Trump Targets Somali Minnesotans, and the Neo-Nazi AI Cartoon About a Local Lawyer
Trump’s new push for mass deportations is already sending fear through Minnesota’s Somali community, and we break down some of the more offensive comments he threw at Minnesota and its residents this week. Today, host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor Em Cassel of Racket and City Cast producer Tiffany Bui to break down what we know, what we don’t, and how people on the ground are navigating the uncertainty. Then, the bizarre rise of a right-wing AI cartoon that pulled an unsuspecting Twin Cities policy researcher into its orbit, and a long-awaited sandwich shop is ready to make its Minneapolis debut.
Learn more about the stories discussed in this episode:
- Monarca Rapid Response Line
- Trump says he doesn't want Somalis in the US, urges them to go back to their homeland and fix it (Star Tribune)
- Minneapolis, St. Paul leaders respond to reports of ICE operations targeting Somalis (MPR News)
- Trump administration to withhold some SNAP funding until Minnesota turns over data (Star Triune)
- The Racist, AI-Generated Future of Entertainment (Atlantic)
- Social media AI bot targets Minneapolis attorney and liberal political commentator (MPR News)
- Long-awaited weed-themed sandwich shop opens in Minneapolis next week (Bring Me The News)
- Handroll Sushi, Labubu Macarons, and the Opening of Multiple Bird-Named Restaurants (Racket)
Learn more about the sponsors of this December 5th episode:
Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
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.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Twin Cities and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Is the U of M Slogan Really That Bad? Plus, GR3G Wants to Get Vulnerable
We found the one person willing to defend the University of Minnesota’s slogan “Leave A Future” publicly. Maybe too little too late, as t...

Best Breakfast Spots and Double Features in the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities does breakfast better than anywhere else. But where do you go to get the best breakfast within the best breakfast scene i...

Let’s Leash Our Dogs at Minnehaha Park. Plus, Lynx on Top
The Lynx are sitting near the top of the heap as they make their way to the championships. Star Tribune women’s sports reporter Cassidy H...

Star Tribune Layoffs, Prince's Secret Cookie, and Indie Music Venues
The Minnesota Star Tribune announced that they would be laying off about 15% of their work force, or 65 people. After Racket published th...

Should You Care About Conventions? Plus, Gully Boys and a MN Book Award Author
Glow sticks, a moment of silence for Derek Chauvin (!), and a political upstart. These were all headlines from the GOP and DFL convention...

To Bike Lane or Not To Bike Lane? Plus, Must-Try Hot Dogs and Summer Pies
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 Citie...

Nonprofit Fraud, Sober Thursdays, and Taco Bell 50k
Nonprofit fraud has been all over the news lately, especially after the Attorney General announced a $2 million lawsuit against two North...

ICE's Search Warrant Blunder, Pride Pro Tips, and Reconnecting with MN Food
Recently unsealed court documents in the Cities Church case revealed that a judge denied five search warrants to federal investigators as...

Can Activists Finally Close the HERC? Also, Celebrating “Discarded” Women
One month ago, organizers with the Zero Burn Coalition went on a 12-day hunger strike to compel Hennepin County to close the Hennepin Ene...

Mpls Police Chief's Epic Downfall. Plus, Sing Purple Rain With 1,000 Strangers
Today we explore the dramatic resignation of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara after he interfered with an investigation into his con...
