The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 642: SOTU Local Stars

A high-energy Tuesday edition of the Steve Hallstrom Show looks toward Washington D.C. as the State of the Union address takes center stage. Steve highlights the local figures heading to the capital, including "The Godfather" of North Dakota talk radio, Scott Hennin, who is attending as the guest of Senator Kevin Cramer. The show also explores a major victory for Fargo public safety as crime rates plunge, a shocking world-record sale in the world of Pokémon, and the unsettling details surrounding a high-profile local murder investigation. Plus, Steve breaks down why a $100 million housing program in Minnesota is reportedly 90% fraud and why Hillary Clinton is suddenly starting to make "common sense" on border security. Key Moments State of the Union Local Flavor: Steve celebrates the news that talk radio icon Scott Hennin will attend the State of the Union as the guest of Senator Kevin Cramer. He also notes that Moorhead’s Sean Severson (Swing Barrel Brewing) will be in attendance as a guest of Senator Amy Klobuchar, highlighting the strategic importance of the Clay County voting bloc. Fargo’s Crime Crackdown: Police Chief David Zabolsky reports a 10% drop in violent crime in Fargo for 2025. Steve breaks down the promising numbers: rapes down 37%, murders down 33%, and burglaries down 29%, though he notes a troubling five-year high in drug overdoses driven by fentanyl. Hillary’s Border Shift: Steve reacts to Hillary Clinton’s recent comments in Munich, where she admitted that migration has been "disruptive and destabilizing". Steve questions the timing of this shift, wondering if the left is only now seeing the light because their previous policies have become "politically unprofitable". The $16.4 Million Pikachu: Steve and producer Addison discuss YouTuber Logan Paul’s record-breaking sale of a rare 1998 Japanese Pikachu Illustrator card. Steve uses the bizarre sale to discuss the mechanics of supply and demand and the "mind-blowing" values of modern collectibles. Minnesota’s 90% Fraud Crisis: Steve highlights a report from KSTP’s Jake Holes alleging that a former U.S. Attorney found a housing stabilization program to be almost entirely fraud. Steve compares the scale of this state crisis to federal spending, calling it an "unthinkable" theft from taxpayers. USA Hockey Brotherhood: Steve celebrates the U.S. men’s hockey team’s gold medal win and defends hero Jack Hughes against "toxic masculinity" critiques. He previews the team’s upcoming visit to the White House and argues that a golden goal should…