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The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday March 31st, 2026.  Guests include Steve Bakken.

In a packed Tuesday morning broadcast, Steve Hallstrom breaks down a whirlwind of local and global news, ranging from a looming double-header spring storm in the Red River Valley to the shifting geopolitical tides of the war in Iran. Steve offers a candid look at how global conflict is beginning to "take the wind out of the sails" for the 2026 U.S. economy, despite early-year optimism. Between deep dives into record-breaking oil prices and the 75th anniversary of North Dakota’s oil discovery, the show explores a growing sense of unrest and a desire for independence—not just in the Middle East, but as close as Alberta, Canada.

Key Moments

• A "Whopper" of a Spring Storm Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki joins the show to map out a complex, two-part weather system hitting the region. Expect heavy, wet "heart attack snow" starting Wednesday night, with a second round following on Friday. While Fargo might see 4 to 8 inches, areas to the south could be buried under more than a foot.

• The $100 Barrel Dilemma North Dakota Petroleum Council President Ron Ness discusses WTI crude oil hitting its highest prices since 2022. While high prices mean a massive tax windfall for North Dakota—roughly $8 million a day—Ness warns that rapid spikes can act as a drag on the broader economy and input costs for farmers.

• The "Stay Free Alberta" Movement Steve examines a surprising independence petition in Alberta, Canada, which has garnered over 175,000 signatures. With a potential referendum on the horizon for October, the show discusses the legal hurdles of secession and the growing global trend of citizens pushing back against federal overreach.

• The 2026 Economic Reality Check In a featured commentary, Steve revisits his New Year’s predictions. He argues that the prolonged conflict in Iran and rising inflation at the pump are shifting 2026 from a "banner year" to a more "neutral" or "muted" one, emphasizing how business optimism is being stifled by persistent interest rates.

• A National Rededication The "Best Thing I Heard All Day" features President Trump’s announcement of a massive gathering on the National Mall scheduled for May 17, 2026. The event is billed as a formal rededication of the U.S. as "one nation under God" to kick off the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

• The Particle Board Prophecy To close on a high note, Steve highlights a viral video of a contractor celebrating a massive drop in lumber prices. With Particle Board falling to under $10 a sheet, it’s a rare win for the construction industry and anyone planning a summer building project.

FARGO, N.D. – The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has officially named Dr. Marshall Stewart as the university's 16th president. The announcement, made during a lively press conference on Monday, follows a rigorous month-long search process that considered over 60 candidates from across the country.

Kevin Black, Chair of the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education, introduced Stewart as a leader who perfectly aligns with NDSU’s mission of student success and regional partnership. “We need someone who understands how to put student success first and foremost... and to build great partnerships across the state,” Black stated.

A Vision for Growth and Excellence

Dr. Stewart, who most recently served as a senior leader at Kansas State University and previously held roles at the University of Missouri and North Carolina State University, accepted the position with a call for collective action. Emphasizing a collaborative philosophy, Stewart told the crowd, “It’s not me, it’s we. Whether it be in the academic side of the house, the athletic side... we’re going to be working on this together”.

His vision for NDSU is centered on achieving "preeminent land-grant" status by chasing excellence every day. Stewart highlighted several ambitious goals for his tenure:

• Enrollment Expansion: Stewart aims to grow NDSU’s enrollment to between 15,000 and 18,000 "learners". This plan includes a target of 15,000 students on campus and an additional 3,000 to 5,000 through a modernized online learning platform.

• Retention Revolution: Addressing the university’s current retention rate in the low 70s, Stewart set a goal to move that figure above 90% within the next three to five years. “It’s always easier to keep a customer than it is to get a new one,” he remarked.

• The Three I’s: To differentiate the NDSU student experience, Stewart plans to focus on three pillars: Involvement in campus life, Internships to drive the state’s economy, and International experiences to prepare students for a global economy.

Strengthening the Land-Grant Mission

As a career-long advocate for the land-grant model, Stewart spoke passionately about the role of NDSU Extension. He described extension as the “third leg” of the university’s mission, essential for touching the lives of all 800,000 North Dakotans, whether they ever step foot on campus or not.

