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The Jay Thomas Show from Friday March 20th, 2026.  Guests include Rich from Toppers and DEA SIC Dustin Gillespie of the Omaha Field Office.

FARGO, ND – In a wide-ranging and timely interview on the "What's On Your Mind" (WOYM) radio program, North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer was joined by Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis to discuss a series of pressing national and international issues. The conversation, which touched on everything from the escalating tensions with Iran to the future of digital assets and the importance of election integrity, offered a rare glimpse into the legislative priorities and perspectives of two influential voices in the U.S. Senate.

Confronting Iranian Aggression and Regional Stability

Senator Cramer, a member of the Armed Services Committee, led the discussion by addressing the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing threats posed by Iran. Cramer highlighted the brutality of the Iranian regime, citing reports of recent hangings and continued attacks on neighboring countries.

"We are regularly reminded of the brutality of that regime," Cramer stated, reflecting on nearly 50 years of Iranian aggression. He emphasized the need for a strong and unified response from the international community, expressing frustration with the reluctance of some allies to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global energy supplies.

Despite these challenges, Cramer noted significant progress in weakening Iran's capabilities, stating that approximately 90% of their operational capacity had been diminished in a matter of days. However, he cautioned that the remaining 10% remains effective and sophisticated, with Iran continuing to develop ballistic missile and nuclear capabilities.

Cramer also credited the Abraham Accords for fostering newfound cooperation between the United States and several Arab nations, which he believes has strengthened regional alliances and isolated Iranian influence.

Demystifying Digital Assets: The Clarity Act

The conversation then shifted to the complex world of digital assets, with Senator Lummis, often referred to as the "Crypto Queen" for her expertise in the field, providing a clear and concise explanation of the technology.

Lummis explained the concept of blockchain as a "digital ledger" used for accounting for various forms of property, including digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. She introduced the Clarity Act, a legislative proposal designed to provide a much-needed regulatory framework for the burgeoning digital asset industry.

"The Clarity Act covers digital assets... and a myriad of other types of cryptocurrencies," Lummis said. The act aims to distinguish between securities and commodities, ensuring that digital assets are regulated appropriately by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Lummis and Cramer also discussed the role of community banks in the digital economy. While some community banks fear that digital assets could drain their deposit bases, Lummis argued that these new financial products could actually create more opportunities for community banks to lend and provide services. The Clarity Act, she noted, also includes provisions to provide regulatory relief for community banks, helping them to better serve their customers.

Ensuring Election Integrity: The SAVE America Act

The Senators also addressed the importance of election integrity, with Cramer voicing his support for the SAVE America Act. This proposed legislation focuses on two key pillars: requiring photo identification for all voters and ensuring that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote.

"The SAVE America Act is pretty straightforward," Cramer explained. "You have to show your ID to vote... and you have to demonstrate you're a citizen to register to vote."

Cramer and Lummis debated the best approach for passing this legislation, with Cramer advocating for a focused, single-item bill rather than an omnibus package that might include more controversial amendments. They emphasized that both voter ID and citizenship verification are overwhelmingly popular issues with the American public and are crucial for maintaining trust in the electoral process.

Looking Ahead: A Bipartisan Path Forward

Throughout the interview, both Cramer and Lummis emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation and common-sense solutions to the challenges facing the nation. Whether it's confronting foreign threats, regulating emerging technologies, or protecting the sanctity of the vote, the Senators stressed the importance of clear communication, thoughtful legislation, and a commitment to the American people.

As Senator Cramer concluded, "We have to protect ourselves from government surveillance... and allow Americans to protect themselves. It's about creating more opportunities and ensuring that our systems, whether financial or electoral, are secure and transparent."

Steve Hallstrom delivers a high-stakes Friday edition, navigating a complex landscape of public health reports, utility price shocks, and the final stages of a major regional leadership search. Steve dives into over 100 new studies linking mRNA vaccines to myocarditis and cancer, while tackling the 10.6% natural gas rate hike hitting North Dakota families. The show features a "maiden voyage" interview with attorney Rachel Paulos on the lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis and a deep dive into the 200,000 truck drivers facing a federal licensing crackdown. Plus, a surprisingly traditional cultural shift at the Oscars and a tribute to the legendary Chuck Norris.

Key Moments

• The NDSU Presidential Finalists: The search for NDSU’s next leader hits the finish line. Steve reveals the three finalists: Marshall Stewart (Kansas State), Bernie Savarese (University of Tennessee), and Alan Smith (Utah State). He previews their upcoming campus presentations and the State Board of Higher Education's fast-tracked selection process.

• A 25% Increase in Cancer Hospitalizations?: In a powerful "best thing I heard all day," Steve discusses new epidemiological reports from Dr. Nicholas Hulsher. The data, involving 8.4 million people, suggests mRNA vaccinated groups saw a 25% higher rate of cancer hospitalizations compared to the unvaccinated, specifically across seven types of cancer.

