Steve Hallstrom returns to the Fargo studio for a high-stakes Wednesday edition, breaking down a political earthquake in Virginia that could shift the balance of power in Washington. Steve dives into the “loaded language” that led to a successful redistricting referendum and analyzes the fallout from last night’s inaugural Fargo mayoral debate. The show features a detailed look at the new “Benign” inflation numbers, an update on the 1981 Valley City baby cold case, and a look at why 5 million families have already signed up for “Trump Accounts.” Plus, a check on the MSU Moorhead quarterback making NFL draft waves and the “indefinite” extension of the ceasefire in Iran.
Key Moments
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Virginia’s Redistricting “Trojan Horse”: Steve analyzes the passage of a Virginia ballot measure that allows the Democrat-controlled legislature to redraw the congressional map. He details how $100 million in out-of-state money and a question using the term “fairness” may flip four seats to Democrats, effectively bypassing the state’s bipartisan commission until 2030.
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Fargo Mayoral Debate Fallout: Five candidates squared off last night at the Fargo Theater. Steve highlights the clear “line of demarcation” between conservatives (Turnberg, Pepcorn) and liberals (Boucher, Kolpak, Sirleaf) regarding homelessness, spending, and the future of the downtown engagement center.
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Iran War “Indefinite” Ceasefire: President Trump has announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire, citing the financial collapse of the Iranian regime. However, Steve notes the standoff continues in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran claims to have intercepted two container ships for “maritime violations”.
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“Trump Accounts” Reach 5 Million: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reports that 5 million children have been signed up for “Trump Accounts,” with 1.2 million already eligible for the $1,000 seed money pilot program intended for babies born between 2025 and 2028.
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Inflation News—Wholesale Prices Cool: The March Producer Price Index (PPI) came in significantly cooler than expected. With “core” inflation (excluding food and energy) at just 0.1% month-over-month, Steve notes this is a strong leading indicator for lower prices on store shelves.
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MSU Moorhead’s NFL Hopeful: Dragon quarterback Jack Strand is generating historic buzz ahead of Thursday night’s NFL Draft. The 6’5″, 240-pounder is rated as a potential 7th-round pick, which would make him the first MSU Moorhead player drafted in the modern era.
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Horace Shooting Details: New information confirms that Monday’s school lockdown in Horace was triggered by a shooting between two construction workers in a middle school parking lot. The suspect, a 40-year-old with prior federal convictions, is facing attempted murder charges.
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1981 Cold Case Charges: A 65-year-old Valley City woman faces life in prison after being charged with a class AA felony for the 1981 murder of a newborn infant. DNA testing linked her to the newborn, ending a secret allegedly kept for over 40 years.