Live from the Fargo studio, host Steve Hallstrom delivers a wide-ranging Wednesday edition tackling local news, political shifts, and national health policy discussions. Steve details a high-profile federal lawsuit filed against a Fargo hotel following a child's injury on a pool slide, examines the expanding drought conditions across North Dakota, and explores Senate Leader David Hogue's legislative priorities for the upcoming special session. The episode also features a discussion on higher education grading policies at the University of Michigan and reviews economic development plans for downtown Moorhead. Key Moments Federal Pool Slide Lawsuit Filed Against Fargo Hotel: Steve breaks down a federal lawsuit filed by a South Dakota family against a Fargo hotel and pool contractor. The complaint alleges a five-year-old child suffered a skull fracture and brain bleed after falling from a defective slide during a youth hockey tournament, prompting calls for stricter commercial pool safety enforcement. Governor Armstrong Declares Statewide Drought Emergency: As North Dakota experiences one of its warmest and driest July periods on record, Governor Kelly Armstrong officially declared a statewide drought disaster. Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki joins the program to share regional temperature data, noting that Fargo has already logged 24 days over 90 degrees this season compared to zero after Memorial Day in 2025. Senate Leader David Hogue Details Special Session Priorities: North Dakota Senate Majority Leader David Hogue joins the line to discuss the five bills selected for the September special session. Hogue outlines the dual approach to kratom regulation—which includes a complete ban on synthetic derivatives—and details proposed restrictions on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) between local governments and commercial data center developers. The Free School Meal Ballot Measure Standoff: Steve and Senator Hogue analyze the upcoming November ballot initiative proposing free school breakfasts and lunches for all North Dakota K-12 students. Hogue criticizes the measure for eliminating income-based means testing, pointing out that low-income families are already covered under current state and federal programs. The University of Michigan's Pass/Fail Freshman Policy: On Best Thing I Heard All Day, Steve reacts to a report from The Wall Street Journal detailing the University of Michigan's decision to drop traditional letter grades for first-semester freshmen. Replacing grades with pass/fail marks to alleviate student stress, Steve questions whether removing academic friction hinders long-term resilience and professional preparation. Downtown Moorhead Development and Restaurant Transitions: Matt Lysacker, President and CEO of Downtown Moorhead, Inc., stops by the studio to…

Host Steve Hallstrom leads an analytical, news-packed Friday edition live from the Fargo studio, delivering critical updates on international security measures, federal health disclosures, and regional public safety debates. The show examines newly declassified reports detailing a covert operation to evacuate President Trump via an airport catering truck following a foreign security threat. Steve breaks down fresh Senate disclosures regarding COVID-19 vaccine trial data, tracks local law enforcement strategies regarding Flock license plate reader networks, and explores the financial dynamics driving the general election in Minnesota. Key Moments Covert Evacuation Uncovered After Foreign Security Threat: Steve reviews a national security report from The Washington Post detailing how President Trump was secretly evacuated off Air Force One in Ankara, Turkey, following a credible foreign threat. To mislead observers, the president boarded the primary presidential jet in front of the press corps before being quietly transferred via an airport catering truck to a secondary military transport aircraft to safely complete his flight. Senators Release Miscarriage Data on COVID-19 Vaccines: Steve analyzes newly declassified documents released by Senators Rand Paul and Ron Johnson detailing internal health agency communications from early 2021. The documents show Dr. Anthony Fauci privately discussing theoretical first-trimester miscarriage risks linked to post-vaccination fevers. Steve highlights raw data cited in the Senate report showing an 82% first-trimester miscarriage rate among vaccinated subjects in early trial subsets, contrasting it with the 12.6% baseline publicly cited at the time. Dr. Scott Jensen Reacts to Executive Order on Vaccines: Former Minnesota state senator and family physician Dr. Scott Jensen joins the program to react to a new White House