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City Cast Twin Cities

City Cast

Join Sean McPherson and the City Cast Twin Cities team every weekday morning as we bring you the day's conversations about life in the Twin Cities. With our cast of journalists, activists, experts and residents, we celebrate our wins with beaming pride, critique our shortcomings with the attention of a seed art judge and mutter “that’s interesting” for anything in between. Alongside our daily newsletter, we put the spotlight on the news and culture of the Twin Cities from every perspective we can find – including yours. It’s like a potluck where everyone’s invited and no one brings grape salad. So whether you've been here long enough to remember the Halloween blizzard of 1991, or you just bought your first winter coat, bring your dish over and let's talk. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at ⁠twincities.citycast.fm⁠.

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Yesterday · 34 min
Toxic Soil at St. Paul's Largest Encampment. Plus, Freshwater Mussels and a Queer Dance Party
Since the City of St. Paul closed the homeless encampment at Pig's Eye Park, hundreds of residents have moved into another encampment near Shepard Road and Randolph Avenue. The Randolph encampment exists on what used to be a junk yard, and MinnPost reporters Maddie Robinson and Shay Scanlan recently found high levels of lead in the ground that could be poisoning the residents there. They join today's episode of the podcast to talk about it. We also speak with DJ Caiked Up and musician Diane Miller about a super fun queer dance party they're hosting tonight at Icehouse. And it's Friday, so we want to celebrate some wins from the week! Racket Co-founder and City Cast contributor Em Cassel helps round up some of the good news stories from this week. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Dangerous levels of lead and other toxins taint soil at St. Paul homeless encampment (MinnPost) Spring Lake Park Mayor election results in tie, winner to be chosen by lottery (FOX 9) Mussels regaining a foothold in the upper Mississippi River after decades of decline (MinnPost) Union Depot is ready for the holidays with a donated tree (and an earlier start for the European Christmas Market) (Pioneer Press) Nicollet reopening through Kmart parking lot (Lyndale Neighborhood Association) Bob Dylan meets the Pope (Star Tribune) Tomboy Takeover presented by Caiked Up (Icehouse) Learn more about the sponsors of this November 6th episode: Enjoy Illinois Twin Cities Con - Use code "FREEKIDSTCC" for free kid tickets Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Thursday · 37 min
Democrats Win Big. What Will They Do Next? (w/ Mary Lahammer)
It’s blue most of the way down, as Democrats have regained control of the Legislature. What will they do with the power? Who will replace Amy Klobuchar as U.S. Senator? Will Republicans reconsider their messaging and strategy? Veteran political reporter Mary Lahammer from Twin Cities PBS joins us to prognosticate on what the results tell us about voter priorities. Take a swig each time we say “trifecta” in this episode. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Mary Lahammer on X Learn more about the sponsors of this November 5th episode: Enjoy Illinois Twin Cities Con - Use code "FREEKIDSTCC" for free kid tickets Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Wednesday · 42 min
DFL Trifecta is Back, With First Woman Governor
Minnesota woke up to a new political reality, and we were up at 5 a.m. to break it all down, including Amy Klobuchar's historic governor's win, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s win for a U.S. Senate seat, the DFL's path to another trifecta, and tight local races from Hennepin County to Ramsey County. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Minnesota general election results 2026 (Star Tribune) Sahan Journal banned from Minnesota GOP election watch party (Sahan Journal) If you enjoyed today's interview with the Chief Executive Officer at the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Mike Logan, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 4th episode: Enjoy Illinois Twin Cities Con - Use code "FREEKIDSTCC" for free kid tickets Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Tuesday · 41 min
How To Stay Engaged After Election Day. Plus, SPPS Budget Woes and Best Soups
After a five hour school board meeting filled with protesters, the St. Paul School Board decided not to eliminate about 16 English language teaching positions in the middle of the school year. The district is short on funding as after Operation Metro Surge, they have less English language learners enrolled than projected. Sahan Journal education reporter Becky Dernbach joins today's episode to break down how St. Paul is closing the funding gap instead. Later, Dr. Amber Alton (⁠@docamberalton⁠) talks about the local races they're watching most closely today and how to stay engaged after Election Day. Minnesota's independent food critic Kirstie Kimball of ⁠beyond beurre blanc⁠ also lets us know where to find her favorite soups in the Twin Cities now that it's officially soup season. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ⁠St. Paul approves early retirement plan to avoid cutting 16 English-language teachers midyear⁠ (Sahan Journal) ⁠St. Paul school board delays English language teacher cuts after raucous meeting⁠ (Sahan Journal) ⁠St. Paul schools could cut 16 English language teachers midyear⁠ (Sahan Journal) ⁠My Go-To Order at Cafe Yoto⁠ (beyond beurre blanc) Learn more about the sponsors of this November 3rd episode: ⁠Enjoy Illinois⁠ ⁠Twin Cities Con⁠ - Use code "FREEKIDSTCC" for free kid tickets Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, or ⁠YouTube⁠, or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to ⁠sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and ⁠becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor⁠! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠.
