$1.2 billion in unclaimed tax refunds
More than 1.3 million Americans have unclaimed 2022 tax refunds totaling over $1.2 billion, with a deadline to claim that money coming up on April 15, 2026. Nicole Middendorf joins us to explain who may be eligible, why so many refunds are still unclaimed, and what you need to do now if you think some of that money could be yours.
More than 1.3 million Americans have unclaimed 2022 tax refunds totaling over $1.2 billion, with a deadline to claim that money coming up on April 15, 2026. Nicole Middendorf joins us to explain who may be eligible, why so many refunds are still unclaimed, and what you need to do now if you think some of that money could be yours.
Bill would update Minnesota meat raffles
Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill that would update long-standing limits on meat raffles as costs rise. The proposal would raise ticket prices and increase prize caps, with supporters saying it would help charities keep pace and continue supporting local causes like veterans groups and youth sports. Randy Meier joins us to explain how meat raffles work and what the changes could mean.
Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill that would update long-standing limits on meat raffles as costs rise. The proposal would raise ticket prices and increase prize caps, with supporters saying it would help charities keep pace and continue supporting local causes like veterans groups and youth sports. Randy Meier joins us to explain how meat raffles work and what the changes could mean.
Who is the Gophers’ “Blanket Lady”?
We take a closer look at Alvera “Peps” Neuman, better known as the Gophers’ “Blanket Lady.” The 81-year-old superfan hasn’t missed a game since 2004 and has become a fixture at Minnesota women’s basketball games. But her story goes far beyond the stands — she once played competitively, founded her own team, and even scored 108 points in a single game.
We take a closer look at Alvera “Peps” Neuman, better known as the Gophers’ “Blanket Lady.” The 81-year-old superfan hasn’t missed a game since 2004 and has become a fixture at Minnesota women’s basketball games. But her story goes far beyond the stands — she once played competitively, founded her own team, and even scored 108 points in a single game.
Gun legislation, new Gophers hockey coach & Special Olympics USA games
As gun legislation is discussed in a Minnesota House committee, we take you live to those conversations as they happen. AEW wrestling is in Minnesota, and Pierre Noujaim joins us to preview the action. We also react to the hiring of the new Gophers men’s hockey head coach. Plus, we round out the show by looking ahead to the Special Olympics with athletes sharing their stories. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.
As gun legislation is discussed in a Minnesota House committee, we take you live to those conversations as they happen. AEW wrestling is in Minnesota, and Pierre Noujaim joins us to preview the action. We also react to the hiring of the new Gophers men’s hockey head coach. Plus, we round out the show by looking ahead to the Special Olympics with athletes sharing their stories. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.
Minnesota athletes gear up as Special Olympics USA Games head to Minneapolis
With just 88 days until the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games kick off in Minneapolis, excitement is building across Minnesota. Local athletes David Booth and Tyler Sarff are training hard for their moment on the national stage, where competitors from all 50 states will come together June 20–26. FOX 9 Chief Meteorologist Ian Leonard also joins in highlighting the significance of the games and the impact they have on athletes and the community, as the countdown to one of the country’s most inspiring sporting events continues.
With just 88 days until the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games kick off in Minneapolis, excitement is building across Minnesota. Local athletes David Booth and Tyler Sarff are training hard for their moment on the national stage, where competitors from all 50 states will come together June 20–26. FOX 9 Chief Meteorologist Ian Leonard also joins in highlighting the significance of the games and the impact they have on athletes and the community, as the countdown to one of the country’s most inspiring sporting events continues.
Minnesota’s own Bishop Kaun returns as AEW Dynamite hits St. Paul
AEW Dynamite is bringing high-energy, hard-hitting wrestling action to St. Paul this Wednesday at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The stacked card features some of AEW’s biggest stars, including Minnesota native Bishop Kaun, who returns to perform in front of a hometown crowd. FOX 9 Sports Reporter Pierre Noujaim and Adam Llorens caught up with Kaun ahead of the event as excitement builds for one of the top wrestling promotions in the world making its stop in the Twin Cities. Tickets are available now through AEWTix.com and Ticketmaster.
AEW Dynamite is bringing high-energy, hard-hitting wrestling action to St. Paul this Wednesday at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The stacked card features some of AEW’s biggest stars, including Minnesota native Bishop Kaun, who returns to perform in front of a hometown crowd. FOX 9 Sports Reporter Pierre Noujaim and Adam Llorens caught up with Kaun ahead of the event as excitement builds for one of the top wrestling promotions in the world making its stop in the Twin Cities. Tickets are available now through AEWTix.com and Ticketmaster.
