📄 Episode Description:
In this high-energy episode, Steve Hallstrom broadcasts live from beautiful Itasca County, Minnesota. From failed Fargo water park dreams to fiery Capitol Hill showdowns and one man’s miraculous survival from a deadly plane crash, this episode covers it all with Steve’s trademark mix of sharp commentary, dry humor, and Midwest warmth. You’ll also hear about an escalating mosquito season, the controversial Paid Family Leave Act, and a Great Grocery Giveaway that has listeners dialing in with hope. Buckle up for political hot takes, local news you care about, and a few wild surprises along the way.
🔥 Highlights & Key Moments
(0:00) – Cold Opens & Hot Takes
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“There will be no water park in Fargo.” Steve breaks the news on a refiled plan that ditches a once-hyped local water park.
(1:35) – Guest Preview
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Representative Spencer Igoe to join in the 5 o’clock hour to break down Minnesota’s legislative session.
(2:00–4:47) – The Paid Leave Act Rant
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Steve torches the Paid Leave Act, calling it “foolish and damaging.”
💬 “You're being taxed... and you don’t have a choice.”
(4:40) – Mosquito Alert
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Cass County Vector Control’s Ben Prather joins later in the show, but Steve previews the bug battle to come.
(6:12–11:59) – Weather & Market Wrap
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Market news: CPI and PPI numbers down, but oil and gold rising.
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Weather is unseasonably cool with a nod to historical extremes:
📈 “Record high was 101° in 1893. Global warming? Not so fast.”
(12:00–1:15:00) – Capitol Hill Clash: Walz vs. Emmer
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Governor Tim Walz grilled by Rep. Tom Emmer on immigration and sanctuary cities.
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KSTP poll shows Walz with 58% approval, but only 43% want him to run again.
(1:15:00–1:25:00) – Plane Crash Miracle
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A British national survives a horrific crash that killed 240+ people.
💬 “This guy needs to go to Vegas. He is the luckiest man alive.”
(1:25:00–1:32:00) – Scam Alert
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Steve recounts a local scam that drained a man’s entire bank account.
⚠️ “Be over-cautious, over-suspicious... scammers are getting really good.”
(1:32:00–1:40:00) – 🎉 Great Grocery Giveaway
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Listener Bill Grahams qualifies live on air for $10,000 in groceries.
💸 “Groceries for a year. Steak and lobster, baby!”
(1:40:00–1:58:00) – Top 5 at 5: Biggest Stories
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🚫 No water park in Fargo
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🧾 Apple wallet now supports digital REAL ID
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🇺🇸 66% of Americans support deporting undocumented immigrants
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🪪 Trump proposes $5M “Trump Card” for citizenship
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📊 Gov. Walz approval vs. reelection support
(2:00:00–2:25:00) – Rep. Spencer Igoe Interview
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Igoe recaps legislative wins:
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Repealing adult illegal immigrant healthcare
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Permitting reform
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Budget corrections
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Warns of the Paid Leave Act’s cost and confusion:
💬 “This is going to hit like a brick. Small businesses won’t know what hit them.”
(2:25:00–2:33:00) – Girls’ Softball Controversy
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Champlin Park’s state title win by a biologically male pitcher.