are instances where the court has not been consistent in its rationale, consistent in its reasoning," he said. "I think practitioners need to be able to rely on those decisions and know how those decisions are going to come down, and we haven't seen that universally from our court." In the past the Supreme Court has pushed toward allowing more digital access to court records, but it's a project that hasn't been completed yet. Friese said he thinks public access is important, but also noted that information contained in court records can be exploited for fraud and other nefarious reasons. "There has to be a careful balance. The public has a right to know. You have a right to sit in the courtroom. You have a right to access the docket," he said. "But the danger exists when those court records are used for improper purposes." He also said that serving on the bench will be "isolating" in a way, as he will no longer be able to serve clients, and he won't be able to speak as freely publicly about issues he's passionate about. "I had a great big box full of cards and letters and thank you notes from clients and their families for helping them through difficult times. I'm really going to miss that aspect of practice," he said. "Being on the court is going to be isolating. I won't be able to speak as openly and publicly as I have in the past on issues." Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discussed the upcoming Democratic-NPL and NDGOP conventions, the NDGOP's proposed rule to fine disloyal members, the state of North Dakota's legislative races, and we responded to some listener feedback. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive  

Mark Friese, a long-time criminal defense attorney who has worked some high-profile cases, including serving as disgraced former lawmaker Ray Holmberg's attorney, has been appointed to the North Dakota Supreme Court by Gov. Kelly Armstrong. Why does he want to serve on the court? "It's a lot easier to be critical of the court when you're sitting on the opposite side of the table," he told us on this episode of Plain Talk. "I'm hopeful that I can impact some change and offer a perspective that's, quite frankly, not been held by the court previously." Friese will be the only member of the Supreme Court with a background in criminal defense. He also touted his background as a former police officer, and working in the military courts as a member of the North Dakota National Guard, as unique experiences he can bring to the bench. While expressing deep respect for the current justices, he also had some criticism.  "There are instances where the court has not been consistent in its rationale, consistent in its reasoning," he said. "I think practitioners need to be able to rely on those decisions and know how those decisions are going to come down, and we haven't seen that universally from our court." In the past the Supreme Court has pushed toward allowing more digital access to court records, but it's a project that hasn't been completed yet. Friese said he thinks public access is important, but also noted that information contained in court records can be exploited for fraud and other nefarious reasons. "There has to be a careful balance. The public has a right to know. You have a right to sit in the courtroom. You have a right to access the docket," he said. "But the danger exists when those court records are used for improper purposes." He also said that serving on the bench will be "isolating" in a way, as he will no longer be able to serve clients, and he won't be able to speak as freely publicly about issues he's passionate about. "I had a great big box full of cards and letters and thank you notes from clients and their families for helping them through difficult times. I'm really going to miss that aspect of practice," he said. "Being on the court is going to be isolating. I won't be able to speak as openly and publicly as I have in the past on issues." Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discussed the upcoming Democratic-NPL and NDGOP conventions, the NDGOP's proposed rule to fine disloyal members, the state of North Dakota's legislative races, and we responded to some listener feedback. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Levi Bachmeier, appointed last year as North Dakota's Superintendent of Public Schools, says that it's bogus to suggest that passing a school meals ballot measure means the state will have to reduce funding for K-12 education. "That's a totally a false choice," he said on this episode of Plain Talk. "Voters should make their decision about what they what they believe is best on the ballot." "We should continue to invest in our public schools," he continued. "Our public schools are an investment in our future, in our state's future. I don't know that this has to be an either-or conversation when we're talking about these two topics." Bachmeier also said that the state is falling behind on teacher pay, and needs to invest more in it, and he doesn't believe that would require any tax increases. "I'm a big believer in it comes down to great teachers, and going backwards in average teacher pay, that's a problem," he said. "School districts getting two applicants when they have two open teaching positions, that's a problem." "I don't believe we need to raise taxes. I want to be abundantly clear, we have the resources that we need," he continue. "It's how do we have a conversation about what are our priorities are, and again...how much would you put into K-12? How much would you put into the pockets of teachers to make sure that they are continuing to choose a really, really hard profession to support kids?" Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss dangerous medical advice being spread by a state lawmaker, and a candidate who would like to be a state lawmaker. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Levi Bachmeier, appointed last year as North Dakota's Superintendent of Public Schools, says that it's bogus to suggest that passing a school meals ballot measure means the state will have to reduce funding for K-12 education. "That's a totally a false choice," he said on this episode of Plain Talk. "Voters should make their decision about what they what they believe is best on the ballot." "We should continue to invest in our public schools," he continued. "Our public schools are an investment in our future, in our state's future. I don't know that this has to be an either-or conversation when we're talking about these two topics." Bachmeier also said that the state is falling behind on teacher pay, and needs to invest more in it, and he doesn't believe that would require any tax increases. "I'm a big believer in it comes down to great teachers, and going backwards in average teacher pay, that's a problem," he said. "School districts getting two applicants when they have two open teaching positions, that's a problem." "I don't believe we need to raise taxes. I want to be abundantly clear, we have the resources that we need," he continue. "It's how do we have a conversation about what are our priorities are, and again...how much would you put into K-12? How much would you put into the pockets of teachers to make sure that they are continuing to choose a really, really hard profession to support kids?" Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss dangerous medical advice being spread by a state lawmaker, and a candidate who would like to be a state lawmaker. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

On this episode of Plain Talk, we hosted a debate between the Democratic-NPL's candidates for U.S. House. Trygve Hammer is a Marine Corps veteran with three previous campaigns under his belt. Vern Thompson is a farmer and truck driver who recorded this debate from the cab of his semi. They each made their case for why they should replace the incumbent, Rep. Julie Fedorchak. (The third candidate in the race, Helene Neville, was scheduled to participate but had to drop out at the last minute due to illness.) Thompson told us he's running to protect farmers. "Trump's tariffs have caused the largest farm crisis in 40 years," he said. "That was a self-inflicted wound. And that's one of the reasons I got into this race is because of the tariffs." "Tariffs are a tax on consumers," Hammer told us, "and it is a regressive tax." He said he'd like to focus on restoring the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch. "Congress will have to take the reigns and be a check on the Trump administration." Why should Democratic voters choose one candidate over the other? Thompson answered that question by touting his experience. He's the former mayor of Minnewauken, and a former state lawmaker who worked with Republican Gov. Ed Schafer on flooding in the Devils Lake area. For his part, Hammer pointed out his more recent track record of campaigning for office, and working over multiple election cycles to help rebuild enthusiasm for the Democratic-NPL which hasn't had a lot of electoral success over the last decade. The candidates also fielded questions on abortion, Israel's actions in Gaza, the national debt, our nation's hostilities with Iran, and passenger rail service. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

