Scene at MSP airport: Government shutdown leads to nationwide flight cancellations & delays

Travelers at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport are facing flight cancellations and delays. The ongoing government shutdown — now in its 38th day — is taking a toll on air travel operations, with reductions hitting 40 airports nationwide. Airlines are struggling to manage limited staffing and increasing passenger backlogs, while frustrated travelers scramble to rebook and reroute. FOX 9’s Leon Purvis is at MSP with the latest on the travel disruptions, airline responses, and how passengers can check their flight status at FlightAware.com.

Flight impacts at MSP, teachers strike, Hope Walz & more: Nov. 11 2025

Travelers are facing turbulence before they even take off — with hundreds of flights cancelled and delayed at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. We dig into what’s behind the chaos, from weather impacts and staffing shortages to the ripple effects hitting Delta and other carriers, and what passengers can expect heading into one of the busiest travel weekends of the season. Meanwhile, teachers’ strikes and contract showdowns continue across Minnesota as educators demand smaller class sizes, higher pay, and better support for staff. We look at how the negotiations are unfolding, what it means for students and families, and how long the standoff could last if districts and unions can’t find common ground. Then, Hope Walz — daughter of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz — joins us to talk about growing up in the public eye, using social media as a platform for advocacy, and what it’s like balancing humor, politics, and authenticity online. We explore how her voice is resonating with a new generation of Minnesotans and why her message is connecting beyond state lines. Plus, a look at the other big stories shaping Minnesota this week — from travel and education to politics and community — with the headlines that matter most to you.

Afternoon Tea: Ryan Reynolds’ Minnesota wine, Kim K’s flop show, and Cher’s age-gap romance

Pour yourself a glass — or maybe Ryan Reynolds’ new Minnesota-made wine. The actor calls the state an “underdog” and says his latest venture is the perfect match for its spirit. Meanwhile, critics are calling Kim Kardashian’s new TV show the worst ever, giving it a 0% Rotten Tomatoes score, and Cher, 79, is making headlines with her 39-year-old producer boyfriend, reigniting the internet’s favorite question: What’s your romantic age gap limit? All that and more with top homie Lauren Andrego.

Minneapolis educators file intent to strike over pay and class size concerns

The Minneapolis Federation of Educators has filed its intent to strike, citing low wages, pay inequities, and overcrowded classrooms—some with up to 40 students. Negotiations between MFE and Minneapolis Public Schools continue, and while a strike could begin Nov. 11, union leaders stress the filing doesn’t guarantee one. Special education assistant Mikel Herb tells us more about the potential strike and next steps.

Hope Walz finds her own spotlight on TikTok as the daughter of Gov. Walz

Hope Walz, daughter of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has built a significant following on TikTok, where she discusses politics, fashion, and life in a political family. She shares how she uses social media and offers behind-the-scenes details about her father and family life in the governor’s office and on the campaign trail.

FAA cuts flights at 40 airports amid shutdown: What it means for travelers

The government shutdown has entered Day 37 — now the longest in U.S. history — and travelers are feeling the impact. The FAA announced flight reductions at 40 major airports, including MSP, ORD, and DTW, cutting capacity at Minneapolis–St. Paul by 10%. On The Thrifty Traveler Podcast, host Gunnar Olson breaks down what these changes mean for flyers, how to minimize disruptions, and where travel deals might still be hiding amid the chaos.

Behind the documentary "Gales of November: The Edmund Fitzgerald"

Fifty years after the Edmund Fitzgerald vanished beneath Lake Superior, FOX 9’s Doc 9 Originals team dives deep to uncover what still lies beneath the waves — and what the legend got wrong. 'Gales of November: Diving the Edmund Fitzgerald' takes viewers behind the scenes of the daring investigation and the making of this powerful new documentary. FOX 9 Executive Producer of Investigations and Documentaries Joe Augustine gives us an inside look into the documentary.

