Live from the final day of Big Iron 2026, host Steve Hallstrom anchors a guest-free, listener-driven Thursday edition dissecting the high-stakes political landscape heading into the midterm elections. The broadcast analyzes national betting markets versus traditional polling metrics, audits major administrative accomplishments under the current White House term, and examines Minnesota’s tightening statewide political races. Plus, callers and regional listeners weigh in on rising fuel costs and shifting electoral trends. Key Moments Federal Reserve Raises Rates as Crude Hits $104: Steve reviews the Federal Reserve's unanimous 12–0 vote to raise benchmark borrowing costs by a quarter percentage point. Driven by regional pipeline disruptions and crude oil topping $103.85 a barrel, national average regular gasoline prices climbed to $4.43 a gallon, with regional diesel hitting $6.26 a gallon. Midterm Election Projections and Betting Markets: Steve contrasts traditional polling metrics from the Cook Political Report against real-money prediction markets like Kalshi. While traditional aggregators project a dead-heat 50–50 battle for Congress, betting platforms reflect a 57% likelihood of Democrats taking the Senate and an 89% probability of taking the House. KSTP Poll Shows Tightening Minnesota Statewide Races: Fresh KSTP polling data out of Minnesota reveals significant shifts in key statewide contests. Amy Klobuchar's lead over Republican challenger Lisa Demuth narrowed from 16 points down to 7 points, while the U.S. Senate race between Michelle Tafoya and Peggy Flanagan remains locked in a 42%–42% dead heat. Additionally, Republican Ron Schutz took a 6-point lead over incumbent Attorney General Keith Ellison. Auditing Trump 2.0 Policy Accomplishments: In response to listener questions, Steve outlines major policy milestones achieved during the current presidential term. Highlights include over 146,000 missing or trafficked children located by federal task forces, a 45% workforce reduction at the Department of Education through Doge efficiency initiatives, the extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and sweeping EPA rollbacks of Biden-era power plant emission limits. Denver Files Federal Lawsuit Over ICE Polling Operations: The city of Denver and progressive advocacy groups filed a preemptive federal lawsuit seeking to block armed ICE agents from operating near midterm voting locations. Federal authorities reiterated that ICE does not actively patrol polling sites, but noted agents retain authority to execute active criminal warrants. Charlie Kirk Family Files Notice of Intent to Sue: The family of late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk filed a formal notice of claim against Utah Valley University, state authorities, and campus…

Broadcast live from the Big Iron agricultural exposition in West Fargo, host Steve Hallstrom anchors a data-rich, wide-ranging Tuesday edition covering energy spikes, labor policy shifts, and local traffic safety initiatives. The show details Cass County law enforcement's response to an escalating 120 mph street racing crisis on South University Drive, examines a controversial congressional proposal reducing the standard work week to 32 hours, and analyzes President Trump's position defending artificial intelligence and data center development. Key Moments President Trump Defends AI and Data Center Expansion: Steve analyzes a social media statement from President Trump advocating for rapid artificial intelligence and data center development. Trump argued that halting domestic technological momentum damages American global competitiveness, framing pushback against local data centers as an ideological effort that ultimately benefits foreign adversaries like China and Russia. Cass County Sheriff Addresses Deadly 120 MPH University Drive Crash: Following a catastrophic collision where a 24-year-old driver traveling 120 mph on South University Drive struck a 19-year-old motorcyclist, Cass County Sheriff Jesse Johner checks into the broadcast. Johner details how organized street racing groups deploy lookouts and swapped license plates to evade deputies, advocating for mandatory 30-day jail sentences for fleeing law enforcement. Global Crude Oil Reaches $103.85 a Barrel: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil surged to $103.85 a barrel as Middle East pipeline disruptions and escalating shipping friction continue to squeeze global supply. The spike has driven average retail fuel prices up across the region, pushing national diesel averages to $6.26 a gallon. Bernie Sanders Reintroduces 32-Hour Work Week Bill: Steve analyzes the "32-Hour Work Week Act" reintroduced in Congress by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Mark Takano. The legislation seeks to reduce the federal standard work week from 40 to 32 hours without reducing worker pay or benefits, requiring employers to pay time-and-a-half overtime for any hours worked beyond the 32-hour threshold. Fargo Police Chief Requests Eight Additional Sworn Officers: Fargo Police Chief Travis Stefonois presented a municipal budget request to city leaders seeking to add eight sworn officers to the force, raising total staffing from 201 to 209. Stefonois noted that Fargo currently operates at 1.4 officers per 1,000 residents, below the national benchmark of 2.0 officers per 1,000 citizens. 1.1 Inches of Rain Delivers Temporary Moisture Relief: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki reports that the Fargo-Moorhead metro area received an average of 1.1 inches of rainfall—the largest single precipitation event in…

