Join Sean McPherson and the City Cast Twin Cities team every weekday morning as we bring you the day's conversations about life in the Twin Cities. With our cast of journalists, activists, experts and residents, we celebrate our wins with beaming pride, critique our shortcomings with the attention of a seed art judge and mutter “that’s interesting” for anything in between. Alongside our daily newsletter, we put the spotlight on the news and culture of the Twin Cities from every perspective we can find – including yours. It’s like a potluck where everyone’s invited and no one brings grape salad. So whether you've been here long enough to remember the Halloween blizzard of 1991, or you just bought your first winter coat, bring your dish over and let's talk. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at twincities.citycast.fm.
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'Your City Could Be Better’: How the Twin Cities Organized. Plus, What Counts As ‘Cold’?
Saturday, February 14, 2026 • Duration 32:05
In this inaugural episode of “Your City Could Be Better,” City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Twin Cities podcast host Sean McPherson about the local collective action efforts that cropped up throughout Operation Metro Surge. Immigration agents are expected to withdraw from the Twin cities over the next week. Sean shares stories of how his community self-organized, why these networks have been so successful, and what other cities can take away from Minnesotans’ response to Operation Metro Surge. Plus, we have a D.C. vs. Twin Cities face-off on local cultural norms.
We also mentioned this episode of City Cast Twin Cities.
Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!
We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter
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The End of Operation Metro Surge? Plus, Best/Worst Twin Cities Dates
Friday, February 13, 2026 • Duration 33:55
Is it really over? Well, not quite yet. White House Border Czar Tom Homan announced Thursday he was ending Operation Metro Surge, and agents are expected to leave within the next two weeks. Why now? We consider three reasons. Plus, we share our best and worst Twin Cities dating stories and chat about a new City Cast podcast that focuses on what our cities are doing right and wrong.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Border Czar Tom Homan announces end to Operation Metro Surge, claiming success (Minnesota Reformer)
Your City Could Be Better
Things to do for single people on Valentine's day in Twin Cities (City Cast Twin Cities)
Learn more about the sponsors of this February 13th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.
Tish Jones Writes for This Moment. Plus, Events to Still Enjoy Living Here
Monday, February 2, 2026 • Duration 34:25
Tish Jones is an award-winning, trailblazing poet and the executive director of TruArtSpeaks. The arts collective, which focuses on nurturing young artists through the medium of hip-hop and Spoken Word, is celebrating 20 years. Jones reflects on the highlights and discusses her poem “The Children Are Watching,” performed at a Timberwolves game earlier this month. Also, we’re making “enjoy the world you’re fighting for” our mantra. MPR newsroom coordinator and contributor Denzel Belin, who coined the phrase, highlights some events to help you do just that.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
TruArtSpeaks
Monday, Feb 2 - Musical Mondays at Lush
Tuesday, Feb. 3 - “Holidating – Valentines Day edition” at the Bryant Lake Bowl
Sunday, Feb 8 - RENT drag brunch at Crave Rooftop
Queering Indigeneity running until August 16, 2026 at Minnesota Museum of American Art
Saturday, Feb. 21 - esperanza spalding at Dakota
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.
Nur-D On 'Brutal' ICE Detention, Tom Homan Isn’t as Nice as His Suits, and a New Opera
Friday, January 30, 2026 • Duration 48:48
With border czar Tom Homan now heading up ICE operations in the Twin Cities, many folks are positioning him as a more moderate voice than the previous leadership – but is that true? Host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor PaviElle French to dig into Homan's background, what he's been saying now, and why protests of ICE's occupation seem noticeably "whiter" than protests following the murder of George Floyd. Later, local rapper Nur-D joins the conversation to open up about his harrowing experience being tackled, tear-gassed, and detained by ICE last weekend when he was walking away with his hands in the air. We also hear from librettist, playwright, and television writer Harrison David Rivers about his new work that is premiering with the Minnesota Opera tomorrow.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Tom Homan Is Supposed to Fix Trump’s Minnesota Crisis. His Record Raises Serious Questions. (Mother Jones)
Tom Homan is coming to Minneapolis to lead ICE. Who is he? (Star Tribune)
Border czar Tom Homan argues US justified in removing 'public safety threat' Abrego Garcia to El Salvador (ABC News)
Video shows local rapper Nur-D being aggressively detained by federal agents (Bring Me The News)
Full Video of Nur-D's Detainment - viewer discretion advised (Status Coup)
My Name Is Florence (Minnesota Opera)
Learn more about the sponsors of this January 30th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.
Potholes and Plowing, Local Protest Songs, and Don't Mess with Rep. Omar
Thursday, January 29, 2026 • Duration 39:21
Every movement needs some music. The Twin Cities United Performers put out a call for protest music and got an overwhelming response. Organizers Nadi of Gully Boys and Dante of Space Monkey Mafia and Runaway Ricochet talk about how musicians are meeting the moment. Plus, we’ve heard your complaints about St. Paul’s plowing. We bring on Sean Kershaw, director of Public Works for the city, who says it’s not an engineering problem, but a money problem. Finally, ICE caused an international incident in northeast Minneapolis, and Rep. Ilhan Omar stands up for herself.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Twin Cities United Performers (Instagram)
Backlash from Minnesota immigration actions sets back federal fraud cases (Star Tribune)
Ecuador Objects After ICE Agent Tries to Enter Minneapolis Consulate
Rep. Ilhan Omar attacked during town hall meeting in Minneapolis (Washington Post)
Reimagining Snow Operations (St. Paul)
Learn more about the sponsors of this January 28th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.
