Archives: Episodes

Host Steve Hallstrom tackles a mix of local news, national politics, and economic analysis on a snowy, windy Tuesday afternoon. The winter storm has led to early dismissals and canceled after-school activities across Moorhead, but roads remain open.

Key Moments:

• ND Economic Freedom Ranked: Dr. John Bitson from the Challey Institute reports on the Economic Freedom of North America Report. North Dakota ranks ninth in the nation, performing well due to a low tax environment (ranking fifth) and low minimum wage relative to average wages. South Dakota ranks third. States with greater economic freedom tend to have people who live happier, healthier, and wealthier lives.

• Federal Aid & Tariffs: President Trump's $12 billion aid package for farmers affected by the trade war is progressing. The Treasury Secretary said China is on track to meet their promised U.S. soybean purchases by the end of February. However, an interview with economist Raheem Williams questions the effectiveness of the Trump administration's economic policy, suggesting volatility and uncertainty around tariffs are a major issue for business planning.

• Local Political Updates:

  • Moorhead Mayor Race: Kassi Sofferman, a social worker and non-profit founder, is the first to announce her candidacy for Moorhead Mayor.

  • Fargo Annexation Fight Ends: The Fargo City Commission unanimously voted to cancel its annexation of 300 acres near Harwood where the $3 billion Applied Digital Data Center is being built. The move is intended to foster cooperation with Harwood leaders.

• Abortion Pill Ad Campaign: South Dakota Governor Larry Roden has urged an investigation into a new advertising campaign for abortion pills at 30 gas stations, believing it violates the state's pro-life laws. South Dakota's law prohibits abortion except to preserve the life of a pregnant mother.

• Prison Drone Drop: A drone was intercepted trying to drop a package of contraband at a South Carolina prison. The package included steak, crab legs, Old Bay seasoning, marijuana, and cigarettes. Dropping contraband via drone is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

• Mortgage Rates & Housing: Mortgage broker Dave Noah reports that 30-year fixed rates are around 6% to 6.5%, and he is optimistic they could hit the "low-fives" in 2026. The local real estate market is currently more of a buyer's market.

Episode Summary:

Host Steve Hallstrom covers a busy Monday, including a major political upset in college football, a huge aid package for farmers, encouraging local education data, and a check on the financial markets. The weather in Fargo is snowy and a little breezy, but gas prices are down, with some places hitting $2.17 per gallon.

Key Moments:

• FCS Playoff Upset: Hallstrom discusses the "historic upset" where the expected national champion North Dakota State Bison were eliminated early from the FCS playoffs. The Bison offense was sluggish, having more punts than first downs, and the season-ending turnover by quarterback Cole Payton (who broke his thumb on the play) sealed the fate of the team.

• $12 Billion Farm Aid: President Trump announced a $12 billion aid package for farmers impacted by the recent trade war. $11 billion is allocated to the new Farmer Bridge Assistance Program for row crop farmers.

• North Dakota Students Improving: New statewide testing results show North Dakota students are becoming more "choice-ready," rising from 71% to 73% in the last school year, meaning they are better prepared for the workforce, military, or post-secondary education. The four-year graduation rate also improved by 2%.

• Interview with Val Wagner: The new North Dakota Farm Bureau President, Val Wagner, discusses the challenges for young farmers and the importance of open communication between the agricultural community and state government officials in Bismarck. She stresses that Farm Bureau's priorities include property tax rights and mental health for farmers.

• Millionaires from 401ks: Fueled by three straight years of market gains, the number of 401k millionaires is doubling since the end of 2022. Fidelity reports 654,000 401k millionaires as of the third quarter.

• Financial & Political Updates: The stock market closed down slightly, but there is an 87% expectation of another quarter-point interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve this week. Co-host Scott Hannon joins to discuss his trip to Washington, D.C., and Minnesota GOP candidates for governor, including the possibility of Mike Lindell entering the race.

• Local Issues: Fargo is sending out $75 invoices for sidewalk snow removal to property owners who failed to clear snow and ice within 24 hours of a snow event. Also, the Fargo Park District is investigating a cyber security event.