executive order streamlining the recommended childhood vaccine schedule from 72 down to 11 inoculations. Jensen supports spreading out immunizations and expanding parental religious exemptions, arguing the move aligns U.S. policy with European standards and restores medical freedom. Suspect Arrested for Stealing and Burning Honor Flight Trailer: In local public safety news, Clay County authorities charged Robert Andert of Staples, Minnesota, with three counts of felony theft and felony criminal damage. Investigators allege Andert stole a dedicated Veterans Honor Flight trailer from the Moorhead Legion Hall to transport his motorcycle to Sturgis, subsequently burning the trailer's contents—including commemorative t-shirts and mugs—after realizing what it contained. Moorhead Police Chief Addresses Flock LPR Cameras: Moorhead Police Chief Chris Helmke checks in to address ongoing public privacy debates regarding Flock license plate reader (LPR) camera networks. Helmke confirms…

Host Steve Hallstrom anchors an analytical, news-packed broadcast live from the Fargo studio, delivering critical updates on global security threats, federal health disclosures, and regional public policy. The show examines newly declassified intelligence outlining a credible foreign plot that required President Trump to be covertly evacuated via an airport catering truck following a NATO summit. Steve breaks down fresh documents released by U.S. Senators regarding COVID-19 vaccine trial data, tracks the arrest of a suspect accused of burning an Honor Flight trailer, and hosts North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak to address national debt parameters and the filibuster debate. Key Moments Covert Evacuation Uncovered After NATO Threat: Steve reviews a national security report from The Washington Post revealing that President Trump was secretly evacuated off Air Force One in Ankara, Turkey, following a credible foreign assassination threat. To mislead observers, the president boarded the primary presidential jet in front of the press corps before being quietly transferred via an airport catering truck to a secondary military transport aircraft to safely complete his flight to Britain. Senators Release Miscarriage Data on COVID-19 Vaccines: Steve analyzes newly declassified documents released by Senators Rand Paul and Ron Johnson detailing internal health agency communications from early 2021. The documents show Dr. Anthony Fauci privately discussing theoretical first-trimester miscarriage risks linked to post-vaccination fevers. Steve highlights raw data cited in the Senate report showing an 82% first-trimester miscarriage rate among vaccinated subjects in early trial subsets, contrasting it with the 12.6% baseline publicly cited at the time. Dr. Scott Jensen Reacts to Executive Order on Vaccines: Former Minnesota state senator and family physician Dr. Scott Jensen joins the program to react to a new White House executive order streamlining the recommended childhood vaccine schedule from 72 down to 11 inoculations. Jensen supports spreading out immunizations and expanding parental religious exemptions, arguing the move aligns U.S. policy with European standards and restores medical freedom. Suspect Arrested for Stealing and Burning Honor Flight Trailer: In local public safety news, Clay County authorities charged Robert Andert of Staples, Minnesota, with three counts of felony theft and felony criminal damage. Investigators allege Andert stole a dedicated Veterans Honor Flight trailer from the Moorhead Legion Hall to transport his motorcycle to Sturgis, subsequently burning the trailer's contents—including commemorative t-shirts and mugs—after realizing what it contained. Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak on Filibuster Rules: North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak joins the broadcast during the…

Host Steve Hallstrom leads an impactful Friday edition live from the Fargo studio, delivering critical updates on state fiscal reserves, national security disclosures, and upcoming general election dynamics. The episode details a $900 million projected windfall in North Dakota's Legacy Fund earnings, examines fresh Senate disclosures regarding COVID-19 vaccine trials, and previews general election spending projections for Minnesota following primary night. Plus, Landmark Legal Foundation's Michael O'Neill checks in to debate Senate filibuster strategies, and Ag Director Bridget Riedel reports live on expanding regional drought conditions. Key Moments Legacy Fund Earnings Jump 30% to $894 Million: North Dakota state budget analysts project that lawmakers will have nearly $900 million ($894 million estimate) in Legacy Fund earnings available to allocate during the upcoming legislative session. Driven by energy production, the earnings cap represents a 30% increase over the previous biennium, while the total principal value of the Legacy Fund has doubled over four years from $8 billion to $15 billion. Senate Reports Highlight COVID-19 Vaccine Miscarriage Data: Steve breaks down newly declassified documents released by Senators Rand Paul and Ron Johnson regarding early 2021 health agency communications. The report details internal discussions surrounding Dr. Anthony Fauci's awareness of potential first-trimester miscarriage risks linked to post-vaccination fevers. Steve reviews trial subsets cited in the report that recorded an 82% first-trimester miscarriage rate among vaccinated test groups, contrasting it with the 12.6% baseline publicly cited at the time. Michael O'Neill Debates Filibuster Strategy for the Save America Act: Michael O'Neill from the Landmark Legal Foundation joins the program to address the legislative standoff over voter ID requirements and the Save America Act. While O'Neill opposes dismantling the 60-vote Senate filibuster, he urges Republican leadership to force a traditional "talking filibuster" to hold opposition lawmakers publicly accountable on voter identification mandates. Minnesota General Election Spending Could Top $50 Million: Following primary victories by Peggy Flanagan and Michelle Tafoya in the U.S. Senate race, media analysts project political action committees and national party committees will flood Minnesota with record advertising capital. Total political spending across Minnesota's general election contests is expected to eclipse the historical $51 million record set during the 2008 Senate campaign. Severe Drought Expands Across Regional Ag Belts: Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins the broadcast to analyze the USDA's latest Drought Monitor update. Over 23% of North Dakota is currently experiencing severe drought, with crop insurance adjusters beginning to evaluate moisture-stressed corn…

Live from the Chambers Midwest Tech Summit at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds, host Steve Hallstrom delivers an analytical review of regional political primary outcomes, expanding technological infrastructure, and macroeconomic indicators. Steve breaks down Peggy Flanagan’s 20-point victory over Angie Craig in Minnesota’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, details new statewide regulations on kratom, and audits the Producer Price Index data. Plus, Dakota Carrier Network CEO Seth Arndorfer joins the broadcast to map out North Dakota’s gigabit internet expansion, and TechND Executive Director Terry Effertz outlines data center land-use models. Key Moments Minnesota Primary Night Results: Steve analyzes the Minnesota primary election results. In the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan defeated Congresswoman Angie Craig by 20 percentage points. Meanwhile, Michelle Tafoya secured a victory in the GOP Senate primary. In the Republican gubernatorial primary, Lisa Demuth defeated Mike Lindell. Local Primary Upsets in Clay County: In Minnesota House District 4A, mental health nurse Erica Yoney defeated Moorhead Mayor Shelley Carlson in the Democratic primary. Yoney advances to face Republican Andrew Rockhold in the November general election. In local primary voting across Clay, Becker, and Otter Tail counties, regional turnout ran higher than traditional primary baselines. Dakota Carrier Network Expands Gigabit Infrastructure: Seth Arndorfer, CEO of Dakota Carrier Network (DCN), joins the broadcast to discuss North Dakota’s technology footprint. Arndorfer details how DCN’s 13 owner-cooperatives have deployed fiber infrastructure across 98% of the state’s geography, positioning North Dakota to become the first state in the nation where all residents have access to gigabit internet speeds. TechND Addresses Data Center Land-Use Models: Terry Effertz, Executive Director of TechND, outlines the organization's educational coalition designed to inform local communities about artificial intelligence data centers. Effertz explains how closed-loop cooling systems minimize municipal water consumption and highlights model zoning codes developed alongside the League of Cities and Association of Counties to ensure responsible local development. Statewide Regulation Enacted on Kratom: North Dakota officials have implemented emergency regulatory actions restricting the sale of kratom following state health reports linking the substance to local fatalities. Governor Kelly Armstrong has called a special legislative session for September 2nd to formally establish Schedule I penalties and permanent statutory guidelines. Producer Price Index Signals Easing Inflation: Fresh macroeconomic data reveals the Producer Price Index (PPI) remained flat in July, coming in below Wall Street expectations of a 0.2% increase. Year-over-year core inflation, excluding food and energy, held…

