The Steve Hallstrom Show

The Flag - AM 1100 and FM 92.3

Join Steve Hallstrom as he tackles the issues that matter most to you. With razor-sharp wit and unwavering conviction, Steve cuts through the noise and provides you with honest, unfiltered commentary that speaks directly to the issues that affect our community. With interactive segments and lively call-ins, listeners will be front and center in the conversation. Steve keeps you informed, empowered, and inspired. Tune in weekdays to catch the wave of conservative thought and be part of a community that celebrates the timeless principles that make our country great.

  1. 23h ago

    The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 748: Border Ceasefires, The $834M Convention Footprint, and The Education-Income Anomaly

    Steve Hallstrom hosts a hard-hitting, data-driven Monday edition live from the Fargo studio, delivering an analytical breakdown of shifting geopolitical ceasefires, regional infrastructure investments, and national voting sentiment. Steve examines the fragile diplomatic pause between the U.S. and Iran following military escalations in the Strait of Hormuz. The show reviews a federal appeals court ruling that struck down executive limits on mail-in voting, details Kilbourne Group's newly released $834 million economic impact projection for the Fargo Convention Center, and analyzes Palantir CEO Alex Karp's viral commentary on the growing political divide among college-educated workers. Key Moments Fragile U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Holds Amid Diplomatic Push: Steve reports on a temporary pause in military strikes between the U.S. and Iran, initiated by regional mediators in Oman and Pakistan to allow diplomatic negotiations a window to prevent an all-out war. The halt follows weeks of kinetic friction surrounding commercial shipping corridors in the Strait of Hormuz. Financial markets reacted immediately, with WTI crude oil prices pulling back as Wall Street assesses the viability of a lasting peace agreement. Federal Appeals Court Blocks Mail-In Voting Restrictions: The First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston issued a 2-1 decision upholding a lower court order that blocks the Trump administration's executive order attempting to restrict mail-in voting for the 2026 midterm elections. The court ruled that under the U.S. Constitution, state and local officials maintain the primary authority to administer federal elections, handing a procedural victory to the 23 states that filed suit. New Fox News Poll Shows 83% Support for Photo Voter ID: Steve breaks down a massive new national poll revealing that requiring a valid state or federal photo ID to prove U.S. citizenship before voting remains a overwhelmingly bipartisan 80-20 issue. The data shows 83% of all registered voters favor mandatory photo ID, including 96% of Republicans, 83% of Independents, 72% of Democrats, and 66% of self-identified Democratic Socialists. Fargo Convention Center Projected to Generate $834 Million: The show analyzes newly released financial projections from Kilbourne Group regarding the proposed $46 million Fargo Convention Center at the current Civic Center site. Proponents estimate the 86,000-square-foot facility could draw over 100,000 annual visitors, generating $834 million in net new regional spending and delivering a $27 million annual economic impact. Steve raises key questions regarding how local taxpayers and working families ultimately absorb infrastructure debt service versus the projected commercial benefits. Seattle Food Festival Shooting Triggers…

  2. 4d ago

    The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 747: Amnesty Debates, Fargo Budgets, and a $1B Ag Boom

