March Madness excitement builds as Gophers prepare for opening game
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Tony Liebert, BringMeTheNews.com reporter, breaks down Selection Sunday as the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament field is revealed. The Minnesota Gopher women earned a No. 4 seed and will host the first two rounds of March Madness at Williams Arena. Minnesota opens the tournament Friday night against Green Bay as the Gophers look to defend home court and begin a potential deep run in the NCAA tournament.

Winter storm, Kyler Murray, Seniors happy hour & more
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On today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift, we lead with a look at the wild winter weather headed for Minnesota and what you can expect as conditions change. We also break down the latest headlines before Dawn Mitchell fills us in on Kyler Murray singing with the Vikings and the buzz surrounding that moment. Plus, we discuss a new “Happy Hour for Seniors” bill introduced in the Minnesota Legislature, and senior Anita LeBrun joins us to share what the proposal would mean for her and others like her. All this and more on today's episode of The Afternoon Shift.

Headline Hustle: Lori vs. Grace vs. Adam
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It’s time for another round of Headline Hustle! FOX 9 senior executive producer Lori Fisher goes head-to-head with Grace and Adam to see who can best make sense of the week’s headlines in our weekly trivia showdown.

Senior’s viral testimony backs happy hour bill
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After her testimony at the Capitol went viral, Anita LeBrun joins us with Abby Dahl from Amira Choice Champlin to talk about the push for happy hour in assisted living facilities. Supporters say the bill would allow resident-focused events with alcohol without requiring a liquor license. We discuss the reaction to Anita’s testimony, how the proposal would work, and what’s next for the bill at the Capitol.

Wind & walleye with Jared Piepenburg
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In his first appearance on The Afternoon Shift, FOX 9 meteorologist Jared Piepenburg talks about two of his biggest passions: weather and fishing. He answers a few fishing questions while also breaking down the powerful weather system moving across Minnesota and what to expect from the weather event arriving this weekend.

Fish fry season in Minnesota
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It’s fish fry season during Lent, and few are more popular in the Twin Cities than the one at St. Thomas More in St. Paul. Pastor Fr. R.J. Fichtinger joins us to talk about why fish fries have become such a big part of Minnesota culture, the tradition of avoiding meat on Fridays, and what makes their community fish fry such a draw each year.

Kyler Murray signs 1-year deal with Vikings
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Dawn Mitchell joins us to break down the Vikings’ surprise move to sign quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year deal. What does it mean for 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, and how might the team handle the quarterback situation this season? We also talk about Murray’s injury history, the questions around leadership and work ethic, and the surprising twist that he says he’s been a Vikings fan since childhood.

Judges criticize ICE over Operation Metro Surge
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Paul Blume joins us with the latest on growing scrutiny surrounding Operation Metro Surge. Federal judges are criticizing ICE over alleged violations of court orders tied to immigration arrests and detentions. We break down the judges’ concerns, the claims of bias now being raised, and what it could mean moving forward. You can watch Paul’s full report now on FOX9.com and the FOX 9 YouTube channel.

Seniors "love" a happy hour, honoring Melissa Hortman and more
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Minnesota seniors are pushing for a bill that would allow happy hour in assisted living facilities without requiring a liquor license. We also joined the Minnesota House floor as lawmakers discussed honoring the late Melissa Hortman by renaming a solar garden program in her name. Plus, Fox 9’s Dawn Mitchell breaks down what it could mean after the Vikings hosted Kyler Murray. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.

Local school principal honored by Pope Leo XIV
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Gina Ashley is the principal at Divine Mercy Catholic School in Faribault, and was recently honored by Pope Leo XIV with a papal award, and she joined Adam Llorens on "The Afternoon Shift" to discuss it more.

Will Kyler Murray be the Vikings’ new quarterback?
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Fox 9’s Dawn Mitchell joins the Afternoon Shift to break down the Vikings hosting Kyler Murray today, how it could impact Minnesota’s future with J.J. McCarthy, and the ripple effects for the Cardinals back in Arizona.

