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.
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