Podcasts about Minneapolis City Council

Hundreds of people attended an open house hosted by Google Wednesday in Hermantown, just outside Duluth. The company wants to spend up to $2 billion to build a large data center there. The proposal has faced strong opposition from residents, and at least two lawsuits have been filed to block it. The project still needs additional city and state approvals.The Minneapolis City Council voted Thursday to approve a pair of ordinance changes that would allow the city to legalize bathhouses. Adult bathhouses were historically frequented by gay men in the 1970s and '80s. They were banned in Minneapolis in 1988 during the AIDS epidemic. The changes allow the city to start the process toward permitting bathhouses and other sex venues in the future.A state lawmaker will be arraigned Friday on DWI charges stemming from a traffic stop earlier this year. State Rep. Elliott Engen of White Bear Lake was pulled over in March for speeding. According to the criminal complaint, police say Engen had a headlight out, expired registration and a blood alcohol concentration of .13. Engen had been running for state auditor, but ended his campaign.Minnesota exports fell eight percent in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2025. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development says a decline in sales of mineral fuel and oil to Canada is driving the loss, along with uncertainty tied to federal actions. Excluding mineral fuel and oil exports to Canada, Minnesota exports grew slightly from a year ago.Parts of Minnesota could see triple-digit highs early next week, as a potentially dangerous heat wave moves into the region. MPR meteorologist Sven Sundgaard says temperatures and humidity will start climbing this weekend. Monday could bring highs in the upper 90s, with heat indices above 105. The heat could linger through next week, with highs near 90 continuing into the Fourth of July weekend.

The man who killed former DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark faces sentencing next month. A group of workers at the Amazon warehouse in Shakopee protested outside of the facility Wednesday, the second day of Amazon's Prime Day Sale. A report released this week found that Minneapolis police often mishandled officer discipline cases. The Minneapolis City Council is scheduled to vote Thursday on whether to repeal the city's longstanding ban on adult bathhouses. Hunger relief nonprofits are feeling the pain from high gas prices. While demand for assistance from food shelves continues to rise across the state, rising costs for nonprofits makes it more difficult for them to meet that demand.If you use light rail transit in the Twin Cities — prepare for major changes starting next week, with buses replacing trains. That will affect the entirety of Metro Transit's Blue Line linking downtown Minneapolis to the airport and the Mall of America from Monday through Aug. 19.

The Minneapolis City Council voted 7 to 5 on Thursday to put new data centers on hold for most of the city until November. Council member Aurin Chowdury introduced the ordinance.The moratorium exempts downtown data centers that take up 350,000 square feet or less. Supporters of that carveout say data centers could be the answer for declining property values and a shrinking tax base downtown. We spoke to the president and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, Adam Duininck, about the possibilities he sees.

The Minneapolis City Council decided Thursday to put a moratorium on data center projects in most of the city until November. The ordinance makes an exception for downtown, where some say data centers will help boost declining property values. The Minnesota School Safety Center has a new director. We spoke with her about her ideas for preventing violence in schools. And a new law lays out regulations for banks and credit unions in Minnesota wanting to add cryptocurrency management services. Plus, we learned how to prepare our homes for climate disaster.And the largest gathering of Ethiopians outside of Ethiopia is taking place here in Minnesota —for an enormous annual soccer tournament!The Music Minute was “It Could Happen to You” by Minneapolis pianist and composer Mary Louise Knutson. The Song of the Day was “Free” by Jillian Rae.

A group of Minneapolis City Council members is asking the mayor's office to share its plans for the Minneapolis Police Department, after Chief Brian O'Hara resigned amid misconduct allegations. MPR News host Nina Moini talked with council member Robin Wonsley ahead of Tuesday's meeting.Minnesota-born journalist Justin Ellis is out with a new book exploring the history of racism in his home state, a place known for being nice.Native Americans are working to reclaim tribal tobacco while addressing the harms of the commercial kind. A conference focused on this work is happening this week in Minneapolis.The Special Olympics USA Games kicked off in Minneapolis this week. We met a coach for Minnesota bocce ball to talk about the competition.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Gunflint Lake” by Maygen and the Birdwatcher, and our Song of the Day was “The Envelope” by Funk N Spuds.

