Shows / City Cast Twin Cities
City Cast Twin Cities
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…
Episodes
- City Cast Twin Cities
Deeply Affordable Housing in Midway. Plus, 28 Years of Free Jazz
Sean and Denzel run down a list of upcoming events as summer approaches, from Studio Ghibli jazz at the Dakota to the State Fair's kickoff weekend. Dayna…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Off-Camera with St. Paul's Unbanned Influencer Josh Liljenquist
In April, the city of St. Paul banned influencer Josh Liljenquist from visiting St. Paul public parks for allegedly "harassing, recording, and profiting from…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Final Push for Gun Violence Bill. Plus, Patio Season is Here
Today, we explore the art of Twin Cities patio season with restaurant critic Kirstie Kimball, from temperature tolerance to tipping etiquette. Also, the…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Twin Cities Bang-Bangs and TC Gemini's New Season
Hear about the Twin Cities' best activity pairings from Minnehaha Falls and Sea Salt to the Trylon and Arbeiter Brewing. Also, rugby players Natayah Bauer and…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Legislature Might Pass Zero Bills. Plus, the Best Sports Ticket in Town
The Minnesota Legislature has six days left to get anything done before the May 17th deadline, but with no budget requirement this session, lawmakers might not…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Art-A-Whirl Tips, Mosquito Outlook, and Big Trouble in Little Canada
Art-A-Whirl is coming to Northeast Minneapolis, and we get insider tips from producer Tiffany Bui on the best art events, from disco cowboy activities at the…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Planning the Perfect Mother's Day. Plus, the State of Mpls and a Horny Turkey
Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his state of the city address this week, focusing on public safety, affordable housing, and business support – but will his agenda…
- City Cast Twin Cities
MPS’s $21M Accounting Mistake. Plus, the Future of MN Weed
Minneapolis Public Schools mysteriously "found" $21 million during a $50 million budget crisis, but deeper financial chaos reveals years of mismanagement…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Minneapolis is Opening its Doors. Plus, a Northeast Café Fighting Back
Doors Open Minneapolis is back this weekend with 75 venues across the city unlocking their doors for free, giving you access to places you'd never otherwise…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Are the Twin Cities #1 for Women’s Sports? Plus, What To Buy Right Now at the Farmers Market
As spring ramps up, you might be wondering what the best produce to get at farmers markets is – besides ramps of course! City Cast Twin Cities Host Sean…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Don’t Fall For These Scams! Plus, St. Paul's (Un)banned Influencer
Take heed as we dig into the world of scams with contributors sharing their own tales of getting duped, from garage door schemes to fake e-vites to the classic…
- City Cast Twin Cities
May Day Strike, Grooming Felony Bill Passes, HCMC Gets $150M
It's May Day, and organizers are calling for no work, no school, and no shopping. Sean and PaviElle dig into the history and meaning of one-day strikes. Then…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Big Tomato Conspiracy, Theater Bag Essentials, and Must-Dos for May
We kick off May in the Twin Cities with a curated guide to the month's best activities, including theater recommendations, Cinco de Mayo, and Art-A-Whirl…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Rising Xcel Bills, Street Band Fest, and How Would Klobuchar Govern?
Is your Xcel bill going up? It’s not your imagination. The utility company is allowed to temporarily raise prices on your utilities while the government…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Trash Debate On Fire, Springboard's Next Chapter, and Medicine Meets Art
Activists with the Zero Burn Coalition have ended a 12-day hunger strike protesting Minneapolis’ HERC trash incinerator, but what happens next? Host Sean…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Shiny New Lynx Roster. Plus, Celebrating Cinco De Mayo
Will the Lynx make it to the championships this year? ZoneCoverage reporter Andrew Dukowitz gives us a lay of the land. With new million dollar contracts and a…
- City Cast Twin Cities
No, You Can't Bet On Your Own Election. Plus, Peace Prize for the Black Hart
It's Friday, so we're celebrating some Twin Cities Wins with vocalist and contributor PaviElle French. We also chat with Wes Burdine, owner of the Black Hart…
- City Cast Twin Cities
The BWCA Mining Ban Is Gone. Now What? Plus, Twin Cities' Cover Band Moment
The Biden-era moratorium on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is gone. Pete Stauber's bill passed Congress, and the future of one of Minnesota's most…
- City Cast Twin Cities
These Lawyers Are Still Fighting ICE. Plus, Studbudz Break Up and MN Compass
Beloved Lynx duo Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, aka Studbudz, are breaking up as Hiedeman has signed with the Seattle Storm. Heartbreak all around…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Can the State Save HCMC? Also, Pick Up Trash With Us!