• Fargo’s Utility Price Shock: The Public Service Commission has approved a 10.6% interim rate increase for Xcel Energy natural gas customers. Steve challenges the official 2.7% inflation narrative, noting that for families in Fargo and Grand Forks, the "real world" cost of living is rising much faster.

• Rachel Paulos vs. Minneapolis: Senior Litigation Attorney Rachel Paulos joins the show to discuss the Upper Midwest Law Center's lawsuit against Mayor Jacob Frey. The suit aims to force the city to hire at least 100 more police officers to comply with the city charter and protect a business climate that is currently "fleeing" downtown.

• The 200,000 Trucker Dilemma: Steve breaks down a new Trump administration rule that could bar asylum seekers and DACA participants from holding commercial licenses. He explores the tension between roadway safety and the potential for a massive freighter slowdown that could spike grocery prices.

• The Oscars' Cultural "Vibe Shift": Steve highlights two moments from the Academy Awards suggesting a pivot toward traditional values: Nicole Kidman mentioning her Sunday church routine and Best Actress winner Jessie Buckley dedicating her Oscar to the "beautiful chaos of a mother's heart".

• Justice for Angela Lipps: An update on the Tennessee grandmother wrongly jailed in Fargo reveals a "preservation letter" has been sent to city and county agencies. This legal move prevents the destruction of evidence ahead of a potential Section 1983 civil rights lawsuit.

• Hospice "Clustering" Fraud: Steve reviews a "story of the day" from California where 89 different hospice companies were found operating out of a single 32,000-square-foot building—a massive red flag for Medicare fraud.

Spring has officially sprung in the Red River Valley, and host Scott Hennen is feeling the "renewed little spring in his step" as the snow disappears. In this high-energy Thursday edition, we dive into a CNN poll that has the media establishment "flabbergasted" regarding the MAGA movement's staying power. Scott and Kevin Flynn break down the radical divide in how Americans define "greatness" and why the media can't seem to wrap its head around the America First agenda.

We also tackle the hard truths of financial literacy and personal responsibility, sparked by Bernie Sanders' latest crusade against Elon Musk. From the "intelligence factories" popping up in North Dakota to a preview of the Outdoor Adventure Foundation’s sold-out gala, this episode balances big-picture politics with the local community heartbeat. Plus, we take a look at the "hypocrisy" of the open border and why some are choosing to live paycheck to paycheck.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:05] — The Great Snow Melt Scott celebrates the "voila" moment as the North Dakota snow vanishes overnight. Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki joins to confirm the spring turnaround and what it means for the region’s mood.

[00:04:22] — The "Flabbergasting" CNN Poll The crew deconstructs a new poll showing 100% alignment within the MAGA crowd. Scott asks the tough question: Why is the idea of "Making America Great Again" considered a threat by the left?

[00:12:15] — The Definition of "Great" Kevin Flynn weighs in on the "Trump Derangement Syndrome" perspective, explaining how liberals view the MAGA slogan as a step backward rather than a leap forward.

[00:18:30] — Intelligence Factories & Data Centers A follow-up on the massive infrastructure projects hitting the region. Scott discusses why North Dakota is the perfect frontier for the AI revolution and "intelligence factories."

[00:26:44] — Bernie vs. The Billionaires The team reacts to Bernie Sanders' latest attacks on Elon Musk. Scott delivers a stinging rebuke, noting that those who have never signed the back of a paycheck shouldn't be dictating how others spend theirs.

[00:33:10] — The Paycheck "Decision" A deep dive into economic philosophy: Is living paycheck to paycheck a circumstance or a decision? Scott reflects on his own "young and dumb" days and the path to financial freedom.

[00:41:55] — Outdoor Adventure Foundation Gala Brian joins the show to plug the 16th Annual Gala at the Hilton Fargo. Though the event is officially sold out, the team highlights the incredible work being done for veterans and youth in the outdoors.

Spring is officially in the air—or at least the forecast—as Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor celebrate a massive 50-degree warm-up in the Red River Valley. With the "Alberta Clipper" finally gone, the team shifts their focus to the madness of March, the high-stakes naval maneuvers in the Strait of Hormuz, and the return of outdoor adventures.

From the NDSU Bison’s daunting showdown against Michigan State to the latest strategic wins in Operation Epic Fury, we cover the news that matters to the heartland. We also sit down with outdoor expert Steve Carney to talk late-season ice fishing safety and spring gear prep, while Bridget Riedel breaks down the economic ripple effects of global shipping delays on local agriculture. Plus, we dive into the "hypocrisy" of the D.C. elite regarding voter ID and the viral moments from the latest Senate confirmation hearings.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:25] — The 56-Degree "Heat Wave" Dino and the crew track the rapid temperature climb. After weeks of sub-zero wind chills, the valley is bracing for mid-50s by Friday—a perfect "pick day" for early spring cleanup.

