Straitjackets, Fraud Wars, and the July Snow Mystery (2-26-26)

In this high-octane Thursday edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor dissect the explosive fallout from President Trump’s State of the Union address. The team pulls no punches regarding the "bulging eyes" and "straitjacket" antics of the Squad, while celebrating a historic gold medal victory for U.S. Men’s Hockey. We dive deep into the newly declared "War on Fraud" as Dr. Mehmet Oz reveals a $259 million deferment from Minnesota due to Medicaid scandals. Plus, we explore the bizarre world of "ruminant weed control," cattle rustling in the digital age with Bridgette Readel, and a weather debate that has Dean Wysocki questioning if it has ever actually snowed in July in Fargo.
Standout Moments & Timestamps
[06:10] – Bernie vs. The MMA Senator The show opens with a viral Senate hearing dust-up between Bernie Sanders and Mark Wayne Mullen. The crew reacts to Mullen’s "beast mode" MMA background and his blunt assessment of Bernie’s long-term involvement in a "broken" healthcare system.
[06:35] – Jesse Watters: The "Crazy" Recap Jesse Watters breaks down the State of the Union highlights, focusing on Trump’s "straitjacket" comments regarding Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. The team discusses the Democrats' refusal to stand for a Ukrainian murder victim and a 100-year-old Navy fighter pilot.
[06:48] – Fetterman: The New Independent? John Fetterman earns unexpected praise from the crew for being "the only reasonable Democrat" in the room. The guys discuss his decision to stand for the military and widows, questioning how long he can remain in the party before being "voted out by the haters."
[07:13] – Cattle Rustling & Robot Tractors Live from the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Ag Director Bridgette Readel reveals that cattle rustling is "alive and well," with one ranch losing $400,000 in livestock. She also previews Fendt’s new 550-horsepower tractor that features a joystick instead of a steering wheel.
[07:25] – The 38-Degree Melt Dean Wysocki brings the "fair-weather" news: a 20-degree warmup is hitting the valley today. While an arctic front looms for the weekend, Dean predicts this might be our "last blast" of sub-zero temperatures for the season.
[08:12] – The Grumpy Hockey Fan A hilarious voicemail from a "grumpy old man" demanding the show stop talking about sports triggers a debate about American values. Kevin and Alex double down, insisting that if you can’t celebrate a U.S. gold medal, you might not have a pulse.
[08:35] – Dr. Oz’s War on Fraud CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz joins to discuss the $259 million being withheld from Minnesota. He details a "widespread scandal" involving autism care fraud and "ghost" medical equipment businesses owned by foreign nationals.
[08:42] – The Somali Daycare "Playbook" The crew explores a shocking report on how some immigrant communities are allegedly gaming the daycare system. They break down a "scam" involving neighboring homes, multiple wives, and $7,000-a-month government assistance packages.
[08:55] – The July Snow Challenge The episode ends with a cliffhanger: Alex and Kevin insist it has snowed in Fargo during July. A skeptical Dean Wysocki takes the assignment to research the archives and report back with the "icy" truth.
Jay Thomas Show: “Crazy Car Stories – Vapestop and More” 2-26-26

The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday February 26th, 2026. Guests include Zach from SportsVape and your calls and emails.
The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 644: SOTU Showdowns & J.D. Vance’s War on Fraud

