LADIES OF ANOTHER VIEW: SHINING A LIGHT ON CORRUPTION AND COVER-UP IN NORTH DAKOTA

On this powerful episode of Ladies of Another View, host Joel Heitkamp of KFGO’s News and Views joins the panel to expose the disturbing case of former North Dakota State Senator Ray Holmberg. Sentenced to 10 years in prison for traveling to Prague to engage in commercial sex with underage boys, Holmberg’s crimes—and the silence that surrounded them for years—have shaken the state.
Heitkamp reveals why he felt compelled to publicly share details of the case and post a now-controversial photo featuring Holmberg alongside Nick Hacker, Bruce Gjovig, and Jim Poolman—figures connected through emails, associations, and social settings. Heitkamp questions the extent of their knowledge and calls for full accountability.
Viewers also hear from Will Swearson, a brave whistleblower and former UND graduate student who testified against Holmberg. Swearson shares how Holmberg exploited his position in the higher education system to target vulnerable young men. His testimony uncovers grooming tactics, years of manipulation, and institutional failures.
The show also discusses UND President Andrew Armacost’s reaction to the scandal and the university’s plan to cut ties with any former staff linked to Holmberg. Joel strongly advocates for an independent investigation into the University of North Dakota, stressing that internal reviews are not enough when the public trust is at stake.
This episode is a hard-hitting reminder that evil thrives in silence—and that exposing corruption requires courage. As more victims step forward, the call for justice grows louder.