On this episode of Plain Talk, we hosted a debate between the Democratic-NPL's candidates for U.S. House. Trygve Hammer is a Marine Corps veteran with three previous campaigns under his belt. Vern Thompson is a farmer and truck driver who recorded this debate from the cab of his semi. They each made their case for why they should replace the incumbent, Rep. Julie Fedorchak. (The third candidate in the race, Helene Neville, was scheduled to participate but had to drop out at the last minute due to illness.) Thompson told us he's running to protect farmers. "Trump's tariffs have caused the largest farm crisis in 40 years," he said. "That was a self-inflicted wound. And that's one of the reasons I got into this race is because of the tariffs." "Tariffs are a tax on consumers," Hammer told us, "and it is a regressive tax." He said he'd like to focus on restoring the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch. "Congress will have to take the reigns and be a check on the Trump administration." Why should Democratic voters choose one candidate over the other? Thompson answered that question by touting his experience. He's the former mayor of Minnewauken, and a former state lawmaker who worked with Republican Gov. Ed Schafer on flooding in the Devils Lake area. For his part, Hammer pointed out his more recent track record of campaigning for office, and working over multiple election cycles to help rebuild enthusiasm for the Democratic-NPL which hasn't had a lot of electoral success over the last decade. The candidates also fielded questions on abortion, Israel's actions in Gaza, the national debt, our nation's hostilities with Iran, and passenger rail service. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Reed Johson is a West Point graduate, tank commander, and law student who wants to serve in the North Dakota legislature. On this episode of Plain Talk, he told us he's not interested in getting elected to pursue trending topics from social media. "I do not want to get dragged into the water on some of these more hot button social issues, and I want to focus more on how do we ensure the state of North Dakota is postured for long-term success and growth," he said. In particular, he wants to serve as a check on far-right populists who promote an unreasoned, uncompromising approach to politics. "I do really think the reasonable right needs to stay involved, and keep their foot on the gas in the state of North Dakota," he said. "We're very blessed here, and that's because of generations of competent political leadership." "It takes a couple generations to build it, but it can also take a couple generations for it to go away," he continued. "I want to stay involved and keep up the good work that we're doing in the state of North Dakota" Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the takeover of an NDGOP District 28 delegate convention meeting, which saw a self-proclaimed parliamentarian simply wrest control of the microphone from a district chair. Also, Sen. Jeff Magrum's bogus views on vaccines and colonoscopies, and listener feedback. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Reed Johson is a West Point graduate, tank commander, and law student who wants to serve in the North Dakota legislature. On this episode of Plain Talk, he told us he's not interested in getting elected to pursue trending topics from social media. "I do not want to get dragged into the water on some of these more hot button social issues, and I want to focus more on how do we ensure the state of North Dakota is postured for long-term success and growth," he said. In particular, he wants to serve as a check on far-right populists who promote an unreasoned, uncompromising approach to politics. "I do really think the reasonable right needs to stay involved, and keep their foot on the gas in the state of North Dakota," he said. "We're very blessed here, and that's because of generations of competent political leadership." "It takes a couple generations to build it, but it can also take a couple generations for it to go away," he continued. "I want to stay involved and keep up the good work that we're doing in the state of North Dakota" Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the takeover of an NDGOP District 28 delegate convention meeting, which saw a self-proclaimed parliamentarian simply wrest control of the microphone from a district chair. Also, Sen. Jeff Magrum's bogus views on vaccines and colonoscopies, and listener feedback. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"I'm a lifelong North Dakotan," Greg Vetter told us on this episode of Plain Talk. "My ancestors moved here in 1888. The entire lineage since then have been North Dakota raised, and we've all lived here." "This is home," he said, "and I want to be part of taking care of our home." Vetter is a first-time candidate running for the North Dakota House of Representatives in District 7 alongside Steve Sauter, another newcomer who also joined us on this episode, and incumbent Sen. Michelle Axtman. They're facing off against a slate of populist challengers. Former lawmaker Rick Becker and Gaylynn Becker (no relation) are seeking seats in the House, while Jerri Hopfauf is running for the Senate. This will be a battleground race in the ongoing schism in the Republican party between traditional conservatives and the populists. Vetter and Sauter told us that they plan to win over voters by focusing on public service over culture war issues. "I'm a big believer in you give twice as much as you get, the rest will take care of your care of itself," Sauter said. "And I just think the state, understanding how unique North Dakota is and what makes us specia, I want to be able to continue that and be part of that, continuing that in the future for such an amazing state." They also said they plan to eschew the negative campaign tactics that were common from populist challengers in recent cycles. "I've built a career on building trusted relationships, collaborating with people, treating them in a dignified, respectful manner," he said, adding that manners -- simple things like saying "thank you" and "I'm sorry" -- are important. "If those things don't resonate with the people of North Dakota anymore, and they choose not to elect me, I'm absolutely comfortable with that." Also on this episode, guest co-host Jamie Selzler and I discuss the threat AI poses to political discourse, U.S. House candidate Alex Balazs's odd social media post, and Doug Burgum's disappointing turn away from who he was as governor now that he's serving in President Donald Trump's cabinet. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"I'm a lifelong North Dakotan," Greg Vetter told us on this episode of Plain Talk. "My ancestors moved here in 1888. The entire lineage since then have been North Dakota raised, and we've all lived here." "This is home," he said, "and I want to be part of taking care of our home." Vetter is a first-time candidate running for the North Dakota House of Representatives in District 7 alongside Steve Sauter, another newcomer who also joined us on this episode, and incumbent Sen. Michelle Axtman. They're facing off against a slate of populist challengers. Former lawmaker Rick Becker and Gaylynn Becker (no relation) are seeking seats in the House, while Jerri Hopfauf is running for the Senate. This will be a battleground race in the ongoing schism in the Republican party between traditional conservatives and the populists. Vetter and Sauter told us that they plan to win over voters by focusing on public service over culture war issues.  "I'm a big believer in you give twice as much as you get, the rest will take care of your care of itself," Sauter said. "And I just think the state, understanding how unique North Dakota is and what makes us specia, I want to be able to continue that and be part of that, continuing that in the future for such an amazing state." They also said they plan to eschew the negative campaign tactics that were common from populist challengers in recent cycles. "I've built a career on building trusted relationships, collaborating with people, treating them in a dignified, respectful manner," he said, adding that manners -- simple things like saying "thank you" and "I'm sorry" -- are important. "If those things don't resonate with the people of North Dakota anymore, and they choose not to elect me, I'm absolutely comfortable with that." Also on this episode, guest co-host Jamie Selzler and I discuss the threat AI poses to political discourse, U.S. House candidate Alex Balazs's odd social media post, and Doug Burgum's disappointing turn away from who he was as governor now that he's serving in President Donald Trump's cabinet. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Kyle Erickson and Zach Raknerud are two Democratic-NPL candidates running in Minot's District 5, but what's unique about Erickson is that he was born with cerebral palsy. If elected, he would (at least in this observer's memory) be the first lawmaker in North Dakota living with that sort of disability. But he wants it to be clear that he's not getting elected to be a single-issue leader. "The people with disabilities isn't this nebulous demographic out there," Erickson said on this episode of Plain Talk. "We're your friends. We're your neighbors. We're your co-workers. I think it would be a great chance to have those voices or to have somebody from the disability community get elected." Still, Erickson plans to represent all of his constituents if elected. "Disability rights in this state is like the second or third policy that's a priority for me right now, because, I mean, North Dakota is wonderful, but we have a lot of work to do in order to increase the quality of life for it citizens, and that means whether or not you're a single mother or you have a disability or you're white or you're black or purple. Erickson first made statewide headlines when a disability program he works for at Minot State University saw its federal funding cut abruptly as a part of the Trump administration's chaotic "DOGE" efforts to promote efficiency. "I kind of point to that as my kind of origin story, so to speak," Erickson said adding, "I just want to protect my community members." This is Erickson's first time running for office, but for Raknerud, this is his fifth turn on the ballot, including a past run for the U.S. House against former Congressman Kelly Armstrong. "I continue to try because I love North Dakota and I really do believe that the values of North Dakota are not being represented by the North Dakota GOP, especially as they go farther into the extremes." Also on this episode, guest co-host Jamie Selzler and I discuss what is looking to be a very diminished state convention from the North Dakota Republican Party, Fargo's mayoral race, and listener feedback. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Kyle Erickson and Zach Raknerud are two Democratic-NPL candidates running in Minot's District 5, but what's unique about Erickson is that he was born with cerebral palsy. If elected, he would (at least in this observer's memory) be the first lawmaker in North Dakota living with that sort of disability. But he wants it to be clear that he's not getting elected to be a single-issue leader. "The people with disabilities isn't this nebulous demographic out there," Erickson said on this episode of Plain Talk. "We're your friends. We're your neighbors. We're your co-workers. I think it would be a great chance to have those voices or to have somebody from the disability community get elected." Still, Erickson plans to represent all of his constituents if elected. "Disability rights in this state is like the second or third policy that's a priority for me right now, because, I mean, North Dakota is wonderful, but we have a lot of work to do in order to increase the quality of life for it citizens, and that means whether or not you're a single mother or you have a disability or you're white or you're black or purple. Erickson first made statewide headlines when a disability program he works for at Minot State University saw its federal funding cut abruptly as a part of the Trump administration's chaotic "DOGE" efforts to promote efficiency. "I kind of point to that as my kind of origin story, so to speak," Erickson said adding, "I just want to protect my community members." This is Erickson's first time running for office, but for Raknerud, this is his fifth turn on the ballot, including a past run for the U.S. House against former Congressman Kelly Armstrong. "I continue to try because I love North Dakota and I really do believe that the values of North Dakota are not being represented by the North Dakota GOP, especially as they go farther into the extremes." Also on this episode, guest co-host Jamie Selzler and I discuss what is looking to be a very diminished state convention from the North Dakota Republican Party, Fargo's mayoral race, and listener feedback. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"This is just really a once in a generation moment and a great time to celebrate," Melissa Klocke-Joyce said on this episode of Plain Talk. Klocke-Joyce works for the North Dakota State Historical Society, and is the coordinator for our state's celebration of America's 250th birthday. There will be events across the state, throughout the year, from smaller things like baseball games to large productions, like the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora and the Prairie Pyro-Musical in Mandan. "It's not just a single a single day or a single ceremony," Klocke-Joyce said. "This is really a year-long nationwide effort. And we're trying to create opportunities for ongoing conversations and storytelling and education and community-led events." Also on this episode, we discuss political troll Brandon Prichard's lawsuit challenging North Dakota laws prohibiting false political speech. With artificial intelligence enabling the mass-production of everything from text, to images, to video, by everyone from talented and scrupulous creators to unscrupulous fraudsters and malefactors, this area of public policy seems more important than ever. And North Dakota State University's football team is moving to the Mountain West Conference. It's a big step up for the team, but it brings with it major new financial obligations. Is the school up for meeting them? Can it do so without further burdening students and taxpayers? And are we sure that big-time athletics is a healthy thing for campuses overall? If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"This is just really a once in a generation moment and a great time to celebrate," Melissa Klocke-Joyce said on this episode of Plain Talk. Klocke-Joyce works for the North Dakota State Historical Society, and is the coordinator for our state's celebration of America's 250th birthday. There will be events across the state, throughout the year, from smaller things like baseball games to large productions, like the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora and the Prairie Pyro-Musical in Mandan. "It's not just a single a single day or a single ceremony," Klocke-Joyce said. "This is really a year-long nationwide effort. And we're trying to create opportunities for ongoing conversations and storytelling and education and community-led events." Also on this episode, we discuss political troll Brandon Prichard's lawsuit challenging North Dakota laws prohibiting false political speech. With artificial intelligence enabling the mass-production of everything from text, to images, to video, by everyone from talented and scrupulous creators to unscrupulous fraudsters and malefactors, this area of public policy seems more important than ever. And North Dakota State University's football team is moving to the Mountain West Conference. It's a big step up for the team, but it brings with it major new financial obligations. Is the school up for meeting them? Can it do so without further burdening students and taxpayers? And are we sure that big-time athletics is a healthy thing for campuses overall? If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Heather Neville is a travelling nurse with more than four decades of experience. She's a four-time cancer survivor. She's an accomplished runner, having put in over 17,000 miles running in all 50 states to raise awareness and money for various causes. She's also, now, a candidate for the United States House of Representatives here in North Dakota, which she's made her home since 2020. "I just really my whole life I've wanted to serve in a different capacity and go marching for the people," she said on this episode of Plain Talk when asked why she's in the race.  "There's so much noise coming out of DC. We don't need any more noise." "What I saw out there running 17,000 miles, there's so much more love than we ever expected. And it's out there, happiness, hope, inspiration, and it's our duty and privilege to reach back and help anybody that's underserved," she added. Neville says she's in favor of a universal health care system, not unlike Canada's. "When we have cancer in this country, what do we do? Set up a GoFundMe," she said. "In Canada, you go to the doctors." She's also critical of the way President Donald Trump's administration has gone about enforcing federal immigration laws. "I think they should rewind and vet these people that are agents, ICE agents, out there terrorizing our citizens. And they didn't," she said. "It was like a fast track to dress up and get out there and be very mean and angry towards people." Neville said that if she doesn't win the Democratic-NPL's endorsement at the party's state convention in early March, she'll continue campaigning to the June primary. Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the debate over nationalizing elections, and we respond to listener feedback. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Heather Neville is a travelling nurse with more than four decades of experience. She's a four-time cancer survivor. She's an accomplished runner, having put in over 17,000 miles running in all 50 states to raise awareness and money for various causes. She's also, now, a candidate for the United States House of Representatives here in North Dakota, which she's made her home since 2020. "I just really my whole life I've wanted to serve in a different capacity and go marching for the people," she said on this episode of Plain Talk when asked why she's in the race. "What I saw out there running 17,000 miles, there's so much more love than we ever expected. And it's out there, happiness, hope, inspiration, and it's our duty and privilege to reach back and help anybody that's underserved," she added. Neville says she's in favor of a universal health care system, not unlike Canada's. "When we have cancer in this country, what do we do? Set up a GoFundMe," she said. "In Canada, you go to the doctors." She's also critical of the way President Donald Trump's administration has gone about enforcing federal immigration laws. "I think they should rewind and vet these people that are agents, ICE agents, out there terrorizing our citizens. And they didn't," she said. "It was like a fast track to dress up and get out there and be very mean and angry towards people." Neville said that if she doesn't win the Democratic-NPL's endorsement at the party's state convention in early March, she'll continue campaigning to the June primary. Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the debate over nationalizing elections, and we respond to listener feedback. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

