Wedge LIVE!
182 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 34 ratingsA show about Minneapolis politics from the maker of Wedge LIVE, the award winning local news website.
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Episodes
Minneapolis: Happiest City in the USA with Mike Norton
July 11, 2024 10:10 - 49 minutes - 89.8 MBFor this episode, Mike Norton and host John Edwards welcome your angry replies to their bike ride through Uptown, around the lakes, and back again. We discuss the life and death of Uptown; the perverse incentives of the commercial real estate market; how Minneapolis has earned its designation as the happiest city in the USA; why Mike Norton's resignation as Minneapolis DFL vice chair was really just him getting out ahead of an ethics investigation; we rank Uptown's many coffee shops and groc...
People's Pride with Luna Zeidner (This Bike Ride Has No Corporate Sponsors)
June 20, 2024 11:15 - 40 minutes - 74.6 MBWe're biking from downtown Minneapolis to Powderhorn Park to talk about People's Pride — the local, laid back, non-corporate alternative to Twin Cities Pride. No police either — they've taken sequeerity into their own hands. It's happening Saturday, June 29 at Powderhorn Park from noon to 4 pm. My guest is one of the event's organizers, Luna Zeidner, who talks about the recent origins of this event as an alternative to the big corporate sponsored Pride festival in Loring Park, how organizers...
The 2040 Plan wins (again) and lessons on MN statewide zoning reform
June 18, 2024 10:10 - 57 minutes - 106 MBWhat have we learned from the big push for ambitious statewide zoning reforms during the 2024 Minnesota legislative session? From parking reform to fourplex legalization, most of these proposals failed to pass. But advocates got the conversation started and built an impressively broad coalition of housing, environmental, labor, faith groups, and others in support of these proposals. And they saved the 2040 Plan! John's guests are Peter Wagenius of the Sierra Club and Andrea Riehl of Neighbo...
North Minneapolis to Robbinsdale, MN with Eric Moran
June 13, 2024 11:04 - 38 minutes - 70.6 MBDJ and transportation activist Eric Moran takes John on a bicycle tour of North Minneapolis. We talk about the status of Northside streets and transit advocacy. We wonder why Ward 4 Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw (a former board chair of the Bicycle Coalition/Our Streets) is the Minneapolis City Council's biggest opponent of bike infrastructure. We talk about why Eric advocates for safer streets and the projects he's most excited about. We also make a harrowing detour into neighboring Robbin...
The Minneapolis Reckoning with Michelle Phelps
June 10, 2024 10:21 - 54 minutes - 100 MBA conversation with Michelle Phelps, author of The Minneapolis Reckoning, a book that puts the murder of George Floyd in the context of generations of Minneapolis police violence and abuse -- and activist efforts at both reform and abolition. We talk about why she felt compelled to write the book; how this project that began at the height of the BLM movement, and activism in response to police killings in the Twin Cities, became something different after Floyd's murder; how Minneapolis has g...
Check-in with Aurin Chowdhury - Minneapolis City Council, Ward 12
June 04, 2024 10:10 - 46 minutes - 85.8 MBA conversation with Aurin Chowdhury, who represents Ward 12 on the Minneapolis City Council. We talk about MPD's continued use of coaching as a way to hide misconduct; what she hopes to see from a new union contract; why she isn't sold on the idea of moving the city's election office into the old MPD 3rd Precinct; how budget conversations are proceeding with a $21 million budget gap looming for 2025; her hesitancy on the idea of adding more city council staff; the Uber/Lyft saga and how dad ...
Bring Ya Parliamentary Morass with Dan Thomas-Commins
May 28, 2024 10:15 - 1 hour - 111 MBA conversation about the chaotic end to the 2024 Minnesota state legislative session with Dan Thomas-Commins, the self-styled parliamentary rules nerd who you might have seen running your local DFL convention. We talk about GOP obstruction; what might explain the DFL's seeming lack of urgency; how literal last minute procedural mistakes cost tens of millions in vital public investments; how the rules are actually whatever these legislative bodies say they are; and why it's ok that the politi...