Steve Hallstrom broadcasts live from Watford City, North Dakota, to break down the massive fallout from President Trump’s high-stakes State of the Union address. This episode dives into the "brilliant" political maneuver that forced a clear divide in Congress and explores the immediate ripples felt in the Midwest. From J.D. Vance’s aggressive move to freeze Medicaid funding in Minnesota to a historic $345 million judgment against Greenpeace in North Dakota, the "Happy Warrior" navigates a firehose of news. Plus, a somber update on the Isadora Wengel investigation, the "sneaky snacks" contributing to a teen diabetes spike, and why A-Rod is coming to the Valley.
Key Moments
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The SOTU Litmus Test: Steve analyzes the most effective political tactic of the night: President Trump’s demand that legislators stand if they agree the government’s first duty is to protect citizens over illegal aliens. Steve discusses the visual of seated Democrats and what it signals for the upcoming midterm elections.
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JD Vance vs. Minnesota Fraud: As the newly minted "fraud czar," Vice President J.D. Vance announces a temporary freeze on $259 million in Medicaid reimbursements to Minnesota. Steve breaks down Vance’s argument that "sham businesses" have high-jacked funds meant for autistic children, forcing a "tough love" wake-up call for state leadership.
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Greenpeace’s $345 Million Bill: A North Dakota judge orders Greenpeace to pay Energy Transfer nearly $350 million for damages and defamation stemming from the DAPL protests. With only $1.4 million in cash on hand, Steve explores how this ruling could effectively shut down the environmental group.
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The Isadora Wengel Puzzle: Somber news continues in the search for missing West Fargo woman Isadora Wengel. While suspect Joshua Height awaits his March hearing, prosecutors admit their biggest hurdle is proving a death occurred without a body, leaning instead on "gold standard" DNA found on a Sawzall blade.
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Adolescent Health Alert: Steve examines a staggering CDC study showing nearly one in three U.S. teens has prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. He identifies the "Sneaky Six" foods—including flavored yogurt and granola bars—that are driving this acquired health crisis.
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On the Farm in San Antonio: Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins the show from the Commodity Classic to unveil Fendt’s new 1000 Vario tractor. She explains how new technology allows farmers to adjust tire pressure directly from the cab to improve soil health and efficiency.
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District 28 "Hijacking": State Senator Robert Erbele joins the program to recount a chaotic Republican meeting in District 28. He describes a vocal group’s attempt to overthrow the chair using "hired gun" parliamentarians and why procedures must be followed to maintain order.
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A-Rod’s Voices of Vision: MLB legend Alex Rodriguez is announced as the keynote speaker for the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber's upcoming event. Steve reflects on Rodriguez’s complex legacy and the power of a story centered on "overcoming mistakes."
The Golden Age of Agriculture: State of the Union Special (2-25-26)

Coming to you from the heart of the White House press pool, Scott Hennen delivers an exclusive look at the fallout from the 47th President’s landmark State of the Union address. This episode features high-stakes conversations with the leaders shaping America’s "Golden Age," including Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and HUD Secretary Scott Turner. We dive deep into the "triumph against all odds," exploring how 15 new trade deals are finally putting American farmers back at the center of the plate. From the "soybean showdown" in the Oval Office to a radical new ban on corporate home-buying, the team breaks down the policies aiming to restore the American Dream for the "heartbeat of the country."
Standout Moments & Timestamps
[00:01] – The "Triumph Against All Odds" Secretary Brooke Rollins joins Scott to recap the "consequential" first year of the administration. They discuss the "Golden Age" rhetoric of the State of the Union and why the President’s leadership on trade and border security marks a historic turning point.
[00:12] – The Hamilton Strategy: Tariffs & Soybeans A deep dive into the "Alexander Hamilton" approach to trade. Rollins breaks down how tariffs are rebuilding the American base, resulting in a 20% jump in dairy exports and a 29% surge in corn, while silencing critics who said the strategy would "ruin America."
[00:25] – The Oval Office Soybean Obsession Rollins jokes that soybeans have never been discussed more in the history of the White House. She provides a "report card" on the 25 million metric tons committed by China and why the Supreme Court tariff decision won't slow down the momentum.
[00:53] – Ending the "Band-Aid" Era of Farming A candid conversation about the mental health crisis and debt cycles in the row crop business. Rollins outlines her mission to move away from "check after check" and instead build an infrastructure where farmers can actually thrive without government reliance.
[01:00] – The 45Z Biofuel Countdown Clarity is coming! Rollins hints at a "very positive" outcome for the 45Z tax credit and biofuels, noting that final details should emerge within the next 30 days thanks to a "top of government" collaboration with Doug Burgum and Lee Zeldin.
[01:12] – Trump’s "Olive Branch" to Governors Rollins shares a behind-the-scenes story from a private White House meeting with governors—including Democrats like Kathy Hochul. She reveals a side of the President the "mainstream media won't report," where he offered a hand to every state, regardless of party.
[01:30] – Restoring the Dream: The HUD Crackdown Secretary Scott Turner (and former NFL star) joins the show to discuss the "fiscal mess" inherited from the previous administration. He highlights the news that mortgage rates have finally dropped below 6%, sparking a four-year high in affordability.
[01:40] – The $42 Billion "Illegal Loophole" A fiery segment on housing and illegal immigration. Turner breaks down a new report showing how 59% of illegal alien families utilize welfare programs, and how HUD is now verifying 200,000 status records to ensure taxpayer-funded housing goes to "Americans and Americans only."
[01:61] – Banning Corporate Landlords Turner explains the President’s new policy to ban large institutional investors from buying single-family homes. The goal? Ensuring first-time homebuyers no longer have to compete with "soulless" corporations for the keys to their front door.
The Golden Age: State of the Union & “Crazy” Squad Antics (2-25-26)