We covered a lot of ground on this episode of Plain Talk.  There's reason to believe that North Dakota's Wonder Fund may not be performing all that well, and may not be investing in the sort of North Dakota-centric projects it was intended to. Is it time to audit the program? In Fargo, there's a controversy over a housing development that got property tax breaks on the assumption that it would increase property value, and thus tax revenues, in the future. But then the property was sold to a nonprofit that won't pay property taxes. Is it time to re-evaluate our policies around these exemptions? The Trump administration is drawing down the number of ICE personnel deployed to Minnesota, though they are leaving thousands t here. But doesn't that development -- drawing down troops, leaving an occupying force behind -- make it seem like we're at war? Hasn't the way the Trump administration has handled this all along make it seem like we're at war? Also, the Attorney General's office has confirmed that the F5 Project is under an active investigation related to loans granted to the organization's top officials, the Trump administration wants to nationalize elections and take control away from the states, and the Hostfest, an important bridge in our region to our immigrant past, is no more. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

We covered a lot of ground on this episode of Plain Talk.  There's reason to believe that North Dakota's Wonder Fund may not be performing all that well, and may not be investing in the sort of North Dakota-centric projects it was intended to. Is it time to audit the program? In Fargo, there's a controversy over a housing development that got property tax breaks on the assumption that it would increase property value, and thus tax revenues, in the future. But then the property was sold to a nonprofit that won't pay property taxes. Is it time to re-evaluate our policies around these exemptions? The Trump administration is drawing down the number of ICE personnel deployed to Minnesota, though they are leaving thousands t here. But doesn't that development -- drawing down troops, leaving an occupying force behind -- make it seem like we're at war? Hasn't the way the Trump administration has handled this all along make it seem like we're at war? Also, the Attorney General's office has confirmed that the F5 Project is under an active investigation related to loans granted to the organization's top officials, the Trump administration wants to nationalize elections and take control away from the states, and the Hostfest, an important bridge in our region to our immigrant past, is no more. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive  

