As the holiday season reaches a fever pitch, the "Need-to-Know" team navigates a Wednesday morning filled with high-stakes news, from local weather warnings to a massive federal takedown of a domestic terror cell. Hosts Alex Taylor and Kevin Flynn break down the FBI’s disruption of a New Year’s Eve bombing plot in Los Angeles and the shocking details behind the "Order of the Black Lotus."
Closer to home, the guys prep listeners for a "flash-freeze" event headed for the Valley and catch up with Ag Director Bridget Riedel to explore 125 years of farming innovation. From the "Great Reset" of the labor market to the tragic intersection of Hollywood and the addiction crisis, this episode cuts through the noise to tell you what really matters this hump day.
Episode Highlights
[06:25] The Calm Before the Storm Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki issues a critical travel warning for Thursday morning. A 37°C warm front will bring rain tonight before a cold front "rips" through at 6:00 AM, leading to flash-freezing, black ice, and 50 mph winds.
[06:35] Inside the "Black Lotus" Plot Former DOJ prosecutor Jim Trustee and federal authorities detail the arrest of far-left extremists plotting five separate New Year’s Eve bombings in LA and New Orleans. The group, using encrypted apps and desert test sites, specifically targeted commerce hubs and ICE agents.
[07:11] 125 Years of Ag Genius Bridgette Readel shares the story of Edward A. Johnston, the man who built his first engine at age 20 in 1900 and revolutionized farming with the live PTO and the first pickup truck.
[07:30] The Swarm Approach A look at the future of autonomy in farming: why some Montana producers are ditching massive machines for a "swarm" of smaller, retrofitted autonomous tractors to plant fields more efficiently.
[07:35] Market Correction or "Great Reset"? Financial expert Brian Cronk discusses the healthy rotation in the stock market. Plus, a deep dive into the disconnect in the labor market, where nearly 100,000 welding jobs remain open despite rising unemployment numbers.
[08:22] The Brentwood Tragedy A discussion on the double murder charges against Nick Reiner following the deaths of director Rob Reiner and his wife. Medical experts join the show to discuss the "vicious cycle" of addiction and the violent psychotic behavior triggered by modern substance abuse.