Archives: Episodes

The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday February 4th, 2026.  Guests include John and Danielle Knosalla.  https://www.renewedrootsschool.org/

Steve Hallstrom dives into a high-stakes Wednesday edition where the battle for election integrity takes center stage. As a partial government shutdown looms, a group of House Republicans is drawing a line in the sand, refusing to reopen the government unless mandatory voter ID—via the SAVE Act—becomes the law of the land. Steve also breaks down the fallout from the Minnesota Republican caucuses, the "staggering" drop in the U.S. murder rate, and a new property tax playbook being written by a local favorite, Sandy’s Donuts. Plus, a crucial conversation with Captain Brian Niewind on North Dakota roadway safety and a look at why 80 out of 87 Minnesota counties may be "shielding" individuals from federal authorities.

Key Moments

• The SAVE Act Standoff: Steve discusses the bold move by Representative Anna Paulina Luna and other conservatives to tie government funding to the SAVE Act. He argues that nationwide voter ID is not a "Jim Crow" law but a common-sense measure that, according to a recent CNN poll, is supported by 85% of whites, 82% of Latinos, and 76% of Black Americans.

• Minnesota Caucus Results: With 72% of the state reporting, House Speaker Lisa Daymuth has taken an early lead in the GOP gubernatorial straw poll, followed by Kendall Qualls and Mike Lindell. Steve analyzes whether Daymuth’s momentum can overcome the "moderate" image of Amy Klobuchar.

• Historic Drop in Crime: Steve highlights reporting from Alpha News showing a 21% decline in the murder rate across 35 major cities in 2025—the largest one-year drop in history, bringing rates to a 100-year low.

• The Sandy’s Donuts Strategy: Steve explores how Sandy’s Donuts is expanding in West Fargo while utilizing a five-year property tax abatement. He argues this is the "playbook" for how cities should incentivize growth without running into bankruptcy.

• Fulton County Fallout: Attorney and legal analyst John Gordon joins the show to provide an update on the FBI's recent seizure of 700 boxes of election records in Georgia. Gordon details findings of sequential voter IDs and duplicate ballots that he claims involve hundreds of thousands of illegal votes.

• Roadway Safety with Captain Niewind: Captain Brian Niewind of the North Dakota Highway Patrol reports a 20% reduction in traffic fatalities in 2025, a shift he attributes largely to the state’s primary seatbelt law. He also warns drivers to watch out for "red tabs" on their license plates, signaling expired registrations.

• Minnesota's "Shielding" Counties: Steve reacts to claims from former police union president Bob Kroll that 80 of Minnesota’s 87 counties do not cooperate with ICE on detainers, a number Steve calls "staggering".

• The Emergency Food Pantry: Stacey Loegeing explains how the Fargo-Moorhead Emergency Food Pantry distributed 1.5 million pounds of food to over 23,000 unique people last year and details a $75,000 match available for Giving Hearts Day.

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 the home stretch of the regular season, preview this week's road trip, 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

In this live broadcast from the North Dakota Corn and Soybean Expo, host Scott Hennin dives deep into the high-stakes world of agricultural policy and international trade. With the ink barely dry on new Treasury Department guidelines for the 45Z tax credit, industry leaders and economists break down what this means for local ethanol plants, soybean crushing facilities, and the pocketbooks of family farmers.

The episode balances technical policy discussions with a boots-on-the-ground look at the "patriotic" struggles of farmers navigating trade wars with China and rising input costs. From the potential of sustainable aviation fuel to the "Super Bowl" of agricultural demand, this episode is a comprehensive look at the economic engines driving rural America in 2026.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

• [00:03:00] – Live from the Expo: Scott sets the stage at the Butler Arena, highlighting the intersection of tax policy and small-town economic engines.

• [00:09:00] – The 45Z Buzz: Breaking news on the tax code extension through 2029 and why it’s "instrumental" for the value-added agricultural world.

• [00:28:00] – The China Factor: Steve Senske, CEO of the American Soybean Association, discusses the reality of exporting 25% of the total U.S. soybean crop to a single customer.

• [00:48:00] – De-weaponizing Demand: A strategic look at how expanding domestic crushing plants can reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese trade.

• [01:11:00] – The Economist’s View: Krista Swanson of the National Corn Growers discusses why 2026 is the fourth year in a row facing a "cost of production" crisis.

• [01:59:00] – Maritime & Aviation: Exploring the "800-pound gorilla" opportunities for corn and soy in the shipping and airline industries.

• [02:44:00] – Trade Mission Panama: A Richland County farmer discusses the global push for E10 and E15 ethanol blends.

• [03:50:00] – The India "What If": Why India represents the biggest untapped game-changer for American soy exports.

• [04:08:00] – The "Silent Majority" & Minneapolis: The show shifts gears to discuss local law enforcement cooperation and the political friction in the Twin Cities.

• [05:57:00] – Washington Update: Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak joins the program to discuss the "One Big Beautiful Bill" and avoiding a government shutdown.