"I used to referee a lot of basketball," Vern Thompson said on this episode of Plain Talk. "The people that would sit on the sidelines hollering at the ref, you know, 50% of them usually didn't like what he was calling because it was against our team. Well, the bottom line with that is that I had to get off my butt and get into the game." That was Thompson's response to a question about why he's running for the U.S. House. He's seeking the Democratic-NPL nomination, running against Trygve Hammer. Thompson has a colorful resume. He's a former state lawmaker. He's been a farmer, and he worked in talk radio with former left-wing host Ed Schultz. He's currently working as a trucker hauling natural gas out of North Dakota's western oil fields, and he spoke openly about his struggles with alcoholism. "I was a young farmer and I struggled through the 1980s farm crisis," he said. "I'll be real candid with you, during that time I went in for treatment for alcoholism, and it's the best thing I ever did. I wouldn't be alive talking to you guys today." "I saw people committing suicide," he continued. "I saw where people were getting foreclosed and they were filing bankruptcy. I don't want to see those people that are the same age today, those young farmers, as I was in the 80s ,because that was hell." "I just felt that she was in ineffective," Thompson said of the incumbent in the race. "I think that Representative [Julie] Fedorchak has failed her constitutional responsibilities. She's let a president run wild and nobody's going to stop him until people stand up and say enough is enough." "I respect Julie," he added, "but she's too timid. You have to stand up." Also on this episode, we respond to some listener feedback, including an email from Greg, who says he used to be a "vile a-hole" Trump supporter but has come to realize that the president's critics are right. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"I used to referee a lot of basketball," Vern Thompson said on this episode of Plain Talk. "The people that would sit on the sidelines hollering at the ref, you know, 50% of them usually didn't like what he was calling because it was against our team. Well, the bottom line with that is that I had to get off my butt and get into the game." That was Thompson's response to a question about why he's running for the U.S. House. He's seeking the Democratic-NPL nomination, running against Trygve Hammer. Thompson has a colorful resume. He's a former state lawmaker. He's been a farmer, and he worked in talk radio with former left-wing host Ed Schultz. He's currently working as a trucker hauling natural gas out of North Dakota's western oil fields, and he spoke openly about his struggles with alcoholism. "I was a young farmer and I struggled through the 1980s farm crisis," he said. "I'll be real candid with you, during that time I went in for treatment for alcoholism, and it's the best thing I ever did. I wouldn't be alive talking to you guys today." "I saw people committing suicide," he continued. "I saw where people were getting foreclosed and they were filing bankruptcy. I don't want to see those people that are the same age today, those young farmers, as I was in the 80s ,because that was hell." "I just felt that she was in ineffective," Thompson said of the incumbent in the race. "I think that Representative [Julie] Fedorchak has failed her constitutional responsibilities. She's let a president run wild and nobody's going to stop him until people stand up and say enough is enough." "I respect Julie," he added, "but she's too timid. You have to stand up." Also on this episode, we respond to some listener feedback, including an email from Greg, who says he used to be a "vile a-hole" Trump supporter but has come to realize that the president's critics are right. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"I don't see a lot of upside in the market in 2026, frankly." That was the blunt assessment of Ron Ness, long-time president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council. He wasn't calling for a panic on this episode of Plain Talk, but he is suggesting some realism. We invited Ness on to discuss the decision by North Dakota oil pioneer Harold Hamm to lay down his drilling rigs for the first time in decades. "Rule number one is, nobody speaks for Harold Hamm other than Harold Hamm," Ness said, but added that Hamm is "simply saying the math simply just does not work at at this price of oil." The reason for that is largely out of North Dakota's control. Operators here are at a disadvantage because of our state's geographic remoteness from refiners, as well as our weather. This has gotten harder as rising global supplies have driven down oil prices. "I've been saying for years, you guys, I don't know if anybody's been listening, but our business climate in North Code is eroded," he said. "Our costs are higher. It's getting harder and harder...it's just really really expensive to operate here." He argues that state leaders need to be cautious about committing themselves to more spending. "We underestimate the impact on income taxes and the impact on sales taxes," he said, pointing out that the state takes in a lot of revenues from the oil extraction and production taxes, but what often gets discounted is the revenues from economic activity around operating drilling rigs. The sales taxes from equipment purchases, for instance, and the income taxes paid by workers. "When you lay down drilling rigs... that's really the driver of of the economic activity." The state still has some real opportunities before it, though. "We're still leaving 85% of the oil behind," Ness said, which is ripe for enhanced recovery efforts. "You can mobilize the oil if you put rich gas or or carbon dioxide on that rock and it mobilizes that oil off the rock," though he acknowledge that the politics around bringing the carbon dioxide needed for those efforts to the state through pipelines have become fraught. Also on this episode, me and co-host Chad Oban react to last week's special session and prognosticate the likely fallout from the defeat of the school lunch bill. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode.

"I don't see a lot of upside in the market in 2026, frankly." That was the blunt assessment of Ron Ness, long-time president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council. He wasn't calling for a panic on this episode of Plain Talk, but he is suggesting some realism. We invited Ness on to discuss the decision by North Dakota oil pioneer Harold Hamm to lay down his drilling rigs for the first time in decades. "Rule number one is, nobody speaks for Harold Hamm other than Harold Hamm," Ness said, but added that Hamm is "simply saying the math simply just does not work at at this price of oil." The reason for that is largely out of North Dakota's control. Operators here are at a disadvantage because of our state's geographic remoteness from refiners, as well as our weather. This has gotten harder as rising global supplies have driven down oil prices. "I've been saying for years, you guys, I don't know if anybody's been listening, but our business climate in North Code is eroded," he said. "Our costs are higher. It's getting harder and harder...it's just really really expensive to operate here." He argues that state leaders need to be cautious about committing themselves to more spending. "We underestimate the impact on income taxes and the impact on sales taxes," he said, pointing out that the state takes in a lot of revenues from the oil extraction and production taxes, but what often gets discounted is the revenues from economic activity around operating drilling rigs. The sales taxes from equipment purchases, for instance, and the income taxes paid by workers. "When you lay down drilling rigs... that's really the driver of of the economic activity." The state still has some real opportunities before it, though. "We're still leaving 85% of the oil behind," Ness said, which is ripe for enhanced recovery efforts. "You can mobilize the oil if you put rich gas or or carbon dioxide on that rock and it mobilizes that oil off the rock," though he acknowledge that the politics around bringing the carbon dioxide needed for those efforts to the state through pipelines have become fraught. Also on this episode, me and co-host Chad Oban react to last week's special session and prognosticate the likely fallout from the defeat of the school lunch bill. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode.

House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, who just announced that he is not running for re-election, says that his predecessor, Chet Pollert, told him that the job was something like "running an adult daycare." There are times when "you love the job and hate the job all within 9 seconds of each other." Still, Lefor says he tried to stay focused on policy. "Politics is noise and noise," he said on this episode of Plain talk, and it "distracts from what you're trying to accomplish." Also on this episode, U.S. House candidate Trygve Hammer talks about his decision to put his name on the ballot for the fourth straight election cycle. He may have competition for the Democratic-NPL nomination from former lawmaker Vern Thompson, but he said his past work to make himself known with voters makes him a good choice. "From the delegate at the convention point of view, I'm the guy who's been to all the districts, done all the things," he said. "Supported district candidates, supported other organizations like Souris Valley Dems, like the D6 Women. Even when when I'm not running for office, I've been doing that stuff, helping recruit candidates. and all that." "I think people see that I've made a lot of connections. Everybody around all the Democrats in the state know me," he added. As for the incumbent in the race, Hammer says she's helped Congress cede "too much power" to President Donald Trump. He argues that North Dakota's federal delegation could help make Trump "a better president" if they stood up to him more often. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, who just announced that he is not running for re-election, says that his predecessor, Chet Pollert, told him that the job was something like "running an adult daycare." There are times when "you love the job and hate the job all within 9 seconds of each other." Still, Lefor says he tried to stay focused on policy. "Politics is noise and noise," he said on this episode of Plain talk, and it "distracts from what you're trying to accomplish." Also on this episode, U.S. House candidate Trygve Hammer talks about his decision to put his name on the ballot for the fourth straight election cycle. He may have competition for the Democratic-NPL nomination from former lawmaker Vern Thompson, but he said his past work to make himself known with voters makes him a good choice. "From the delegate at the convention point of view, I'm the guy who's been to all the districts, done all the things," he said. "Supported district candidates, supported other organizations like Souris Valley Dems, like the D6 Women. Even when when I'm not running for office, I've been doing that stuff, helping recruit candidates. and all that." "I think people see that I've made a lot of connections. Everybody around all the Democrats in the state know me," he added. As for the incumbent in the race, Hammer says she's helped Congress cede "too much power" to President Donald Trump. He argues that North Dakota's federal delegation could help make Trump "a better president" if they stood up to him more often. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