In this jam-packed Wednesday edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor break down the highlights and lowlights of President Trump’s historic State of the Union address. From the "Golden Age of America" rhetoric to the 250th anniversary celebrations on the horizon, the team analyzes why only half the room seemed to be celebrating. We dive into the "Squad's" theatrical outbursts, Sean Duffy’s epic burn on Jake Tapper, and the heartwarming arrival of the gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic hockey team. Plus, we look at why Governor Gavin Newsom is catching heat for his "pandering" tour and how the weather is finally promising a 30-degree reprieve.
Standout Moments & Timestamps
[06:00] – The "Golden Age" Kickoff Kevin and Alex open with the highlights of Trump’s State of the Union. They discuss the President’s declaration that America is entering a "Golden Age" and his vision for the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.
[06:05] – Squad Goals: Chants & Ejections The team breaks down the chaotic behavior of Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. They discuss Al Green’s early ejection and the "priceless" moments of the Squad yelling and chanting during the address.
[06:12] – The Hour and 48-Minute Marathon A look at the sheer length of the speech—the longest ever—and the contrast between the standing ovations from the right and the Democrats who refused to stand, even for the Olympic athletes.
[06:35] – Sean Duffy vs. Jake Tapper Kevin plays a clip of Sean Duffy laying into Jake Tapper after the CNN host took issue with Trump calling his political opponents "crazy." Duffy reminds the media about the time a Speaker of the House ripped up a speech on national television.
[06:48] – The Fetterman Handshake In a rare moment of bipartisanship, the crew discusses John Fetterman showing up in a suit and the respectful greeting he shared with the President. The team wonders if a party switch or an "independent" run is in Fetterman’s future.
[06:55] – The Frog Costume "Swamp Party" Did the Democrats really dress up in frog costumes? The guys react to reports of a "swamp party" held by the opposition and the bizarre imagery of politicians dancing as swamp creatures.
[07:10] – Ag Influence in San Antonio The team checks in on Bridget Riedel, one of the nation’s top 50 ag influencers, as she reports live from the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas.
[07:25] – The 36-Degree Promise Dean Wysocki brings some good news for the valley. After a week of sub-zero temperatures, the models are finally showing a jump to 36 degrees for Thursday and Friday—enough to finally melt some of that stubborn driveway ice.
[07:35] – Wolves Squeak by the Blazers A quick sports wrap-up as the Timberwolves grab a tight win in Portland. Anthony Edwards drops 34 points, and the crew previews the upcoming clash with the LA Clippers.
Jay Thomas Show: “Holy S^*# in Horace – SOTU and More” 2-25-26

The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday February 25th, 2026. Guests include Derek Johnson (property owner in Horace).
The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 643: State of the Union Showdowns & Bison Football’s Vegas Dream

