👀 Who will replace Walz?

Walz will not seek a third term as governor

It’s been a hectic four months for Governor Tim Walz since he initially announced he was running for reelection. He’s campaigned amid mounting reports of systemic social services fraud combined with relentless attacks from President Trump – and it’s all proven to be just too much political baggage. On the show, contributor Tane Danger says Walz had a front row seat to Biden’s late withdrawal and probably learned some lessons. Hear more of his take on today’s episode. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

• Will Klobuchar tap in?: A source close to Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she’s considering throwing her hat in the ring. She would face about a dozen Republican opponents, including MyPillow founder Mike Lindell and state House Speaker Lisa Demuth. [Associated Press]
• Walz’s words: He issued a statement on Monday but did not take questions from reporters. Expect to hear more when he talks about the paid family leave program later today.

Our 2026 predictions: The City Cast team looked into our crystal ball to predict the top news stories of the coming year. Executive producer Anna Weggel has a feeling the State Fair will add more days to its current 12-day run to alleviate congestion. Hear all the predictions on today’s episode.

[🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]

NA drinks galore: If you’re doing Dry January, there are thankfully a ton of great NA options. Food critic Kirstie Kimball is sober year-round and crafted her top 9 places to go drinking in the Twin Cities. She’ll be on the show Thursday with more from her sober-friendly series! [Beyond Beurre Blanc]

Parking pilot: If you thought winter parking in the cities was confusing, St. Paul is piloting a new system that will hopefully make it easier to remember. Reporter Tim Harlow explains that the city is testing the model in two neighborhoods, where residents will only have to move their cars on Sundays, whether it’s a snow emergency or not. [Star Tribune]

New year, new laws: You’ve probably heard of the new paid family leave program, but 2026 brings a slate of other regulations. The state’s minimum wage is increasing to $11.41 ($16.37 an hour for the cities). Employees are guaranteed bathroom breaks for every four hours worked. Plus, you’ll need to provide your ID and Social Security number if voting absentee. [MPR]

Childcare centers in the clear: After YouTuber Nick Shirley posted a viral video accusing nine child care centers of fraud, the state investigated and found they were “operating as expected,” reports Nicole Ki. Some daycare providers said they received harassing phone calls due to the video, and one site was broken into. [MPR]

Tuesday, January 6

• 🎷 From Scratch: Ryan Freitas’ Changeling Trio 🆓 | Indeed Brewing Co.
• 🦪 Oyster Shucking Class | Smack Shack
• 🎤 Tom Rush | Dakota
• 😂 Standup Comedy Open Mic Night 🆓 | Gambit Brewing
• 🏓 Fluid Table Tennis: Community Ping Pong League 🆓 | Minneapolis Cider Co.
• 🎭 Shucked (Opening Night!) | The Orpheum Theater
• 🎺 Old Town Tuesday Jazz Jam 🆓 | Whitey's Old Town Saloon

Wednesday, January 7

• 🖼️ Art & Dining After Dark | Minneapolis Institute of Art
• 🚴 Weekly Social Ride | Sociable Cider Werks
• ✍️ Author Reading: Diana Xin 🆓 | Milkweed Books
• 🦋 Monarca Rapid Response Training | United Methodist Church
• 🎬 Drop Dead Gorgeous w/ pre-movie music by Leslie Vincent | Parkway Theater
• 🗣️ You're Not From Around Here, Are You? A Night for Transplants | Black Hart of St. Paul
• 🎵 Freaque, NOAMZ, and Wormdove | Icehouse

• Field Marketing Manager at JonnyPops | $85k - $105k per year
• Senior Web Developer at Minnesota Public Radio | $100k - $115k per year
• Director of Advancement at Montessori Center of Minnesota | $110k - $125k per year
• Production Manager at Danger Boat Productions | $45k - $52k per year (work with City Cast Contributor Tane Danger!)
• Wardrobe Coordinator at Guthrie Theater | $36.17 per hour