Episodios

  • Could I-94 Be Better? Plus, “Extra Special Grandmother Energy”

    Could I-94 Be Better? Plus, “Extra Special Grandmother Energy”
    Mar 27 2026
    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. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: After a decade, it's clear MnDOT didn't 'rethink' Interstate 94 (MinnPost) ABUELITA by Nathan Yungerberg (Capri Theater) Learn more about the sponsors of this March 27th episode: Minneapolis Institute of Art Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. 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.
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    35 m
  • CVS Is Gone. What's Next? Plus, Our Boss Got Scammed

    CVS Is Gone. What's Next? Plus, Our Boss Got Scammed
    Mar 26 2026
    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. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Former St. Paul CVS pharmacy demolished (Fox 9) Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode: Minneapolis Institute of Art Xcel Energy Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. 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.
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    35 m
  • How We Became A Trans Refuge State. Plus, the MPS “Doom Loop”

    How We Became A Trans Refuge State. Plus, the MPS “Doom Loop”
    Mar 25 2026
    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. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Roper: Minneapolis Public Schools’ doom loop is a threat to the city’s future No Kings Twin Cities ChangeMakers: Leigh Finke helped make Minnesota a 'trans refuge' state (MPR) Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th episode: Minneapolis Institute of Art Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. 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.
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    38 m
  • U of M's Terrible New Slogan, Bones in Lake Superior, and Rebellion Through Poetry

    U of M's Terrible New Slogan, Bones in Lake Superior, and Rebellion Through Poetry
    Mar 24 2026
    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. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: University of Minnesota Debuts Astoundingly Stupid New Tagline (Racket) Poet-O-Rama: Humor is resistance, Joy is rebellion With bones washing into Lake Superior, Duluth cemetery needs shoring up (Star Tribune) Learn more about the sponsors of this March 24th episode: Minneapolis Institute of Art Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. 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.
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    31 m
  • What’s Right in Public Safety? Plus, Stand With Minnesota

    What’s Right in Public Safety? Plus, Stand With Minnesota
    Mar 23 2026
    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. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Ramsey County Attorney John Choi's reform work could be a model for all of Minnesota (Minnesota Reformer) Stand With Minnesota Mutual Aid Means We Will Save Us (W. Kamau Bell) This Land by Ashley Fairbanks Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. 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.
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    40 m
  • 'Your City Could Be Better': Could a Nevada Brothel Help Redefine Labor Standards Nationwide? — Presented By City Cast Twin Cities

    'Your City Could Be Better': Could a Nevada Brothel Help Redefine Labor Standards Nationwide? — Presented By City Cast Twin Cities
    Mar 22 2026
    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? Mentioned on the show: Could a Pahrump Brothel Union Set a New National Standard for Labor Laws? (City Cast Las Vegas) 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.
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    26 m
  • Urban Farm Breakthrough, Spotlighting Black Creatives, and a Spring "Treat Walk"

    Urban Farm Breakthrough, Spotlighting Black Creatives, and a Spring "Treat Walk"
    Mar 20 2026
    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. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Roof Depot urban farm moves forward (City Cast Twin Cities) Environmental advocates face final deadline to buy Roof Depot site in Minneapolis (MPR) The long, bitter fight over Minneapolis’ Roof Depot site, explained (MinnPost) East Phillips Community Accepts the City's Half Site Offer With Demands (East Phillips Neighborhood Institute) On the Radar Podcast (Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder) Nominate a Black creative for On the Radar (Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder) Check out this week's events mentioned in today's episode: "The Safe Space": Documentary Premiere Screening (SOLD OUT) (Minnesota Historical Society) Urgent Emergent Performance Art Series: Volume Two, Love & Resistance (Ice House) Treat Walk Route Map (City Cast Twin Cities / Google Maps) Learn more about the sponsors of this March 20th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Berlin Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. 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.
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    34 m
  • How Secure Are Our Elections? Plus, Fake St. Paul Band (Fake) Dies

    How Secure Are Our Elections? Plus, Fake St. Paul Band (Fake) Dies
    Mar 19 2026
    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.” Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Legal experts sound alarm over federal interference in Minnesota elections (Sahan Journal) A fake St. Paul bluegrass band died Monday in a fake airplane crash (Pioneer Press) Learn more about the sponsors of this March 19th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Berlin Xcel Energy Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at twincities@citycast.fm. 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.
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    39 m