UMN researchers roll out new apple & grape varieties, including Supersnap—the Honeycrisp successor

The University of Minnesota’s renowned fruit breeding program has unveiled six new apple and grape varieties designed especially for small-scale orchard growers. Among the releases is Supersnap, a highly anticipated successor to Honeycrisp, bred for exceptional crispness, flavor, and disease resistance. U of M research scientist David Bedford explains the process of developing new fruit varieties.

Somali community & immigration lawyers respond to ICE targeting reports & much more

In today’s episode, hosted by Maxx Fuller and Adam Llorens, we’re breaking down the biggest stories happening across Minnesota and beyond. Today, community leaders and elected officials gathered at the Brian Coyle Center in Minneapolis to respond to ICE’s targeted presence in Somali neighborhoods and to denounce Donald Trump’s recent statements. We take you there live and walk you through what’s happening on the ground.

ICE reportedly targeting Somalis in MLPS, MN fraud charges in focus, pregnancy & more: Dec. 2, 2025

On today's episode of "The Afternoon Shift," Adam and Maxx cover the breaking story of a potential ICE operation in Minnesota specifically targeting Somali immigrants. Plus, FOX 9's Paul Blume joins the table to talk about the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce's CEO's fraud case. Adam and Maxx chat about the state of the Twins, learn about a new bicycle path open in Hennepin County, and FOX 9's Hannah Flood teaches the guys all about pregnancy.

Former MPLS chamber CEO pleads guilty to fraud involving crime stopping reward money

Fox 9’s Paul Blume explains the unfolding fraud case involving former Minneapolis Regional Chamber CEO Jonathan Weinhagen, who has now pleaded guilty to misusing Crime Stoppers reward funds. Prosecutors say Weinhagen diverted reward money from crime cases and used the stolen funds to help pay for a family vacation. Paul breaks down what investigators uncovered and what comes next as Weinhagen awaits sentencing.

Reports of ICE targeting Somalis in Twin Cities: What we know so far

Reports of ICE targeting Somali residents in the Twin Cities have raised concern and confusion across the metro. FOX 9 reporter Paul Blume joins The Afternoon Shift to break down what we know so far, what remains unclear, and how immigration attorneys are responding to the reports.

Gear up, Minneapolis: MPLS named one of the world's top bike cities and commuter bike trail re-opens

Minneapolis has been named one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, and the timing comes as the Cedar Lake Trail into downtown reopens after being closed for light rail construction. BikeMN communications manager Erik Noonan explains what the new global ranking means for local riders and why the trail reopening is an important milestone for commuters in the western metro. Erik also outlines what cyclists should know heading into winter.

Vikings season spiral, Tommies volleyball, snow emergency rules & more: Dec. 1, 2025

On today’s episode of “The Afternoon Shift,” Adam Llorens welcomed in FOX 9 Sports Director Jim Rich in studio to chat about the state of the Vikings, as well as the upcoming World Juniors Ice Hockey Championship coming to the Twin Cities. Plus, information on the CPKC Holiday Train, Minneapolis’ snow removal protocols, as well as an interview with University of St. Thomas Athletic Director Dr. Phil Esten to chat about the university’s first-ever berth in a NCAA D-I Tournament with the volleyball program.

Tommie triumph: St. Thomas volleyball reaches NCAA D-I tournament for first time

St. Thomas volleyball has made history, earning its first-ever berth in the NCAA Division I Tournament — soon after the university became the first school to jump directly from D-III to D-I. University of St. Thomas Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Phil Esten explains how the Tommies’ unprecedented rise has led to this milestone moment. St. Thomas will open the tournament on Friday against Iowa State, and if they advance, a potential matchup with Minnesota awaits on Saturday.

Minneapolis snow emergencies: What you need to know

With winter weather here, Minneapolis is reminding drivers what to do during a snow emergency — and what happens if they don’t. Minneapolis Transportation Maintenance & Repair Director Joe Paumen explains how the city’s three-day parking rules help plows clear streets curb-to-curb, and why failing to follow them can lead to tickets or tows. Officials urge residents to check building numbers to know which side is odd or even, and to use the Minneapolis Snow Emergency Map for the latest updates. More information is available at minneapolismn.gov/snow.

