The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 497: A Monday Mashup in Minnesota

🎙️ Episode Description:Steve Hallstrom kicks off a lively Monday show with political lightning, literal thunderstorms, and a full-on economic weather report. Joined by workforce expert Nancy Kelly and Minnesota GOP insider A.K. Kamara, Steve tackles everything from labor market slowdowns and job-hopping Gen Z-ers, to Minneapolis’s potential socialist mayor and what Nicole Mitchell’s resignation really means for the Minnesota Senate. Meanwhile, downtown Fargo and downtown Minneapolis tell two very different tales — and we hear about condos, barndominiums, and a surprising real estate boom in... Colfax? 🕵️ Top Moments & Timestamps: [00:00] – 🌤️ Weather, Weekend, and Molly HatchetSteve shares his weekend vibes, talks Grand Rapids rock shows, and gives a North Dakota weather wrap-up. [06:30] – 📉 Economic Pulse with Nancy KellyNancy Kelly of Labor Masters joins to discuss shifting labor trends: Fewer job-hoppers Gig workers struggling Businesses cautiously hiring Real estate slowdown Why 2025 grads are having a tougher time than expected [36:00] – 🏘️ Colfax Is Booming!?Steve and Nancy discuss the growth of Colfax, ND — with barndominiums, an $11M event center, and affordable rural living just 20 minutes from Fargo. [45:30] – 🌆 Downtown Fargo vs. Downtown MinneapolisIs downtown Fargo enjoying a revival? And has Minneapolis hit rock bottom? Nancy and Steve compare urban trends. [51:00] – 📢 Hot Headlines: The 4 PM Rapid Fire Round-Up Nicole Mitchell’s resignation: What does her two-week timeline mean for MN's Senate balance? Cass County finance director steps down ND wages up 4.6% Disaster declarations for tornado-affected counties Pheasant crow counts rising (yes, seriously) [1:06:00] – 🏈 Sports Corner Bison football picked to win Missouri Valley Vikings training camp kicks off Steve hosting a WDAY Vikings preseason special (July 31) [1:11:00] – 📰 News with Austin Erickson WWII vet's remains finally identified Romance scams hitting rural ND hard Grand Forks budget woes [1:17:00] – ⛅ Weather Check with Leah JonesStorms are coming… but summer vibes continue. [1:20:00] – 🗣️ Nancy Kelly Part 2: Labor & FaithNancy shares her perspective on Trump-era policies, interest rates, and why small business owners are stuck in a holding pattern. [1:32:00] – 🎙️ Scott Hennen Joins InThe legendary ND broadcaster reflects on: Losing a dear friend The importance of faith in grief How local media shapes public discourse [1:50:00] – 🏛️ A.K. Kamara: Socialists in Charge?A.K. gives the lowdown on: Nicole Mitchell’s delayed resignation The Senate power play in Woodbury Why Omar Fateh’s rise in…