Steve Hallstrom delivers a high-stakes Friday edition, navigating a complex landscape of public health reports, utility price shocks, and the final stages of a major regional leadership search. Steve dives into over 100 new studies linking mRNA vaccines to myocarditis and cancer, while tackling the 10.6% natural gas rate hike hitting North Dakota families. The show features a "maiden voyage" interview with attorney Rachel Paulos on the lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis and a deep dive into the 200,000 truck drivers facing a federal licensing crackdown. Plus, a surprisingly traditional cultural shift at the Oscars and a tribute to the legendary Chuck Norris.
Key Moments
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The NDSU Presidential Finalists: The search for NDSU’s next leader hits the finish line. Steve reveals the three finalists: Marshall Stewart (Kansas State), Bernie Savarese (University of Tennessee), and Alan Smith (Utah State). He previews their upcoming campus presentations and the State Board of Higher Education's fast-tracked selection process.
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A 25% Increase in Cancer Hospitalizations?: In a powerful "best thing I heard all day," Steve discusses new epidemiological reports from Dr. Nicholas Hulsher. The data, involving 8.4 million people, suggests mRNA vaccinated groups saw a 25% higher rate of cancer hospitalizations compared to the unvaccinated, specifically across seven types of cancer.
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Fargo’s Utility Price Shock: The Public Service Commission has approved a 10.6% interim rate increase for Xcel Energy natural gas customers. Steve challenges the official 2.7% inflation narrative, noting that for families in Fargo and Grand Forks, the "real world" cost of living is rising much faster.
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Rachel Paulos vs. Minneapolis: Senior Litigation Attorney Rachel Paulos joins the show to discuss the Upper Midwest Law Center's lawsuit against Mayor Jacob Frey. The suit aims to force the city to hire at least 100 more police officers to comply with the city charter and protect a business climate that is currently "fleeing" downtown.
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The 200,000 Trucker Dilemma: Steve breaks down a new Trump administration rule that could bar asylum seekers and DACA participants from holding commercial licenses. He explores the tension between roadway safety and the potential for a massive freighter slowdown that could spike grocery prices.
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The Oscars' Cultural "Vibe Shift": Steve highlights two moments from the Academy Awards suggesting a pivot toward traditional values: Nicole Kidman mentioning her Sunday church routine and Best Actress winner Jessie Buckley dedicating her Oscar to the "beautiful chaos of a mother's heart".
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Justice for Angela Lipps: An update on the Tennessee grandmother wrongly jailed in Fargo reveals a "preservation letter" has been sent to city and county agencies. This legal move prevents the destruction of evidence ahead of a potential Section 1983 civil rights lawsuit.
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Hospice "Clustering" Fraud: Steve reviews a "story of the day" from California where 89 different hospice companies were found operating out of a single 32,000-square-foot building—a massive red flag for Medicare fraud.