• Travel Opportunity: The Travel Traveler agency offers a seven-night trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, in January (average high 79°F), flying out of Fargo for $1,538 per person.

Scott Hennen's last show before a DC trip is packed with updates on the Minnesota fraud scandal, a new outlook for North Dakota's higher education system, and a detailed long-range weather forecast that predicts a stormy winter and spring.

Standout Moments

• LRC Long-Range Weather Forecast (0:47:00) Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down the Lezak Recurring Cycle (LRC) for the next several months, based on a roughly 60-day cycle. He confirms a stormy winter is ahead, predicting:

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    December: Active weather with noteworthy storms on December 12th–14th and right before Christmas, December 23rd–26th.  

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    January/February: Two large spikes in snowfall: January 29th–February 1st and February 6th–12th.  

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    Spring: A spike in active snowfall March 23rd–25th, followed by a likely return of wet conditions and flooding (last seen in October) into April and May.  

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    Moisture Outlook: The state will see at or above normal snowfall this winter, eliminating drought worries.  

• Minnesota Fraud Total May Exceed $5 Billion (0:44:48) [cite_start]Senator John Kennedy's comments are highlighted, where he describes the fraud mess as making you "want to throw up in a potted plant". [cite_start]He notes that across three schemes (including the autism scam), crooks stole over $1 billion [cite_start]and estimates the fraud may go "north of five billion now".  

• Fraud on Autistic Children (0:43:25) [cite_start]Kennedy details the autism scam where providers offered Somali parents bribes to falsely certify their children as autistic to steal millions in welfare funds. [cite_start]He emphasizes that state authorities never checked the legitimacy of these operations "because the politicians wouldn't let them".  

• North Dakota Higher Education Vision (0:37:05)

  [cite_start]

  Brent Sanford, the new Commissioner (formerly Chancellor) of the North Dakota University System (NDUS) [cite_start], outlines his blueprint: transparency, accountability, and aligning higher education with state workforce needs.  

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    Workforce: The stickiness factor for North Dakota high school grads getting a degree at NDUS and staying to work is 60% to 80%.  

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    Tuition: NDUS tuition for 4-year schools is similar to surrounding states, but approximately 50% of the cost is subsidized by general funds.  

• The "Trump Voter Problem" Debate Continues (0:03:00) [cite_start]Listener Henry calls in to argue that Trump voters stay home when the former President isn't on the ballot because Republican leaders, like Senator Cramer, "cave" on issues like Obamacare, making them "deep state" and not worth voting for. [cite_start]Scott counters that staying home is a "punch in the gut" to the agenda.  

• Northeast Storm Warning (0:46:16) [cite_start]Dean Wysocki warns of tomorrow's strong clipper system, stating blizzard warnings may be issued for the Devils Lake Basin through Grand Forks and Thief River, with winds possibly gusting 45 to 60 miles per hour. [cite_start]The western part of the state (Watford City to Bismarck) will be on the warm side and see mainly rain.  

• Retracted Climate Change Study (0:52:43) [cite_start]Scott reveals a highly-cited study predicting a catastrophic economic decline due to climate change—used by organizations like the World Bank and the Vatican—has been retracted by its authors due to a "200% error".  

It's a snowy Monday as the hosts kick off the "12 Days of Christmas" giveaway. The episode features bombshell revelations on the scale of the Minnesota fraud scandal from Senator John Kennedy, Mark Levin's take on the constitutionality of the "coke boat" airstrikes, a severe winter storm watch, and advice on health and wellness.

Standout Moments

• Minnesota Fraud Estimated at $6 BILLION (0:04:33) [cite_start]Senator John Kennedy discusses the Minnesota fraud mess, revealing that investigators are now estimating the total theft from taxpayers, across three fraud schemes (including the Feeding Our Future and autism scams), may be as much as $6 billion by the time they are done. [cite_start]He details the autism scam where providers bribed Somali parents $400 to $1,500 to falsely certify their children as autistic.  

• Politicians Blocked Investigation (0:05:32) [cite_start]Kennedy asserts that state authorities in Minnesota knew claims were rising but "the politicians wouldn't let them" investigate the fraudulent businesses or check on the children. [cite_start]The hosts state this scandal should be a "career ender" for Governor Walz and his administration.  

