Anoka-Hennepin educators prepare for strike authorization vote early next week
John Wolhaupter, president of Anoka-Hennepin Education, joins us to discuss next week’s strike authorization vote and what’s driving the tensions at the bargaining table. He explains why educators felt the vote was necessary, but also shares that he remains optimistic a resolution can be reached before any action is required. Wolhaupter lays out what families should know heading into the week and what comes next for the district’s negotiations.
Happy Chanukah! Evana Hershkowitz of Cecil's Deli shares her favorite holiday traditions
Chanukah begins on Sunday evening, and Evana Hershkowitz of Cecil's Deli in St. Paul stopped by with Adam Llorens at "The Afternoon Shift" to discuss her and the family's favorite holiday traditions!
Vikings preview, Chanukah celebrations start Sunday, potential teachers strike & more: Dec. 12, 2025
On today’s episode of “The Afternoon Shift,” FOX 9 sports reporter Pierre Noujaim joins Adam Llorens at the table to preview Sunday night’s Vikings-Cowboys game. Plus, highlights of Gov. Tim Walz’s press conference earlier today introducing Tim O’Malley as the state’s first Head of Program Integrity. Plus, could Anoka-Hennepin School District teachers soon go on strike? The union head joins the show to discuss the subject. And Evana Hershkowitz of Cecil’s Deli in St. Paul drops by to look ahead to Chanukah which begins this Sunday evening. And finally, FOX 9 meteorologist Jennifer McDermed previews this weekend’s frigid weather!
MN winter storm, snow emergencies, MPLS public bathroom problem & more: Dec. 10, 2025
On today’s episode of “The Afternoon Shift,” Adam Llorens is joined by Adam Duininck, the President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, about the push for more public restrooms in downtown Minneapolis. Plus, a conversation about Ozempic and a profile on “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. And later, Kristi Piehl of Media Minefield joins the table to chat about Australia’s social media ban for users under the age of 16. And Ian Leonard comes back to revisit yesterday’s winter storm and the snow emergencies in place in the Twin Cities.
Downtown Minneapolis faces a public restroom shortage
Downtown Minneapolis is facing what some call its number 1 and number 2 issue: a growing shortage of public bathrooms. From long searches for a simple restroom to the people most affected by limited access, the problem is creating daily challenges for workers, visitors and vulnerable communities. Minneapolis Downtown Council President and CEO Adam Duininck explains why there are so few loos downtown, what happens when a city does not have enough, and how a proposed $700,000 investment for 5 to 8 new bathrooms on Nicollet Mall could help.
Winter storm warning, White Christmas on stage, how to stay safe on winter roads & more: Dec. 9, 2025
On today’s episode of “The Afternoon Shift,” Ian Leonard provides updates to the winter storm hitting across the state today. And in the spirit of winter weather, Adam Llorens is joined by a AAA Minnesota representative about winter weather driving tips, and the cast of Chanhassen Dinner Theatre’s “White Christmas” comes in studio! Plus, a profile of TubaChristmas, and Pierre Noujaim with the latest on the Timberwolves and Vikings.
Stay safe on snowy streets: Essential winter driving tips
As winter storms sweep across the region, AAA Public Affairs’ Brynna Knapp is reminding drivers to prepare for harsh conditions before hitting the road. Motorists are urged to carry a winter emergency kit stocked with sand, a shovel, a flashlight, an ice scraper, warm clothing and roadside flares. AAA also recommends keeping the gas tank at least a quarter full, washing and waxing vehicles to guard against rust damage that costs U.S. drivers an estimated $3 billion each year and replacing worn wiper blades to improve visibility. Drivers should inspect tire tread to ensure a minimum of 4/32 inch depth for safe traction and have their battery tested, especially if it is more than three years old. Safety experts warn never to use cruise control on icy or snowy roads and to slow down, avoid slamming the brakes during a skid and clear all snow and ice from the vehicle to prevent dangerous debris.
One chorus, countless tubas: Tubachristmas fills Minnesota with holiday cheer
Tubachristmas is back and ready to shake the season with its unmistakable sound as the long-running holiday tradition returns to six Minnesota cities. Coordinated locally by Chris Quade, the event brings together hundreds of tuba and euphonium players who create one powerful chorus of festive music. Now in its 50th year, Tubachristmas continues to honor its legacy while welcoming new musicians and audiences who come to experience the warmth and community the performance inspires.
Forecast: White Christmas at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Andrea Mislan and Tony Vierling from the cast of Chanhassen Dinner Theatre’s White Christmas stop by the Afternoon Shift to share how they bring the magic of the holidays to the CDT stage eight times a week. They talk about the heart of the production, the timeless Irving Berlin music, and what it takes to keep their energy high through the busiest stretch of the season — and all the way into February 2026.