Monday · 43 min
Sizzling County Politics. Plus, Local Solidarity with Cornell’s Jane Doe
Last month, a Cornell University student testified she’d been sexually assaulted by several frat brothers. Minnesota Daily journalist Kyra Deters reports that students at the University of Minnesota took to the streets in solidarity. Will this case change how colleges address rape culture? Plus, writer Taylor Dahlin helps us brace for impact before Election Day, and Lonely’s Bar in St. Anthony Main shows the enduring appeal of cheap beer, lowbrow food, and a good atmosphere. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Campus rally calls for accountability and change for sexual assault survivors (The Minnesota Daily) Lonely’s Bar Feels Like It’s Been Around Forever. In a Way, It Kind of Has. (Racket) Taylor Dahlin If you enjoyed today's interview with the CEO/President of Galena County Tourism, Terry Mattson, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 2nd episode: Enjoy Illinois Twin Cities Con - Use code "FREEKIDSTCC" for free kid tickets Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
October 30 · 38 min
How the Media Legitimizes Racist Rhetoric. Plus, November's Best Concerts, Theater, and Bike Rides
Independent journalist Molly Priesmeyer recently dug into the Star Tribune's use of the term "Somali gangs" in its reporting, and found that the use of the term skyrocketed after Republican Congressman Tom Emmer made it one of his main talking points. Today, Molly joins the podcast to talk about the real-world consequences that can be caused by framing a story the wrong way, and how media outlets and government officials can do better. Also, we're at the end of the month, so it's time for our November Guide! Tune in for our team's recommendations on all the best things to do around the Twin Cities this month. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ⁠How the Star Tribune Turned Republican “Somali Gangs” Rhetoric Into an Election-Year Crime Narrative⁠ (By Design) ⁠Your Guide to November 2026 in the Twin Cities⁠ (City Cast Twin Cities) ⁠Man jumps on moving school bus, credited for saving kids⁠ (ABC News) ⁠John Legend stops into St. Paul brewery to meet with community leaders⁠ (Bring Me The News) ⁠Northside Achievement Zone⁠ ⁠Freeamerica⁠ ⁠Unidos MN⁠ ⁠Unidos MN and Urban Growler's instagram post⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this October 30th episode: ⁠Explore Minnesota⁠ ⁠Minneapolis Institute of Art⁠ Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, or ⁠YouTube⁠, or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to ⁠sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and ⁠becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor⁠! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠.
October 29 · 33 min
The Right to Repair Your Sink. Plus, 12 AM Releases Are so Back
St. Paul, you’ll be voting on a new ordinance that would let renters make their own repairs. We’ll explain why the city is fighting this policy in court. Reporter Brian Martucci explains how election officials are bracing for federal interference, and why that’s extraordinary. Plus, Inkwell Booksellers Co. hosted a midnight release party for the new “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” In the digital age, owner Elizabeth Foster shows how bookstores are bringing people together in analog ways. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ⁠On Election Day, polling sites should be ‘islands of calm,’ says Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon⁠ (MinnPost) ⁠St. Paul voters to weigh in on ‘Right to Repair’ in November⁠ (Pioneer Press) ⁠Inkwell Booksellers Company⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this October 29th episode: ⁠Explore Minnesota⁠ ⁠Minneapolis Institute of Art⁠ Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, or ⁠YouTube⁠, or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to ⁠sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and ⁠becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor⁠! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠.