HCMC is in dire financial straits, and legislators are running out of time to provide funding to keep the hospital open. Hennepin County Commissioner Angela…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Why did Mpls Ban Bathhouses? Plus, Stoner Xmas
The Minneapolis City Council banned adult bathhouses 40 years ago. Now, they’re considering decriminalizing these spaces, which were often safe places for gay…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Will Michelin Help Mpls Restaurants? Plus, 'Intergenerational Healing' through Theater
Michelin announced that Minneapolis (and not St. Paul) will be included in its upcoming Great Lakes Guide, and they will be issuing stars to the restaurants in…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Why Are MSP Flights so Expensive? Plus, D&D Turns 52
Dungeons and Dragons is about to turn 52, which can trace its roots back to a basement right here in St. Paul. Contributor Hans Buetow and producer Molly…
- City Cast Twin Cities
This Fish Could Tank an Economy. Plus, Hollywood Beavers
The invasive lamprey fish once ran wild in the Great Lakes, eating into a bustling fishing industry. The federal program that got it under control is at risk…
- City Cast Twin Cities
$6M in Rent Relief. Plus, Beer Buyers and Music Archivers
Who picks the beer at your local liquor store? Racket did a story focusing on the local superstar tastemakers and what they’re looking for. Talk about a cool…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Newcomer's Guide to the Twin Cities. Plus, WTF are Data Centers?
Welcome, Twin Cities newbies! Here’s everything we forgot to tell you about Minnesota, from why we refuse to eat the last bite to why we don’t dance at…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Will MPD Chief Get Another Term? Plus, Rondo Resilience
The long-vacant Sears near the state Capitol has a new owner, and hopefully soon, a new life. The Rondo Community Land Trust is promising to replace it with a…
- City Cast Twin Cities
'Minnesota's Batman,' HCMC In Trouble, and New Music from jeremy messersmith
A masked vigilante in Minneapolis who goes by the name of "NoMark" has amassed over half a million followers on social media for his crime-fighting antics. But…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Falling Loons, Food Deserts, and What New ICE Footage Actually Shows
What should you do if you see a loon falling from the sky? You’ll know after listening to this episode, and we’ll explain why Minnesota's state bird sometimes…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Remembering an Iconic MPLS ‘Guncle.’ Plus, George Floyd Square Construction
If you don’t know Roy Blakey, you should. Blakey traveled the world as a theatrical ice skater and later became the forefather of male nude photography. His…
- City Cast Twin Cities
The ‘Dirtbag’ Lawyer Helping Immigrants. Plus, St. Paul Art Crawl
Dan Suitor is one of many lawyers in the Twin Cities who have pivoted to helping free immigrants from ICE custody by filing habeas petitions. But he doesn’t do…
- City Cast Twin Cities
'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium — Presented By City Cast Twin Cities
If you are a fan of the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, you already know how incredible women's sports are! While more and more people are embracing women’s sports…
- City Cast Twin Cities
The State of Sex Work in the TC. Plus, Best Breakfast Spots
The Twin Cities punches above its weight when it comes to breakfast. In fact, host Sean McPherson will argue any day that we do breakfast better than anywhere…
- City Cast Twin Cities
“Surveillance Pricing” on Groceries? Plus, Your April Guide
In the future, grocery stores could use data they’ve collected on you to change the price of your bananas (or other food of choice). Though that reality isn’t…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Bob Dylan's (Possibly AI) Patreon. Plus, How Well Do You Know Local Headlines?
