Trump’s new push for mass deportations is already sending fear through Minnesota’s Somali community, and we break down some of the more offensive comments he threw at Minnesota and its residents this week. Today, host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor Em Cassel of Racket and City Cast producer Tiffany Bui to break down what we know, what we don’t, and how people on the ground are navigating the uncertainty. Then, the bizarre rise of a right-wing AI cartoon that pulled an unsuspecting Twin Cities policy researcher into its orbit, and a long-awaited sandwich shop is ready to make its Minneapolis debut.

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Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

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The Whittier Alliance neighborhood organization is partnering with the City of Minneapolis to provide free snow shoveling for residents of the Whittier neighborhood, and 25/hr part-time work for anyone who wants to shovel. Today, host Sean McPherson is joined by independent journalist Katie Thornton and MPR Newsroom Coordinator Denzel Belin to talk shoveling and to learn more about some invasive fish that could threaten the entire Great Lakes fishing industry. The team also breaks down how local organizations in the Twin Cities are recognizing World AIDS Day this year in light of the federal government's refusal to do so. 

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Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637.

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We’re hardcore into the holiday season, so City Cast producer Tiffany ranks her top three holiday markets you have to visit. We’re joined by Dean Holt, who’s been part of the Children’s Theatre Company’s production of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” since 1994. Dean reflects on the enduring legacy (and now sellability) of the big green guy. Plus, longtime radio producer and contributor Sam Choo talks about “Listeners Like Who? Exclusion and Resistance in the Public Radio Industry”, a book unpacking public radio’s problem with representation. Local musician Carlisle Evans Peck also shares their song, “Lover, I’m An Anthem.” 

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Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637.

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It’s the busiest time of the year, but we’ve got your guide to enjoying December to the fullest. John Munson of The New Standards joins us to talk about returning to the State Theatre for their annual holiday show. After recovering from a stroke, John says he has even more to be grateful for this season. 

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Join City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson alongside fellow hosts from Austin, Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, and Seattle for a special episode that’ll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that’ll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a mustard-of-the-month subscription box, our hosts are here to tell the stories of local businesses in their cities making cool stuff that you can order online right now. 

Visit our website to find the full list of recommendations with links for holiday shopping!

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, or email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637.

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For many people, Thanksgiving is a time to relax and enjoy time with folks you love. But for many others, it can cause financial stress, anxiety over hosting, and fear that your relatives are going to say something that makes you feel unwelcome. Today on City Cast Twin Cities, Host Sean McPherson is joined by Dr. Katie Loth of the University of Minnesota Medical School and Contributor Tane Danger to talk about how to have constructive dialogue with your family and create an inclusive environment at the dinner table. Later, Producer Tiffany Bui joins the conversation to share where you can get a Thanksgiving meal if you don't want to cook it, and resources for folks who are worried they won't be able to afford the holiday this year. The team also takes a moment to honor the life and legacy of legendary Twin Cities musician Jellybean Johnson, who passed away over the weekend. Special thanks to Jazz88 for allowing us to air a snippet of Sean's interview with Jellybean back in 2022. 

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Host Sean McPherson is definitely taking breaks during the Turkey Trot on Thursday, and that’s totally fine. Contributor PaviElle French tells us other ways you can pre and post-game your Thanksgiving meal. Plus, another radio legend, Mary Lucia, sits down with Sean to talk about her new memoir, “What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To.” After living through a traumatic stalking experience, she created new holiday traditions, designed her book cover, and leaned on herself. Plus, Mary tells Sean why her pugs are just old men in dog form. 

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Get Mary Lucia’s ⁠new book⁠  tomorrow, Nov. 25

Plan your week with our ⁠events calendar ⁠

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠, or email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637.

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Waymo started testing its autonomous cars on the streets of Minneapolis yesterday, and could be offering autonomous taxi services in 2026. Would you ride in one? Host Sean McPherson is joined by Contributor Hans Buetow and Producer Tiffany Bui to unpack Waymo's Minneapolis rollout. The team also gets into recent drama between the University of Minnesota Physicians and the Board of Regents, this week's Twin Cities Wins, and some listener submissions to the mailbag.

Learn more about the stories and organizations discussed in this episode

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637.

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Federal raids in Minnesota are causing chaos and confusion in the streets. Protestors confronted federal agents at a St. Paul manufacturing plant on Tuesday, and we still don’t know who was detained. Amy Lange and Madeline Lohman from The Advocates for Human Rights help us digest this news. Plus, they explain why judges are dismissing immigrants’ cases, only to be captured by ICE agents waiting right outside the door. It’s Give To The Max Day, and there are hundreds of great orgs who need your support. We’ll name a few of our favorites. 

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Unionized food service workers at MSP have been in negotiations with their employer for over 11 months since their contract expired last December. With the busiest travel time of the year coming up next week, the UNITE HERE Local 17 union set a deadline of Monday for their employer HMSHost to meet their demands, or else they will go on strike. Host Sean McPherson is joined by MPR Newsroom Coordinator and Mr. Twin Cities Leather 2026 Denzel Belin, as well as local podcast producer Julie Censullo to dig in on what these workers are seeking to get out of their contract. The team also shares some tips for getting ready for impending winter weather, and Julie shares about two new narrative podcast projects she has been working on in the Twin Cities.

Learn more about the stories discussed in today's episode: 

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 612-217-0637.

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