Right-wing influencers target Somali child care centers after viral video
A video alleging fraud in Somali-run child care centers in Minneapolis has drawn attention throughout the United States.
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A video alleging fraud in Somali-run child care centers in Minneapolis has drawn attention throughout the United States.
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, amid the ongoing fraud scandal in the state, said Friday that it's looking into 158 providers who receive funding from a program aimed at making child care affordable for its residents.
A federal judge says the Trump administration must keep the money flowing for now for programs aimed at helping low-income families with children in five states.
Between 2020 and 2025, Minnesota officials say $2.4 million has been recovered in child care fraud, but a viral video by a conservative YouTuber put a national spotlight on the issue.
The feds are in town to tackle Minnesota's growing fraud crisis. It comes as state investigators conduct compliance checks. Our Conor Wight digs deeper into the fraud and how it's affecting Minnesota's child care system.
The allegations in a viral video posted late last month of fraud at child care centers in Minnesota led the Trump administration to announce a pause of up to $185 million in child care funding for the state. Ubah Ali speaks with a mother who says she depends on the help that's now at risk.
Minnesota officials say child care centers at the center of fraud allegations were "operating as expected" during inspections this week. Friday marked the first time we heard about what they found in a review of claims made in a viral video. The allegations led to a federal funding freeze that providers say is leaving families backed into a corner. Conor Wight shows the mass confusion about what's going to happen, and when, as the threat of a federal funding freeze looms.
Minnesota officials on Friday revealed what inspectors say they discovered after rechecking nine of the child care centers discussed in a conservative YouTuber's viral video. WCCO's Conor Wight reports.
Audits completed in the past 10 years show that Minnesota has lacked the teeth to properly vet attendance records and go after possible fraudsters proactively.
Right now, Minnesota's child care system is in the national spotlight. But months ago, the federal government told state officials they needed to make serious improvements. As our Conor Wight shows us, the state was told that a lack of oversight could increase the risk of fraud, waste and abuse.
Advocates and providers are warning that if federal funding is withheld, legitimate day cares in Minnesota won't be able to survive.
A Minneapolis day care says that vandals damaged the facility early this week, after a YouTube video purporting to expose fraud among day cares in the Twin Cities metro area went viral.
On Dec. 16, 2025, security footage shows various people throughout the day dropping off young children at the state-licensed ABC Learning Center in Minneapolis. That same day, YouTuber Nick Shirley arrived and claimed that the day care was among many in Minnesota that were empty.
One family is dealing with what they call a betrayal of their trust after learning their child care program was shut down for being unlicensed.
One family is dealing with what they call a betrayal of their trust after learning their child care program was shut down for being unlicensed. As Senior Investigative Reporter Jennifer Mayerle discovered, the state says there is risk involved.
In less than a week, thousands of Minneapolis students could be out of class and parents are considering their options.
Rep. Nolan West says day cares aren’t safe enough, and he has firsthand experience.
According to DHS documents, Bakken's family child care license will be placed on conditional status for two years. She also must complete 10 hours of "practicing Safe and Healthy Child Care" training.
The nonprofit began designing the childcare incubator pilot three years ago after extensive research found the community wanted help maneuvering through the licensing process.
A woman who was allegedly caught on camera forcefully grabbing, pushing and shouting at children at a Twin Cities day care now faces a gross misdemeanor charge.
The Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery was established by Junior League women who realized there was nowhere to turn when parents were in crisis and needed help caring for their kids.
A new report by Smart Asset looked into how much it costs to raise a child each year - depending on which major metro area you live in - in the United States.
Dr. Gigi Chawla, chief of general pediatrics at Children’s Minnesota, shares some advice for how you can be prepared for many of the cuts and bruises that happen to kids at home.
The Dakota County Attorney's Office says the state can't prove "beyond a reasonable doubt that the child ingested meth while at Ms. Bakken's day care."
Officers questioned that teacher, who told them she had given gummies to the class after nap time, but only one time, adding "the gummies were Welch's Fruit Snacks and did not contain melatonin."
A federal judge has ordered the man accused of assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall in Minneapolis to remain in custody as he awaits further court proceedings.
The police chief and mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis, react to new ICE body cameras and speak about economic impacts and eroding trust in local law enforcement.
After a brief round of light snow in parts of Minnesota on Wednesday, temperatures will warm into the 20s.
Federal authorities are releasing fourth-grader Elizabeth Zuna, the first of several students detained by immigration officers in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights, school officials said.
LEDC is offering $800,000 in grant money to immigrant-owned businesses to cover things like rent, payroll and loan payments.
A federal judge has ordered the man accused of assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall in Minneapolis to remain in custody as he awaits further court proceedings.