Bob Dylan recently launched a Patreon promising “a living archive of lectures from the grave, letters never sent, and original short stories curated by Bob…
- City Cast Twin Cities
“Free the Nukes”? Plus, An Open Letter to Kristi Noem
Have you seen those billboards off the highway proclaiming “Free the Nukes”? We get into what that’s all about (spoiler alert: it’s pretty literal). Plus, Star…
- City Cast Twin Cities
César Chávez Day Repealed. Plus, Minneapolis City Council's 'United Front' Is Over
The Minnesota House and Senate voted unanimously to end observation of César Chávez Day after allegations of rape, grooming, and sexual abuse against Chávez…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Your City Could Be Better': How Austin is Succeeding at Affordable Housing — Presented By City Cast Twin Cities
More affordable housing is needed in places like the Twin Cities. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Could I-94 Be Better? Plus, “Extra Special Grandmother Energy”
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is closing out public comment on its “Rethinking I-94” project, which aims to reconstruct 10 miles of the…
- City Cast Twin Cities
CVS Is Gone. What's Next? Plus, Our Boss Got Scammed
The demolition of the long-vacant CVS building in Hamline-Midway felt like a major step forward for many in the neighborhood – but what comes next? Host Sean…
- City Cast Twin Cities
How We Became A Trans Refuge State. Plus, the MPS “Doom Loop”
Star Tribune columnist Eric Roper believes Minneapolis public schools are in a “doom loop.” What can be done to fix it? Plus, a friendly PSA about the No Kings…
- City Cast Twin Cities
U of M's Terrible New Slogan, Bones in Lake Superior, and Rebellion Through Poetry
After spending $15 million with a marketing agency that will be helping the University of Minnesota over the next five years, the school has announced its new…
- City Cast Twin Cities
What’s Right in Public Safety? Plus, Stand With Minnesota
In the age of political deadlock, you can look no further than John Choi at the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office for an example of someone doing their job…
- City Cast Twin Cities
'Your City Could Be Better': Could a Nevada Brothel Help Redefine Labor Standards Nationwide? — Presented By City Cast Twin Cities
The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in the Twin Cities. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Urban Farm Breakthrough, Spotlighting Black Creatives, and a Spring "Treat Walk"
After more than a year of back and forth, the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute and the city of Minneapolis have finally come to an agreement for the…
- City Cast Twin Cities
How Secure Are Our Elections? Plus, Fake St. Paul Band (Fake) Dies
Earlier this week, a Facebook page for the St. Paul-based bluegrass band The Gillyweeds announced all six members had died in a plane crash. Turns out, The…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Could City Plowing Be Better? Plus, Top 5 Chicken Wings
In honor of almost nine inches of snow at MSP Airport, we’re revisiting an episode about plowing in St. Paul. Mostly, does it suck (some say yes), and what…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Is Uptown Really Dead? Plus, Where to Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day
Looking for the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the Twin Cities? Host Sean McPherson and contributor Em Cassel run down their top spots for Irish…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Nekima Levy Armstrong Is Still Boycotting Target
When news broke last week claiming the national Target boycott had ended, it came as a surprise to the people who had actually organized the boycott. Attorney…
- City Cast Twin Cities
‘Your City Could Be Better’: DC’s Plan To Hold Federal Agents Accountable — Presented By City Cast Twin Cities
People in the Twin Cities are concerned about police accountability, especially with the increased presence of federal troops in many cities. DC Council in…
- City Cast Twin Cities
“This Job Sucks” Attorney Runs for Office. Plus, Getting Dumped in Minneapolis and Best Pies
Happy (early) Pi Day! Kirstie Kimball, food critic and author of beyond beurre blanc, tells us where to get our fill of banana chocolate pie. If you also…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Did ICE Really "Find" 145,000 Kids? Plus, How First Ave Got Huge and Bussin' Irish Stew
Since the drawdown to Operation Metro Surge began, border czar Tom Homan has claimed ICE found 3,364 lost migrant children in Minnesota, while Kristi Noem…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Minneapolis Loves OnlyFans. Plus, Eagle Watching and Hold Music
Did you know Minnesota has the second-highest number of eagles in the country? Ed Hahn from the National Eagle Center in Wabasha joins us to talk about how…
- City Cast Twin Cities
30+ Suburbs Join Forces for ICE Relief, and Small Things To Love About the Twin Cities
City leaders in more than 30 suburban municipalities have joined forces to demand an immediate de-escalation of ICE's presence and financial support to help…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Local Beaver Expert Helps Pixar. Plus, Political Ice Breakers and What to Do This Week
Emily Fairfax – a scientist from the University of Minnesota studying beavers – somehow ended up advising a Pixar movie, and she joins Sean to talk about it…
- City Cast Twin Cities
'Your City Could Be Better': What the Twin Cities Needs To Know About Utah's Controversial 'Homeless Campus' Plan
Homelessness is one of the major issues that places like the Twin Cities are trying to solve. The state of Utah is planning to build a 16-acre homeless campus…
- City Cast Twin Cities
MN's Half-Baked Legal Weed Plan. Plus, 'Resist and Unsubscribe', and Twin Cities Wins
Why is the legal weed rollout in Minnesota moving so slowly? Sean McPherson talks with contributor Sam Choo and cannabis entrepreneur Yoni Reinharz about where…
- City Cast Twin Cities
'Loon Pandemonium' and a Concert for Folks Sheltering in Place
Between “Heated Rivalry” and the loon’s rise as a symbol of resistance, loon fever is sweeping the nation. So when local jeweler Larissa Loden realized there…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Stories of Mutual Aid, Mining Near the BWCA, Arena Renovations
St. Paul and the Minnesota Wild want $200 million from the state to renovate the Grand Casino Arena and Roy Wilkins Auditorium. Is it worth it? Journalist and…
- City Cast Twin Cities
Our Biggest Hospital Might Close. Plus, Best Fish Frys in the Twin Cities
As the largest level I trauma center and the largest safety net hospital in Minnesota, Hennepin County Health Center is an extremely expensive hospital to run…