🎙️ Episode Description:
On episode 500 of The Steve Hallstrom Show, Steve dives headfirst into a scorching news cycle: a controversial directive from Fargo’s police chief, a tragic workplace death, cell phone bans in public schools, a surprising uptick in rural economic optimism, and yes — corn sweat is making things muggier than ever.
With appearances from Watford City Superintendent Dr. Steve Holen and Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg, the show becomes a fiery blend of education policy, civic drama, and summertime vibes.
⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps:
[00:00] – 📰 Breaking News & Somber Updates
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Workplace fatality at MidAmerica Steel in Fargo
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Deaths of Hulk Hogan (71) and jazz legend Chuck Mangione (84)
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A personal tribute from Steve, including an Easter run-in with Hogan
[17:45] – 📉 Markets & Main Street Outlook
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Stock market mixed: tech up, Dow down
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Rural optimism surges: Creighton’s Rural Main Street Survey hits 51.9 (above growth-neutral)
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Mortgage rates edge slightly down to 6.74%
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Gas prices: ND $2.91, SD $3.00, MN $3.01
[26:40] – 📵 Cell Phones Out, Focus In — A School District Leads the Way
Interview with Dr. Steve Holen, superintendent of Watford City Public Schools:
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How banning phones improved discipline and teacher retention
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Year-over-year drop in referrals by 80% at middle school level
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“It's like a break from the phone — and the kids love it.”
[54:45] – 🎉 Happy 500th Show!
Steve and producer Addison celebrate a major milestone! Time for some cake
[1:00:30] – 💼 Top 5 @ 5: News That Matters
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Mike Lindell wins court ruling in $5M data challenge
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TD Ameritrade mandates 4-day office return
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Pew poll: Gen Z men leaning GOP, women going Dem
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TikTok faces U.S. ban if control isn’t ceded by Aug 17
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Rural economic confidence rises despite low commodity prices
[1:22:00] – 🌽 The Science of “Corn Sweat”
Did you know an acre of corn releases 4,000 gallons of water a day? Fargo’s humidity spike might have more to do with plants than people.
[1:30:20] – 🚨 Explosive Interview: Commissioner Michelle Turnberg Fires Back
Michelle reacts to being banned from speaking with city police employees:
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Says Chief Zabolsky is lying
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Claims “the mayor and chief are trying to silence her”
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Calls the communication blackout “something out of Soviet Russia”
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“He’s not my boss. I’ll keep talking to cops.”
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Hints it's time to consider a new police chief
[1:54:30] – 🗳️ The Gender Divide: Why Are Young Men Republican and Women Democratic?
Steve opens the phone lines and text line to ponder what’s behind a stunning Pew Research stat:
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58% of Gen Z women identify as Democrat
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52% of Gen Z men identify as Republican
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“Is it cultural? Educational? Hormonal?” Steve jokes.