The Matt McNeil Show

Jeff Stein of KXEL/Waterloo joins Matt to discuss national politics every Wednesday at 3:30.

Heavy wildfire smoke sweeps in; physical altercations roundup; some Republicans oppose the big beautiful bill; report on how deeply Musk’s influence has infiltrated the federal government; concern for our national parks; immigration raid on Lake Street restaurant; Matthew Blake of MinnPost joins Brett this week; robbery spree at cabins; suspicious death near Mankato.

Originally hailing from Wisconsin, Matt recently moved to the Twin Cities from Chicago, where he taught writing. He previously worked for a range of business publications covering policies on mental health care, housing/real estate, banking and law. He has also covered various levels of government, from doing explanatory journalism on the federal government to covering state and local government in Illinois and California.

Doctor Who season finale; Joni Ernst sucks; crypto scam and market warning signs; Trump imposes more steel tariffs; issues with local gun violence; measles-infected child went to Mall of America; Matt discusses the challenges of raising kids in modern life; open enrollment changing school demographics; Star Tribune offering staff buyouts.

On today’s show:

– Elon Musk’s White House sendoff amid the New York Times report about his heavy drug use.

– TACO getting under Trump’s skin.

– Greg Bakun of GhostBox Radio reports live from Des Moines Con!

– GOP town halls that don’t go well.

– Never trust Minnesota Republicans on transportation issues, especially Pete Stauber.

– We’re joined by Rev. Trish Sullivan Vanni

Matt was joined by the Rev. Trish Sullivan Vanni, PhD, who is a presbyter of the ECC and the Pastoral Director of Charis, the first Ecumenical Catholic Community in Minnesota. She’ll be making periodic appearances on Matt’s show as a spiritual advisor.

Matt McNeil is joined by Greg Bakun of GhostBox Radio who reports live from Des Moines Con!

President John Tyler’s grandson dies; will AI eradicate us; HHS report released with a lot of false information; Trump tariffs blocked by court last night; Wolves disaster; northern MN city councilor charged in property damage; how close are we to a budget deal?; SNAP assistance under grave threat; teenager dies in drunk driving accident.

Matt reflects on his youngest graduating high school; RFK Jr recommends removing vaccines from schedule; resident injured by police during Floyd protests dealt setback by Supreme Court; Jeff Stein’s weekly visit; Hennepin Fest preview with Claire Leslie-Johnson and Diane Miller; list of best hockey towns?; conflict over personal choices at a rental house; tourism takes a hit in the state; TACO policies.

Hennepin History Museum presents Hennepin Fest, a women-led music festival celebrating the diverse history and culture of our community! Saturday, May 31 2025, 2:00-7:00 p.m.