October 28 · 46 min
Mpls School Board Candidate Interviews, and Chloe Radcliffe's Very Petty Billboards
Incumbent school board member and board Treasurer Abdul Abdi and challenger Ben Lattimore are running against each other to represent Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis on the Minneapolis Public Schools Board. Today, they both join the podcast to discuss how they would govern if they win next week's election. Later, Minnesota-born comedian Chloe Radcliffe talks about her new comedy special from Comedy Central and how she convinced the company to put up billboards around the Twin Cities near the homes of men she used to have a crush on. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Abdul Abdi for School Board Ben Lattimore for MPS EYES DOWN HERE - Chloe Radcliffe - Full Special (Comedy Central) If you enjoyed today's interview with the Chief Executive Officer at the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, Mike Logan, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 28th episode: Explore Minnesota Minneapolis Institute of Art Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
October 27 · 39 min
Get Off Ya Hands and Vote! Plus, Hospital Mergers and Kara Swisher
Gary Hines, music director for Sounds of Blackness, has your new Election Day anthem. Major hospital mergers are shaking up healthcare in Minnesota. Wanda Malden and Dr. Matt Hoffman are with the Save MN Healthcare coalition, pushing for a legally binding contract to protect patients and workers. Plus, Kara Swisher is returning to Minneapolis for an Election Day podcast show. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ⁠Sounds of Blackness⁠ ⁠Save MN Healthcare⁠ ⁠PIVOT with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway⁠ (Use code “CITYCAST” for 20% off) Learn more about the sponsors of this October 27th episode: ⁠Explore Minnesota⁠ ⁠Minneapolis Institute of Art⁠ Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, or ⁠YouTube⁠, or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to ⁠sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and ⁠becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor⁠! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠.
October 26 · 38 min
Ojibwe Survival and Resistance in the Twin Cities. Plus, Free Money for Schools
Today we're revisiting two of our favorite recent interviews on the podcast. First, we hear from author Sasha Maria Suarez about her new book “An Ojibwe Home in the City,” which details how generations of Ojibwe women created a home for their community and tribal members in the Twin Cities. In the birthplace of the American Indian Movement, she writes how Ojibwe women quietly but powerfully refused to let their culture and knowledge disappear. Then, Rep. Spencer Igo from northern Minnesota joins the conversation to talk about a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would give more money to schools without taking any more money from taxpayers. Become a City Cast Neighbor, and claim your exclusive Neighbor hat today (last chance!): membership.citycast.fm/twincities Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: An Ojibwe Home in the City: White Earth Women and Community Organizing in Minneapolis (Birch Bark Books) Constitutional Amendment | Voter Guide: 2026 General Election (Minnesota Reformer) If you enjoyed today's interview with the Executive Director at Explore Minnesota, Lauren Bennett McGinty, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 26th episode: Explore Minnesota Minneapolis Institute of Art Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
October 23 · 42 min
Disability Culture Onstage. Plus, Hennepin County Commissioner Candidate
Marion Greene represents Hennepin County’s District 3, and she makes her pitch for re-election. Duluth-based musician Gaelynn Lea is coming to the Ordway with friends. Expect a show showcasing disability culture, in all its beauty and diversity. Plus, the 15 people facing conspiracy charges after Operation Metro Surge made their first court appearance. We’ll talk about how that case led to the court uncovering one ICE agent’s lies. Become a City Cast Neighbor today, and get this cool ‘neighbor’ hat! Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Interview with Marion Greene’s challenger, Abidhakim Ibrahim (City Cast Twin Cities) It Wasn't Meant to be Perfect: An Evening with Gaelynn Lea and Friends (Ordway) Judge excoriates ICE, prosecutors over false accusation against attorney (MPR News) Learn more about the sponsors of this October 23rd episode: Explore Minnesota Enjoy Illinois Minnesota Opera Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
October 22 · 45 min
Minneapolis School Board Candidate Forum
Four candidates are running for two at-large seats on the Minneapolis School Board in November's election. Today, we hear from candidates Christin Crabtree, Michael Baskins, and Stephanie Johnson on whether they agree with the district's recent proposal to close up to 16 schools, how they would approach solving budget problems in the long term, and how they would approach recruiting new students into the district. Incumbent candidate Collin Beachy was invited to join the forum as well, but he was unable to attend. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ⁠Long-awaited Minneapolis district transformation proposals could close 16 public schools⁠ (Star Tribune) Learn more about the sponsors of this October 22nd episode: ⁠Explore Minnesota⁠ ⁠Enjoy Illinois⁠ ⁠Minnesota Opera⁠ Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, or ⁠YouTube⁠, or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to ⁠sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and ⁠becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor⁠! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠.
