Archives: Episodes

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.

This episode tackles the severe cold weather, the escalating political battles surrounding immigration and drug policy, and financial market insights. Key segments include a detailed look at the Trump administration's aggressive anti-drug cartel strategy, an exposé on what some view as corruption within NGOs, and a financial discussion on the post-holiday retail climate and the new "Trump Accounts."

Standout Moments

• Record Cold Weather & Forecast: The show emphasizes the severe cold, with temperatures in the single digits, heading up to a high of only 8 degrees (which is 20 degrees below normal), and wind chills between 10 and 20 below. Meteorologist Dino confirms the current weather is "good ice making weather".

• Cabinet Meeting Comparison: The hosts highlight the transparency of the Trump administration, noting this was the ninth televised cabinet meeting in 11 months, in contrast to the Biden administration's total of nine non-televised meetings over four years.

• Trump's War on Drugs Doctrine: A long clip from Jesse Watters details the Trump administration's new doctrine: any country manufacturing and selling narcotics into the U.S. is subject to attack. The strategy involves 11 U.S. warships in the Caribbean and 15,000 troops ready for action, targeting narco-boats and treating drug cartels like Al-Qaeda.

• Immigration, Terrorism, and Minnesota Fraud: White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt discusses the danger of millions of unvetted illegal aliens let into the country by the Biden administration, including known terrorists. She specifically targets Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and the Somali migrant fraud rings stealing nearly $1 billion in taxpayer benefits in Minneapolis.

• NGO/Church Corruption Claim: A texter and the host express concern about NGOs like Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Charities receiving millions of taxpayer dollars to bring in "bad actors," fueling an argument that some churches and NGOs have become a "scam" focused on power and money.

• Ag Economy Update: Bridget Riedel reports from the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association meeting, noting that U.S. beef production is becoming more efficient, with pounds of beef produced trending up while the number of cattle head trends down. Concerns include tar spots and southern rust affecting the corn crop.

• Michael Dell's $6 Billion Gift: Brian Cronk discusses Michael Dell's $6 billion gift to the new "Trump Accounts" program, which aims to provide a tax-free growing account for children, with Dell contributing $250 to the first eligible kids' accounts. The host raises concerns that the program is "ripe for fraud" due to "gamesmanship" of the means testing.

• Stock Market and Retail Vibe: Brian Cronk notes that Black Friday retail reports beat "lowered expectations" but that the stock market didn't see a significant lift for retail stocks. He suggests the markets will likely "stay calm" until after Christmas.

This episode covers a wide range of topics, from the frigid weather and Christmas prep to explosive political controversies and an in-depth look at North Dakota's education system. The host and guests discuss the financial incentives for non-government organizations (NGOs) bringing in immigrants, the latest from the Trump administration's cabinet meeting, and how local North Dakota leaders are managing growth and funding core government services. A segment is also dedicated to financial strategies for farmers and small business owners.

Standout Moments:

Today's guests are ND HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPER DARIN MALAFA North Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper Darin Malafa, and author of Who's Eating Your Pie?: Essential Financial Advice that Will Transform Your Life Erik Weir!

Join Steve Hallstrom every weekday. as he tackles the issues that matter most to you. With razor-sharp wit and unwavering conviction, Steve will cut through the noise and provide you with honest, unfiltered commentary that speaks directly to the issues that affect our community. With interactive segments and lively call-ins, listeners will be front and center in the conversation. Steve will keep you informed, empowered, and inspired. Tune in weekdays to catch the wave of conservative thought and be part of a community that celebrates the timeless principles that make our country great.

Catch The Steve Hallstrom show Monday-Friday from 4pm until 6pm on WZFG AM 1100 The Flag.

This Tuesday episode of What's On Your Mind covers global financial instability, the escalating conflict with narco-terrorists, and a heartfelt call for the community to attend the funeral of an unclaimed Marine veteran. The show also features an interview with a Minnesota-based journalist on the Tim Walz fraud scandal.

Standout Moments

• Financial Alarm Bells: Bear Market and AI Bubble Warnings

  (0:04:02) CEO David Fisher reports that market analysts, including those who predicted the 2000 dot-com bust and the 2008 crisis, are sounding the alarm about a potential bear market. [cite_start]He warns that the price-to-sales ratio for major AI stocks like Planterre is over $\mathbf{107}$, which is two to three times higher than the dot-com bubble's peak, suggesting a potential bubble.

• National Debt Interest Payments Surpass 24% of Revenue

  (0:05:27) [cite_start]Fisher shares alarming U.S. Treasury data: the U.S. has entered the worst budget deficit at the start of a fiscal year in the nation's history. [cite_start]The interest payment on the national debt (now at over $1.24 trillion annually [cite_start]) consumes 24 cents of every dollar in revenue, suggesting the only way to avoid systemic collapse is through "perpetual monetary expansion" (quantitative easing).

• Gold and Silver Outperforming Stock Market Indexes

  (0:07:22) As a response to monetary instability, gold is up $61\%$ year-to-date and silver is up $96\%$ year-to-date. [cite_start]Fisher notes that gold is currently outperforming the Dow, S&P, and NASDAQ combined (which are up less than $50\%$ in total).

• Community Asked to Attend Unclaimed Veteran's Funeral

  (0:22:36) [cite_start]Commander Jason Hicks announces a service for an unaccompanied veteran, Ricky Allen Boyd, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served from 1977 to 1980 and has no known family or friends. [cite_start]The public is invited to attend the funeral tomorrow, 2:00 p.m. at the Fargo National Cemetery, to honor his service.

• Drug Runner Strikes: Democrats Accused of "Treason"

  (0:11:43) [cite_start]The hosts and callers criticize Democratic leaders and media figures (like Joe Scarborough) for characterizing the U.S. military's strikes on drug-running boats (coke boats) as "war crimes". [cite_start]The hosts argue the pushback is political "Trump derangement syndrome" and "treason", as they are defending "murderous drug dealers in boats sending drugs to kill Americans".

• Minnesota Fraud: Whistleblowers Feared Retaliation

  (0:28:01) [cite_start]Minnesota journalist Dustin Grage reports that whistleblowers—some of whom are Somali—did not initially come forward in the Minnesota fraud case (which has 76 charged individuals from the Horn of Africa [cite_start]) because they feared retaliation from the Walz administration. [cite_start]The scandal involves over $1 billion in taxpayer money siphoned from emergency programs.

• Democrats' "False Empathy" Playbook

  (0:25:47) A caller, Andrew, argues that Democrats intentionally use the phrase "hurting our kids" (or similar themes) as a common denominator to garner sympathy and "false empathy," serving as a "lie" to cover up their real agenda and distract from issues like the drug crisis.