City Cast Twin Cities

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City Cast Twin Cities episodes

March 09Local 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 today. Then, City Cast contributor Tane Danger will help us wade through a delightful set of political ice breakers, and we’ve got your Twin Cities event picks for the week including a live score of a silent film, the hottest open mic in town, and a big concert tribute to The Last Waltz.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
University of Minnesota expert helped make animated beavers in ‘Hoppers’ true to life (MPR)

Twin Cities Events March 9 - March 15 (City Cast Twin Cities)

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 9th 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.
41 min
March 08'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 on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of conservative think tanks, and it’s one that’s very much being embraced by the Trump administration and the Utah legislature. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta about how this plan is meant to work, the concerns about forced institutionalization, and why the state is pushing for this even though it goes against the recommendations of local experts and service providers.
Mentioned on the show:
Interrogating Controversial Homeless Policy Proposals (City Cast Salt Lake)

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.
33 min
March 06MN'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 things actually stand in terms of dispensaries, tribal operations, THC drinks, and whether Minnesotans are still buying weed the old-fashioned way. Then, Pivot podcast co-host Scott Galloway joins Sean and City Cast contributor Tane Danger ahead of his Minneapolis appearance to talk about his “Resist and Unsubscribe” campaign, why he’s bringing the message to the Twin Cities, and what it will take for consumers to force big companies to change. And City Cast Creative Producer Adam Sage joins for some feel-good stories about the cities we love.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Resist and Unsubscribe LIVE event (Pantages Theater, March 8)

Dropkick Murphys benefit concert (Black Forest Inn parking lot)

Wednesday Night Sociable Ride (Sociable Cider Werks)

Meet the Minnesota Paralympians heading to Milano Cortina for the Winter Games (MPR)
Learn more about the sponsors of this March 6th 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.
41 min
March 05'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 was no National Loon Day, she decided to create one herself. On today's episode, Larissa joins host Sean McPherson, contributor Em Cassel, and City Cast audience development manager James Napoli to talk about the celebrations planned for the first-ever National Loon Day on March 13. Later, artist and poet See More Perspective joins the conversation to talk about an upcoming virtual benefit concert they are putting together to raise money for the Twin Cities ICE Relief Fund. The team also cracks open the mailbag, and Executive Producer Anna Weggel makes an appearance to discuss an organization that's helping women get access to professional clothing and job-readiness help in the Twin Cities.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
National Loon Day at Larissa Loden (Sold Out)

Salt Sounds: A Virtual ICE OUT Performance and Fundraiser (See More Perspective)

Dress for Success Twin Cities
Learn more about the sponsors of this March 5th 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.
32 min
March 04Stories 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 author Joe Friedrichs explains the pending legislation that would lift a 20-year ban on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Plus, podcaster Chris Stedman is documenting real-time stories of mutual aid through the We Help Us Hotline.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
St. Paul, Wild seek $200M from Minnesota for Grand Casino Arena complex upgrades (Star Tribune)

Minnesota Wild, city of St. Paul propose $600M in renovations at Grand Casino Arena (MPR)

Unread podcast by Chris Stedman

The We Help Us Hotline

Tretter Collection at the University of Minnesota

Congress might end a ban on mining near the Boundary Waters. Here's what to know. (Star Tribune)
Learn more about the sponsors of this March 4th 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.
40 min
March 03Our 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. Now, they're in danger of closing if the state legislature can't help. Host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor and MPR newsroom coordinator Denzel Belin to discuss what it will take to save HCMC. Later, Pioneer Press food editor Jess Fleming joins the conversation to chat about her list of the best fish fries in the Twin Cities, and to argue with Sean and Denzel over what the top 5 grocery stores in the Twin Cities should be.

Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Commissioner says HCMC could close as expenses continue to rise (MPR)

Commissioner says HCMC could close if revenue streams not found (Bring Me The News)

Process to close HCMC could start in 90 days (FOX 9)

It’s Friday fish fry time! Here’s where to catch your fill (Pioneer Press)
Learn more about the sponsors of this March 3rd 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.
31 min
March 02Obi Original Wants You to Dance. Plus, Book Bedazzling and Polar Plunge 5k
Obi Original is the live performer we all need right now. Obiora Obikwelu is an artist, producer, and musical visionary. He joins the show to talk about his residency “Afrodisia” at Icehouse. His focus on the highlife genre of music, with roots in Ghana and popular in Nigeria, is rooted in preservation. Not only does he want to be onstage, he needs it, and we welcome his talent and musical authority. Plus, your weekly events round-up features free theater, smutty book bedazzling, and a chilly run.

Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Obi Original and The Black Atlantics Residency

Ozone Creations

Backcountry Film Festival | Utepils Brewing

Omnifest | Science Museum of Minnesota

Slum Village | Dakota

Book Bedazzling | Graze Food Hall

Rage Against the Regime | Turf Club

Ukrainian Lenten Fish Fry | Ukrainian American Community Center

Portraits of Curiosity | In the Heart of the Beast Theatre

Abolish ICE Fundraiser w/ Dropkick Murphys | Alex Pretti Memorial

Introduction to Mahjong Series | Ampersand Shops

Minneapolis Polar Plunge 5K Race | Lake Nokomis

The Highlight | Sabathani Community Center

International Women’s Day March | Powderhorn Park
Learn more about the sponsors of this March 2nd 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.
41 min
March 01 'Your City Could Be Better': What the Twin Cities Needs To Know About Pittsburgh's Plan To Fix Downtown
A lot of cities, including the Twin Cities, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who is hosting the NFL Draft in April. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan Harris about why their downtown emptied out, whether this program will bring new businesses downtown for the long-term, and other revitalization plans that are in the works.
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.
25 min
February 27Downtown 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.
30 min
February 26Frey 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.
32 min

About City Cast Twin Cities

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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…