City Cast Twin Cities

Glow sticks, a moment of silence for Derek Chauvin (!), and a political upstart. These were all headlines from the GOP and DFL conventions last week. But how important are these events to people who aren’t hardcore partisans? Dr. Christopher Lehman shares the story of Eliza Winston, an enslaved woman brought to Minnesota on vacation. Here, Eliza Winston won her freedom. Plus, hometown fave Gully B...

After reading the New York Times' Best Hot Dogs article, we were inspired to put together our own list of best hot dogs in the Twin Cities. Sean did his homework trying out several hot doggeries over the weekend, and he shares his findings. Our new newsletter writer Roseanne Pereira joins the show to talk about City Cast's free newsletter "Keep It Local," where Roseanne shines a light on some of h...

Nonprofit fraud has been all over the news lately, especially after the Attorney General announced a $2 million lawsuit against two North Minneapolis pastors. DeAnna Cummings, a co-owner of Juxtaposition Arts, shares her perspective on how this might impact the community. Plus, you don’t have to drink with your friends or coworkers after work. Food critic Kirstie Kimball talks about third spaces f...

Recently unsealed court documents in the Cities Church case revealed that a judge denied five search warrants to federal investigators as the warrant requests failed to set out probable cause. MPR newsroom coordinator Denzel Belin and host Sean McPherson break down the latest. And it's June (already?!), so we're highlighting all of the best things to do around town this month, including pro-tips f...

One month ago, organizers with the Zero Burn Coalition went on a 12-day hunger strike to compel Hennepin County to close the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center. Neighbors and activists have campaigned to scale down and eventually close the HERC for years. Nazir Khan explains why they ramped up the fight. We’re joined by Sue Scott, creator of the hit podcast “Island of Discarded Women” ahead of their...

Today we explore the dramatic resignation of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara after he interfered with an investigation into his conduct. Then we chat about Minnesota's most popular baby names with their vintage appeal, and we hear from renowned musician Sanford Moore about leading the upcoming free Prince sing-along at the Prince Celebration Block Party downtown. Learn more about the topics...

This Monday marked six years since the murder of George Floyd by ex-cop Derek Chauvin. At that time, Minneapolis became the epicenter of a global racial reckoning. Sean and contributor Winter Keefer talk about what’s changed since the summer of 2020. Plus, lawmakers have banned prediction markets like Kalshi. But we predict (get it?) that the law has an uphill battle in the courts. We also open up...

We explore the vibrant pulse of the Twin Cities as Memorial Day kicks off our outdoor season. Contributor PaviElle French and Sean share their picks for the week's best events, from Books & Bars at Urban Growler to the meaningful "Flowers Now" celebration at Cedar Cultural Center honoring Black arts elders. Then we dive into the "Rondo-verse," an innovative Roblox game that lets players walk throu...

We dive into the controversial world of Trader Joe's parking lots with Bill Lindeke, who's defending the cramped lots that make Twin Cities shoppers lose their minds. Then we celebrate wins including HCMC's financial rescue and the return of Loring Park's beloved dandelion fountain, plus rescued beagles finding Minnesota homes. And don’t miss our special members-only segment where we talk about a...

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast CCO and Twin Cities local Andi McDaniel, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can...

A second immigration agent has been charged by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. One week after Renee Good was killed, agent Christian J. Castro allegedly shot a Venezuelan man in the leg and lied that it was in self-defense. The county has a nationwide warrant out for his arrest. Plus, Sahan Journal’s Becky Dernbach reports that students at Longfellow Alternative High School have a lot to lo...

We love our transplants here in Minnesota (even if we won't invite you to our cabin). Here’s everything we forgot to tell you about Minnesota, from why we refuse to eat the last bite to why we don’t dance at concerts. Plus, we’ll hear some heartwarming stories from real life transplants. Also, if you don’t know what the heck a data center is and why there’s so much controversy, join the club. Prof...

Sean and Denzel run down a list of upcoming events as summer approaches, from Studio Ghibli jazz at the Dakota to the State Fair's kickoff weekend. Dayna Martinez discusses the 28th annual Twin Cities Jazz Festival coming to Lowertown St. Paul in June and why keeping it free matters despite rising costs. Jane McClure from MyVillager breaks down a proposed deeply affordable housing development on U...

