LIVE NEWS | New hemp rules attached to Govt. shutdown deal, Veterans day, NorthStar rail & more

Today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift with Adam Llorens and Maxx Fuller dives into the biggest headlines across Minnesota and beyond, blending live updates, local insight, and thoughtful conversation.

Today, as the nation observes Veterans Day, communities across Minnesota are pausing to reflect on the meaning of service and sacrifice. While parades and tributes fill the calendar, we plan to speak with veterans who can help us understand the true significance of the day — and how the sacrifices of those who’ve served continue to shape our lives, our freedoms, and our communities today.

As part of the broader negotiations in Washington, a new hemp provision could soon reshape how local growers, small businesses, and consumers operate here in Minnesota. The proposed change would delay stricter federal testing rules, giving producers more time — but also adding uncertainty about what comes next. We chat with a local THC drink brewer to break down what this could mean for the industry, from crops and compliance to what ends up in your favorite beverages.

With global supergroup Katseye set to perform in Minnesota later this month, we wanted to know — what is it about K-pop that connects so deeply with fans here? We speak to MN K-Pop Connect about how Minnesota’s K-pop community has grown from online fandoms to packed local events, and why this global music movement continues to resonate far beyond the stage.

And with so much uncertainty around the future of the Northstar commuter rail, what happens to the communities that have invested so much into it? Ridership remains low, funding remains uncertain, and bus replacements are on the table for 2026. We speak to the mayor of Anoka about what the potential loss of the rail line could mean for local businesses, commuters, and regional development.