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The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday February 24th, 2026.  Guests include Matt Carlson.

A high-energy Tuesday edition of the Steve Hallstrom Show looks toward Washington D.C. as the State of the Union address takes center stage. Steve highlights the local figures heading to the capital, including "The Godfather" of North Dakota talk radio, Scott Hennin, who is attending as the guest of Senator Kevin Cramer. The show also explores a major victory for Fargo public safety as crime rates plunge, a shocking world-record sale in the world of Pokémon, and the unsettling details surrounding a high-profile local murder investigation. Plus, Steve breaks down why a $100 million housing program in Minnesota is reportedly 90% fraud and why Hillary Clinton is suddenly starting to make "common sense" on border security.

Key Moments

• State of the Union Local Flavor: Steve celebrates the news that talk radio icon Scott Hennin will attend the State of the Union as the guest of Senator Kevin Cramer. He also notes that Moorhead’s Sean Severson (Swing Barrel Brewing) will be in attendance as a guest of Senator Amy Klobuchar, highlighting the strategic importance of the Clay County voting bloc.

• Fargo’s Crime Crackdown: Police Chief David Zabolsky reports a 10% drop in violent crime in Fargo for 2025. Steve breaks down the promising numbers: rapes down 37%, murders down 33%, and burglaries down 29%, though he notes a troubling five-year high in drug overdoses driven by fentanyl.

• Hillary’s Border Shift: Steve reacts to Hillary Clinton’s recent comments in Munich, where she admitted that migration has been "disruptive and destabilizing". Steve questions the timing of this shift, wondering if the left is only now seeing the light because their previous policies have become "politically unprofitable".

• The $16.4 Million Pikachu: Steve and producer Addison discuss YouTuber Logan Paul’s record-breaking sale of a rare 1998 Japanese Pikachu Illustrator card. Steve uses the bizarre sale to discuss the mechanics of supply and demand and the "mind-blowing" values of modern collectibles.

• Minnesota’s 90% Fraud Crisis: Steve highlights a report from KSTP’s Jake Holes alleging that a former U.S. Attorney found a housing stabilization program to be almost entirely fraud. Steve compares the scale of this state crisis to federal spending, calling it an "unthinkable" theft from taxpayers.

• USA Hockey Brotherhood: Steve celebrates the U.S. men’s hockey team’s gold medal win and defends hero Jack Hughes against "toxic masculinity" critiques. He previews the team’s upcoming visit to the White House and argues that a golden goal should be a moment that unites the entire country.

• The District 28 "Hijacking": Steve dives into the "story of the day" regarding a chaotic Republican meeting in District 28. He details an attempted takeover of the stage by a group of late-arriving attendees and what this "China-breaking" strategy means for the upcoming state convention in Minot.

• Meet Sung Kim: Steve introduces the new owner-operator of Fargo’s West Acres Chick-fil-A. A U.S. Army Reserve Chaplain, Kim shares his mission to "glorify God" while serving the community and mentoring the next generation of workers.

With Scott Hennen on a mysterious mission to D.C., Kevin Flynn teams up with Hayden Smith and Olivia Notch from Turning Point USA for a high-energy Monday edition of What’s On Your Mind. The crew celebrates a historic "Miracle on Ice" 2.0 as Team USA clinches Olympic gold, but the conversation quickly shifts to the kitchen table issues hitting North Dakotans. From the "hidden tax" of skyrocketing gas prices and the local impact of the Trump tariffs to a candid look at Marxist influence in North Dakota universities, this episode bridges the gap between international headlines and local reality. Plus, we hear from listeners on why the "good old days" of non-political classrooms might be gone forever.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:03] – Where in the World is Scott Hennen? Kevin reveals that Scott is currently navigating the South and heading toward D.C., leaving the keys to the studio to the TPUSA team. The crew discusses the "A-Team" at Petro Serve USA and why gas prices are the topic on everyone's lips.

[00:15] – The 46-Year Wait is Over A deep dive into the U.S. Men’s Hockey gold medal victory. Kevin and Hayden discuss the electric atmosphere of the overtime win against Canada and why this victory feels like a spiritual successor to the 1980 "Miracle on Ice."

[00:27] – The "Snowy-cane" Hits the East Coast While North Dakota enjoys a reprieve, the East Coast is buried under two feet of snow. The team reacts to the bizarre news that Boston shovelers now need two forms of ID to work, sparking a debate on government overreach and common sense.

[00:45] – Tariffs, Gas, and Your Wallet The conversation turns to the Supreme Court's ruling on the Trump tariffs. Kevin and Olivia break down why gas prices have spiked 40 to 60 cents in a single week and what "energy independence" actually looks like for the average commuter.

