The Steve Hallstrom Show Episode 674: Frozen Four Heartbreak, $100 Oil, and the Battle Over School Meals

Steve Hallstrom is back in the Fargo studio following a blustery trip to Watford City, navigating a Friday packed with sports, high-stakes diplomacy, and local budget battles. The show reflects on the UND hockey team's season-ending loss at the Frozen Four and dives into a looming "skirmish" within the North Dakota GOP. Steve takes a hard look at a new constitutional petition for universal free school meals and welcomes Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg to discuss the urgent need for a permanent police chief. Plus, a sobering look at $100 oil, the latest inflation data, and a new ministry supporting single parents. Key Moments Frozen Four Reflection: Steve congratulates the UND hockey team on a great season despite their loss to Wisconsin in Las Vegas. He praises first-year coach Dane Jackson for the turnaround and notes the young team's talent, even as the defense fell short in the semifinal matchup. The $67 Million School Meal Petition: The organization "Together for School Meals" turned in 57,000 signatures for a constitutional measure to provide free meals to all K-12 students. Steve argues against the move, pointing out the state already allocates $6 million for the needy but only spends half of it, calling the expansion "socialism 101." Fargo’s Next Chief: Fargo City Commissioner and mayoral candidate Michelle Turnberg joins the show to advocate for promoting interim chief Travis Stefanowicz to the permanent role immediately. She argues against expensive "nationwide searches," noting Stefanowicz has 25 years of local experience and internal department support. High-Stakes Negotiations in Pakistan: Steve previews tomorrow's meeting in Pakistan between U.S. and Iranian negotiators, featuring VP J.D. Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. The talks center on the Strait of Hormuz blockade and Iran's uranium stockpile amidst a shaky two-week truce. The "Go Woke, Go Broke" Hotel Sale: Steve reports on the Lakeville hotel that lost its Hilton/Hampton Inn branding after refusing to house federal immigration agents. Originally bought for $12 million, the property recently sold for a significantly discounted $8.5 million. Economic Shocks: March inflation numbers show a 3.3% year-over-year increase, driven largely by gas and diesel prices which jumped 21.2% in a month. Steve notes that WTI crude oil has surged back over $100 a barrel as the market remains skeptical of the ceasefire. A New Ministry for Single Parents: Melissa Brandt joins the studio to introduce "Single Parents Pursuing Christ." The new ministry framework aims to…