Bye Bovino, ICE Court Battles, and Corporate Inaction
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 • Duration 41:07
Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino has been sent back to California, where he is expected to return to his previous job and retire soon. In the meantime, President Trump has sent in border czar Tom Homan to head up ICE's ongoing operations in the Twin Cities. Host Sean McPherson and contributor Tane Danger break down what this means for the Twin Cities, and unpack an ongoing court case that could spell the end of Operation Metro Surge. Later, acclaimed journalist and co-host of Pivot, Kara Swisher, joins the conversation to discuss the deafening silence from Twin Cities corporations over the past several weeks, and the "less than bland" open letter released by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce over the weekend.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
Walz and Trump speak by phone as White House appears to soften tone on ICE crackdown (Star Tribune)
Border Patrol chief and some agents expected to leave Minneapolis on Tuesday (CNN)
Border czar Tom Homan’s arrival in Minnesota signals shift by Trump administration (Star Tribune)
Hearing on Minnesota’s lawsuit to halt federal immigration surge ends with no ruling (Minnesota Reformer)
Judge Orders ICE Chief to Appear in Court Over Potential Contempt (New York Times)
Minnesota CEOs break silence on ICE surge, killings (Star Tribune)
Learn more about the sponsors of this January 28th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.
Restaurant Turned Field Hospital, Toilet Paper Reviews and James Beard Predictions
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 • Duration 34:38
Have you ever wondered which Twin Cities restaurant has the best toilet paper? Amber runs Twin Cities Toilet Paper Reviews and talks about how TP helped her find community. Em Cassel, contributor and co-owner of Racket, shares a story about how Copper Hen on Eat Street opened its doors to protesters over the weekend. We also get fancy-shmancy and predict which Minnesota restaurants and chefs will win a James Beard Award.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
How Neighbors Transformed a Brunch Spot Into a Field Hospital After ICE Assaulted Eat Street (Racket)
Twin Cities Toilet Paper Reviews
Learn more about the sponsors of this January 27th episode:
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.
Minnesota Mourns Again, the Symbolism of Whistles, and Culture in a Time of Crisis
Monday, January 26, 2026 • Duration 51:35
The Twin Cities are reeling after federal agents killed two residents in less than three weeks. Sean McPherson talks with Creative Producers Tiffany Bui and Adam Sage about the latest events of the weekend before we start the original episode we had planned, where poet and activist Kyle Tran Myhre discusses what artists can do in a time of crisis – from convening audiences to turning poetry, zines, and whistles into tools for community care and resistance. Plus, City Cast Contributor and MPR Newsroom Coordinator Denzel Belin joins us for a look ahead at Twin Cities events worth showing up for this week, because joy, culture, and connection still matter. And find out what event prompts producer Tiffany Bui to utter the phrase, “ as a bisexual Aquarius, I feel seen, called out, respected and feared.”
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
How Can Artists Show Up For Minneapolis (Racket)
Kyle "Guante" Tran Myhre (website)
guantesolo (Instagram)
Ice Carvings for Kids (Winter Carnival)
New Band Night (Green Room)
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Minnesota Orchestra)
Reject’s Cohorts (Mixed Blood Theatre)
Improv Zodiac! (Bryant Lake Bowl)
Diego Figueiredo (Crooners)
Learn more about the sponsors of this January 26th episode:
Minnesota Opera
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
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.
A Day of Strike and Protest in the Twin Cities
Saturday, January 24, 2026 • Duration 13:07
A lot of folks are wondering right now what it’s like to be in the Twin Cities, where a massive and aggressive deportation operation is taking place. Today, in -20° weather, local activists organized a general strike. The idea was to protest ICE presence with no work, no school, and no shopping. Over 600 businesses closed their doors, and thousands of protesters gathered in downtown Minneapolis. Our City Cast Twin Cities team was out there documenting it all day, and brought back this dispatch, which we think you’ll want to hear.
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.
“ICE Out” Day, Church Protesters Arrested, and Be Nice to Snowplows
Friday, January 23, 2026 • Duration 34:19
Today, across the Twin Cities, businesses are closed, workers are staying home, and people are marching in the street for a “Day of Truth and Freedom” protesting ICE. We talk to union historian Amy Livingston at the University of Minnesota about why unions aren’t calling it a “strike” and the power of past movements like this one. We’re also joined by Anne Meyer at the state Department of Transportation about why everyone seems to have forgotten how to drive in the winter. Plus, Sean and contributor PaviElle French discuss the arrest of several key leaders in the Cities Church protest.
Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode:
FBI and Homeland Security arrest two protesters who disrupted Minneapolis church service (NBC News)
Paradox: Echoes of Reform & the Minneapolis Police (PBS)
Learn more about the sponsors of this January 23rd episode:
Minnesota Opera
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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