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FARGO, N.D. – Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner has addressed growing concerns and misconceptions surrounding the release of inmates from the Cass County Jail. The discussion followed a series of emails from the public questioning the jail's communication with local law enforcement and its treatment of released individuals, particularly in harsh winter conditions.

Addressing Communication Gaps

One of the primary issues raised was why the Fargo Police Department (FPD) wasn't notified when Angela Lipps was in custody back in October. Sheriff Jahner clarified that information regarding jail bookings is readily available to all local law enforcement agencies.

• Email Notification: An email was sent from the Sheriff’s Office on July 14, 2025, to members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force in Fargo, which includes officers from multiple agencies, including the FPD.

• Daily Rosters: Jail booking reports are made available daily through the court system, allowing any agency to monitor who is in custody at the Cass County Jail.

• Specific Alerts: Investigating officers can also place alerts on an individual’s file. If that person comes into contact with the Sheriff's Office, the investigator is automatically notified.

Sheriff Jahner noted that with over 6,000 releases annually, it is impractical for the jail to personally call every agency for every inmate. He emphasized that the responsibility often lies with the respective agencies to track their persons of interest using the provided tools.

Debunking Release "Atrocities"

The Sheriff also firmly refuted claims that inmates are being "thrown out into the cold" without proper attire or resources.

• The Release Process: When an inmate is cleared for release, they are moved from the housing unit to the booking area to collect their property and complete paperwork. They are then released into the jail's lobby—not directly into the elements.

• Lobby Resources: The lobby is equipped with a public phone and a charging station for cell phones to help individuals arrange transportation.

• Winter Clothing Kits: The jail maintains a stock of standard winter clothing kits available to any released inmate. However, jail records indicate that Lipps did not request these items upon her release on December 24.

• Staff Interaction: While surveillance footage only goes back 60 days, a deputy recalled the specific release of Lipps. According to the deputy, the individual indicated she had already made arrangements for a ride and was even provided a jacket by the staff.

"The jail isn't just a square box where you walk out the door and you're in the open elements and the cold. That’s not the case." — Sheriff Jesse Jahner

A Call for Broader Responsibility

Jahner suggested that the responsibility for a successful transition back into the community doesn't rest solely on the jail. He pointed to the role of defense attorneys, who are aware of their clients' release dates and personal circumstances.

"The attorney knows when this person is going to get released... if they had concerns, they could let us know," Jahner said, noting that the Sheriff's Office has access to various resources, including chaplains, to assist those facing hardships upon release.

Steve Hallstrom broadcasts live from Fargo, North Dakota, navigating a "high sugar" Wednesday after a late night watching college hoops and the classic film Hoosiers. The show dives into a sobering economic warning: a hot Producer Price Index (PPI) report that Steve describes as a "lag time trap" for the Trump administration, threatening future retail prices. The episode also tackles the deepening controversy over a Tennessee woman wrongly jailed in Fargo, the startling increase in handgun permits in Clay County, and a mandatory "firearm insurance" hearing in St. Paul. Plus, a look at why the North Dakota Democrat Party is suddenly out-fundraising the GOP.

Key Moments

• The PPI "Lag Time Trap": Steve breaks down the new Producer Price Index report, which shows a 0.7% monthly jump in production costs. He warns that these "summer retail prices" are being baked in today, creating an economic "ghost" of high oil and manufacturing costs that could haunt the affordability narrative by July 4th.

• The Tennessee Grandma Controversy: Steve provides an update on Angela Lipps, the Tennessee woman wrongly jailed in Fargo due to a facial recognition error. He notes that while local law enforcement, including Chief Zabolsky and Sheriff Johner, are defending their protocols, Lipps has hired local attorneys to pursue civil rights claims.

• Firearm Insurance Mandate: Outdoors editor Steve Carney joins the show to blast Minnesota House Bill 3938, which would require gun owners to carry $100,000 in liability insurance. Carney calls the bill "absurd" and a form of government intrusion that would do nothing to stop actual criminals.

• Iran War Escalation: Reports confirm that the Israeli military has killed Iran's minister of intelligence, the third high-profile leader taken out in 48 hours. Steve notes that thecombat death toll for "Operation Epic Fury" now stands at seven.

