The Steve Hallstrom Show

Episode Description Host Steve Hallstrom anchors an emotional, milestone final broadcast on the station, reflecting on his time behind the microphone while laying out the future of his broadcasting career. The show details his transition to a brand-new daily digital program called This Matters, outlines his ten core personal principles for respectful civic discourse, and audits major national stories including political shifts in the Twin Cities suburbs, H-1B visa reforms, and upcoming regional sports matchups. Plus, Ag Director Bridgette Readel joins the show for a final Friday check-in to review fall harvest conditions and farm safety precautions. Key Moments Steve Hallstrom Announces Final Radio Broadcast and New Digital Show: Steve announces his departure from the morning radio lineup, sharing the station's strategic programming changes ahead of the election. He reveals his next chapter: a new daily online show titled This Matters with Steve Hallstrom, allowing him to continue delivering sharp commentary, deep-dive analysis, and key interviews in a digital format. Steve Shares His "10 Rules for Engagement": Marking his final morning broadcast, Steve lays out ten foundational principles he has relied on behind the mic, encouraging listeners to adopt them at family dinners, hunting shacks, and community discussions: Assume good intentions: Start conversations by giving people the benefit of the doubt rather than jumping to malice. Check your echo chambers: Actively seek out different perspectives and challenge your own assumptions. Be a happy warrior: Approach tough political and cultural battles with joy, optimism, and composure rather than anger. Focus on policy over personality: Judge leaders and proposals by their real-world outcomes rather than personal grievances. Protect the truth: Speak accurately, rely on verified facts, and reject misleading headlines or memes. Engage locally: Recognize that municipal, county, and state decisions often impact daily life more than national headlines. Listen to understand, not just to reply: Give others the space to explain their views fully before formulating a counterargument. Separate principles from party: Hold your own political side accountable to the same standards you demand of opponents. Defend free speech and open debate: Welcome tough questions and robust debate as essential components of a free society. Keep perspective and faith: Remember that news cycles pass, but community, family, and faith remain paramount. Suburban Twin Cities Crime and Law Enforcement Focus: Steve reviews reports regarding public safety concerns in Twin Cities suburbs like Edina and Eden Prairie, noting that local law enforcement officials…

Host Steve Hallstrom leads an insightful, fast-paced Thursday edition covering campaign finance disclosures, regional crime enforcement, and agricultural funding updates. The broadcast exposes campaign finance reports showing that 87% of the funding for Measure 2—the school meals ballot initiative—originates from out-of-state groups and unions. Steve also breaks down a violent, gang-related Prairie Rose apartment assault in Fargo, details $720 million in upcoming federal agricultural payouts, and reviews global market shifts amid rising oil prices. Key Moments Campaign Finance Exposes 87% Out-of-State Funding for Measure 2: Guest Char Gust joins the show after analyzing North Dakota Secretary of State campaign filings for the "Together for School Meals" initiative. The records reveal that of the $1.5 million raised, 87% came from outside North Dakota, led by over $1 million from the Washington, D.C.-based Fairness Project and $250,000 from the National Education Association. Local individual donations from North Dakotans totaled less than $2,200 across just six individuals. Three Arrested in Violent Prairie Rose Apartment Gang Assault: Fargo police filed attempted murder, aggravated assault, and gang activity charges against Gerardo Gonzalez and Angel Escobedo-Campo following an August 11th attack. Authorities state the suspects, linked to the Southern California-based Sureños gang, brutally kicked and stomped victim Jake Storstad for five minutes during a drug deal outside a Prairiewood apartment building. North Dakota Producers Set to Receive $720 Million in Federal Ag Coverage: Senator John Hoeven and Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boosman highlighted an estimated $720 million arriving in October for North Dakota agricultural producers under Ag Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. The safety net payouts include over $400 million resulting directly from extensions of the 2017 Working Families Tax Cut Act provisions. Crude Oil Surges to $92 as Middle East Friction Escalates: Energy markets saw West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil jump over 4.5% to $92.08 per barrel following overnight tanker attacks in the Middle East and storm disruptions in the Gulf of Mexico. Regional retail diesel fuel averaged $6.28 per gallon, while regular gas held at $4.16 in North Dakota and $4.29 in Minnesota. Southern Baptist Convention President Urges Pastors to Engage: In the "Best Thing I Heard All Day" segment, Southern Baptist Convention President Willie Rice called on faith leaders to speak out on moral and theological issues from the pulpit. Rice emphasized that withdrawing from public discourse cedes the cultural floor on key issues like immigration, sanctity…