    roadcasting live from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Steve Hallstrom kicks off this edition of The Steve Hallstrom Show with a simple challenge: "Let's do better!" From heated political debates in Minnesota to municipal fiscal watchdogs in Fargo and major regional agricultural breakthroughs, this episode covers the key issues impacting the area. Episode Summary Political Sparks in Minnesota: Speaker Lisa Demuth takes aim at fellow gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell's proposal to pause undocumented immigrant deportations for six months in exchange for conditional work permits. Canadian Wildfire Resolution: Senator John Hoeven introduces a resolution calling on the Canadian government to improve forestry management and hazardous fuels reduction to help prevent wildfire smoke in the U.S.. Inside the Fargo City Commission: New Fargo City Commissioner Chad Peterson discusses his first weeks on the job, why he voted against an $800,000 property tax incentive, and his concerns that the city overspent by millions on the police station purchase. The Great Amnesty Debate: Steve Hallstrom and guest co-host JT Thaden explore whether a middle-ground immigration policy could work—such as allowing gainfully employed undocumented workers to stay without voting rights or access to social benefits—prompting passionate reactions from listeners. Agriculture & Economic Growth: Ag Director Bridgette Readel breaks down current crop and drought conditions across the region, Brazil's expanding trade competition, and Agristo's massive $1 billion potato processing plant breaking ground in Grand Forks. Key Topics & Highlights National & Regional News: Segment highlights include President Trump's rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria, alongside local weather and rainfall updates across North Dakota and Minnesota. Caller Perspectives: Radio callers weigh in on border enforcement, discussing federal proposals like the "Dignity Act" as well as domestic workforce needs. Fargo Fiscal Transparency: Chad Peterson shares his commitment to line-item budget transparency at City Hall and compares city spending against Cass County projects. Summer Savings Spectacular Preview: Steve previews an upcoming interactive radio and video auction event featuring thousands of dollars in DeWalt tools, beef packages, acoustic/electric guitars, and local entertainment packages. "If you can see a budget center that's gone from $100,000 to $150,000, you can ask why... It's my mission to go back and say, 'We're doing things wrong.'" — Fargo City Commissioner Chad Peterson

  3. 6d ago

    The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 745: Dignified Transfers, The $1.1 Million Pelican Fraud, and the Bridge-for-Ship Doctrine

    Steve Hallstrom hosts an action-packed Wednesday edition live from the Fargo studio, delivering critical updates on regional public safety, national economic shifts, and escalating military actions in the Persian Gulf. Steve details President Trump’s solemn presence at Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of American soldiers killed in action and breaks down a high-stakes presidential ultimatum issued directly to Tehran. The show examines a new budget request from Fargo Police Chief Travis Stefonowicz to expand patrol forces, tracks a major conviction in Minnesota's massive pandemic fraud scandal, and features Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki to map out an expanding regional drought. Plus, United Valley Bank President Blake Trenbeth stops by for a local business spotlight. Key Moments Trump Issues "Bridge-for-Ship" Warning to Iran: Steve breaks down a major tactical escalation in the Middle East following an 11th consecutive night of U.S. airstrikes. As President Trump presided over a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base for four fallen U.S. service members, he posted an explosive directive on Truth Social. Trump warned that moving forward, any Iranian attack on maritime shipping in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with the immediate destruction of a major Iranian bridge or power plant—including critical infrastructure targets located directly inside or adjacent to Tehran. Fargo Police Chief Requests 39 Total New Officers: Steve reviews a key proposal from Fargo's new Police Chief, Travis Stefonowicz, who is requesting city funding for nine new positions in his 2027 budget request. Stefonowicz aims to raise Fargo's officer-to-resident ratio from 1.4 to 1.6 per 1,000 citizens. To reliably cover training, leave, and shift rotations, Stefonowicz estimates the department ultimately needs a long-term addition of 39 officers to reach an operational baseline of 240 sworn cops. Pelican Rapids Man Convicted in $1.1 Million Fraud Scheme: In the latest chapter of Minnesota's Feeding Our Future scandal, 68th defendant Abderasheend Dual pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges. Dual admitted to submitting fraudulent reimbursement claims for over 500,000 nonexistent meals allegedly served to children in Pelican Rapids, pocketing $1.1 million in federal funds through fake shell companies. Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced it is deferring over $1 billion in federal Medicaid payments to Minnesota and California to halt suspected public welfare fraud at the source. Severe Drought Expands Across North Dakota and Minnesota: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki joins the program to deliver a sobering weather forecast. Wysocki reports that the…

  4. Jul 21

    The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 744: The 100-Injured Threshold, The Double-Digit Profit Cap, and the TR Library Rush"