Host Steve Hallstrom anchors a hard-hitting Tuesday edition live from the drive-with-Vision studio at Big Iron, delivering critical updates on rising global energy costs, regional agricultural conditions, and a deadly local street racing trend. The show details Cass County law enforcement's response to high-speed reckless driving following a catastrophic 120 mph crash on University Drive, examines a controversial congressional proposal reducing the standard work week to 32 hours, and analyzes President Trump's position on artificial intelligence and data center development. Key Moments President Trump Rejects Calls to Slow AI and Data Center Growth: Steve breaks down a social media statement from President Trump defending artificial intelligence and data center development against critics. The president argued that halting technological momentum damages American global competitiveness, framing pushback against local data centers as an ideological effort that benefits foreign adversaries like China and Russia. Cass County Sheriff Addresses Deadly 120 MPH University Drive Crash: Following a catastrophic collision where a 24-year-old driver traveling 120 mph on South University Drive struck a 19-year-old motorcyclist, Cass County Sheriff Jesse Johner checks into the broadcast. Johner details how organized street racing groups use lookouts and swapped license plates to evade deputies, advocating for mandatory 30-day jail sentences for fleeing law enforcement. Global Crude Oil Flirts with $104 a Barrel: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil surged to $103.85 a barrel as Middle East pipeline disruptions and escalating shipping friction continue to squeeze global supply. The spike has driven average retail fuel prices up across the region, pushing national diesel averages to $6.26 a gallon. Bernie Sanders Reintroduces 32-Hour Work Week Bill: Steve analyzes the "32-Hour Work Week Act" reintroduced in Congress by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Mark Takano. The legislation seeks to reduce the federal standard work week from 40 to 32 hours without reducing worker pay or benefits, requiring employers to pay time-and-a-half overtime for any hours worked beyond the 32-hour threshold. Fargo Police Chief Requests Eight Additional Sworn Officers: Fargo Police Chief Travis Stefonois presented a municipal budget request to city leaders seeking to add eight sworn officers to the force, raising total staffing from 201 to 209. Stefonois noted that Fargo currently operates at 1.4 officers per 1,000 residents, below the national benchmark of 2.0 officers per 1,000 citizens. 1.1 Inches of Rain Delivers Temporary Moisture Relief: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki reports that the Fargo-Moorhead metro area received an average of 1.1…

Live from the Fargo studio, host Steve Hallstrom anchors a data-rich, policy-focused edition covering national fiscal proposals, state budget metrics, and expanding environmental data. The show analyzes President Trump’s $1.2 trillion "Trump Dividend Plan" offering direct checks to adult citizens, audits the 40% cost overruns in Minnesota’s universal school meal program, and details federal civilian workforce reductions across key agencies. Plus, Economist Raheem Williams joins the broadcast to evaluate national debt parameters, and National Taxpayers Union Manager Alex Chacon breaks down Medicaid work requirements. Key Moments Trump Floats $5,000 Dividend Plan for Adult Citizens: Speaking at the GOP Midterm Convention in Dallas, President Trump introduced a proposed $1.2 trillion "Trump Dividend Plan." The initiative promises $5,000 direct checks to roughly 235 million adult U.S. citizens if Republicans retain majorities in the House and Senate following the midterms. Host Steve Hallstrom and Economist Raheem Williams analyze the proposal, questioning its $1.2 trillion price tag alongside the nation's $40 trillion national debt. Minnesota Free School Meals Exceed $450 Million: Steve reviews data tracking Minnesota's free school meal program, which has served over 450 million meals as expenditures hit $572 million over its first two years—well past initial $400 million projections. The state expects annual costs to rise to $306 million for 2026, creating a projected 40% budget overrun. Federal Civilian Workforce Drops to Lowest Level Since 1960s: New Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that federal civilian headcount has dropped to its lowest point in decades. Agency staffing declines include a 45% reduction at the Department of Education, 39% at the EPA, 33% at Health and Human Services, 28% at the IRS, and 11% at the Department of Defense. Furthermore, total employer costs for government workers run 41.7% higher than private-sector equivalents due to defined-benefit pensions and healthcare subsidies. Greenland Ice Cap Gains Six Gigatons of Ice Mass: Citing climate research from ZeroHedge and Electroverse, Steve highlights data showing Greenland's ice cap added six gigatons (6 billion metric tons) of ice mass during the 2025–2026 winter season. Additionally, the High Arctic recorded its coldest summer since 1958, while no North Atlantic hurricanes formed heading into the September 10th climatological peak—the first such occurrence in the satellite era since 1966. Alex Chacon on Medicaid Work Mandates: Alex Chacon of the National Taxpayers Union breaks down federal Medicaid reforms that require able-bodied, working-age adults to complete 20 weekly hours of employment, education, or community…