Downtown Scooter Patrol with Taylor Dahlin
May 22, 2024 10:15 - 45 minutes - 83.4 MBIt's the world's first half bike/half scooter mobile podcast episode, with Taylor Dahlin. We are patrolling the streets of Loring Park and downtown Minneapolis on the lookout for scooter scofflaws. We talk about the alleged connection between scooter ridership and crime; Taylor's transportation habits as a year-round, all-seasons scooter commuter; the state of bike and scooter infrastructure in Minneapolis; and so much more. You're won't want to miss the lovely scenery, so catch this episode...
Even Year Minneapolis Elections, 2040 Plan Lawsuit, and Ilhan v Samuels
May 15, 2024 10:10 - 1 hour - 113 MBJohn is joined by Josh Martin to talk about three proposals to amend the Minneapolis City Charter, including a plan to move from odd to even year city elections. Plus: Ilhan Omar's DFL convention win over an underwhelming Don Samuels; and how despite the city's 2040 Plan appeals court victory, only the legislature can save us from endless further litigation. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedg...
Uptown's the Mall: Parkland vs. Parking Lot
May 08, 2024 10:10 - 49 minutes - 90.3 MBThere's a linear park in Uptown called "the Mall" that functions more like a parking lot. In 2020, after two years of community engagement, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board adopted a long-range plan that transforms some of the Mall's parking area into actual "forested and green space" and includes additional amenities like a community garden. But now that the plan is about to be implemented, a pair of commissioners elected in 2021 appear determined to scrap the plan in the name of p...
A Harrowing DFL Convention Experience
May 01, 2024 10:10 - 47 minutes - 87.7 MBToday, we're talking about people who think Roberts Rules is an acceptable form of bullying. It turns out, shouting "Point of order! Point of order!" over and over again is not an excuse to get up in a parliamentarian's personal space. Our conversation is inspired by Deborah Copperud's recent experience at the Minneapolis DFL City Convention. We talk about what's wrong with the DFL process, some potential solutions, and importantly, why those fixes will never happen. In a surprising twist, w...
Anquam Mahamoud, candidate for MN House District 62B
April 09, 2024 10:14 - 42 minutes - 77 MBThis is part of a series of conversations with 2024 candidates for MN House district 62B to be published ahead of the DFL Convention on Sunday, April 14. This episode features candidate Anquam Mahamoud (https://www.anquam62b.com). Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
Londel French, candidate for MN House District 62B
April 03, 2024 10:10 - 42 minutes - 77.6 MBThis is part of a series of conversations with 2024 candidates for MN House district 62B to be published ahead of the DFL Convention on Sunday, April 14. This episode features candidate Londel French (londelfrench.org). Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
Bill Emory, candidate for MN House District 62B
March 28, 2024 10:00 - 43 minutes - 80.1 MBThis is part of a series of conversations with 2024 candidates for MN House district 62B to be published ahead of the DFL Convention on Sunday, April 14. This episode features candidate Bill Emory (billemory.org). Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
Stopping MN Environmental Laws From Being Weaponized Against Environmentalists
March 25, 2024 10:30 - 1 hour - 113 MBJohn is joined by PeggySue Imihy Bean (President of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Planning Association) and Alex Schieferdecker (also a planner). We're talking about the effort at the state legislature to protect municipal comprehensive plans from bad-faith environmental lawsuits (contact your state legislators!). The group of wealthy pretend environmentalists currently holding up the Minneapolis 2040 plan in court - over too much housing density - could be a sign of things to come f...
Melody Investigates: Special Delivery: A Cold Turkey Mystery
March 19, 2024 10:05 - 53 minutes - 98 MBMelody Hoffman (southwestvoices.news) joins us for a conversation about serious allegations made against a US mail carrier in southwest Minneapolis. Witnesses recount a series of assaults that ultimately ended a beloved neighborhood turkey's life. First, an attack with a shovel. Then a brutal hit-and-run attack with a mail truck. We also talk about: Uber and Lyft threatening to leave Minneapolis, or the metro area entirely, due to the recently passed pay increase; the war of words between M...