President Donald Trump's administration has chosen to enforce federal immigration laws in a manner that prioritizes "maximum letahlity" over "tepid legality." That's what Dakota Rudesill, a professor of law at Ohio State University and a former legislative assistant on national security to Sen. Kent Conrad, said on this episode of Plain Talk. He said that President Trump is usince ICE in Minnesota and elsewhere in the country as a "new federal domestic army." Rudesill called the U.S. Constitution a "national security document," and argues that the separation of military and civil authority is a core American value found throughout our founding legal documents. With ICE dressing like soldiers, and using military equipment and tactics, and with ICE's leaders, up to and  including President Trump and his cabinet, using the rhetoric of war to describe their activities, does that separation still exist? "The Constitution was forged from national security crisis, and the highest level of government right encroaching on the liberty of the people in the name of national security," he said. "And so the framers wrote in that context, and they gave us the system we have, which is one where we have limited government not unlimited government." With ICE patrolling American streets as if they were in enemy territory, with their assertion of the right to search homes without warrants, and deport detainees without due process, can we say that we have limited government or unlimited government? If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

President Donald Trump's administration has chosen to enforce federal immigration laws in a manner that prioritizes "maximum letahlity" over "tepid legality." That's what Dakota Rudesill, a professor of law at Ohio State University and a former legislative assistant on national security to Sen. Kent Conrad, said on this episode of Plain Talk. He said that President Trump is usince ICE in Minnesota and elsewhere in the country as a "new federal domestic army." Rudesill called the U.S. Constitution a "national security document," and argues that the separation of military and civil authority is a core American value found throughout our founding legal documents. With ICE dressing like soldiers, and using military equipment and tactics, and with ICE's leaders, up to and  including President Trump and his cabinet, using the rhetoric of war to describe their activities, does that separation still exist? "The Constitution was forged from national security crisis, and the highest level of government right encroaching on the liberty of the people in the name of national security," he said. "And so the framers wrote in that context, and they gave us the system we have, which is one where we have limited government not unlimited government." With ICE patrolling American streets as if they were in enemy territory, with their assertion of the right to search homes without warrants, and deport detainees without due process, can we say that we have limited government or unlimited government? If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive  

If North Dakota's oil industry could be represented by a single personality, it would be Continental Resources founder Harold Hamm. So when Hamm says he's laying down his drilling rigs because low oil prices mean there's no margin in operating them, it got a lot of attention from the public. Oil tax revenues, both directly and indirectly, provide the lion's share of our state's funding. Is it time to panic? Not yet says Justin Kringstad, the executive director of the North Dakota Pipeline Authority. "No major warning signs to start panicking about, but we'll keep watching it," he said on this episode of Plain Talk. "If the announcement by Continental is the start of something bigger, then absolutely, we certainly need to get on top of that right away and understand what the impacts would be for the state and as a whole." "We need to watch the rig counts closely," he added. What prompted Hamm to act, Kringstad said, is a global oversupply of oil. Asked if President Donald Trump's push to bring more Venezuelan oil to the marketplace is a part of that problem, Kringstad said not yet. "The Venezuelan situation, just stepping back and looking at global oil markets, is not a major impact at all really on any of key markets" for the time being, he said. Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the debate over universal school meals at the special session in Bismarck If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

If North Dakota's oil industry could be represented by a single personality, it would be Continental Resources founder Harold Hamm. So when Hamm says he's laying down his drilling rigs because low oil prices mean there's no margin in operating them, it got a lot of attention from the public. Oil tax revenues, both directly and indirectly, provide the lion's share of our state's funding. Is it time to panic? Not yet says Justin Kringstad, the executive director of the North Dakota Pipeline Authority. "No major warning signs to start panicking about, but we'll keep watching it," he said on this episode of Plain Talk. "If the announcement by Continental is the start of something bigger, then absolutely, we certainly need to get on top of that right away and understand what the impacts would be for the state and as a whole." "We need to watch the rig counts closely," he added. What prompted Hamm to act, Kringstad said, is a global oversupply of oil. Asked if President Donald Trump's push to bring more Venezuelan oil to the marketplace is a part of that problem, Kringstad said not yet. "The Venezuelan situation, just stepping back and looking at global oil markets, is not a major impact at all really on any of key markets" for the time being, he said. Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the debate over universal school meals at the special session in Bismarck If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

In North Dakota, the 2026 election cycle isn't really going to be about whether our state is governed by Republicans or Democrats. It's going to be about which type of Republicans hold the majority. So far, the state's traditional Republicans have been successful in holding the line against a rising tide of populists invigorated by the Trump era, but the populists have managed to capture control of key leadership positions within the NDGOP. They hold a slim majority of district chairs, which in turn has allowed them to elect one of their own as state party chair. The populists will likely endorse their preferred candidates at the party's local and statewide conventions. The tradional, normie Republicans will mostly take their case to the voters on the June primary ballot. District 3, in Minot, may well be key ground in this battle. The state House incumbents here are Rep. Jeff Hoverson and Rep. Lori VanWinkle, two bible-thumping religious zealots who are notorious for promoting culture war issues and little else. They face a challenge from Tim Mihalick and Blaine DesLauriers, who say they'd like to go to Bismarck to support Gov. Kelly Armstrong's agenda. "I really like what Governor Armstrong has brought to the table," DesLauriers said on this episode of Plain Talk. "I think he needs more allies that think and act like him and that's what I want to do." For his part, Mihalick says he'd like to bring a more collaborative approach to the legislature. Reacting to comments Hoverson made declaring people who disagree with him as "enemies," Mihalick says he doesn't see politics that way. "I don't see [political opponents] as my enemies," he told us. "I spent my life negotiating and recognizing that everybody needs to win when you complete a deal." We asked the two candidates if Armstrong asked them to run. "Yeah, he did," Mihalick said. DesLauier said that while Armstrong hasn't officially backed their candidacies yet, "we're expecting his endorsement." Also on this episode, we discussed the ongoing questions about finances at the F5 Project, a high-profile, Fargo-based nonprofit. Me and co-host Chad Oban also discussed the resgination of Nico Rios, and the upcoming special session. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

