A viral social media report alleging a major fraud at a Minnesota daycare has sparked a heated online debate, with new evidence and professional scrutiny challenging the original claims. The controversy began on January 2, when YouTuber Nick Shirley accused Creative Minds Daycare in Minnesota of operating as a shell facility.
The Viral Allegations and Public Reaction
In a post on the platform X, Nick Shirley claimed the daycare appeared empty with no children inside, suggesting it was active only on paper. He highlighted the presence of luxury cars parked outside the location. His video and post rapidly gained traction, amassing nearly two million views and over 100,000 likes. The narrative resonated with many users, who praised Shirley for what they believed was an exposé of a significant scam, fueling widespread speculation and condemnation online.
Journalist's Counter-Visit Challenges the Narrative
The story took a dramatic turn when Deena Winter, a Minneapolis City Hall reporter for The Star Tribune, directly responded to Shirley's claims. On the same day, January 2, Winter stated she had personally visited the daycare two days prior and witnessed a fully operational facility. "I was allowed inside this daycare 2 days ago and counted about 40 kids. The vehicles of parents were coming and going all afternoon," she posted.
She later elaborated in another post, addressing skeptics who suggested her visit was staged. Winter pointed to a compelling detail: "the first three rooms I went into there were babies and toddlers fast asleep. Nearly 20 children altogether. How do you stage that?" The Star Tribune subsequently published an article by Winter, including a photo from her visit, to substantiate her account.
Major Media Investigations Provide Context
Following the online clash, major news networks initiated their own reviews of the allegations. CBS News reporter Jonah Kaplan stated that while the daycare and others in the network had been cited for standard safety violations like equipment or staff training issues, this was not equivalent to fraud. "It’s important to put all of this into context," Kaplan emphasized in a video report on X.
CNN also examined the claims on Anderson Cooper 360. Reporter Whitney Wild questioned Nick Shirley about the timing of his visits, noting he went around 11 a.m. on one day. When Shirley mentioned locked and dark doors, Wild countered, "But surely you don’t think a day care should just be unlocked? You shouldn’t be able to just walk into a day care."
Ongoing Debate and Unresolved Questions
Despite the counter-evidence and media scrutiny, Nick Shirley continues to receive substantial public support, including from figures like JD Vance. The incident has evolved into a public clash over trust, source credibility, and the power of viral social media content. As of now, no official finding has confirmed any fraud at Creative Minds Daycare, leaving the debate open and highlighting the complexities of verifying claims in the digital age.