Minneapolis city officials say a new report on the economic effects of the federal immigration enforcement surge can help provide a roadmap for how to direct relief efforts. The city estimates the surge caused nearly $700 million in economic harm, most of that due to lost wages and business revenue.Additionally, the Minneapolis City Council is set to take up two measures this morning related to George Floyd Square. One is whether to approve a special tax assessment on property owners at the square to help cover the cost of a street reconstruction project that just started.Minnesota lawmakers want to memorialize a peer lost to political violence and prevent future threats. Almost one year ago, a gunman shot and killed House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home. The gunman also shot Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, who both survived. The shootings rocked the state. And in the months since, lawmakers sought to remember the Hortmans by renaming a highway, bike trail and Capitol garden.The man charged with killing Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark is expected to plead guilty this morning.A Feeding Our Future defendant who fled to Kenya is back in Minnesota to face charges after surrendering to authorities.Minneapolis estimates Operation Metro Surge cost the city $700 millionMinneapolis City Council to weigh two measures related to George Floyd SquareSteps to honor Hortman, prevent future tragedies take root in year since her assassinationBoelter expected to plead guilty in lawmaker attacks

Vance Boelter today admitted killing a top DFL lawmaker and her husband during an early morning shooting rampage last year. Boelter's plea means federal prosecutors will not seek the death penalty. And the Minneapolis City Council voted today to waive a special tax assessment for property owners in George Floyd Square.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Hour 2 of Freedom Friday has Kathryn Johnson and AK Kamara Joins Jon and Max Rymer to talk about the Agape Movement being denied by the Minneapolis City Council.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour Scott Korzenowski (in for Chad Hartman) talks about the issues the folks at George Floyd Square are facing and why the Minneapolis City Council is making it worse, people rally for a northern Minnesota teenager, plus we have "Am I Wrong?'

Some members of the Minneapolis City Council are questioning Mayor Jacob Frey's handling of investigations into former police Chief Brian O'Hara, who resigned on Tuesday.Attorneys for independent journalist Don Lemon are renewing their push for access to grand jury transcripts in the case of Lemon and 37 others charged in connection with a protest at a St. Paul church in January.Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

We learned late last night that MPD Chief Brian O'Hara resigned ahead of discipline from the Mayor after evidence was revealed that he interfered into an investigation into his actions. City Council President Elliot Payne joins Jason to express his concerns - especially why the Chief was renominated before this investigation was concluded.

After being nominated by the Mayor for another term, Brian O'Hara's run is over. What does this mean for the political landscape of Minneapolis? Analysis from Blois Olson on The WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar.

Ward 2 Council Member Robin Wonsley who is a frequent critic of the department and Ward 3 Council Member Michael Rainville joined Vineeta for an in depth discussion on why the city is in search of another police chief.

Ward 2 Council Member Robin Wonsley who is a frequent critic of the department and Ward 3 Council Member Michael Rainville joined Vineeta for an in depth discussion on why the city is in search of another police chief.

After being nominated by the Mayor for another term, Brian O'Hara's run is over. What does this mean for the political landscape of Minneapolis? Analysis from Blois Olson on The WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar.

Friday 4pm Hour: Jason hosts another exciting edition of his game show as contestants battle for a $50 gift card to Jester Concepts Restaurants on CARD DESHARKS! Then he talks about the Minneapolis City Council voting against a land purchase for a new police training facility... were they right?

On Friday's Drivetime with DeRusha... 3pm Hour: Jason opens the show talking about his wife's birthday and why this year's planning has him more stressed out than usual. Then it's time for three tales of woe followed by a story about God's favorite creature to send you into the weekend with a smile - we call it "3 Disasters & Puppies!" 4pm Hour: Jason hosts another exciting edition of his game show as contestants battle for a $50 gift card to Jester Concepts Restaurants on CARD DESHARKS! Then he talks about the Minneapolis City Council voting against a land purchase for a new police training facility... were they right? 5pm Hour: Jason talks to Twins beat writer Dan Hayes from The Athletic each Friday during the season. Today - what will Royce Lewis have to do at Triple-A, Kody Clemens visits his dad's old stomping grounds and Gabi Gonzalez gets the call to the bigs.

Minnesota prosecutors on Monday charged an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent with assault in connection with the January shooting of a Venezuelan man. The Minneapolis City Council will revisit a proposal this week for a new emergency responder training center.Cooler temperatures and higher humidity have helped fire crews working to contain two wildfires burning in northern Minnesota. Authorities say the Flanders Fire in Crow Wing County was 60 percent contained as of Monday evening. Crews were also fighting the Stewart Trail Fire along the North Shore near Two Harbors. That fire has now been contained.Hundreds of millions of dollars will go to HCMC, the state's busiest Level 1 trauma center and teaching hospital, after this year's legislative session.

