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."
Sophie Hart scored 17 points, Amaya Battle added 10 of her 16 points in the second half and No. 22 Minnesota beat Illinois 78-73 in the regular-season finale for both teams to clinch a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
A big hockey fan now owns an iconic piece of the Minnesota Wild.
Minneapolis police need help solving a brutal attack that left a 45-year-old man in a coma.
Operation Metro Surge ended around mid-February, and there has been a significant drawdown of federal agents, but the need for rent and grocery assistance remains high.
A big hockey fan now owns an iconic piece of the Minnesota Wild.
Minneapolis police need help solving a brutal attack that left a 45-year-old man in a coma.
Operation Metro Surge ended around mid-February, and there has been a significant drawdown of federal agents, but the need for rent and grocery assistance remains high.
The sheriff's office says 38 people were cited and released, and one person was jailed for riot.
A former Oakdale, Minnesota, police officer has been sentenced to one year of probation for misconduct after he failed to report he had been making repeated calls to a person with known mental health issues while on duty.
The East Range Police Department says Sgt. Cody Siebert's death was unexpected.
The National Weather Service says Saturday's band of snow left behind about 4 to 6 inches of light, fluffy snow.
The U.S. and Israel announced a major military operation against Iran early Saturday. President Trump threatened the Iranian government for weeks over their nuclear program and Iran's violent crackdown on protesters in January.
Wintery weather returns this weekend.
A 69-year-old man has been arrested after a Lakeville, Minnesota, woman's death was ruled a homicide, the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office said Friday.
A judge has sentenced a Wisconsin man who forged threats against President Donald Trump as part of a deportation scheme to 16½ years in prison.
A fire at a hotel in Superior, Wisconsin, Monday night left one person hurt and forced guests to move to new lodgings.
Excitement is in the air in northern Wisconsin with the 52nd annual American Birkebeiner underway.
The longest-serving Assembly speaker in Wisconsin history, who acted as a block on the battleground state's Democratic governor and also drew the ire of President Donald Trump, isn't running again.
Wisconsin Republicans who long blocked a bipartisan measure to expand postpartum Medicaid coverage plan to pass the measure following pressure from Democrats.
People from across the nation are traveling to the Twin Cities, but not as tourists. Many want to learn in person from Minnesota protestors to bring that knowledge back to their own cities.
The Edina wife and mother of three said she felt called to go and protest in south Minneapolis after learning that Alex Pretti had been shot and killed by two Border Patrol agents.
Tuesday afternoon, more than 20 people gathered on the Highway 62 bridge between Minneapolis and Richfield after a small protest sparked a confrontation there last week.
Karmel Mall has been mostly silent, with shops closed at the building on East Lake Street. Operation Metro Surge has caused many Somalis to stay home.
The ongoing presence of ICE and federal law enforcement in the Minneapolis area has kept many immigrants at home for fear of being arrested. Now, their neighbors are crowdsourcing to cover their rent.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
The first of the month marks a strenuous time for some, especially immigrant families who need to pay rent. These costs were covered as donations came pouring in to mutual aid groups at a high rate in January, when Operation Metro Surge was unfolding in Minnesota. WCCO's Marielle Mohs checks in on where those donations and the need stand now.
"Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That's the way it is. Likely be more," President Trump said after mentioning the three U.S. service members killed in the operation.
March will be pivotal as Minnesotans attempt to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud. The federal government says it is withholding $259 million in Medicaid funding and that the state has 60 days to prove that it has rooted out fraud in existing programs. The commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Shireen Gandhi, joins Esme Murphy on WCCO Sunday Morning at 10:30 a.m.
CBS News has learned that the casualties occurred among American personnel based in Kuwait.
On Friday, hundreds of leaders from Minnesota food banks and food shelves came together in Brooklyn Center. Their goal is to find the best ways to help hungry families in the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, and while food prices remain high.
Target will stop selling its entire assortment of cereal with certified synthetic colors by the end of May.
Consumers are urged to stop using the pressure cookers and dispose of them immediately.
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key part of President Trump's economic plan late last week: tariffs. But the president fought back, slapping a 15% global tariff on imported goods.
On Friday morning, workers held a press conference to reflect on how the Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge has impacted the food industry.
Minneapolis police need help solving a brutal attack that left a 45-year-old man in a coma.
A former Oakdale, Minnesota, police officer has been sentenced to one year of probation for misconduct after he failed to report he had been making repeated calls to a person with known mental health issues while on duty.
A 25-year-old man reached a deal to plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of a 17-year-old girl in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, last summer.
The man who killed two and wounded 14 also had photos of Iranian leaders in his home, a source said.
A teenager who has admitted to shooting and killing another teen in Minneapolis, for now, is not expected to spend any time in an adult prison. The family of the victim is distraught.