New Gophers coach, airport travel alerts & March Madness
Greg “Boom” May answers questions as he steps in as the new Gophers women’s hockey head coach. Big travel headlines at airports today, what TSA and ICE updates mean for you, with travel expert Gunnar Olson sharing tips to avoid delays. Plus, the Minnesota Gophers women are dancing into the Sweet 16, and we react to the program’s momentum. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.
Greg “Boom” May answers questions as he steps in as the new Gophers women’s hockey head coach. Big travel headlines at airports today, what TSA and ICE updates mean for you, with travel expert Gunnar Olson sharing tips to avoid delays. Plus, the Minnesota Gophers women are dancing into the Sweet 16, and we react to the program’s momentum. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.
Gophers women back in the Sweet 16
Minnesota women’s basketball is headed to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005 after a dramatic 65–63 win over Ole Miss on a buzzer-beater. We’re joined by Samantha Roering of The Minnesota Daily to break down the late-game heroics, the electric atmosphere at Williams Arena, and what’s ahead as the Gophers prepare for their next matchup.
Minnesota women’s basketball is headed to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005 after a dramatic 65–63 win over Ole Miss on a buzzer-beater. We’re joined by Samantha Roering of The Minnesota Daily to break down the late-game heroics, the electric atmosphere at Williams Arena, and what’s ahead as the Gophers prepare for their next matchup.
Airport issues ahead of busy travel season
It’s been a chaotic stretch at airports across the country, with long TSA lines and delays tied to the ongoing DHS shutdown. Gunnar Olson from The Thrifty Traveler Podcast joins us to break down what travelers should expect heading into a busy spring break weekend, how early you should arrive at MSP, and what’s behind the recent disruptions — including staffing shortages and reports of ICE agents assisting at some airports.
It’s been a chaotic stretch at airports across the country, with long TSA lines and delays tied to the ongoing DHS shutdown. Gunnar Olson from The Thrifty Traveler Podcast joins us to break down what travelers should expect heading into a busy spring break weekend, how early you should arrive at MSP, and what’s behind the recent disruptions — including staffing shortages and reports of ICE agents assisting at some airports.
St. Kate's continues tradition of educating and empowering women
We're celebrating Women's History Month on "The Afternoon Shift," and welcomed in St. Catherine University President Dr. Marcheta Evans and current senior Victoria Lo to learn more about their experiences at the historically all-women's university.
We're celebrating Women's History Month on "The Afternoon Shift," and welcomed in St. Catherine University President Dr. Marcheta Evans and current senior Victoria Lo to learn more about their experiences at the historically all-women's university.
Allina Health to join Sutter Health, Gophers in Women's NCAA tournament & spongy moths
On today's episode, we preview the first round of women's March Madness with Dawn Mitchell. A discussion on Allina Health’s planned merger with Sutter Health, highlighting the $2 billion investment, potential impacts on patients and costs. Later, we take a closer look at Minnesota’s plan to control the invasive spongy moth, with insight from expert John Larsen. In honor of Women’s History Month, we highlight St. Catherine University with guests Dr. Marcheta Evans and Victoria Lo.
On today's episode, we preview the first round of women's March Madness with Dawn Mitchell. A discussion on Allina Health’s planned merger with Sutter Health, highlighting the $2 billion investment, potential impacts on patients and costs. Later, we take a closer look at Minnesota’s plan to control the invasive spongy moth, with insight from expert John Larsen. In honor of Women’s History Month, we highlight St. Catherine University with guests Dr. Marcheta Evans and Victoria Lo.
What is a spongy moth? Control effort underway in Minnesota
Minnesota is working to slow the spread of the invasive spongy moth, with aerial treatments planned in nine counties. The pest can damage oaks and hundreds of other tree species. Treatment coordinator John Larsen explains what they are and what to do if you find egg masses.
Minnesota is working to slow the spread of the invasive spongy moth, with aerial treatments planned in nine counties. The pest can damage oaks and hundreds of other tree species. Treatment coordinator John Larsen explains what they are and what to do if you find egg masses.
Allina Health to join Sutter Health: What this means for patients and healthcare costs
Allina Health plans to join Sutter Health as part of a $2 billion investment aimed at expanding care and improving services. National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions CEO Shawn Gremminger is weighing in, as questions remain about how the merger could affect costs, access, and the patient experience.
