Steve Hallstrom delivers a high-velocity Friday edition as a breakthrough in the Middle East sends oil prices tanking and the stock market soaring. Steve dives into the "brilliant" naval blockade that forced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and analyzes the fallout at Fargo City Hall after commissioners blocked the immediate promotion of the interim police chief. The show features an emotional look at the importance of School Resource Officers (SROs) following a local school shooting and a surprising track and field record for a Moorhead athlete. Plus, a check on the "racism of low expectations" and why more Americans are signing up for seven-year car loans.
Key Moments
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The Strait of Hormuz Reopens: Steve breaks down the major news that Iran has declared the vital shipping route completely open following a strategic U.S. naval blockade. WTI crude oil prices dropped 11% in response, while the Dow surged over 800 points. Steve notes that while the blockade remains in effect for Iranian vessels, the reopening is a massive win for global markets.
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Fargo’s Chief Process: Steve explores the fallout from last night’s City Commission meeting where Michelle Turnberg’s motion to immediately promote interim chief Travis Stefanowicz was defeated. Commissioner Dave Pepcorn argued against "rushing" the hire, though the commission did approve an accelerated search timeline with a possible vote by May 11th.
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SROs: The First Line of Defense: Following a shooting in the parking lot of Heritage Middle School triggered by a construction worker dispute, Steve highlights the critical role of SROs. He features three national examples where SROs prevented mass casualties and praises Heritage SRO Sylvie Swain for her immediate tactical response to secure the school.
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The "Affirmative Action Myth": Steve previews his conversation with Jason Riley of the Manhattan Institute. Riley argues that affirmative action is a "bill of goods" that undermines black accomplishment and notes that 70% of Americans—including majorities of all racial groups—favor colorblind policies over race-based preferences.
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1981 Cold Case Arrest: A 65-year-old Valley City woman has been charged with a class AA felony for the 1981 murder of a newborn infant. DNA testing recently linked her as the biological parent of the child, who authorities believe was asphyxiated more than four decades ago.
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Zach Walker’s Record Jump: In a "track geek" moment, Steve celebrates Moorhead High’s Zach Walker, who nailed a 24-foot, 8-inch long jump. The mark is a school record and the third-best in Minnesota high school history, placing him among elite NCAA Division I recruiting benchmarks.
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"Tell it to the Pope": In the "best thing I heard all day," Steve plays a clip of President Trump responding to the Pope’s criticism of the war. Trump highlights that Iran is preparing to execute four people, including a female protester, and quips, "Tell that to the Pope".
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A Mission to Mexico: Steve takes a surprise call from Rick in Rugby, ND, who is currently walking 700 miles across Mexico carrying signs about Jesus. Rick shares that while tourism is down 90% due to cartel fears, he has found the people to be incredibly humble and receptive to his message.