Katie Jones, candidate for MN House District 61A
March 14, 2024 10:04 - 34 minutes - 62.7 MBRep. Frank Hornstein is retiring after 20 years representing District 61A in the Minnesota House. So far there are four publicly announced candidates seeking the DFL endorsement. We're having conversations with all of them ahead of the DFL Senate District 61 Convention on Saturday, March 23. This episode features candidate Katie Jones (katiejones.org) Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive ...
Isabel Rolfes, candidate for MN House District 61A
March 14, 2024 10:03 - 30 minutes - 55.1 MBRep. Frank Hornstein is retiring after 20 years representing District 61A in the Minnesota House. So far there are four publicly announced candidates seeking the DFL endorsement. We're having conversations with all of them ahead of the DFL Senate District 61 Convention on Saturday, March 23. This episode features candidate Isabel Rolfes (isabelforhouse.com). Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedg...
Dylan McMahon, candidate for MN House District 61A
March 14, 2024 10:02 - 32 minutes - 58.8 MBRep. Frank Hornstein is retiring after 20 years representing District 61A in the Minnesota House. So far there are four publicly announced candidates seeking the DFL endorsement. We're having conversations with all of them ahead of the DFL Senate District 61 Convention on Saturday, March 23. This episode features candidate Dylan McMahon (dylanmcmahon.com). Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgel...
Will Stancil, candidate for MN House District 61A
March 14, 2024 10:01 - 48 minutes - 88.3 MBRep. Frank Hornstein is retiring after 20 years representing District 61A in the Minnesota House. So far there are four publicly announced candidates seeking the DFL endorsement. We're having conversations with all of them ahead of the DFL Senate District 61 Convention on Saturday, March 23. This episode features candidate Will Stancil (willstancil.org). Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgeliv...
Soo Line Garden vs the ADA Greenway Ramp
February 27, 2024 11:10 - 40 minutes - 74.4 MBCan a community garden an ADA-compliant access ramp to the Midtown Greenway coexist? This week's guest is Jordan Leick, who has looked into Hennepin County's plans to replace a mulch trail with a paved trail that makes accessing the city's world renowned bike trail easy for everyone. The problem? While the chosen location is public land, it's been occupied for decades by a community garden (Soo Line Garden) between Harriet and Garfield Aves in the Whittier neighborhood. We talk about the dub...
Lyndale Ave Reconstruction is Once in a Lifetime Chance
February 20, 2024 11:10 - 39 minutes - 72.2 MBJohn is joined by Julie Johnson and Katie Jones to talk about the "Livable Lyndale" campaign to fix a terrible, no good, super fast, dangerous, hostile to humans, neighborhood street. Right now in 2024 is our once in a lifetime chance to fix a street that hasn't had a full reconstruction since the 1930s. Hennepin County, who controls this street, is scheduled to publish design options soon. They need to hear from you. Final approval of a layout is expected this summer. Don't wait another ...
Housing & Zoning Reforms at the MN Legislature's 2024 Session
January 17, 2024 11:10 - 1 hour - 157 MBI'm joined by Chris Meyer, legislative assistant for Minnesota state Sen. Omar Fateh, to talk about a slew of ambitious zoning reforms to be considered during the 2024 legislative session. You're really going to want to contact your state senators and representatives about these. Eliminating parking minimums, allowing fourplexes by right, requiring cities to allow apartments near high frequency transit, allowing cities to experiment with a land value tax -- and closing the loophole that's al...
"Imagine" Better Streets in Minneapolis with José Antonio Zayas Cabán
January 10, 2024 11:15 - 55 minutes - 102 MBA conversation with José Antonio Zayas Cabán about Our Streets Minneapolis' new 2024 event series "Imagine," block parties that ask residents to envision better neighborhood streets. More information: https://ourstreetsmpls.org/imagine_series Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
The Minneapolis Mayoral Power Grab is Back for 2024
January 02, 2024 11:10 - 1 hour - 113 MBThe restructuring of of power at Minneapolis City Hall in 2021 turned out to be a bigger deal than people realized at the time. Now the unelected (judicially appointed) Minneapolis Charter Commission seems ready to give voters another ballot question that would concentrate power in the mayor's office: reducing the number of city department heads subject to a confirmation vote. Potentially affected departments include directors of Public Works, Planning, Civil Rights, Health, Regulatory Servi...