Gophers head to Rate Bowl, Timberwolves winning streak, $12B fed. aid for farmers & more: Dec. 8, 2025
Today’s episode of “The Afternoon Shift” features FOX 9’s Jim Rich chatting with Adam Llorens about the Vikings’ shutout win over the Commanders yesterday and Commissioner Thom Petersen of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to discuss the White House’s announcement of a $12 billion bailout for American farmers. Plus, a profile of the James J. Hill House in St. Paul, a preview of the Gophers football team in the Rate Bowl, and FOX 9’s Pierre Noujaim joins us from Target Center to preview tonight’s Suns-Timberwolves game!
Gophers head to Phoenix: Minnesota aims for 9th straight bowl win in Rate Bowl showdown
The Gophers are headed to Phoenix to face New Mexico in the Rate Bowl on December 26th. Minnesota enters the matchup with the longest active bowl win streak in the nation at eight straight victories as the team looks to add a ninth at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Fiesta Sports Foundation Executive Director Erik Moses says fans can look forward to warm weather, festive events and plenty of activities throughout Phoenix. With temperatures in the 70s, a unique baseball park setting and a chance to extend their postseason success, the Gophers are set for a high-energy holiday matchup in the Valley of the Sun.
A Gilded Age Christmas: Inside the James J. Hill House
Step inside the James J. Hill House for a dazzling look at Christmas in the Gilded Age, where opulent decorations, historic details, and the grandeur of 1891 come to life. Led by Site Manager Gibson Stanton, guests are invited to explore the mansion’s 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, and 16 cut-glass chandeliers as they discover how the Hill family celebrated the holiday season more than a century ago. Once donated to the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in 1925 and later acquired by the Minnesota Historical Society in 1978, the Hill House now opens its doors each winter to share a festive, elegant, and immersive holiday experience. Learn more at mnhs.org.
Minnesota farmers stand to benefit as White House unveils $12B aid, soybeans rebound
Minnesota producers could soon see financial relief after the White House unveiled a $12 billion farm aid package to help growers hit by tariffs. The announcement comes just as soybean prices begin to climb again, fueled by China re-entering the U.S. market. For many farmers facing tighter margins despite strong yields, the dual boost arrives at a critical time. MN Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture Thom Petersen tells us more about the aid and Minnesota farmers.
Vikings end skid with dominant shutout of Commanders
The Vikings snapped their four game losing streak with a convincing shutout win over the Commanders as both the offense and defense delivered their strongest performance of the season. Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy finished 16 of 23 for 163 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions while Justin Jefferson was held to two catches for 11 yards on four targets. The defense set the tone all afternoon and veteran safety Harrison Smith came away with his first interception of the season. Despite sitting at long playoff odds of 250 to 1 the Vikings now look to build on the momentum as they prepare for Sunday night’s matchup against the Cowboys. FOX 9 Sports Director Jim Rich talks about the win and what the season could look like going forward.
Women crash-test dummy approval, ice fishing, Stranger Things season 5 review & more: Dec. 5, 2025
Federal regulators have announced the approval of a new women’s crash-test dummy. Susan Molinari, Co-Chair of Women Drive Too, joins us to explain what the approval means, how it will be implemented and the impact it could have on vehicle safety standards. As winter conditions take hold, we talk all things ice fishing with updates on safety guidance and how early-season conditions are affecting anglers. And we preview the St. Paul Ice Fishing show. FOX 9's Lauren Andrego shares details about Pantone’s Color of the Year, including how the selection was made and the early response. We also sit down with FOX 9 reporter Se Kwon, who speaks about her immigration story and the experiences that shaped her path.
The nation's largest ice fishing event is coming to St. Paul
This weekend St. Paul turns into the ice fishing capitol of the nation. The St. Paul ice fishing show is at the RiverCentre Dec. 5-7.
New approved female crash test dummies
Current car crash tests are based on male body dummies from the 1970s. Recently, the U.S. approved female dummies to be used during crash testing.
Somali community response, adopting pets this winter, arrest made in Lutsen Fire & more: Dec. 4th, 2025
Today’s episode, hosted by Maxx Fuller and Adam Llorens, follows the latest stories shaping Minnesota including: a press conference held by local leaders responding to ICE's targeting of Somalis in MN, animal shelter conditions in the winter, and more.
What winter really looks like for animals in need
As temperatures fall, the challenges facing local animal shelters rise. Animal Humane Society Director of Communications, Sarah Bhimani provides insights into animal shelters and how people can support animals in need. Learn more at animalhumanesociety.org.
Comedian Denise Winkelman on comedy, career and her hit special “Bougie on a Budget”
Comedian extraordinaire Denise Winkelman shares how she first found her voice in comedy, the art of blending personal stories with professional material and what it really takes to create a stand-up special like her latest hit, “Bougie on a Budget,” streaming now. She opens up about the writing process, the hustle behind the humor and the moments that shaped her comedic style. Plus, Denise takes the stage at New Hope Cinema Grill tomorrow!