Hosts Scott and Kevin dive into a packed Tuesday show covering a variety of national and local issues. The political conversation is dominated by the looming government shutdown, with an analysis from financial expert David Fisher on the potential for massive government layoffs and a debate on whether President Trump is strategically maneuvering the conflict. Fisher also breaks down the rising power of BRICS nations and reports on a "relentless" rally in gold and silver prices.
In the second half, the focus shifts to North Dakota's energy future, featuring a discussion with Kevin Rusk of the UND College of Engineering and Mines on rare-earth mineral extraction from lignite coal and the need for automation talent in manufacturing. Lignite Energy Council CEO Jonathan Fortner joins to praise new federal changes that support the coal industry. Finally, Captain Bryan Niewin of the North Dakota Highway Patrol provides an update on the new 80 mph speed limit, enforcement policy, and troop staffing. The episode also features a segment on a Grand Forks benefit for cancer patient Garrett Wiltsie and a tribute to the late Charlie Kirk.
Standout Moments with Timestamps
- 08:00 AM: The show opens with a spotlight on the Lend a Hand Up benefit for Garrett Wiltsie, a Grand Forks man battling glioblastoma, including details on how to attend or donate.
- 08:05 AM: David Fisher of Landmark Capital discusses the looming government shutdown, stating he's "not worried" because essential services will remain open, but notes that President Trump is making the unprecedented threat of laying off 100,000 government workers.
- 08:09 AM: Fisher explains that the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) is an emerging power approaching 50% of the global GDP and actively trying to move away from the U.S. dollar.
- 08:14 AM: Fisher reports that the price of gold is up 43% and silver is up 60% year-to-date, due to global overspending, the massive devaluation of the dollar, and central banks buying gold.
- 08:18 AM: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki provides the unusual forecast: highs in the low to mid-80s all week, well above the normal low-to-mid 60s, before a "much, much cooler" change arrives next week.
- 08:24 AM: The hosts discuss President Trump's address to military leaders, calling it a "military master class" and praising new Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's edict to return all combat positions to the "highest male standard only".
- 08:34 AM: Kevin Rusk from UND's College of Engineering and Mines discusses his work in extracting rare-earth elements from North Dakota's lignite coal, a move that could decouple the U.S. supply chain from China.
- 08:52 AM: Jonathan Fortner of the Lignite Energy Council details recent federal victories for the coal industry, including the Interior Department opening 13 million acres of land for coal leasing and reducing the royalty rate from 12% to 7%.
- 09:02 AM: The hosts pay a brief tribute to Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10th, and discuss the security failures cited in an Associated Press review.
- 09:05 AM: Captain Bryan Niewin of the North Dakota Highway Patrol joins for "Trooper Talk," confirming the patrol's enforcement policy: drivers going 85 mph or faster will receive a citation on interstates.
- 09:12 AM: Captain Niewin explains the logic behind the varying speed limits (80 to 65 to 55 mph) in short distances through metro areas is based on engineering and speed studies to ensure traffic safety.