The party is just getting started as Alex and Kev kick off a Tuesday morning with eyes on Las Vegas. With the big "Valentine’s in Vegas" giveaway tonight at Kingpin’s, the crew discusses the latest qualifiers and the chance to see The Wizard of Oz at the legendary Sphere.

But it’s not all glitz and glamour. We dive deep into the fallout from the Grammys, specifically Billie Eillish’s "stolen land" comments and the celebrity obsession with "ICE Out" pins. The team breaks down the hypocrisy of high-walled mansions built on burial grounds and shifts to heavy-hitting news: the FBI’s massive document seizure in Fulton County, Georgia, and the growing donor crisis facing the Democratic party. Plus, we check in with Churches United to discuss the homelessness crisis and preview a "sunshine" filled event for the community.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:03:00] The Grammy Hypocrisy Laura Ingraham and the team take aim at Billie Eillish’s "no one is illegal on stolen land" speech, pointing out the irony of a $14 million mansion surrounded by eight-foot walls and built on Tongva tribal burial grounds.

[00:06:50] The Day the Music Died A somber look back at the anniversary of the 1959 plane crash that took the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper, and how Waylon Jennings narrowly missed the flight.

[00:10:44] Vogue’s Newsom Obsession The crew laughs through a glossy Vogue profile of California Governor Gavin Newsom, mocking the "embarrassingly handsome" descriptions while ignoring the state’s massive debt and homelessness issues.

[00:28:00] Sanctuary City Standoff Senator Markwayne Mullin joins the show to discuss Lindsey Graham’s new bill aimed at defunding sanctuary cities and pulling federal TSA agents from non-compliant airports.

[00:33:55] Beyond the Shelter: Churches United Steph Ressler from Churches United joins the studio to talk about "Silver Lining" apartments for seniors and their $1 million goal for Giving Hearts Day to combat chronic homelessness.

[00:41:30] Winter Golfing and Acoustic Fests Nick and Lucas from Sweet Shots drop by to talk about keeping the bays warm in February and their upcoming eight-week audience-participation singing competition.

[00:43:00] The Fulton County Seizure David Spunt reports on the FBI executing a search warrant in Georgia, seizing 700 boxes of election records as Tulsi Gabbard makes a surprise appearance on the scene.

[00:49:15] The 17-Inch Snow Rumor Meteorologist Dean Wysocki addresses a "drunk" computer model forecasting 17 inches of snow, while promising a much more realistic mid-30s thaw for later in the week.

The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday February, 3rd, 2026.  Guests include Senator Kevin Cramer.

Steve Hallstrom dives into a high-stakes week in American politics and local development. From the halls of Congress, where a group of Republicans are threatening to keep the government shut down unless mandatory voter ID becomes federal law, to the streets of Minneapolis as Tom Homan arrives to cool the tensions of Operation Metro Surge. Steve also explores the future of Fargo’s skyline with an in-depth look at the Shields Arena convention center proposal and celebrates a new conservative voice entering the race for Fargo City Commission. Plus, a candid discussion on the "Epstein Files" data dump and why the truth remains so elusive.

Key Moments

• The Government Shutdown & The SAVE Act: Steve breaks down the standoff in Washington D.C., where Representative Anna Paulina Luna and other House conservatives are demanding the SAVE Act—which requires proof of citizenship to vote—be attached to any spending bill to reopen the government.

• The Shields Arena Proposal: Austin Morris (Enclave) and John Crom (Shields Arena) join the studio to detail their $200 million vision for a new Fargo Convention Center. They discuss a 100,000-square-foot expansion, a connected luxury hotel, and a "Dinkytown-style" entertainment district that would cost taxpayers $0 in land costs.

• Tom Homan’s "Beachhead" in Minnesota: Following a professional phone call between President Trump and Governor Tim Walz, Steve analyzes Border Czar Tom Homan’s effort to humanize ICE agents and reach a deal with local officials to move enforcement from the streets into county jails.

• Tony Gehrig’s Return: Steve welcomes the news that fiscal hawk Tony Gehrig is running for Fargo City Commission again. Steve highlights Gehrig’s mission to reign in a budget that has climbed over 10% in a single year and tackle the city’s $1.3 billion debt.

• The Epstein File Dump: Steve addresses the massive release of over 3 million pages from the Epstein investigation. He questions the validity of the "FBI tips" included in the dump and discusses why high-profile mentions of figures like Barack Obama and Donald Trump often lack the context needed for legal action.

• Bitcoin’s Rollercoaster: After a volatile week for crypto, Steve provides a "Bitcoin 101" summary, explaining why he remains a buyer even as the coin dips. He compares Bitcoin’s $2 trillion market cap to gold and silver, noting its growing status as an institutional asset.

• Moorhead’s "Constitutional Observers": Steve critiques a training session held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, where 350 people gathered to learn how to document ICE raids. He argues the movement is less about "observing" and more about organized political resistance.

• Best Thing I Heard All Day: Steve features a powerful social media clip from Alicia Moore, a black conservative woman who challenges the "group ownership" of minds based on skin color, arguing that independent thought should be respected above party loyalty.

