Minnesota officials have finally addressed the uproar ignited by a viral video from independent journalist Nick Shirley, dubbed the “ghost” daycare video. Their response, however, may not sit well with everyone following the story.

In their report, officials stated that none of the daycare centers involved had their funding halted due to fraudulent activities. This revelation could come as a surprise to those who anticipated more severe consequences.

Adding a twist to the unfolding saga, the report also clarified previous claims about the “Quality Learning Center,” which was initially said to have been shut down. Contrary to those reports, the center remains operational.

To verify this, the New York Post dispatched a correspondent to the center. On the Monday following the video’s widespread circulation, the center was indeed open, with children present, despite locals expressing surprise. One resident noted that they rarely saw children at the facility, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation.

Speaking on Monday, Department of Children, Youth and Families Commissioner Tikki Brown addressed the video directly.

Brown says each of the 10 facilities featured in the YouTube video has been visited at least once by the state over the last six months as part of standard licensing checks. Now, Brown says the state is now reviewing each site again to check on the claims raised in the YouTube video. […]

Brown said the previous visits were unannounced and children were present at each of the sites during the checks. The state also says the number of children at the day cares were consistent with what was expected at the facilities.

Brown said that while there had been prior investigations into some of the places, “none have uncovered findings of fraud.”

According to the report, none of the centers had their money stopped because of fraud.

In a twist, the story also clarified a report from officials that the “Quality Learing Center” had been closed, saying it remained open. 

The NY Post confirmed that, sending a person to the Center. Now, on the Monday following the viral video, after all the hullabaloo, there were kids there. A local told the Post that it was unusual, that the local never saw kids there. 

The Post said they saw about 20 kids, as they staked it out. 

Ibrahim Ali, the son of the owner who said he was the manager, claimed to The Post on Monday that Shirley’s visit came before they opened for the day. [….]

He also blamed a graphic designer for the site’s now-infamous typo on its sign.

“What I understand is [the owners] dealt with a graphic designer. He did it incorrectly. I guess they didn’t think it was a big issue,” said Ali, 26, who claimed he helps out with homework and paperwork at the facility.

“That’s gonna be fixed,” he said of the sign.

Another reported employee cursed at them, “Get the f**k out of here.” 

KARE 11’s Lou Raguse also said that they appeared to be open, despite the report initially from officials that they were closed. 

Twist! After Nick Shirley’s viral video showing Somali-run daycares in Minneapolis that receive millions in taxpayer money having a lack of children, the “Quality Learing Center” opened this afternoon with dozens of kids dropped off by vans. pic.twitter.com/YKEXQbN6Ix

— Lou Raguse (@LouRaguse) December 29, 2025

So we’ll keep you up to date on the changing story and see what they say next.