Join the Steve Hallstrom Show for a rapid-fire rundown of the day's top stories. The show kicks off with a discussion about the bitter cold weather, driving conditions, and a look at the almanac, including the earliest sunset times of the year.
The conversation quickly shifts to major news headlines: the shocking arrest of a 13-year-old Moorhead student for possessing a large quantity of pills suspected to contain fentanyl, a proposed Fargo housing complex pulling its application after being denied tax breaks, and Aldevron announcing a second round of significant employee layoffs. The host also touches on the political front, discussing President Trump overturning a Biden-era land management plan impacting North Dakota's energy development.
Michelle Comer of High Road Partners joins the show to offer expert HR advice on job postings, hiring processes, and navigating EEO guidelines, noting that employers generally don't have to post every job. Later, the host tackles a CNBC article proclaiming single-income households a "bygone era" and asks listeners for their personal stories and perspective on this evolving American dream. Finally, there's a quick note on Minnesota Governor Tim Walls hiring a new "Director of Integrity" and a controversial comment made by a pro football player about a childhood game.
Key Moments
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13-Year-Old Arrested with Fentanyl Pills: A 13-year-old student at Horizon Middle School in Moorhead was arrested for first-degree possession of a controlled substance after being found with 1,500 pills, valued at over $35,000, that authorities believe contain fentanyl. The host expresses outrage and concern about who supplied the child.
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Fargo Development Canceled After Tax Break Denial: The Annex Group rescinded its application for a $94 million apartment complex in downtown Fargo after the Fargo Public School Board and Cass County Commission voted against a 15-year tax abatement, suggesting that pushback against these deals can, in fact, stop projects.
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Aldevron Layoffs and the Tightening Job Market: Fargo-based pharmaceutical company Aldevron announced an additional 7% workforce reduction, following a 5% cut earlier in the year, totaling 120 employees. The host uses this as an example of a broader 2025 trend where companies are getting "tough on your employee count" due to inflation and automation.
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HR Rules on Job Postings: HR expert Michelle Comer clarifies that, generally, employers are not required to post a job opening, with exceptions for things like union contracts or federal contractor status, emphasizing the importance of company culture and objective hiring practices.
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The "Bygone Era" of Single-Income Households: Discussion on a CNBC article arguing that a single breadwinner supporting a middle-class lifestyle is a thing of the past due to rising costs for health care, education, and housing.
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North Dakota Energy Development Saved: President Trump signed a bill overturning a Bureau of Land Management plan from the Biden administration that would have closed off leasing to 45% of potential oil and gas acreage and nearly 99% of federal coal acreage in North Dakota.