As the region closes out the "death march" of January, Steve Hallstrom delivers a high-octane Friday edition covering major arrests and the end of a North Dakota era. The show dives into the federal arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon following a church protest in St. Paul, the shock announcement that Minot’s iconic Norsk Høstfest is calling it quits, and President Trump’s selection for the new Federal Reserve Chair. Steve also addresses the "manufactured outrage" in Minneapolis, the surge in silver prices, and why 1 million Americans have already signed up for the new "Trump Accounts."
Key Moments
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Don Lemon in Custody: Steve discusses the federal arrest of Don Lemon in California, tied to his involvement in the disruption of a St. Paul church service. Steve argues that while journalists have a job to do, entering a place of worship with an "angry mob" to harass parishioners crosses a legal and moral line.
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The End of Hostfest: A sad day for North Dakota culture as the board of Minot’s Norsk Høstfest—the largest Scandinavian festival in North America—announces the event is over due to rising costs and declining attendance.
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Masterful Messaging from Tom Homan: Steve plays clips from Border Czar Tom Homan’s Twin Cities press conference. Homan details a potential plan to reduce federal agents in the area if local officials grant ICE better access to county jails, arguing it’s safer for agents and the community.
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The New Fed Chair: Steve breaks down President Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell. Despite initial market jitters, Steve notes that Warsh brings significant credibility to Wall Street and will likely prioritize lowering rates without spiking inflation.
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School Lunch Legislative Fallout: Following the North Dakota Senate’s rejection of universal free meals, Steve discusses why the issue is almost certainly headed for a constitutional ballot measure in November—and why he believes the $70 million price tag is "lazy politics."
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Economic Resilience: Steve welcomes Ike Walker, GM of Valley News Live, to discuss the media’s role in covering the "Trump economy." They explore why public sentiment is finally catching up to positive GDP and labor numbers despite a "hostile" legacy media environment.
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"I Was Brainwashed": In the "Best Thing I Heard All Day," Steve shares the story of Lucy Biggers, a former high-profile climate activist who explains how she walked away from the "movement" after realizing the narrative was based on unprovable theories and "groupthink."
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On the Farm: Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins to discuss new opportunities for U.S. rice and cattle in Venezuela, the threat of the New World screwworm, and the return of whole milk to school cafeterias.