Legalizing mushrooms, sports betting, boys hockey & Sketches of Minnesota
Could Minnesota expand access to psilocybin therapy? We dive into the bipartisan proposal moving through the Legislature and speak with Rep. Andy Smith (DFL, District 25B) about the plan to allow supervised, therapeutic use of psilocybin for mental health treatment. We talk with Tane Danger from Danger Boat Productions about the second annual Sketches of Minnesota Civic Community Comedy Revue — bringing the personality of small Minnesota towns to the stage. The Moorhead Spuds won the Minnesota boys state hockey tournament with a thrilling performance in Class 2A! Athletic director Dean Haugo talks about what this state title means for the community. Rep. Nolan West (R, District 32A) joins the show to discuss the sports betting bill headed to the Minnesota State Capitol and what it could mean for the state’s future. All this and more on today's episode of The Afternoon Shift.
Could Minnesota expand access to psilocybin therapy? We dive into the bipartisan proposal moving through the Legislature and speak with Rep. Andy Smith (DFL, District 25B) about the plan to allow supervised, therapeutic use of psilocybin for mental health treatment. We talk with Tane Danger from Danger Boat Productions about the second annual Sketches of Minnesota Civic Community Comedy Revue — bringing the personality of small Minnesota towns to the stage. The Moorhead Spuds won the Minnesota boys state hockey tournament with a thrilling performance in Class 2A! Athletic director Dean Haugo talks about what this state title means for the community. Rep. Nolan West (R, District 32A) joins the show to discuss the sports betting bill headed to the Minnesota State Capitol and what it could mean for the state’s future. All this and more on today's episode of The Afternoon Shift.
Minnesota among 10 states without sports betting as lawmakers renew push
Minnesota remains one of just 10 states without legalized sports betting, but lawmakers are making another push to change that. A bill sponsored by Rep. Nolan West of Blaine would allow regulated sports wagering in the state, with ongoing debate over retail and online options. Supporters point to bipartisan backing and a recent poll showing 48 percent support, as the issue returns to the Capitol.
Minnesota remains one of just 10 states without legalized sports betting, but lawmakers are making another push to change that. A bill sponsored by Rep. Nolan West of Blaine would allow regulated sports wagering in the state, with ongoing debate over retail and online options. Supporters point to bipartisan backing and a recent poll showing 48 percent support, as the issue returns to the Capitol.
From state titles to college commits: Moorhead’s big year in sports
Moorhead defeated Minnetonka to win the Class 2A boys hockey title, capping a standout season for the Spuds. Tyden Bergeson was named Minnesota Mr. Hockey, and quarterback Jett Feeney along with three Moorhead football players committed to the University of Minnesota. Activities Director Dean Haugo tells us about the championship run and the big year for Moorhead athletics.
Moorhead defeated Minnetonka to win the Class 2A boys hockey title, capping a standout season for the Spuds. Tyden Bergeson was named Minnesota Mr. Hockey, and quarterback Jett Feeney along with three Moorhead football players committed to the University of Minnesota. Activities Director Dean Haugo tells us about the championship run and the big year for Moorhead athletics.
A 9-city MN road trip: ‘Sketches of MN’ hits the stage
“Sketches of MN” is hitting the road with a 9-city Minnesota tour packed into a fast-paced 90-minute show. Created by The Minnesota Humanities Center and Danger Boat Productions, the performance blends sharp comedy with familiar hometown references, delivering laughs hotter than tater tot hotdish. Tane Danger describes how the show explores everything from Minnesota nice to more honest conversations, with upcoming stops Wednesday in Minneapolis and Friday in Rochester.
“Sketches of MN” is hitting the road with a 9-city Minnesota tour packed into a fast-paced 90-minute show. Created by The Minnesota Humanities Center and Danger Boat Productions, the performance blends sharp comedy with familiar hometown references, delivering laughs hotter than tater tot hotdish. Tane Danger describes how the show explores everything from Minnesota nice to more honest conversations, with upcoming stops Wednesday in Minneapolis and Friday in Rochester.
Magic mushrooms, medical mission: MN lawmakers weigh psilocybin therapy program
Minnesota lawmakers are considering a proposal to allow the supervised medical use of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in so-called magic mushrooms, to treat depression, PTSD and addiction. The bill, authored by Rep. Andy Smith, would create a three-year pilot program for up to 1,000 patients.
Minnesota lawmakers are considering a proposal to allow the supervised medical use of psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in so-called magic mushrooms, to treat depression, PTSD and addiction. The bill, authored by Rep. Andy Smith, would create a three-year pilot program for up to 1,000 patients.