[01:12] – The $39 Trillion Elephant in the Room Hayden tackles the national debt crisis, discussing the sustainability of American spending and the cultural shift toward "instant gratification" that has led to record-high credit card debt among Gen Z.

[01:35] – The Death of the Neutral Professor A powerful call from a listener in Lake Park triggers a discussion about the "Marxist creep" in local education. Hayden and Olivia share their firsthand experiences with left-wing bias at NDSU and why the days of professors keeping politics out of the classroom are a distant memory.

[01:55] – Turning Point’s Mission Olivia explains the growth of TPUSA in the Dakotas, focusing on the upcoming "Gird Up" event and the importance of young conservatives finding their voice in an increasingly hostile academic environment.

In this guest-hosted episode of What's On Your Mind, NDSU Turning Point USA leaders Hayden Smith and Titus Queen, alongside field representative Olivia Notch, take the mic to discuss the "silent killers" of modern American life. From the pervasive rise of online sports gambling and the crushing weight of credit card debt to the myths surrounding college degrees, the team explores the economic and cultural traps facing young people today. However, it’s not all "Debbie Downer" talk—the crew also dives into positive trends, including record-breaking deportation statistics, a surge in religious interest among Gen Z, and why the "house always wins" in the rigged world of digital parlays.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:00] – A Prayer for Wisdom The guest hosts kick off their first time behind the mic with a moment of prayer, asking for humility, repentance for the nation, and the wisdom to reflect truth during their broadcast.

[00:18] – The $157 Billion "Silent Killer" Hayden introduces the concept of society’s silent killers, starting with the explosive growth of online gambling. The team reveals a staggering statistic: Americans lost $157 billion on sports betting last year—50% more than the entire national budget for the SNAP program.

[00:54] – The "Juice" is Rigged Titus breaks down the mechanics of online gambling, explaining how digital platforms make money harder to conceptualize than physical cash. They discuss "the juice," explaining how five-leg parlays can have a 25% house edge that essentially guarantees the gambler loses in the long run.

[01:03] – Living Paycheck to Paycheck by Choice? A deep dive into a report stating that while 34% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, only 25% actually need to for necessities. Olivia discusses the "lifestyle issue" fueled by social media, where young women are influenced to spend recklessly to project a high-life image they can't afford.

[01:14] – The Debt Trap & "Loan Shark" Banks The hosts tackle the $39 trillion national debt and the personal credit card crisis. They debate whether banks have become modern-day loan sharks and discuss President Trump’s proposal to cap interest rates at 15%.

[01:33] – Feminism and the Birth Rate The conversation shifts to the "relationship scene." Titus argues that rising feminism is turning young men away from marriage due to the fear of "losing half," while Olivia points out that statistics show families and children are the greatest indicators of long-term happiness for women.

[01:63] – Beggars Can’t Be Choosers The crew discusses common-sense reforms for government assistance. They argue that if the government provides free food, recipients shouldn't complain about restrictions on "Coca-Cola, ice cream, and frozen pizzas" while working-class Americans struggle to afford those luxuries.

[01:93] – The "Underwater Basket Weaving" Degree Hayden shares a vital rule of thumb for students: Never borrow more for a four-year degree than your expected first-year salary. The team encourages young men to look into trade schools, where they can earn $100k as plumbers or electricians without the weight of student loans.

[02:12] – 2025's Turning Point The hosts share a "positive outlook" segment featuring 2025 data: 2.5 million illegal immigrants leaving the country (mostly through self-deportation), a 20% reduction in murders nationwide, and the recovery of over 145,000 unaccounted-for children by ICE.

[02:43] – The Legacy of a Martyr In a heavy closing moment, the team reflects on the state of Gen Z. Despite falling standardized test scores, they see hope in a "rising tide" of students returning to the church and finding their values in Christ following the martyrdom of Charlie Kirk.

It’s a Monday for the history books! Kevin and Alex are back in the studio to break down an unforgettable Olympic weekend. After 46 years, the U.S. Men’s Hockey team has captured gold in a heart-pounding overtime win against Canada. We dive into the heroics of goalie Connor Hellebuyck, the "possessed" spirit of 1980, and Jack Hughes’ missing tooth. Plus, we look at the "Snowy-cane" slamming the East Coast, why Boston shovelers need two forms of ID, and the legal fallout of the Supreme Court's latest ruling on the Trump tariffs.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:11] – Shoveling with ID? The guys react to the massive "Category 2" equivalent snowstorm hitting Boston and New York. A bizarre new twist: apparently, you now need to show ID just to help shovel snow in some areas—but not to vote?

[00:28] – The Mexico "Hunker Down" Warning A serious turn as the team discusses the fallout from a cartel leader's death in Mexico. With travel advisories in place for Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, the crew debates whether any resort is truly safe right now.

