In this intense and wide-ranging Tuesday edition of What’s On Your Mind, host Scott Hennen dives headfirst into what he describes as a "colossal battle between good and evil" currently playing out in the streets of Minneapolis. With federal agents clashing with organized activists and local leadership, Scott asks the fundamental question: Is unity even possible when one side thrives on dissension?
The episode features a deep-dive forensic analysis of the recent ICE-related shooting with retired NYPD Detective Harry Houck, an investigation into the "Signal Gate" encrypted messaging network used by protesters, and a "Trooper Talk" segment with Captain Brian Ewan on the dangers of winter driving and the consequences of disregarding law enforcement instructions. Plus, a look at why North Dakota’s clean coal is literally saving lives during the current Arctic blast.
Standout Moments
[00:05:30] The Parable of the Sower & Modern Chaos Dana from Williston joins the show to discuss a modern twist on biblical parables, comparing the current political unrest in Minnesota to the sowing of "weeds" by an orchestrator of chaos.
[00:15:20] Signal Gate: The Smoking Gun Scott breaks down the reports of a highly organized criminal enterprise in Minneapolis using the encrypted app Signal. He discusses how protesters are reportedly tracking ICE agents in real-time, documenting license plates, and swarming federal officers at hotels and restaurants.
[00:45:10] Forensic Analysis: The Alex Pretty Shooting Retired NYPD Detective Harry Houck joins the program to slow down the video of the recent fatal altercation in Minneapolis. He analyzes the "furtive moves" made during the scrum and argues that if local police had been allowed to provide crowd control, no one would be dead.
[01:06:45] The Holocaust Museum Rebukes Tim Walz Scott highlights the official statement from the U.S. Holocaust Museum regarding Governor Tim Walz’s comparison of illegal immigrants to Anne Frank, calling the rhetoric "deeply offensive" and a "despicable exploitation of genocide."
[01:32:00] Coal: The Backbone of the Cold Snap Jonathan Fortner of the Lignite Energy Council explains why the Midwest grid would have failed during the current deep freeze without coal. He reveals that wind power dropped to just 2% during the storm's peak, while coal provided north of 40% of the region’s electricity.
[01:55:30] Trooper Talk: 104 MPH in Zero Visibility Captain Brian Ewan of the North Dakota Highway Patrol shares a shocking story of a recent arrest on I-29 where a driver was clocked at over 100 mph while the road was officially closed due to whiteout conditions.
[02:11:15] Fresh Pursuit and the Dukes of Hazzard Law A fascinating listener question leads Captain Ewan to explain "fresh pursuit" laws—how and when North Dakota troopers can legally cross state lines into Minnesota to continue a chase.