“If we're doing our job as a land-grant, we're touching their life,” Stewart said. He intends to open the university’s vast talent pool to communities across the state to drive innovation in agriculture, healthcare, and technology.

Athletics and Affordability

The new president also addressed the shifting landscape of collegiate athletics, expressing his firm support for NDSU’s recent move to the Mountain West Conference. While acknowledging the importance of the "Bison family" brand, Stewart stressed the need to balance athletic success with student affordability. He pledged to work with student leaders and donors to ensure that rising costs do not become a barrier to education.

A New "Adopted Son"

Originally from North Carolina, Stewart joked that while he might never be a "native son" of North Dakota, he is eager to be a "good adopted son". He and his wife, Jan, expressed their excitement about joining the Fargo-Moorhead community and investing in the state’s future.

“This is North Dakota State University, and we're going to make it the best land-grant university in the country that we could ever imagine,” Stewart concluded.

Broadcasting live from the campus of North Dakota State University, host Scott Hennen takes listeners inside a historic day as the Board of Higher Education selects the 16th President of NDSU. From the search for a new leader to the university’s bold move into FBS football, we explore the future of this premier research institution.

Later in the episode, we recap Scott’s recent trip to the White House for the Celebration of American Agriculture. Featuring interviews with industry titans and local farmers, we tackle the "Maha" movement, the rising costs of fertilizer, and the critical importance of precision agriculture and biofuels in keeping the backbone of rural America strong.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:25] The Presidential Search Scott and reporter Chris Larson break down the interviews of the three finalists—Dr. Marshall Stewart, Dr. Bernie Savarese, and Dr. Alan Smith—detailing the tough questions they faced regarding enrollment, retention, and the land-grant mission.

[00:05:40] Philanthropy & The $800 Million Milestone NDSU Foundation CEO John Glover discusses the incredible loyalty of the 100,000 living alumni and how over $800 million has been committed in the last decade to transform student lives.

[00:08:35] Battle for the Land Levi Otis of the Landowners Association of North Dakota joins the show to discuss the decades-long struggle with federal water easements and previews a massive upcoming meeting in Devil’s Lake featuring Senator Cramer.

[00:15:30] Stepping into the Big Leagues Athletic Director Matt Larson discusses the "electric" atmosphere surrounding NDSU’s transition to FBS football, the $50–60 million investment required, and the fight to lift moratoriums on championship eligibility.

[00:19:10] Red Iron at the White House Titan Machinery CEO B.J. Knutson shares the surreal experience of seeing a Case IH tractor wrapped in the Stars and Stripes on the White House lawn while advocating for E15 and farmer profitability.

[00:22:15] View from the Interim Chair Interim President (and former Congressman) Rick Berg reflects on his unfiltered "short-term" presidency, the challenges of flat enrollment, and his optimism for the Fargo Dome’s renovation.

[00:26:40] The Fertilizer Monopoly McCluskey farmer Kim Sarasek gets candid about the "bleak picture" of input costs, the struggle against fertilizer monopolies, and how precision ag is the only way to "variable rate" survival.

[00:33:45] The "Banana" Crowd vs. Animal Ag Brian Dean of the Livestock Alliance sounds off on the "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard) activists and foreign-funded groups trying to stop the growth of North Dakota’s dairy and pork industries.

[00:40:05] Trump’s Emergency TSA Fix Scott closes with a political deep dive into President Trump’s executive order to pay TSA agents following the "Schumer shutdown" and the ongoing legislative battle over ICE funding.

It’s a high-energy Monday morning with Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor as they dissect a wild weekend of nationwide "No Kings" protests. From the streets of St. Paul to Detroit Lakes, the team dives into the ideology, the organization, and the "astroturf" nature of these rallies.

The episode features a deep dive into Middle Eastern tensions with Mark Levin, a blunt assessment of the "Trump Derangement Syndrome" with psychotherapist Jonathan Alford, and a look at the legislative gridlock in D.C. with Senator Ron Johnson. Plus, we talk spring farming safety with Bridget Riedel and get a "Widowmaker" snow forecast from Dean that might just ruin your Easter plans.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:04] Jarheads and Gray Hair Kevin recounts his Saturday in Detroit Lakes, encountering a "No Kings" rally filled with singing protesters and how his veteran friends responded to the "thank you for your service" handshakes.