Not the usual kind of episode. We wanted to present for you the full audio of Davis Moturi's remarks to the Minneapolis City Council from Wednesday, May 13th. If you live in Minneapolis, you've surely seen and read plenty about what happened to Davis Moturi. After moving into a new home in south Minneapolis, Moturi was terrorized by his next door neighbor for about a year.Moturi, a Black man, made dozens of calls to police regarding threats, violence, racial slurs, and more – to no avail. That all culminated in late 2024, when Moturi was shot by that neighbor, John Sawchak, while doing yard work. Sawchak wasn't arrested until 5 days after shooting Moturi.This audio is unedited and is mostly Moturi speaking – but you will hear the voices of city council members towards the end, with comments and questions.Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgeliveJoin the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.liveSupport the show: https://patreon.com/wedgeliveWedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

The Minneapolis City Council is expected to cast a final vote on a bill that would ban assault weapons in the city. A man accused of spraying vinegar on U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar is due back in federal court Thursday morning where he's expected to enter a guilty plea. One of a series of bills to curb fraud in state programs stalled in a Minnesota House committee Tuesday. The bill aims to stop fraudsters from getting more state money from another agency. Without Republican support, it got bogged down in a tie vote. Border Czar Tom Homan says mistakes were made in Minneapolis earlier this year during ICE's enforcement on immigration. Homan says the public will continue to see mass deportations, especially in sanctuary cities.

My conversation with Council Member Aurin Chowdhury about the latest from city hall. In the face of a mayoral power grab on budgets, appointments, and street layouts - are the walls closing in on the Minneapolis City Council? We talk about the recent onslaught of pundit criticism of the city council; her aspirations for a day when she isn't openly cussed at by colleagues during meetings; her thoughts on Cop City - aka, the police training facility proposal; and her plan for a moratorium on new data centers - a pause so the city can figure out how to regulate this exploding industry. And we ponder the question, is it ever ok to gift hamsters to a love interest?Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgeliveJoin the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.liveSupport the show: https://patreon.com/wedgeliveWedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

The Minneapolis city auditor says procedural errors by MPD may have impeded police investigations leading up to two incidents -- the death of Allison Lussier and the non-fatal shooting of Davis Moturi. And the Minneapolis City Council is expected to vote on whether to extend the city's eviction notice period from 30 days to 45. Those stories and more in today's evening update. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Send us Fan MailWe stop the tape on the DFL's wealth tax, Ellison's donor fraud, and the MPLS City Council chaos!Check out the American Experiment PodcastWelcome back! This week on the American Experiment Podcast…A Minneapolis legislator is pushing hard for a so-called “wealth tax,” which warrants a STOP THE TAPE with Bill Walsh. One of Keith Ellison's campaign donors just pled guilty to fraud. And the Minneapolis City Council is devolving into catfights over gay bathhouses, legalizing drug paraphernalia, and other issues crucial to the city's precarious future! On the back half, get an update from UMLC's Rachel Paulose on the legal efforts to take down the monstrous 2024 omnibus bill (which included Paid Family Leave).Remember to LIKE, SHARE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE so you never miss an episode of the American Experiment Podcast. We'll see you next Tuesday afternoon!Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts including: Apple Podcasts, and Spotify!Check out our NEW legal podcast: The rationally Based Podcast  Follow The American Experiment on: Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok00:00 - Welcome Back!00:40 - "Where would you flee to??"01:48 - STOP THE TAPE with Bill Walsh 02:28 - Rep Gomez's wealth tax05:42 - The classic "bash the rich"08:43 - More tax is suppose to make life more affordable?!12:32 - The DFL's plan to tax you more!15:35 - THIS is what is wrong with the Capitol22:31 - An update on Ellison and the MN Fraud SCANDAL24:44 - Man flees the country with $11 million of YOUR tax dollars26:50 - The Real Housewives of the MPLS City Council!28:24 - Minneapolis Leftist on Leftist fight!31:36 - City Council focused on....adult bath houses?!35:00 - City Council provides MUST See TV....38:18 - Rachel Paulose joins the show!

Jon tears down a DFL-proposed wealth tax and harkens back to his auctioneer days. Jon and Sam despise mushrooms and Jon looks at scandalous Minneapolis City Council proposals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon tears down a DFL-proposed wealth tax and harkens back to his auctioneer days. Jon and Sam despise mushrooms and Jon looks at scandalous Minneapolis City Council proposals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon tears down a DFL-proposed wealth tax and harkens back to his auctioneer days. Jon and Sam despise mushrooms and Jon looks at scandalous Minneapolis City Council proposals.

