City Cast Twin Cities

By 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... more

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FAQs about City Cast Twin Cities:

How many episodes does City Cast Twin Cities have?

The podcast currently has 83 episodes available.

City Cast Twin Cities episodes:

February 27, 2026Downtown St. Paul Gets an Aldi, Feds Target MN Medicaid, and Snowplow Names
It's been almost a year since the St. Paul downtown Lunds & Byerlys closed, and Aldi just filed plans to open a store in the same space. Host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor and acclaimed vocalist PaviElle French and Adam Sage to celebrate the end of the downtown food desert and fight over whether or not Aldi is a good grocery store. The team also breaks down a recent announcement from Vice President JD Vance and Dr. Oz that the federal government will be withholding $259 million of Medicaid funding from Minnesota. Later, Racket owner-editor Jay Boller joins the conversation to chat about the results of the 2026 MnDOT Snowplow Naming Contest, and why the Twin Cities were once again deprived of a plow named "Abolish ICE".
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
U of M to license new fruit varieties, including a sequel to the Honeycrisp apple (MPR)

Nearly a year after Lunds & Byerlys closed, Aldi to open in downtown St. Paul (Star Tribune)

White House to pause $259M in Minnesota Medicaid dollars in fraud crackdown (Star Tribune)

Trump administration halts some Medicaid funding to Minnesota (Minnesota Reformer)

Report: Groundwork for fraud in Minnesota human services goes back 50 years (Minnesota Reformer)

Based on Nominations, Minnesota Should Have an ‘ABOLISH ICE’ Snowplow. Here’s Why We Don’t. (Racket)
Learn more about the sponsors of this February 27th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.

For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
...more
30min
February 26, 2026Frey at State of the Swamp, Writers Assemble, and a Special Dinner
Minnesota mentioned!! But in the worst way. We’ll talk about what President Trump said at the State of the Union and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s appearance at the counter-address. Minnesota writers are addressing the moment at the Loft Literary Center. We’ll get a sneak preview. Plus, Owamni is hosting a dinner to commemorate Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. There’s an excellent menu for an important cause.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calls for fight against federal overreach as Trump delivers State of the Union (CBS Minnesota)

Trump slams Somalis for fraud in State of the Union, Rep. Ilhan Omar shouts back (Star Tribune)

Jailed for “Standing Up”: DHS Assault Victim Aliya Rahman Arrested at State of the Union Address (Democracy Now!)

Minnesota Writers Respond: A Public Literary Event

Love for Our Missing and Murdered Relatives - A MMIR Dinner

Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coaliton

Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center

Native Lives Matter Coalition

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office
Learn more about the sponsors of this February 26th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Xcel Energy
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.

For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
...more
32min
February 25, 2026Shelter Forgives Attackers, and Legalizing Foraging
St. Anne’s Place, a shelter for families, was attacked by its very own neighbors across the street in the fall of 2024. But instead of finding justice through punishment, they asked for mercy for one of the assailants. Director Cheryl Paynes shares how staff sought to repair relationships with their neighbors. Plus, when Sen. Susan Pha realized she was potentially breaking the law by foraging for plants at state parks, she created a task force to help clear up the rules. We’ll dive into the gray areas in our state laws around foraging.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Minneapolis shelter vandalized more than year ago asked for leniency for attacker as it mends (Star Tribune)

Walz introduces gun violence package in Minnesota legislature (KARE 11)

State foraging task force set to review Minnesota rules (MinnPost)
Learn more about the sponsors of this February 25th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.

