Scott Hennen tackles a wide range of topics, from personal news to national politics and local North Dakota issues. He discusses his upcoming birthday trip to Dallas and the legacy of Ross Perot, including a seven-figure donation by Ross Perot Jr. to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, ND.
Agriculture is a key focus, with Farm Family Director Bridget Riedel outlining the current economic challenges for farmers, citing high input costs, rising equipment prices (up about 20% in the last three years), and wildly volatile fertilizer costs. The host also touches on local events like a split in the Sioux-Gopher hockey series and a pie auction for District 24 Republicans.
The episode features two major interviews:
- Former Governor Chris Sununu (R-NH): Sununu joins to discuss his work as co-chair of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) Commission on America's Rural Future, which is holding field hearings in North Dakota and Minnesota this week to address the disconnect between federal programs and rural communities. He also clarifies his relationship with President Donald Trump.
- Congresswoman Julie Fedorchuk (R-ND): North Dakota's lone House member discusses the status of the government shutdown and the need for "pragmatic Democrats" to resolve the appropriations battle. She also gives an update on North Dakota's leadership in the growing counter-UAS and AI industries, emphasizing the state's energy resources as a huge opportunity.
Plus, a segment with the Lions Club highlights their work in diabetes awareness and retinopathy screening