Rob Port
@robport.bsky.social
Reporter and columnist for the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. Host of the Plain Talk podcast. Husband, dad, baseball nerd, and proud North Dakotan.
My writing--> https://www.inforum.com/rob-port
My podcast --> https://www.youtube.com/@PlainTalkND
My writing--> https://www.inforum.com/rob-port
My podcast --> https://www.youtube.com/@PlainTalkND
North Dakota's Democrats have before them an opportunity for an interesting and energetic U.S. House primary. Why wouldn't they lean into it?
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
Port: Why not show North Dakota that the Democratic-NPL has a pulse?
North Dakota's Democrats have before them an opportunity for an interesting and energetic U.S. House primary. Why wouldn't they lean into it?
www.inforum.com
February 7, 2026 at 3:02 PM
North Dakota's Democrats have before them an opportunity for an interesting and energetic U.S. House primary. Why wouldn't they lean into it?
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUFz...
In the debate over ICE’s actions in Minnesota, and beyond, both the right and the left have to stop becoming what the other side accuses them of being. Don’t be a stereotype.
In the debate over ICE’s actions in Minnesota, and beyond, both the right and the left have to stop becoming what the other side accuses them of being. Don’t be a stereotype.
February 6, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUFz...
In the debate over ICE’s actions in Minnesota, and beyond, both the right and the left have to stop becoming what the other side accuses them of being. Don’t be a stereotype.
In the debate over ICE’s actions in Minnesota, and beyond, both the right and the left have to stop becoming what the other side accuses them of being. Don’t be a stereotype.
The Wonder Fund is suposed to be celebrity investor Kevin O'Leary investing ND dollars in ND opportunities, but one of its major investments is in a Nebraska company that doesn’t seem to have much to do with North Dakota at all. Should we audit the Wonder Fund?
February 6, 2026 at 5:20 PM
The Wonder Fund is suposed to be celebrity investor Kevin O'Leary investing ND dollars in ND opportunities, but one of its major investments is in a Nebraska company that doesn’t seem to have much to do with North Dakota at all. Should we audit the Wonder Fund?
The demise of the Norsk Hostfest in Minot, one of the largest cultural festivals in our region, means the end of one bridge to our immigrant past at a time of overt nativism. It’s a sad thing, all the more so given how many of us need to be reminded of our immigrant roots.
February 6, 2026 at 5:18 PM
The demise of the Norsk Hostfest in Minot, one of the largest cultural festivals in our region, means the end of one bridge to our immigrant past at a time of overt nativism. It’s a sad thing, all the more so given how many of us need to be reminded of our immigrant roots.
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUFz...
The Norsk Hostfest in Minot is no more, but many have fond memories, including meeting famed political consultant Karl Rove at the event when he was inducted into the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame.
The Norsk Hostfest in Minot is no more, but many have fond memories, including meeting famed political consultant Karl Rove at the event when he was inducted into the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame.
February 6, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUFz...
The Norsk Hostfest in Minot is no more, but many have fond memories, including meeting famed political consultant Karl Rove at the event when he was inducted into the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame.
The Norsk Hostfest in Minot is no more, but many have fond memories, including meeting famed political consultant Karl Rove at the event when he was inducted into the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame.
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUFz...
The North Dakota Attorney General’s office has confirmed that there is an active investigation into the F5 Project. That’s good. There needs to be some accountability.
The North Dakota Attorney General’s office has confirmed that there is an active investigation into the F5 Project. That’s good. There needs to be some accountability.
February 6, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUFz...
The North Dakota Attorney General’s office has confirmed that there is an active investigation into the F5 Project. That’s good. There needs to be some accountability.
The North Dakota Attorney General’s office has confirmed that there is an active investigation into the F5 Project. That’s good. There needs to be some accountability.
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUFz...
The Trump administration is drawing down troops in Minnesota, but doesn’t that sound like we’re dealing with a war zone?
The Trump administration is drawing down troops in Minnesota, but doesn’t that sound like we’re dealing with a war zone?
February 6, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUFz...
The Trump administration is drawing down troops in Minnesota, but doesn’t that sound like we’re dealing with a war zone?
The Trump administration is drawing down troops in Minnesota, but doesn’t that sound like we’re dealing with a war zone?
U.S. House candidate Vern Thompson told us something real in an interview. In my desire to put that in front of the public, I fumbled.
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
Port: I could have handled that better
U.S. House candidate Vern Thompson told us something real in an interview. In my desire to put that in front of the public, I fumbled.
www.inforum.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:56 PM
U.S. House candidate Vern Thompson told us something real in an interview. In my desire to put that in front of the public, I fumbled.