For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
...more
35min
February 24, 2026Biggest Rent Strike in 100 Years? Plus, Mutual Aid and Weekend Getaways
It has been an exhausting few months for everyone in the Twin Cities, and taking a quick weekend trip is a great way to regain some energy and keep going. Today, Host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor Sam Choo and food writer Kirstie Kimball of beyond beurre blanc to recommend four places to get away within two and a half hours of the Twin Cities. Isi Breen, an organizer with the Twin Cities Tenants Union, joins the conversation later to discuss the 10,000-tenant rent strike that the union is calling for on March 1 if certain demands aren't met. Sean and Sam also interview Kirstie about how she has been engaging in mutual aid to help Minnesotans impacted by ICE, how you can get plugged into mutual aid networks in your community, and how she has been continuing on with grace despite a recent breast cancer diagnosis.
Dive into our recommended weekend getaways:
Lanesboro
Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe

Aroma Pie Shoppe

Root River State Bike Trail (Visit Lanesboro)
Duluth
Northern Waters Smokehaus

Fitgers

Sarah's Table Chester Creek Cafe

Pizza Luce Duluth

New Scenic Café is the North (beyond beurre blanc)

24 hours in Duluth, Beyond Beurre Blanc style. (beyond beurre blanc)
Red Wing
Friday Fish Fry at Kelly's Tap House

Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop

Chef Shack (Bay City, WI)
Winona
Bloedow Bakery

Minnesota Marine Art Museum

Acoustic Cafe

Minnesota Beethoven Festival

Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode
Tenants advocates call on state to support renters affected by surge of federal agents (MPR)

Twin Cities Tenants

Beyond Beurre Blanc (Instagram)

ICE hasn't left Minnesota. We still need you. (beyond beurre blanc)

REALLY GOOD TITS, Or: Rejecting the male gaze is a special kind of death (beyond beurre blanc)
Learn more about the sponsors of this February 24th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.

For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
...more
43min
February 23, 2026Catching Stories, Honoring Black History. Plus, Whipple Open Mic and Skyway 5k
What does it take to create groundbreaking and timely documentaries about Minnesota? We ask acclaimed director Daniel Bergin at Twin Cities PBS, who needs more room for all his Emmys. Bergin talks about empathy as an interviewing skill and pioneering the Black narrative space of public media. Plus, we’re looking forward to so many cool events this week, like Dildo Bingo and a 5k race in the skyways.

Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Jim Crow of the North

Paradox: Echoes of Reform & the Minneapolis Police

Hoop Dreams (1994) - IMDb

Minneapolis approves street renaming to Lena Smith Boulevard (MPR)

The Moth StorySLAM: Love Wins

Dildo Bingo

Minnesota United FC Kickoff Concert

Whipple Witness Open Mic

Lunar New Year with the Minnesota Orchestra

Wabasha Street Caves.

Heart To Gold at First Ave

Skyway 5K

Twin Cities BIPOC Music Showcase

Forest Bathing & Sauna
Learn more about the sponsors of this February 23rd episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

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.

For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
...more
36min
February 22, 2026 ‘Your City Could Be Better’: What the Twin Cities Needs To Know about Madison's Data Centers Fight
Everyone’s talking about AI these days, including residents of the Twin Cities. And now, more data centers are popping up across the country, thanks in part to the AI revolution. But some cities are stemming the tide, including Madison, Wisconsin, who recently passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. City Cast CEO David Plotz feels strongly that this was the wrong choice! He’s sitting down with City Cast Madison podcast host Bianca Martin to weigh the pros and cons of data centers, and debate the economic, ethical, and ecological considerations at the heart of this debate. Plus, David and Bianca share must-know tips for making it in Madison and DC.
We also mentioned this City Cast Madison episode.
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.
...more
28min
February 20, 2026What's Happening at the Capitol? Plus, Fight Over Alex Pretti Evidence, and Twin Cities Wins
Minnesota state Sen. Scott Dibble joins host Sean McPherson and contributor Tane Danger for a look ahead at the 2026 legislative session and to share what it has been like returning to the Capitol for the first time since the assassinations of Melissa and Mark Hortman, the Annunciation school shooting, and ICE's surge in Minnesota. Later, producer Adam Sage joins the conversation to discuss Minnesota's continued fight with the federal government over access to evidence in the killing of Alex Pretti and some Twin Cities wins for the week.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
After unprecedented string of tragedies, Minnesota legislature will return Tuesday for 2026 session (KARE11)