[01:09] – Gold Medal Fever: USA vs. Canada Relive the magic of the 2-1 overtime victory. The guys break down the 3-on-3 sudden death format and praise Connor Hellebuyck’s legendary 41-save performance that silenced the "archrival" Canadians.

[01:25] – The 1980 Connection Is it a coincidence that the U.S. only wins hockey gold against "communist-leaning" countries? A listener text sparks a hilarious debate about the political trajectory of our neighbors to the north.

[01:38] – Olympic Medal Wrap-Up "Big Game" James joins to run through the final counts. While Norway dominated the slopes, Team USA walked away with its most gold medals ever in a single Winter Games.

[01:54] – The "Snow-Lease" and March Outlook Dean Wysocki drops in with a reality check. While we might see 18 degrees today, Dean promises a pattern change by mid-March that could see us hitting the 60s.

[02:04] – Tariffs and the Supreme Court A deep dive into Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s take on the SCOTUS tariff ruling. Is the president’s leverage gone, or did the court accidentally give him a more "draconian" power—the full embargo?

[02:18] – Pickleball vs. The Chiropractor The crew celebrates "Play Tennis Day" by debating the rise of pickleball. Kevin explains why he’s staying far away from the court to avoid "dropping like a fly" with a blown-out knee.

Join Kevin Flynn, Alex Taylor, and Dean Wysocki for the Friday edition of the Need to Know Morning Show. As a fresh blanket of "fluffy powder" greases up the valley roadways, the team dives into a heavy-hitting news cycle dominated by the release of the Epstein files. From the shocking arrest of Prince Andrew on his 66th birthday to the resignation of high-profile Ivy League and Wall Street advisors, the "blast radius" is expanding. Plus, the crew discusses the latest Olympic gold for Team USA women's hockey, a potential relocation for the Chicago Bears, and why 75% of people want barbecue every single week.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[06:00] – Shoveling Sunshine The show kicks off with the team lamenting the endless winter snow. Kevin shares a quote from a realtor friend in Phoenix: "You can't shovel sunshine," as they break down the local forecast and the "greasy" road conditions.

[06:12] – National "Handcuff" Day? It's a bizarre day for national holidays, ranging from National Cherry Pie Day to International Lego Day. The team highlights the irony of it being "National Handcuff Day" just as major international arrests are making headlines.

[06:15] – The Alien Disclosure The "Trumpster" keeps winning? The guys discuss a recent tweet regarding the release of government files related to "Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon" and extraterrestrials. Are we finally going to see the spacecraft, or is it just more reports?

[06:23] – The Kidnapping Game The team takes a "rabbit hole" detour into a strange story involving Savannah Guthrie and a childhood game involving "kidnapping" in the Arizona desert.

[06:35] – Prince Andrew & The Epstein Files Jesse Watters breaks down the arrest of Prince Andrew by British police on charges of misconduct in public office. The discussion expands to the resignation of Obama advisors Larry Summers and Catherine Rumler as the fallout from the Epstein files hits Harvard and Goldman Sachs.

[06:45] – The Clinton Connection A deep dive into the impending testimony of Bill and Hillary Clinton. The crew reacts to clips of Hillary defending Bill’s trips on Epstein’s plane as "charitable work" while mocking the "creepy Bill" persona.

[06:54] – Global Warming vs. The Driveway Dean Wysocki faces off against a listener text about "blowing global warming out of the driveway." The team debates the reality of climate evolution while Dean promises arctic air to end the month of February.

[07:05] – Olympic Gold & Grumpy Losers Big Game James joins to celebrate the U.S. Women's Hockey gold medal over Canada. The guys discuss the "grumpy" Canadian reaction to the 2-1 overtime loss and preview the men's semi-final against Slovakia.

[07:15] – The Indiana Bears? A look at the shocking report that the Chicago Bears might relocate to Indiana after a bill was passed to lure them away. Is it really Chicago without the Bears?

[07:25] – Birthday Shoutouts & Barkley The team wraps up with history lessons and celebrity birthdays, including Cindy Crawford (60) and Charles Barkley (63), featuring a story about Barkley kissing Kevin's wife on the lips!

A massive Monday edition of the Steve Hallstrom Show celebrates a historic weekend for American sports and regional generosity. Steve breaks down the U.S. Olympic hockey team’s first gold medal win in 46 years and fires back at critics attempting to overshadow the victory with political "toxic masculinity" tropes. The show also celebrates a staggering $30.4 million raised during Giving Hearts Day 2026 and features an exclusive interview with the new owner-operator of Fargo’s West Acres Chick-fil-A. Plus, a look at the "baby bump" hitting Minnesota’s paid leave program and the somber search for Isadora Wengel.

