Live from the shores of Devils Lake, Scott Hennen hosts a packed edition of What’s On Your Mind at the Landowners Association of North Dakota annual meeting. The episode explores the decades-long struggle between local farmers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over land easements, featuring a passionate call to action from Senator Kevin Cramer.
The conversation then shifts from the soil to the skies as we preview a major national security announcement at the Grand Forks Air Force Base regarding "Counter Drone" technology. Finally, we look toward the future of the region’s youth with University of North Dakota senior Max Eriksrud, who is organizing a massive faith-based revival at the Chester Fritz Auditorium. From the front lines of property rights to the cutting edge of military tech and spiritual renewal, this episode covers the heart and soul of the 701.
Standout Moments
[12:69] The Easement War Senator Kevin Cramer pulls no punches while discussing the "gross injustice" landowners face from federal bureaucrats regarding decades-old wetland easements. He explains why he believes the current legal landscape offers farmers their "last best shot" at winning back their property rights.
[13:34] The "Counter Drone" Frontier A deep dive into the Point Defense Battle Lab at Grand Forks Air Force Base. Scott and Kevin discuss the "asymmetric" problem of using million-dollar missiles to take out $500 "suicide drones" and how North Dakota is leading the mission to flip that script.
[14:48] Detecting a Heartbeat from Space In a stunning revelation of modern military capabilities, the team discusses how search-and-rescue teams used specialized technology to locate a downed pilot in the Iranian mountains by literally detecting his heartbeat from the air.
[14:69] The 701 Revival UND senior Maxwell Eriksrud joins the show to discuss "701 Revival," a youth-led movement aiming to bring community and faith back to the center of campus life. He shares his personal journey from an 18-year-old freshman to a student leader on the State Board of Higher Education.
[17:19] Budget Hawks and Right-Sizing Retired Air Force Major Dave Hughes, running for Minnesota’s 7th District, lays out a bold plan to balance the federal budget. His strategy includes abolishing five major U.S. departments—including Energy and Education—to curb the $2 trillion annual deficit.
[18:67] Grains, China, and the Weather David Spickler of Lighthouse Commodities gives a "weather-weather" update, warning North Dakota farmers about a narrow planting window while explaining why the grain markets are holding their breath for a mid-May trade meeting with China.