A seismic shift is hitting the Red River Valley and beyond. Steve Hallstrom breaks down the most viral moments from President Trump’s State of the Union address, including the "brilliant" political tactic that forced Democrats to choose between American citizens and illegal immigrants. We also dive into the historic transformation of NDSU Football as they officially move to the FBS, featuring a Mountain West schedule that includes dream road trips to Las Vegas and Hawaii. Plus, an inside look at the "District 28 Kerfuffle" with Senator Robert Erbele, a somber update on a high-profile local murder investigation, and why 145,000 missing children are the real story of the border surge.
Key Moments
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The SOTU "Pick a Side" Moment: Steve analyzes the State of the Union address, highlighting the moment President Trump asked legislators to stand if they agreed the government’s first duty is to protect citizens over illegal aliens. Steve discusses the visual of seated Democrats and what it means for the upcoming midterms.
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Bison Football’s FBS Roadmap: Following NDSU’s jump to the FBS, Steve reveals the first glimpses of the new schedule. Bison fans can look forward to a home game against Wyoming and legendary road trips to face UNLV in Las Vegas and the Rainbow Warriors in Hawaii this fall.
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The District 28 "Hijacking": State Senator Robert Erbele joins the show to provide a "tick-tock" of a chaotic Republican district meeting. Erbele describes an attempted takeover of the stage by an organized group and explains the procedural battles involving Robert’s Rules of Order.
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The 145,000 Children Number: Border Czar Tom Homan drops a staggering statistic on Fox & Friends: the Trump administration has located 145,000 unaccompanied children previously "lost" in the federal system. Steve puts the number in context, noting it is equal to the entire population of Fargo.
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Isadora Wengel Search Continues: Steve provides a heart-wrenching update on the search for missing West Fargo woman Isadora Wengel. He shares details on a massive community search effort at Dyke East Park and the "horrific" new evidence revealed in charging documents.
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The $5 Million Bail Debate: Legal expert Jeff Braidall joins the program to explain the constitutional mechanics of why a judge allowed bail for a suspected murderer. He breaks down the Eighth Amendment and North Dakota’s specific laws regarding capital offenses.
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Hillary’s Sudden "Common Sense": Steve reacts to a surprising soundbite from Hillary Clinton in Munich, where she admitted that migration has been "disruptive and destabilizing." Steve questions why the left is only now adopting the rhetoric Donald Trump has used for years.
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On the Farm from San Antonio: Ag Director Bridget Riedel checks in from the Commodity Classic in Texas. She discusses the unveiling of a new self-propelled rock-picking robot and the debate over importing 800 million metric tons of Argentine beef to lower grocery prices.
2-25-26 Coaches Corner Podcast

Coaches Corner Podcast host, Greg Burd, of Flag Family Media is joined each week by MSUM men’s basketball head coach, Jason Kemp, and MSUM women’s basketball head coach, Karla Nelson. This week the coaches discuss approaching the postseason, the keys to success against North State on Wednesday night, and more. The Coaches Corner Podcast is brought to you by: Valley Imports/Valley Pre-Owned Camrud Foss Concrete Third Drop Coffee Brady’s Service Center
State of the Union: From Moorhead Sanctuaries to the D.C. Gallery (2-24-26)