Taylor Dahlin and Josh Martin join me for a conversation about something none of us has witnessed before: a mayoral appointee getting voted down by the Minneapolis City Council. On Thursday, Todd Barnette failed to secure the majority vote required to be reappointed as the Commissioner of Community Safety. Mayor Jacob Frey says the council's action has nothing to do with Barnette's job performance; the council is simply acting to spite the mayor. In reality, as we discuss, there is plenty of fault to find with Barnette's tenure. Plus we blow your mind with the philosophical question: can a mayor veto the absence of an action? We also talk about the successful reappointment of City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher and City Attorney Kristyn Anderson.In the second half of the show we go into detail on the Minneapolis Charter Commission's attempt to eliminate the public hearing and confirmation process for a handful of mayoral appointees (Civil Rights, Regulatory Services, Health, and Assessor's Office). If approved, this proposal would be decided by voters via a ballot question during this year's general election. This is an idea so bad, it's uniting people from across the political spectrum against it.Email all 15 members of the Charter Commission using the addresses found at this link: https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/boards/chartercPublic Hearing on the Charter Proposal:Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Wednesday, May 6, 20264:00 PMCharter CommissionRegular MeetingLocation: Room 350, Public Service Center250 S 4th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgeliveJoin the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.liveSupport the show: https://patreon.com/wedgeliveWedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Winona County officials say some of its computer systems remain offline as they work to restore services following a cyberattack earlier this week.And the Minneapolis City Council voted yesterday against reappointing Todd Barnette as the city's community safety commissioner. Mayor Jacob Frey says he'll veto that and keep Barnette in that role.Those stories and more in today's evening update form MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

Is the Minneapolis City Council putting politics ahead of public safety? Mayor Jacob Frey joined us today with that accusation for at least some of the members as a result of their stances against brining Brian O'Hara and Todd Barnette back in their current roles.

Rochelle Olson of the Star Tribune joins with her thoughts on what's happening between the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey regarding the futures of safety commissioner Todd Barnette and MPD Chief Brian O'Hara.

Thursday 5pm Hour: On the DeRush-Hour, Jason goes "In Depth" with state Rep. Danny Nadeau of Rogers about how the state can help fix the problems with HCMC without raising taxes. Then - another day, and more drama with the Minneapolis City Council

Jason talks about more nonsense from the Minneapolis City Council. This time playing games with reaffirming the Commissioner of Public Safety as the battle over policing in the city continues.

On Thursday's Drivetime with DeRusha.... 4pm: Following the Twins game, Jason talks about a positive start to the season and sweeping the Tigers. Then should MN play catch-up now that Wisconsin has legalized online sports betting? And on DeRusha Eats - where's the best pizza in Minnesota? 5pm: On the DeRush-Hour Jason goes "In Depth" with state Rep. Danny Nadeau about how to fix the problems with Hennepin Healthcare while NOT raising taxes. Plus, more drama with the Minneapolis City Council as they battle the mayor over policing.

Joining Robert Pilot, Robert Lilligren https://nacdi.org/ is enrolled in the White Earth Ojibwe Nation. He served for 12 years as the Vice President of the Minneapolis City Council, the first Tribal member elected to public office in the City of Minneapolis. Plus Wendy Pilot updates us with her Sacred Animals segment. The post Native Roots Radio – April 9, 2026 first appeared on AM 950.

Jason talks about yet another pair of issues the Minneapolis City Council is addressing instead of dealing with the actually important issues facing the city. What is going on?

Tuesday 3pm Hour: the Minneapolis City Council is debating legalizing drug paraphernalia and bath houses... what are we doing? What's going on?! Then Jason is joined by Jeremy Marshik from Lumber Stash to learn how they're collecting items from buildings being torn down for reuse in other places.

On Tuesday's Drivetime with DeRusha... 3pm: the Minneapolis City Council is debating legalizing drug paraphernalia and bath houses for sex work... really?! Then Jason talks with Jeremy Marshik from Lumber Stash about reusing building products. 4pm: are we really going to "wipe out" Iran's civilization? And on DeRusha Eats, Jason is joined by award winning pizza chef Anthony Gilbert from Melt Pizza Company in Stillwater. 5pm: on the DeRush-Hour Jason goes "In Depth" on a plan to boost St. Paul's property tax base. And then he's joined by tech and internet guru Greg Swan to talk about how the Artemis Moon mission is using the internet and social media in new and unique ways.

