Broadcasting live from the Dakota Medical Foundation for Giving Hearts Day 2026, Steve Hallstrom breaks the biggest local political news of the year: Fargo City Commissioner Dave Pepcorn officially announces his run for Mayor. Steve sits down with Pepcorn to discuss his vision for a conservative "Fargo First" agenda and his plan to restore the city’s balance sheet following a Moody’s debt downgrade. The show also features an in-depth interview with NDSU Athletic Director Matt Larson on the logistical "magic" of moving Bison football to the FBS. Plus, updates on the heartbreaking murder investigation in West Fargo and the end of federal "Operation Metro Surge" in Minneapolis.
Key Moments
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Dave Pepcorn for Mayor: In an exclusive announcement, City Commissioner Dave Pepcorn confirms he is running for Mayor of Fargo. He outlines his top priorities: restoring fiscal discipline to a city in $1.3 billion of debt and implementing a "tough on crime" approach to revitalize a downtown he describes as a "disaster".
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Giving Hearts Day Kickoff: Steve joins Pat Traynor and Gina Pinovich to celebrate the region's massive day of philanthropy. By 9 a.m., donations had already surpassed $16.7 million for nearly 650 charitable causes, proving once again why this is the "Most Generous Region".
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Bison Football’s FBS Roadmap: NDSU Athletic Director Matt Larson discusses the "antiquated" NCAA rules he intends to fight regarding the two-year postseason ban. He also clarifies that the Mountain West schedule is being completely reshuffled, opening the door for potential high-profile games against opponents like Alabama or USC in the future.
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The Isadora Wengel Investigation: A somber update from Fargo PD as they arrest 21-year-old Joshua Height in connection with the "heinous" murder of Isadora Wengel. Police are asking for the public's help to locate a specific black tote with a red lid as they continue the search for her body
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Operation Metro Surge Ends: White House Border Czar Tom Homan announces the withdrawal of federal agents from Minneapolis, citing "significant progress" in cooperation with local officials and the removal of major public safety threats.
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The "Save America Act" Passes the House: Steve applauds the House passage of the Save America Act, which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote. He notes the challenge ahead in the Senate and calls out the "subtle racism" of rhetoric claiming certain groups can't obtain IDs.
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The High Price of "Woke" Schools: Steve reacts to news that Fargo Public Schools is planning to eliminate 56 positions to close a $5.3 million budget gap, questioning the sustainability of current district spending.
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A Mission for Veterans: Tracy Dunham of the Brady-Oberg Legacy Foundation joins the show to discuss the staggering statistic that 22 veterans take their lives every day and how her organization uses Giving Hearts Day to fund life-saving retreats and PTSD awareness.