City Cast Twin Cities

Here's what the Twin Cities are talking about today.

Released: Daily

Episode Lakeville’s Billion-Dollar What?! Plus, MPS School Update and Top 5 Peanuts Sculptures

Lakeville’s Billion-Dollar What?! Plus, MPS School Update and Top 5 Peanuts Sculptures

37 minSep 29, 2026

Something about spotting a Snoopy sculpture tucked into an unexpected corner of the cities just hits different, and Sean has been gleefully building out his personal Top 5 list of Peanuts sculptures still scattered across the Twin Cities more than 25 years after they first appeared. He's joined by Jeff Freeland Nelson, founder of toy company YOX and the guy who helped make the whole sculpture project happen on the ground in St. Paul. Then, Sean and contributor Tane Danger dig into the political fallout from the Minneapolis Public Schools "transformation" plan, what the Henry v. Her investigation could reveal about St. Paul City Hall, and why Lakeville is betting nearly a billion dollars on a horticultural world's fair.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Horticulture-focused Expo 2031 chooses Lakeville as site for international event (Star Tribune) Lakeville Is Now Being Considered to Host Expo 2031. Here's What That Means (South Metro Scoop) Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor Learn more about the sponsors of this September 29th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Enjoy Illinois 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 .

DHS Nabs Phone Records of Indie Journalist. Plus, Film Fests!

36 minSep 28, 2026

We dive into all the ways to catch a movie in the Twin Cities with Racket co-owner Keith Harris as our Yoda. After the Cities Church protest, DHS set independent journalist Georgia Fort squarely in their sights. City Cast contributor Clint Combs reports the government used an obscure tariff law to subpoena Fort’s phone records. How does that affect freedom of the press?  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor Hennepin Herald Georgia Fort Phone Records DHS Investigation (Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder) If you enjoyed today's interview with the VP of Destination Branding & Development at Experience Champaign-Urbana, Terri Reifsteck, learn more here . Learn more about the sponsors of this September 28th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Enjoy Illinois 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 .

St. Paul Police Chief Sues Mayor. Plus, Musicians Fight for Living Wage

31 minSep 25, 2026

Less than a week after St. Paul's top human resources official announced that Mayor Kaohly Her did not sexually harass employees (but did create an "uncomfortable work environment"), St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry filed a lawsuit against the mayor and the city. Sean is joined by producers Adam Sage and Tiffany Bui to discuss the lawsuit, which sharply escalates claims Henry previously made in an official complaint. Later, Nadira McGill of Gully Boys, the Twin Cities United Performers, and Minnesota United Performers joins the conversation to talk about MNUP's statewide tour to organize musicians that includes a concert in St. Paul this Sunday. We also cap off the episode with some Twin Cities Wins to send you into the weekend on a high note.  And in honor of Randy, the rabies-infected bat that was found in downtown Minneapolis this week, our Neighbors get a special bonus chat featuring horrible and harrowing bat encounters from the City Cast Twin Cities team. To get ad-free listening and access to our weekly bonus conversations, become a Neighbor today . Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: St. Paul police chief sues Mayor Kaohly Her alleging sexual harassment (Star Tribune) St. Paul Police Chief Sues Mayor, Accusing Her of Sexual Harassment (New York Times) St. Paul police chief sues Mayor Kaohly Her, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation (MPR News)    MN Needs Music Campaign Kickoff (Amsterdam Bar and Hall) Minnesota United Performers (TakeAction MN)  Twin Cities United Performers Art Hounds: ‘Wife of a Salesman,’ art and healing in Duluth and jazz at Crooners (MPR News) Residents, renters on quaint Minneapolis island band together to save historic houses (Star Tribune) Bat found in downtown Minneapolis tests positive for rabies (MPR News)  Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor Learn more about the sponsors of this September 23rd episode: ⁠⁠Minnesota Opera⁠⁠ 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 .

