Steve Hallstrom returns to the Fargo studio after a trip to Watford City to tackle a series of urgent warnings for the region. From a potential financial "trouble" facing Fargo Public Schools to a staggering health alert concerning one in three U.S. teens, this Friday edition doesn't pull any punches. Steve also breaks down the shifting spring flood outlook for the Red River Valley and visits with key leaders about state financial health and common-sense policy agendas. Plus, a look at "sneaky snacks" hiding massive sugar loads and why A-Rod is coming to the Valley.
Key Moments
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Fargo Schools’ Budget Warning: Superintendent Dr. Corey Steiner warns that Fargo Public Schools is facing a $5 million deficit. Steiner details a plan to close the gap through attrition and administrative cuts but cautions that deeper, more "painful" cuts loom if a critical November mill levy vote fails.
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Adolescent Health Crisis: Steve dives into a CDC study revealing that nearly one in three American teenagers now has prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. He breaks down how acquired factors like ultra-processed foods and sedentary screen time are driving the trend and identifies the "Sneaky Six" foods parents should watch.
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Red River Flood Watch: The spring flood risk for the Red River Valley has been upgraded from low to moderate. Steve notes that significant late-winter snowfall and high soil moisture have officials keeping a close eye on the rising threat.
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A-Rod is Fargo Bound: MLB legend Alex Rodriguez has been announced as the keynote speaker for the Chamber’s Voices of Vision event in late May. Steve reflects on Rodriguez’s complex legacy, including his history with performance-enhancing drugs, but welcomes the entrepreneur’s story of "overcoming mistakes".
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The "Road to Opportunity": Justin Stemen of Americans for Prosperity North Dakota joins the show to unveil a 2027 policy agenda. The group is pushing for the total elimination of the state income tax, expanded property tax relief, and the implementation of a North Dakota "REINS Act" to curb government overreach.
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State Financial Watchdogs: Lisa Kruse, Commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions, discusses the stability of the state's community banks. Kruse highlights the rising threat of Bitcoin ATM fraud and explains why North Dakota’s conservative banking approach has prevented a failure since 1989.
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Target Joins "MAHA": In a win for clean labeling, Minneapolis-based Target announces it will stop selling cereals with synthetic dyes like Red 40 by the end of May, citing a massive shift in customer demand for healthier lifestyles.
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On the Farm: Ag Director Bridgette Readel reports from the Commodity Classic in San Antonio. She celebrates the appointment of North Dakota producer Rob Rose to the United Soybean Board and discusses the debut of a new group 14 herbicide.