[04:12] Group Therapy on the Streets Psychotherapist Jonathan Alford joins the show to discuss why he views the nationwide protests as "bad group therapy" and a manifestation of a "grievance culture" that has replaced traditional spirituality.

[11:00] The Iranian Threat Mark Levin breaks down the sobering statistics of American casualties caused by Iran over the decades and questions why some politicians are still giving a "terrorist regime" the benefit of the doubt.

[17:40] Grain Safety & Tax Loops Ag expert Bridget Riedel highlights National Grain Safety Week and explains how a new "One Big Beautiful Bill" is finally fixing complex tax definitions for farmers selling equipment.

[22:06] March Madness Heartbreak The guys recap a "logo three-pointer" buzzer-beater that sent UConn to the Final Four and look ahead to the Timberwolves' do-or-die stretch in the West.

[25:30] D.C. Gridlock with Sen. Ron Johnson Senator Johnson sounds off on the Department of Homeland Security funding battle, the "obnoxious" obstructionism in the Senate, and why he’s ready to kill the filibuster.

[40:45] Protest Inc. Investigative editor Azra Nomani exposes the money trail behind the weekend's rallies, labeling it a "stage-managed production" funded by billionaire tycoons rather than a grassroots movement.

[44:30] The Easter "Widowmaker" Meteorologist Dean drops a bombshell forecast for the upcoming holiday weekend, warning of "heart attack snow" that could dump 10 to 12 inches across the region.

Strap in for a fast-paced Monday as Jay Thomas navigates a jam-packed show filled with breaking news, political shakeups, and a deep dive into the brands that define us. The afternoon kicks off with a look at the "No King" protests making national waves and a localized debate on the changing landscape of local media. Jay is also joined in studio by Scott Brekke, a member of the Fargo Liquor Control Board, who officially launches his bid for the Fargo City Commission with a platform focused on retail crime, taxes, and government accountability.

The show features a special live broadcast of the press conference introducing Dr. Marshall Stewart as the 16th President of North Dakota State University. Listeners get a first-hand look at Stewart’s "land-grant" vision for the Bison family, his ambitious enrollment goals, and his plan to enhance the student experience. Finally, the phone lines explode as Jay asks the audience: what one brand are you loyal to for life? From Heinz Ketchup and Folgers Coffee to Ford trucks and the perfect pair of blue jeans, the "Brigade" weighs in on the products they simply won't quit.

Key Moments

• The Protesting Game: Jay and the crew discuss the "No King" rallies appearing across the country and the specific local protest held on the NDSU campus, sparking a debate on whether universities should remain neutral political ground.

• A New Era for NDSU: The program carries the live introductory press conference of Dr. Marshall Stewart. Stewart outlines his "Bison Family" vision, aiming for a future enrollment of 15,000 to 18,000 "learners" and emphasizing global mindsets and internships.

• Scott Brekke Enters the Race: The City Commission candidate stops by to discuss why his 30 years of big-box retail experience is needed to tackle Fargo's shoplifting spike and property tax concerns.

• The Brand Loyalty Face-Off: Jay admits he’s breaking his lifelong loyalty to Levi’s jeans due to declining quality, prompting a flood of calls about everything from the reliability of John Deere tractors to the "gold trigger" of Browning rifles.

• Fargo’s "Must-See TV": A preview of the City Commission meeting, including discussions on the permanent location of the downtown engagement center and the appointment of an interim police chief.

• The "Hellmart" Report: As spring arrives, Jay revisits the perennial issue of panhandling in the FM area, including a shocking story of professional panhandlers reportedly earning up to $80,000 a year tax-free.

• The Case for Shields Arena: Jay and his guests debate the four finalists for the new Fargo convention center, with Jay making a strong logistical case for the South Fargo/West Fargo border location.

FARGO, N.D. – The Challey Institute at North Dakota State University (NDSU) is set to host a screening of a provocative new documentary, When Cops Become Robbers, which examines the impact of personal property seizure by law enforcement across the United States.

The film's producer, Patrick Reasonover, recently discussed the documentary’s origins and its focus on the "Afroman case" of 2022. That incident, involving a raid on the artist’s home where no charges were filed, has sparked a national conversation about the handling of personal property after police encounters.

