It’s a Monday edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, and February is kicking off with a mix of celestial tradition and heavy-hitting political discourse. Hosts Alex and Kev dive into the Groundhog Day predictions—six more weeks of winter or an early spring?—while breaking down the escalating tensions on Capitol Hill.
This episode features a deep dive into Senator Eric Schmidt’s four-point immigration plan and Senator John Kennedy’s colorful critique of what he calls the "Karen Wing" of the Democratic Party. From the streets of a snowed-in New York City to the local sports scene, the crew covers the national debate over ICE funding, the upcoming Super Bowl "dynasty" matchups, and the future of law enforcement in the age of AI.
Standout Moments & Timestamps
[00:01:00] The PETA Groundhog Controversy The hosts discuss PETA’s push for an AI Groundhog to replace Punxsutawney Phil, debating whether the legendary rodent actually has a "good gig" or is a victim of tradition.
[00:11:43] Senator Eric Schmidt’s Immigration Plan A breakdown of the Republican strategy to end sanctuary cities, increase penalties for illegal reentry, and dismantle the NGO network currently impacting border enforcement.
[00:13:51] The "Deafness" of the Powell Era Senator Schmidt critiques former Fed Chairman Jerome Powell’s timing on rate cuts and discusses the nomination of Kevin Walsh to lead a "growth-focused" Federal Reserve.
[00:17:15] Happy Birthday to the Cub Scouts A trip down memory lane as the crew marks the anniversary of the Cub Scouts (founded 1914) and lists famous members ranging from George W. Bush to Jim Morrison.
[00:20:07] Stanley Kroenke: America’s New Largest Landowner Bridget Riedel joins the show to discuss how the LA Rams owner leapfrogged Ted Turner to become the largest private landowner in the U.S. with 2.7 million acres.
[00:25:44] Vikings Leadership Shakeup Big Game James reports on the "self-implosion" of the Minnesota Vikings after the franchise parted ways with GM Kwesi Adolfo-Mensah.
[00:28:27] Senator John Kennedy on the "Karen Wing" The Louisiana Senator delivers a viral take on the Democratic leadership, accusing them of taking marching orders from the "Bolshevik wing" regarding the defunding of ICE.
[00:35:10] The "Birds and the Bees" of Wellness Health expert Mariah Prussia discusses the healing vibrations of bees for PTSD and the hidden carcinogens in modern sunscreens and smart technology.
[00:44:00] New York’s Ex-Con Commissioner A look at the controversial appointment of Stanley Richards to run New York City’s prisons and the city’s staggering $30 billion debt crisis.