This 25th-anniversary special of The Steve Hallstrom Show honors the memory of September 11, 2001, tracing a minute-by-minute timeline of the attacks while examining how national security, political leadership, and public unity have evolved over two and a half decades. Through archival air traffic recordings, expert interviews, and listener calls, the broadcast balances sober historical reflection with discussion on modern digital threats and regional agricultural challenges. Standout Moments & Timestamps 0:00 – Minute-by-Minute 9/11 Retrospective: Steve Hallstrom anchors the opening at 8:06 AM CT—the exact moment President Bush was informed of the second tower strike 25 years prior—and walks through the precise morning timeline from initial takeoffs to the collapse of WTC Building 7. 5:28 – Archival News & Air Traffic Audio: The show airs dramatic archival audio capturing Boston air traffic control chatter, hijacker Mohammed Atta’s transmissions, live newsroom realizations, and President Bush’s immediate response. 9:43 – Law Enforcement Analysis with Michael Letts: Veteran officer and Invest USA founder Michael Letts reacts to a 100,000-signature petition against NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani attending 9/11 memorials, contrasting historical statesmanship with modern political opportunism. 14:10 – Modern Threat Landscapes & Smartphone Warfare: Hallstrom reflects on how foreign adversaries no longer need physical airliners to undermine America, utilizing social media algorithms, dark money, and digital propaganda to influence youth and deepen cultural divides. 18:25 – Listener Debates on History and Education: Callers weigh in on how 9/11 should be taught in schools, recounting historic red flags like flight school warnings in Minnesota and emphasizing the importance of unvarnished historical truth. 23:40 – Countryside Update with Ag Director Bridgette Readel: Bridgette Readel looks back at her experience during the 9/11 attacks while attending the Big Iron Farm Show before detailing North Dakota agribusiness scholarships, field conditions following heavy rainfall around Devils Lake, rising diesel fuel prices, and mental health support for farmers. 27:30 – Community Support & Spiritual Resilience: Closing callers reflect on the economic burdens facing local farmers, the importance of faith in times of tragedy, and the necessity of remaining vigilant against internal division.

Live from the Fargo studio, host Steve Hallstrom delivers an action-packed Thursday broadcast covering proposed federal voter incentives, massive state agency workforce reductions, and expanding climate data disclosures. The show analyzes President Trump's "Trump Dividend Plan" offering $5,000 checks to adult citizens, audits the $450 million cost overruns in Minnesota's universal school meal program, and details federal employment declines across key agencies. Plus, National Taxpayers Union Manager Alex Chacon joins the broadcast to examine Medicaid work requirements, and Economist Raheem Williams breaks down long-term debt parameters and opportunity costs. Key Moments Trump Floats $5,000 "Dividend Plan" for Adult Citizens: Speaking at the GOP Midterm Convention in Dallas, President Trump introduced a proposed $1.2 trillion "Trump Dividend Plan". The initiative promises $5,000 direct checks to roughly 235 million adult U.S. citizens if Republicans retain majorities in the House and Senate following the midterms. Host Steve Hallstrom and Economist Raheem Williams analyze the proposal, questioning its $1.2 trillion price tag alongside the nation's $40 trillion national debt. Minnesota Free School Meals Exceed $450 Million: Steve reviews data tracking Minnesota's free school meal program, which has served over 450 million meals as expenditures hit $572 million over its first two years—well past initial $400 million projections. The state expects annual costs to rise to $306 million for 2026, creating a projected 40% budget overrun. Federal Civilian Workforce Drops to Lowest Level Since 1960s: New Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that federal civilian headcount has dropped to its lowest point in decades. Agency staffing declines include a 45% reduction at the Department of Education, 39% at the EPA, 33% at Health and Human Services, 28% at the IRS, and 11% at the Department of Defense. Furthermore, total employer costs for government workers run 41.7% higher than private-sector equivalents due to defined-benefit pensions and healthcare subsidies. Greenland Ice Cap Gains Six Gigatons of Ice Mass: Citing climate research from ZeroHedge and Electroverse, Steve highlights data showing Greenland's ice cap added six gigatons (6 billion metric tons) of ice mass during the 2025–2026 winter season. Additionally, the High Arctic recorded its coldest summer since 1958, while no North Atlantic hurricanes formed heading into the September 10th climatological peak—the first such occurrence in the satellite era since 1966. Alex Chacon on Medicaid Work Mandates: Alex Chacon of the National Taxpayers Union breaks down federal Medicaid reforms that require able-bodied, working-age adults to complete 20 weekly hours…