Understanding Civil vs. Criminal Asset Forfeiture

The documentary distinguishes between two types of asset forfeiture:

• Criminal Asset Forfeiture: Typically follows an arrest, indictment, and conviction. If the defendant is found innocent, the property is usually returned.

• Civil Asset Forfeiture: Allows law enforcement to seize property based on the suspicion that it was involved in or the proceeds of a crime. Crucially, this can occur without a criminal indictment or conviction.

Reasonover noted that while 85% of Americans across the political spectrum oppose this policy when explained, it remains widespread. He highlighted that the standard of proof in civil proceedings is "clear and convincing evidence," a lower bar than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" required in criminal trials.

Concerns Over Profit Incentives

A central theme of the film is the financial incentive for law enforcement agencies. Depending on the jurisdiction, agencies may keep a portion of the seized assets or receive funds back through federal equitable sharing programs.

"Law enforcement agencies get to keep the money," Reasonover said. "They actually have an incentive to take the money because they get to keep some percentage of it."

The documentary features a whistleblower, a former police officer named Jeremiah, who describes instances of misconduct related to these practices. It also features Brad Gates, one of the original architects of the policy during the 1980s "War on Drugs," who now believes the system has evolved into something far beyond its intended purpose.

Screening Information

The screening of When Cops Become Robbers will take place tomorrow at NDSU, sponsored by the Challey Institute. For more information, interested parties can visit ndsu.edu/challeyinstitute.

FARGO, ND — Approximately 60 soldiers from the North Dakota Army National Guard are preparing to deploy to Washington, D.C., this April to assist local and federal law enforcement in a specialized public safety mission.

The deployment, expected to last roughly three months, comes in response to a crime emergency declaration in the District of Columbia. Nathan Rivard, Public Affairs Officer for the North Dakota National Guard, discussed the mission’s details during a recent interview on the Valley Christian Counseling and Wellness phone line.

Mission Scope and Personnel

The departing unit consists primarily of soldiers from the 131st Military Police Battalion, headquartered in Bismarck, along with specialized support from the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

While the National Guard has a long history of supporting the National Capital Region, Rivard noted that this specific mission is unique. "Because this one specifically is based off of an executive order from last year... this is the first one we've done supporting this specific mission," Rivard explained.

The soldiers will focus on:

• Community Safety Patrols: Maintaining a visible presence to ensure civil order.

• Crowd Management: Assisting during large-scale events or gatherings.

• Law Enforcement Support: Acting as a force multiplier for the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.

A Volunteer Force

A striking aspect of this deployment is that every soldier participating is a volunteer. Despite the inherent risks and the time away from home, Rivard emphasized that the call for help was met with immediate enthusiasm.

"Everyone that is going on this mission volunteered for it," Rivard said. "People go into those jobs because they want to help... I think this is a way a lot of people see as a direct way to do that."

Impact on the Capital

The deployment follows a year of significant statistical improvements in D.C.’s safety landscape, which many attribute to the increased presence of Guard members. Recent data highlights a sharp decline in several categories of major crime:

Rivard noted that these numbers provide a sense of validation for the soldiers. Unlike construction workers who can see a physical building at the end of a shift, Guard members often have to rely on these broader trends to measure their success.

"They’ll have that knowing in their ethos of 'this is something I did in my life that was worth doing,'" Rivard said. "When we were there, this is what we accomplished."

The North Dakota contingent will join National Guard units from several other states, forming a unified front to stabilize the capital’s security as the mission continues through the spring.

Steve Hallstrom kicks off a high-stakes Monday edition as the region prepares for Holy Week amidst rising geopolitical and economic tensions. With crude oil crossing the $100-per-barrel mark, Steve dives into the "CPAC Straw Poll" results for 2028 and a chilling report on $350 million in cash leaving the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. The show features a deep dive into the controversial practice of civil asset forfeiture with filmmaker Patrick Reasonover and a live update from NDSU as the State Board of Higher Education prepares to name the university’s next president. Plus, a look at the "family compound" trend and why billionaires are fleeing California for Texas.

