A massive news week culminates in a Friday edition filled with "haymakers." Steve Hallstrom breaks down the federal arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon following his intrusion into a St. Paul church service, the shocking collapse of the historic Norsk Høstfest in Minot, and a "spirited" look at the massive layoffs hitting the Washington Post. Steve also dives into the latest Minnesota fraud estimates that have climbed as high as $80 billion, the launch of "Trump Rx," and the upcoming Winter Olympics in Cortina. Plus, we head "down on the farm" to discuss why the U.S. is struggling to increase beef production and hear from Super Bowl stars who aren't shy about their faith.
Key Moments
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Don Lemon in Handcuffs: Steve discusses the federal arrest of Don Lemon in California after a Minnesota magistrate initially refused to bring charges. Steve argues that while Lemon claims he was "just doing journalism," storming into a house of worship to harass families during a service crossed a clear legal and moral line.
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The End of an Era for Høstfest: In a sad development for North Dakota tradition, the Norsk Høstfest board announces it is pulling the plug on future festivals due to rising operational costs and declining attendance.
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Woke Media Leaking Oil: Steve analyzes the massive layoffs at the Washington Post, where a third of the staff was cut. He highlights the elimination of nearly all climate change reporters and the sports department as a sign that "activism" is failing as a profitable business model.
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Minnesota’s $80 Billion Fraud? Independent journalist David Hoke provides explosive testimony in St. Paul, claiming that when all factors are considered, the total fraud in Minnesota could be as high as $80 billion—vastly exceeding the $10 billion figure cited by public watchdog groups.
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Trump Rx Launches: The White House officially unveils TrumpRx.com, a central hub designed to lower prescription drug costs by pointing consumers directly to drug makers offering deep discounts.
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Olympic Fever in Italy: Steve previews the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, highlighting 41-year-old Lindsey Vonn’s attempt to compete on a ruptured ACL and the emergence of "Quad God" Ilya Malinin in figure skating.
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The High Price of Beef: Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins the show to explain why ranchers can't just "breed more cows" to lower prices. She details how years of drought and the current $5,500 price for bred mama cows are preventing a quick recovery of U.S. herds.
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Super Bowl Faith: Ahead of Super Bowl 60, Steve plays clips of New England QB Drake Maye and Seattle receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba discussing how their identity is rooted in Christ rather than their performance on the field.