Host Steve Hallstrom leads an insightful, data-driven Wednesday broadcast live from the Fargo studio, dissecting major economic trends, climate data points, and state budget debates. The show analyzes Minnesota’s free school meal program after expenditures topped $450 million, reviews new Arctic climate research showing ice cap expansion in Greenland, and tracks local public safety debates surrounding West Fargo’s municipal budget and Flock camera contracts. Key Moments Minnesota Free School Meal Program Exceeds $450 Million: Steve breaks down new data showing Minnesota’s state-funded free school meal program has served over 450 million meals, pushing total costs well past initial state projections. Originally estimated to cost $400 million over its first two years, actual expenditures hit $572 million across 2024 and 2025, with costs projected to reach $306 million for 2026. Steve contrasts the Minnesota cost overruns with North Dakota’s upcoming November ballot measure. Greenland Ice Cap Adds Six Gigatons of Ice Mass: Steve highlights climate data published by ZeroHedge and Electroverse showing Greenland’s ice cap added six gigatons (six billion metric tons) of ice mass during the 2025–2026 winter season. High Arctic Records Coldest Summer Since 1958: Citing research from the Danish Meteorological Institute and the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program, Steve reviews data showing temperatures north of 80 degrees latitude averaged a full degree Celsius colder across June, July, and August 2026. The reading represents the coldest High Arctic summer recorded in nearly seven decades of meteorological tracking. Atlantic Hurricane Season Hits Multi-Decade Low: Steve shares analysis from meteorologist Chris Martz noting that no hurricanes formed in the North Atlantic basin heading into the September 10th climatological peak. The quiet stretch marks the first time since 1966 that the Atlantic basin reached this point in the calendar year without a single hurricane formation. West Fargo Residents Debate Safety Budget and Flock Cameras: During a West Fargo City Commission public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget, firefighters urged officials to restore three full-time positions to prevent understaffing and heavy overtime. Simultaneously, community members called for reallocating funds away from the city’s $100,000 annual contract for Flock license plate reader cameras. Bureaucratic Delays Hit Minnesota Paid Leave Program: Steve details the story of Fargo resident Carrie Berg, who experienced a two-month processing delay and an initial rejection from the Minnesota Paid Medical Leave program while recovering from surgery. The case highlights growing administrative backlogs affecting regional workers who commute across the North…

This episode of The Steve Hallstrom Show covers key national and regional issues, focusing on fiscal policy, trade conflicts, workplace ethics, and agricultural impacts. Features include economic commentary on the federal debt, an interview on labor dynamics with Mark Mix, and policy updates from North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak. Standout Moments & Timestamps 00:00 - Episode Intro: Steve outlines the show agenda, touching on Minnesota gubernatorial fundraising tactics, escalating US-Canada trade friction, and local news. 01:25 - Morning Wire & Financial Update: A breakdown of stock drops, rising crude oil prices, Canadian retaliatory tariffs, and regional traffic safety reports. 04:30 - Story of the Day (Deficits & Parent Subsidies): Steve and JT Thaden evaluate the CBO's projected $1.9 trillion federal deficit and critique a proposed $9,000 annual subsidy for stay-at-home parents. 08:30 - Interview: Mark Mix on the Dignity of Work: National Right to Work Committee President Mark Mix discusses labor philosophy, critiques universal basic income concepts, and addresses political divergence within union leadership. 13:50 - Listener Call on Labor Unions: Caller Don from LaPorte, MN reflects on his multi-decade experience with unions, balancing health benefit gains against changing union dynamics. 17:15 - The Key 3 Stories: Highlights on Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's proposed 11.3% property tax increase, national debt interest exceeding defense spending, and TSA testing gate passes for non-flyers. 21:00 - Commentary on Treasury Strategy: Analysis of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's remarks regarding global inflation trends and economic shifts in the Western Hemisphere. 25:00 - Interview: Rep. Julie Fedorchak: Congresswoman Fedorchak discusses her pushback against foreign beef imports, Farm Bill progress, E15 ethanol access, data center power costs, and Middle East strategy.

