The final Monday of 2025 kicks off with a hard-hitting investigation into what is being called the largest fraud scandal in U.S. history. Host Kevin Flynn dives deep into the viral reporting of independent journalist Nick Shirley, who has been uncovering "ghost" daycare centers in Minneapolis that have collected millions in taxpayer dollars despite having no children on-site. The episode explores the "Somali-soda" playbook, the alleged negligence of Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, and the growing national fallout. Plus, Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins to discuss global farmer protests in Greece and why the Trump administration is looking to scrap DEF requirements for American tractors.
Standout Moments & Timestamps
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[00:03:15] The Nick Shirley Investigation Kevin introduces the viral 45-minute documentary by YouTuber Nick Shirley, who used GoPros to confront fraudulent daycare fronts in Minneapolis that are reportedly funneling billions of taxpayer dollars.
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[00:06:15] The "Fraud Father" and Sergeant Schultz A look at Governor Tim Walz’s social media presence, where Kevin challenges listeners to find even one positive comment among thousands of residents criticizing his leadership.
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[00:11:30] Belly of the Beast: The $8 Billion Grift Kevin plays audio clips from Shirley's investigation, documenting "Learning Centers" (misspelled as "Leering Centers") that received millions in CCAP funding while neighbors testify they haven’t seen a child in eight years.
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[00:13:15] The "Closed Community" Voting Bloc A discussion on how the Somali community’s 100% voter participation creates a "bloc" that Kevin argues keeps certain Twin Cities politicians in power despite mounting evidence of systemic fraud.
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[00:18:30] Greek Farmers and the Olive Oil Blockade Ag Director Bridget Riedel reports on the "tractor wars" in Greece, where farmers have shut down international airports and border crossings over delayed EU subsidies.
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[00:19:50] The Death of DEF? Bridget breaks down the Trump administration’s plan to remove Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) requirements from farm equipment to reduce costs and red tape for American producers.
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[00:31:00] Racism vs. "Fraudphobia" Kevin reacts to audio of a Minneapolis daycare owner accusing a journalist of being "racist" for asking where the 74 licensed children are located, leading to a discussion on the misuse of labels to deflect accountability.
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[00:37:30] The "Ice" Encounter A bizarre and viral moment where a local woman attempts to stop journalists from filming a daycare by repeatedly screaming that they are "ICE" (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in a neighborhood parking lot.