• Winter Storm Watch for Tuesday (0:06:58) [cite_start]Dean Wysocki issues a Winter Storm Watch for Tuesday into Tuesday night for the area from Devil's Lake through Fargo and northward.  

  • [cite_start]Snow will likely start by lunchtime, with 3 to 6 inches expected in the FM area.  

  • [cite_start]Heavier snow, 6+ inches, is expected around Grand Forks and Thief River.  

  • [cite_start]High winds are expected on the back side, leading to "near blizzard conditions" Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.  

• Levin on Constitutionality of Coke Boat Strikes (0:13:00) [cite_start]Mark Levin argues that nothing in the Constitution prohibits the President from taking military action, distinguishing between Congress's power to "declare war" and the President's power to "make war". [cite_start]He cites numerous historical examples of undeclared military actions, from the Barbary Pirates to the Korean War.  

• Venezuelan Drug Gangs Designated Terrorist Organizations (0:31:07) [cite_start]Levin reveals that gangs like Tren de Aragua are not just criminal gangs but an "international militia" and a "kinetic part of their military," and have been officially designated by the State Department as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in February 2025. [cite_start]He calls the President's actions "strictly defensive" against a government pushing drugs and supporting groups like Hezbollah.  

• Need to Know's "12 Days of Christmas" Kicks Off (0:08:48) The promotion officially begins. [cite_start]The prize for Day 1 is a four-pack of tickets to Mannheim Steamroller (Saturday at Shields Arena). [cite_start]Day 2's prize is a new snowblower from Buffalo River Sales.  

• Hawaii Trip Deal for $1,538 (0:32:46) [cite_start]Katie from Travel Travel announces a great deal: 7 nights at the Twin Fin on Waikiki Beach (including flights and transfers from Fargo) in January for $1,538 per person (double occupancy).  

• Health and Wellness: The Parasite Problem (0:38:23) [cite_start]Mariah Prussia discusses parasites, noting that almost everyone has them. [cite_start]She lists common symptoms like bloating, itchy skin, brain fog, teeth grinding, and huge cravings for sugar. [cite_start]She mentions herbal remedies such as black walnut hull, wormwood, and clove.  

On this Friday edition, Scott tackles the "head-scratcher" of why passionate Trump voters stay home when the former President isn't on the ballot, risking his second-term agenda. Senator Kevin Cramer joins the Talk Radio Town Hall to discuss the economy, military spending, and the healthcare battle. The show also covers the latest in the Minnesota fraud scandal and a police update in Fargo.

Standout Moments

• Fargo Police Update on Tyreek Jones (0:00:05) The Fargo Police Department is holding a press conference at 11 a.m. to update the investigation involving 20-year-old Tyreek Jones. Jones is being released from Hennepin County Jail after providing information that helps "redirect the focus of the investigation to another individual as a potential suspect."

• The Perplexing Trump Voter Midterm Gap (0:01:45) Scott opens with a "complete head-scratcher": Why do full-throated Trump supporters who go to rallies and wear red hats not vote in midterm elections, thus risking the power base Trump needs in Congress and the Senate? A listener suggests it's because "nobody else is as exciting as Trump" (0:09:47).

• Call for Somali Community Leadership on Crime/Fraud (0:02:29) Scott questions why there are no "bold, honest conversations" from Somali leaders condemning the "large percentage" of the community taking advantage of government programs and being responsible for a "high percentage" of law-breaking in Minnesota, Ohio, and Maine. He calls on law-abiding Somalis to "police your own."

• Senator Cramer on Health Care Subsidies (0:16:00) Senator Kevin Cramer discusses the battle over health care, calling the Democrat-supported extension of "extremely generous bonuses to insurance executives disguised as subsidies" a program "wrought with fraud" (0:16:51). He suggests Republicans will offer an alternative that includes a short-term transition to provide premium support and income caps on subsidies (0:17:35).

• Terminating Biden's CAFE Standards (0:24:29) A clip of President Trump and Senator Cramer announcing the termination of the "ridiculously burdensome" CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards is played. Cramer says this single event is more important than the tax cuts for small businesses and will lead to an "escalation of economic opportunity" in 2026.

