John is joined by Taylor Dahlin and Josh Martin for a rundown of the 2025's top Minneapolis stories, most unusual campaign expenditures, and awarding Wedge LIVE Person of the Year. Plus we recommend our "favorite things" - the products and services that are changing our lives for the better. And we look ahead to our hopes and dreams for 2026.

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Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

The Minneapolis City Council is in the middle of their annual, charter-mandated tradition: amending the mayor's recommended budget. I ask Budget Committee Chair Aisha Chughtai what a "budget" even means if one department (MPD) can overspend their budget by $20 million. We talk about Mayor Frey calling council members "mean-spirited" for proposing cuts to his office staff. Chughtai says adjusting the size of the mayor's office is about eliminating redundancy under the new government structure that took effect in 2021. Plus, why she thinks it's a good idea to fund a non-fatal shooting task force but not a first responder wellness and training center.

Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive

Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live

Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive

Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

We react to last week's election results in Minneapolis. Taylor Dahlin and Josh Martin join me to talk about Jacob Frey's victory, the prospect of a closely divided city council, downballot success that flipped the Park Board to the progressive side, Mike Norton winning "worst pundit of 2025," and so much more. Plus a conversation with a candidate (and cherished friend) who ran a heroic campaign for Park Board while being hospitalized with serious health issues: Jason Garcia, commissioner-elect in Park District 4.

Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive

Join the conversation: https://bsky.app/profile/wedge.live

Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive

Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee