City Cast Twin Cities

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 Dylan.” Producer Adam paid the $5 to subscribe and reports back on what’s inside. It’s also contributor and MPR newsroom coordinator Denzel Belin’s birthday, so host Sean McPherson puts his news instincts to the test in a round of “Head-Lies,” where Denzel has to pick the one real headline from a group of fakes.

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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 Tribune columnist Ka Vang has a message for former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Unlike the blizzard of 1991, Vang writes, “no one here will remember you fondly.” We also spotlight musician Leslie Vincent.

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The Minnesota House and Senate voted unanimously to end observation of César Chávez Day after allegations of rape, grooming, and sexual abuse against Chávez were reported in the New York Times. Rep. Maria Isa Perez-Vega – a sponsor of the bill – argues the movement is bigger than one man, calls for broader accountability for honored historical figures, and says legislation is being drafted to commemorate Latino organizing beyond Chávez. Later in the episode, celebrated local journalist Taylor Dahlin joins the conversation to discuss the current state of Minneapolis local politics and how the "united front" amongst city council members that formed during Operation Metro Surge has since degraded.

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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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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 example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin podcast host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, the city’s affordable housing successes, and where Austin’s still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor’s house?

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The Minnesota Department of Transportation is closing out public comment on its “Rethinking I-94” project, which aims to reconstruct 10 miles of the interstate. But MinnPost columnist and urban planning enthusiast Bill Lindeke believes not a lot is going to change. At least, not if the department is focused on car-centered traffic. We talk about how highways have changed people’s lives beyond how they get to work. Plus, former Minneapolis resident Nathan Yungerberg is bringing his play “Abuelita” to its world premiere at Capri Theater. It’s written in search of identity and chosen family, with something magical on the other side. 

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Minneapolis Institute of Art

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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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 McPherson and contributor Hans Buetow are joined by Ward 4 Council Member Molly Coleman and Hamline Midway Coalition executive director Lisa Nelson to talk about the neighborhood’s next chapter. Later, executive producer Anna Weggel shares how she fell victim to a scam that’s been spreading across the Twin Cities.

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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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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 Rally, whether you’re attending or not: it’s expected to be the biggest protest of its kind in the country, so travel accordingly. Finally, Sean sits down with Rep. Leigh Finke, the first openly trans woman elected to the state legislature. Finke talks about working alongside Republicans who don’t accept her identity, her relationship with her faith, and the current session’s political gridlock. 

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Minneapolis Institute of Art

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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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 slogan: "Leave a Future." Host Sean McPherson is joined by Racket co-owner Em Cassel and executive producer Anna Weggel to try to figure out what that means.  Joe Davis, a nationally touring spoken word poet, teaching artist, cultural worker, and community organizer, also joins the conversation to talk about an exciting benefit event coming up this weekend. The team also breaks down the action being taken in St. Louis County to stop a cemetery from leaking more bones into Lake Superior.

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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.

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

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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 right. That’s according to Patrick Coolican, discerning editor at the Minnesota Reformer. Sean talks to Coolican and Choi about how the police killing of Philando Castile changed Choi as a prosecutor. Plus, Ashley Fairbanks has helped thousands of Minnesotans stay afloat during Operation Metro Surge through Stand With Minnesota. She tells us how she created this clearinghouse of mutual aid and the (good) millionaire who helped. 

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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.

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

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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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