Toxic Soil at St. Paul's Largest Encampment. Plus, Freshwater Mussels and a Queer Dance Party

Since the City of St. Paul closed the homeless encampment at Pig's Eye Park, hundreds of residents have moved into another encampment near Shepard Road and Randolph Avenue. The Randolph encampment exists on what used to be a junk yard, and MinnPost reporters Maddie Robinson and Shay Scanlan recently found high levels of lead in the ground that could be poisoning the residents there. They join today's episode of the podcast to talk about it. We also speak with DJ Caiked Up and musician Diane Miller about a super fun queer dance party they're hosting tonight at Icehouse. And it's Friday, so we want to celebrate some wins from the week! Racket Co-founder and City Cast contributor Em Cassel helps round up some of the good news stories from this week. 

Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:

Dangerous levels of lead and other toxins taint soil at St. Paul homeless encampment (MinnPost)

Spring Lake Park Mayor election results in tie, winner to be chosen by lottery (FOX 9)

Mussels regaining a foothold in the upper Mississippi River after decades of decline (MinnPost) 

Union Depot is ready for the holidays with a donated tree (and an earlier start for the European Christmas Market) (Pioneer Press) 

Nicollet reopening through Kmart parking lot (Lyndale Neighborhood Association)

Bob Dylan meets the Pope (Star Tribune)

Tomboy Takeover presented by Caiked Up (Icehouse)

Learn more about the sponsors of this November 6th episode:

Enjoy Illinois

Twin Cities Con - Use code "FREEKIDSTCC" for free kid tickets

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