Countdown: 2023's Top 10 Minneapolis Stories with Melody Hoffmann
December 19, 2023 11:38 - 58 minutes - 107 MBSinkholes, parking lot puddles, and urban cougars may have dominated headlines of traditional Minneapolis outlets this year, but edgy alternative newspersons Melody Hoffmann and John Edwards have ranked even bigger stories among their collective top 10 of 2023. Hard to believe that 40% of Melody's list are stories about structure fires. John ranked one dumpster fire (the tenure of Cedric Alexander). But 2023 wasn't just a year of burning down - it was a year that set the stage for renewal. W...
Camp Nenookaasi and the Minneapolis Homelessness Crisis
December 07, 2023 11:04 - 1 hour - 113 MBJohn and co-host Jason Garcia speak with Nicole Mason and Christin Crabtree, who are helping to organize a homeless encampment on city owned land, made up mostly of indigenous people, called Camp Nenookaasi. The City of Minneapolis has notified the camp that they will be evicted on December 14, which Nicole and Christin say will make it harder to deliver services and housing to camp residents. We talk about the city's recent history of encampment responses going back to the first Wall of For...
St. Paul's Transformational 2023 Election with Matt Privratsky
December 05, 2023 11:15 - 1 hour - 123 MBThis week we're talking about the earth-shaking results of St. Paul's 2023 election with "longtime political insider" Matt Privratsky. It's a progressive sweep: the first all woman city council in the nation; 6 of 7 members are people of color; and a newly approved 1% sales tax could do more than just fill potholes -- it could completely transform the city's streetscape, providing more options for how to get around. I ask Matt to explain how St. Paul got here. We also play compare and contra...
The 2023 Campaign that Changed Everything - with Chaz Mayo
November 28, 2023 11:15 - 42 minutes - 77.3 MBIn an episode recorded the week before Thanksgiving, we look deeper on a topic that will never get old: Katie Cashman's amazing, unbelievable, nobody-saw-it-coming progressive victory in the Minneapolis Ward 7 City Council race. Chaz Mayo worked back to back (2021 and 2023) on the campaigns of two different progressive candidates in Ward 7. We talk about the landscape and recent political history; what made 2023 a breakthrough year; what Chaz saw in the 2022 race for Hennepin County Attorne...
Thanksgiving Cooking Segment
November 21, 2023 11:30 - 22 minutes - 42 MBIt's Thanksgiving week on the Wedge LIVE podcast and that can mean only one thing: a cooking segment featuring Minneapolis Ward 7 Council Member Lisa Goodman's sweet noodle kugel. My guest and co-chef for this episode is Deborah Copperud of the DFL Senate District 61 fundraising committee, who has helped to put together a cookbook full of delicious recipes, including one from your host John Edwards. The Taste the Trifecta DFL cookbook is available via this order form for $35. All proceeds w...
Camera Enforcement + MN Transportation Policy with Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura
November 15, 2023 11:15 - 58 minutes - 108 MBLegalizing red light/speed camera enforcement, light rail turnstiles and safety, moderately spicy sambusas, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction, transpo policy bros, energy policy bros, the viability of a train to Duluth, connecting the Midtown Greenway to St. Paul, and incendiary remarks over how easy it is to drive and park in Minneapolis. All these topics and more in my conversation with Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura who represents Minnesota House district 63A, which overlaps with a good c...
Rich, old white guys fail to buy another Minneapolis election
November 09, 2023 12:03 - 1 hour - 121 MBIt's "morning in Minneapolis" and we're celebrating the results of election 2023. A progressive majority is empowered, but it's not veto-proof. The city's only two open seats without an incumbent (in Wards 7 and 12) were filled by smart young, inspiring women (Katie Cashman and Aurin Chowdhury) running against older white men. We talk about what went right; why the big money interests behind the All of Mpls slate failed; why Andrea Jenkins barely holding on in Ward 8 should be seen as a rebu...
