As the new morning time slot begins to feel like second nature, Steve Hallstrom takes listeners into the heart of the Fargo-Moorhead growth engine. The episode centers on two massive regional developments: the final stages of the multi-billion dollar Fargo Diversion project and the high-stakes selection process for a new Fargo Convention Center. Steve is joined by Mike Bollinger and Mark Bjornstad to discuss their bold "Brewhala" proposal, which aims to minimize taxpayer risk while transforming the area west of downtown.
The show also pulls back the curtain on national headlines, analyzing a "mic drop" moment at the Supreme Court regarding the definition of sex in sports and breaking down a massive 5.4% GDP growth projection. From ICE arrests in Fargo to a lighthearted look at RFK Jr.’s favorite cabinet comedian, this episode balances deep economic analysis with the faith, family, and freedom principles that define the "Happy Warrior" spirit.
Key Moments
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Fargo Convention Center Sites Revealed: Mike Bollinger (Cityscapes Development) and Mark Bjornstad (Drekker Brewing) break down their vision for a convention center at the Brewhala site, explaining a unique management model designed to protect the city from financial loss.
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The Diversion Price Tag: A look at the FM Area Diversion project as it enters its final year, now projected at a total cost of $3.2 billion with operations slated to begin for the 2027 spring flood season.
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Supreme Court Transgender Showdown: Steve analyzes Justice Samuel Alito’s questioning of a definition for "boy" and "girl" during oral arguments, highlighting the legal complexities of transgender participation in female sports.
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GDP Nerd-Out: A deep dive into the 5.4% fourth-quarter growth estimate, exploring how high GDP leads to a "local multiplier effect" and better public services without raising tax rates.
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ICE Active in Fargo: North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer confirms that federal immigration enforcement hasn't just been limited to the Twin Cities, but has resulted in multiple recent arrests in the Fargo area.
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The "Lie of Nice" vs. Truth: A discussion on the weaponization of empathy in political discourse, specifically regarding illegal immigration and justice.
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Real Estate Market Shift: A surprising report from Lennar shows new home prices in some sectors falling below 2018 levels, signaling a potential shift in the inflation narrative.
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Levity in the Cabinet: RFK Jr. shares a laugh on a recent podcast, naming Marco Rubio as the funniest member of the new administration with a quip about employment over age 114.