In the second news day of 2026, host Steve Hallstrom navigates a shifting political and economic landscape. From the “boomtown” projections of a 5% GDP growth to the tactical maneuvers in the Minnesota Governor’s race, this episode breaks down why optimism is the best strategy for the “happy warriors.” Hallstrom analyzes the new direction of CBS News, the precision of recent U.S. military operations, and the decision-making—or lack thereof—within the Fargo City Commission. Whether discussing federal vaccine schedule overhauls or the spiritual weight of passing judgment, Steve applies the conservative playbook and common sense to the stories that matter most.
Key Moments
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The 5% GDP Nirvana: Steve breaks down a “shock and awe” economic prediction from Larry Kudlow and Louis Navalier. They discuss what a 5% GDP growth would mean for the average worker’s paycheck, corporate spending, and the “picks and shovels” of the AI investment cycle.
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Klobuchar vs. The Five Points: With Tim Walz out of the race, Steve explores Minnesota State Senator Julia Coleman’s strategy for beating Amy Klobuchar. The plan focuses on five key Democrat vulnerabilities: the spent $18 billion surplus, $10 billion in tax hikes, school funding strains, and blocked fraud investigations.
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CBS News’ New Face: The show reviews the first six minutes of Tony DeCople’s debut on the CBS Evening News. Steve notes a shift in tone regarding the capture of Nicolás Maduro, highlighting a move away from “elite-driven” narratives toward more objective reporting.
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Fargo’s Action Plan Ultimatum: A critique of the Fargo City Commission’s 3-2 vote to give three embattled committees—Native American, Arts and Culture, and Human Rights—two more months to justify their existence instead of making a final cut.
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Oil Tensions and the Bakken: Ron Ness, CEO of the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation, joins to discuss the Venezuelan toppling. He explains why North Dakota still produces more oil than Venezuela and why domestic operators are “tapping the brakes” on exploration due to supply dictating market prices.
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A Lesson from Romans 2: Steve shares a personal “smack in the head” from his morning reading, reflecting on the dangers of self-righteous judgment and the importance of walking humbly while still calling out “garbage works” in leadership.
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The Precision Contrast: A listener’s viral comparison highlights the “incredible precision and professionalism” of the Maduro capture and Iran strikes versus the “absolute goat circus” of the Afghanistan withdrawal.