October 21 · 36 min
Why Is Rep. Ilhan Omar Being Investigated Now? Plus, Art and Aging
Today we take a look through recent headlines, including the Department of Justice's investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar’s immigration papers just weeks before Election Day. We also chat with writer Morgan Grayce Willow about “Nick of Time,” a new book from the University of Minnesota Press, which brings together the stories of women 65 years and over. Plus, City Cast contributor and restaurant critic Kirstie Kimball of beyondbeurreblanc. is tired of restaurants selling us “girl dinner.” Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Nick of Time (University of Minnesota Press) Viral video of heated remark prompts online backlash, St. Thomas investigation (Star Tribune) It wouldn’t be easy to strip Rep. Ilhan Omar of her citizenship, legal experts say (CNN) Encampment clearing at St. Paul's Pig's Eye Park cost taxpayers nearly $440,000 (KSTP) St. Paul City Council considers nearly $11 million, three-part homeless response (Pioneer Press) Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Explore Minnesota Enjoy Illinois Minnesota Opera Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
October 20 · 39 min
Top Baseball Bars, Twin Cities Restaurant Week, and (Fake) First Ave Shows
Today we dig into how to make the most of Restaurant Week in the Twin Cities with food writer and City Cast contributor Kirstie Kimball of beyond beurre blanc. Then, baseball enthusiast and glove repair shop owner Jimmy Lonetti stops by with his definitive ranking of the best bars in the Twin Cities to catch a game. Finally, journalist and Prince scholar Andrea Swensson and musical icon Lori Barbero join to play "First Ave or Fictional Ave" ahead of the "Made Here, Heard Everywhere" exhibit at the Galleria in Edina. Consider joining our membership program and becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor! Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Made Here Heard Everywhere at the Galleria D&J Glove Repair Bluesky Convo MSP Mag Restaurant Week All saints Estelle Liliana Risata cucina Xelas Tilia Learn more about the sponsors of this October 20th episode: Explore Minnesota Enjoy Illinois Minnesota Opera Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
October 19 · 34 min
Where Should I Raise My Kids? One Northside Family’s Answer
When writer Alyssa Joy Miller talks about how her parents chose to raise her in North Minneapolis, it’s shocking to some. But was it the right choice? In the wake of journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones’ piece in the New York Times, Alyssa reflects on how her family found belonging and safety in a neighborhood where others only saw violence. Plus, Jada Pulley of Queer and Funny Improv Festival talks about their biggest year yet. Consider joining our membership program, getting an incredible City Cast hat, and ⁠becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor⁠! Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ⁠Did my parents make the right choice to raise us on Minneapolis’ North Side?⁠ (Star Tribune) ⁠In Fighting for Every Black Child, Did I Betray My Own?⁠ (The New York Times) ⁠Queer and Funny Improv Festival⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this October 19th episode: ⁠Explore Minnesota⁠ ⁠Enjoy Illinois⁠ ⁠Minnesota Opera⁠ Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, or ⁠YouTube⁠, or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to ⁠sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠.
October 16 · 37 min
St. Paul Art Crawl, MCAD Faculty vs. AI, and Taiko Drum Swing Music
It's Friday, so we kick off today's episode with some Twin Cities Wins – a roundup of good news from around the metro this week. Then, we chat with Harry Gao, an instructor at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, about how the teachers are negotiating for more pay and protections from AI in their work. Artistic Director of TaikoArts Midwest Jennifer Weir also joins the conversation to discuss Swingposium – an immersive performance by TaikoArts Midwest, Theater Mu, and San Jose Taiko that combines taiko, jazz, and swing dance to tell the story of how Japanese Americans maintained morale in WWII internment camps through swing music. Swingposium is showing at CSPS Hall on Oct. 16, 17, and 18. Consider joining our membership program, getting an incredible City Cast hat, and becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor! Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Minneapolis school leaders reverse course and decide not to close schools (Star Tribune) FuboTV offers Minnesota Wild games to bars and restaurants — for a fee (Pioneer Press) Guide to the St. Paul Art Crawl 2026 (Visit Saint Paul) Art Crawl Map (St. Paul Art Collective) A Human-Centered Arts Education (Workday Magazine) Swingposium Learn more about the sponsors of this October 16th episode: Explore Minnesota Minneapolis Regional Chamber The Cedar Cultural Center Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
October 15 · 50 min
MPS Walks Back School Closures. Plus, Close Senate Race
For years, Minneapolis and St. Paul residents have read Naomi Kritzer’s election guides to parse through hyper-local races. Ahead of the midterms, she joins the show to talk about how she endorses candidates. Plus, Minneapolis Public Schools’ superintendent is taking school closures off the table. But there’s still more work ahead. Finally, the Theater of Public Policy hosted a debate between Rep. Cedrick Frazier and former Acting U.S. Attorney Anders Folk. We rewind on a critical moment. Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor — and score an Em Cassel-approved dad hat — at ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ⁠Naomi Kritzer’s election guides ⁠ ⁠Minnesota Poll: Klobuchar has a commanding lead over Demuth in governor’s race⁠ (Star Tribune) ⁠Minnesota Poll: Attorney General Keith Ellison leads challenger Ron Schutz⁠ (Star Tribune) ⁠Minnesota Poll: Flanagan holds narrow lead over Tafoya in U.S. Senate race⁠ (Star Tribune) ⁠Theater of Public Policy — Danger Boat Productions⁠ ⁠Minneapolis school leaders reverse course and decide not to close schools⁠ (Star Tribune) Learn more about the sponsors of this October 15th episode: ⁠Explore Minnesota⁠ ⁠Minneapolis Regional Chamber⁠ ⁠The Cedar Cultural Center⁠ Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, or ⁠YouTube⁠, or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to ⁠sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter. Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠.