    Steve Hallstrom hosts a fast-paced Tuesday edition live from the Fargo studio, dissecting major local municipal votes, global security escalations, and the ideological divide driving national political debates. Steve details a 10th consecutive night of U.S. airstrikes in Iran, clears up misconceptions surrounding American troop injuries in the Middle East, and analyzes new municipal spending patterns emerging from the Fargo City Commission. Plus, the show features Glenn Beck's breakdown of President Trump's trade negotiations with Canada, examines a controversial proposal to cap private investment returns, and catches up with Robbie Loff for a two-week progress report on the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora. Key Moments Middle East Escalation and Troop Injury Report: Steve reports on a 10th straight night of U.S. airstrikes against targets in Iran as energy markets push WTI crude oil above $85 a barrel. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed nearly 100 American service members have sustained injuries in Middle East base strikes since July 7th. However, Steve points out crucial context left out by mainstream media outlets: 96% of injured personnel have already returned to active duty, with the vast majority of cases diagnosed as minor concussions. Fargo City Commission Greenlights Infrastructure Spending: The Fargo City Commission approved a $170,000 security fence for the Fargo Police Department parking lot following 38 documented security incidents. The commission also approved an $800,000 Renaissance Zone tax exemption to support a $5.4 million renovation of the downtown Dakota Center. Newly elected commissioner Chad Peterson voted "no" on both measures, citing strict taxpayer accountability, while commissioner Nikki Galakson joined the majority in favor of both projects. The Democratic Socialist Double-Digit Profit Cap Debate: Steve reacts to a heated interview between Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum and New York DSA leader Gustavo Gordillo regarding housing and private enterprise. Gordillo argued that no individual or business has a constitutional right to double-digit returns on investments, advocating for strict rent freezes. Steve breaks down the economic dangers of capping investment returns, explaining how artificially limiting profits stifles small business creation, halts housing development, and degrades public pension funds. Glenn Beck Decodes Trump's Canadian Tariff Strategy: The show highlights a commentary from Glenn Beck analyzing President Trump's threat to levy tariffs on Canadian wildfire smoke. Beck draws a historical parallel to Benjamin Franklin's 1782 peace negotiations with Great Britain—where Franklin demanded the British cede all of Canada as an extreme opening gambit to secure…

  5. Jul 20

    The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 743: Shattered Ceasefires, The $39.5 Trillion Clock, and The 5:04 Mile

    Host Steve Hallstrom leads an impactful Monday, July 20th edition live from the Fargo studio, delivering real-time analysis of intensifying Middle East hostilities. Steve addresses the tragic loss of three U.S. service members during escalated military actions involving Iran. The show breaks down Attorney General Drew Wrigley’s push for sentencing reform in North Dakota, tracks a major international extradition in the Feeding Our Future fraud scandal, and audits the soaring national debt. Plus, Steve sits down with Agrasure CEO Scott Peters to explore agricultural worker’s compensation and catches up with distance runner Kevin Zanker after a record-breaking mile performance. Key Moments Troop Casualties Reported in Escalated Middle East Conflict: Steve provides an update on the ongoing war involving Iran, which has claimed the lives of three U.S. service members over the weekend. Two soldiers—25-year-old Lt. Tyler James Fee and 19-year-old Private Isabel Gonzalez—were killed during a direct missile strike on a U.S. air base in Jordan, leaving another soldier missing. A third service member died in northern Iraq following an ordnance explosion during a controlled drone detonation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the tactical challenges, confirming that while missile defense systems intercepted the majority of incoming threats, one missile breached defenses at the base. Attorney General Wrigley Demands Truth in Sentencing: North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley announced his office is abandoning calls for mandatory minimum sentences, urging state lawmakers to instead pass strict "truth in sentencing" legislation. Wrigley criticized the current corrections framework, noting that administrative early-release protocols frequently allow violent offenders to serve only a small fraction of their court-ordered prison terms. Feeding Our Future Fugitive Extradited from Somalia: In a major development surrounding Minnesota’s massive pandemic fraud epidemic, federal authorities confirmed that 42-year-old Abdakurm Idley has been extradited back to Minnesota. Idley, a central figure in the $250 million Feeding Our Future scheme who had been hiding in Mogadishu, Somalia, faces charges for soliciting illegal kickbacks and fabricating fraudulent meal distribution sites. The $39.5 Trillion Debt Clock Breakdown: Steve revisits a deep dive into the nation's financial trajectory, noting that the national debt has reached $39.5 trillion. Driven by high interest rates, the national debt is expanding at a rate of $1 million every 23 seconds. Steve explains how 30-year Treasury bond yields climbing past 5% increase the cost of federal borrowing, compounding long-term economic risks for programs like Social Security and Medicare. CEO Spotlight —…