CPKC Holiday Train brings the cheer to MN: Music, lights & giving on the go

The CPKC Holiday Train is back on the rails, bringing communities together with a rolling celebration of music, lights, and generosity. The brightly decorated train is traveling across North America, stopping in towns big and small to deliver free trackside concerts and festive performances. CPKC spokesman Terry Cunha shares how the annual tradition transforms a simple boxcar into a concert hall, raising awareness and support for local food shelves along the way.

IIHF World Juniors: Hockey’s brightest young stars set for Twin Cities takeover

The IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championship is officially coming to the Twin Cities, and FOX 9 Sports Director Jim Rich has the full breakdown on what this means for the State of Hockey. It’s only the second time Minnesota has hosted the world-renowned tournament, which will bring the sport’s brightest young stars to Grand Casino Arena and Mariucci. Adding to the excitement, Gophers men’s hockey coach Bob Motzko will lead Team USA on home ice. Jim explains the significance of the event, what fans can expect and how Minnesota is preparing to take center stage in one of international hockey’s biggest showcases.

Vikings from bad to worse: Season spirals after Seattle shutout

The Vikings find themselves at a crossroads after a stunning 26–0 shutout loss in Seattle — their fourth straight defeat and sixth in the last seven games. FOX 9 Sports Director Jim Rich breaks down how Minnesota’s offense never found traction, with rookie quarterback Max Brosmer throwing four interceptions in his first career start and Justin Jefferson limited to a career-low four yards. With J.J. McCarthy sidelined by a concussion and the season slipping fast, Jim and Adam discuss the growing questions surrounding what’s gone wrong and who bears the blame.

Tips for holiday budgeting, Thanksgiving football preview, Black Friday shopping & more: Nov. 26, 2025

On today’s edition of “The Afternoon Shift,” Adam Llorens and Maxx Fuller catch up with Prosperwell Financial CEO Nicole Middendorf on Black Friday spending, learn about Edina’s consideration of a $20M pedestrian tunnel at France Avenue, preview tomorrow’s Thanksgiving Game between the Packers and Lions with FOX6 Milwaukee sports director Tim Van Vooren, and look ahead to the Vikings at Seahawks game on Sunday. All that and more on “The Afternoon Shift”!

Thanksgiving throwdown: Packers and Lions serve up NFC North thrills

The Packers and Lions headline a Thanksgiving Day showdown and FOX 6’s Tim Van Vooren breaks down every angle of the matchup. With Green Bay’s defense tightening up in recent weeks, Jordan Love managing a shoulder concern and key players like Josh Jacobs expected to return, the game sets the tone for a crucial stretch in the NFC North. As both teams push for momentum fans can expect a high-energy battle filled with storylines, strategy and plenty of holiday drama.

Making smart money moves this Black Friday and all holiday season long

Nicole Middendorf of Prosperwell Financial shares practical tips to help shoppers stay grounded amid Black Friday chaos and holiday spending pressure. Her advice focuses on budgeting smarter, avoiding credit card regret and prioritizing meaningful moments over material purchases.

Award-winning Holiday bread, food safety tips, Winter storm warning for MN & more: Nov. 25, 2025

On today’s episode of “The Afternoon Shift,” Adam Llorens and Maxx Fuller are joined by FOX 9 Chief Meteorologist Ian Leonard to forecast the impending winter storm across Minnesota (including a guest appearance by Maxx at the weather board!). Also, Marcus Carpenter of Route 1 profiles his organization working for equity in agriculture, a special profile of LUMINISCENCE with the Basilica of St. Mary’s pastor, Fr. Daniel Griffith. And later, a special presentation by our friends at Cossetta’s in St. Paul on their award-winning panettone bread! All that and more, right here on “The Afternoon Shift”!

Cossetta’s wins national pastry honor with its expertly crafted panettone

Cossetta’s, a family-owned Italian culinary institution in St. Paul, has received national recognition after winning the Panettone World Cup–North America. The award highlights the bakery’s mastery of traditional Italian baking, led by Executive Pastry Chef Jaime Martinez. The winning entry, a panettone produced with a 100-year-old sourdough starter brought from Italy, follows a meticulous 56-hour preparation process.

Thanksgiving food safety: How long leftovers last and how to store them safely

As families across the country gather for Thanksgiving, food safety experts are urging home cooks to pay close attention to how they handle and store leftovers. Stop Foodborne Illness CEO Sandra Eskin breaks down the guidelines for how long Thanksgiving leftovers remain safe to eat, the best methods for cooling and refrigerating foods and the simple steps that help prevent bacteria from growing.