It’s a Monday edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, and February is kicking off with a mix of celestial tradition and heavy-hitting political discourse. Hosts Alex and Kev dive into the Groundhog Day predictions—six more weeks of winter or an early spring?—while breaking down the escalating tensions on Capitol Hill.

This episode features a deep dive into Senator Eric Schmidt’s four-point immigration plan and Senator John Kennedy’s colorful critique of what he calls the "Karen Wing" of the Democratic Party. From the streets of a snowed-in New York City to the local sports scene, the crew covers the national debate over ICE funding, the upcoming Super Bowl "dynasty" matchups, and the future of law enforcement in the age of AI.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:00] The PETA Groundhog Controversy The hosts discuss PETA’s push for an AI Groundhog to replace Punxsutawney Phil, debating whether the legendary rodent actually has a "good gig" or is a victim of tradition.

[00:11:43] Senator Eric Schmidt’s Immigration Plan A breakdown of the Republican strategy to end sanctuary cities, increase penalties for illegal reentry, and dismantle the NGO network currently impacting border enforcement.

[00:13:51] The "Deafness" of the Powell Era Senator Schmidt critiques former Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s timing on rate cuts and discusses the nomination of Kevin Walsh to lead a "growth-focused" Federal Reserve.

[00:17:15] Happy Birthday to the Cub Scouts A trip down memory lane as the crew marks the anniversary of the Cub Scouts (founded 1914) and lists famous members ranging from George W. Bush to Jim Morrison.

[00:20:07] Stanley Kroenke: America’s New Largest Landowner Bridget Riedel joins the show to discuss how the LA Rams owner leapfrogged Ted Turner to become the largest private landowner in the U.S. with 2.7 million acres.

[00:25:44] Vikings Leadership Shakeup Big Game James reports on the "self-implosion" of the Minnesota Vikings after the franchise parted ways with GM Kwesi Adolfo-Mensah.

[00:28:27] Senator John Kennedy on the "Karen Wing" The Louisiana Senator delivers a viral take on the Democratic leadership, accusing them of taking marching orders from the "Bolshevik wing" regarding the defunding of ICE.

[00:35:10] The "Birds and the Bees" of Wellness Health expert Mariah Prussia discusses the healing vibrations of bees for PTSD and the hidden carcinogens in modern sunscreens and smart technology.

[00:44:00] New York’s Ex-Con Commissioner A look at the controversial appointment of Stanley Richards to run New York City’s prisons and the city’s staggering $30 billion debt crisis.

Host Scott Hennen broadcasts live from DS Beverages in Moorhead, Minnesota, for a jam-packed episode tackling the shifting political landscape in the Midwest. We sit down with Minnesota gubernatorial candidate and Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth to discuss her "barnstorming" tour and her plan to root out state fraud.

The conversation then shifts to the national stage with Turning Point USA’s Andrew Colvett, who drops exclusive details on a "wholesome" Super Bowl halftime alternative to Bad Bunny. Plus, we explore the incredible impact of Giving Hearts Day with the Dakota Medical Foundation and wrap up with North Dakota Congressional candidate Alex Balazs on why he’s taking another run at Washington D.C.

From local crime and deportation stories in Fargo to the "good vs. evil" battle in Minneapolis, this episode covers the pulse of the region.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:03:00] The "Wholesome" Halftime Show Scott teases a special conversation with Andrew Colvett regarding Turning Point USA’s Super Bowl plans, positioned as a family-friendly alternative to the mainstream "insanity."

[00:21:00] One-on-One with Speaker Lisa Demuth The candidate for Minnesota Governor discusses the importance of the precinct caucuses, her commitment to the GOP endorsement process, and her strategy to defeat the "Walz-Flanagan" administration.

[00:33:00] Rooting Out Fraud Demuth details her plan to empower the Lieutenant Governor to lead a centralized effort to track state spending and ensure accountability among commissioners.

[01:13:00] Behind the Vice President’s Closed-Door Meeting Lisa Demuth shares insights from her private meeting with the VP regarding federal immigration laws and the need to de-escalate rhetoric in Minnesota.

[01:56:00] The Wild Card: Mike Lindell The crew discusses the "pillow guy’s" potential impact on the Republican primary and whether he can buck the trend of Trump voters staying home when the former President isn't on the ballot.

[04:22:00] The Fargo Deportation Bombshell Scott breaks down a local story involving a felony robbery convict and a legal tug-of-war between Merrick Garland and Pam Bondi over deportation.

[04:53:00] The Heart of the Region: Giving Hearts Day A deep dive into the 19th annual day of giving, featuring charities like A Place for Hope and the massive logistical effort behind raising over $30 million in 24 hours.

[06:65:00] Alex Balazs: The Rematch Congressional candidate Alex Balazs joins Steve Hallstrom to explain how his military and Foreign Service background makes him a stronger leader for North Dakota in a volatile global climate.

The Jay Thomas Show from Monday February 2nd, 2026.  Guests include Tony Gehrig and your calls and emails.