Here are 5 big issues facing lawmakers as they return for the 2026 legislative session (MPR)

FBI takes over investigation into fatal shooting of Renee Good (MPR)

Despite having warrant, BCA denied access to scene where federal agents shot, killed man in south Minneapolis (KARE11)

2 federal agents who shot Alex Pretti put on leave (MPR)

Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting (ProPublica)

ProPublica reporter: ‘It's been a tradition that we can identify our law enforcement’ (MPR)

Minnesota BCA pursuing ‘path forward’ for investigation with FBI into shooting death of Alex Pretti (Star Tribune)

FBI formally refuses to share evidence in Alex Pretti shooting with Minnesota BCA (MinnPost)

Trump administration formally denies Minnesota access to Alex Pretti evidence (Star Tribune)

Minnesota prosecutors demand evidence from federal government in Alex Pretti killing (Minnesota Reformer)

Anthony Edwards earns Kobe Bryant Trophy as Kia 2026 NBA All-Star MVP (NBA)

A 54-year-old lawyer from Minnesota just became the oldest U.S. Winter Olympian (MPR)

Report: Young offenders more likely to stay out of trouble under new Ramsey County initiative (Pioneer Press)

From plastic sax to Hall of Fame (Spokesman-Recorder)
Learn more about the sponsors of this February 20th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.

For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
...more
40min
February 19, 2026What It Takes to Sue ICE. Plus, Cash Mobs!
We’ve seen ICE smash car windows, ram into cars, and get aggressive when making arrests. Who pays for the damages? Chuck Slane, owner and attorney at TSR Injury Law, talks about the complicated, time-consuming way to sue ICE, and why he thinks it’s worth it. Racket co-owner and City Cast contributor Em Cassel tells us how cash mobs are sustaining Lake Street businesses. Plus, the coolest club in town is mealpacking at Second Harvest Heartland. According to events manager Anne Laskey, you can even pick the music!
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
ICE Cost Lake Street Businesses at Least $46M. These Weekly Cash Mobs Help Them Claw Back Profit. (Racket)

Those seeking to sue ICE for injuries or damage face an uphill battle (Washington Post)

Volunteer with Second Harvest Heartland

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor

Learn more about the sponsors of this February 19th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Xcel Energy
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.

For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
...more
36min
February 18, 2026 Living Here On Purpose. Plus, Chief Rondo on ICE
We answer a listener from Portland who wants to know if he should move his family to the Twin Cities. Later, we’re joined by former Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo, aka Chief Rondo, whose tenure included the murder of George Floyd. Chief Rondo reflects on his past job, what he’d do differently, and how he would respond to ICE if he were still in charge.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floyd
Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor
Learn more about the sponsors of this February 18th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.

For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
...more
42min
February 17, 2026 Giving Twin Cities restaurants some love
As Twin Cities restaurants face economic strain and ICE enforcement fallout, we’re resharing some of our favorite food conversations. Writer Ali Elabbady walks us through the best African food across the metro, Sean defends his 135% correct ranking of the Top 5 chicken wings in the Twin Cities, and we revisit beyond beurre blanc’s Kirstie Kimball’s ambitious list of the best restaurants across Minnesota, plus send her all the love as she continues her public and powerful fight against breast cancer. The Minnesota food scene needs us. Let’s eat.

Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Minneapolis-St. Paul's Best Spots for African Food (Explore Minnesota)
Top 5 Twin Cities Chicken Wings (City Cast Twin Cities)
Minnesota 50: 2025 (beyond beurre blanc)
Learn more about the sponsors of this February 18th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.

For more Twin Cities news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Twin Cities.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Twin Cities? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
...more
45min

FAQs about City Cast Twin Cities:

How many episodes does City Cast Twin Cities have?

The podcast currently has 83 episodes available.

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