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
A listener writes in to say he used to be a “vile a-hole” Trump supporter on social media, but that now their eyes are open. “I decided to be a traitor to a broken party than a liar to myself.” #NorthDakota
February 4, 2026 at 9:03 PM
A listener writes in to say he used to be a “vile a-hole” Trump supporter on social media, but that now their eyes are open. “I decided to be a traitor to a broken party than a liar to myself.” #NorthDakota
House candidate Vern Thompson says he’s going to “fight tooth and nail” to “do away with the tariffs” if North Dakotans elect him. ”All the congressional delegation members from North Dakota...they have failed their constitutional responsibility...tariffs are supposed to be approved by Congress.”
February 4, 2026 at 9:00 PM
House candidate Vern Thompson says he’s going to “fight tooth and nail” to “do away with the tariffs” if North Dakotans elect him. ”All the congressional delegation members from North Dakota...they have failed their constitutional responsibility...tariffs are supposed to be approved by Congress.”
“I think Rep. Fedorchak has failed in her constitutional responsibilities,” says Democratic U.S. House candidate Vern Thompson, referring to incumbent Rep. Julie Fedorhcak. “She’s let a president run wild.” #NorthDakota
February 4, 2026 at 8:59 PM
“I think Rep. Fedorchak has failed in her constitutional responsibilities,” says Democratic U.S. House candidate Vern Thompson, referring to incumbent Rep. Julie Fedorhcak. “She’s let a president run wild.” #NorthDakota
“I think Julie has love in her heart,” Democratic U.S. House candidate Vern Thompson said, referring to the incumbent, Julie Fedorchak. But he says he thinks she’s “too timid” when it comes to confronting President Donald Trump’s lies. #NorthDakota
February 4, 2026 at 8:58 PM
“I think Julie has love in her heart,” Democratic U.S. House candidate Vern Thompson said, referring to the incumbent, Julie Fedorchak. But he says he thinks she’s “too timid” when it comes to confronting President Donald Trump’s lies. #NorthDakota
“I see right now the largest farm crisis in 40 years,” says House candidate Vern Thompson. “I was a young farmer and I struggled through the 1980s farm crisis." He says he doesn’t want to see today’s young farmers go through that, "because that was hell.”
February 4, 2026 at 8:56 PM
“I see right now the largest farm crisis in 40 years,” says House candidate Vern Thompson. “I was a young farmer and I struggled through the 1980s farm crisis." He says he doesn’t want to see today’s young farmers go through that, "because that was hell.”
Vern Thompson is a former state lawmaker who has been a farmer, an alcoholic, a talk radio producer, a truck driver, and now would North Dakotans to send him to Congress to replace @RepFedorchak #NorthDakota
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdtj...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdtj...
675: The truck-driving former alcoholic running as a Democrat for the U.S. House in North Dakota
YouTube video by Plain Talk
www.youtube.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Vern Thompson is a former state lawmaker who has been a farmer, an alcoholic, a talk radio producer, a truck driver, and now would North Dakotans to send him to Congress to replace @RepFedorchak #NorthDakota
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdtj...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdtj...
While a lawsuit against North Dakota's Wonder Fund and its manager, reality television star Kevin O'Leary, has been dismissed, it has raised questions state officials must investigate.
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
Port: Audit North Dakota's Wonder Fund
While a lawsuit against North Dakota's Wonder Fund and its manager, reality television star Kevin O'Leary, has been dismissed, it has raised questions state officials must investigate.
www.inforum.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:15 PM
While a lawsuit against North Dakota's Wonder Fund and its manager, reality television star Kevin O'Leary, has been dismissed, it has raised questions state officials must investigate.
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
Policies that exempt property from taxation push tax bills higher for everyone not receiving an exemption. It needs to stop.
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
Port: Let's make property tax exemptions illegal
Policies that exempt property from taxation push tax bills higher for everyone not receiving an exemption. It needs to stop.
www.inforum.com
February 4, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Policies that exempt property from taxation push tax bills higher for everyone not receiving an exemption. It needs to stop.
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
The AG's office denied a records request for the F5 Project's response to their consumer protection inquiry, but the law used to deny that request confirms an active investigation.
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
Port: Attorney General's office indicates F5 Project is under active investigation
The AG's office denied a records request for the F5 Project's response to their consumer protection inquiry, but the law used to deny that request confirms an active investigation.
www.inforum.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:20 PM
The AG's office denied a records request for the F5 Project's response to their consumer protection inquiry, but the law used to deny that request confirms an active investigation.
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
One lawmaker, Rep. Jeff Hoverson of Minot, is praising the $1,600 primary residence credits North Dakotans are enjoying even though he voted against them.
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
Port: After censuring Gov. Armstrong over property tax reform, populists now want credit for it
One lawmaker, Rep. Jeff Hoverson of Minot, is praising the $1,600 primary residence credits North Dakotans are enjoying even though he voted against them.
www.inforum.com
January 31, 2026 at 2:38 PM
One lawmaker, Rep. Jeff Hoverson of Minot, is praising the $1,600 primary residence credits North Dakotans are enjoying even though he voted against them.
