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| What the Cities Are Talking About |
| Hennepin County election: Our interviews with political candidates continue on today's episode of the podcast, featuring conversations with Hennepin County Commissioner, District 2 incumbent Irene Fernando and challenger Sharon El-Amin. The candidates discussed their plans for closing the HERC trash incinerator, securing funding for Hennepin County Medical Center, and which positive impacts county leaders are best positioned to deliver. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities] | | There's money on the ground: The Department of Natural Resources is offering to pay Minnesotans for collecting red pine cones. At $95 per bushel, the DNR plans to use the pine cones to help with reforestation efforts after wildfires. You can find more info here if you're interested in collecting a bag (of pine cones) to get that bag (of money). [Pioneer Press] | | Out of focus: Crime has fallen significantly in Minnesota since 2022, and it's showing in political messaging leading up to the midterms. Attorney General Keith Ellison barely pulled out a victory in 2022 after challenger Jim Schultz focused his campaign on crime and Ellison's "crazy anti-police ideology." Republican Ron Schutz is running against Ellison this year, and crime has taken a back seat in his campaign messaging. [MinnPost] | |  | The memorial to Alex Pretti on Jan. 31, 2026. (Adam Sage / City Cast Twin Cities) |
| | Remembering Alex Pretti: Residents of the Whittier neighborhood recently held their first public meeting on whether and how to make the makeshift memorial to Alex Pretti on Nicollet Ave. more permanent. The Whittier Alliance gathered ideas from the community about what a permanent memorial could look like, and the neighborhood association is continuing to collect community input. [Star Tribune] | | School Board election: Four candidates are vying for two at-large seats on the Minneapolis School Board in November. In a questionnaire sent out by the Northeaster newspaper, see why each of the candidates is running, and how they plan to approach school closures, student literacy, and financial problems in the district. [My Northeaster] | | Go nuts: It's black walnut season in the Twin Cities, and if you're willing to put in the work, you can make some pretty tasty treats from the abundant tree fruits. Try your hand at making a walnut syrup to use in coffee or cocktails, black walnut divinity fudge, or some simple salted and candied black walnuts. [Star Tribune] | |
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| | | Mystic Pizza: a new musical delivers the beloved story from the iconic hit film driven by a score packed with unforgettable hits from the ’80s and ’90s. Follow best friends Kat, Daisy, and Jojo as they navigate the complexities of friendship and romance—all while slinging slices at a small-town pizza joint. Bursting with laugh-out-loud moments, and heartfelt storytelling, Mystic Pizza is a celebration of chasing dreams, lifelong bonds, and finding your place in the world. |
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| |  | They literally make a blue sky in the Blue Skies matcha at Momo Cafe. (Tiffany Bui / City Cast Twin Cities) |
| | Top 5 Matchas in the Twin Cities | There's a lot of places to get your fix of green goodness around town. On today's episode of the podcast, City Cast contributor and Minnesota's independent food critic Kirstie Kimball shared her list of favorites. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities] | | - Overall best: Ratio Matcha is a pop-up matcha stand that you can find at various locations in Minneapolis (check their instagram for a full schedule), and they offer a great breadth from complex, serious matchas to super fun flavors. You will spend some time waiting in line, but it's totally worth it.
- For serious matcha-heads: Northeast Tea House will not add milk to your matcha. With their freshly-milled matcha, this is the place to go if you're looking to develop your palate and learn to appreciate all the complex flavors matcha has to offer. The staff there will guide you whether you're a beginner or a matcha veteran.
- Seasonal pick: Momo Cafe always has unique and delicious flavors that go with the season. If you're looking for something sweet, head over now to try the banana bread (!) flavored matcha.
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| | | Wasting food is a waste of money. For a family of four, that can add up to $3,000 in wasted food every year! | | While no one likes wasting food, we often don’t realize how much uneaten leftovers or spoiled fruit adds up. Use the Trash or Cash website to understand why you’re tossing food and how to make better kitchen habits. | | Get the tools: https://trashorcash.org/#resources. |
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Before I go, I want to give a thank you to our newest City Cast Neighbor, Brian N.! By supporting the work we do every day here, Brian now gets access to ad-free listening on the podcast, bonus content, and invites to special members-only events. If you want to be cool like Brian, you can become a Neighbor today. |
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