  6. Jul 17

    The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 742: The Save America Push, The Nuclear Filibuster Standoff, and the $39.4 Trillion Clock

    Steve Hallstrom hosts an explosive Friday, July 17th edition live from the Fargo studio, delivering immediate analysis following President Trump's rare primetime address to the nation. Steve unpacks newly declassified intelligence detailing a massive Chinese influence operation and cyber breach involving 220 million American voter files. The show features a fiery debate over the U.S. Senate's procedural filibuster rules, tracks Governor Kelly Armstrong's firm opposition to constitutional school meal mandates, and hosts North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak to outline legislative strategies for election integrity and review the administration's national security record. Key Moments Trump's Primetime Address Exposes 220 Million Hacked Voter Files: Steve breaks down the core takeaways from President Trump's national address. The White House declassified raw intelligence revealing that Chinese operative networks executed a massive cyber breach acquiring 220 million U.S. voter files—including names, party affiliations, and phone numbers—to fuel an international influence campaign. Trump used the disclosures to demand immediate passage of the Save America Act, highlighting lingering vulnerabilities in electronic voting machinery and citing data indicating 278,000 non-citizens were registered on voter rolls across four key states. The Senate Filibuster Dilemma — Is the Nuclear Option Worth the Risk?: Steve walks through the precise legal mechanisms required for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to deploy the "nuclear option" and bypass the 60-vote cloture threshold to pass federal voter ID legislation with a simple 50-vote majority. Steve cautions that setting this procedural precedent hands future Democratic majorities a permanent weapon to easily pass progressive legislation like court-packing or adding new states with just 51 votes. Callers weigh in passionately, with some warning it is a dangerous political trap and others arguing Republicans must act decisively to secure elections. Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak Details the "Save America" Push: North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak joins the program to share the House's strategy to advance election integrity. Fedorchak details plans to package the Save America Act alongside a popular anti-insider-trading measure to force a Senate vote. She also highlights her own "Save America Through Real ID Act" as an alternative route to utilize the budget reconciliation process. Fedorchak emphasizes that requiring proof of citizenship to vote is supported by 85% to 90% of Americans. The $39.4 Trillion National Debt Clock Audit: Caller Joe triggers an intense conversation on fiscal responsibility, pointing out the staggering pace of federal spending. Steve performs a real-time calculation during the broadcast, confirming that at current interest…

  7. Jul 16

    The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 741: Moosegate, Midnight Barrages, and the $14 Billion Legacy