Host Steve Hallstrom leads a dynamic Friday broadcast live from Powers Lake, North Dakota, delivering critical updates on state legislative votes, global commodity markets, and high-profile judicial deliberations. The episode examines the North Dakota House's unexpected vote killing a total ban on cratum, audits federal immigration enforcement metrics, and tracks gold's historic surge past $4,510 per ounce. Plus, Ag Director Bridget Riedel reports live on stock-quality damage across regional corn fields following recent high-wind severe storms. Key Moments North Dakota House Kills Total Cratum Ban: In breaking news out of the special legislative session in Bismarck, the North Dakota House voted 47–46 to kill a bill that would have permanently banned all forms of cratum and its natural alkaloids. Opponents argued the broad prohibition lacked adequate public testimony, forcing Senate leaders to quickly introduce a modified amendment to House Bill 1628 targeting synthetic cratum derivatives while regulating natural leaf products for individuals aged 21 and older. Gold Surges Past $4,500 as Global Crude Rises: Steve tracks major global commodity movements as gold prices broke past $4,510 per ounce while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil climbed back over $89.40 a barrel. Driven by persistent middle-eastern trade friction and high national debt projections, retail gasoline and diesel prices remain elevated nationwide. ICE Detentions Hit 50,000 Monthly Milestone: Federal immigration data reveals that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents executed nearly 50,000 arrests nationwide in July alone, marking the highest monthly baseline of President Trump's second term. The report highlights a transition toward quiet, targeted enforcement operations rather than high-profile urban raids, bringing total removals to nearly 1 million formal deportations and 2.2 million self-deportations since January. Maria Bartiromo Departs Fox News Channel: Steve reacts to the unexpected departure of long-time anchor Maria Bartiromo from Fox News and Fox Business after 12 years. Reporting indicates the move followed internal network directives regarding 2020 election coverage disclosures. Jury Deadlocked 11–1 in Lindsey Clancy Murder Trial: Steve reviews dramatic courtroom developments in Plymouth Superior Court, where the jury in the Lindsey Clancy trial reported being split 11–1 after 35 hours of deliberation. Defense attorneys called for the removal of the single holdout juror, alleging a refusal to follow instructions regarding postpartum psychosis defenses, which the judge rejected. Fargo Police Request Eight Additional Officers: Fargo Police Chief Travis Stefonois requested city leaders approve funding for eight additional sworn officers in the upcoming municipal budget, bringing…

Live from the drive-with-Vision studio in Fargo, host Steve Halstrom anchors an analytical, news-packed Thursday edition covering critical international market trends, shifting federal immigration tactics, and major regional public safety updates. The show breaks down gold's historic surge past $4,500 an ounce alongside rising crude oil prices, examines federal reports showing over 50,000 monthly ICE detentions, and reviews Commander Chris Bingham's update on Minnesota Army National Guard recruiting milestones. Plus, local listeners weigh in on the ongoing debate surrounding municipal Flock camera networks and the Minneapolis police shooting incident. Key Moments Gold Surges Past $4,500 as Global Crude Rises: Steve tracks major global commodity movements as gold prices broke past $4,510 per ounce while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil climbed back over $91.80 a barrel. Driven by persistent middle-eastern trade friction and high national debt projections, retail gasoline and diesel prices remain elevated nationwide. ICE Monthly Detentions Hit 50,000 Milestone: Federal immigration data reveals that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents executed nearly 50,000 arrests nationwide in July alone, marking the highest monthly baseline of President Trump's second term. The report highlights a transition toward quiet, targeted enforcement operations rather than high-profile urban raids, bringing total removals to nearly 1 million formal deportations and 2.2 million self-deportations since January. Minnesota Army National Guard Beats Annual Recruiting Goals Early: Commander Chris Bingham from the Minnesota Army National Guard joins the show to discuss regional military recruitment. Bingham details how Minnesota reached its full annual enlistment quota early in June, ranking as the fourth highest state nationwide for total contracts despite competing against much larger population centers. Special Session Committee Recommends Total Kratom Ban: On day one of the North Dakota special legislative session in Bismarck, a policy committee voted 15–3 to recommend a complete statutory ban on all kratom products and derivatives. Following opening remarks by Governor Kelly Armstrong, the proposal advances to the full Senate to align state law with federal Schedule I narcotic classifications. Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak Votes for 9-Justice Supreme Court Amendment: North Dakota Representative Julie Fedorchak voted in favor of a proposed federal constitutional amendment fixing the U.S. Supreme Court strictly at nine justices. Fedorchak argued that establishing a fixed constitutional bench prevents future political majorities from expanding the court for partisan advantage. Minneapolis Shooting Triggers Eviction and Public Safety Debates: Steve details a fatal shooting at a Minneapolis apartment complex that left two residents and…