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 outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler about why sex workers are considered independent contractors, what sparked this legal battle, and what happens if they win. Plus, what's different about neighborhoods in Las Vegas?

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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 neighborhood to purchase the old Roof Depot site to build an urban farm – well, half of it. Host Sean McPherson is joined by vocalist and contributor PaviElle French and producer Adam Sage to break down the long saga of the Roof Depot urban farm and the EPNI's vision for the future. The team also gets into some Twin Cities Wins in the form of some great neighborhood events. Later, Damenica Ellis of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder joins the conversation to talk about her new podcast, On the Radar, where she interviews Black creatives from the Twin Cities community every week. 

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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 Gillyweeds were an invention of local designer Todd Pitman as part of an elaborate treasure hunt. Was it ethical to make people mourn for a made-up band? Plus, President Trump wants to require Americans to provide citizenship documentation before they vote. How could this impact Minnesota’s critical midterms? Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon joins the show to talk about keeping elections “free and fair.”

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Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Berlin

Xcel Energy

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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 could be better? The city is piloting a program that would mean moving your car way less for snow plowing. Plus, we’re also rerunning our top 5 chicken wings list, because it’s too tasty not to hear twice. Listen to find your next bite. 

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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 music, culture, and yes – Guinness. Then we take a hard look at a question locals keep asking: Is Uptown dead? Sean chats with City Cast contributor Denzel Belin and producer Tiffany Bui to talk about what’s really happening in the neighborhood – from struggling businesses and public safety concerns to the people still fighting for its future. Finally, we spotlight local singer-songwriter Katy Tessman, who introduces her joyful song “Seven Sisters,” a tribute to the women who show up for us through everything. Tessman is one of the musicians on the bill for the Leading Ladies of Americana event at the Cabooze this Friday.

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Top 6 St. Patrick’s Day Activities (City Cast Twin Cities)

Uptown in crisis (Southwest Voices)

Leading Ladies of Americana (Cabooze)

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Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Berlin

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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 and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong joins the podcast today to talk about how the movement she started alongside Jaylani Hussein and Monique Cullars-Doty was "co-opted" by national activists who recently announced the boycott was over. Later, we run down this week's can't-miss events around the Twin Cities.

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People in the Twin Cities are concerned about police accountability, especially with the increased presence of federal troops in many cities. DC Council in Washington recently passed emergency legislation requiring local police to release body-worn camera footage of incidents involving federal forces they patrol with, and to collect the names of federal officers who make arrests. It’s a big shift in local policy, partially motivated by the fact that local cops have damaged their reputation by patrolling with feds. City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host and executive editor Mike Schaffer about the political stakes involved, the effectiveness of body cameras, and how Washingtonians are dealing with the heavy federal law enforcement presence. Plus, Mike and Jacoby weigh in on public transit etiquette in their cities when it comes to people playing music out loud.

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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 happened to just get dumped, comedian Alexa Kocinski shares what to do in the Twin Cities instead of telling everyone love’s not real. Department of Homeland Security attorney Julie Le made headlines after she told a judge, “this job sucks.” Now, she’s running for Rep. Ilhan Omar’s seat. 

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Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

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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 recently said the Department of Homeland Security has located more than 145,000 children nationwide. On today’s episode, host Sean McPherson is joined by Racket co-founder Em Cassel and producer Adam Sage to fact-check those claims. Later, MSP Magazine senior writer Steve Marsh talks about the history of First Ave and the Minnesota Lynx, topics he recently explored in a look back at the past 25 years in the Twin Cities. The Heavy Table’s Roseanne Pereira also joins the conversation with an Irish potato stew and other recipes to try this St. Patrick’s Day.

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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 bald eagles almost disappeared but made a triumphant comeback. He also shares where you can go eagle viewing in Minnesota. Plus, a Minnesota win (?) – the state leads the Midwest in OnlyFans subscriptions. We also help Driver and Vehicle Services choose new hold music. 

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Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

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