[00:08:44] — Operation Epic Fury: The Tactical Shift The team discusses the effectiveness of the Navy’s mine-clearing operations and the strategic "whack-a-mole" game being played in the Persian Gulf to keep global energy prices from skyrocketing.

[00:12:15] — Agriculture on the Edge Bridget Riedel joins the show to discuss why the Strait of Hormuz isn't just a military issue—it's a fertilizer issue. She explains how shipping delays are impacting the cost of nitrogen and fuel as local farmers prepare to hit the fields.

[00:18:22] — The Bison vs. The Spartans Big Game James breaks down the NDSU Bison’s tournament strategy. Can the Thundering Herd pull off the ultimate upset against Tom Izzo’s Michigan State machine?

[00:24:10] — Outdoor Prep with Steve Carney Fishing expert Steve Carney talks the "dangerous transition" of late-season ice. He offers tips for those looking to squeeze in one last weekend on the lake and what to look for in new spring boat tech.

[00:31:55] — The Voter ID "Flashback" The crew plays back clips from 2012 of prominent Democrats supporting voter ID laws, contrasting it with today’s fierce opposition to the "SAVE Act" and non-citizen voting protections.

[00:38:05] — Markwayne Mullin’s "Confirmation Combat" A look at the fiery exchange during Senator Markwayne Mullin’s latest hearing, where the Oklahoma Senator took on critics of the administration’s military posture.

[00:45:10] — The "Work Smarter, Not Harder" Pro-Tip Kevin closes the show with a hilarious "pro-tip" on managing weekend chores, involving heavy machinery rentals and a very skeptical Alex Taylor.

The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday March 19th, 2026.

A high-stakes Thursday edition of the Steve Hallstrom Show dives into the "protein cascade" as the war in Iran begins to rewrite the economics of American agriculture. Steve breaks down how soaring nitrogen costs are forcing farmers to abandon corn for soybeans, a decision at the kitchen table that could hike grocery prices for years to come. The show also explores a major national security update: the discovery of 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium in Iran—enough for 11 nuclear bombs. Plus, a look at the "chilling" gun control legislation in St. Paul, a search for the next NDSU president, and a deep dive into how AI is reshaping the business landscape for "townies" and ranchers alike.

Key Moments

• The Soybean Pivot: Steve analyzes a "protein cascade" triggered by the war in Iran. With nitrogen costs up 35% in a month due to the Strait of Hormuz conflict, Steve explains why millions of acres are shifting from corn to soybeans. He details how this biological pivot will tighten supplies for ethanol and cattle feed, ultimately hitting the family grocery bill at the checkout counter.

• The 11-Bomb Warning: Steve discusses the White House confirmation that 1,100 pounds of enriched uranium has been detected in Iran. He reflects on Senator Lindsey Graham’s warning that this material is enough for 11 nuclear weapons, providing the country with a sobering look at why the current military intervention was deemed an imminent necessity.

• Minnesota's "Chilling" Gun Bill: Steve breaks down Minnesota Senate Bill 4290, describing it as one of the most aggressive gun control measures in state history. He critiques the proposed ban on semi-automatic firearms and the "storage regulations" that could allow police to enter private homes to inspect weapon certificates.

• The NDSU Presidential Search: With the list of finalists for the NDSU presidency expected any day, Steve explores the "national pool" of candidates. He discusses the high level of interest in the role and why the search process remains confidential despite public curiosity.

• 200,000 Truckers at Risk: Steve dives into the "story of the day" regarding a new rule that could see 200,000 immigrant truck drivers lose their commercial licenses as they expire. He debates the balance between roadway safety and the potential for a massive freighter slowdown that could spike consumer prices.

• Fox News vs. CNN Ratings: Steve shares a staggering market update: the top 15 cable news programs are currently all on Fox News. He notes that "The Five" remains the undisputed champion, while a midnight replay of the show currently outdraws everything on CNN.

• Bison Basketball Primer: As the "Big Dance" kicks off, Steve provides a primer for the NDSU men’s matchup against Michigan State. Despite the Bison being a 16.5-point underdog, Steve predicts they will cover the spread in a hard-fought 74-66 battle.

• Mistaken Identity in Fargo: Steve provides an update on the Tennessee grandmother wrongly jailed in Fargo for five months. He notes that a community GoFundMe has nearly reached its $46,000 goal and that local attorneys are now pursuing civil rights claims against the department.

