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

Here is Shirley’s initial report:

Shirley has publicly criticized several media outlets over their coverage of his reporting.

Shirley took issue with a CBS News reporter whom he said attempted to minimize his findings. PBS described Shirley as a “right-wing influencer” and said he accused Minnesota day care centers of fraud “without proof.” The New York Times characterized his work as a “single viral video,” while NPR featured commentary from a University of Minnesota media law professor who suggested Shirley was promoting a particular narrative.

CNN has also faced criticism online over its coverage. According to Steve Malzberg, a contributing writer for NewsBusters, CNN programs alleged that Shirley had previously shared “anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim videos,” without providing specific examples.

The network’s coverage reached its peak on Tuesday night with a segment on “Anderson Cooper 360.” During this report, correspondent Whitney Wild questioned Shirley about his methods. Wild also mentioned on air that CNN had attempted to contact the daycare centers that Shirley visited, but with little success.

“Only one daycare facility answered and said they are a legitimate business,” Wild told viewers.

The segment faced heavy criticism on social media, with critics accusing CNN of examining Shirley more rigorously than the reported misuse of public funds.

Shirley responded on X, writing, “Mainstream media is more mad at me than they are at the FACT that billions of YOUR

dollars are being used for fraudulent business.”

Minnesota officials have disputed the allegations raised in the video. Tikki Brown, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families, said earlier this week that previous inspections of the child care centers highlighted by Shirley did not find evidence of fraud.

Brown added, however, that state regulators are taking the claims seriously and continuing to review the matter.

“We are aware of a video that’s being circulated that has gained local and national attention about childcare centers in Minnesota,” Brown said at a Monday news conference. “While we have questions about some of the methods that were used in the video, we do take the concerns that the video raises about fraud very seriously.” Continue reading…