October 14 · 35 min
Why Was Ilhan Omar Raided? Plus, Gas Prices From Behind the Counter
Federal agents raided Rep. Ilhan Omar's Washington, D.C., home over the weekend, and President Trump urged non-Somali Minnesotans to "fight back" against Somali Minnesotans just a few days earlier. Mosques and some Somali-owned businesses are ⁠beefing up security measures⁠ and some neighbors are ⁠rebooting patrols⁠ that started during Operation Metro Surge. Also, gas prices are up – so we interviewed Lonnie McQuirter of ⁠36 Lyn Refuel Station⁠ on what that's like for a local gas station operator. And we released a new Neighborhood Session today! Tune in to see Society of Chemists play some ripping jazz fusion at Indeed Brewing's distribution warehouse in Northeast Minneapolis. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ⁠Society of Chemists Live at Indeed Brewing | Full Neighborhood Session⁠ (City Cast Twin Cities)⁠Your City Could Be Better⁠ (City Cast) ⁠Lonnie McQuirter of 36 Lyn Refuel Station is the new 2026-2027 NACS Chairman⁠ (CSP Daily News) ⁠Gas prices in Minnesota spike overnight as oil prices climb⁠ (Star Tribune) ⁠Federal raid on Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home raises plenty of questions⁠ (MinnPost) ⁠Trump urges Minnesotans to ‘fight back’ against Somali immigrants⁠ (NBC News) Learn more about the sponsors of this October 14th episode: ⁠Explore Minnesota⁠ ⁠Minneapolis Regional Chamber⁠ ⁠The Cedar Cultural Center⁠ Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠TikTok⁠, or ⁠YouTube⁠, or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to ⁠sign up⁠ for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and ⁠becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor⁠! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠.
October 13 · 43 min
‘An Ojibwe Home in the City’ and Twin Cities Horror Fest
Catch live horror at Twin Cities Horror Fest beginning this Friday through Halloween. Directors Duck Washington and Nissa Nordland highlight shows you can’t miss, whether you’re thirsty for gore or looking for something family-friendly. Plus, author Sasha Maria Suarez’s new book “An Ojibwe Home in the City” details how generations of Ojibwe women created a home for their community and tribal members in the Twin Cities. In the birthplace of the American Indian Movement, she writes how Ojiwe women quietly but powerfully refused to let their culture and knowledge disappear. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Twin Cities Horror Festival An Ojibwe Home in the City: White Earth Women and Community Organizing in Minneapolis If you enjoyed today's interview with the Executive Director at Explore Minnesota, Lauren Bennett McGinty, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 13th episode: Explore Minnesota Minneapolis Regional Chamber The Cedar Cultural Center Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637. For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Consider joining our membership program and becoming a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor! Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
October 11 · 24 min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like
Now that Minnesota has mandated that all schools have policies on cell phones, which ones stand out? A strong example is St. Paul Central High School, which is going into the second year of a strict no-phone policy and has lots of positive feedback to show for it. Sean McPherson joins David to talk about how the school is succeeding at enforcing a phone-free school environment, the surprising ways that some students approach it, and how these kinds of bans can even affect adults like Sean. Listeners, it’s that time again: Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show! Send us an email or submit using this Google Form. Mentioned on the show: Kids using public radio comment sections as ad hoc communication Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

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