City Cast Twin Cities

Minnesota may be a blue state, but our House and Senate races are looking purple-y. MinnPost reporter Matt Blake tells us how these nailbiter races might affect everything from gun reform to data centers. Speaking of, Eagan is getting sued by a data center owner over their moratorium. The case could set a precedent for other cities looking to regulate these sprawling developments, sometimes shrouded in secrecy. Finally, country music is on the rise; the Minnesota Country Club Festival, sibling to the popular Yacht Club, comes to Harriet Island this week. But the headliners show the definition of “country” is getting blurry.

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

⁠⁠Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor⁠⁠

⁠⁠Minnesota legislative battlegrounds⁠⁠ (MinnPost)

⁠⁠Data center company sues Eagan over development pause⁠⁠ (Pioneer Press)

⁠⁠Making sense of Minnesota Yacht Club’s new ‘country’ offshoot festival⁠⁠ (Star Tribune)

⁠⁠Minnesota Country Club Festival⁠⁠

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 8th episode:

⁠⁠The Cedar Cultural Center⁠⁠

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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What makes Duluth punch so far above its weight in music and arts? Today we head north with Kristi Olson, publisher of the biweekly print zine On the Record, who maps out the Duluth arts scene and shares what's worth catching this summer. Then, Duluth fiddle artist and NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner Gaelynn Lea joins to talk about her debut memoir “It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect”, a candid look at music, disability, and life as a touring artist.

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

It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect (Gaelynn Lea)

On the Record Zine (Kristi Olson)

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival

Magic Smelt Parade (Visit Duluth)

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 7th episode:

The Cedar Cultural Center

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.

A St. Paul ballot initiative wants to give renters the power to fix what their landlords won't, so we talked to Cole Hanson, political coordinator for the Safe Homes Saint Paul campaign, to break down how the right-to-repair measure would actually work, who's signing the petitions, and whether a $500 cap is enough to make a real difference. Then, Clint Combs of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder joins to unpack why Minneapolis is considering a drone first-responder pilot program, why activists are raising alarms about the company behind it, the lack of cost transparency, and the fact that it's being tested exclusively on the Northside.

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

Cole Hanson: St. Paul, give renters the tools to fix what’s broken (Pioneer Press)

Minneapolis Considers Drone Pilot Program for North Minneapolis, Activists Push Back (Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder)

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 6th episode:

BidFTA Online Auctions

Paddle & Portage

The Cedar Cultural Center

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.

See if your Twin Cities knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country’s semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of questions covering everything from The Declaration of Independence to the hottest college rivalries, and all 13 City Cast cities make an appearance. See how you stack up!

Mentioned on the show:

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.   

A new chapter in Indigenous cuisine has arrived in Minneapolis. Today, we talk with James Beard Award-winning chef Sean Sherman about Indígena by Owamni, his just-opened restaurant at the Guthrie Theater and what it means to put Indigenous ingredients and culture at the center of a menu. Then, Sahan Journal reporter Joey Peters breaks down how contracts for deed are being used to exploit Somali homebuyers in Minnesota, and what a recent court verdict means for accountability. Finally, Tane Danger reflects on moderating an onstage conversation between Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and City Council President Elliott Payne at the Granada Theater.

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

Indígena by Owamni

Indígena by Owamni opens a new chapter for Sean Sherman's Indigenous cooking (MPR News)

How Contracts for Deed Put Families at Financial Risk (ProPublica / Sahan Journal)

Political foes Minneapolis mayor and City Council president partner in unlikely improv show (Star Tribune)

The Future of Minneapolis show (Theater of Public Policy)

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor

Upcoming Theater of Public Policy shows:

July 14: Hennepin County with Commissioners Angela Conley, Irene Fernando, and Marion Greene

July 28, Infectious Disease with U of M public health expert Dr. Michael Osterholm

August 11, Closing the Racial Wealth Gap with GroundBreak CEO Adair Mosley

August 25: Global Affairs with Mary Curtin, Thomas Hanson, and Arshad Muhammad

September 9: The Future of St. Paul with Mayor Kaohly Her and City Council President Rebecca Noecker

*Tickets at dangerboat.net/upcoming

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 2nd episode:

Vida y Deportes

Twin Cities PBS

BidFTA Online Auctions

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.

July will happily remind you that summer is a marathon and a sprint. There’s a lot to do and you can’t do it all. Let us plan your month for you with tips on where to float, pick berries, see shows, and enjoy a picnic with a view. Then, our entire cast of contributors will share their greatest Twin Cities regrets. Don’t be like us! Avoid these rookie mistakes!

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

Your Guide to the Twin Cities in July (City Cast Twin Cities)

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor

If you enjoyed today's interview with Brandon Savela, Co-Founder and CEO at North Canna, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 1st episode:

Vida y Deportes

Twin Cities PBS

BidFTA Online Auctions

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.

A heat dome has settled over the Twin Cities, and we’re sharing recommendations to beat the beat. Also tune in for a full roundup of the best spots Northeast has to offer. Food critic Kirstie Kimball and Midwest Excellence Newsletter writer Randball’s Stu share their survival strategies for the week ahead, while a backstage conversation with Sean Kershaw and Timothy Hawkins reveals how a backyard wedding singalong in West 7th quietly became one of the most beloved concert series in the city.

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

The Future of Minneapolis event (Theater of Public Policy)

The Midwest Excellence Guide to Beating the Heat (Randball Stu)

Grand Oak Opry

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 30 episode:

Vida y Deportes

Twin Cities PBS

BidFTA Online Auctions

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.

It’s our first ever live show! We take the stage at Pilllar Forum to talk about the state of indie venues with owner Corey Bracken. FYI, don’t bring your George Foreman grill into the green room. We prognosticate on the big issues facing the Twin Cities and play Hot Dish Hushhhhh.

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

Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 29th episode:

Vida y Deportes

Twin Cities PBS

BidFTA Online Auctions

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.

Today we head to Northeast Minneapolis – recording live at Pillar Forum – to dig into what's really happening with the neighborhood's beloved brewery scene and where the Northeast neighborhoods are headed next. Contributor Hans Buetow and the Northeaster’s Davis Steen break down which breweries are closing, what might fill those massive spaces, and whether Northeast can hold onto the artists and communities that made it worth caring about in the first place. And to hear our conversation about an extremely niche singles club, all you have to do is become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor! Join today.

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

Buckthorn Removal Singles Club

Chimborazo is still open

Momo Sushi Rises Again (MSP Mag)

Northeaster

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26th episode:

North Canna - get 30% of your first purchase at northcanna.com

Indeed Brewing Company

Studio J-Bo

Twin Cities PBS

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.

Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill implements new work requirements for Medicaid recipients. That could disrupt or disappear addiction treatment for many Minnesotans. MinnPost’s Andy Steiner tells us what’s at stake. As America prepares to celebrate 250 years, we’re looking to the past to understand how the future can be different. “Summer of ‘76” is a documentary remembering how Minnesotans celebrated the bicentennial. Executive director Daniel Pierce Bergin tells us about how Black artists and Native leaders influenced the moment, and why we can do better than a wrestling match on the White House lawn.

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

⁠Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor⁠

⁠Medicaid covers treatment for thousands of Minnesotans with substance use disorder. Is that about to change?⁠ (MinnPost)

⁠Summer of '76⁠ (TPT)

If you enjoyed this interview with Sam Holt, the Senior Partner Development Manager for TaskRabbit, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode:

⁠North Canna⁠ - get 30% of your first purchase at northcanna.com

⁠Indeed Brewing Company⁠

⁠Studio J-Bo⁠

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.