Everything To Do This Fall. Plus, Renée Good’s Brother Speaks Out

29 minSep 24, 2026

Racket published a masterlist of what to do in the Twin Cities this fall. Like a leaf pile, we dive in headfirst. Plus, Racket writer Betsy Hoody details the humiliation ritual of having to pester a bartender to put on the Lynx game (despite them being the winning-est team in Minnesota!). Renée Good's mom and brother testified in front of Congress earlier this week, demanding accountability for her killing. They were joined by Stella Carlson, who captured Alex Pretti’s last moments on video. No Republicans attended the hearing. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor Fall Arts Guide 2026 (Racket) Why I'll Never Again Watch A Lynx Game Outside of A Bar of Their Own (Racket) Renee Good's mother and brother testify in Congress about her killing by an ICE officer (CBS Minnesota) Learn more about the sponsors of this September 23rd episode: ⁠Minnesota Opera⁠ 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 .

Klobuchar's Race Is Closer Than You Think. Plus, Rabies and Ring Doorbells

36 minSep 23, 2026

We're just over a month out from Election Day, and recent polling from KSTP and co/efficient show statewide races tightening across Minnesota. Contributor and political moderator Tane Danger joins the podcast to discuss what these polls show and why the shift may be happening. Later, we kindly remind our listeners NOT TO PICK UP ANIMALS OFF THE SIDEWALK after a Minneapolis bat recently tested positive for rabies. MinnPost reporter Trevor Mitchell also joins the conversation to break down a new Minneapolis noise ordinance that affects how loud Ring Doorbells are allowed to be when they yell at passersby. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: KSTP/SurveyUSA poll: Governor, Senate races tightening days before early voting starts in Minnesota (KSTP) Minnesota U.S. Senate | Senate Battlegrounds 2026 (co/efficient) It’s bat season. Here’s what you need to know about rabies in Minnesota. (MinnPost) Bat found in downtown Minneapolis tests positive for rabies (MPR) https://bsky.app/profile/taylordahlin.com/post/3mvthv5pln22z (Taylor Dahlin) Animals Tested for rabies, 2016-2025 (MN Department of Health) Rabies: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention (Cleveland Clinic) SHHH! From motion sensors to car engines, Minneapolis noise pollution can be hard to ignore and harder to stop (MinnPost) Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor If you enjoyed today's interview with Jenny Kedward, a Food Waste Prevention Specialist with Hennepin County, learn more here . Learn more about the sponsors of this September 23rd episode: Minnesota Opera 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 .

Hennepin County Commissioner Hopefuls. Plus, Top 5 Twin Cities Matchas

43 minSep 22, 2026

City Cast contributor and food critic Kirstie Kimball delivers her definitive top 5 matchas in the Twin Cities. Then, Minneapolis School Board Director Sharon El-Amin and Hennepin County Commissioner District 2 candidate Irene Fernando each make their case ahead of November 3, weighing in on the HERC incinerator, HCMC's financial future, and what county government can actually do for residents. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor Learn more about the sponsors of this September 22nd episode: Minnesota Opera 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 .

Winter is Coming. Plus, What Would You Do as Mayor?

34 minSep 21, 2026

Today we are revisiting this delightful episode where we tackle winter coping mechanisms and ask a rotating cast of contributors: what would you actually do with one day of unchecked mayoral power? Hear their wildly varied visions for what the Twin Cities could look like under their (brief) executive reign.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ⁠ Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor ⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this September 21st episode: ⁠ Minnesota Opera ⁠ 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 ⁠ .

From Mogadishu to County Commissioner Hopeful. Plus, Taco Bike Ride

30 minSep 18, 2026

It’s Fridayyy. MSP is once again the best airport in North America, and we celebrate some other Twin Cities Wins. We also have a special treat for those of you who text us. Finally, we interview Abdihakim Ibrahim, a former member of the St. Louis Park School Board, who is running to be District 3’s commissioner in Hennepin County.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ⁠ Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor ⁠ ⁠ 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study - JD Power ⁠ ⁠ Christian Castro, accused of lying about Minneapolis ICE shooting, back in jail ⁠ (FOX 9) ⁠ Chaz Millionaire KMOJ Radio Icon Tribute ⁠ (Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder) ⁠ El Tour De Taco ⁠ (Reddit) Learn more about the sponsors of this September 18th episode: ⁠ Hopkins Center for the Arts ⁠ ⁠ 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 ⁠ .

