Host Kevin Flynn is solo for the Need to Know Morning Show, covering for Alex Taylor (off to Vegas for The Sphere). The show has a packed Friday lineup, including a "Talk Radio Town Hall" with Leon Francis and Jamie Brecht later. The host kicks off with the "12 Days of Christmas" giveaway, offering tickets to the Fargo Force New Year's Eve game.
The host and guest Bridgette Readel discuss agricultural topics, including the history of "baby carrots" and the Native American "Three Sisters" planting method (corn, beans, squash).
A major theme of the show is political and social controversy. The host plays audio of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem clashing with Democrats during a congressional hearing, specifically calling out Congressman Benny Thompson for referring to the deadly shooting of National Guardsmen as an "unfortunate accident". This is used to highlight political polarization and the "rage bait" of online bots. The host also plays a segment featuring a whistleblower attorney detailing massive Medicaid fraud in the Somali community in Ohio, stating that Minnesota was "just the tip of the sphere" in this multi-state issue.
The show features a crucial update from Sue Barron of Golden Drive Homeless Kids, who is preparing for the "Fill the Fire Boot" fundraiser and highlights the severe need for winter gear and food as temperatures drop to an expected 24 below zero.
Standout Moments:
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Kristi Noem vs. Democrats: Audio of Noem confronting Congressman Benny Thompson after he called the National Guardsmen's shooting an "unfortunate accident"
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Fraud Whistleblower: Playing an attorney's testimony detailing a multi-million dollar Medicaid fraud scheme allegedly being run by criminals in the Somali community, which relies on translators and kickbacks
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Cold Weather Alert & Charity Need: An update on the incoming Arctic blast (down to 24 below zero) and the urgent need for donations for homeless kids, particularly winter gear and socks, ahead of the "Fill the Fire Boot" drive
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Origin of Baby Carrots: A fun fact segment on how baby carrots were invented by a California farmer to utilize misshapen or broken carrots
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Parenting Critique: A retired mental health therapist's text is read, agreeing that a "buddy and lenient permissive approach" in parenting has led to a generation of "spoiled self-centered people"