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 a brawl that one of them literally advertised on social media. We’ll break down what the civil gang nuisance law actually does and why the Somali community has real reason to be nervous, then we’ll sit down with Eric Harris Bernstein, vice president of the Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation, to untangle a $32 million budget gap, a double-digit property tax hike, and what it means that a police department keeps blowing past its budget. Plus, a rousing game of Hot Dish Hushhh (for members only!), and find out why Sean thinks “squash is trash”.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor
Bauhaus Brew Labs will reopen on August 15, 2026
Injunctions banning Somali gangs from State Fair receives support from community members (Sahan Journal)
State, Ramsey County sue gangs to prevent MN State Fair violence (Pioneer Press)
Minnesota State Fair assistant police chief sues Ramsey County sheriff for retaliation (MPR News)
Twin Cities Somali leaders criticize Ramsey County sheriff's approach to youth gang violence (MPR News)
Minneapolis mayor proposes millions in cuts, over 100 job cuts and 11.3% property tax increase (Star Tribune)
Frey outlines new approach to Minneapolis police spending for 2027 city budget (MPR News)
Eric Harris Bernstein on police spending (Instagram)
Judge: St. Paul ‘right to repair’ measure must appear on November ballots (Star Tribune)
New Twin Cities LGBTQ magazine set to launch this October (Star Tribune)
Learn more about the sponsors of this August 14th 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
Lakeville’s Billion-Dollar What?! Plus, MPS School Update and Top 5 Peanuts Sculptures
Something about spotting a Snoopy sculpture tucked into an unexpected corner of the cities just hits different, and Sean has been gleeful...
DHS Nabs Phone Records of Indie Journalist. Plus, Film Fests!
We dive into all the ways to catch a movie in the Twin Cities with Racket co-owner Keith Harris as our Yoda. After the Cities Church prot...
St. Paul Police Chief Sues Mayor. Plus, Musicians Fight for Living Wage
Less than a week after St. Paul's top human resources official announced that Mayor Kaohly Her did not sexually harass employees (but did...
Everything To Do This Fall. Plus, Renée Good’s Brother Speaks Out
Racket published a masterlist of what to do in the Twin Cities this fall. Like a leaf pile, we dive in headfirst. Plus, Racket writer Bet...
Klobuchar's Race Is Closer Than You Think. Plus, Rabies and Ring Doorbells
We're just over a month out from Election Day, and recent polling from KSTP and co/efficient show statewide races tightening across Minne...
Hennepin County Commissioner Hopefuls. Plus, Top 5 Twin Cities Matchas
City Cast contributor and food critic Kirstie Kimball delivers her definitive top 5 matchas in the Twin Cities. Then, Minneapolis School...
Winter is Coming. Plus, What Would You Do as Mayor?
Today we are revisiting this delightful episode where we tackle winter coping mechanisms and ask a rotating cast of contributors: what wo...
From Mogadishu to County Commissioner Hopeful. Plus, Taco Bike Ride
It’s Fridayyy. MSP is once again the best airport in North America, and we celebrate some other Twin Cities Wins. We also have a special...
School Closures and More Foreclosures
On Tuesday night, Minneapolis Public Schools unveiled their plan to close up to 16 schools in hopes of "right-sizing" the district due to...
Bon Iver's Meatloaf Jingle, Mural Art Festival, and TC Halloween Costumes
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver created a meatloaf jingle for Howard’s Bar in Stillwater. Bar owner Adam To explains how the meatloaf dippers c...