In this jam-packed episode of What’s On Your Mind, host Scott Hennen navigates a world in transition. From the front lines of the forgotten war in Ukraine to the high-stakes internal politics of the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, we explore the stories that mainstream media ignores. Scott sits down with ag-tech pioneer Howard Dahl for a boots-on-the-ground look at Russia's military failings and the cutting-edge drone technology changing the face of warfare.
Closer to home, North Dakota's new Superintendent of Public Instruction, Levi Bachmeier, discusses his 50-school tour and the fight for fact-based, patriotic curriculum. We also hear a heartbreaking and infuriating account of a Grand Forks family's battle for justice against a lenient judge following the death of their six-year-old daughter. Plus, a deep dive into the latest tax refund metrics, a look at Minnesota's "Land of 10,000 Frauds," and a lesson in "pasty butt" from the world of agriculture.
Standout Moments & Timestamps
[00:01:03] – Russia’s Face-Saving Exit? Howard Dahl explains why Vladimir Putin may have realized his mistake within 30 days of invading Ukraine and how 21% interest rates are crippling the Russian economy.
[00:05:30] – The $1,000 Drone vs. The $10 Million Plane A fascinating look at how Ukrainian engineers—with help from a brilliant Fargo native—are using fiber optics and direct-wire drones to bypass Russian jamming signals.
[00:09:40] – Boots on the Ground in ND Schools Superintendent Levi Bachmeier shares insights from his visits to 50 North Dakota schools, from the four-student district in Marmarth to the 14,000-student system in Bismarck.
[00:12:48] – Facts vs. Feelings in the Classroom Bachmeier tackles a listener's question on gender roles and biology, advocating for a curriculum grounded in the Enlightenment and common sense rather than "feelings-based" instruction.
[00:15:20] – Justice for Katarina Nicole Luthain and Robert Withers share the gut-wrenching story of their daughter's death at the hands of a drunk driver and their quest to remove a judge they label as "dishonorable."
[00:23:00] – The Tax Refund Surge State Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus delivers good news for North Dakotans, detailing how average refunds are up 11% thanks to federal taxable income reductions.
[00:27:30] – The Wealth Tax Cliff John Hindoracker breaks down a radical proposed wealth tax in Minnesota that could punish family farmers whose assets exceed $10 million.
[00:30:15] – The Birthday Beacon David Spickler of Lighthouse Commodities discusses throwing 291 birthday parties for underprivileged children and previews Bismarck’s first "5K Party Run."