Understanding the MN legislative session, Gophers women's basketball & more
Dawn Mitchell joins us for a sports wrap on Gophers women’s basketball, Tommies hoops, and the Wild. We break down how the legislative session works — from drafting a bill with Rep. Norris to understanding committee hearings with Rep. Kelly Moller. Plus, we celebrate Women’s History Month with two female comics talking improv, and round out the week with another edition of Headline Hustle. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.
Dawn Mitchell joins us for a sports wrap on Gophers women’s basketball, Tommies hoops, and the Wild. We break down how the legislative session works — from drafting a bill with Rep. Norris to understanding committee hearings with Rep. Kelly Moller. Plus, we celebrate Women’s History Month with two female comics talking improv, and round out the week with another edition of Headline Hustle. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.
Ladies who land the punchline
Erin Clarkin and Ellie Walton from Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret join the show to talk about their all-women improv performances celebrating Women’s History Month. They also give Adam a crash course in the rules of improv — including “Yes, and” — and share how those techniques can be used in everyday life.
Erin Clarkin and Ellie Walton from Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret join the show to talk about their all-women improv performances celebrating Women’s History Month. They also give Adam a crash course in the rules of improv — including “Yes, and” — and share how those techniques can be used in everyday life.
Inside legislative committees: Rep. Kelly Moller on chairing a House committee
Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL–District 40A) offers an inside look at how House committees operate, explaining what it means to serve as a committee chair and the responsibilities that come with leading hearings. She discusses the work that happens before meetings begin, how she prepares for testimony and debate and how partisanship shapes discussions and decision-making in legislative committees.
Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL–District 40A) offers an inside look at how House committees operate, explaining what it means to serve as a committee chair and the responsibilities that come with leading hearings. She discusses the work that happens before meetings begin, how she prepares for testimony and debate and how partisanship shapes discussions and decision-making in legislative committees.
From first campaign to floor vote: Rep. Matt Norris explains how laws are made
Rep. Matt Norris (DFL–District 32B) walks through the legislative process, sharing how he first got involved in politics, what it takes to introduce a bill, and how an idea becomes law. He also discusses his work on the Manufactured Home Park Resident Bill of Rights and the impact it could have on families in his district.
Rep. Matt Norris (DFL–District 32B) walks through the legislative process, sharing how he first got involved in politics, what it takes to introduce a bill, and how an idea becomes law. He also discusses his work on the Manufactured Home Park Resident Bill of Rights and the impact it could have on families in his district.
Pete Hegseth on Operation Epic Fury, Harvey's law & U.S. gold medalist Frost player
Pete Hegseth gives a live update on Operation Epic Fury. Professor Andrew Latham provides insight into the conflict and Kristi Noem's removal as Secretary of DHS. Hunter and Catherine Muklebust tell us about a law being introduced in honor of their son Harvey who died at a Minnesota day care center. Harvey's law would require cameras in all state-owned child care facilities. Plus, Olympian Grace Zumwinkle tells us about competing on the U.S. women's hockey team and bringing home the gold.
Pete Hegseth gives a live update on Operation Epic Fury. Professor Andrew Latham provides insight into the conflict and Kristi Noem's removal as Secretary of DHS. Hunter and Catherine Muklebust tell us about a law being introduced in honor of their son Harvey who died at a Minnesota day care center. Harvey's law would require cameras in all state-owned child care facilities. Plus, Olympian Grace Zumwinkle tells us about competing on the U.S. women's hockey team and bringing home the gold.
Harvey's parents explain “Harvey’s Law” and what it could mean for Minnesota
Catherine and Hunter Muklebust are advocating for new legislation known as “Harvey’s Law” after their 11-month-old son, Harvey, was killed at a Minnesota day care September 2025. The proposed bill would require surveillance cameras in licensed child care centers statewide.
Catherine and Hunter Muklebust are advocating for new legislation known as “Harvey’s Law” after their 11-month-old son, Harvey, was killed at a Minnesota day care September 2025. The proposed bill would require surveillance cameras in licensed child care centers statewide.
Operation Epic Fury: What to know after Pete Hegseth’s update
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is provided an update on Operation Epic Fury amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Macalester College professor Andrew Latham breaks down what the operation involves, what the public should know and what could come next in the conflict.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is provided an update on Operation Epic Fury amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Macalester College professor Andrew Latham breaks down what the operation involves, what the public should know and what could come next in the conflict.
What is a data center?, MN legislative session in full swing and more
What exactly is a data center, and why are they becoming such a big topic in Minnesota? We break down what they are, how they work, and why communities are debating them. The Minnesota legislative session is in full swing, with major issues moving at the Capitol. Plus, the St. Thomas "Tommies" are heading into the Summit League spotlight — what it means for the program and fans. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.
What exactly is a data center, and why are they becoming such a big topic in Minnesota? We break down what they are, how they work, and why communities are debating them. The Minnesota legislative session is in full swing, with major issues moving at the Capitol. Plus, the St. Thomas "Tommies" are heading into the Summit League spotlight — what it means for the program and fans. All that and more on today’s episode of The Afternoon Shift.
