This guest post was submitted by the following teachers: Dean Aamodt, Wahpeton; Melessa Bosch, Minot; Jessica Brandt, Central Cass; Dr. Karyn Chiapella, Scranton; Nanci Dauwen, West Fargo; Kayla Dornfeld, Mapleton; Mary Eldredge Sandbo, Des Lacs; Andrea Fox, West Fargo; Lynae Holmen, Minot; Linda Hope, Langdon; Annette Hovey, New Rockford; Leah Juelke, Fargo; Julia Koble, Minot;…
Plain Talk: Should We Be Letting Prisoners Out of Jail During the Coronavirus Crisis?
The coronavirus crisis has prompted policy makers in North Dakota, and across the nation, to look at reducing jail and prison populations by letting some low-risk offenders, and some folks in jail pre-trial because they can’t make bond, out into the general population. Is that the right move? On this episode of Plain Talk Dane…
Plain Talk: Democratic House Candidate Criticizes His Party for Delays in Coronavirus Relief Bill
On this episode of Plain Talk, Zach Raknerud pointed out that many North Dakota Democrats are afraid to do interviews with me. “I don’t think that’s right,” he said. He’s the candidate North Dakota Democrats endorsed to challenge Republican Congressman Kelly Armstrong this cycle. He made that point while arguing that he intends to offer…
Plain Talk: Education Professor Says North Dakota’s Push for Remote Education Has Been “Overly Bureaucratic,” Tells Parents Not to Worry About Kids Losing Ground
Dan Conn is an Associate Professor of Teacher Education and Kinesiology at Minot State University. In this episode of Plain Talk, he discusses the challenges related to mobilizing, as a response to the coronavirus pandemic, remote education solutions on the short timeline state leaders like Governor Doug Burgum and Superintendent Kirsten Baesler are asking for.…
Guest Post: In an Emergency, Reliable Electricity Is a Necessity
This guest post was submitted by Jason Bohrer, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Lignite Energy Council. The coronavirus has forever shaped our lives. Don’t believe me? Just ask the tourism and entertainment industry. Ask the medical personnel at our hospitals and clinics. And, most of all, ask the people who have contracted this…
Plain Talk 146: Senator Cramer Says He Thinks Americans Should Have Their Stimulus Checks by April 6
Senator Kevin Cramer says Congress is aiming to get stimulus checks, a response to the coronavirus crisis, into the bank accounts of Americans by April 6. That’s what he said on this episode of Plain Talk. The legislation isn’t finalized yet, but he expects each individual to get in the ballpark of $1,200 each. The…
Guest Post: You’re Going to Be Ok
This guest post was submitted by James Kerian of Grafton, North Dakota. Calm down. Don’t be afraid. Take some deep breaths. I’m not saying you shouldn’t follow the Governor’s instructions or the President’s instructions or the Bishop’s instructions. It’s their place, not mine, to lead. But follow them without being afraid. Everyone I talk to…
Plain Talk: Democratic Candidate for North Dakota Treasurer Mark Haugen Talks About His Campaign
“You need to do what’s best for the state not what’s best for the party.” That’s what Mark Haugen, Democratic candidate for North Dakota Treasurer, said on this episode of Plain Talk. He talks about some of the recent problems in the Treasurer’s office, what he’d have done about them, what elements of his background…
Plain Talk: ‘A Very Challenging Period’ for North Dakota’s Oil Industry
On this episode of Plain Talk, Ron Ness of the North Dakota Petroleum Council talks about the problems the state’s oil industry is facing amid a slowing economy, coronavirus fears, and a price war set off by Russia and Saudi Arabia. “The Bakken is one of the best oil resources in the world,” Ness says,…
Guest Post: A Lot of Union Members Think Democrats Are Not Focused on the Issues Impacting People’s Lives
This guest post was submitted by Adam Duininck. He is the director of government affairs for North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters. The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters represents 27,000 carpenters, floor coverers, industrial workers, interior systems, millwrights, and pile drivers in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. President…