MN House weighs emergency rental assistance bill, Big Ten tourney and magic mushrooms
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On today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift, we bring you live coverage of a Rental Assistance House Hearing, keeping you informed on the latest developments as they happen. We also take a closer look at the science of magic mushrooms with researcher Jessica Nielson. Plus, we highlight the Gophers in the Big Ten Basketball Tournament with Pierre Noujaim. All this and more on today's episode of The Afternoon Shift.

The science behind magic mushrooms as MN weighs legalization
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As Minnesota lawmakers debate House File 2906, the proposed psilocybin bill, questions are growing about the science behind “magic mushrooms” and psychedelic-assisted therapy in Minnesota. Dr. Jessica Nielson, chair of Minnesota’s Psychedelic Medicine Task Force, explains what the latest psilocybin research shows, the risks and benefits of psychedelic medicine, and how the legislation could shape the future of mental health treatment in Minnesota.

What’s next for Crystal? City leaders on downtown development plans
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Crystal city leaders are moving ahead with plans to reshape the city’s downtown area. Mayor Julie Deshler and Community Development Manager John Sutter share an update on the progress so far, outline what’s next in the process and discuss how residents in the city of 23,000 are responding to the proposed changes.

Marathon in the Minneapolis Skyway
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Minneapolis native Rhett Carlson rang in his 30th birthday by walking an entire marathon (26.2 miles!) in the Minneapolis skyway.

MN House Children & Families Finance & Policy Committee on Harvey’s Law and today's headlines
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Today on The Afternoon Shift, we follow the Minnesota House Children & Families Finance & Policy Committee as it holds a hearing on Harvey’s Law, legislation that would require cameras in child care centers. We bring you live coverage from the Capitol, including testimony from Catherine and Hunter Mucklebust and remarks from Rep. Nolan West (R), as lawmakers debate the proposal and its potential impact on Minnesota families. Plus, today’s top headlines.

News or Nahhh: Minnesota towns edition
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News or Nahhh: Minnesota Towns Edition puts your local knowledge to the test! Inspired by towns featured in Sketches of Minnesota, this segment spotlights cities and small towns across the state. Can you tell which headlines are real and which are totally made up? 

Legalizing mushrooms, sports betting, boys hockey & Sketches of Minnesota
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Could Minnesota expand access to psilocybin therapy? We dive into the bipartisan proposal moving through the Legislature and speak with Rep. Andy Smith (DFL, District 25B) about the plan to allow supervised, therapeutic use of psilocybin for mental health treatment. We talk with Tane Danger from Danger Boat Productions about the second annual Sketches of Minnesota Civic Community Comedy Revue — bringing the personality of small Minnesota towns to the stage. The Moorhead Spuds won the Minnesota boys state hockey tournament with a thrilling performance in Class 2A! Athletic director Dean Haugo talks about what this state title means for the community. Rep. Nolan West (R, District 32A) joins the show to discuss the sports betting bill headed to the Minnesota State Capitol and what it could mean for the state’s future. All this and more on today's episode of The Afternoon Shift.

Minnesota among 10 states without sports betting as lawmakers renew push
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Minnesota remains one of just 10 states without legalized sports betting, but lawmakers are making another push to change that. A bill sponsored by Rep. Nolan West of Blaine would allow regulated sports wagering in the state, with ongoing debate over retail and online options. Supporters point to bipartisan backing and a recent poll showing 48 percent support, as the issue returns to the Capitol.

From state titles to college commits: Moorhead’s big year in sports
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Moorhead defeated Minnetonka to win the Class 2A boys hockey title, capping a standout season for the Spuds. Tyden Bergeson was named Minnesota Mr. Hockey, and quarterback Jett Feeney along with three Moorhead football players committed to the University of Minnesota. Activities Director Dean Haugo tells us about the championship run and the big year for Moorhead athletics.