In this high-energy New Year’s Eve edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, host Kevin Flynn pulls no punches as he navigates the collision of local corruption and the turning of the 2026 calendar. The episode centers on the exploding daycare fraud scandal in Minnesota, with Kevin dissecting the "scramble to cover up" alleged misconduct by state officials. He dives into viral investigative reports, the "word salad" of political leadership, and the urgent call for government accountability.
The conversation shifts from the grit of politics to the joy of the season as Sports Director James McCarty joins to break down the massive slate of college bowl games and the evolving landscape of the 10-team playoff system. Plus, local legend and Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame inductee Steve Carney stops by to share "Rippin' Lips Tips" for the midwinter bite. Whether it's discussing the "creeping crud" of winter illness or the future of independent journalism, this episode captures a region at a crossroads as it rings in 2026.
Standout Moments & Timestamps
[00:04:15] – The Daycare "Jig is Up" Kevin breaks down the baffling contradictions surrounding the Quality Leering Center in Minneapolis, questioning why the state claimed the facility was closed while owners claimed it was simply "outside operating hours."
[00:10:45] – The Nick Shirley Effect A deep dive into how 23-year-old independent journalist Nick Shirley did what state officials wouldn't: knocking on doors to expose $4 million in tax dollars going to empty buildings.
[00:14:20] – Trump’s "Long Game" vs. Walz Kevin reacts to Governor Tim Walz's Facebook post accusing the Trump administration of "politicizing" fraud investigations, while the federal government demands a 360-degree review of Minnesota’s spending.
[00:27:30] – The Land of Make-Believe Senate candidate David Han joins the program to discuss Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan’s controversial video and the broader "land of 10,000 frauds" narrative taking hold in the state.
[00:33:00] – Hall of Fame "Catching" Fresh off his induction into the Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame, Steve Carney discusses 62-inch sturgeons and why an eight-inch hole is non-negotiable for serious anglers.
[00:35:10] – The ATV "Purring" Theory In one of the weirdest tips of the season, Carney debates whether leaving an ATV engine running actually attracts fish or just annoys fellow ice fishers.
[00:43:20] – Navigating the New Year’s Six James McCarty provides a masterclass on the new college football playoff format, explaining how traditional bowls like the Rose and Sugar now feed into the national championship hunt.