JOAN HECKAMAN

Columns

Port: North Dakota might not have an abortion ban without the Democratic-NPL

We're seeing a lot of partisanship in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling. The Democratic-NPL is using words like "vile" and "evil" to describe it. Yet, without elected members of the Democratic-NPL, North Dakota's abortion ban might not exist.

Columns

Plain Talk: Wrigley will certify ND's bipartisan (you read that right) abortion ban 'in a matter of hours'

"I expect to be announcing that decision in a matter ... of hours not days," he said, adding that he doesn't expect to make the announcement today, but it's coming soon.

June 27, 2022 12:59 PM

North Dakota

Redistricting drives top Democrat in North Dakota Senate to retire

A redistricting map approved by North Dakota lawmakers last month lands Senate Minority Leader Joan Heckaman in a new district where no election will be held in 2022, compelling the New Rockford Democrat to retire.

December 15, 2021 04:30 PM

Photo: Rep. Jeff Delzer (R-Underwood) John Hageman photo

Columns

Port: Turns out gerrymandering concerns from North Dakota's left-wingers was a bunch of hot air

Now that the Republican-led redistricting committee (14 Republicans, 2 Democrats) is nearly done with their work, there's no evidence of any gerrymandering at all.

September 23, 2021 04:00 PM

Latest Headlines

Opinion

Port: North Dakota has no choice but to build a political moat around coal-fired power

At some point, we may come to our senses and realize that what we've done promoting wind and solar energy was a mistake, but until that happens, our choices are subsidies for coal or a future in which rolling blackouts and big swings in the cost of electricity are the new normal.

March 25, 2021 01:26 PM

By Rob Port

News

North Dakota approves $406M for COVID-19 response

The money approved for spending Thursday represents about a third of the coronavirus-focused funds received by the state through a massive federal aid package known as the CARES Act.

June 25, 2020 01:17 PM

By Jeremy Turley

News

Top North Dakota officials unfazed by state money awarded to ethics commissioner's tribal college

BISMARCK — North Dakota’s governor and Senate leaders were unfazed Tuesday, Aug. 13, that one of their picks for the state’s new ethics commission leads a tribal college that has received more than $2 million in state grants in recent years, which one longtime lawmaker argued is a conflict of interest.

August 13, 2019 12:50 PM

By John Hageman

News

Panel advances two dozen candidates for North Dakota's first ethics commission

BISMARCK — A panel charged with selecting members of North Dakota's new state government ethics commission identified two dozen candidates for further consideration during a meeting at the state Capitol Friday, June 21.

June 21, 2019 12:55 PM

By John Hageman

News

Panel selecting North Dakota ethics commissioners to meet

BISMARCK — A panel tasked with selecting members of North Dakota's new ethics commission will meet later this month, according to a meeting notice posted late Monday afternoon, June 10.

June 11, 2019 08:11 AM

By Forum News Service

News

Wheels already in motion on Theodore Roosevelt presidential library

BISMARCK — North Dakota state officials already took steps to establish the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum before a citizen group filed a petition seeking to overturn legislative approval for the project.

May 28, 2019 01:21 PM

By John Hageman

042719.N.FNS.ENDSESSION2 John Hageman photo

News

'From nothing': North Dakota officials prepare to appoint ethics commission

BISMARCK — Top North Dakota officials charged with forming a new panel to oversee ethical standards in state government say they're looking for applicants without an political agenda, as the implementation of last year's ballot measure enters what observers see as a crucial phase.

May 17, 2019 11:38 AM

By John Hageman

News

North Dakota legislative leaders plan public hearing over potential oil tax misallocation

BISMARCK — Republican leaders in the North Dakota Legislature plan to discuss a potential misallocation of oil tax money during a public hearing next week, they said Thursday, March 7.

March 07, 2019 01:30 PM

By John Hageman

News

North Dakota lawmakers approve resolutions raising the bar on constitutional amendments

BISMARCK — The North Dakota House and Senate passed separate resolutions Wednesday, March 6, aimed at making it harder for voters to amend the state's constitution.

March 06, 2019 01:02 PM

By John Hageman