It is a heavy-hitting Wednesday on the Need to Know Morning Show as hosts Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor dive into a week that feels more like spring than January. However, the political forecast is much stormier. The episode focuses on a massive federal pivot as CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz puts Governor Tim Walz on notice with a total audit of Minnesota's Medicaid bills. Dr. Oz reveals that Minnesota's alleged grift, while totaling billions, might just be the "JV team" compared to the "varsity" level of institutionalized fraud currently being uncovered in California.
The conversation explores the human cost of these scandals, highlighting local legit businesses like autism centers that are facing bankruptcy due to state-level mismanagement and the siphoning of funds by fraudulent actors. From the "not-her-brother" husband of Ilhan Omar to the "jig is up" moment for sanctuary state policies, Kevin and Alex break down how independent journalists and a new administration are beginning to "claw back" taxpayer money. On the lighter side, the "Weather Wizard" Dean Wysocki previews a bizarrely warm 36-degree day, and the crew celebrates a dominant Timberwolves victory.
Standout Moments & Timestamps
[00:06:09] – January or April? Kevin and Alex marvel at the unseasonal weather, with temperatures hitting the mid-30s. Dean Wysocki confirms we are in "bonus territory" with overnight lows that are warmer than typical daytime highs.
[00:11:43] – Dr. Oz’s Warning Letter A breakdown of the exclusive interview where CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announces he has sent a letter to Governor Walz alerting him to a full-scale federal audit of 14 problematic state programs.
[00:11:58] – The Total Audit The shocking confirmation that every single Medicaid bill in Minnesota will be audited as the federal government prepares to claw back funds following an "insufficient" corrective action plan submitted by the state on New Year’s Eve.
[00:12:17] – JV vs. Varsity Fraud Dr. Oz compares the "web of corruption" in Minnesota to California, noting that while Minnesota is losing billions, California has already been caught in a $1.3 billion elective healthcare scheme for illegal immigrants.
[00:12:35] – The Donor Kickback Theory A caller named Diane sparks a deep dive into the "political patronage" of social services, debating whether fraudulent funds are being recycled back into the Democratic party through campaign donations.
[00:13:03] – The Independent Journalist Surge Kevin highlights the work of "smartphone journalists" like Nick Shirley and Nick Sorter, who are uncovering fraud in hotels and daycares that traditional media outlets have allegedly ignored for years.
[00:13:51] – Wolves Dominance & Defensive Masterclass Sports Director James McCarty recaps the Timberwolves’ 122-94 blowout of the Miami Heat, fueled by a 26-point performance from Anthony Edwards and a 30-point scoring advantage after the first quarter.