PBD Podcast Minnesota Daycare Fraud, Iran WARNS Total War, Trump Hosts Zelenskyy + Musk vs Mamdani | PBD Podcast | Ep. 709
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Dec 29, 2025 A viral investigation exposes a massive daycare fraud scandal in Minnesota, revealing empty facilities and unanswered questions. The hosts discuss Iran's alarming warning of total war amidst economic turmoil and protests. A contentious clash arises over Elon Musk's critique of NYC's FDNY appointments, spotlighting the tensions between qualifications and diversity. Meanwhile, Trump hosting Zelenskyy for peace talks raises hopes and skepticism about Ukraine's future, with discussions on the broader implications of war and accountability.
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Citizen Journalism Outpaced Networks
- Nick Shirley, a 23-year-old citizen journalist, exposed large-scale Minnesota daycare fraud that mainstream outlets largely ignored.
- The viral 42-minute video catalyzed public attention while traditional networks were absent from front-page coverage.
Fraud Appears Systemic, Political Links Suggested
- Hosts connect Minnesota childcare billing to political donations and possible money laundering into campaigns.
- They argue the scale suggests organized corruption reaching elected officials, not isolated operators.
Publicize Investigations To Rebuild Trust
- Patrick urged the FBI to publicly acknowledge and elevate Nick Shirley's work with a press conference to build trust.
- He recommended visible enforcement actions in Minnesota to show decisive federal response.