In a high-stakes Wednesday edition of What’s On Your Mind, Scott Hennen welcomes "Mr. Wonderful" himself, Kevin O’Leary, for a masterclass on the intersection of global warfare and the bottom line. As "Operation Epic Fury" moves into its third week, O’Leary breaks down why the conflict in Iran is a "necessary correction" for the global economy and why the $110-a-barrel reality is here to stay.

From the failure of "green energy boondoggles" to the potential for a regime change that could turn Iran into the next global tech hub, this episode pulls no punches. We also dive into the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, the rising threat of Iranian cyber-attacks on U.S. infrastructure, and a surprising moment of bipartisan sanity from Senator John Fetterman.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:15] — The 60-Year Iranian "Off the Rails" Report Kevin O'Leary gives a historical deep dive into how a society of mathematicians and artists was hijacked by a "brutal regime," and why their funding of global terrorism finally hit a breaking point in the Strait of Hormuz.

[00:07:44] — The Mother of All Commodities "Oil is the mother of all commodities." O'Leary mocks the idea of "data centers powered by windmills" and explains why the current conflict has permanently shifted the transition timeline for alternative energy.

[00:12:30] — Cyber-Warfare and the DHS Standoff Scott and the team discuss the "absolute insanity" of a 30-day DHS shutdown while Iranian and Chinese state actors ramp up cyber-attacks against U.S. carriers and local infrastructure.

[00:15:22] — The $200 Billion Opportunity O'Leary paints a picture of a post-conflict Iran. He argues that if the regime falls, Iran’s educated population and massive oil reserves could create a $200 billion wealth injection into the global economy.

[00:24:10] — "Little Crappy Ships" to the Rescue A tactical breakdown of why the Navy's Literal Combat Ships (LCS) are actually the perfect weapon for the "whack-a-mole" mine-clearing missions currently unfolding in the Persian Gulf.

[00:33:45] — John Fetterman: The Rare Breed? Scott reacts to Senator John Fetterman’s recent break from his party on border security and DHS funding, calling him a "rare breed" of Democrat who refuses to punish the nation's security for political points.

[00:39:15] — Raising Conservatives in a Woke City A preview of the upcoming "Raising a Conservative in a Woke City" event, focusing on how parents can navigate the current cultural landscape in local school districts.

It’s Hump Day in the Red River Valley, and the "Need to Know" crew is cranking up the ACDC to celebrate the end of a winter clipper. Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor break down a wild weather swing that’s taking us from freezing flurries to a near-60-degree "heat wave" by Friday. But while the local weather is warming up, the global stage is reaching a boiling point.

The team dives into the latest from Operation Epic Fury, including a massive Iranian cyber-attack on a U.S. carrier strike group and the tactical brilliance of the Navy’s "Little Crappy Ships" (LCS) proving their worth in the Strait of Hormuz. We also look at the cultural divide on college campuses as "March Madness" begins—where one university is actually offering "safe spaces" for students stressed by the basketball brackets. Plus, we talk spring training, the return of the "Save Act," and why Greg Gutfeld thinks making crime illegal is the only police force we actually need.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:45] — The 60-Degree Countdown The "Alberta Clipper" is officially in the rearview mirror. Dino and Kevin track a massive warm-up, forecasting a sunny 58 degrees for Friday—the "pick day of the year" so far.

[00:08:12] — Cyber-War in the Strait A deep dive into the Navy’s current standoff. The crew discusses reports of an Iranian cyber-attack aimed at disabling a U.S. carrier’s navigation and why the U.S. response might involve more than just digital defense.

[00:10:55] — The "LCS" Redemption Kevin explains why the once-mocked Literal Combat Ships (LCS) are the perfect "whack-a-mole" weapon for the shallow, mine-filled waters of the Persian Gulf, despite critics calling them "Little Crappy Ships."

[00:14:30] — Bracket Stress & Safe Spaces In a "you can't make this up" segment, the team reacts to a university providing counselors and quiet rooms for students overwhelmed by the pressure of their March Madness brackets.

[00:18:15] — Operation "Golden Sentry" Bridget Riedel joins the show to discuss the strategic importance of the Port of Djibouti and how the conflict is reshaping global grain and fertilizer shipping routes just in time for spring planting.

[00:27:40] — The "Save Act" Standoff A look at the legislative battle over voter ID and non-citizen voting. The crew debates why some senators are hesitant to back a bill that 80% of Americans seemingly support.

[00:33:12] — Remembering the "Voice of Ag" The team pays their final respects to Orion Samuelson, sharing how the legendary broadcaster bridged the gap between the city and the farm for over 60 years.

[00:41:50] — Gutfeld’s "Illegal" Logic The episode closes with a classic Greg Gutfeld riff: If Hakeem Jeffries says we don't need laws because things are already "illegal," then why do we have police for anything at all?

The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday March 18th, 2026.  Guests include Rob Sexton, Jesse Jahner and Leah Alsager.