Broadcasting live from the heart of the U.S. Capitol, Scott Hennen takes listeners behind the scenes of his "horrific" travel journey to Washington D.C., where he is attending the State of the Union address as the special guest of Senator Kevin Cramer. The episode serves as a victory lap for American excellence, centered on the historic Olympic gold medal win by the U.S. Men’s Hockey team. Scott and Kevin Flynn dissect the "Trump Derangement Syndrome" fueling media backlash against the athletes, contrast the "sanctuary business" culture in Moorhead with North Dakota's gratitude-focused entrepreneurs, and preview critical shifts in farm tax policy.
Standout Moments & Timestamps
[00:00] – The "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" Trek Scott recounts a travel nightmare involving canceled flights, an unplanned overnight in Dallas, and arriving in D.C. without his luggage. He jokes about being "buck naked" in Senator Cramer’s office before finding a suit for the big night.
[00:15] – The 46-Year Wait: USA Hockey Gold The crew celebrates the "Miracle on Ice" 2.0. Scott details the deep connection between Team USA and Warroad, Minnesota—"Hockey Town USA"—noting that a Warroad native has been on every gold-medal-winning U.S. roster since 1960.
[00:28] – Politics in the Gallery Scott critiques Senator Amy Klobuchar’s choice of a State of the Union guest—a Moorhead brewery owner who reportedly "hates ice." He contrasts this with his own invite and the news that President Trump has invited the entire Men’s Olympic Hockey team.
[00:35] – Triggered by Patriotism A deep dive into the media backlash surrounding the hockey team's celebration. Scott mocks the Huffington Post for being "triggered" by American flags and chanting, while Kevin highlights the "legendary" resilience of Jack Hughes, who played through losing multiple teeth.
[00:48] – The Women’s Hockey "Rebuff" Myth Scott sets the record straight on why the U.S. Women’s Hockey team isn't attending the White House visit, debunking rumors of a political snub and explaining the logistical and scheduling hurdles the athletes faced.
[00:58] – Gratitude vs. Grievance Scott introduces Kristin Choren, owner of Bismarck’s Gratitude Spa and Salon and guest of Congresswoman Julie Fedorchuk. They discuss the importance of supporting local business owners who represent North Dakota values on the national stage.
[01:05] – Farmer’s Fair Deal & 45Z Tax Policy A pivot to policy: Pat Rosensteil joins to discuss the 45Z tax credit. Scott explains how the policy is being moved away from "crazy green agendas" toward common-sense solutions that actually help the struggling farm economy.
[01:19] – The "Sanctuary Business" of Moorhead A fiery segment on Swing Barrel Brewing in Moorhead. Scott reacts to reports of the business being declared a "sanctuary" for those who dislike the current administration, leading to a broader discussion on the "Democratic Socialist" influence on the Moorhead City Council.
Freezing Rain & The Newsom “Pandering” Tour (2-24-26)

It’s a Tuesday morning and the North Dakota weather is throwing a curveball with freezing rain and 40 mph wind gusts. Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor break down the messy commute before diving into the political theater of the week. From California Governor Gavin Newsom’s "cringe-worthy" attempt to pander to red-state voters at the Commodity Classic to the escalating fallout of the Epstein document leaks, the team doesn't hold back. We also cover the strange story of an Olympic official’s sudden resignation, the "gold standard" of women's hockey, and why the latest weather models suggest a major warmup is just around the corner.
Standout Moments & Timestamps
[00:00] – The Freezing Rain Advisory Kevin and Alex warn listeners about the "not so nice" Tuesday weather. With wind gusts hitting 41 mph and ice coating the valley, the crew discusses the treacherous road conditions and the 40% chance of snow looming over the afternoon.
[00:35] – Gavin Newsom’s Rodeo Act The team previews Jesse Watters' take on California Governor Gavin Newsom. They mock Newsom’s appearance at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, calling him out for "pandering" to the agriculture community while his own state faces massive farm and water crises.
[00:48] – The Epstein "Heads are Rolling" Update The conversation turns serious as more names surface from the Epstein files. The guys discuss the resignation of a high-ranking LA Olympic Committee official and the ongoing legal drama surrounding Prince Andrew, debating the "blast radius" of the latest disclosures.
[01:10] – Olympic Glory & The Women’s Gold A look back at the weekend’s sports highlights. The crew celebrates the U.S. Women’s Hockey team’s dominance over Canada and discusses the incredible momentum of Team USA as the Winter Games wrap up.
[01:25] – The 60-Degree Promise Dean Wysocki joins the show with a bold prediction. While today is icy and miserable, Dean reveals that the long-range LRC models show North Dakota hitting the 60s by the end of March. Is "shoveling sunshine" finally in our future?
[01:45] – Listener Mailbag: Trump and the Epstein Files Kevin responds to a heated listener text regarding Donald Trump and the Epstein case. He breaks down the logic of why the files weren't released earlier and defends the administrative handling of the investigation against claims of partisan protection.
[02:10] – Ag Director Bridget Riedel Live from San Antonio Bridget joins the show from the Commodity Classic to give a boots-on-the-ground report on the mood of American farmers and the reaction to the political figures descending on the convention.