🎙️ Episode Description:
On a rare, record-cold July day in North Dakota, Steve Hallstrom takes the mic solo to unpack the news, numbers, and national debates shaping America right now.
From record boardings at Hector International Airport to controversial cuts to public broadcasting, Steve dives into economic data, airport expansion updates, inflation concerns, and the future of public radio and PBS — all with his signature mix of facts, humor, and fierce honesty.
Also on tap: Dr. Scott Jensen’s return to Minnesota politics, immigration shifts, autism center fraud probes, and how walking 14 steps a minute might be the secret to senior health.
🔍 Key Moments & Timestamps
0:00 – 6:00 | 🌡️ Record Cold Hits ND
A crisp 41°F overnight in Grand Forks sets a 50-year record. Steve opens the show on a beautiful, unusually chilly July day.
6:00 – 15:00 | ✈️ Guest: Sean Doberstein – Hector Airport
Hector sees its 15th consecutive month of record boardings, thanks to new routes, strong leisure travel, and a surprising lack of business travelers. Expansion plans = 9 gates by 2026.
15:00 – 25:00 | 📉 Inflation, Jobs & Markets
WTI crude climbs. Unemployment claims hit a 3-month low. Import prices and jobless claims surprise to the upside. Is the economy really doing better than we’re told?
25:00 – 32:00 | 💬 Listener Calls: Speakerphones & Public Behavior
A popular question-of-the-day about public rudeness sparks some fun, fiery takes from listeners.
32:00 – 43:00 | 📺 Public Broadcasting Under Fire
Senate votes to cut $1.1 billion in funding for NPR and PBS. Steve asks: Has public media lost its neutrality? And what does this mean for rural news, kids’ shows, and cultural heritage?
43:00 – 49:00 | 👟 14 Steps a Minute = Longer Life?
A new study finds that seniors who walk at least 14 steps per minute have significantly better odds of staying independent. Steve digs into the science.
49:00 – 56:00 | 🧠 Autism Center Fraud Investigation
85 autism centers across Minnesota are under scrutiny for alleged Medicaid fraud — following a series of federal raids.
56:00 – 1:02:00 | 🧓 Americans Delaying Retirement
23% of older Americans now say they’re putting off retirement due to inflation and financial uncertainty. Steve explores why the numbers are worse than they look.
1:02:00 – 1:10:00 | 🎙️ Scott Jensen Returns
The former Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate announces he’s running again in 2026. Does he stand a chance this time?
1:10:00 – 1:18:00 | 🔥 Closing Rants: Crookston Cancelations & Political Theater
Why was Crookston’s Fiesta Day canceled over "political climate"? And is the anti-Trump protest movement being propped up by paid crowds?