Key Moments

• NDSU Presidential Decision Day: Reporter Chris Larson joins the show live from the NDSU campus, where the final three candidates—Dr. Marshall Stewart, Dr. Bernie Savarese, and Dr. Alan Smith—are undergoing their second round of interviews. Steve previews the executive session where the Board of Higher Education will officially name the new president later this afternoon.

• When Cops Become Robbers: Documentary producer Patrick Reasonover discusses his new film exploring civil asset forfeiture. He explains how the policy allows law enforcement to seize property based on mere suspicion without a criminal conviction, and why 85% of Americans across the political spectrum now view the practice as un-American.

• The $350 Million MSP Cash Trail: Steve analyzes a startling report that $350 million in cash left the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport last year—more than any other airport in the U.S. Steve calls for a federal investigation, questioning the lack of state authority over these massive and suspicious outflows.

• The 2028 Republican Straw Poll: Following the CPAC convention, Steve breaks down the early 2028 frontrunners. J.D. Vance leads the pack with 53%, followed by Marco Rubio at 35%. Steve explores the possibility of a Vance-Rubio ticket and what it means for the future of the conservative movement.

• North Dakota National Guard Deployment: Public Affairs Officer Nathan Rivard joins to discuss 60 soldiers from the 131st Military Police Battalion heading to D.C. The volunteer mission supports a presidential executive order to combat rising crime in the nation’s capital through community safety patrols.

• Billionaires Fleeing the Wealth Tax: Steve reports on Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick’s move from California to Texas just 14 days before a proposed retroactive billionaire tax would have taken effect. Steve argues that "money won't stick around" where it is adversarialized by state governments.

• The "Family Compound" Sentiment: Following up on a viral discussion about multi-generational housing, Steve hears from listeners like Bill, who are considering "circling the wagons" to help their adult children navigate the crushing costs of taxes, insurance, and interest rates.

• L.A. School District Money Laundering: Steve highlights felony charges against a project manager in the Los Angeles School District who allegedly funneled $3 million in kickbacks from a $22 million contract, highlighting the risks of "big money in big systems."

With Scott Hennen reporting live from the "swamp" in Washington, D.C., Kevin Flynn takes the helm alongside the "future of talk radio"—Hayden Smith and Olivia from Turning Point USA NDSU. This Friday edition of What’s On Your Mind is a high-octane mix of local common sense and global high stakes.

The team dives into the "blue flu" sweeping through TSA, the infiltration of "kindergarten cabals" in the GOP, and a sobering look at the real threats facing America today. We also get an exclusive preview of actor Josh Duhamel’s new movie Preschool and a masterclass in parenting from Seattle-based author Stacey Manning. To top it off, Kevin shares a viral warning to those poking the "Red, White, and Blue Bear."

Standout Moments

• [01:05] The "Blue Flu": Hayden breaks down why certain airports are seeing massive delays, alleging that government workers are falsifying illness to protest the Trump administration.

• [03:41] No Kings, No Clues: Kevin and the students react to the "No Kings" protest at NDSU, questioning the logic of those who claim the President will never leave office.

• [09:53] Raising Warriors: Author Stacey Manning joins from Seattle to discuss her book, Raising a Conservative in a Woke City, and why she encourages parents to be "a year early rather than five minutes too late."

• [14:48] Josh Duhamel Returns: The Hollywood star talks about his new film Preschool, his wellness company Gatlin, and why shooting in London was actually cheaper than Malibu.

• [19:35] "Everybody Toots": Musician Matt Aakre joins the fun to talk about writing a song for Duhamel’s film that is "naughty enough for kids and nauseating for parents."

• [21:14] The Gatlin Mission: Duhamel gets serious about onshoring pharmaceutical manufacturing to North Dakota to end America's dependence on India and China.

• [25:57] The Dirty Bomb Scenario: A former military listener provides a terrifying breakdown of how a "dirty bomb" could be built in a standard machine shop and what it means for national security.

• [27:54] Poking the Bear: Kevin reads his viral open letter to those seeking to dismantle American culture, warning that the "Red, White, and Blue Bear" is about to wake up.

• [31:02] The Truth About "China Doug": Kevin defends North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum against "globalist" labels, sharing personal stories from their days playing bar trivia in the 90s.