A sleepy Monday erupts into chaos with severe weather and a political assassination sending shockwaves through Minnesota. On this June 16th edition of The Steve Hallstrom Show, meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down a confirmed tornado and wild 100+ mph wind gusts. Then, Steve tackles the heart-wrenching and bizarre story of a Twin Cities lawmaker targeted and killed in a brutal early morning shooting—what we know, what doesn’t add up, and what it means for politics going forward.
Later, the show lightens with New Orleans travel talk, markets on the rebound, and a brand-new Trump-branded smartphone dropping soon?! All that plus guest Rep. Jeff Backer shares his personal reflections on a harrowing weekend for Minnesota lawmakers.
🌀 Key Moments & Timestamps:
0:00 – Opening Headlines
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Tornado confirmed in Lakes Country
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Arrest in Twin Cities caps a violent political weekend
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Fargo weekend protests surprisingly calm
0:17 – Weather Update with Dean Wysocki
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⚠️ Tornado warning in Otter Tail County
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Radar-confirmed rotation near Parker's Prairie
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🌬️ 94–104 mph wind gusts out west (!)
1:26 – Tornado Analysis
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Why storms "explode" during peak heat
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Thunderstorm wind mechanics explained
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Rain totals and drought relief
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Future storm outlook based on LRC cycle (40-day pattern)
5:27 – Forecast Outlook
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Strong storms ahead Wednesday & Friday
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Weekend temps could hit 90s—cloud cover is key
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Steve & Dean chat about Minnesota’s “cold” summer weekend
10:13 – National & Local News Roundup
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🎯 Twin Cities assassination shocker: Vance Belter charged with murdering Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband
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Missing persons alerts expand in ND
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Microsoft downsizing its Fargo footprint
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TikTok shutdown deadline looms
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🎓 Youth unemployment spikes despite solid college grad stats
22:21 – Steve’s Take: The Shooting That Shook Minnesota
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🔍 Deep dive into Vance Belter’s baffling background
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Targeted politicians and weird inconsistencies
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Theories swirl—political motives? Mental illness?
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Steve’s heartfelt reflections on growing up near the Twin Cities
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“None of this makes sense. That’s what happens when evil walks in.”
51:25 – Monday Roundtable with Scott Hennen
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🎯 Who’s to blame? Rhetoric from both sides?
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👮 Lawmaker security under scrutiny
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🚫 Minneapolis “No Kings” rally goes on despite police warnings
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Astroturf or grassroots? The truth about the protest movement
58:08 – Interview: Rep. Jeff Backer
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“We can’t let fear overcome our right for freedom.”
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Recalling Melissa Hortman’s leadership and humanity
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Parade day in Fergus Falls under security watch
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Faith, shock, and standing firm in the aftermath