ShotSpotter's False Positives, the Whiskey Scheme that Built St. Paul, and Korean-Inspired Live Guitar
Today, we dig into Minneapolis's long-running and expensive ShotSpotter gunshot detection program with Ella Stern of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, then historian Drew M. Ross joins to unpack the swindles, land grabs, and bitter rivalries that explain why Minneapolis and St. Paul never merged into one city. Plus, hear guitarist Conor Lee perform an original composition on the White Squirrel patio.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Following policing and surveillance concerns, Minneapolis to receive audit of ShotSpotter technology (MSR) Becoming the Twin Cities (Minnesota Historical Society)
Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 17th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637.
For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Twin Cities and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
State Fair's 'Biggest Battle,' a $32M Budget Hole, and Bauhaus Brewery's Dramatic Comeback
With the State Fair just around the corner, Minnesota and Ramsey County are taking an unusual legal step – suing two local gangs to stop...

All-Women Governor’s Race. Plus, Nudity at Fringe Fest and Radish Farm Stop
Have you ever watched a primary election this closely? From the voter turnout to the candidates, Tuesday’s election was historic. We run...

A Lifeline For Weed Drinks, St. Paul Can't Stop Right to Repair, and What's After Primaries?
Minnesota's thriving THC beverage industry is under threat of a looming federal ban that is set to go into effect on November 12. Indeed...

Cultural Cafes as Third Spaces. Plus, Peggy Flanagan on ‘Medicare For All’ and Kendall Qualls on ‘What All Minnesotans Want’
Late-night hangs don’t have to center alcohol. Writer Ali Elabbady tells us about how Yemeni, Egyptian, and Somali coffee shops are bring...

Angie Craig on the Laken Riley Act and Cedrick Frazier on Equity in the Legal System. Plus, MN's Office of Restorative Practices
Minnesota's Office of Restorative Practices funds and coordinates restorative approaches across pretrial diversion, juvenile justice, sch...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Twin Cities
As much as you love the Twin Cities, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly ha...

Heritage Park Update and Hao Nguyen on ICE Prosecutions. Plus, State Fair Dinos and Fat Beach Day
What’s new at the State Fair? Maria Hayden from the Minnesota State Fair tells us about the ‘America Wheel’ for the country’s 250th birth...

Races To Watch In Tuesday's Primaries. Plus, Feds Faltering in Cities Church Protest Case
We are less than a week away from the primary elections in Minnesota which are happening next Tuesday. Early voting is already open, and...

St. Paul to Clear Encampments. Plus, Jacob Wetterling Doc and Fringe Fest
Tomorrow, St. Paul begins clearing one of its biggest unsheltered encampments. Where will people go next? The city doesn’t have a clear a...

Twin Cities Rookie Mistakes and Top 5 Vintage Stores
Today, we revisit two of the Twin Cities' most beloved pastimes: secondhand shopping and learning things the hard way. Producer and vinta...
