Neal Justin
Critic / Reporter
Culture Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. Before coming to Minnesota, he was a crime reporter for the Rockford Register Star and graduated from Northwestern University. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms. He is the former president of UNITY and former governing board member for the Asian American Journalists Association. He is an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas.
Latest from Neal Justin
MPR meteorologist Paul Huttner reflects on his most memorable stories
The man behind the Updraft blog and “Climate Cast” is retiring after nearly 40 years of weather forecasting.
February 18, 2026
Jason Matheson’s sidekick, Alexis Thompson, dropped from MyTalk radio show
Management didn’t renew Thompson’s contract due to financial constraints.
February 17, 2026
Review: Dave Chappelle showered local fans with love in St. Paul show
Clipse helped make the comic’s latest Twin Cities performance one of his most memorable.
February 17, 2026
After 70 days of ICE surge actions, Minnesotans grapple with the impact
The weight of the federal government has borne down on Minnesota in innumerable ways.
February 15, 2026
Advertisement
Dave Chappelle adds last-minute Sunday shows in Minneapolis
The controversial comic now has gigs booked in both Minneapolis and St. Paul.
February 14, 2026
Comedian Nick Swardson shares his First Avenue special on YouTube
The St. Paul native returned to his home state to record “Toilet Head.”
February 14, 2026
WCCO’s Jonah Kaplan is moving to CBS News
The veteran journalist will remain based in Minneapolis.
February 12, 2026
With ICE presence continuing, Minnesota Girl Scouts offer more ways to buy cookies as safety precaution
In-person sales start Feb. 20 throughout the state.
February 12, 2026
Advertisement
Immigration attorneys call out dirty conditions, ‘disarray and chaos’ at Whipple detention facility
Attorneys for the Advocates for Human Rights visited the Whipple Federal Building on Monday following a judge’s ruling.
February 12, 2026
KARE 11 hires new sports anchor
Ashley Moore previously worked in Denver.
February 11, 2026
Hear the one about the ICE agent? How local comics are weighing in.
Minnesotans are filling up comedy clubs for emotional relief.
February 10, 2026
KARE names new anchor to join Julie Nelson on air
Kevin Holmes is making the move from Kansas City.
February 3, 2026
Advertisement