Firefighters, Free Speech & the 51st State: What’s Up, Fargo (05-28-25)

Strap in for a jam-packed episode of What’s On Your Mind where we cover everything from public safety funding in Fargo to diplomatic drama over Trump’s 51st state comment. Mayor Tim Mahoney joins the show to talk firefighter pay, budget transparency, and public safety tax allocations. Later, host Scott Hennen opens up the phone lines and dives deep into why Canadian visitors might be ghosting North Dakota — is it tariffs, Trump, or just bad vibes? Plus: Governor Kelly Armstrong joins the show to break down energy innovations, critical mineral investments, and how North Dakota is gearing up for the data center boom. Market insights from money man Brien Krank and a powerful celebration of community service through the Lions Club’s hunger relief efforts. 🔥 Standout Moments with Timestamps: (0:16) – Firefighter Sales Tax DebateThe City of Fargo debates how to spend new tax revenue meant to support firefighters and police. (8:42) – 🚨 Mayor Tim Mahoney InterviewThe Mayor explains the distribution of the $8M public safety tax: “$4 million for fire, $4 million for police — but we have to honor what voters were told.” (14:58) – 👎 Firefighter Reactions & Brownout RumorSome firefighters weren’t thrilled with the new deal. The Mayor responds to concerns and rumors of a staff shortage. (16:45) – 🚨 Loud Mufflers & City Noise CrackdownMayor Mahoney promises more enforcement, new traffic units, and legislative tools to fight the noise plague. (18:49) – 🇨🇦 Canada As the 51st State?Mayor says the Canadian ambassador is visiting Fargo — in part due to Trump’s “51st state” comments sparking friction with cross-border travelers. (25:07) – Canadian Traffic Is Down — But Why?Scott asks: “Are Canadians really mad enough to boycott North Dakota?” Listeners call and text in. Theories include: Trump’s annexation talk The exchange rate Rising costs on both sides of the border (34:25) – Celebrate Service: Feeding North DakotaHeartwarming segment on Lions Club volunteers delivering 700+ meals a day to seniors in need. “A smile and a hot meal can change someone’s day.” – Lion Roger from Minot (57:44) – Governor Kelly Armstrong Joins the ShowCovers: Critical minerals facility launching in Beulah AI/data center boom and ND’s natural gas advantage Missed opportunity on housing funds Canada/US diplomacy “We need to tone down the rhetoric. Canada isn’t our enemy.” – Armstrong (1:15:44) – Brien Krank Talks Markets & InflationCollins & Krank’s investment pro breaks down what’s shaking Wall Street:…Strap in for a jam-packed episode of What’s On Your Mind where we cover everything from public safety funding in Fargo to diplomatic drama over Trump’s 51st state comment. Mayor Tim Mahoney joins the show to talk firefighter pay, budget transparency, and public safety tax allocations. Later, host Scott Hennen opens up the phone lines and dives deep into why Canadian visitors might be ghosting North Dakota — is it tariffs, Trump, or just bad vibes? Plus: Governor Kelly Armstrong joins the show to break down energy innovations, critical mineral investments, and how North Dakota is gearing up for the data center boom. Market insights from money man Brien Krank and a powerful celebration of community service through the Lions Club’s hunger relief efforts. 🔥 Standout Moments with Timestamps: (0:16) – Firefighter Sales Tax DebateThe City of Fargo debates how to spend new tax revenue meant to support firefighters and police. (8:42) – 🚨 Mayor Tim Mahoney InterviewThe Mayor explains the distribution of the $8M public safety tax: “$4 million for fire, $4 million for police — but we have to honor what voters were told.” (14:58) – 👎 Firefighter Reactions & Brownout RumorSome firefighters weren’t thrilled with the new deal. The Mayor responds to concerns and rumors of a staff shortage. (16:45) – 🚨 Loud Mufflers & City Noise CrackdownMayor Mahoney promises more enforcement, new traffic units, and legislative tools to fight the noise plague. (18:49) – 🇨🇦 Canada As the 51st State?Mayor says the Canadian ambassador is visiting Fargo — in part due to Trump’s “51st state” comments sparking friction with cross-border travelers. (25:07) – Canadian Traffic Is Down — But Why?Scott asks: “Are Canadians really mad enough to boycott North Dakota?” Listeners call and text in. Theories include: Trump’s annexation talk The exchange rate Rising costs on both sides of the border (34:25) – Celebrate Service: Feeding North DakotaHeartwarming segment on Lions Club volunteers delivering 700+ meals a day to seniors in need. “A smile and a hot meal can change someone’s day.” – Lion Roger from Minot (57:44) – Governor Kelly Armstrong Joins the ShowCovers: Critical minerals facility launching in Beulah AI/data center boom and ND’s natural gas advantage Missed opportunity on housing funds Canada/US diplomacy “We need to tone down the rhetoric. Canada isn’t our enemy.” – Armstrong (1:15:44) – Brien Krank Talks Markets & InflationCollins & Krank’s investment pro breaks down what’s shaking Wall Street:…