🧵 Episode Description:
Steve Hallstrom is back from vacation and hits the ground running with a jam-packed episode centered around the now-signed “Big Beautiful Bill.” From debunking myths about tax breaks for the wealthy to deep dives with North Dakota’s Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, this episode provides a detailed, accessible breakdown of what the bill means for working families, energy policy, and America's economic future.
Plus:
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🔬 A stunning stat on North Dakota’s looming doctor shortage with Dr. Bob Mayo
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⛈️ Severe weather updates and Texas flooding fallout
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🧾 Why tax on tips, overtime, and EV rebates are being slashed
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🦆 Fewer ducks, more debt, and a boost for Hector Airport ✈️
⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps:
00:00 – 03:00 | 🎙 “Back in the Chair”
Steve returns from vacation in Minneapolis and dives straight into the political and policy waves from the long weekend.
03:00 – 15:00 | 💸 “What the Bill Actually Does”
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Dispels the myth that it’s a “tax cut for the rich”
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Highlights for working-class Americans:
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Increased standard deduction
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Bonus deduction for seniors
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Child tax credit increase
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No tax on overtime or tips (up to $25K)
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15:00 – 24:00 | 🌊 Texas Floods & Trump Blame Game
Steve reacts to tragic Bible camp flooding in Texas and lashes out at those politicizing it—especially Rosie O’Donnell’s claims against Trump.
“There are dead children. Let’s stop and wait before assigning blame.”
24:00 – 40:00 | 🎙️ Interview: Rep. Julie Fedorchak
Julie joins live from North Dakota to unpack:
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What it was like to vote on the bill last-minute before the July 4th break
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Why this bill is historic for agriculture, rural health, and energy independence
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Her “favorite” under-the-radar policy win: phasing out solar/wind tax credits after 32 years
🔥 “We’re taking America back to common sense, and it feels good.”
💡 Julie’s hidden gem: Student loan support for trade-school paths
40:00 – 53:00 | 🗣 Scott Hennen Joins
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Why this is the largest spending cut in U.S. history
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The GOP’s poor messaging vs. Democrats’ fear tactics
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“This isn’t a sugar high—it’s a growth bill with long-term upside.”
53:00 – 58:30 | 🧠 Top 5 at 5 Rundown
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ND Ag Commissioner calls farm debt “dire”
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Elon Musk’s 3rd party = Tesla stock plummets 📉
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Delta adds daily Fargo–Atlanta flights ✈️
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ND’s climate = 220 days of free cooling for AI campuses 🧊
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Trump sets 25% tariff on Japan & Korea (but delays broader ones to Aug 1)
58:30 – 1:11:00 | 🏥 Interview: Dr. Bob Mayo – Rural Health Crisis
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ND ranks near last in pediatricians, OBGYNs, and radiologists per capita
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Forecast: 500+ doctor shortage by 2040
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Most important fix? Expand residency slots so ND-trained doctors can actually stay
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Bonus: 72% of ND counties are “maternity deserts”
🩺 “Throwing money at the problem doesn’t work. Residency expansion does.”
1:11:00 – End | 💬 Listener calls & final thoughts
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Callers question Tim Walz's future and Trump’s new tariffs
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Steve defends tariffs as strategic and talks up the bill’s impact on families, energy, and ag