In North Dakota, the 2026 election cycle isn't really going to be about whether our state is governed by Republicans or Democrats. It's going to be about which type of Republicans hold the majority. So far, the state's traditional Republicans have been successful in holding the line against a rising tide of populists invigorated by the Trump era, but the populists have managed to capture control of key leadership positions within the NDGOP. They hold a slim majority of district chairs, which in turn has allowed them to elect one of their own as state party chair. The populists will likely endorse their preferred candidates at the party's local and statewide conventions. The tradional, normie Republicans will mostly take their case to the voters on the June primary ballot. District 3, in Minot, may well be key ground in this battle. The state House incumbents here are Rep. Jeff Hoverson and Rep. Lori VanWinkle, two bible-thumping religious zealots who are notorious for promoting culture war issues and little else. They face a challenge from Tim Mihalick and Blaine DesLauriers, who say they'd like to go to Bismarck to support Gov. Kelly Armstrong's agenda. "I really like what Governor Armstrong has brought to the table," DesLauriers said on this episode of Plain Talk. "I think he needs more allies that think and act like him and that's what I want to do." For his part, Mihalick says he'd like to bring a more collaborative approach to the legislature. Reacting to comments Hoverson made declaring people who disagree with him as "enemies," Mihalick says he doesn't see politics that way. "I don't see [political opponents] as my enemies," he told us. "I spent my life negotiating and recognizing that everybody needs to win when you complete a deal." We asked the two candidates if Armstrong asked them to run. "Yeah, he did," Mihalick said. DesLauier said that while Armstrong hasn't officially backed their candidacies yet, "we're expecting his endorsement." Also on this episode, we discussed the ongoing questions about finances at the F5 Project, a high-profile, Fargo-based nonprofit. Me and co-host Chad Oban also discussed the resgination of Nico Rios, and the upcoming special session. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak says that she doesn't agree with how Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has handled the situation around the shooting death of Renee Good, and ICE's overall activities in Minnesota. Within hours of Good's death, Noem called her a "terrorist, something Fedorchak says she doesn't agree with. North Dakota's congresswoman criticized the modern tendency to "respond too quickly in our culture" and come to "rash judgments with very little information," noting that she's personally avoided these things in her own messaging. "We need more calm voices leading the charge," she said. Fedorchak also defended her decision to vote against extending enhanced subsidies for people purchasing their insurance through the federal exchanges, raising concerns about fraud in the program. "We've got 34 million people, 34% of that program, is going to fraudulent participants," she said. "Like, this is not the kind of government that I can get behind. And so extending that for three more years is just intolerable to me." "The solution is not throwing $80 billion at a broken system," she continued. "For $80 billion, we still have patients receiving significant increases, even with a subsidy in their insurance, and no solutions and continued wasted money and fraud. I can't get behind that." Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the on-going turmoil around ICE's activities in Minnesota, as well as the lawsuits filed by Minnesota and Illinois against the federal government. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak says that she doesn't agree with how Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has handled the situation around the shooting death of Renee Good, and ICE's overall activities in Minnesota. Within hours of Good's death, Noem called her a "terrorist, something Fedorchak says she doesn't agree with. North Dakota's congresswoman criticized the modern tendency to "respond too quickly in our culture" and come to "rash judgments with very little information," noting that she's personally avoided these things in her own messaging. "We need more calm voices leading the charge," she said. Fedorchak also defended her decision to vote against extending enhanced subsidies for people purchasing their insurance through the federal exchanges, raising concerns about fraud in the program. "We've got 34 million people, 34% of that program, is going to fraudulent participants," she said. "Like, this is not the kind of government that I can get behind. And so extending that for three more years is just intolerable to me." "The solution is not throwing $80 billion at a broken system," she continued. "For $80 billion, we still have patients receiving significant increases, even with a subsidy in their insurance, and no solutions and continued wasted money and fraud. I can't get behind that." Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the on-going turmoil around ICE's activities in Minnesota, as well as the lawsuits filed by Minnesota and Illinois against the federal government. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

On this episode of Plain Talk, me and co-host Chad Oban react to more tragedy in Minneapolis, with the killing of Renee Good. The facts of what happened are still being established, but what did we think was going to happen when federal agents are operating under an administration intent on enforcing federal law in the most aggressive, most provactive way possible? Also on this episode, Fargo mayoral candidates Josh Boschee and Denise Kolpack join to discuss their newly-announced campaigns. Kolpack is a current member of the city commission, and the deputy mayor, while Boschee is a Democrat elected to the state legislature. B oschee talked about his skill working across ideological divides, as well as his familiarity with how things operate in Bismarck. He also said he's glad he doesn't have to pretend like he's not a Democrat, despite the mayoral race being officially nonpartisan. Kolpack, meanwhile, said her experience in local government is what counts.  She said he's pushed back on some bad ideas from the commission, and would work to alleviate some of the dysfunction there. Both candidates weighed in on Fargo's controversial handling of the Applied Digital data center in the works in Harwood. Kolpack said Fargo acted like a bully. Boschee said he'd have done a better job of setting the city's priorities and communicating them.  If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts.

On this episode of Plain Talk, me and co-host Chad Oban react to more tragedy in Minneapolis, with the killing of Renee Good. The facts of what happened are still being established, but what did we think was going to happen when federal agents are operating under an administration intent on enforcing federal law in the most aggressive, most provactive way possible? Also on this episode, Fargo mayoral candidates Josh Boschee and Denise Kolpack join to discuss their newly-announced campaigns. Kolpack is a current member of the city commission, and the deputy mayor, while Boschee is a Democrat elected to the state legislature. Boschee talked about his skill working across ideological divides, as well as his familiarity with how things operate in Bismarck. He also said he's glad he doesn't have to pretend like he's not a Democrat, despite the mayoral race being officially nonpartisan. Kolpack, meanwhile, said her experience in local government is what counts. She said he's pushed back on some bad ideas from the commission, and would work to alleviate some of the dysfunction there. Both candidates weighed in on Fargo's controversial handling of the Applied Digital data center in the works in Harwood. Kolpack said Fargo acted like a bully. Boschee said he'd have done a better job of setting the city's priorities and communicating them. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"I just didn't get it prioritized to get out the door." That's what Attorney General Drew Wrigley said on this episode of Plain Talk when asked about the state's annual crime report, which is typically released over the summer, but this year wasn't made public until New Year's Eve. The delayed report comes amid an intense debate over crime in North Dakota. The most recent report, covering the year 2024, showed some declines from recent peaks in serious crime categories, but they're still signficantly up over the last decade. "Violent crime and robbery crimes against the person...came down two 2%," Wrigley said, "but that 2%...makes last year the 10th highest of the last 11 years. You're talking over 4,000 more victims every year than was the case in 2014." Wrigley said he plans to continue his push for stricter sentencing policies in next year's legislative session. He was unsuccessful in winning enough votes among lawmakers for his proposed reforms during the first two legislative sessions of his tenure in office. Wrigley also addressed delays in his office in responding to open records and open meetings complaints filed by the public, and the news media -- "the number of requests is quite robust," he said -- and said that he planed to address a legislative request for an opinion on Retirement and Investment Office bonuses in "weeks" not months. Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I react to my story about top executives at the F5 Project giving themselves personal loans out of the nonprofit's revenues, as well as my report about legislature's potentially preempting, during their upcoming special session, a ballot measure for universal school meals with a proposal of their own. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"I just didn't get it prioritized to get out the door." That's what Attorney General Drew Wrigley said on this episode of Plain Talk when asked about the state's annual crime report, which is typically released over the summer, but this year wasn't made public until New Year's Eve. The delayed report comes amid an intense debate over crime in North Dakota. The most recent report, covering the year 2024, showed some declines from recent peaks in serious crime categories, but they're still signficantly up over the last decade. "Violent crime and robbery crimes against the person...came down two 2%," Wrigley said, "but that 2%...makes last year the 10th highest of the last 11 years. You're talking over 4,000 more victims every year than was the case in 2014." Wrigley said he plans to continue his push for stricter sentencing policies in next year's legislative session. He was unsuccessful in winning enough votes among lawmakers for his proposed reforms during the first two legislative sessions of his tenure in office. Wrigley also addressed delays in his office in responding to open records and open meetings complaints filed by the public, and the news media -- "the number of requests is quite robust," he said -- and said that he planed to address a legislative request for an opinion on Retirement and Investment Office bonuses in "weeks" not months. Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I react to my story about top executives at the F5 Project giving themselves personal loans out of the nonprofit's revenues, as well as my report about legislature's potentially preempting, during their upcoming special session, a ballot measure for universal school meals with a proposal of their own. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive  

The year 2025 is almost in the books. On this episode of Plain Talk, we took a look back at the last year, looking at some of the highlights (and lowlights, unfortunately) that made news. The legislature passed massive property tax reform. It's a "sea change" for what's long been a thorny issue, I argued, but can it be maintained? Lawmakers will have to continue funding the $1,600 credits for primary residences while simultaneously holding the line on attempts to water down the 3% cap on local spending. Also, shamelessness was a theme in state (as well as national) politics. Elected officials from former Minot mayor Tom Ross to Williston lawmaker Rep. Nico Rios made headlines with ugly behavior. The former faced consequences (he resigned) but the latter is still in office. Can he survive the 2026 election cycle? Speaking of which, how will the divide in the North Dakota Republican Party play out next year? Will the party hold a state convention? If they do, who will come? There will be several ballot measures next year, too. The legislature placed one constitutional amendment on the June primary ballot -- a single-subject requirement for constitutional amendments on the ballot -- as well as two more for the November ballot. One would make some modest but meaningful changes to the state's term limits, and the other would require that constituitonal amendments on the ballot get 60% of the vote to pass. How will those amendments fare? Co-host Chad Oban and I covered it all. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