Key Moments

• USA Hockey’s Golden Moment: Steve celebrates the U.S. men’s hockey team’s thrilling overtime win against Canada. He highlights the "pitch perfect" response from hero Jack Hughes, who—despite losing two teeth during the game—declared the win was "all for the country." Steve also previews the team's upcoming visit to the State of the Union address as guests of President Trump.

• Giving Hearts Day Triumph: Steve broadcasts live from the Dakota Medical Foundation as Giving Hearts Day 2026 reaches a monumental $30.4 million. Pat Traynor and Gina Pinovich join the show to discuss how the "Most Generous Region" continues to break barriers, with over 325 new volunteers joining local nonprofits.

• Meet Fargo’s New Chick-fil-A Leader: Sung Kim, the new owner-operator of the West Acres Chick-fil-A and a U.S. Army Reserve Chaplain, joins the studio. Kim shares his journey from a South Korean student to a leader in an organization that "genuinely honors God" and invests in the next generation.

• The Search for Isadora Wengel: A somber update on the investigation into missing West Fargo woman Isadora Wengel. Steve discusses the community search effort at Dyke East Park and the horrific new evidence revealed in charging documents against her accused killer.

• Operation Metro Surge Drawdown: Steve analyzes Tom Homan’s announcement that over 1,000 federal agents have already left the Twin Cities. He notes Homan’s stunning report that ICE has located 3,364 unaccompanied children in Minnesota that were previously "lost" in the federal system.

• Minnesota’s Paid Leave Crisis: Reports indicate that Minnesota’s new Paid Family Leave program is already nearly out of money just weeks after launching. Steve explores why approvals are running 26% above forecast and the potential for a "baby bump" to drain state resources.

• Epstein Files & Critical Thinking: Steve addresses the latest release of Jeffrey Epstein files, noting that while the documents contain "disgusting" allegations, Americans must remain critical thinkers and distinguish between uncorroborated "FBI tips" and proven legal evidence.

• Bison Women’s Basketball Rolls On: The NDSU women’s basketball team continues their dominance, moving to 23-2 on the year after a historic win at UND. Steve highlights their 21-game winning streak as a premier success story for the community.

A power-packed edition of the Steve Hallstrom Show as guest host Greg Stemen steps in to navigate a massive news cycle. The episode features an essential deep dive into election security with North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe, who explains why North Dakota’s unique "no registration" system actually makes it the most secure state in the nation. We also break down the historic move of NDSU Football to the FBS , the staggering scale of Minnesota’s $20 billion fraud crisis , and the true cost of agricultural labor. Plus, a live update on the record-breaking generosity of Giving Hearts Day 2026.

Key Moments

• North Dakota’s Election Fortress: Secretary of State Michael Howe joins the show to discuss why North Dakota is the only state without voter registration. He explains the state's "nightly" cleaning of voter files and the real-time cross-checks with the DOT that ensure only citizens cast ballots, arguing that this streamlined process avoids the "one-size-fits-all" failures of federal mandates.

• Bison Football Levels Up: Broadcaster Brian Sean joins the studio to analyze NDSU’s jump to the FBS and the Mountain West Conference. They discuss the $17.5 million in private donor funding covering entry fees and why the timing was critical to avoid a "lame duck" season.

• The "One Job" Crisis: Greg Stemen highlights jaw-dropping reports from St. Paul, where fraud in state programs is now estimated at $20 billion—the equivalent of $2.3 trillion at the federal level. He plays a clip from reporter Jake Holes alleging that up to 90% of certain housing programs were lost to fraud.

• Giving Hearts Day 2026: Live from the Dakota Medical Foundation, the show tracks a massive day of philanthropy. By mid-morning, donations surged past $18 million for 650 charitable causes, with Pat Traynor and Gina Pinovich discussing the "friend-raising" power of the event.

• The Hidden Cost of Farming: Ag Director Bridget Riedel reveals the "incredible" numbers behind ag labor, noting that per-acre costs in some sectors have skyrocketed from $109 to $1,600 over the last 20 years.

• The H-2A Debate: Local producer Grant calls in to provide a firsthand look at the H-2A visa program. He clarifies that farmers—not the government—foot the bill for housing, airfare, and vehicles, arguing that these loyal workers have become the backbone of rural communities.

• Moorhead’s ICE Review: Following a spirited council debate, Moorhead Mayor Shelley Carlson has assembled a committee to review the city’s response to federal immigration enforcement, a move that has sparked intense debate over the use of public property for federal actions.

• Isadora Wengel Investigation: A somber update on the search for missing West Fargo woman Isadora Wengel. Police Chief Dave Zabolsky announces "strong evidence" against the man in custody, as community search parties organize to recover Wengel’s body.

The Jay Thomas Show from Friday February 20th, 2026.  Guests include Bettie (Jay's Mom), Jenny and Archie (the Maine Coon Cat) and Michelle Turnberg.