It’s a transitional Friday on The Steve Hallstrom Show as the program prepares to shift from its long-held afternoon slot to a new morning home. Host Steve Hallstrom and producer Addison reflect on a busy start to 2026, balancing local policy shifts in Fargo with a national gaze toward New York City’s radical new leadership. From the elimination of city commissions to a deep dive into the "warmth of collectivism" promised by NYC’s Socialist mayor, this episode explores the tension between rugged individualism and burgeoning government growth. Plus, an industry expert joins the show to discuss the evolving labor market and why the trades remain the safest bet for the next generation of workers.
Key Moments
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The Big Move: Steve announces that starting Monday, the show is moving to a 9:00 AM time slot. He discusses the "bittersweet" nature of leaving the afternoon behind but expresses excitement about joining the conversation while "the coffee is still hot."
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Fargo’s Commission Chopping Block: Mayor Tim Mahoney has recommended eliminating three volunteer boards: the Native American Commission, the Arts and Culture Commission, and the Human Rights Commission. Steve analyzes this move as a return to "minimalist government" and a necessary step in reducing city expenses.
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The "New Normal" for Crime: North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley releases the 2024 crime stats, reporting a 30% escalation in violent crime over the last decade. Despite a slight year-over-year decrease in murders, DUI arrests have surged to historical highs.
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Labor Market Realities: David Dietz, CEO of Preference Employment Solutions, stops by to discuss the cooling labor market. He notes that while the "COVID stimulus years" of five jobs for every worker are gone, the trades—electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs—remain in high demand.
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Minnesota’s Voter Fraud Allegations: Republican Governor candidate Kendall Qualls formally requests the DOJ investigate alleged voter fraud in the Somali community, focusing on the state’s "vouching" system that allows one person to vouch for eight others without ID.
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New York’s Socialist Experiment: Bestselling author Dennis Neal joins the program to discuss New York City’s new mayor, Zoran Mamdani. They critique Mamdani’s pledge to replace "rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism," comparing his proposed policies to the decline seen in Portland, Oregon.
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Agriculture & Aid: Farmers across the region receive specifics on the $12 billion aid package. Hallstrom reports that soybean farmers will receive $30.88 per acre, while corn and sorghum producers will see $44.36 and $48.11 respectively.