• A "Sea Change" in Fundraising: Steve discusses a surprising report from the Bismarck Tribune stating that the North Dakota Democrat Party officially out-fundraised the Republicans in 2025, driven by higher individual donor contributions.

• Guns in Clay County: New data shows a 15% increase in handgun carry permits in Clay County, Minnesota, as residents reportedly grow "spooked" over proposed state-level gun control measures.

• Staffing Crisis at Freedom Elementary: Steve addresses the closure of Freedom Elementary in West Fargo due to an "unprecedented" surge of influenza, with one-third of the staff out sick.

• Venezuelan Faith and Baseball: In a powerful "best thing I heard all day," Steve plays audio from Eugenio Suarez of the Venezuelan national baseball team. Following their World Baseball Classic title win over the U.S., Suarez gave glory to Jesus for the victory and celebrated the national pride of his country.

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 they discussed the D2 Regionals, high school/college tournaments, 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

Host Scott Hennen tackles a heavy-hitting Tuesday edition of What’s On Your Mind, weaving together personal liberty, high-stakes global economics, and a viral local controversy. We take an in-depth look at the shocking case of Angela Lipps, the Tennessee woman who spent five months in a North Dakota jail due to an erroneous AI facial recognition match. Fargo Police Chief Dave Zabulski joins the show to provide a defensive timeline of the investigation, followed by Adam Martin of F5 Project, who shares the incredible story of meeting Angela upon her Christmas Eve release and driving her halfway across the country.

In the first half, retired attorney and substitute teacher Craig Ritchie sounds the alarm on what he calls "Christian hostile zones" within the Fargo Public School system, detailing how he was fired for a history lesson on leadership. Plus, "Mr. Wonderful" himself, Kevin O'Leary, breaks down why the current conflict in Iran has permanently shattered the "boondoggle" of alternative energy subsidies, proving once and for all that oil remains the mother of all commodities.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:02:44] — The "Christian Hostile Zone" Craig Ritchie describes the "panicky" reaction of a Davies High School administrator after Ritchie told a history class that Jesus Christ was historically the world's greatest leader. Ritchie argues that public schools are increasingly suppressing the constitutional rights of faith-based educators.

[00:09:47] — The Process vs. The Person: Chief Zabulski Speaks In a rare detailed interview, Fargo Police Chief Dave Zabulski breaks down the procedural steps—from AI investigative leads to judge-signed warrants—that led to the five-month incarceration of Angela Lipps. He addresses the "gaps in communication" between the jail and the police department.

[00:14:10] — Kevin O’Leary: The Death of the Energy Boondoggle Kevin O'Leary joins Scott to discuss the economic fallout of the Iran "excursion." He explains how a single global crisis sent oil from $56 to over $110, effectively ending the narrative that wind and solar can replace hydrocarbons in the near future.

[00:23:44] — The 16-Hour Christmas Ride Adam Martin (F5 Project) recounts getting a call on Christmas Eve about a woman wrongfully incarcerated with nowhere to go. He details the 16-hour round trip to Chicago to reunite Angela Lipps with her family after the system failed her.

[00:31:55] — Trump’s Ireland Diplomacy Excerpts from the Oval Office where President Trump meets with the Prime Minister of Ireland. Trump asserts that the U.S. doesn't need NATO's help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, calling out European allies for being "terrible" partners in the current conflict.

[00:35:50] — The "Mindless Dribble" Debate Scott goes head-to-head with "Willie," a caller relying on MSNBC talking points to criticize military planning. Scott fires back with receipts on the Navy’s transition from "rust bucket" mine sweepers to advanced Lateral Combat Ships (LCS).

[00:40:10] — A Balanced Budget at Last? Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak provides an update on the House's push for a Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment. She argues that forcing the federal government to follow the fiscal rules used by North Dakota would deter politicians from "taking the easy road."

Top o' the morning! It’s St. Patrick's Day, and while the team is dreaming of shepherd's pie and green beer, an Alberta clipper is knocking on the door of the Red River Valley. Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor break down a messy Tuesday forecast that promises snow flurries today and a rapid melt by tomorrow.

The big talk today centers on the global stage: Operation Epic Fury is entering its third week, and President Trump is calling out NATO "freeloaders" who refuse to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. We dive into the "sham alliance" with the UK, the rumors surrounding Iran’s mysterious new leadership, and the media’s refusal to cheer on U.S. troops. Plus, we mourn the loss of legendary farm broadcaster Orion Samuelson and get a full preview of the March Madness mayhem kicking off this afternoon.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:21] — The St. Paddy’s Clipper Dino tracks a quick-moving snow system hitting the valley by 11:00 AM. It’s an "inch or two" kind of day, but hold on for Friday—we’re looking at a spring-like 57 degrees.

[00:03:45] — "Auntie Joan" on the Mantel The crew reacts to a bizarre story out of Colorado where a funeral homeowner is facing 20 years for hiding 200 bodies and giving grieving families urns filled with concrete instead of ashes.

[00:10:33] — The NATO "Bar" Analogy Laura Ingraham delivers a viral analogy: If you’re the guy who buys drinks for everyone at the bar every weekend, they’re your friends—until you ask them to pick up the tab. The team discusses why allies are suddenly "unable to find their wallets" regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

[00:12:33] — Remembering Orion Samuelson A tribute to the "Voice of Agriculture." Bridget Riedel shares a personal story of meeting the legendary WGN broadcaster and explains his massive impact on the farming community.

[00:13:39] — Coffee Wilt & Mushroom Coffee Bridget warns of a "coffee wilt" fungus threatening global supplies and the rise of "mushroom coffee"—which Alex and Kevin promptly declare "gross."

[00:15:45] — March Madness & The Bison Prep Big Game James breaks down the play-in games starting today and the NDSU Bison’s daunting matchup against Michigan State’s "Tom Izzo machine" on Thursday.

[00:23:45] — The 26+6=1 Mystery The team deciphers an Irish reunification text: 26 counties in the Republic, 6 in the North, equals one united Ireland.

[00:30:15] — Joey Jones on Intellectual Dishonesty Combat veteran Joey Jones slams critics who didn't care about the 13 souls lost in the Afghanistan withdrawal but are now using the current conflict to score political points against the military mission.

[00:31:50] — Gutfeld’s Definition of a Woman A hilarious clip from The Five where Greg Gutfeld mocks the left’s linguistic gymnastics: "Democrats certainly can identify a war, but try to pin them on the definition of a woman."

The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday March 17th, 2026.  Guests include Blake Hankey, Nicole Bredahl and Dr Mike Jorgenson.

Steve Hallstrom delivers a high-stakes Tuesday edition focusing on a massive shakeup in Fargo public safety and the mounting financial pressure on local families. With Fargo Police Chief Dave Zabolsky officially announcing his retirement after four decades, Steve explores the "backlash" at City Hall over how the news was handled. The show also dives into the "kick in the shorts" at the gas pump, with local prices surging over a dollar in a single month due to the ongoing war in Iran. Plus, an emotional look at a GoFundMe for a Tennessee grandmother wrongly jailed in Fargo and a preview of the high-stakes SAVE Act debate in the U.S. Senate.

Key Moments

• Breaking News: Chief Zabolsky Retires

  • Fargo Police Chief Dave Zabolsky officially announced his retirement after a 40-year career in law enforcement.

  • Steve notes that while the Chief is leaving on a "good note," there has been frustration from Commissioners Denise Kolpak and Michelle Turnberg regarding the lack of communication before the news broke.

  • Assistant Chief Travis Stefanowicz is expected to be recommended as the interim chief.

• The $1.00 Gas Price Surge

  • Steve breaks down the dramatic spike in local gas prices, noting they have risen roughly $1.00 per gallon in the Fargo-Moorhead area over the last month.

  • The surge is attributed to supply shocks from the war in Iran and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

• Justice for Angela Lipps

  • Steve highlights a community GoFundMe for a Tennessee grandmother who spent five months in a Fargo jail due to a facial recognition software error.

  • The fund has already raised nearly $35,000 of its $40,000 goal to help her recover legal fees and lost property.

• The "Talking Filibuster" Showdown

  • The SAVE America Act takes center stage in the Senate today.

  • Steve explores the "floor takeover" strategy proposed by Senator Mike Lee, which would force a "talking filibuster" to put senators on the record regarding voter ID requirements.

• Iran War Escalation

  • CENTCOM reports no new U.S. fatalities in the last 24 hours.

  • However, Israeli forces confirmed they took out Ali Larijani, the de facto political leader of Iran, in an overnight strike near Tehran.

• Minnesota’s Medicaid "Paragraph 10" Story

  • Steve critiques a report alleging the Walz administration failed to produce a legally mandated eligibility report for 1.5 million residents on Medicaid.

  • He points out the fishy nature of nearly one in four Minnesotans being on the program without proper auditing.

• West Fargo School Closure

  • Freedom Elementary in West Fargo was forced to close today due to an "unprecedented surge" in staff illness, leaving the school without enough substitutes to cover classrooms.

• The Oscars' Vibe Shift

  • Steve shares surprising audio from the 98th Academy Awards.

  • He highlights Nicole Kidman mentioning her Sunday morning church routine and Best Actress winner Jessie Buckley dedicating her award to the "beautiful chaos of a mother's heart".

Host Scott Hennen kicks off a packed Monday edition of What’s On Your Mind with a look at a rapidly changing North Dakota. From the construction of massive "intelligence factories" in Harwood to the heartbreaking announcement that Minot’s iconic Norsk Høstfest is coming to an end, this episode explores the intersection of technology, tradition, and policy.

We sit down with Wes Cummins, CEO of Applied Digital, to discuss how North Dakota is becoming a global player in the AI infrastructure race. John Hinderaker from the Center of the American Experiment joins us to break down a shocking new poll that reveals how Minnesotans actually feel about immigration enforcement. We also take a trip down memory lane with David Reiten to honor the 45-year legacy of the Norsk Høstfest and discuss what happens to a community when it loses touch with its roots.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:50] — The "Metro Surge" Polling Shock John Hinderaker reveals surprising data from a recent Minnesota poll showing that 81% of residents support the deportation of illegal immigrants with criminal records—a sharp contrast to the rhetoric coming from state leadership.

[00:08:15] — President Trump on the Strait of Hormuz Excerpts from a White House press conference where President Trump details the destruction of Iranian mine-laying ships and issues a call for global allies to help secure international shipping lanes.

[00:09:45] — Inside the "Intelligence Factories" Wes Cummins, CEO of Applied Digital, provides a progress report on the Harwood data center. He explains why North Dakota is "born on third base" for the AI revolution due to its energy resources and business-friendly climate.

[00:12:45] — The Power Rate Debate Wes Cummins addresses concerns about data centers driving up electricity costs, explaining how long-term contracts and infrastructure investments can actually stabilize the grid for local ratepayers.

[00:23:05] — Defending the Filibuster Scott engages with a "scorched earth" caller, using a math-based defense of Senate Majority Leader John Thune and explaining the long-term dangers of blowing up the filibuster.

[00:28:40] — The Demise of Norsk Høstfest David Reiten, son of Høstfest founder Chet Reiten, shares the moving history of the festival. He discusses how rising entertainment costs and the "Big Boys" of the industry led to the end of the second happiest place on earth.

[00:32:44] — Lutefisk and Lefse Burgers A lighthearted debate on Scandinavian delicacies as David Reiten defends the acquired taste of lutefisk and suggests the "Lefse Burger" as the next great culinary trend.

[00:34:10] — Lions Club: Salute to Service Regional Governor Lynn Helms introduces local Lions members who are leading environmental efforts, from cleaning the eight-mile loop at Lake Metigoshe to planting over 100 trees with Ducks Unlimited.

In a high-octane "Friday Free-for-All," Scott Hennen flips the script, handing the keys of the talk radio town hall over to the listeners. With Senator Kevin Cramer away, the people take the mic to sound off on everything from the escalating conflict in Iran to the "sea of stupidity" in Minnesota politics. We dive into a shocking travesty of justice involving AI facial recognition in Fargo, hear firsthand accounts from the "Blizzard of the Century" in 1966, and discuss the "firewall" protecting Minnesota taxpayers with Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth.

Plus, we explore the long-circuitous history of Fargo’s hunt for a convention center and hear from a combat veteran on why the current military "excursion" is a necessary evil. It's a raw, patriotic, and community-driven hour of conversation that covers the heartland from Williston to the Twin Cities.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:14] — The 24/7 "Patriot" Hotline Scott incentivizes the "People’s Town Hall" by giving away $500 in prizes—ranging from steaks in Minot to gas cards—to listeners who leave their unfiltered questions for North Dakota’s top politicians.

[00:07:44] — The KC-135 Tragedy A somber moment as Scott reflects on the loss of six service members following a tanker crash during a combat mission, reminding listeners of the true cost of the current conflict.

[00:09:47] — AI vs. Justice: The Angela Lips Story Scott breaks down a "travesty of justice" where a Tennessee woman spent five months in a North Dakota jail after being misidentified by AI facial recognition for a crime committed while she was 1,200 miles away.

[00:13:03] — The "Minnesota Firewall" with Lisa Demuth Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth joins the show to discuss stopping "non-starter" bills, including a proposal to quintuple car tab fees and a $40 million rental assistance plan for illegal immigrants.

[00:15:35] — The "Savage" Blizzard of 1966 A trip down memory lane as listeners call in with chilling accounts of the 1966 storm that buried trains and saw 20-foot snowdrifts, serving as a subtle reminder that current weather "could be much worse."

[00:19:40] — Fargo’s Convention Center RFP Charlie Johnson, former head of the CVB, discusses the four potential sites narrowed down for Fargo’s new convention center and why the city has been missing out on regional business for over a decade.

[00:26:01] — The "Bomb Iran" Parody In a classic moment of radio graffiti, a listener requests a return to the 1980s parody music as the "pain threshold" of American gas prices is tested by the Strait of Hormuz conflict.

[00:32:16] — A Combat Vet’s Perspective Brian, a veteran of the Gulf War and Iraq, calls from Tulna to offer a "blessed" perspective on current military actions and the vital importance of supporting troops and their families back home.

It’s a "Dragon Tail Monday" as Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor return to the airwaves to navigate a chilly, news-packed morning. With air temperatures hovering near zero and wind chills hitting 20 below, the team warms up with a full recap of the weekend’s biggest stories. From the bracket reveal of March Madness—setting up a David vs. Goliath matchup for the NDSU Bison against Michigan State—to the ongoing 30-day Department of Homeland Security shutdown, the crew breaks down how partisan gridlock in D.C. is causing "absolute mayhem" at airport security checkpoints during spring break.

Special guest Jay Thomas stops by fresh off a filming trip to Las Vegas to share behind-the-scenes stories from the set of Rides, including a run-in with the "Counting Cars" crew and the Department of Homeland Security’s strict drone flight restrictions near Trump Tower. Plus, Bridget Riedel joins us to explain how the Strait of Hormuz conflict is threatening a major price shock for spring fertilizer and fuel.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:02:11] — The Bracket is Set Big Game James delivers the sports page: The NDSU Bison are headed to Buffalo as a 14-seed to take on the Michigan State Spartans. The crew weighs the odds of a Cinderella upset on Thursday.

[00:03:15] — Trump’s Reincarnation Choice The team reacts to a viral interview clip between Donald Trump and Jake Paul, where Trump is asked who he would come back as if reincarnated. His answer: "Maybe Donald Trump right now."

[00:10:14] — TSA Delays and the 30-Day Shutdown A deep dive into the DHS funding battle. With 300 agents resigned and spring break in full swing, the team discusses the impact of unpaid workers and the Democrats' refusal to fund the department without immigration reform.

[00:18:29] — The Ag Mafia Alert Bridget Riedel breaks down the "logistical compounding" of the Strait of Hormuz shutdown. Half of the world's traded urea comes through that channel, and the delay could mean a massive hit to the 2026 crop cycle.

[00:27:18] — Sleeper Cells and "Lone Wolves" Following a series of incidents in Michigan and Virginia, former DHS advisor Charles Moreno joins the conversation to discuss the "elevated threat environment" and the rise of domestic radicalization.

[00:32:04] — Jay Thomas: Las Vegas "Rides" Recap Jay Thomas shares stories from his week filming in Vegas, including drinking beers with Danny Coker (Counting Cars) and navigating a 50-foot drone ceiling enforced by Homeland Security near the Vegas Trump Tower.

[00:41:08] — The Global Warming "Chemtrail" Debate Kevin and Dino engage in a bit of "Monday madness" banter regarding weather patterns, 80-degree temperature swings, and the listener theories surrounding chemtrails and solar blocking.