This episode, recorded on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, dives into a renewed local controversy over a children's book, the continuing national impact of the government shutdown, and an interview on the soaring prices of gold and silver.
Local & Political Fallout
- Controversial Book Back on Moorhead School Shelves: The children's book "Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness" is back on the library shelves at Moorhead Public Schools after no formal request for reconsideration was submitted under policy 606. The book, recommended for ages 4 to 8, has drawn heavy criticism for framing whiteness as a system of racial oppression, including a section detailing a "contract with whiteness". The host argued the content is "way too heavy, way too advanced, and way too loaded" for young children.
- Activist Faith Dixon to Plead Guilty to Fraud: Local Black Lives Matter activist Faith Dixon is expected to plead guilty to felony theft charges related to defrauding the state of thousands of dollars through a non-profit organization and selling food from the Great Plains Food Bank. The plea deal is rumored to reduce her three felony charges to misdemeanors and limit her jail time to 11 months, which would keep her out of state prison. The host and listeners expressed outrage at the leniency of the proposed sentence.
- Government Shutdown Relief and Continuing Stalemate (Top 5 at 5):
- The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved a short-term, low-interest loan program (2% interest) for furloughed federal employees and local U.S. armed forces members, covering up to three months of base pay.
- The Senate again rejected a funding proposal to end the shutdown, which is now in its second week. Democrats are reportedly focused on Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.
- The shutdown is delaying federal disaster relief funds for the June tornadoes, totaling over $11 million.
- Fargo Crime Data: Fargo police data shows gun-related incidents remain down this year compared to the highest year on record (2022). As of the end of August, Fargo reported 18 shootings and shots-fired incidents combined.
- North Dakota Appointments: Kirsten Basler was confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Nicholas Chase was confirmed as the new U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota.
Business, Finance, and Markets
- Gold Hits $4,000: Gold hit the $4,000 an ounce level for the first time ever, leading a strong run in precious metals. Rick Knutson of GoldSilver Exchange attributed the climb to the "fear of missing out" syndrome and its status as a Tier One asset (rated higher than the U.S. dollar).
- Silver Surges: Silver is up 71 percent this year, outperforming gold. Physical silver demand is high, with the metal being consumed in solar, electronics, and missile technology and not being recycled as much as in the past.
- Mortgage & Housing Trends: Applications to buy homes are increasing year-over-year. Adjustable-rate mortgages are growing in popularity nationwide, though the 30-year fixed rate remains the favorite in the local area. Home values in the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo area are up three percent year-to-date.
- Quick Trip Opening: The first Quick Trip (Quick Star in Fargo) convenience store in the area is set to open tomorrow in South Moorhead.
Special Segments & Host News
- Real Estate Conversation: Tom Clausio of Remax Legacy Realty discussed the stability of the local market, noting the most active price range is $150k to $325k. He highlighted that anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years qualifies as a first-time buyer for state assistance programs.
- Final Thoughts on AI: The host shared a listener text expressing concern that AI will "destroy wide swaths of the job market" and make Americans "dumber, fatter and completely reliant". The host stated he would be gone for the rest of the week, with Andrew Slatton filling in.
- Weather: The temperature is expected to reach a high of 70∘F today and 75∘F tomorrow, with a chance of rain over the weekend. The National Weather Service issued a fire weather statement for parts of Minnesota due to dry conditions and expected winds.
- The host will be flying out east tomorrow morning and wished himself luck with potential airline disruptions due to the government shutdown.