Target will stop selling its entire assortment of cereal with certified synthetic colors by the end of May.
The Minnesota Department of Health said there have been 10 reported cases in the state so far this year. There were five cases as of the last update, which came on Feb. 19.
Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz laid out his anti-fraud legislative package on Thursday, one day after the White House paused $259 million in federal Medicaid payments to the state until a comprehensive action plan is laid out to fight fraud.
Vice President JD Vance says the Trump administration will "temporarily halt" some Medicaid funding to the state of Minnesota over fraud concerns.
Hennepin County leaders, along with top brass from Minneapolis' Hennepin County Medical Center, opened the books in front of a panel of Minnesota senators Wednesday.
Hillary Knight, Megan Keller and Jack and Quinn Hughes made a surprise appearance during "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie's opening monologue on "SNL."
As a musician and performer, Prince showed a generation that being different wasn't a liability. Now, an author and illustrator are telling the story of Prince's life in a new children's book.
A 19th-century George Méliès film, thought to be long lost, has been found among a box of brittle movie reels that a Michigan donor brought to the Library of Congress, officials said.
Bobby J. Brown's breakout role was as a police officer on HBO's "The Wire." He appeared in 12 episodes across four seasons.
Streaming giant Netflix declined to match Paramount Skydance's $31 per share offer for Warner Bros. Discovery.
Sophie Hart scored 17 points, Amaya Battle added 10 of her 16 points in the second half and No. 22 Minnesota beat Illinois 78-73 in the regular-season finale for both teams to clinch a double-bye in the Big Ten Tournament.
Ann-Renée Desbiens made 17 saves for her fourth shutout of the season and the Montreal Victoire beat the Minnesota Frost 4-0 on Sunday to take the PWHL lead.
Bobby Durkin, Cade Tyson and Langston Reynolds combined to score 65 points to lead Minnesota past UCLA 78-73 on Saturday.
Kelvin Yeboah's rebound goal and Drake Callender's four saves gave Minnesota United FC a 1-0 win over Cincinnati FC on Saturday.
The Wild were taken down by the Utah Mammoth 5-2 on Friday night to end Minnesota's winning streak at six games.
The month of March will be a pivotal one as Minnesota attempts to emerge from the shadow of massive fraud.
In the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, a bill to make it easier for someone to sue the federal government is advancing at the Minnesota Capitol.
Two major priorities are on a collision course in the Minnesota Legislature.
The GOP is promoting an aggressive anti-fraud agenda while the DFL is hammering hard on the immigration crackdown and the continuing fallout.
The political fallout of Operation Metro Surge is expected to be long lasting not just in Minnesota, but across the country.
In St. Louis Park, Minnesota, there's a place where you can find radio and television technology that's nearly a century old — and it still works.
One of the best views in Minnesota is at the top of a Bloomington hill. But 15-year-old Jacob Larson isn't here for the scenery. He's here for the jump.
Pine trees are a common sight up north. But on a Carlton, Minnesota, road, they're joined by giant lollipops. They serve as the welcoming committee for Sweetly Kismet, one of the largest candy stores in the state.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
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.
Traveling is already stressful, especially flying, but the deadly conflict south of the border might have some travelers second-guessing their upcoming trips.
Drivers beware. Cities are seeing an uptick in stolen cars this winter.
On the first day of the Minnesota Legislature, artificial intelligence is giving visitors and lawmakers at the State Capitol a new sense of security.
From the flu to the common cold, viruses keep knocking out Minnesotans this winter. A physician with Hennepin Healthcare breaks down how long an individual may be contagious after they start to feel better.
White House border czar Tom Homan, without offering further explanation, claimed the federal immigration operation in Minnesota uncovered thousands of missing children in the state, but it's likely related to a much larger number the administration has been touting for a few years.
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.
WCCO meteorologist Lisa Meadows says we will begin to warm tomorrow with some rain possible later in the evening.
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.
The National Weather Service says Saturday's band of snow left behind about 4 to 6 inches of light, fluffy snow.
WCCO meteorologist Adam Del Rosso says to expect a quiet, but cold end to the weekend before a warmup tomorrow.
Sunday will see highs in the 20s, but more sunshine is expected. We start the week warmer, climbing back into the 30s.
Minneapolis police need help solving a brutal attack that left a 45-year-old man in a coma.
A big hockey fan now owns an iconic piece of the Minnesota Wild.
A police officer and father of two suddenly died after a tragic diagnosis.
Some immigrant businesses in Minneapolis got a boost over the lunch hour Sunday.
That was one of dozens of arrests outside the Whipple Federal Building on Sunday. The tense moments followed what was a peaceful anti-ICE march.