In April, the city of St. Paul banned influencer Josh Liljenquist from visiting St. Paul public parks for allegedly "harassing, recording, and profiting from vulnerable adults" and subsequently repealed the ban after an appeal from Liljenquist. On today's episode, Liljenquist talks with host Sean McPherson and contributor Hans Buetow about how he goes about creating his "kindness content" and what...

Today, we explore the art of Twin Cities patio season with restaurant critic Kirstie Kimball, from temperature tolerance to tipping etiquette. Also, the Minnesota Senate passed a comprehensive gun violence prevention bill by just one vote, and advocates are making a final push to get it through the House before the session ends. Protect MN's director and an Annunciation School parent share why the...

Hear about the Twin Cities' best activity pairings from Minnehaha Falls and Sea Salt to the Trylon and Arbeiter Brewing. Also, rugby players Natayah Bauer and Emily Mack share what it's like playing for the TC Gemini in the country’s first professional women's rugby league. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: TC Gemini Women’s Sports Rise: Pro Rugby Arrives in Minnesota (Mpls...

The Minnesota Legislature has six days left to get anything done before the May 17th deadline, but with no budget requirement this session, lawmakers might not pass anything significant at all. Host Sean McPherson talks with former DFL state senator Jeff Hayden and Republican lobbyist Brian McDaniel about what's passed, what's still possible, and how leadership is managing the session with a lame-...

Art-A-Whirl is coming to Northeast Minneapolis, and we get insider tips from producer Tiffany Bui on the best art events, from disco cowboy activities at the Flux Arts Building to dog lick art at Logan Park. We also hear from Mir Bear-Johnson from the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District on the summer mosquito outlook, and journalist Cole Hanson reveals how residents at a Little Canada manufactu...

Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his state of the city address this week, focusing on public safety, affordable housing, and business support – but will his agenda work with a more progressive city council? The team also celebrates 50 rescued beagles coming to Twin Cities shelters, cries over Lloyd the loneliest turkey, and discusses an Airbnb host turning guest leftovers into care packages for unhoused...

Minneapolis Public Schools mysteriously "found" $21 million during a $50 million budget crisis, but deeper financial chaos reveals years of mismanagement, missing healthcare funds, and IRS penalties. We explore the district's struggles with federal cannabis regulations threatening local hemp businesses, and highlight the upcoming Riot Mom Art and Self Care Festival on St. Paul's West Side. Learn m...

Doors Open Minneapolis is back this weekend with 75 venues across the city unlocking their doors for free, giving you access to places you'd never otherwise get inside. Today we've got Heidi Swank, Executive Director of Rethos, walking us through where to go, how to plan your day, and some of the coolest new additions this year. Then we sit down with Stephanie March of Salt Cure Restaurant Recover...

As spring ramps up, you might be wondering what the best produce to get at farmers markets is – besides ramps of course! City Cast Twin Cities Host Sean McPherson gets the down low from beyond beurre blanc’s Kirstie Kimball on what to snag and how to act (please don’t try and barter with the farmers) at our farmers markets. Plus Saara Hassoun, president of our USL W Soccer team the Minnesota Auror...

Take heed as we dig into the world of scams with contributors sharing their own tales of getting duped, from garage door schemes to fake e-vites to the classic "car got towed" con. Then Axios reporter Kyle Stokes breaks down the messy saga of TikTok star Josh Liljenquist, who was banned from St. Paul parks for allegedly exploiting homeless encampment residents for content, only to have the ban rev...

It's May Day, and organizers are calling for no work, no school, and no shopping. Sean and PaviElle dig into the history and meaning of one-day strikes. Then they’ll share a handful of Twin Cities wins including a show recommendation, HCMC funding, and the Minnesota House's unanimous 133-0 vote to make child grooming a felony. Finally, Melissa Townsend, Senior Audio Producer at the Star Tribune, j...

We kick off May in the Twin Cities with a curated guide to the month's best activities, including theater recommendations, Cinco de Mayo, and Art-A-Whirl. Sean, Anna and Tane dive into Minnesota Statehood Day traditions and social media controversy over gardening. Then, they open up an overflowing mailbag with listener feedback on everything from Boundary Waters mining to transit dreams, plus ice...