    Live from the Powers Lake High School gym for the annual Bakken Rocks Cookfest, Steve Hallstrom anchors a dynamic Thursday edition packed with breaking regional news, eye-opening economic data, and shifting geopolitical strategies. Steve recounts a startling wildlife encounter on Highway 2, audits a landmark 308-to-117 congressional vote on permanent daylight saving time, and unpacks Minnesota's widening job growth deficit. Plus, North Dakota Petroleum Council President Ron Ness stops by to layout the technological reality of "Bakken 2.0," and NDSU political science professor Dr. Thomas Ambrosio details the hardline dual-power structure deadlocking the conflict in Iran. Key Moments The Standoff Spills into a Fifth Day of Bombardment: In a massive escalation, the U.S. military conducted its fifth consecutive night of precision airstrikes targeting strategic assets across northern Iran. The ongoing conflict has officially reached its 187th day, moving seamlessly from night raids into daytime aerial barrages as Iranian forces deploy proxy missiles against regional targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Steve previews a highly anticipated, rare primetime address from President Trump locked in for 8:00 PM Central, which is set to target election integrity, voting machines, and a potential limited ground deployment to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The 308-to-117 Sunshine Protection Act Flash Vote: Turning to national legislation, the U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act by a lopsided 308-to-117 margin to permanently codify daylight saving time across the nation. President Trump has signaled his immediate intent to sign the bill if it clears the Senate, permanently locking clocks in their "sprung ahead" state. Steve reviews data showing that while the law preserves late-summer sunsets, it triggers brutal winter solstices where Fargo won't see sunrise until 9:10 AM, and the town of Tioga will remain in total darkness until a staggering 9:40 AM. The $14 Billion Legacy Fund and "Bakken 2.0": Ron Ness, President of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, joins the show to celebrate the 27th annual Bakken Rocks Cookfest. Ness breaks down the massive shift pushing drilling rigs north toward Powers Lake, explaining that advanced three- and four-mile horizontal lateral drilling is pulling oil from previously non-commercially viable rock. He uncovers the financial engine backing the state, noting that capturing a 15% extraction rate expands the world-class play by 40 years, fueling the $14 billion Legacy Fund that directly underwrites North Dakota's $1,600 household property tax relief checks. Dr. Thomas Ambrosio Unpacks the Hardline Shift in Iran:…

  8. Jul 15

    The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 740: The Midnight Barrage, The Permanent Solstice, and The Space-Data Paradigm

    Steve Hallstrom hosts a fast-paced, high-information Wednesday edition live from the Fargo studio, marking the official midpoint of July. Steve provides real-time tracking of massive geopolitical shifts as the U.S. military hits more than 90 targets inside Iran for a fourth consecutive night of heavy, round-the-clock bombardment. The show analyzes a game-changing 308-to-117 House vote designed to establish permanent daylight saving time, audits a sudden economic deflation report hitting wholesale commodity markets, and features an exclusive interview with North Star Financial's John Anis to map out the long-term investment realities of Elon Musk's SpaceX. Key Moments The Annihilation Standoff Spills into Daytime Hours: Steve provides an immediate update on the conflict in the Persian Gulf as the war reaches its 187th day. Following a fourth consecutive night of heavy kinetic barrages, the U.S. military has expanded operations into daytime hours, deploying advanced sea drones for the first time in combat history to decimate Iranian naval assets. The massive escalation follows a Fox News interview where President Trump confirmed he will not rule out a limited ground offensive to seize the regime's nuclear assets, declaring that proxy diplomacy has officially failed. Steve reports that regional targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan are actively absorbing Iranian incoming fire. The 308-to-117 Sunshine Protection Act Blitz: In a stunning legislative maneuver that caught the country off guard, the U.S. House voted 308 to 117 to pass the Sunshine Protection Act, which would permanently codify daylight saving time nationwide. President Trump has signaled he will immediately sign the measure into law if it clears the Senate. The bill would permanently freeze the clocks in their current "sprung ahead" state, entirely eliminating the bi-annual seasonal shift. Steve notes that local Congresswomen Michelle Fischbach and Julie Fedorchak both voted in favor of the measure, with Fedorchak citing two-to-one public support among her constituents. The 9:40 AM Winter Solstice Reality Check: Steve uses advanced data tracking to expose the hidden, brutal reality facing western North Dakota if permanent daylight saving time is codified. While the freeze preserves long summer evenings, an astronomical calculation reveals that on the December 21st winter solstice, Fargo will not witness a sunrise until 9:10 AM. More severely, the town of Tioga will remain locked in total darkness until a staggering 9:40 AM, forcing millions of Class B school children and commute motorists onto icy roads in pitch-black freezing conditions. Wholesale PPI Slumps into…

About

Join Steve Hallstrom as he tackles the issues that matter most to you. With razor-sharp wit and unwavering conviction, Steve cuts through the noise and provides you with honest, unfiltered commentary that speaks directly to the issues that affect our community. With interactive segments and lively call-ins, listeners will be front and center in the conversation. Steve keeps you informed, empowered, and inspired. Tune in weekdays to catch the wave of conservative thought and be part of a community that celebrates the timeless principles that make our country great.

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