Steve Hallstrom kicks off a high-stakes Monday edition as the region prepares for Holy Week amidst rising geopolitical and economic tensions. With crude oil crossing the $100-per-barrel mark, Steve dives into the "CPAC Straw Poll" results for 2028 and a chilling report on $350 million in cash leaving the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. The show features a deep dive into the controversial practice of civil asset forfeiture with filmmaker Patrick Reasonover and a live update from NDSU as the State Board of Higher Education prepares to name the university’s next president. Plus, a look at the "family compound" trend and why billionaires are fleeing California for Texas.
Key Moments
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NDSU Presidential Decision Day: Reporter Chris Larson joins the show live from the NDSU campus, where the final three candidates—Dr. Marshall Stewart, Dr. Bernie Savarese, and Dr. Alan Smith—are undergoing their second round of interviews. Steve previews the executive session where the Board of Higher Education will officially name the new president later this afternoon.
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When Cops Become Robbers: Documentary producer Patrick Reasonover discusses his new film exploring civil asset forfeiture. He explains how the policy allows law enforcement to seize property based on mere suspicion without a criminal conviction, and why 85% of Americans across the political spectrum now view the practice as un-American.
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The $350 Million MSP Cash Trail: Steve analyzes a startling report that $350 million in cash left the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport last year—more than any other airport in the U.S. Steve calls for a federal investigation, questioning the lack of state authority over these massive and suspicious outflows.
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The 2028 Republican Straw Poll: Following the CPAC convention, Steve breaks down the early 2028 frontrunners. J.D. Vance leads the pack with 53%, followed by Marco Rubio at 35%. Steve explores the possibility of a Vance-Rubio ticket and what it means for the future of the conservative movement.
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North Dakota National Guard Deployment: Public Affairs Officer Nathan Rivard joins to discuss 60 soldiers from the 131st Military Police Battalion heading to D.C. The volunteer mission supports a presidential executive order to combat rising crime in the nation’s capital through community safety patrols.
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Billionaires Fleeing the Wealth Tax: Steve reports on Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick’s move from California to Texas just 14 days before a proposed retroactive billionaire tax would have taken effect. Steve argues that "money won't stick around" where it is adversarialized by state governments.
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The "Family Compound" Sentiment: Following up on a viral discussion about multi-generational housing, Steve hears from listeners like Bill, who are considering "circling the wagons" to help their adult children navigate the crushing costs of taxes, insurance, and interest rates.
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L.A. School District Money Laundering: Steve highlights felony charges against a project manager in the Los Angeles School District who allegedly funneled $3 million in kickbacks from a $22 million contract, highlighting the risks of "big money in big systems."