Host Steve Hallstrom leads a candid, wide-ranging Wednesday broadcast analyzing the results of Fargo's special municipal election, surging global commodity prices, and broader geopolitical developments. The show breaks down the decisive voter rejection of the proposed ward system in Fargo, tracks West Texas Intermediate crude oil climbing past $90 a barrel, and examines local traffic safety data with Highway Patrol Captain Bryan Niewind. Plus, Steve reflects on the two-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel and features commentary on regional political strategy. Key Moments Fargo Voters Soundly Reject Ward System Proposal: Fargo residents turned out for a special election, overwhelmingly voting "no" on replacing the city’s current at-large commission with a ward council system. Steve and callers break down why the measure failed, citing low voter appetite for adding government bureaucracy, lack of a clear problem for wards to solve, and widespread satisfaction with citywide accountability. Crude Oil Climbs Back Over $90 a Barrel: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil surged past $90.17 per barrel, marking another upward shift in energy markets amid ongoing international trade and shipping friction. Steve tracks how rising oil futures continue to drive inflation across regional supply chains and keep retail pump prices elevated. Reflecting on the Two-Year Anniversary of October 7: Marking two years since the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, Steve discusses the enduring geopolitical and moral impacts of the conflict. The segment features highlights from Rabbi Michael Barkley's podcast, The Rabbi's Table, exploring historical context, moral clarity, and the global debate surrounding international law and defense. Highway Patrol Captain Bryan Niewind Details Local Traffic Safety: Captain Bryan Niewind from the North Dakota Highway Patrol checks in to review recent crash trends across eastern North Dakota. Niewind emphasizes that the majority of severe collisions are taking place on local city streets and rural intersection crossings rather than primary interstates, urging drivers to exercise caution around agricultural machinery during peak fall harvest. Analyzing Bipartisan Strategy in Regional Races: Steve evaluates current campaign messaging and voter turnout strategies across North Dakota and Minnesota. Callers weigh in on how conservative candidates can effectively communicate with suburban voters without compromising core governance principles.

Host Steve Hallstrom leads an active Tuesday broadcast live from the drive-with-Vision studio, focusing on local civic governance, public safety issues across the region, and upcoming election dynamics. The episode breaks down the special election in Fargo regarding a potential shift from a city commission to a ward council system, features policy fellow Bill Glahn discussing Twin Cities suburban crime discussions, and introduces Minnesota Senate District 4 candidate Austin Peterson. Plus, Steve reviews state proposals to utilize trust fund revenues for teacher retention. Key Moments Fargo Voters Head to Polls for Special City Ward Election: Fargo residents vote on a measure proposing to replace the current four-commissioner and mayor format with a six-member ward council system. Host Steve Hallstrom argues against the change, contending that a ward model dilutes individual voting power, increases administrative costs, and creates geographic divisions. Bill Glahn on Twin Cities Public Safety Discussions: Bill Glahn from the Center of the American Experiment joins the show to discuss community meetings in Twin Cities suburbs like Edina and Eden Prairie following recent public safety incidents. Glahn reports that city halls and local forums have seen high attendance from residents and local officials expressing concerns over suburban crime and gang activity. Austin Peterson Challenges Rob Kupek in Minnesota Senate District 4: Republican candidate Austin Peterson checks into the broadcast to discuss his campaign against incumbent State Senator Rob Kupek in Minnesota District 4. Peterson details knocking on over 30,000 doors across Clay and Becker counties, emphasizing pro-business initiatives, government accountability, and fraud prevention. North Dakota Officials Introduce $35 Million Teacher Retention Plan: State Superintendent Levi Bachmeier, the Governor, and legislative leaders introduced an executive budget proposal to direct $35 million annually toward teacher recruitment and retention. The initiative would be funded using 10% of earnings from the Common Schools Trust Fund rather than the state Legacy Fund. Steve Hallstrom Completes 14th Full Marathon: Reflecting on his personal milestone over the weekend, Steve shares his experience running a 3:52 finish at the Twin Cities Marathon, marking his 14th full marathon completed as he pursues a Boston Marathon qualifying target for his 60s.