The year 2025 is almost in the books. On this episode of Plain Talk, we took a look back at the last year, looking at some of the highlights (and lowlights, unfortunately) that made news. The legislature passed massive property tax reform. It's a "sea change" for what's long been a thorny issue, I argued, but can it be maintained? Lawmakers will have to continue funding the $1,600 credits for primary residences while simultaneously holding the line on attempts to water down the 3% cap on local spending. Also, shamelessness was a theme in state (as well as national) politics. Elected officials from former Minot mayor Tom Ross to Williston lawmaker Rep. Nico Rios made headlines with ugly behavior. The former faced consequences (he resigned) but the latter is still in office. Can he survive the 2026 election cycle? Speaking of which, how will the divide in the North Dakota Republican Party play out next year? Will the party hold a state convention? If they do, who will come? There will be several ballot measures next year, too. The legislature placed one constitutional amendment on the June primary ballot -- a single-subject requirement for constitutional amendments on the ballot -- as well as two more for the November ballot. One would make some modest but meaningful changes to the state's term limits, and the other would require that constituitonal amendments on the ballot get 60% of the vote to pass. How will those amendments fare? Co-host Chad Oban and I covered it all. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Matt Perdue is the newly-elected president of the North Dakota Farmers Union. While he was campaigning among Farmers Union members for that office earlier this year, he said he spent a lot of time talking about health care. And not because he was asking about it. "I've spent the last few months traveling the state, visiting with folks in small towns across North Dakota, and I think it's really important to make the point that I have not asked them to talk about healthcare, he said on this episode of Plain Talk. "They have asked me to talk about healthcare. It's a top-of-mind issue for farmers and ranchers and small business owners and independent contractors across our state." As Congress continues to debate whether to extend subsidies for health insurance policies sold on the federal exchanges -- where 25% to 30% of North Dakota farmers get their insurance, per Perdue -- he says his constituents are tired of the issue being used for political posturing while they face significant financial strain. "Let's set the Rs and D's, the conservative and liberals aside and say, 'Hey, we have the most expensive health care system in the world. How can we work together to actually make it work for real families and not make it a political football over and over again?'" Perdue also said the so-called "farmer bailout" -- a federal relief package touted by President Donald Trump's administration to help the agriculture industry deal with low crop prices and rising input costs -- "necessary" and a "good thing to do." But only in the short term. "I hate that we're relying on emergency ad hoc payments again," he said. Perdue argued that the agricultural industry currently relies on emergency bailouts for a wide variety of stressors, including trade disputes, natural disasters, and market fluctuations caused by COVID-19, because the existing safety net is not built to withstand these pressures. Farmers need a "stable, consistent system of relief" so they can make "real long-term business decisions." If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Matt Perdue is the newly-elected president of the North Dakota Farmers Union. While he was campaigning among Farmers Union members for that office earlier this year, he said he spent a lot of time talking about health care. And not because he was asking about it. "I've spent the last few months traveling the state, visiting with folks in small towns across North Dakota, and I think it's really important to make the point that I have not asked them to talk about healthcare, he said on this episode of Plain Talk. "They have asked me to talk about healthcare. It's a top-of-mind issue for farmers and ranchers and small business owners and independent contractors across our state." As Congress continues to debate whether to extend subsidies for health insurance policies sold on the federal exchanges -- where 25% to 30% of North Dakota farmers get their insurance, per Perdue -- he says his constituents are tired of the issue being used for political posturing while they face significant financial strain. "Let's set the Rs and D's, the conservative and liberals aside and say, 'Hey, we have the most expensive health care system in the world. How can we work together to actually make it work for real families and not make it a political football over and over again?'" Perdue also said the so-called "farmer bailout" -- a federal relief package touted by President Donald Trump's administration to help the agriculture industry deal with low crop prices and rising input costs -- "necessary" and a "good thing to do." But only in the short term. "I hate that we're relying on emergency ad hoc payments again," he said. Perdue argued that the agricultural industry currently relies on emergency bailouts for a wide variety of stressors, including trade disputes, natural disasters, and market fluctuations caused by COVID-19, because the existing safety net is not built to withstand these pressures. Farmers need a "stable, consistent system of relief" so they can make "real long-term business decisions." If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive  

North Dakota has made large strides towards using investments of public funds not just as a way to generate revenue for the for the state but also, by making those investments in North Dakota companies, to benefit the state's economy. But these investments are happening in a lot of different ways, and when some investments made through some programs go bad, and make negative headlines, they can sour the public's view of this sort of public investing. One complicating factor in this is that the state has dozens and dozens of economic development programs, overseen by a patchwork of boards and government entities, and that can make things like transparency and accountability difficult. "We've just got too many too many programs," Rep. Glenn Bosch, a Republican from Bismarck, said on this episode of Plain Talk. Bosch, along with Rep. Jonathan Warrey, a Republican from Casselton who also joined us, serves on a committee overseeing Legacy Fund investments. They want to make sure the public understands the success the state is having with its in-state investment programs. But to better communicate that message, it may require consolidating some of what the state is doing. In South Dakota "they really just have two or three different places that economic development funds flow out of," Bosch said. "It's either type A, type B, or type C. When people come to the state and want to understand what economic development looks like in South Dakota, that's what they offer. When they come here, they're given all these different options, and they're trying to figure it out." "We just need to consolidate," he continued. "Have a plan and have a framework that people can understand when they want to talk about economic development." But despite some of the confusion, Warrey and Bosch said North Dakota's investments are going well. North Dakota has the "second largest in-state investment program in the country, really second only to California," Bosch said, noting that relative to the state's gross domestic product, it is the largest. That program, specifically, uses a portion of the Legacy Fund, and includes investments in private equity, through the North Dakota Growth Fund, real assets, through the North Dakota Real Assets fund, low-interest loans to companies through the Match Program, and in infrastructure projects through the Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund. In the three years since the in-state investment program began, "there has been 24 investments made with committed capital of $122 million," Warrey added. Also on this episode, we discuss a shift in Fargo away from property tax incentives, whether a universal school lunch ballot measure will pass, and whether Gov. Tim Walz ought to resign amid the fraud scandal which has rocked his state. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