LEDC is offering $800,000 in grant money to immigrant-owned businesses to cover things like rent, payroll and loan payments.
The St. Paul Police Department says officers responded to the intersection of Front Avenue and Grotto Street North on a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle.
As the Olympic Games draw near, sisters Tabitha and Tara Peterson of the U.S. women's curling team are getting dialed in.
Weeks after three sisters say their parents were taken by federal immigration agents while on their way to work in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, the family is reunited.
The crash happened on the Arrowhead Snowmobile Trail north of Orr at approximately 12:26 p.m., according to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.
A former Northfield Middle School teacher has been sentenced to 60 days of house arrest for sending sexual photos of herself to high school students.
The Associated Press reports one of its photographers witnessed several federal agents arresting a car full of activists at gunpoint Tuesday morning in south Minneapolis. None of the agents were wearing body cameras.
Authorities north of the Twin Cities are seeking more families who may have had contact with a man accused of abducting and sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the man's death.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
Some schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin are delayed or closed on Tuesday as early morning rain makes the roads slick.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
At Moth Oddities in northeast Minneapolis, volunteers moved through stacks of boxes as donations continued to pour in for families impacted by the increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the city.
Federal authorities are releasing fourth-grader Elizabeth Zuna, the first of several students detained by immigration officers in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights, school officials said.
The GOP and DFL both held party caucuses and conducted straw polls for candidates for governor on Tuesday.
The first steps toward a November election that could have major consequences for Minnesota happened Tuesday night. The GOP and DFL kicked off their party caucuses and held straw votes for candidates for governor. Esme Murphy breaks it down.
In the week-and-a-half since federal immigration agents fatally shot a man in Minnesota, the state's top corrections official told CBS News it's not clear when the government will start drawing down forces.
The Associated Press reports one of its photographers witnessed several federal agents arresting a car full of activists at gunpoint Tuesday morning in south Minneapolis. None of the agents were wearing body cameras.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
For Minister JaNae Bates Imari, Co-executive director of ISAIAH — a progressive, multi-faith non-profit — it's an idea that was set into motion weeks ago.
A federal judge has ordered the man accused of assaulting Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall in Minneapolis to remain in custody as he awaits further court proceedings.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
A former Northfield Middle School teacher has been sentenced to 60 days of house arrest for sending sexual photos of herself to high school students.
The Associated Press reports one of its photographers witnessed several federal agents arresting a car full of activists at gunpoint Tuesday morning in south Minneapolis. None of the agents were wearing body cameras.
More prosecutors are leaving the U.S. attorney's office in Minnesota during a time of continued turmoil over the Trump administration's stepped-up immigration enforcement in the state and recent shootings of civilians by federal agents.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
About 100 Hennepin Healthcare employees are losing their jobs as the system closes or integrates some of its standalone clinics and services.
Recently released federal data shows the rate of improper payment in Minnesota's Medicaid program is far below the national average, the state's Department of Human Services says.
Parents looking to get their children vaccinated are navigating confusing times. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced new guidelines on the shots it recommends for kids. But the Minnesota Department of Health disagrees with the changes.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Catherine O'Hara was best known for her comic performances in projects including "Home Alone," "Beetlejuice," and "Schitt's Creek."
Eight Minnesota Wild players have been named to an Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Games; seven will play. Defenseman Brock Faber is one of just two on the U.S. roster with Olympic experience.
The Minnesota Vikings have hired former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith as their assistant head coach among four changes to head coach Kevin O'Connell's staff.
The Detroit Pistons have agreed to acquire Kevin Huerter from the Chicago Bulls in a four-player, three-team deal, according to two people with knowledge of the trade.
Many Minnesota-based athletes at the Winter Olympics this week have more on their minds than sports.
Lindsey Vonn, 41, said she ruptured her left anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, but that she was still planning to compete.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle down effect it could have on consumers.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
The story begins years ago when the city acquired one of the T-38 Talon Thunderbird jets from the Air Force.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
Skies will turn brighter later as highs hit the mid-20s.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
After a brief round of light snow in parts of Minnesota on Wednesday, temperatures will warm into the 20s.
After a brief round of light snow in parts of Minnesota on Wednesday, temperatures will warm into the 20s.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we will start to warm tomorrow into Friday, with highs near 40.
Skies will turn brighter later as highs hit the mid-20s.
There are new questions about coordination or lack thereof between Minnesota and federal immigration officials, plus more of the day’s top stories.
After a brief round of light snow in parts of Minnesota on Wednesday, temperatures will warm into the 20s.
The Wild are sending eight players to compete in the Olympics. Ren Clayton talked with Brock Faber, who possesses hard to come by Olympic experience.
WCCO meteorologist Chris Shaffer says we will start to warm tomorrow into Friday, with highs near 40.