Independent Journalist Who Exposed Minn. Daycare Fraud Teases: ‘More to Come’

Independent journalist Nick Shirley said Thursday that he plans to release a second installment of his reporting on alleged fraud involving Minnesota child care providers. Shirley’s first report, a 42-minute video published last week, examined day care centers that appeared inactive or closed despite receiving significant public funding.

The video has accumulated more than 134 million views on X, according to platform metrics, and prompted increased scrutiny from federal officials. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services subsequently announced a freeze on child care payments to Minnesota while reviews are conducted.

As the video gained attention, several major news organizations, including CNN, PBS, and The New York Times, dismissed Shirley’s findings as a viral video rather than an investigative report. Journalist Stella Escobedo commented on X that response was “an indictment” on corporate mainstream media, which led Shirley to respond: “Just wait until I post part 2, they are going to go insane.” Continue reading…