🎯 Episode Overview:
On this laid-back but informative Monday episode, Steve reflects on the joys of summer, shares a personal triumph on the golf course (spoiler: 78 at Fargo Country Club!), and unpacks a whirlwind of headlines from local standoffs to global Bitcoin spikes. Steve mixes personal storytelling, market updates, and political commentary in his signature “neighbor-next-door” style—with humor, humility, and just the right dash of Minnesota pride.
✨ Highlights & Timestamps:
⛳ 0:43 – Steve Shoots 78
Steve kicks things off with a personal milestone—shooting a 78 at the Fargo Country Club, a course that’s long been his nemesis. After a 10-mile run, no less! Humble brag? Maybe. But you’ll be smiling along with him.
“I don’t usually share stuff like this, but it just felt so darn good... I had to tell somebody.”
📈 4:50 – The 4 O’Clock Wrap: Weather, Markets & Bitcoin Mania
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Weather recap: Average July 14th high is 82°F, low 60°F
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Markets:
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Dow: +88
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S&P: +8
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Nasdaq: +54
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Bitcoin hits $120,000+ (💥 $1.3B in short positions liquidated)
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Gas prices:
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National: $3.15
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ND: $2.90
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SD: $2.99
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MN: $3.04
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🚓 7:24 – Wild Police Standoff in Moorhead
A bizarre scene unfolds after a car chase and home invasion. The suspect (reportedly known from a prior bomb scare) jumps into a home with a woman and child. No weapons were found, but tension was high.
👮 9:02 – Honoring Officer Jake Wallin
Fargo PD holds a memorial for Officer Wallin, tragically killed two years ago during a traffic stop ambush. A somber moment, with moving words from Chief Zibolski.
🏛️ 11:18 – Canadian Wildfire Smoke: What Can We Do?
Sen. Kevin Cramer expresses uncertainty about U.S. options to mitigate drifting smoke from Canadian wildfires. “Maybe there’s nothing we can do,” he admits.
📱 11:59 – Minnesota’s Mental Health Warning Law
Starting summer 2026, Minnesotans will see warning pop-ups on social media platforms warning of potential mental health hazards—first law of its kind in the U.S.
🗳️ 12:59 – Gallup Poll: Immigration Views Shift
Americans are now more positive about immigration:
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Support for reducing immigration fell from 55% → 30%
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Support for increasing immigration rose from 16% → 26%
📬 13:42 – USPS Stamp Prices Up Again
First-Class Forever stamps now cost $0.78, up from $0.73. USPS says it’s part of a long-term financial recovery plan. Still, that’s a 60% hike in a decade.
🏡 14:15 – Real Estate Trends: Prices Dropping in Big Cities
Home price declines are now seen in nearly 1/3 of the top 100 U.S. markets, with renting becoming far more affordable than buying in many places.
🎤 15:11 – Lauren Daigle Packs the Fair
The Red River Valley Fair ends with a bang. Christian artist Lauren Daigle draws a sell-out crowd. Evangelist Nick Hall also spoke. “Beautiful evening, packed house,” Steve says.
💰 15:23 – Inflation Watch: Big Week Ahead
Upcoming reports this week:
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Tuesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI)
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Wednesday: Producer Price Index (PPI)
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Thursday: Retail sales
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Friday: Consumer sentiment
Will Trump-era tariffs trigger inflation? The data might finally show it.
🏞️ 18:35 – West Fargo Park District: Balanced Budget!
A rare feat—WF Park District announces a balanced 2026 budget without raising taxes. Steve praises their fiscal responsibility but says, “We can still do better.”
🏙️ 34:20 – Minneapolis: Doubling Down on Taxing the Rich
City Council unanimously votes to explore new taxes on wealthy residents. Steve dives into the politics, the problems, and how Minneapolis could be driving people (and money) away.
🕊️ 52:00 – Remembering Dr. Tom Strinden
In a touching tribute, Steve mourns the loss of a local giant—Dr. Tom Strinden, 63, a beloved eye surgeon and pillar of the UND hockey community.
“The world needs more Tom Strindens than we have right now.”
🕵️ 1:05:00 – Epstein Files: Where Are the Answers?
Steve questions the DOJ's sudden reversal on releasing Epstein client files.
Charlie Kirk and even Dan Bongino express concern.
“This isn't about gossip. It's about justice—for the children.”