Steve Hallstrom kicks off a high-octane Monday, May 11th edition, reporting on a significant shift in the Middle East conflict after President Trump rejected a new Iranian peace proposal. Steve dives into the “real cost” of the $15 minimum wage in the Twin Cities and welcomes a familiar face as former Moorhead Mayor Del Rae Williams announces her bid for City Council. The show features Dan Perrine of James Patrick Real Estate on the local “effluent pocket” of housing and provides a chilling NTSB update on the plane crash that killed Representative Liz Conmey. Plus, a check on the Minnesota fishing opener and why “abort” was radioed 32 times before tragedy struck.
Key Moments
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Trump Rejects Iran Proposal: Steve breaks down the latest escalation in the Iran conflict. Despite Iranian claims of demanding only “legitimate rights,” President Trump labeled their formal response “totally unacceptable,” sending oil prices back up to $96.73. Steve notes the President is now expected to pressure China for assistance during an upcoming visit to Beijing.
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The $15 Minimum Wage “Bust”: Steve analyzes a Star Tribune report detailing the long-term failure of the $15 minimum wage in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Research from the Federal Reserve Bank shows that while hourly pay rose, it resulted in fewer available positions and an overall decline in total wage earnings for workers.
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Moorhead Political Comeback: Former Moorhead Mayor Del Rae Williams (2014–2018) has announced she is running for the Moorhead City Council in Ward 1. Williams, who originally planned to serve only one term as mayor, says she is eager to get back into city government to represent North Moorhead and downtown.
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Chilling NTSB Crash Update: The National Transportation Safety Board released new details on the plane crash that killed North Dakota lawmaker Liz Conmey. Investigations reveal the pilot radioed “abort” 32 times shortly after takeoff, with witnesses reporting the plane appeared low and struggling to climb before losing altitude.
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Local Real Estate Resilience: Dan Perrine joins the show to discuss why national housing slumps don’t seem to apply to the Fargo-Moorhead area. He describes the local market as an “effluent pocket” where appropriately priced homes—particularly those under $300,000—continue to see high activity and quick sales.
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Minnesota Fishing Opener: Despite sunny skies, Steve reports a “windy and cool” start to the fishing season. With water temperatures in the low 40s, legendary guide Steve Carney warns that the elusive Minnesota walleye remained sluggish, forcing most boaters into calmer bays.
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Bakery Arrival in Fargo: Steve highlights the grand opening of Cameron’s Baking Company at 12 Broadway in downtown Fargo. The new shop features daily soup and sandwich specials and is planning a major celebration for Memorial Day weekend.
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Foreclosure Assistance Warning: North Dakota Health and Human Services is urging homeowners at risk of foreclosure to apply for the “ND Help” Homeowner Assistance Fund by August 15th. The program, which offers up to $40,000 in aid, is nearing its final deadline.