Bryant Ave with Linea Palmisano, Ward 13 Council Member
November 02, 2023 10:05 - 52 minutes - 96.4 MBWe're biking Ward 13 with Linea Palmisano, Vice President of the Minneapolis City Council. We talk Bryant Ave politics, what the critics are saying, her relationship with Mayor Frey, her position on housing and the 2040 Plan, and much more. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
Downtown to Uptown with Katie Cashman, candidate for Minneapolis City Council in Ward 7
October 31, 2023 10:05 - 37 minutes - 68.6 MBMy conversation with Katie Cashman, candidate for Minneapolis City Council in Ward 7. We talk transportation, public safety, downtown tax base, office conversions, Jane Fonda and much more. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
Biking Bryant with Kate Mortenson, Ward 13 candidate for Minneapolis City Council
October 27, 2023 09:30 - 51 minutes - 95 MBMy conversation with Ward 13 candidate Kate Mortenson. We begin by talking about Bryant Avenue. Mortenson has criticized the reconstruction process and the city's larger street engineering philosophy by using the phrase "social engineering." She explains what she meant by that and what she likes about the street. We move on to other campaign issues like public safety and her case against the incumbent Linea Palmisano. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitt...
Ex-tenant talks about Scott Graham the landlord, before he was a candidate for Minneapolis City Council
October 25, 2023 10:05 - 33 minutes - 62.2 MBMy conversation with Julia Curran, who rented in a triplex owned and managed by Scott Graham for four years, ending in 2011. Scott Graham is now a candidate for Minneapolis City Council in Ward 7. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
David Brauer on Election 2023 in Minneapolis
October 23, 2023 10:14 - 1 hour - 123 MBWise man of Minneapolis (aka Local Politics Daddy) David Brauer is here to tell us how he's feeling just two weeks before election day. Stay tuned to the end for David's City Council endorsements. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
This p.m. bike commute brings the Payne
October 17, 2023 11:29 - 1 hour - 129 MBA conversation with Council Member Elliott Payne recorded while on his bike commute home after a day representing Ward 1 at Minneapolis City Hall. With early voting already underway to elect council members in all 13 wards -- and election day just weeks away -- we talk biking, streets, public safety, and more. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaF...
Two Guys Picking Up Trash on Hennepin Avenue
October 13, 2023 10:00 - 39 minutes - 73.2 MBThis episode was recorded on location with Henry LaBounta, collecting trash and clearing storm drains in the Wedge and East Isles neighborhoods. Henry is passionate about trash and keeping it out of Lake of the Isles. We talk about why this matters, how you can get involved, and some innovative projects happening in Minneapolis that could keep our lakes cleaner. If you're in the Wedge or East Isles neighborhoods, you are eligible for one of many fabulous gift card prizes. Just email info@ea...
The surprisingly boring end to single-family zoning in St. Paul
October 10, 2023 10:10 - 37 minutes - 68.9 MBA conversation with Zak Yudhishthu about the surprisingly boring end to single-family zoning in St. Paul, Minnesota. Five years after a bitter struggle to pass the 2040 Plan that ended single-family zoning in Minneapolis -- which is still tied up in court by pretend environmentalists -- a similar effort across the river looks sure to pass without much of a fight. The St. Paul City Council is expected to pass the zoning changes at their meeting on Wednesday, Oct 12). We talk about what sets t...
