A wild Thursday edition of the Steve Hallstrom Show kicks off with a black bear on the loose in North Dakota’s largest city. Steve explores the buzzing community reaction to the “Yogi” sighting near a local Fargo grocery store before diving into a brewing political battle: a North Dakota lawmaker joining 200 colleagues in a call to invoke the 25th Amendment. The show also breaks down the “ping pong game” of the Iran conflict and its impact on $100 oil, a major budget-cutting mandate from Governor Kelly Armstrong, and a celebratory look at why NDSU’s biggest basketball stars are choosing loyalty over the transfer portal.
Key Moments
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A Bear in the City: Steve details the unusual scene in Fargo as police and game wardens monitor a black bear sauntering through the metro. The bear was spotted near the Northport Hornbacher’s and the Fargo VA, leading to a buzz of excitement and caution across the “not-so-country” town.
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The 25th Amendment Letter: Steve analyzes a controversial move by North Dakota State Rep. Jamie Davis, who joined over 200 state lawmakers calling for the removal of the President via the 25th Amendment. Steve critiques the “virtue signaling” of the letter, arguing it misuses an amendment intended for mental incapacity for purely political disagreements.
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Governor Armstrong’s Budget Axe: Specifics emerge on Governor Kelly Armstrong’s plan to rein in “irresponsible” state spending. Steve breaks down the new mandate: agencies with budgets over $20 million must identify 10% in cuts, while smaller agencies face a “hold even” budget to stop decades of growth.
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Iran War “Ping Pong”: With WTI crude oil surging back over $100 a barrel, Steve discusses the “conflicting realities” of the war. While the White House signals productive peace talks through Pakistani mediators, Iran continues to launch missiles and maintain its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz.
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Loyalty in the NIL Era: In a major win for Bison fans, Steve celebrates NDSU women’s basketball star Avery Koenen and nine of her teammates announcing they are staying in Fargo. Amidst fears of “poaching” by big-budget Big Ten schools, Koenen’s social media pledge to return for her senior year is hailed as a high-character move.
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TR Library Countdown: Robbie Lauf, Executive Director of the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library, joins the show to provide a “T-minus 86 days” update. He previews the July 4th grand opening and reveals that T.R.’s personal diary—featuring the famous “X” from the day his wife and mother died—will be on display for the first time.
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The High Cost of Living in MN: Steve reports on a “license tab shock” hitting Minnesota drivers, with some renewals soaring to $1,300. Combined with reports of homeowners’ insurance jumping 64% in three years, Steve argues the “Tim Walz version” of Minnesota is becoming financially untenable for many.
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Frozen Four Bedlam: Steve previews the massive UND vs. Wisconsin hockey matchup in Las Vegas. He predicts the arena will be “90% green” as Sioux fans travel in droves to support the favorite in this high-stakes semifinal.