The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 489: $2M Stoplights, Bitcoin Booms & Border Confusion: America, Explain Yourself

🧵 Episode Description: Steve is solo and on fire in this guest-free edition of The Steve Hallstrom Show. From traffic lights costing more than luxury homes to why roundabouts might be the world’s most controversial concrete circle, Steve tackles the day's quirkiest and most critical stories. Plus, he dives into Bitcoin’s explosive rise, the mess of U.S. immigration policy, and the rapid disbanding of once-hyped city committees. Expect candid opinions, passionate listener calls, and a wild ride through topics like: 🚦$2.5 million roundabouts vs. $2K stop signs 🪙 Bitcoin’s adoption curve beating the internet 👮 Why Fargo is axing its Police Oversight and Sustainability boards 🇺🇸 The case for (or against) a third political party 👟 TSA finally letting us keep our shoes on (!!!) 🌪️ Tornadoes, grain bins, and AI energy stats 🛬 A major Border Patrol bust in Grand Forks ⏱️ Highlight Moments & Timestamps: 00:00 – 02:30 | “The Softball Tournament Won By... A Guy?” Steve returns and kicks off the show with a quirky sports headline, previewing a jam-packed, guest-free episode. 02:30 – 16:45 | 🚦 Stoplight Sticker Shock: $2M for a Traffic Light?! West Fargo drops $1.5–$2.1M on a single light near Costco Roundabout would’ve cost even more: $2.5M 😳 Listeners debate roundabouts vs. stoplights — many passionately 🛑 Callers suggest: “Just install 4 stop signs for $2K!” 16:45 – 38:00 | 📞 Callers Sound Off Dina (near the intersection): “There’s not that much traffic!” Tom: “We call them ‘roly-polies’—I can’t stand ‘em.” Myron: “You haven’t seen dumb ‘til you’ve seen Minnesota’s ‘stupidabouts.’” Lots of laughs, insights, and strong opinions. 38:00 – 51:45 | 📰 Top 5 @ 5 🚨 Border Patrol arrests 6 undocumented immigrants in Grand Forks 🗳️ Fargo disbands two liberal-leaning city committees (Police Oversight & Sustainability) ✈️ TSA: Shoes OFF the no-fly list — finally! 🏛️ IRS says churches can now endorse candidates without tax penalty 🌬️ Wind power = 35% of North Dakota’s electricity (who knew?!) 51:45 – 58:45 | 💸 Bitcoin’s Surge Beats Internet Adoption Curve 600M global Bitcoin users in 15 years vs. 400M internet users in same span Steve: “I don’t fully understand it… but I’m buying in.” Bitcoin hits $109,000; momentum builds 58:45 – 1:09:00 | 🇺🇸 Immigration & Amnesty Debate Begins Steve asks: Should we allow any form of amnesty for illegal immigrants? Texts & emails flood in with diverse takes Raises questions on: Visas…