Live from the Fargo studio, host Steve Hallstrom delivers an analytical review of historic regional primary outcomes, expanding geopolitical operations, and major national health policy shifts. The episode examines Peggy Flanagan's 20-point victory over Angie Craig in Minnesota's Democratic U.S. Senate primary, audits newly declassified Senate documents regarding COVID-19 vaccine trial data, and previews a major presidential executive order expanding parental vaccine choices. Plus, Danita Bye joins the show to highlight the grand opening of North Dakota's newest classical Christian academy in Stanley. Key Moments Flanagan Sweeps Democratic Senate Primary in 20-Point Landslide: Steve breaks down a historic primary night in Minnesota that sets up the state's first all-female gubernatorial general election battle between Lisa Demuth and Amy Klobuchar. On the Democratic side for U.S. Senate, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan delivered a surprising 20-point victory over Congresswoman Angie Craig. Meanwhile, Michelle Tafoya secured a commanding 48% victory in the GOP Senate primary, setting up a high-stakes November matchup against Flanagan. Moorhead Primary Yields Major Local Upset: In Minnesota House District 4A, mental health nurse Erica Yoni defeated Moorhead Mayor Shelley Carlson by nearly a two-to-one margin in the Democratic primary. Yoni advances to the general election to face Republican Andrew Rockhold, who ran unopposed in his primary. Executive Order Caps Recommended Childhood Inoculations: Steve reviews a major executive order signed by President Trump alongside RFK Jr., reducing the federal schedule of recommended childhood vaccinations from 72 down to 11 jab protocols. The directive spreads out required visits and allows parents to sidetrack state-level vaccine mandates through religious exemptions. Senate Releases Confidential First-Trimester Miscarriage Data: Dr. Scott Jensen joins the program to react to new documents released by Senators Rand Paul and Ron Johnson. The files detail early 2021 text exchanges where Dr. Anthony Fauci acknowledged potential cytokine-related fever risks for pregnant women receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Jensen addresses trial data cited in the report indicating an 82% first-trimester miscarriage rate among vaccinated test groups. Senate Committee Votes to Hold Fauci in Contempt: The Senate Homeland Security Committee voted 8–5 to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times during testimony regarding pandemic origin probes. Chairman Rand Paul announced plans to refer the contempt citation directly to the Department of Justice. Dover Air Force Base Hosts Dignified Transfer: President Trump presided over a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for four…

Steve Hallstrom hosts a hard-hitting, data-focused Tuesday edition live from the Fargo studio, delivering key updates on global security threats, federal health disclosures, and regional criminal investigations. The show details newly declassified intelligence outlining a credible foreign plot that required President Trump to be covertly evacuated via an airport catering truck following a NATO summit. Steve breaks down fresh documents released by U.S. Senators regarding COVID-19 vaccine trial data, examines the arrest of a suspect accused of burning an Honor Flight trailer, and hosts North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak to address national debt parameters and the filibuster debate. Key Moments Covert Evacuation Uncovered After NATO Threat: Steve reviews a national security report from The Washington Post revealing that President Trump was secretly evacuated off Air Force One in Ankara, Turkey, following a credible foreign assassination threat. To mislead observers, the president boarded the primary presidential jet in front of the press corps before being quietly transferred via an airport catering truck to a secondary military transport aircraft to safely complete his flight to Britain. Senators Release Miscarriage Data on COVID-19 Vaccines: Steve analyzes newly declassified documents released by Senators Rand Paul and Ron Johnson detailing internal health agency communications from early 2021. The documents show Dr. Anthony Fauci privately discussing theoretical first-trimester miscarriage risks linked to post-vaccination fevers. Steve highlights raw data cited in the Senate report showing an 82% first-trimester