Plain Talk: Rep. Nico Rios didn't show up
Minutes before a scheduled interview, Rep. Nico Rios canceled, texting that he had “more important things to do” than engage in what he called “capitol gossip.” In the latest episode of Plain Talk, Rob and Chad react to his sudden cancellation and question why he refuses to answer questions about his social media posts.
🎧 Hear the full conversation:
https://www.inforum.com/podcasts/plain-talk
Plain Talk: 'Try to have good speech drive out bad speech'
In the latest episode of Plain Talk, Cody Schuler from the ACLU of North Dakota describes a concerning trend that some lawmakers are using their religious views to set public policy that intrude on personal freedom.
🎧 Hear the full conversation:
https://www.inforum.com/podcasts/plain-talk
Fargo Public Schools named a long-time high school teacher and coach as its 2025 “Teacher of the Year” — and staged a special reunion for him at the same time.
Bart Manson, a social studies teacher and head boys basketball coach at Fargo Davies High School, received the award during a ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 5.
“You can point out several teachers that have impacts on kids, but Bart Manson has literally changed the course of the future for so many kids … He can work with the brightest of the bright students to the most struggling students. He relates super well with them,” Davies Principal Troy Cody said.
Read the full story from Robin Huebner on our website.
Organizers getting ready to roll on new Fargo skatepark
After years of planning, promoting and developing, organizers are looking forward to getting their hands dirty on a new skatepark in Fargo.
The facility, at 302 39th St. N., Fargo will tear down the wall of the smaller existing skate ramp, the Hawk’s Nest, and triple the size of skating space to 3,000 square feet.
“Let’s get some wood there and I can start making sawdust and then I’ll feel way better about it,” said Tom Kemmer, president of the North Dakota Skateboarding Association. Kemmer has been at the forefront pushing for better skatepark options in Fargo. Now that is coming closer to a reality.
Read the full story here: https://www.inforum.com/lifestyle/organizers-getting-ready-to-roll-on-new-fargo-skatepark
Plain Talk: A 70% Property Tax Cut?
In the latest episode of Plain Talk, Rep. Ben Koppelman explains why he’s offering an alternative to Governor Kelly Armstrong’s property tax plan. He acknowledges his idea would cost more, but says it would be more equitable for urban and rural homeowners.
🎧 Hear the full conversation: https://www.inforum.com/podcasts/plain-talk
Plain Talk: Should North Dakota have an ID requirement for online porn?
In the latest episode of Plain Talk with Rob Port, Rep. Swiontek discusses the complexities of implementing age verification for explicit online content and how his proposal avoids government registries while respecting privacy.
🎧 Hear the full conversation:
https://www.inforum.com/podcasts/plain-talk
Plain Talk: Transparency vs. Civility
Mayor Scott Decker opens up about the challenges of maintaining transparency and openness in Dickinson while preventing verbal abuse of elected officials.
🎙️ Don’t miss the full episode of Plain Talk:
https://www.inforum.com/podcasts/plain-talk
Plain Talk: Auditor Josh Gallion wants subpoena power
In the latest episode of Plain Talk, North Dakota Auditor Josh Gallion reflects on tensions with legislators during the previous session.
🎙️ Don’t miss the full episode of Plain Talk. Listen now:
https://www.inforum.com/podcasts/plain-talk
Plain Talk: Gov. Armstrong vs. AG Drew Wrigley
In the latest episode of Plain Talk, Gov. Armstrong addresses potential friction with AG Drew Wrigley over mandatory minimum sentencing. Armstrong discusses his skepticism, arguing that they don’t deter crime and emphasizes his belief in judicial discretion over blanket sentencing laws. #shorts
🎙️ Catch the full conversation and more: https://www.inforum.com/podcasts/plain-talk
Plain Talk: Free School Lunches for All ND Students
In the latest episode of Plain Talk with Rob Port, Rep. Anna Novak discusses the challenges families face in accessing free and reduced lunch programs—and why she believes North Dakota should fund school meals for all students.🍎
Listen to the full conversation at https://www.inforum.com/podcasts/plain-talk .
Plain Talk: NDIRF Denies Responsibility
In the latest episode of Plain Talk, Rep. Austen Schauer shares examples of a child badly injured at a community pool and a school bus hitting a student—cases where local entities acknowledged fault, yet North Dakota Insurance Reserve still rejected claims. He questions the oversight structure and the future of this self-insurance fund. 🤕🚫
Find out more here: https://www.inforum.com/podcasts/plain-talk.