Potential airspace shutdown, Kaohly Her wins St. Paul, Edmund Fitzgerald documentary & more: Nov. 5, 2025

Today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift with Adam Llorens and Maxx Fuller dives into the biggest headlines across Minnesota and beyond, blending live updates, local insight, and thoughtful conversation. St. Paul makes history as Kaohly Her is elected the city’s first woman and first Hmong-American mayor, defeating incumbent Melvin Carter III in a stunning upset. We look at what Her’s win means for the capital city — from public safety and housing priorities to how her leadership could reshape city hall and community engagement. Across the river, we break down Minneapolis and statewide election results, including key school board races and local ballot measures that signal where Minnesota voters stand heading into 2026. On the national front, we look at trends emerging from Tuesday’s vote — what’s shifting, what’s holding steady, and what it might preview for next year’s presidential cycle. As the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald approaches, a new documentary — Gales of November: Diving the Edmund Fitzgerald — revisits the tragedy that claimed 29 lives on Lake Superior. We explore how filmmakers gained rare access to the wreck site and why the ship’s story still resonates across the Great Lakes five decades later. And in sports, the Minnesota Twins officially introduce Derek Shelton as their new manager, marking a fresh start for the clubhouse and sparking early buzz about how his leadership could shape the team’s direction heading into next season.

National airspace closure looms as government shutdown deepens

A potential airspace shutdown is on the horizon as the government crisis intensifies, threatening to bring U.S. air travel to a standstill. Federal officials are warning that continued funding gridlock could have devastating consequences for the aviation system — from unpaid workers to grounded flights. Thousands of air traffic controllers, already working without pay, are expected to miss a second paycheck. Professor Heather McNevin with the Department of Aviation at Minnesota State University, Mankato explains more.

Kaohly Her defeats Melvin Carter to become St. Paul’s first Hmong American mayor

It was a historic night in St. Paul — Kaohly Her has unseated incumbent Mayor Melvin Carter, becoming the first Hmong-American and first woman ever elected mayor of the city. After trailing Carter in the first round of ranked-choice voting, Her rallied support to secure a majority in Round 2, marking a stunning political comeback and a groundbreaking moment for representation in Minnesota politics. FOX 9 Morning News anchor Chenue Her breaks it all down.

Encouraging students to vote: Inside the nation’s largest nonpartisan campus coalition

Across the country, college students are finding new ways to make their voices heard at the ballot box. The Students Learn Students Vote (SLSV) Coalition — the nation’s largest nonpartisan network dedicated to student voting — is working to ensure every student has easy and equal access to participate in elections. Program and Communications Coordinator Eliana Reed shares how SLSV partners with campuses and community leaders to embed voter education and mobilization into college life, helping build a more informed and engaged generation of voters.

Democratic socialism explained: Understanding a growing political movement

Democratic socialism has become one of the most discussed movements in American politics, blending ideas of social welfare with democratic governance. This story explores what democratic socialism actually means, how it differs from other political ideologies, and why it continues to generate both enthusiasm and criticism. UMN Professor Andy Karch provides insight into the philosophy, policy goals, and debates surrounding the movement — from universal healthcare and wealth taxes to questions about government size and economic fairness.

Bringing the world into focus: How one innovation is restoring sight to millions

Over 2.2 billion people around the world live with vision impairment — and nearly 1 billion could see clearly with something as simple as a pair of glasses. Global Vision 2020 is on a mission to change that. Led by Director of Operations Gregory Wiens, the organization’s “Dial. Snap. Wear.” system offers a low-cost, adjustable eyeglass solution that brings clear sight to those who need it most. With more than 12,000 pairs of glasses delivered across 15 countries, this innovative approach is transforming lives — one lens at a time. Learn more at GV2020.org and follow their journey on TikTok @GlobalVision2020.

Big weekend for Minnesota sports: Vikings rebound, Wild regroup after five-game slide

It was a big weekend for Minnesota sports fans. The Vikings bounced back in a 27–24 win over the Lions, with Justin Jefferson stealing the spotlight in his return. On the ice, the Wild snapped their five-game skid, showing signs of life after a rocky stretch. Bardown Beauties co-host Jessi Pierce breaks down what changed for both teams — from the Vikings’ defensive stand to the Wild’s long-awaited spark — and what these performances could mean heading into another pivotal week for Minnesota sports.

Local races, big impact: Why local elections matter

Election Day is tomorrow, and while national headlines often dominate, local races have the greatest impact on daily life. From road repairs to park funding, city councils shape how communities run. Lisa Erbes, co-leader of Indivisible Twin Cities, highlights why local elections matter — and how every vote can influence change close to home. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Minnesotans can take advantage of same-day voter registration at their polling place.