Making the Argument with Nick Freitas Death Threats: What it costs Nick Shirley to uncover fraud
Jan 16, 2026
Nick Shirley, an independent investigative journalist, shares his journey of exposing alleged fraud in Minnesota. He discusses how his diligent research unveiled daycares fraudulently collecting public funds, which led to unexpected death threats against him and concerns for his family's safety. The conversation touches on the contrasting motivations of independent and mainstream media, the political reactions to his findings, and his future plans to investigate further fraud in California and Pennsylvania. A riveting insight into the challenges of truth-telling!
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From YouTuber To On-The-Road Investigator
- Nick Shirley started as a longtime YouTuber and evolved into an independent investigative journalist focused on political topics.
- He traveled to the border, prisons, and events and uploaded weekly for over 100 weeks before the Minnesota investigation blew up.
Empty Daycares Receiving Millions
- At multiple daycare sites in Minnesota Nick found buildings with windows and doors blacked out and no children present despite millions in payments.
- One center listed hours but appeared empty while others had received millions with no visible operations.
The 'Leering' Sign That Became A Meme
- David, Nick's local source, pointed out a 'Leering Center' that spelled learning incorrectly and became a viral meme.
- The misspelling highlighted how brazen some operations appeared to be during the investigation.
