🔥 Episode Overview:
Steve Hallstrom continues dissecting Fargo’s explosive political moment after a weekend of deadly shootings and growing outrage over Police Chief Dave Zibolski’s leadership. This episode digs into shocking revelations, political fallout, and the community’s outcry for transparency.
Steve also unpacks an exclusive interview with Commissioner Denise Kolpak, shares new public statements, and invites listener feedback in what may be one of the most intense and revealing episodes of the year.
⏱️ Highlight Moments & Timestamps:
🧨 [00:00–05:33] – “A Category 5 Political Storm”
Steve sets the tone: public confidence in Chief Zibolski is plummeting, city leaders are turning on each other, and the community feels left in the dark.
“This is a credibility crisis.”
🔎 [05:34–09:57] – The Timeline That Tore Trust
Steve reconstructs the moment-by-moment events from the weekend’s double shooting, including the 24-hour silence from city officials and PD.
“What people needed was leadership and presence. What they got was PR silence.”
📢 [10:00–15:05] – The Chief’s Press Conference Fallout
Steve breaks down Zibolski’s robotic apology and defensive tone, replaying key soundbites.
“This wasn’t humility. It was damage control.”
👥 [15:10–25:00] – Kolpak's Interview: Loyalty or Blind Spot?
Steve shares excerpts from Commissioner Denise Kolpak's interview on August 5, defending the Chief’s reforms but acknowledging communication issues.
“We have made strides under this Chief... but this weekend was not our best.”
Steve asks tough follow-up questions Kolpak didn’t answer, including why the Chief was absent for 24 hours.
💣 [25:00–35:45] – Turnberg Drops a Bombshell
Michelle Turnberg’s demand for Zibolskiy’s resignation is replayed with commentary. Her quote:
“He’s smug, arrogant, and incapable of leading this department.”
Steve breaks down how this statement shook City Hall.
📞 [45:01–1:00:00] – Listener Calls: “Enough is Enough”
Callers weigh in, many echoing frustration over lack of communication, transparency, and empathy from the department and leadership.
A few choice quotes:
“It felt like we were abandoned.”
“They don’t just need a new press officer—they need new leadership.”
💡 [1:00:00–1:15:00] – Where Do We Go From Here?
Steve outlines three possible paths forward for Fargo:
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Status quo and hope it blows over.
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Forced resignation of the Chief.
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Full external investigation into department leadership.
“This could be Fargo’s defining moment—for better or worse.”