Understanding the MN legislative session, Gophers women's basketball & more
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Dawn Mitchell joins us for a sports wrap on Gophers women’s basketball, Tommies hoops, and the Wild. We break down how the legislative session works — from drafting a bill with Rep. Norris to understanding committee hearings with Rep. Kelly Moller. Plus, we celebrate Women’s History Month with two female comics talking improv, and round out the week with another edition of Headline Hustle. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.

Ladies who land the punchline
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Erin Clarkin and Ellie Walton from Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret join the show to talk about their all-women improv performances celebrating Women’s History Month. They also give Adam a crash course in the rules of improv — including “Yes, and” — and share how those techniques can be used in everyday life.

Inside legislative committees: Rep. Kelly Moller on chairing a House committee
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Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL–District 40A) offers an inside look at how House committees operate, explaining what it means to serve as a committee chair and the responsibilities that come with leading hearings. She discusses the work that happens before meetings begin, how she prepares for testimony and debate and how partisanship shapes discussions and decision-making in legislative committees.

From first campaign to floor vote: Rep. Matt Norris explains how laws are made
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Rep. Matt Norris (DFL–District 32B) walks through the legislative process, sharing how he first got involved in politics, what it takes to introduce a bill, and how an idea becomes law. He also discusses his work on the Manufactured Home Park Resident Bill of Rights and the impact it could have on families in his district.

Pete Hegseth on Operation Epic Fury, Harvey's law & U.S. gold medalist Frost player
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Pete Hegseth gives a live update on Operation Epic Fury. Professor Andrew Latham provides insight into the conflict and Kristi Noem's removal as Secretary of DHS. Hunter and Catherine Muklebust tell us about a law being introduced in honor of their son Harvey who died at a Minnesota day care center. Harvey's law would require cameras in all state-owned child care facilities. Plus, Olympian Grace Zumwinkle tells us about competing on the U.S. women's hockey team and bringing home the gold. 

Harvey's parents explain “Harvey’s Law” and what it could mean for Minnesota
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Catherine and Hunter Muklebust are advocating for new legislation known as “Harvey’s Law” after their 11-month-old son, Harvey, was killed at a Minnesota day care September 2025. The proposed bill would require surveillance cameras in licensed child care centers statewide. 

Operation Epic Fury: What to know after Pete Hegseth’s update
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is provided an update on Operation Epic Fury amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Macalester College professor Andrew Latham breaks down what the operation involves, what the public should know and what could come next in the conflict.

What is a data center?, MN legislative session in full swing and more
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What exactly is a data center, and why are they becoming such a big topic in Minnesota? We break down what they are, how they work, and why communities are debating them. The Minnesota legislative session is in full swing, with major issues moving at the Capitol. Plus, the St. Thomas "Tommies" are heading into the Summit League spotlight — what it means for the program and fans. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.

2026 Twin Cities Marathon registration opens
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As registration opens, Twin Cities In Motion president Dean Orton joins the show to preview race day on October 4 and a field expected to reach 11,000 runners. He breaks down what makes this year’s marathon one of the biggest in the past decade.

Coach Johnny Tauer live from the bus: Summit League era begins
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St. Thomas head coach Johnny Tauer joins The Afternoon Shift from the team bus en route to Sioux Falls to talk about what entering the Summit League spotlight means for the Tommies.

What is a data center?
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What exactly is a data center and why are so many being proposed across Minnesota? Professor Manjeet Rege, chair of Software Engineering and Data Science and director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence at the University of St. Thomas, joins us to explain how these massive facilities store and process the world’s data and what the economic, environmental, and infrastructure questions are as Minnesota considers hosting more of them.

52 years of Uncle Hugo’s: A Minneapolis literary landmark
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Uncle Hugo’s Bookstore in south Minneapolis is celebrating 52 years in business today. Known as the oldest independent science fiction bookstore in the country, the longtime literary landmark continues to draw readers from across Minnesota and beyond. Owner Don Blyly joins us to reflect on the store’s legacy and what keeps independent bookstores thriving.

Food insecurity in Minnesota: SNAP cuts and rising demand
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Minnesota food shelves are facing growing pressure as potential federal SNAP cuts, rising grocery prices and increased demand strain already limited resources. Some providers also report impacts tied to recent immigration enforcement activity, with families hesitant to seek assistance. Wendy Behm of ACBC Food Shelf joins to discuss how organizations are responding, efforts to combat food insecurity across the state, and what’s at stake during the current legislative session. Learn more at acbcfoodshelf.com.

Gophers women's basketball earn #4 seed after historic Big Ten run
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Gophers women's basketball earn #4 seed after historic Big Ten run The Minnesota women’s basketball team heads into the Big Ten Tournament as a #4 seed after tying a program record with 13 conference wins this season. We look at when the Gophers tip off, their potential path in the tournament, and whether they could challenge top-ranked UCLA. Plus, what’s the ceiling for this team in the NCAA Tournament? Gophers beat reporter Tony Liebert joins to break it all down, and a preview of the Big Ten men’s tournament tipping off next week.

U.S.–Iran conflict: What happened and what’s next
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Tensions between the United States and Iran are escalating following a major U.S. strike and the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader in a joint U.S.–Israel operation. We break down what led to this moment, what it means for the region and what could come next with analysis from Macalester College Professor Andrew Latham.

St. Paul schools still feel impact of Operation Metro Surge
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St. Paul Public Schools continue to navigate the effects of Operation Metro Surge, with some students still participating in e-learning amid community concerns over increased ICE activity. Wellstone Elementary teacher Dawn Windham tells us about the educational and emotional toll on students and staff, as well as the potential long-term impact of extended virtual learning. 

Understanding Medicaid cuts, getting to know Sheriff Witt & more
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Understanding Medicaid cuts with Fox 9’s Rob Olson, getting to know Minnesota’s first Black woman sheriff Dawanna Witt in our final Black History Month profile for 2026, breaking down the Wild’s return to the ice with Dawn Mitchell, and celebrating America’s 250th birthday with Rosie Rios — all that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.

Celebrating America's 250th Birthday
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America250 Chair Rosie Rios joined Adam Llorens on "The Afternoon Shift" to discuss the exciting nationwide initiatives planned for the United States' 250th birthday in 2026.

Black History Month profile: Sheriff Dawanna Witt
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Sheriff Dawanna Witt shares her journey from feeling intimidated by law enforcement as a young person to becoming the first woman and first person of color elected sheriff of Hennepin County, Minnesota. She reflects on how those early experiences shaped her leadership and her mission to build trust with the community.

JD Vance makes MN fraud announcement, Rep. Lisa Demuth in studio & the rise of generative AI
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Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth joins us in person for our Black History Month profile to talk about making history in Minnesota and what to expect this legislative session. JD Vance and Dr. Oz make an announcement regarding MN Medicaid fraud. We reveal the towns hosting FOX 9’s Town Ball season and break down a new report on how artificial intelligence is impacting Minnesota’s workforce, with insight from its co-authors. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.