• Fargo's ARC on Developmental Disabilities (0:04:08) Jeff Anderson from The ARC of Cass County joins for "Feel-Good Friday." He explains that the ARC supports people with developmental disabilities, focusing on integration in the community and running two local thrift stores to cover operating expenses. They are currently dreaming of resources to help those who "fall between the cracks" of eligibility.

• Cramer Defends Drug Boat Strikes as "Moral and Legal" (0:21:28) Senator Cramer defends the Administration's policy on striking drug boats in the ocean, stating that after receiving the facts, "everything they're doing is both legal and moral" (0:22:15). He says he's tired of people asking if Pete Hegseth will be fired over the "double-tap" order (0:22:25).

• Final Thoughts on Trump's Second Term (0:19:07) Cramer states that the comfort for worried Trump supporters is the massive $2 billion war chest he has raised for his PAC (0:19:33). He also reveals that Trump has secured the confirmation of over 400 nominees in the first year, which is more than he had in his entire first term and more than Joe Biden had in his first term (0:16:16).

This episode of What's On Your Mind focuses on the deep-seated political and judicial problems in Minnesota, the national exposure of large-scale fraud, and the impact of government regulation. Scott also gets a weather update and discusses the volatile grain markets and civic engagement in North Dakota.

Standout Moments

• Minnesota's Mess Goes National (0:01:07) [cite_start]Scott expresses amazement and gratitude that the massive fraud and corruption story in Minnesota is finally receiving national scrutiny. [cite_start]The corruption, starting with the Somali community and misusing welfare systems, is also noted to be happening in Maine and Michigan.  

• Keith Ellison's Involvement in the Fraud (0:16:03) Former GOP AG candidate Ron Schutz (mistakenly introduced as Ryan) details how Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison met with the soon-to-be-indicted "Feeding Our Future" fraudsters in December 2021, weeks before the federal raid. [cite_start]Ellison allegedly offered to "help" them after they complained about getting a hard time with grants. [cite_start]Ellison's focus is criticized as being on suing the Trump administration instead of fighting fraud in Minnesota.  

• The Judicial System's Role in Minnesota's Problems (0:23:05) [cite_start]Lieutenant Governor candidate Ryan Wilson (running with Lisa Damath) discusses the "soft on crime" judicial philosophy in Minnesota, noting that judges appointed by Democrats (including the last seven years by Tim Walz) are the problem. [cite_start]Wilson points to a $7.2 million fraud case where a judge overturned a jury's guilty verdict and a case where a convicted rapist was sentenced to only probation.  

• Predicting Paid Family Leave Fraud (0:18:48) [cite_start]Both Scott and Ron Schutz predict the new Minnesota paid family medical leave program, effective January 1st and allowing up to 20 weeks of paid leave per year, will be "riddled with fraud", potentially involving healthcare providers providing false documentation.  

• CAFE Standards and Affordability (0:11:34) [cite_start]Scott discusses the government's Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, noting that President Trump is rolling back regulations that led to higher vehicle prices. [cite_start]He cites the CEO of Ford Motor Company who called the old rules "totally out of touch with the market reality" and confirms the rollback is a victory for affordability that will "bring car prices down"  

• The Long List of Taxes That Didn't Exist 100 Years Ago (0:12:47) [cite_start]Scott reads a long, poetic list of different taxes and regulatory fees—from property and income tax to sales and liquor tax—and states that none of these taxes existed 100 years ago, when the US was the most prosperous nation with no national debt.  

• Cold Weather Update and Clipper Systems (0:09:47) [cite_start]Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki reports that Arctic air is spilling in over the weekend, with highs statewide in the single digits. [cite_start]Multiple "clipper systems" are expected next week, bringing roughly one to three inches of snow with each system.  

• North Dakota Civic Engagement and Term Limits (0:30:13) [cite_start]North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe discusses the impact of term limits passed by voters in 2022 and calls on citizens to get engaged by identifying and running for local offices like mayor, city council, and school boards. [cite_start]He stresses the need for higher turnout in the June primary elections.  

• Grain Market Update on Soybeans and China (0:34:03) [cite_start]David Spickler of Lighthouse Commodities discusses the grain market, noting that soybeans are at a "critical point" after reaching 17-month highs due to China's purchasing pledge. [cite_start]The price support must hold over the next few weeks, or the market will see a sharp correction.  

This Friday episode is packed with political fire, weather details for a cold weekend, and holiday cheer. The hosts analyze the arrest of the J6 pipe bomber, blast Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's comments, get the full winter forecast, and kick off the promotional "12 Days of Christmas."

Standout Moments

• Governor Walz's "Retarded" Complaint (0:02:50) The hosts react strongly to a clip of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stating that people driving by his house and calling him "retarded" creates danger. Kevin calls Walz a "clown" and a "criminal" in the context of the state's ongoing fraud issues.

• The DC Pipe Bomber Arrest - New FBI Leadership (0:10:47) The segment features commentary from Sean Hannity and an interview with Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino regarding the arrest of Brian Cole, Jr., the J6 pipe bomber. Pam Bondi is credited with prioritizing the case, which languished for four years under the prior administration. Bongino reveals that all the evidence needed was "already there" in the file and admits that what he learned upon entering the FBI "shocked [him] to [his] core".

• Controversy over Pipe Bomber's Motive/Identity (0:11:41) The hosts discuss the political leanings of the pipe bomber suspect, Brian Cole, Jr., noting he continued to buy bomb parts after January 6th. They also mock CNN for initially reporting the suspect was a white man, when the suspect is Black.

• LRC Winter Weather Outlook Special (0:07:07) Dean Wysocki promotes the special LRC (Lezak Recurring Cycle) Winter Outlook on the Jay Thomas Show at 2 p.m., featuring Gary Lezak. Dean explains the LRC will break down the winter month-by-month, noting there are two distinct patterns this year, one of which is a "wild card" that could bring a nasty winter during its 10-15 day window.

• Minnesota's Mandatory Paid Leave Fraud Concerns (0:21:00) A listener text and the hosts speculate that long-term disability and the new 20 days of paid family leave (for any reason) in Minnesota—which may include illegal immigrants—will be the next major source of fraud implicating the Somali population.

• Lab-Grown Meat Alternatives (0:18:23) Bridgette Readel discusses the concern about meeting the demand for animal-based proteins by 2050. She mentions that China is working on a gene-edited fungus that looks and tastes more like animal protein as a potential alternative to cell-cultured meat.

• "12 Days of Christmas" Kickoff Prize (0:26:41) The first prize for the giveaway starting Monday is announced: a family four-pack of tickets to see Mannheim Steamroller. The second-day prize will be a snowblower from Buffalo River Sales.

This episode dives into a brutal cold snap, local winter activities, major political and social issues, and the latest in college sports. The hosts cover everything from Minnesota's frigid weather and ice fishing updates to heated discussions on political corruption and the "woke gender stuff" in schools.

Standout Moments

• Brutal Cold Weather Update (0:00:23) Kevin and Alex describe the freezing conditions, noting the current temperature is eight below zero and discussing the wind chill factor. They also mention that temperatures are about 20 degrees below normal for this time of year.

• Ice Fishing is Kicking Off (0:01:21) The hosts share exciting news about early ice fishing, with friends reporting four and a half to six and a half inches of ice on smaller bodies of water, and panfish are already "snapping." Caution is advised for early season ice.

• "12 Days of Christmas" Giveaway Announced (0:03:00) Details about the show's annual "12 Days of Christmas" promotion are revealed, set to start on Monday. Prizes will include a snowblower, an eyewear package, a floor scrubber, and an Ace Out Golf Sim package.

• Discussing Somali Fraud Rings in MN and ME (0:04:22) A major segment on the Somalian community focuses on reports of fraud rings in Minneapolis and Maine. The discussion features clips from Will Cain and Laura Ingraham, with the hosts expressing strong opinions on assimilation, corruption, and the use of public funds.

• Minnesota Car Tab "Grift" (0:05:40) Kevin shares a personal experience with the Minnesota tab renewal process, highlighting what he calls a state "scam" where his 2011 Chevy Silverado is valued by the state at over $35,000, significantly higher than its market value.

