The Need to Know Morning Show kicks off with a "Hump Day" check-in, focusing heavily on the snowy weather and its impact on the Fargo-Moorhead area, with up to 11 inches reported north of the city. The hosts repeatedly stress the importance of caution on icy roads and warn listeners not to "crowd the plow."
The main topic is the economy, spurred by Donald Trump's recent campaign speech and comments from National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett. The consensus from the economists is that while consumers are still feeling financial pain from the "hole" dug by the previous administration, all major economic indicators, including GDP growth and upcoming tax cuts, point to a strong rebound, particularly in 2026. The conversation also features Charles Payne's take on the housing and job markets, arguing that secured borders are leading to higher wages and lower rents.
Other segments include a check-in with the Cass County Sheriff and the Minnesota Highway Patrol on road conditions, an Agribusiness update on new Case IH tractors and the growing need for tech-savvy farmers, and a brief discussion on a potential hostile takeover of Paramount that could reshape the streaming landscape. The show also features the "12 Days of Christmas" giveaway and a request for a new Christmas song, "Mistletoe Tipsy" by North Dakota group Tiger Lily Gold.
Standout Moments
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0:00:54: Weather update confirms "all of winter" has arrived, with a high of one below Fahrenheit forecast for Saturday.
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0:02:59: Hosts emphasize that every economist is excited about the future economy, citing the "big beautiful bill" and upcoming tax breaks.
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0:04:47: Discussion about New York City's public safety transition team being led by a formerly incarcerated rapper.
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0:07:37: Dean Wysocki gives the snow report, confirming 3.8 inches set a record for December 9th snowfall.
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0:11:39: Kevin Hassett argues that Joe Biden "dug a big hole" in the economy, and while progress is being made, a typical family still lost $\$3,000$ in purchasing power under the Biden administration.
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0:19:10: Bridget Riedel's Agribusiness update on the new Farmall M-Series tractors and the changing labor needs on farms, suggesting former "big gamers" could be the next generation of robotics operators.
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0:22:15: The hosts and Sheriff Jesse Jahner remind listeners that despite owning a four-wheel drive vehicle, you "can't stop any faster" on ice.
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0:31:37: Charles Payne uses the analogy of America waking up "on a 100 story of the Empire State Building" under Biden to describe the economic crisis.
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0:32:51: Payne says secured borders and job creation are allowing wages to go up and rents to come down, especially in big cities.