🎧 Podcast Summary:
In this jam-packed Friday edition of The Steve Hallstrom Show, Steve covers everything from hazy skies to booming beef prices. Kicking things off with jokes about mistakenly calling his own show the wrong name (oops!), Steve dives into Fargo’s smoky air alert, the surprising U.S. budget surplus, and an emotional $10K grocery giveaway recap.
Special guest Julie Ellingson of the North Dakota Stockman’s Association joins to unpack what new federal policy means for ranchers—and how a parasite threat at the southern border could impact the cattle industry. Plus, wild stories of tornado debris flying over 40 miles, Minneapolis meltdown rants, and listeners weigh in: is downtown Fargo safe?
It’s fast-paced, smart, heartfelt radio that’s part news, part opinion, and all Steve. 👊
🕒 Key Moments & Timestamps:
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[0:00] – Cold Open: Air quality alert is that bad… but hey, ND’s measles outbreak is over, and the U.S. has a June surplus?!
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[1:10] – Morning Show Crossover: Steve reflects on subbing for “Need to Know” and laughs about mixing up show names on-air.
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[3:00] – Previewing the Hour: Stockman’s Association, budget wins, smoke from Canada, and wild tornado stories ahead.
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[6:56] – Market Minute: Dow, S&P, NASDAQ dip slightly, but Bitcoin hits a record high ($118k!). Gold and silver also surge 📈
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[10:23] – “Canada, Get Your Crap Together”: Steve rants about Canadian wildfire smoke wrecking summer weekends.
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[11:12] – Measles Outbreak Ends: 35 total cases; health department says the recent one won’t spark resurgence.
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[12:40] – Farewell to Melissa Sobolik: After 18 years with Great Plains Food Bank, she’s heading to Rhode Island.
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[13:45] – New Minnesota Flag Rejected: Several counties opt to keep the old one—“Looks like it’s from the Middle East,” Steve quips.
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[14:15] – Foreign-Owned U.S. Land: China owns 277K+ acres. Steve: “That’s a national security concern.”
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[16:04] – Tragic Texas Camp Flood: Despite passing all inspections, 120+ dead at girls’ camp. Gut-punch of a story.
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[16:45] – Budget Surprise!: June saw a $27B surplus due to tariffs. Steve: “CNBC hated writing this story.”
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[19:10] – Heartwarming Plug: Listener calls in to promote $5 brat fundraiser for Golden Drive Homeless Kids ❤️
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[22:53] – Grocery Giveaway Recap: West Fargo family of six (and one on the way) wins $10K in groceries!
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[26:58] – Julie Ellingson Interview Begins: Hot beef prices, death tax relief, parasite border threats, and national cattle policy wins.
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[33:30] – Screw Worm Crisis: Southern border cattle shut down again. Julie: “We must keep it out of the U.S.”
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[38:53] – Call-In Hour Begins: Listeners debate downtown Fargo safety. “It’s not dangerous, just awkward.”
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[44:34] – Record Tornado Debris: Personal mail travels 40+ miles from Enderlin tornado—goosebumps story.
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[48:36] – More Listener Downtown Takes: Steve weighs whether perception of danger downtown outpaces reality.
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[52:30] – Scott Hennen Surprise Visit: Pops in live to share thoughts on downtown crime vs West Acres comparison.
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[56:30] – Tornado Memories Flood In: Listeners call in with stories of storm debris and Rapid City floods.
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[1:01:38] – Tim from the Road Weighs In: Downtown vs suburb safety debate continues as hour winds down.