The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 490: Smoke, Shooters, and Secrets

📝 Episode Description:Things are heating up—and not just the weather. In this fiery summer episode, Steve tackles the criminal charges against a West Fargo business, blasts through the haze of Canadian wildfire smoke, and wonders why the Epstein files have suddenly gone dark. Plus, Steve reflects on his farm roots, Bitcoin’s rocket ride, and why he’s cooled on the idea of a third political party. Special guest Jay Thomas joins for a lively hour two packed with rants, real talk, and reflections on crime, culture, and conspiracies. 🔥 Key Moments & Timestamps: 0:00 – 0:26 | Cold Open: West Fargo targets a local garden center with criminal charges, a drive-by shooter has a nationwide warrant, and Congress wants Canada to “shut off the smoke.” Steve teases what’s ahead. 1:10 – 2:35 | Where Are the Epstein Files? Steve questions the Trump team’s silence on Epstein and why the issue is suddenly being downplayed. “We’re talking about the sexual abuse of children. This matters.” 2:59 – 3:42 | Third Political Party? Maybe Not. He once thought it was a good idea, but now? Not so much. Steve shares why he's sticking with the GOP—for now. 4:05 – 4:21 | Interview Preview: ND Highway Patrol Capt. Brian Niewind joins later to talk border issues and late-summer safety. 5:05 – 6:26 | Market Wrap: Big numbers across the board—NASDAQ hits a record, Bitcoin hits $111K, and oil holds steady. 7:18 – 9:16 | Shea West Garden Center Drama: The city of West Fargo slaps the beloved garden biz with two criminal charges. Steve wonders—are they cracking down or just playing politics? 9:16 – 9:50 | New School Coming to Fargo: A $45M elementary school will replace Roosevelt and Madison—set to open in 2028. 10:21 – 10:57 | Attempted Murder Charges in Moorhead: A 17-year-old suspect is being hunted for a drive-by shooting. “Something doesn’t quite add up.” 10:58 – 11:46 | GOP to Canada: Kill the Smoke! Steve cheers on Minnesota Republicans demanding answers from Canada about wildfire mismanagement. 12:12 – 12:36 | Prime Day = Big Money: $7.9 billion in one day. Retail therapy is alive and well. 13:11 – 13:28 | NVIDIA Breaks Records: A $4 trillion valuation makes NVIDIA the most valuable U.S. company—ever. 15:09 – 19:06 | A Hog Farmer’s Heart: Steve reminisces about growing up on a pig and cattle farm. With pork prices up, his heart swells…