Allina Health plans to join Sutter Health as part of a $2 billion investment aimed at expanding care and improving services. National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions CEO Shawn Gremminger is weighing in, as questions remain about how the merger could affect costs, access, and the patient experience.
Eid marks the end of Ramadan
As Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid, Zaheer Baber from the Islamic Center of Minnesota joins us to explain the significance of the holiday. Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer, and is one of the most important celebrations in Islam. We talk about what the holiday represents and how it’s observed across Minnesota.
As Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid, Zaheer Baber from the Islamic Center of Minnesota joins us to explain the significance of the holiday. Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer, and is one of the most important celebrations in Islam. We talk about what the holiday represents and how it’s observed across Minnesota.
Kratom under scrutiny in Minnesota
As kratom gains popularity across Minnesota, it’s also drawing new attention at the State Capitol. Psychotherapist and addiction expert John Puls joins us to explain what the herbal substance is, why it’s being sold in shops statewide, and what lawmakers are proposing with new regulations, including raising the legal age. We also discuss concerns around safety, dependency, and what people should know as the conversation continues.
As kratom gains popularity across Minnesota, it’s also drawing new attention at the State Capitol. Psychotherapist and addiction expert John Puls joins us to explain what the herbal substance is, why it’s being sold in shops statewide, and what lawmakers are proposing with new regulations, including raising the legal age. We also discuss concerns around safety, dependency, and what people should know as the conversation continues.
Minnesota Paralympian wins big in Milan
Minnesota’s own Sydney Peterson joins us after a standout performance at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milan, where she brought home multiple gold medals in cross-country skiing. We talk about her journey from Lake Elmo to the world stage, how she balances elite competition with pursuing a PhD in neuroscience, and what this moment means for her career.
Minnesota’s own Sydney Peterson joins us after a standout performance at the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milan, where she brought home multiple gold medals in cross-country skiing. We talk about her journey from Lake Elmo to the world stage, how she balances elite competition with pursuing a PhD in neuroscience, and what this moment means for her career.
What is cat declawing?
A Minnesota bill that would ban cat declawing has stalled at the Capitol. Dr. Graham Brayshaw from the Animal Humane Society joins us to explain what the surgery actually involves and why the issue continues to spark debate among pet owners, veterinarians and lawmakers.
A Minnesota bill that would ban cat declawing has stalled at the Capitol. Dr. Graham Brayshaw from the Animal Humane Society joins us to explain what the surgery actually involves and why the issue continues to spark debate among pet owners, veterinarians and lawmakers.
Anonymous tip programs under discussion in Minnesota
As lawmakers discuss mandating similar anonymous reporting programs in Minnesota, Aurora Vasquez from Sandy Hook Promise joins us to explain how the “Say Something” program works. It gives students a way to report concerns through an app, text, or hotline, allowing schools and law enforcement to assess and respond. We talk about how the system operates and the broader conversation around bringing it to schools statewide.
As lawmakers discuss mandating similar anonymous reporting programs in Minnesota, Aurora Vasquez from Sandy Hook Promise joins us to explain how the “Say Something” program works. It gives students a way to report concerns through an app, text, or hotline, allowing schools and law enforcement to assess and respond. We talk about how the system operates and the broader conversation around bringing it to schools statewide.
DHS testify in Senate committee, travel delays, St. Patrick's Day preview & more
Heavy snow from the weekend continues to impact Minnesota and parts of the United States. We discuss the impact the weather has had and what we can expect over the coming days. Plus, we take you live to a Minnesota Senate committee hearing as DHS officials testify before lawmakers. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.
Heavy snow from the weekend continues to impact Minnesota and parts of the United States. We discuss the impact the weather has had and what we can expect over the coming days. Plus, we take you live to a Minnesota Senate committee hearing as DHS officials testify before lawmakers. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.
Where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in downtown St. Paul
Visit St. Paul’s Ava Diaz previews the city’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities as downtown prepares to go green. From the annual noon parade to celebrations at Landmark Center and live Irish music and dance performances throughout the day, thousands are expected to gather and celebrate St. Paul’s strong Irish heritage. The festivities also feature plenty of traditional Irish food, music and family-friendly fun across the city.
Visit St. Paul’s Ava Diaz previews the city’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities as downtown prepares to go green. From the annual noon parade to celebrations at Landmark Center and live Irish music and dance performances throughout the day, thousands are expected to gather and celebrate St. Paul’s strong Irish heritage. The festivities also feature plenty of traditional Irish food, music and family-friendly fun across the city.