North Dakota has made large strides towards using investments of public funds not just as a way to generate revenue for the for the state but also, by making those investments in North Dakota companies, to benefit the state's economy. But these investments are happening in a lot of different ways, and when some investments made through some programs go bad, and make negative headlines, they can sour the public's view of this sort of public investing. One complicating factor in this is that the state has dozens and dozens of economic development programs, overseen by a patchwork of boards and government entities, and that can make things like transparency and accountability difficult. "We've just got too many too many programs," Rep. Glenn Bosch, a Republican from Bismarck, said on this episode of Plain Talk. Bosch, along with Rep. Jonathan Warrey, a Republican from Casselton who also joined us, serves on a committee overseeing Legacy Fund investments. They want to make sure the public understands the success the state is having with its in-state investment programs. But to better communicate that message, it may require consolidating some of what the state is doing. In South Dakota "they really just have two or three different places that economic development funds flow out of," Bosch said. "It's either type A, type B, or type C. When people come to the state and want to understand what economic development looks like in South Dakota, that's what they offer. When they come here, they're given all these different options, and they're trying to figure it out." "We just need to consolidate," he continued. "Have a plan and have a framework that people can understand when they want to talk about economic development." But despite some of the confusion, Warrey and Bosch said North Dakota's investments are going well. North Dakota has the "second largest in-state investment program in the country, really second only to California," Bosch said, noting that relative to the state's gross domestic product, it is the largest. That program, specifically, uses a portion of the Legacy Fund, and includes investments in private equity, through the North Dakota Growth Fund, real assets, through the North Dakota Real Assets fund, low-interest loans to companies through the Match Program, and in infrastructure projects through the Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund. In the three years since the in-state investment program began, "there has been 24 investments made with committed capital of $122 million," Warrey added. Also on this episode, we discuss a shift in Fargo away from property tax incentives, whether a universal school lunch ballot measure will pass, and whether Gov. Tim Walz ought to resign amid the fraud scandal which has rocked his state. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Hamida Dakane says she was "disappointed" but "not surprised" by President Donald Trump's comments insulting Somalians and calling on them to leave the country. But it hurt.  "You know, this comment, it hits deeply on personal level, and what makes it worse is it's coming from the president of the free world," she said. "It's not just offensive. It is dehumanizing. It shakes your sense of belonging. Even if you lived here 5 days or decades, you call America or Minnesota or North Dakota home, and then the people who represent you demonize you to the point that they call you garbage. It's just very hurtful." Dakane, who was born in Kenya and is of Somali heritage, is a former state lawmaker who represented Fargo-area District 10 as the first black woman, and first Muslim, elected to that chamber. She's a Democrat, but pointed out that many Somali's vote for Republicans, and cast their ballots for Donald Trump. She was defeated for re-election in the 2024 election cycle by Rep. Jared Hendrix, who is an outspoken Trump supporter but ran a campaign focused on outreach to the Somali and larger immigrant communities. She said this situation Trump has created has hit particularly hard on children. "Kids will ask you 'why are we called garbage,'" she said.  "They know this as their home," she continued, pointing out that many of them were born in America, "and they're being called garbage. They question and they ask, 'where are we going to go? Where is our home if America is not our home?'" Dakane praised North Dakota and Minnesota as a region that has welcomed her people. She came to North Dakota alone to attend North Dakota State University, and chose to stay because "North Dakota has been good to me and the neighbors have been good." Still, Dakane says her community isn't looking for victimhood. "I personally, I refuse to let those words define who we are or who the community is," she said. "And we are not victims. We are visionaries. Not the president calling them garbage or any other person just hating on them will stop them. They will keep being visionaries and not victims." If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Hamida Dakane says she was "disappointed" but "not surprised" by President Donald Trump's comments insulting Somalians and calling on them to leave the country. But it hurt.  "You know, this comment, it hits deeply on personal level, and what makes it worse is it's coming from the president of the free world," she said. "It's not just offensive. It is dehumanizing. It shakes your sense of belonging. Even if you lived here 5 days or decades, you call America or Minnesota or North Dakota home, and then the people who represent you demonize you to the point that they call you garbage. It's just very hurtful." Dakane, who was born in Kenya and is of Somali heritage, is a former state lawmaker who represented Fargo-area District 10 as the first black woman, and first Muslim, elected to that chamber. She's a Democrat, but pointed out that many Somali's vote for Republicans, and cast their ballots for Donald Trump. She was defeated for re-election in the 2024 election cycle by Rep. Jared Hendrix, who is an outspoken Trump supporter but ran a campaign focused on outreach to the Somali and larger immigrant communities. She said this situation Trump has created has hit particularly hard on children. "Kids will ask you 'why are we called garbage,'" she said.  "They know this as their home," she continued, pointing out that many of them were born in America, "and they're being called garbage. They question and they ask, 'where are we going to go? Where is our home if America is not our home?'" Dakane praised North Dakota and Minnesota as a region that has welcomed her people. She came to North Dakota alone to attend North Dakota State University, and chose to stay because "North Dakota has been good to me and the neighbors have been good." Still, Dakane says her community isn't looking for victimhood. "I personally, I refuse to let those words define who we are or who the community is," she said. "And we are not victims. We are visionaries. Not the president calling them garbage or any other person just hating on them will stop them. They will keep being visionaries and not victims." If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"I think sometimes we forget that every community in the country has a whole bunch of people that wake up every morning, and the baseball bat that is called life cracks them across the head," Gov. Kelly Armstrong said on this episode of Plain Talk. "They're the people serving food in a diner, working behind a gas station counter. Sometimes they're sitting in your office right now, anywhere you're at. And if you don't recognize that, then you're not really the governor for everybody. And I want to be the governor for everybody." Armstrong was responding to a question about his administration's efforts to address homelessness and addiction, as well as his family's individual efforts on the same front. He also responded to a question about President Donald Trump's recent comments denigrating people of Somali heritage. He called Rep. Ilhan Omar "garbage" and called on Somalis to "go back to where they came from." "I think kind of a pox on everybody's houses in this space," Armstrong said. "We've conflated legal immigration and illegal immigration in a way that has made this stuff...I don't like all of it." Ther governor spoke at length about controversy surrounding bonuses at the state's Retirement and Investment Office. The governor says he "doesn't love" the way the bonuses are structured, but also doesn't want the state to go back on whatever commitments it made to those employees. But upstream from that issue, Armstrong said he'd like to see structural reforms to the way the state's investments (which he notes have grown substantially over the last decades) are managed. Also, Armstrong spoke about the special session he'll be calling in January next year and said his administration has begun the budgeting process for the next regular legislative session to commence in January 2027. He aid this will be the first time he's "really got to show off my fiscal conservative chops." "I've told my agencies that you guys have had 20 years of real substantial growth and I wouldn't think you're going to have 21 years of real substantial growth," he said. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

"I think sometimes we forget that every community in the country has a whole bunch of people that wake up every morning, and the baseball bat that is called life cracks them across the head," Gov. Kelly Armstrong said on this episode of Plain Talk. "They're the people serving food in a diner, working behind a gas station counter. Sometimes they're sitting in your office right now, anywhere you're at. And if you don't recognize that, then you're not really the governor for everybody. And I want to be the governor for everybody." Armstrong was responding to a question about his administration's efforts to address homelessness and addiction, as well as his family's individual efforts on the same front. He also responded to a question about President Donald Trump's recent comments denigrating people of Somali heritage. He called Rep. Ilhan Omar "garbage" and called on Somalis to "go back to where they came from." "I think kind of a pox on everybody's houses in this space," Armstrong said. "We've conflated legal immigration and illegal immigration in a way that has made this stuff...I don't like all of it." Ther governor spoke at length about controversy surrounding bonuses at the state's Retirement and Investment Office. The governor says he "doesn't love" the way the bonuses are structured, but also doesn't want the state to go back on whatever commitments it made to those employees. But upstream from that issue, Armstrong said he'd like to see structural reforms to the way the state's investments (which he notes have grown substantially over the last decades) are managed. Also, Armstrong spoke about the special session he'll be calling in January next year and said his administration has begun the budgeting process for the next regular legislative session to commence in January 2027. He aid this will be the first time he's "really got to show off my fiscal conservative chops." "I've told my agencies that you guys have had 20 years of real substantial growth and I wouldn't think you're going to have 21 years of real substantial growth," he said. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Farmers are having a tough time of it. Tariffs are driving up costs, and trade wars are driving down crop prices. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring talked about those things on this episode of Plain Talk, but he also pointed out another problem. Labor shortages, which not only leave positions unfilled, but also drive up wages for those who are available for hire. "You can't get anybody to come out and want to work on a farm," he said. Contributing to the labor shortage is problems with the H2A visa program for temporary agriculture workers. "H2A is specific to skilled labor that we can bring into the country to help us do the work, because you can't find anybody anymore to do it," Goehring said. "And sometimes when you talk about that, people are like, 'Yeah, you're just trying to get free cheap labor.' No. On the contrary, in fact, if you bring in an H2A worker from South Africa or from South America or Central America, you're required to have housing for them. You're required to pay for their transportation. You're required to pay them, no matter what, when they're here," he continued. Asked if the Trump administration's hostility to immigrants was contributing to labor shortages, Goehring admitted it's having an impact "to some degree," but also pointed to complexities in the visa program, as well as the oil industry's competition for workers. Goehring also discussed the Industrial Commission's $400 million in loan programs to help farmers grappling with tough times. "We're lucky, you know, North Dakota has the only state-owned, sovereign bank in the entire country," he said. "We aren't FDI insured. We're insured by and the backing of the state of North Dakota. So, with that being said, it gives us the ability to develop some programs and be the banker's bank, help them manage and mitigate risk better for our multiple industries out there. This just happens to be agriculture right now because there's been several several areas that have been hard hit in our economy." Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I discuss the national fight over immigration, the challenges of selling and buying locally-produced foods, and the case for harm reduction programs like needle and pipe exchanges in our communities. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive