Operation Epic Fury, Icy Roads, and the “Great Shoe Heist” (3-13-26)

Kick off your Friday with Kevin Flynn, Alex Taylor, and Dino the weather expert as they navigate a chaotic morning in the Red River Valley. The team breaks down the latest developments in Operation Epic Fury, including the Navy’s mission to escort oil tankers and the strategic moves to stabilize gas prices.
Beyond the headlines, the crew gets personal. Kevin recounts a hilarious (and terrifying) childhood shoplifting story involving a stolen boot full of candy bars and a "scared straight" ride home in a squad car. Meanwhile, Dino tracks a looming winter storm set to dump significant snow on Southern Minnesota while the local area braces for an icy weekend. We also dive into the "Trump Derangement Syndrome" viral street interviews and debate the merits of modern-day shoplifting "studies."
Standout Moments & Timestamps
[00:07] — The "Nasty" Friday Forecast Dino delivers the grit on the current weather: 40 mph gusts and "nasty" conditions. While Saturday looks dry, there's a 20-inch "whopper" of a storm brewing for areas just to the south.
[01:17] — Operation Epic Fury Deep Dive The team discusses the doubling down on Iran, the Navy’s role in the Strait of Hormuz, and the potential for gas prices to drop back to $2.00 a gallon before the midterms.
[02:44] — The Great Shoe Heist of 5th Grade Kevin shares a classic story of filling his boot with Snickers bars at Snyder Drugstore, getting caught by a pharmacist, and his mother’s "tough love" decision to have the police put him in handcuffs.
[04:16] — New Yorkers on "Epic Fury" A hilarious segment featuring Jesse Watters’ man-on-the-street interviews, highlighting the confusion and "Trump Brain" of some passersby regarding the conflict in Iran.
[05:58] — The Adam Schwarze Endorsement Kevin gives a full endorsement to Marine and Navy SEAL vet Adam Schwarze for the Minnesota Senate race, detailing his "whack-a-mole" strategy for modern warfare.
[07:17] — Vikings’ Surprising New QB The sports desk reacts to the Minnesota Vikings signing Kyler Murray to a one-year deal to compete with JJ.
[09:20] — The Charlie Hurt "Gender Swap" Theory The absolute highlight of the morning: a clip from Gutfeld! where Charlie Hurt admits he once stole hair straightener because he thought he was "turning into a girl" after hearing a playground myth about kissing your own elbow.
[10:41] — Emoji Updates & Bigfoot Sightings From the eight new iPhone emojis (including a fight cloud and a trombone) to a surge of Bigfoot sightings in Ohio that has local dogs shaking with fear.
Jay Thomas Show: “Depressing – Disturbing and More” 3-16-26

The Jay Thomas Show from Monday March 16th, 2026. Guests include your calls and emails.
The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 656:The “Beautiful Chaos” of the Oscars & The $1 Trillion Debt Reality

Steve Hallstrom kicks off a high-energy Monday edition with a mix of "Big Dance" basketball fever and heavy-hitting national news. While the NDSU men celebrate their Summit League title, the 28-win Bison women face a heartbreaking NCAA tournament snub. Steve breaks down a surprising cultural shift at the 98th Academy Awards and delivers a sobering breakdown of how the national debt—now surging toward $39 trillion—is effectively a "war tax" on your family's mortgage. Plus, a monthly sit-down with Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak on D.C.'s "vigorous agenda" and an update on the seventh American casualty in the war in Iran.
Key Moments
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Bison Basketball: Tournament Snubs and Seeds: Steve analyzes the NDSU men’s tournament draw against a potential Final Four contender in Buffalo. He voices strong frustration over the Bison women being left out of the NCAA field of 68 despite a stellar regular season, noting they will host Chattanooga in the women's NIT as a number one seed instead.
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The Oscars' Cultural Vibe Shift: In a surprising twist, Steve highlights moments from the Academy Awards that suggest a return to traditional values. He discusses Nicole Kidman sharing that going to church "centers" her and Best Actress winner Jessie Buckley dedicating her Oscar to the "beautiful chaos of a mother's heart".
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The $1 Trillion Interest Crisis: Steve breaks down a chilling CBO projection: the U.S. is on track to pay over $1 trillion in interest alone this year. He explains how this debt forces the Treasury to flood the market with bonds, crowding out mortgage money and driving 30-year fixed rates back above 6.25%.
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Monthly Visit with Julie Fedorchak: North Dakota’s lone Congresswoman joins the show to discuss the strategic necessity of military action in Iran. She also defends her decision to skip the state GOP convention, citing her "demanding" work in D.C. and the need to prioritize the June primary over a "sparsely attended" convention.
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Operation Epic Fury Update: A somber report confirms a seventh American service member has died in the war in Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reports that U.S.-Israeli strikes have diminished Iran's missile launches by 90%, even as the regime names the late Ayatollah’s son as his successor.
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The Save America Act Standstill: Steve explores the Senate’s upcoming procedural vote on the Save America Act. He breaks down the "talking filibuster" strategy that could force Democrats to explain their opposition to a photo ID requirement supported by 84% of Americans.
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The Minnesota Flag Rebellion: The movement to fly the original 1957 state flag spreads to Elk River. Steve argues this local pushback is a rejection of "virtue signaling" and a longing for the "old Minnesota" where common ground was the standard.
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A "Full Service" Gas Station Flashback: Steve shares a funny interaction at a local car wash where an employee offered to pump his gas for a dollar. He and producer Addison reflect on the rare "full service" experience and the vanishing era of self-service-only stations.
Jay Thomas Show: “Guest Host JD Lake” 3-13-26

The Jay Thomas Show from Friday March 13th, 2026. Guests include Keith Hittner, Jake Lunde and Dan Hammer.
The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 654: Fargo’s Chief Resigns & The $19 Billion Fraud Fallout

A seismic day in the Red River Valley as news breaks during the broadcast that Fargo Police Chief Dave Zabolsky is officially retiring after four decades in law enforcement. Steve Hallstrom navigates the breaking details of the Chief’s departure and its implications for city leadership. The show also takes a hard look at the escalating conflict in Iran, with a heavy-hearted tribute to the seven American service members now lost in the war. Plus, a deep dive into the "intimidation and fear" allegedly used by the Walz administration to cover up billions in fraud , a potential world-changing scientific breakthrough at NDSU , and an interview with Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg on why the "Human Rights Commission" has outlived its purpose.
Key Moments
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Breaking News: Chief Zabolsky Retires: Steve breaks the news that Fargo Police Chief Dave Zabolsky is retiring after leading the force since 2020. While praising Zabolsky’s professional standards, Steve notes recent criticism regarding the Chief’s availability during city emergencies and the "palace intrigue" at City Hall over how the announcement was handled.
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The High Cost of War: Steve honors the seven Americans killed in "Operation Epic Fury," including Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota. He discusses the White House’s confirmation that Iran held enough enriched uranium for 11 nuclear bombs, underscoring the gravity of the military mission.
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Minnesota’s $19 Billion Fraud Standoff: Steve highlights explosive testimony from Capitol Hill where Governor Tim Walz and AG Keith Ellison were grilled under oath. He explores allegations of a "retaliation campaign" against whistleblowers and J.D. Vance’s decisive move to freeze $259 million in Medicaid payments to the state as collateral.
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NDSU’s Clean Water Breakthrough: In a major win for regional science, Steve details NDSU research showing that a protein found in common egg whites can effectively trap and remove toxic "forever chemicals" (PFAS) from contaminated water.
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The "Reciprocal Relationship" with Wild Rice: In a "best thing I heard all day" (used sarcastically), Steve plays a clip of a Minnesota lawmaker proposing a bill to recognize the "inherent right" of wild rice to exist and thrive, contrasting the focus on plant rights with the state’s massive fraud crisis.
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Fargo’s Human Rights Deadlock: Commissioner Michelle Turnberg joins the show to discuss her lone "no" vote against giving the Fargo Human Rights Commission another extension. Steve and Turnberg argue that a board unable to define its mission during a $1.3 billion budget deficit has outlived its usefulness.
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SNAP Work Requirements Impact: Steve breaks down data from Pennsylvania showing that nearly 60,000 people lost food stamp benefits in six months following the implementation of 20-hour work or volunteer requirements.
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Bison Football's FBS Roadmap: Steve reveals the historic NDSU schedule for their first year in the Mountain West, featuring road trips to Las Vegas and Hawaii and a home game against Wyoming.
No-Fail Missions, Champagne Music, and the Cat-2 Hurricane “Hooey” (3-12-26)