Guest host Kim Koppelman fills in for Steve Hallstrom, leading a policy-focused Monday broadcast on ballot measures, state constitutional integrity, and judicial philosophy. The episode features an in-depth conversation with North Dakota Senate Majority Leader David Hogue regarding Measure 1 and Measure 2, audits the financial impact of out-of-state interest groups targeting state initiative processes, and examines the constitutional role of the judicial branch with North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Jerod Tufte. Plus, PhD economist Daniel DiMartino drops by to share first-hand insights on the economic failures of total state control. Key Moments Senate Majority Leader David Hogue Audits Measure 1 and Measure 2: North Dakota Senate Majority Leader David Hogue joins guest host Kim Koppelman to break down the major constitutional measures appearing on the state ballot. Hogue details why he supports Measure 1—which raises the threshold to amend the North Dakota Constitution to a 60% supermajority—arguing it protects core governance principles from rapid shifts funded by out-of-state interests. Out-of-State "Fairness Project" Pours Over $2M Into Ballot Campaign: Hogue highlights disclosures showing Washington D.C.-based group The Fairness Project has spent over $2 million in North Dakota opposing Measure 1. Hogue contrasts statutory initiated measures with constitutional amendments, noting that left-leaning national groups target state constitutions to permanently lock in policies that bypass legislative oversight. Evaluating the $134 Million Price Tag of Measure 2: Hogue and Koppelman review Measure 2, which seeks to mandate state-funded universal school meals for all enrolled students. Hogue points out that North Dakota already fully funds school meals for families in need up to roughly $74,000 in household income. Department of Public Instruction estimates show Measure 2 would cost taxpayers between $124 million and $134 million per biennium to subsidize meals regardless of family income. Supreme Court Justice Jerod Tufte on Judicial Restraint: Running for re-election to the North Dakota Supreme Court, Justice Jerod Tufte discusses the strict boundary between interpreting laws and creating policy. Tufte emphasizes that the role of an appellate judge is to apply statutes as written by the legislature rather than imposing personal policy preferences. Daniel DiMartino Warns Against Government Expansion: PhD economist Daniel DiMartino, a graduate fellow at the Manhattan Institute, joins the show ahead of his speaking appearance at North Dakota State University. Drawing from his childhood in Venezuela, DiMartino outlines how state-run enterprises, price controls, and expanding entitlement mandates undermine economic productivity and private enterprise. Using the $15B…

Guest host Kim Koppelman fills in for Steve Hallstrom, leading a policy-focused Monday broadcast on ballot measures, state constitutional integrity, and judicial philosophy. The episode features an in-depth conversation with North Dakota Senate Majority Leader David Hogue regarding Measure 1 and Measure 2, audits the financial impact of out-of-state interest groups targeting state initiative processes, and examines the constitutional role of the judicial branch with North Dakota Supreme Court Justice Jerod Tufte. Plus, PhD economist Daniel DiMartino drops by to share first-hand insights on the economic failures of total state control. Key Moments Senate Majority Leader David Hogue Audits Measure 1 and Measure 2: North Dakota Senate Majority Leader David Hogue joins guest host Kim Koppelman to break down the major constitutional measures appearing on the state ballot. Hogue details why he supports Measure 1—which raises the threshold to amend the North Dakota Constitution to a 60% supermajority—arguing it protects core governance principles from rapid shifts funded by out-of-state interests. Out-of-State "Fairness Project" Pours Over $2M Into Ballot Campaign: Hogue highlights disclosures showing Washington D.C.-based group The Fairness Project has spent over $2 million in North Dakota opposing Measure 1. Hogue contrasts statutory initiated measures with constitutional amendments, noting that left-leaning national groups target state constitutions to permanently lock in policies that bypass legislative oversight. Evaluating the $134 Million Price Tag of Measure 2: Hogue and Koppelman review Measure 2, which seeks to mandate state-funded universal school meals for all enrolled students. Hogue points out that North Dakota already fully funds school meals for families in need up to roughly $74,000 in household income. Department of Public Instruction estimates show Measure 2 would cost taxpayers between $124 million and $134 million per biennium to subsidize meals regardless of family income. Supreme Court Justice Jerod Tufte on Judicial Restraint: Running for re-election to the North Dakota Supreme Court, Justice Jerod Tufte discusses the strict boundary between interpreting laws and creating policy. Tufte emphasizes that the role of an appellate judge is to apply statutes as written by the legislature rather than imposing personal policy preferences. Daniel DiMartino Warns Against Government Expansion: PhD economist Daniel DiMartino, a graduate fellow at the Manhattan Institute, joins the show ahead of his speaking appearance at North Dakota State University. Drawing from his childhood in Venezuela, DiMartino outlines how state-run enterprises, price controls, and expanding entitlement mandates undermine economic productivity and private enterprise. Using the $15B…