Minneapolis City Council Member Latrisha Vetaw (Ward 4) joins Jay and Kenny at the Crabby Coffee Shop for an in-depth conversation on the current state of Minneapolis politics.She opens up about the deep divisions within the City Council — particularly the split with the Democratic Socialists — and shares her perspective on how a city should actually be run. From public safety and housing to economic development and quality of life, Vetaw discusses what's working, what's broken, and the practical steps needed to create a safer, stronger, and more thriving Minneapolis for everyone.Raw, honest, and insightful — this episode pulls back the curtain on local governance in one of America's most watched cities.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Minneapolis city council member says she's working to rename the city's Cesar Chavez Avenue after recent reports that the labor movement leader sexually abused women and girls.The U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled most funding for a $300 million program designed to help underserved farmers access land nationwide. That affected three projects active in Minnesota. The MSP Airport Foundation says it helped distribute about $30,000 in donation money to TSA workers who have gone weeks without pay during the government shutdown.

Organizers say they expect millions of people to take part in No Kings rallies around the world Saturday. The national flagship event is in St. Paul, where Bruce Springsteen and Sen. Bernie Sanders top the list of high-profile names on the formal lineup. More than 3,000 events are planned across every U.S. state and beyond. Around 90 event will take place in Minnesota. A federal judge in Minneapolis has extended an order that requires immigration authorities to ensure detainees held at the Whipple Federal Building have access to attorneys. The Minneapolis City Council delayed a vote on funding a new emergency responder training center. The council was set to vote Thursday on whether or not to reallocate more than $5 million from animal control and traffic safety budgets to the training center project.

Freedom Friday rolls on as Jon is joined in studio by MN Rep Max Rymer, Grace Keating and AK Kamara. The group looks at the Minneapolis City Council, the No Kings protests planned for this weekend, and some wild stories from around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Freedom Friday rolls on as Jon is joined in studio by MN Rep Max Rymer, Grace Keating and AK Kamara. The group looks at the Minneapolis City Council, the No Kings protests planned for this weekend, and some wild stories from around the world.

Rochelle Olson of the Star Tribune joins for our weekly look at her Cheers & Jeers column as well as conversation about embarrassing behavior from the Minneapolis City Council during a meeting yesterday and what she expect to see tomorrow while covering No Kings protests in St. Paul.

The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote Thursday on funding for a new police and emergency responder training facility.A proposal before the council would allocate close to $5.6 million to acquire land for the facility. The money would come out of other parts of the city budget, including animal control and traffic safety.MPR News reporter Estelle Timar-Wilcox joins Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to provide an update.Read the latest on this story at MPRnews.org.

Joining Robert Pilot, Robert Lilligren CEO NACDI Robert is enrolled in the White Earth Ojibwe Nation. He served for 12 years as the Vice President of the Minneapolis City Council, the first Tribal member elected to public office in the City of Minneapolis. Natalie Rademacher Grand Portage Ojibwe descendant Communications Coordinator MAIC. The post Native Roots Radio – March 12, 2026 first appeared on AM 950.

Send a textEdwin Reed, who had to shut down his business near George Floyd Square, and Michael Healy, his attorney, joined Liz Collin on her podcast. Reed explained that "it's clear the city picks and chooses who is important,” since Minneapolis is pushing funding for businesses following Operation Metro Surge, while the city has ignored how businesses in George Floyd Square have suffered for years. He also talked about how he and eight other business owners are suing the city for allowing gangs and activists to take over the area, which consequently ruined his business.Healy, his attorney, pointed out that “ultimately, it's the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Frey who are responsible" for allowing traffic to be blocked for more than a year as the area became "a war zone" following George Floyd's death.Support the show

The Minneapolis City Council approved $7 million in funding today for small businesses that have lost money during the ongoing federal immigration operation. And at the state level, Minnesota legislators are discussing the potential economic impact of the recent immigration enforcement surge. Those stories and more in today's evening update from MPR News. Hosted by Emily Reese. Music by Gary Meister.

As Minnesota, the only state not to have voted for Ronald Reagan, continues to dominate the headlines, a question arises: Just how radical is the state, and its largest city, Minneapolis, anyway? A recent decision on the organization of the Minneapolis City Council indicates that the city is extremely radical. While one-party city legislatures in places […]