🎙️ Episode Description:
Steve turns up the heat this Friday with a firecracker of an episode that blends national controversy, local politics, and financial fireworks. He dives into Trump’s potential “tariff rebate” idea, breaks down allegations of treason against Barack Obama, and navigates the exploding feud between Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski and City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg.
Also: wildfire smoke from Canada, skyrocketing insurance costs, Minnesota Medicaid fraud, Social Security insolvency, and listener calls ranking potential Fargo mayoral candidates. This one’s loaded.
⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps:
[00:00] – ☁️ Summer Vibes & A Packed News Day
From hazy skies to a jammed docket, Steve sets the stage for a wild Friday edition.
[06:30] – 💸 Trump Floats a “Tariff Rebate” for Americans
Steve explains Trump’s idea of refunding tariff revenue to citizens — and breaks down whether it could work to reduce the national debt or serve as a form of stimulus.
[17:10] – 🚨 Michelle Turnberg vs. Fargo PD: Day 2
Steve reacts to Turnberg’s second interview in as many days — where she accuses city leadership of lying, intimidation, and mismanagement.
Key quotes:
-
“I’m a strong woman asking tough questions.”
-
“I’ve been told I ruined morale in the department.”
-
“Officers fear retribution from the Chief.”
[34:00] – 🔥 Essentia Lockdown Case Update
New court documents reveal how police tracked down the man who called in a bomb threat — and caught him red-handed with the same phone he used to call in the threat.
[43:00] – 🌲 Canadian Wildfires Break Records
15 million acres burned so far — triple the typical amount. A persistent drought and lack of forest management make it a historic fire year.
[49:00] – 👋 Senator Nicole Mitchell Resigns Early
After intense scrutiny over her role in the care of a family member, Mitchell resigns earlier than planned. Steve recaps the political fallout.
[54:30] – 🗳️ Minnesota Rejects DOJ Voter List Request
The MN Secretary of State refuses to turn over the state’s voter rolls to the Department of Justice, sparking concerns over transparency and federal oversight.
[1:00:30] – 🏛️ Fargo Politics Power Rankings
Listeners call in to rank who should be Fargo’s next mayor: Michelle Turnberg, Dave Piepkorn, Tony Gehrig, and others all get evaluated.
[1:14:00] – 📉 Top Five @ 5: Big Stories of the Day
-
Social Security trust fund may run dry by 2032
-
MN refuses DOJ voter roll request
-
Medicaid fraud investigation expands in MN
-
Canadian wildfires continue to rage
-
U.S. home prices hit new record highs ($435,300 avg)
[1:28:00] – ⚖️ "It's Treason, Then": Russiagate Redux
Steve says if proven true, the Obama administration’s use of Russian intel to undermine Trump would be “the biggest scandal in American history.”
Quote: “If we ever prove Obama sabotaged Trump’s presidency, it’s treason. Period.”
[1:45:00] – 🏛️ Rep. Jeff Backer Interview: The Medicaid Fraud Machine
Minnesota State Rep. Backer explains why he’s calling for a federal audit of DHS:
-
Nearly $1 billion in suspected fraud
-
The state’s culture of “fraud and robots”
-
Why even non-Minnesotans should care
[1:58:00] – 📞 Final Caller: “Michelle Turnberg for Mayor?”
A listener calls in to say Turnberg + Piepkorn would be the conservative dream team for Fargo’s city commission.