miscarriage rate among vaccinated subjects in early trial subsets, contrasting it with the 12.6% baseline publicly cited at the time. Dr. Scott Jensen Reacts to Executive Order on Vaccines: Former Minnesota state senator and family physician Dr. Scott Jensen joins the program to react to a new White House executive order streamlining the recommended childhood vaccine schedule from 72 down to 11 inoculations. Jensen supports spreading out immunizations and expanding parental religious exemptions, arguing the move aligns U.S. policy with European standards and restores medical freedom. Suspect Arrested for Stealing and Burning Honor Flight Trailer: In local public safety news, Clay County authorities charged Robert Andert of Staples, Minnesota, with three counts of felony theft and felony criminal damage. Investigators allege Andert stole a dedicated Veterans Honor Flight trailer from the Moorhead Legion Hall to transport his motorcycle to Sturgis, subsequently burning the trailer's contents—including commemorative t-shirts and mugs—after realizing what it contained. Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak on Filibuster Rules: North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak joins the broadcast during the…

Host Steve Hallstrom leads an analytical Friday, August 7th edition live from the Fargo studio, delivering a comprehensive breakdown of shifting national security policies, regional real estate trends, and critical election polling. The show examines the Senate Homeland Security Committee's historic vote holding Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, details North Dakota's new statewide ban on kratom following dozens of fatalities, and reviews fresh primary polling out of Minnesota. Plus, Clay County Attorney Brian Melton stops by the studio to discuss prosecution metrics, and author John Leake outlines strategies to counter health freedom narratives. Key Moments Senate Committee Votes 8–5 to Hold Anthony Fauci in Contempt: Steve breaks down the Senate Homeland Security Committee's vote holding former NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he invoked his Fifth Amendment rights over 100 times during testimony regarding pandemic origin investigations. Committee Chairman Rand Paul announced plans to refer the resolution directly to the Justice Department, noting that refusal to comply with congressional subpoenas carries potential federal misdemeanor penalties. North Dakota Enacts Emergency Kratom Ban Following 50 Deaths: Steve details the implementation of a statewide emergency ban on kratom and its derivative 7-OH, which went into effect across North Dakota after state health officials linked the substance to 50 fatalities since 2019. Governor Kelly Armstrong has scheduled a special legislative session for September 2nd to formally classify the substance under Schedule I controlled status. Severe Drought Expands to Over 23% of North Dakota: According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, severe drought conditions have expanded rapidly, covering over 23% of North Dakota—a sharp jump from under 9% the previous week. Central North Dakota, the southwest corner, and Cass, Traill, and Steele counties face the most severe moisture deficits. Minnesota Primary Polling Shows Tightening GOP Governor Race: Steve reviews new KSTP polling tracking key Minnesota primary battles. In the Republican gubernatorial primary, Donald Trump's endorsed candidate Mike Lindell holds a lead at 34%, with Lisa Demuth narrowing the gap to 28%. In the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, Representative Angie Craig (42%) and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan (40%) remain locked in a dead heat, while Michelle Tafoya maintains a commanding 48% lead in the GOP Senate primary. Clay County Attorney Brian Melton on Prosecution Metrics: Clay County Attorney Brian Melton joins the studio to discuss local public safety operations and prosecution strategies. Melton addresses criticism regarding case clearance rates, pointing…