• Interview with Bridget Riedel on the Beef Industry (0:16:16) Bridgette Readel checks in from Deadwood, South Dakota, discussing the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association conference. She shares optimistic statistics on rancher profitability and family additions to operations, as well as the challenges producers face with packing industry "monopolization."

• Oregon Dad Blasts Gender Identity Survey in Schools (0:24:45) The show rolls a clip from America Reports about a father outraged over a state-issued gender identity survey for elementary students. The hosts strongly condemn the survey and the larger discussion around "woke gender stuff" in schools.

• Ice Fishing Pro Steve Carney on Forward-Facing Sonar (0:32:00) Ice fishing expert Steve Carney joins the show to give an ice report and discuss the controversial new technology, forward-facing sonar, which he believes is "devastating on our fishing community" and could ruin fisheries by allowing anglers to target fish in previously unfished areas.

• Minnesota Gophers Upset Indiana in College Hoops (0:37:10) A check of the local sports scores includes the Minnesota Gophers men's basketball team defeating #22 ranked Indiana 73-64. NDSU men beat Montana, while UND lost to Idaho.

• LRC Winter Weather Outlook Teaser (0:39:10) Deano provides the daily forecast and teases the upcoming LRC Winter Weather Outlook show tomorrow, noting that this winter will "not be like the last two."

Host Steve Hallstrom covers a chaotic news day marked by a significant law enforcement blunder in Fargo, major developments in Minnesota's ongoing fraud crisis, and an unexpected international honor for President Trump. The show features an interview with a former FBI operative on the dangers of inadequate vetting and radicalization. Economically, discussions center on the sharp drop in sugar beet prices due to anti-sugar trends and dumping, and the surprisingly high rate of affluent shoppers using discount stores like Dollar Tree.

Key Moments:

• Fargo Police Blunder: The Fargo Police Department experienced an embarrassing "oversight" when they nearly released Tyreke Jones, a suspect in a fatal August shooting, after he was apprehended in Minneapolis. Jones was initially cleared of the shooting charges based on his interview but was then found to have outstanding warrants for "terrorizing," requiring him to remain in custody and be extradited to Cass County. Police leadership was criticized for the breakdown in protocol.

• Trump’s FIFA Peace Prize: President Donald J. Trump was awarded the inaugural 2025 FIFA Peace Prize for his diplomatic efforts, particularly the Abraham Accords and brokering ceasefires in various global conflicts. The prize, created this year, led to a discussion on the international support for Trump often ignored by domestic media.

• Minnesota Fraud Crackdown: ICE has arrested at least 12 men in Minneapolis this month as part of "Operation Metro Surge," targeting individuals from Mexico, Somalia, and El Salvador. Concurrently, the Small Business Administration (SBA) uncovered over $1 million in fraudulent pandemic loans in Minnesota, noting the fraud "runs deeper than was ever previously reported".

• War on Sugar Hits Local Farmers: Payments to American Crystal Sugar farmers for sugar beets dropped dramatically to approximately $44 per ton from $78 the previous year. The causes include foreign sugar dumping and reduced demand due to anti-sugar movements and the rising use of weight loss drugs (GLP-1s).

• Vetting Crisis and Law Enforcement: Former FBI operative Eric O’Neill provided expert analysis, suggesting the U.S.'s "disastrous withdrawal" from Afghanistan led to rushed vetting for Operation Allies Welcome, potentially allowing individuals like the D.C. shooter to slip through checks. He stresses the importance of effective vetting to prevent radicalized individuals from harming the U.S..
• FDA Vaccine Recommendation Change: The Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Vaccine Committee voted to do away with the universal recommendation that all babies receive a Hepatitis B shot at birth, instead advising parents to consult their doctor to determine when to administer the vaccine if the mother tests negative for the virus.

• Affluent Discount Shoppers: Dollar Tree reported that 60% of its new customers are from higher-income households earning over $100,000, indicating a broad shift in consumer spending habits.

• Property Tax Elimination Push: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is pushing a plan to eliminate property taxes on primary residences, potentially making Florida the first state to do so while also having no state income tax, though it would require raising the state sales tax to compensate for lost revenue.