BONUS EPISODE: Catching up with Anton at Lyndale Open Streets
October 09, 2023 10:30 - 31 minutes - 58.5 MBA spontaneous unscheduled episode recorded with John's dear old friend Anton Schieffer at Open Streets on Lyndale Avenue. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
Minneapolis Infrastructure Bike Ride with Elissa Schufman
October 04, 2023 10:06 - 55 minutes - 102 MBA conversation about Minneapolis bike infrastructure and transportation politics with Elissa Schufman. Recorded on a bike ride from City Hall, through downtown, and along the Mississippi River. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
Biking Northeast Minneapolis with Amity Foster
September 28, 2023 11:14 - 57 minutes - 106 MBA special episode of the Wedge LIVE podcast recorded on bikes in Northeast Minneapolis, with guest Amity Foster. Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee
Analysis of the Minneapolis City Council race in Ward 13 with Melody "the Monthly" Hoffmann
September 13, 2023 10:03 - 57 minutes - 105 MBJohn is joined by Melody Hoffman to ponder the Minneapolis City Council race in Ward 13 (all 13 council seats in the city are up for election). Incumbent Linea Palmisano is presenting herself as the steady hand with a familiar track record. Challenger Kate Mortenson calls this a battle of the moderates, and characterizes herself as the solutions-oriented leader with Palmisano as a "manager" of a failed status quo. John pushes back against Melody's contention that we're ethically obligated to...
The End of Open Streets Minneapolis?
August 22, 2023 10:20 - 28 minutes - 51.5 MBA conversation with José A. Zayas Cabán, the executive director of bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization Our Streets Minneapolis, about the future of Open Streets. The City of Minneapolis confirmed on Monday they're ending the partnership with Our Streets that makes the popular annual series of street festivals possible. We talk about the 12 year history of the event, the work that goes into putting them on, the importance of partnership with the city, why continuing to put the events...
Minneapolis Election Battlegrounds 2023
August 16, 2023 10:31 - 1 hour - 130 MBWith the City Council candidate filing deadline elapsing while we recorded this episode (5 pm on August 15), John is joined by google docs maven Josh Martin (@JoshMartinMpls) for a rundown of Minneapolis Election Battlegrounds. Please get in your car and drive to the nearest interstate on-ramp, because this episode is performed in the style of Drive Time Radio. We're paying special attention to the races that will decide control of the City Council, specifically candidates in wards 5, 6, 7, ...
Uptown Porchfest, aka Wedgestock Music Festival
August 08, 2023 10:25 - 40 minutes - 73.8 MBIn this episode we go behind the music with the organizers of the Uptown Porchfest, aka Wedgestock Music Festival. John talks to Lisa Martelly and Amy Goldstein about how they managed to book 29 bands for one day of free musical performances happening on porches, yards, and driveways across the Wedge neighborhood -- and the steps they're taking to make sure nobody's yard gets peed in. We talk about how the idea developed; arranging for portapotties; getting the required city approvals and ma...
Converting I-94 to a "Twin Cities Boulevard" - with Alex Burns
August 02, 2023 10:10 - 48 minutes - 89.5 MBJohn's conversation with Alex Burns of Our Streets Minneapolis about the ongoing debate over what to do with I-94 between Minneapolis and St. Paul, which Our Streets says is a "once in a lifetime opportunity to repair a terrible injustice." With the DOT's inclusion of boulevard conversions among the 10 possible alternatives for reconstruction, advocates for freeway removal have something to feel good about. But is it really politically possible? Alex and John talk about: the coalition Our St...
Checking in with Bill Lindeke, Twin Cities Treasure
July 11, 2023 10:15 - 58 minutes - 106 MBJohn is joined by Bill Lindeke, author, MinnPost columnist, prolific tweeter, and lecturer in Urban Studies at the University of Minnesota, for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Read Bill's books: Closing Time: Saloons, Taverns, Dives, and Watering Holes of the Twin Cities - https://www.moonpalacebooks.com/item/1SqnOF0xZ8uTTlewBdbU_A St. Paul: An Urban Biography - https://www.moonpalacebooks.com/item/1SqnOF0xZ8vDPBiXoqv9_w Minneapolis St. Paul: Then an...
Car Traffic Does the Unthinkable on Lyndale Avenue (Obey the Speed Limit)
July 05, 2023 10:20 - 47 minutes - 86.1 MBThe results are in: the new 3-lane Lyndale Avenue is a big improvement over the 4-lane version. Data collected by Hennepin County regarding their pilot project are impressive. But if you've spent any time walking, biking, driving, just living near Lyndale from Franklin to Lake, you didn't need numbers to convince you. Crashes are down by more than half, pedestrian crossings have nearly doubled at the most problematic intersections, drivers are actually stopping for pedestrians. As a result o...