Steve Hallstrom hosts a fast-paced, news-packed Friday edition live from the Fargo studio, dissecting major regional public policy shifts, national economic indicators, and crucial election integrity polling. The show tracks a major regulatory turn as North Dakota officially institutes a statewide ban on kratom following a string of local fatalities. Steve also breaks down new national polling data showing massive 83% bipartisan support for mandatory photo voter ID, examines the $3.2 billion FM Area Diversion project as it approaches 90% completion, and joins author John Leake to discuss media narratives and health freedom lessons learned from the pandemic response. Key Moments Statewide Kratom Ban Officially Enacted: Steve breaks down the immediate operational details following North Dakota's statewide ban on the unregulated substance kratom (and its derivative 7-OH). Triggered by 50 state fatalities linked to the product since 2019—including two recent deaths in Fargo—the product has been removed from gas stations and smoke shops. Governor Kelly Armstrong has called a September 2nd special legislative session to permanently codify Schedule I penalties into state law. New National Polling Shows 83% Support for Photo Voter ID: Steve reviews fresh Fox News polling data demonstrating that requiring a valid state or federal photo ID proving U.S. citizenship before registering to vote remains an 80-20 issue nationwide. The breakdown reveals 83% overall support, including 96% of Republicans, 83% of Independents, 72% of Democrats, and 66% of self-identified Democratic Socialists. FM Area Diversion Reaches 90% Completion Threshold: Local infrastructure metrics hit a major historic milestone as the $3.2 billion FM Area Diversion project closes in on 90% completion. Construction crews have moved over 60 million cubic yards of earth while activating two world-first heated aqueducts to route local rivers over the new diversion channel, keeping the project on track to be fully operational by next spring. Severe Drought Expands Across Central and Eastern North Dakota: According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, over 23% of North Dakota is now locked in severe drought, marking a sharp jump from under 9% just a week prior. State Climatologist Daryl Ritchison warns that ground conditions in central North Dakota, as well as Cass, Trail, and Steele counties, are deteriorating rapidly due to prolonged summer heat and lack of moisture. Primary Polling Tightens in Minnesota Senate and Governor Races: Steve reviews newly released KSTP polling tracking key Minnesota primary battles. In the Republican gubernatorial race, Donald Trump's endorsement keeps Mike…

Fresh off a two-day trip to Medora, host Steve Hallstrom returns to the Fargo studio to break down the latest local, national, and geopolitical headlines. This episode dives into a Senate panel's historic vote holding Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress, President Trump's surprising push for oil companies to slash gas prices, and an inside look at the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Plus, the show covers Minnesota's shrinking lake levels, a potential North Dakota special legislative session, and an expert discussion on the mechanics of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Key Moments Senate Panel Votes to Hold Anthony Fauci in Contempt: The Senate Homeland Security Committee, chaired by Senator Rand Paul, voted 8–5 along party lines to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times during testimony regarding the origins of COVID-19. Because he had already received a presidential pardon, senators argued the Fifth Amendment did not apply, prompting plans to refer the resolution directly to the Justice Department. Trump Challenges Big Oil Profits: In a move questioning wartime pricing, President Trump publicly criticized major oil giants like Exxon and Chevron, claiming they are making "too much money" during the conflict with Iran and urging them to cut retail fuel prices. Reflections on the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library: Host Steve Hallstrom delivers his top takeaways from visiting the newly opened $276 million Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora. Describing it as an immersive museum rather than a traditional book library, he reassures listeners that Medora retains its historic small-town charm and has not been overrun. He also introduces his "family of four in Fessenden" guideline to evaluate the real-world value of state-backed projects for everyday North Dakotans. Northern Minnesota Lakes Facing Severe Lows: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued warnings regarding extremely low water levels across northern Minnesota lakes. Data shows parts of north-central Minnesota are 12 to 16 inches below normal precipitation over the past four years, requiring months of sustained above-average rainfall to recover. Potential North Dakota Special Session on Kratom and Military Museum: Senate Majority Leader David Hogue indicated North Dakota lawmakers may convene for a special session to address banning the herbal substance kratom and to resolve a fundraising shortfall halting construction on the state military museum in Bismarck. Federal Probe into Minnesota Classroom Material: The U.S. Department of Education launched an investigation into the Minnesota…