2026 Twin Cities Marathon registration opens
As registration opens, Twin Cities In Motion president Dean Orton joins the show to preview race day on October 4 and a field expected to reach 11,000 runners. He breaks down what makes this year’s marathon one of the biggest in the past decade.
As registration opens, Twin Cities In Motion president Dean Orton joins the show to preview race day on October 4 and a field expected to reach 11,000 runners. He breaks down what makes this year’s marathon one of the biggest in the past decade.
Coach Johnny Tauer live from the bus: Summit League era begins
St. Thomas head coach Johnny Tauer joins The Afternoon Shift from the team bus en route to Sioux Falls to talk about what entering the Summit League spotlight means for the Tommies.
St. Thomas head coach Johnny Tauer joins The Afternoon Shift from the team bus en route to Sioux Falls to talk about what entering the Summit League spotlight means for the Tommies.
What is a data center?
What exactly is a data center and why are so many being proposed across Minnesota? Professor Manjeet Rege, chair of Software Engineering and Data Science and director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence at the University of St. Thomas, joins us to explain how these massive facilities store and process the world’s data and what the economic, environmental, and infrastructure questions are as Minnesota considers hosting more of them.
What exactly is a data center and why are so many being proposed across Minnesota? Professor Manjeet Rege, chair of Software Engineering and Data Science and director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence at the University of St. Thomas, joins us to explain how these massive facilities store and process the world’s data and what the economic, environmental, and infrastructure questions are as Minnesota considers hosting more of them.
52 years of Uncle Hugo’s: A Minneapolis literary landmark
Uncle Hugo’s Bookstore in south Minneapolis is celebrating 52 years in business today. Known as the oldest independent science fiction bookstore in the country, the longtime literary landmark continues to draw readers from across Minnesota and beyond. Owner Don Blyly joins us to reflect on the store’s legacy and what keeps independent bookstores thriving.
Uncle Hugo’s Bookstore in south Minneapolis is celebrating 52 years in business today. Known as the oldest independent science fiction bookstore in the country, the longtime literary landmark continues to draw readers from across Minnesota and beyond. Owner Don Blyly joins us to reflect on the store’s legacy and what keeps independent bookstores thriving.
Food insecurity in Minnesota: SNAP cuts and rising demand
Minnesota food shelves are facing growing pressure as potential federal SNAP cuts, rising grocery prices and increased demand strain already limited resources. Some providers also report impacts tied to recent immigration enforcement activity, with families hesitant to seek assistance. Wendy Behm of ACBC Food Shelf joins to discuss how organizations are responding, efforts to combat food insecurity across the state, and what’s at stake during the current legislative session. Learn more at acbcfoodshelf.com.
Minnesota food shelves are facing growing pressure as potential federal SNAP cuts, rising grocery prices and increased demand strain already limited resources. Some providers also report impacts tied to recent immigration enforcement activity, with families hesitant to seek assistance. Wendy Behm of ACBC Food Shelf joins to discuss how organizations are responding, efforts to combat food insecurity across the state, and what’s at stake during the current legislative session. Learn more at acbcfoodshelf.com.
Gophers women's basketball earn #4 seed after historic Big Ten run
Gophers women's basketball earn #4 seed after historic Big Ten run The Minnesota women’s basketball team heads into the Big Ten Tournament as a #4 seed after tying a program record with 13 conference wins this season. We look at when the Gophers tip off, their potential path in the tournament, and whether they could challenge top-ranked UCLA. Plus, what’s the ceiling for this team in the NCAA Tournament? Gophers beat reporter Tony Liebert joins to break it all down, and a preview of the Big Ten men’s tournament tipping off next week.
Gophers women's basketball earn #4 seed after historic Big Ten run The Minnesota women’s basketball team heads into the Big Ten Tournament as a #4 seed after tying a program record with 13 conference wins this season. We look at when the Gophers tip off, their potential path in the tournament, and whether they could challenge top-ranked UCLA. Plus, what’s the ceiling for this team in the NCAA Tournament? Gophers beat reporter Tony Liebert joins to break it all down, and a preview of the Big Ten men’s tournament tipping off next week.
U.S.–Iran conflict: What happened and what’s next
Tensions between the United States and Iran are escalating following a major U.S. strike and the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader in a joint U.S.–Israel operation. We break down what led to this moment, what it means for the region and what could come next with analysis from Macalester College Professor Andrew Latham.
Tensions between the United States and Iran are escalating following a major U.S. strike and the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader in a joint U.S.–Israel operation. We break down what led to this moment, what it means for the region and what could come next with analysis from Macalester College Professor Andrew Latham.