Host Steve Hallstrom anchors a sunny, high-energy Friday edition live from the Fargo studio, covering national deportation trends, shifting Wall Street expectations, and local homecoming festivities. The show examines the nearly ten-fold surge in federal deportation orders for Somali asylum seekers in Minnesota, audits West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices dropping under $89 a barrel, and reviews Fargo Police Department Chief Travis Stefonois's defense of Flock license plate reader cameras. Plus, Fargo City Commissioner Chad Peterson drops by to detail the city's newly approved 2027 municipal budget. Key Moments Federal Removal Orders for Somali Asylum Seekers Surge Ten-Fold: Over 1,000 Somali asylum seekers have been ordered deported since February, marking a major escalation in federal immigration enforcement across Minnesota. According to reports, roughly half of the removal orders involve Minnesota residents, representing a nearly ten-fold increase compared to 2025 following the termination of temporary protective status earlier this year. Wall Street Rallies as Crude Oil Dips Below $89: Markets saw a strong Friday surge as West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil dropped to $89.16 a barrel despite ongoing Middle East conflicts. Following a cooler-than-expected September jobs report showing just 29,000 non-farm payroll additions, market prediction tools lowered the probability of an October Federal Reserve interest rate hike down to 17%. Fargo Police Chief Defends Flock License Plate Reader Cameras: Appearing on the Jay Thomas Show, Fargo Police Chief Travis Stefonois and Captain Matt Christensen highlighted the critical role automated license plate readers play in solving violent crimes. Officials noted that a Flock camera in Nebraska flagged a homicide suspect's stolen vehicle, leading to an arrest within five hours of discovering a victim in Fargo. Fargo City Commissioner Chad Peterson Details 2027 Budget Cuts: Newly elected Fargo City Commissioner Chad Peterson joins the broadcast to break down the city's $148.3 million budget for 2027. Peterson explains how the commission funded eight additional sworn police officers while keeping overall spending within a 4% cap by identifying operational efficiencies, including downsizing underutilized city fleet vehicles. Minnesota State Supreme Court Denies Stabbing Conviction Appeal: The Minnesota State Supreme Court formally denied a petition to review the 30.5-year murder sentence of Robert Eichenberry for the 2023 fatal stabbing of Terry Klevgaard in Clay County, exhausting his direct state legal challenges. 1981 "Baby Rebecca" Cold Case Trial Rescheduled: Court proceedings for 65-year-old Nancy Trottier, charged with class AA felony murder in the 1981 death of a…

Host Steve Hallstrom leads an energetic Thursday broadcast covering regional public policy, major legal petitions, and federal employment lawsuits. The episode examines a new federal petition filed against 16 Minnesota school districts—including Moorhead—over sexual identity policies, details an EEOC age discrimination lawsuit against sporting goods retailer Scheels, and explores the local ballot debate surrounding taxpayer-funded universal school meals. Plus, guest Brian Shin shares his experience being blocked from a school meal webinar, and field coordinator Christopher Shafer introduces the John Birch Society's constitutional scoring metrics. Key Moments Upper Midwest Law Center Targets 16 Minnesota Districts Over Identity Policies: The Upper Midwest Law Center filed a formal petition asking the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to investigate 16 Minnesota public school districts, including Moorhead. Senior Counsel Brent Robbins alleges that district policies allowing biological boys in female sports and private facilities violate Title IX and parental rights. The filing directly challenges an opinion issued by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison directing school boards to ignore federal executive orders on athletics. EEOC Files Age Discrimination Lawsuit Against Scheels: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a federal lawsuit against Fargo-based retailer Scheels regarding its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The complaint alleges the company required workers aged 40 and older who logged under 1,000 annual hours to sell their accumulated company equity, while permitting younger employees with reduced hours to retain their shares. National Diesel Averages Reach $6.38 a Gallon: Fuel prices continue their upward trajectory, with regional diesel averages hitting $6.38 per gallon. Local regular unleaded gasoline prices held at $4.20 in North Dakota, $4.25 in South Dakota, and $4.26 in Minnesota. Local Media Personality Blocked from School Meal Webinar: Guest Brian Shin joins the broadcast to detail his experience trying to attend a public webinar hosted by the "Together for School Meals" campaign. Shin explains that after submitting eight policy questions regarding program costs and out-of-state funding sources, campaign organizers labeled him a "troll" on an open microphone and removed him from the online event. John Birch Society Evaluates Legislative Constitutional Fidelity: Christopher Shafer, field coordinator for the John Birch Society, introduces the organization's "Legislative Freedom Index," which rates state and federal lawmakers based on constitutional adherence. Shafer notes that while 18 Minnesota legislators achieved a 100% rating in the recent session, no North Dakota lawmakers earned a perfect score. Edina Police Chief Directly Addresses Somali Youth…

Host Steve Hallstrom anchors a data-rich, wide-ranging edition live from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, covering major regional economic developments, state fiscal milestones, and agricultural updates. The show analyzes Mesabi Metallics' decision to build a historic $15 billion steel plant in Iowa rather than Minnesota, reviews progress on the $3.2 billion FM Area Diversion project, and explores how North Dakota's $15 billion Legacy Fund could potentially eliminate residential property taxes. Plus, Minnesota State Representative Spencer Igo drops by to discuss regional business climates, and State Climatologist Director Darryl Richardson audits heavy regional rainfall across the Red River Valley. Key Moments Mesabi Metallics Selects Iowa for Historic $15 Billion Steel Plant: Steve breaks down a major regional economic story as Minnesota-based Mesabi Metallics selected Iowa for a $15 billion steel plant project expected to generate $95 billion in economic output. Despite mining iron ore pellets in Nashwauk, Minnesota, project leaders and Representative Pete Stauber cited Minnesota's 9.8% corporate tax rate and complex regulatory environment as primary reasons for building across the state border. FM Area Diversion On Track for Spring Completion: FM Area Diversion Executive Director Jason Benson confirmed the $3.2 billion flood protection project remains on schedule for completion this spring without budget overruns. Efficient construction management allowed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to come in $100 million under its original $750 million allocation, with project leaders directing $25 million toward compensating local farmers for potential upstream water retention. North Dakota Legacy Fund Surpasses $15 Billion Threshold: Steve highlights new financial data showing North Dakota's Legacy Fund has reached $15.04 billion, driven by consistent 30% oil extraction tax deposits and strong investment returns. Steve outlines a fiscal proposal demonstrating how generating a modest 3.42% annual return on the fund's principal could generate $513 million annually to completely offset primary residential property taxes statewide. Representative Spencer Igo on Northern Minnesota Economic Growth: Minnesota State Representative Spencer Igo (District 7A) joins the show to discuss economic development across the Iron Range. Igo addresses lost industrial investments, rising regulatory compliance hurdles, and local voter sentiment heading into the upcoming midterm elections. Darryl Richardson Audits Regional Rainfall and Drought Status: North Dakota State Climatologist Director Darryl Richardson joins the broadcast to review localized storm totals. Richardson reports that while localized rainfall reached up to five inches in Cass County and nearly six inches in Stutsman County, subsoil dry conditions remain present across southern parts of…

Live from the Fargo studio, host Steve Hallstrom delivers an insightful, news-packed Tuesday broadcast covering state fiscal management, corporate relocation trends, and regional infrastructure milestones. The show breaks down the FM Area Diversion's on-track spring completion, analyzes the Fargo City Commission's newly approved municipal budget, and examines Mesabi Metallics' decision to construct a historic $15 billion steel plant in Iowa rather than Minnesota. Plus, North Dakota State Climatologist Director Darryl Richardson checks in to assess recent heavy rainfall across the Red River Valley. Key Moments Mesabi Metallics Selects Iowa for $15 Billion Steel Plant: Steve examines a major economic development story following Mesabi Metallics' announcement that it will build a $15 billion steel plant in Iowa, despite mining its iron ore pellets in Nashwauk, Minnesota. Representative Pete Stauber and local business leaders point to Minnesota's 9.8% corporate tax rate and complex permitting regulations as driving factors behind the decision. FM Area Diversion On Track for Spring Completion: FM Area Diversion Executive Director Jason Benson confirms the $3.2 billion flood protection project remains on schedule for spring completion without budget overruns. Efficient project management allowed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to come in $100 million under its original allocation, reallocating $25 million to compensate local agricultural producers for potential upstream water retention. Fargo City Commission Unanimously Passes 2027 Budget: On a 5–0 vote, the Fargo City Commission approved a $146.4 million operational budget for 2027. Key provisions include a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for municipal employees, funding to cover a 6.6% increase in health insurance costs, and dedicated funding to hire eight new police officers. Darryl Richardson Audits Record Regional Rainfall: North Dakota State Climatologist Director Darryl Richardson joins the broadcast to analyze recent severe weather across the region. Richardson reports that localized rainfall reached nearly five inches in Cass County and over six inches in Stutsman County, offering critical subsoil recharge heading into the winter season. Fargo Mayor Hosts Municipal Renters' Listening Session: Mayor Josh Boschee hosted a public listening session to address rising housing costs and tenant concerns in Fargo, where over half of residents currently rent. Steve contrasts local tenant feedback against national economic studies highlighting the long-term supply risks associated with municipal rent control policies. J.J. McCarthy Traded to New York Giants: In regional sports news, former Minnesota Vikings top-10 draft pick J.J. McCarthy was traded to the New York Giants for a fifth-round draft pick after…