School Closures and More Foreclosures

36 minSep 17, 2026

On Tuesday night, Minneapolis Public Schools unveiled their plan to close up to 16 schools in hopes of "right-sizing" the district due to low enrollment. Sahan Journal education reporter Becky Dernbach joins the podcast to break down what the district is lobbying for and how the community is responding. Sean fills us in on the second beloved St. Paul institution to be facing foreclosure this week: HmongTown Marketplace. Later, local relationship coach Jordan Czerner Garcia shares some tricks to implement and common pitfalls to avoid for strong, fulfilling relationships. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Minneapolis superintendent rolls out plan that could close up to 16 schools (Sahan Journal)  St. Paul school board approves plan that closes, changes 6 schools (MPR News)  For teen moms at Longfellow Alternative School, Minneapolis budget cuts have outsized impact (Sahan Journal) HmongTown market disputes $6.6 million foreclosure lawsuit, says bank broke financing promise (Star Tribune) Stearns Bank files foreclosure, seeks receiver for HmongTown Marketplace (Pioneer Press)    Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor Learn more about the sponsors of this September 17th episode: Hopkins Center for the Arts 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 .

Bon Iver's Meatloaf Jingle, Mural Art Festival, and TC Halloween Costumes

28 minSep 16, 2026

Justin Vernon of Bon Iver created a meatloaf jingle for Howard’s Bar in Stillwater. Bar owner Adam To explains how the meatloaf dippers captured the hearts of patrons. The Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival is later this week, which transforms an industrial neighborhood of St. Paul into an outdoor gallery. Mike Davis of the graphic design studio Burlesque talks about bringing together 70 plus large murals for this festival. Plus, we pitch some topical Halloween costume ideas.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival Howard's Bar - Meatloaf Jingle Learn more about the sponsors of this September 16th episode: Hopkins Center for the Arts 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 .

The Feds Know Your Face. Plus, Trouble Brewing at Summit and a Harrowing Duluth Race

34 minSep 15, 2026

Summit Brewing, one of Minnesota's largest and oldest breweries, is in danger of losing control of their operations after BMO Bank ⁠ filed a lawsuit ⁠ against them for missing a major loan payment. Contributors Em Cassel and PaviElle French chat with Sean about what could be next for Summit, and Em recounts her ⁠ wonderful and harrowing experience ⁠ attempting the Race Across Duluth bike race this past weekend. Later, journalist Clint Combs joins the conversation to explain his ⁠ recent reporting ⁠ on how the Department of Homeland Security is using facial recognition technology as a part of their operations to spy on Minnesotans. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ⁠ Summit Brewing could lose St. Paul brewery to foreclosure ⁠ (Star Tribune) ⁠ DHS Facial Recognition Software Used Against Minnesota 15 ⁠ (Unicorn Riot)   ⁠ Race Across Duluth ⁠ (Racket) ⁠ Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor ⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this September 15th episode: ⁠ Hopkins Center for the Arts ⁠ ⁠ 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 ⁠ .

Two Candidates Face Off and a Mailbag of Hot Takes

37 minSep 14, 2026

Two candidates are vying for the same Ramsey County Commissioner seat, and we sit down with each of them to find out what they'd actually do with the job. St. Paul City Council President Rebecca Noecker and State Representative María Isa Pérez-Vega both make their case on housing, ICE enforcement, property taxes, and why county government matters more than most people realize. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: ⁠ Meet Your Candidates: City Cast Twin Cities' 2026 Election Interviews ⁠ ⁠ Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor ⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this September 14th episode: ⁠ Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau ⁠ ⁠ Hopkins Center for the Arts ⁠ ⁠ 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 ⁠ .