It is a high-stakes Thursday on What’s On Your Mind as Scott Hennen and Kevin Flynn navigate a whirlwind of global conflict, economic shifts, and a local weather system that Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki compares to a Category 2 hurricane. The hosts dive deep into the strategic victory in Iran, where U.S. forces have reportedly decimated the Iranian Navy and Air Force, while domestic politics heat up over the "Save America Act" and the future of the Senate filibuster.
The show features a powerful interview with Minnesota U.S. Senate candidate and retired Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze, who provides a masterclass on "no-fail missions" and why neutralizing the world's top sponsor of terror is a generational win. Later, the duo honors the 123rd anniversary of North Dakota legend Lawrence Welk, explores a revolutionary motion sickness program at UND, and talks "no-nonsense" oil markets with Ron Ness. Plus, a heartwarming story of a Vietnam vet laying a wreath at Arlington and a look at why Tim Walz's new "fraud hunting" proposal is a few years too late.
Standout Moments
[00:01:55] – The Filibuster Crossroads Senator Kevin Cramer joins the show to react to Senator Cornyn’s shift on Senate rules. Cramer argues that while the Save America Act is vital, "the filibuster is more important than any one issue" to protect the representation of small states like North Dakota.
[00:11:40] – The Category 2 "Hooey" Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki warns of a dynamic storm system with central pressure equivalent to a Cat-2 hurricane. He issues a blizzard warning for the Northern Valley and travel advisories for anyone heading north of Highway 200.
[00:22:25] – A SEAL’s Perspective on Iran U.S. Senate candidate Adam Schwarze, a retired Navy SEAL officer, explains the "no-fail" nature of operations against nuclear-armed adversaries. He notes that the U.S. essentially "canceled the number one world sponsor of terrorism in about two days".
[00:30:15] – The Lawrence Welk Tribute The hosts "stop the world" to celebrate Strasburg, North Dakota’s most famous son. They air a tribute from WABC in New York City, proving that the "Champagne Music" legend’s legacy still resonates from the heartland to the Big Apple.
[00:43:10] – Oil Markets: Price Makers vs. Price Takers Petroleum Council President Ron Ness tackles the "brief spike" in oil prices. He argues that $85 oil is the sweet spot for American energy dominance and criticizes the use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for political optics.
[00:52:10] – Vietnam to Arlington Vietnam Veteran Ross Johnson shares a harrowing account of surviving a 1969 battery overrun. He discusses his upcoming honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the profound questions he receives from middle schoolers about the reality of war.
[01:05:40] – Counter-Cartel Coalition Former ICE official Scott Michalski breaks down the "Shield of the Americas Summit." He explains how a 17-nation coalition aims to disrupt narco-terrorist networks and why interior enforcement is a "checkmate" on foreign influence.
[01:15:30] – Walz’s "Elmer Fudd" Strategy Senator Jordan Rasmussen joins to critique Governor Tim Walz’s proposal to transform DHS to fight fraud. Rasmussen labels the plan a "laughable" attempt at publicity for a crisis that happened under the Governor's own watch.
Doomsday Bombers, Happy Hour Bingo, and the Cat-2 Hurricane “Hooey” (3-12-26)

It’s a whirlwind Thursday on the Need to Know Morning Show as Kevin and Alex navigate a news cycle as unpredictable as the North Dakota horizon. The hosts break down a chilling report on Iran’s "aspirational" drone threats against California and the systematic "word salad" response from Governor Gavin Newsom. Closer to home, the duo explores a controversial Minnesota bill that would bring "Happy Hour" to nursing homes—proving you’re never too old for a box of wine and a round of bingo.
The conversation hits a serious note with a deep dive into the DHS shutdown, where TSA agents are working without paychecks while facing record-breaking spring break crowds. Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki drops a bombshell weather report, comparing the central pressure of an incoming storm to a Category 2 hurricane, while the team celebrates local legends, debates the "secret police" narrative surrounding ICE, and shares a heartwarming community effort to keep TSA agents on the road with donated gas cards.
Standout Moments
[00:12:15] – Happy Hour at the Nursing Home The hosts review a viral clip from a Minnesota legislative hearing where a senior resident argues for the freedom to enjoy a "nip of wine" without a liquor license, noting it beats slipping on the ice to restock a box of wine.
[00:20:40] – The Category 2 "Hooey" Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki explains a massive pressure system moving into Northern Minnesota. While not a hurricane in wind speed, its atmospheric pressure is equivalent to a Cat-2 storm, threatening near-blizzard conditions.
[00:30:15] – Iran’s Drone Threat to the West Coast A breakdown of the FBI alert warning California police departments about potential drone strikes from "unidentified vessels" off the coast. The team analyzes Gavin Newsom's "word salad" response and the legitimacy of the threat.
[00:41:40] – The "Secret Police" and the DHS Shutdown Kevin and Alex fire back at congressional Democrats who labeled ICE a "secret police" force. They discuss the real-world impact: 300+ TSA agents quitting and travelers being advised to arrive five hours early for flights.
[00:52:10] – World Baseball Classic: The "Stacked" Italians A sports update on Team USA’s struggle against an Italian roster filled with Major League stars. The hosts explain the complicated tiebreakers that have Team USA at the mercy of a Mexico-Italy matchup.
[01:10:45] – The Jetsons Age: Flying Taxis are Green-Lit Money man Brian Cronk joins to discuss the FAA green-lighting test pilots for flying taxis in 26 states. The duo discusses the investment potential of Joby Aviation and the "perfectly organized chaos" of futuristic travel.
[01:23:50] – "Excursion" vs. "War" President Trump’s recent comments from Kentucky are analyzed, where he describes the Iran conflict as a "little excursion" for the U.S. military but a "total war" for the decimated Iranian regime.
Jay Thomas Show: “Guest Host JD Lake” 3-12-26

The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday March 12th, 2026. Guests include Kenny Thomas and Dr Matt Eaton.
Doomsday Bombers & Secret Police: The Battle for the SAVE Act (3-11-26)

It’s a high-stakes "Hump Day" on the Need to Know Morning Show as Kevin and Alex break down the latest escalation in Operation Epic Fury. With B-52 doomsday bombers officially deployed, the hosts discuss the systematic dismantling of Iran's military and the "organized chaos" of the U.S. air superiority.
The conversation shifts to a domestic firestorm over the SAVE America Act. The team dissects the tension between Senate Majority Leader John Thune and MAGA supporters over the "talking filibuster," and examines explosive claims from Carolyn Leavitt and Laura Ingraham regarding Democrat opposition to voter ID. From the sudden resignation of Fargo’s Police Chief to a bizarre conspiracy theory involving Whoopi Goldberg and Nancy Guthrie, this episode connects the dots between global warfare and the internal struggle for election integrity.
Standout Moments
[00:06:40] – Operation Epic Fury: The Doomsday Bombers Jesse Watters breaks down the deployment of B-52 doomsday bombers to Iran. The hosts discuss the staggering 92% collapse of Iranian missile launches and why the "perfectly organized chaos" of the U.S. military is working ahead of schedule.
[00:13:50] – The SAVE Act Stand-Off Reaction to John Thune’s admission that he doesn’t have the votes to force a talking filibuster. Alex and Kevin debate whether Thune is a "clear-eyed realist" or a leader failing to "lead," while Laura Ingraham calls the situation "appalling".
[00:27:15] – "Insulting Myths" of Voter ID White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt fires back at the claim that minorities and married women can't navigate the DMV, calling the Democrat narrative an "insulting myth" designed to protect illegal voting.
[00:30:40] – Jury Pool Infiltration A deep dive into reports that left-wing activists are being trained to "invade" jury pools to practice jury nullification, essentially creating a "bug in the system" to ensure criminals go free for political solidarity.
[00:35:50] – The Secret Police Narrative The hosts tackle the "secret police" label being applied to ICE by congressional Democrats. Kevin points out the irony of calling a well-known federal agency "secret" while they are targeted for defunding during a national security crisis.
[00:41:20] – Whoopi and the "Nancy Guthrie Distraction" A look at the latest from The View, where Whoopi Goldberg claims the Iran conflict is merely a distraction from the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case. Kevin and Alex discuss the "nutty" rabbit holes of the legacy media.
[00:51:30] – The Illegal Alien Tax Burden Citing data from the Center for Immigration Studies, the team discusses how 60% of illegal alien-headed households utilize at least one form of welfare, costing taxpayers tens of billions.
The Board is Reset: Trump’s A-Game, Thune’s “Cat Herding,” and Carville’s Unhinged Rant (3-11-26)

In this high-voltage Wednesday edition of What’s On Your Mind, Scott Hennen and Kevin Flynn break down a masterclass in leadership from President Trump as he navigates a "hyena-like" press corps while dismantling Iran's military capabilities. The hosts dive deep into the strategic victory in the Middle East, noting that 90% of Iran's missile capacity is gone and their Navy is currently sitting at the bottom of the sea.
The conversation shifts to the domestic front, where the team tackles the DHS shutdown and the "suicidal empathy" driving Democratic policies. Minnesota Representative Walter Hudson joins to expose the "special kind of stupid" in the legislature—including a refusal to accept federal school granting funds simply because they came from the "Orange Man." Later, the duo meets a Vietnam vet preparing to lay a wreath at Arlington, explores a high-tech cure for motion sickness at UND, and analyzes a profanity-scrubbed, truly bizarre prayer for "righteous rain" from James Carville.
Standout Moments
[00:05:40] – The 10% War Listener Lloyd calls in with the receipts, explaining that the U.S. has achieved massive strategic objectives—including shutting down 56% of China-bound oil and wiping out the Russian drone supply chain—using only 10% of its military assets.
[00:12:15] – Trump’s White House Masterclass The hosts air live clips of President Trump schooling reporters on the tarmac. Trump details the total destruction of the Iranian Navy and Air Force, while Scott marveled at the President's "A-game" compared to his predecessor's "yipper" style.
[00:22:10] – June 11th, 1969: The Overrun Vietnam Veteran Ross Johnson shares a harrowing, "soul-filling" account of surviving an artillery battery overrun, describing the intense hand-to-hand combat and the smell of war that led him to his upcoming honor at Arlington National Cemetery.
[00:30:15] – Defending John Thune Scott enters the "lion's den" to defend Senate Leader John Thune, arguing that Thune isn't a "traitor" but a "cat herder" dealing with a 60-vote requirement and egos like Rand Paul. He warns that nuking the filibuster is a grenade that Democrats will eventually throw back.
[00:32:50] – The "Orange Man Bad" Legislature Minnesota Representative Walter Hudson details how state Democrats are blocking a $1,700 tax credit for school donations simply because it originated from Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill," hurting students to score political points.
[00:44:40] – The UND Motion Sickness Cure Jennifer Watney from the UND School of Aerospace Sciences explains her internationally recognized three-day simulator course that helps everyone from student pilots to travel-weary grandparents build "long-term habituation" to motion sickness.
[00:52:10] – Gutfeld on Suicidal Empathy Reaction to a viral Greg Gutfeld segment about "America-phobia" and why Western tolerance has morphed into a dangerous lack of expectation for immigrant assimilation.
[01:53:50] – James Carville’s Possession In the "Trump Derangement Syndrome" segment of the day, Scott plays a clip of a "possessed" James Carville literally praying to God to rain down more TDS so he can "hate Trump so much he can't see straight."