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
www.inforum.com/opinion/colu...
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
The F5 Project, which is facing controversy over its handling of finances, is a mature organization that ought to be making better decisions.
The F5 Project, which is facing controversy over its handling of finances, is a mature organization that ought to be making better decisions.
January 30, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
The F5 Project, which is facing controversy over its handling of finances, is a mature organization that ought to be making better decisions.
The F5 Project, which is facing controversy over its handling of finances, is a mature organization that ought to be making better decisions.
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
With signs of distress from the oil industry likely to impact North Dakota’s revenues, we have to have “eyes wide open.” We can’t just carry on and do the same things we’ve done for the last couple of decades with taxes and spending.
With signs of distress from the oil industry likely to impact North Dakota’s revenues, we have to have “eyes wide open.” We can’t just carry on and do the same things we’ve done for the last couple of decades with taxes and spending.
January 30, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
With signs of distress from the oil industry likely to impact North Dakota’s revenues, we have to have “eyes wide open.” We can’t just carry on and do the same things we’ve done for the last couple of decades with taxes and spending.
With signs of distress from the oil industry likely to impact North Dakota’s revenues, we have to have “eyes wide open.” We can’t just carry on and do the same things we’ve done for the last couple of decades with taxes and spending.
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
“Be careful” is the message from ND Petroleum Council president Ron Ness. “Free lunches are free lunches until we can’t fund schools,” he argues, referencing the recent special session debate over universal school meals.
“Be careful” is the message from ND Petroleum Council president Ron Ness. “Free lunches are free lunches until we can’t fund schools,” he argues, referencing the recent special session debate over universal school meals.
January 30, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
“Be careful” is the message from ND Petroleum Council president Ron Ness. “Free lunches are free lunches until we can’t fund schools,” he argues, referencing the recent special session debate over universal school meals.
“Be careful” is the message from ND Petroleum Council president Ron Ness. “Free lunches are free lunches until we can’t fund schools,” he argues, referencing the recent special session debate over universal school meals.
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
For the oil and gas industry, the cost of doing business in North Dakota is high and getting higher. “It’s getting harder and harder,” Ron Ness from the ND Petroleum Council says. “It’s just really, really expensive to operate here.”
For the oil and gas industry, the cost of doing business in North Dakota is high and getting higher. “It’s getting harder and harder,” Ron Ness from the ND Petroleum Council says. “It’s just really, really expensive to operate here.”
January 30, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
For the oil and gas industry, the cost of doing business in North Dakota is high and getting higher. “It’s getting harder and harder,” Ron Ness from the ND Petroleum Council says. “It’s just really, really expensive to operate here.”
For the oil and gas industry, the cost of doing business in North Dakota is high and getting higher. “It’s getting harder and harder,” Ron Ness from the ND Petroleum Council says. “It’s just really, really expensive to operate here.”
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
Direct oil taxes make up a big part of North Dakota’s revenues, some $8 million every day. When the drilling stops, North Dakota takes a hit.
Direct oil taxes make up a big part of North Dakota’s revenues, some $8 million every day. When the drilling stops, North Dakota takes a hit.
January 30, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
Direct oil taxes make up a big part of North Dakota’s revenues, some $8 million every day. When the drilling stops, North Dakota takes a hit.
Direct oil taxes make up a big part of North Dakota’s revenues, some $8 million every day. When the drilling stops, North Dakota takes a hit.
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
Why did Harold Hamm lay down his drilling rigs in North Dakota? The math on drilling simply doesn’t work at this price of oil says ND Petroleum Council president Ron Ness.
Why did Harold Hamm lay down his drilling rigs in North Dakota? The math on drilling simply doesn’t work at this price of oil says ND Petroleum Council president Ron Ness.
January 30, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Watch the full episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
Why did Harold Hamm lay down his drilling rigs in North Dakota? The math on drilling simply doesn’t work at this price of oil says ND Petroleum Council president Ron Ness.
Why did Harold Hamm lay down his drilling rigs in North Dakota? The math on drilling simply doesn’t work at this price of oil says ND Petroleum Council president Ron Ness.
"I don't see a lot of upside in the market in 2026, frankly," said Ron Ness of North Dakota Petroleum Council on this episode of the Plain Talk Podcast.
Click to listen to the whole episode!
#NorthDakota #politics #oilandgas
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
Click to listen to the whole episode!
#NorthDakota #politics #oilandgas
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
674: 'Our business climate in North Dakota is eroded'
YouTube video by Plain Talk
www.youtube.com
January 30, 2026 at 1:57 PM
"I don't see a lot of upside in the market in 2026, frankly," said Ron Ness of North Dakota Petroleum Council on this episode of the Plain Talk Podcast.
Click to listen to the whole episode!
#NorthDakota #politics #oilandgas
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...
Click to listen to the whole episode!
#NorthDakota #politics #oilandgas
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZyi...