Can Activists Finally Close the HERC? Also, Celebrating “Discarded” Women

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 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 for how to get the most out of Twin Cities Jazz Fest and Pride. Later, Sean interviews acclaimed food writer Beth Dooley about the importance of connecting with traditional foods local to Minnesota and reimagining Indigenous foods in a contemporary context. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: * ⁠Judge: Cities Church protest search warrant applications didn't meet basic legal standards⁠ [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/05/26/judge-says-cities-church-protest-search-warrant-application-doesnt-meet-legal-standards] (MPR News) * ⁠Your Guide to June 2026 in the Twin Cities⁠ [https://twincities.citycast.fm/things-to-do/your-guide-to-the-twin-cities-in-june] (City Cast Twin Cities) * ⁠Beth Dooley's Kitchen⁠ [https://bethdooley.substack.com/] (Substack) * ⁠Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor⁠ [https://membership.citycast.fm/twincities] Learn more about the sponsors of this June 1st episode: * ⁠Ordway Center for the Performing Arts⁠ [https://ordway.org/] * ⁠Project for Pride in Living⁠ [https://www.ppl-inc.org/] * ⁠Indeed Brewing Company⁠ [https://indeedbrewing.com/] Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/citycasttwincities/], or email us at ⁠⁠⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠⁠⁠ [https://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 [https://citycast.fm/advertise/].

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 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 Pride show. Plus, Momo Sushi rises from the ashes, good music, and great neighbors. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: * Island of Discarded Women [https://www.islandofdiscardedwomen.com/] * Momo Sushi Reopening in Former Beast Barbecue Space [https://mspmag.com/eat-and-drink/foodie/momo-sushi-reopens-northeast-minneapolis-beast-barbecue-space/] (MSP Mag) * Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor [https://membership.citycast.fm/twincities] Learn more about the sponsors of this May 29th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts [https://ordway.org/] Project for Pride in Living [https://www.ppl-inc.org/] Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/citycasttwincities/], or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠ [https://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 [https://citycast.fm/advertise/].

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 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 discussed in today's episode: * Prince Sing-Along [https://www.paisleypark.com/celebration2026blockparty] (Paisley Park) * Can you guess the most popular names for babies in Minnesota? [https://www.startribune.com/can-you-guess-the-most-popular-names-for-babies-in-minnesota/601841894] (Star Tribune) * Five takeaways from the discipline, resignation of Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara [https://www.startribune.com/five-takeaways-from-the-discipline-resignation-of-minneapolis-police-chief-brian-ohara/601849345] (Star Tribune) * Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara resigns after allegations he interfered with investigation [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/05/26/chief-brian-ohara-of-minneapolis-resigns-after-interference-with-investigation] (MPR News) * Sharp criticism leveled at mayor after Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara resigns [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/05/27/minneapolis-police-chief-brian-ohara-resigns-katie-blackwell-taking-over-as-acting-chief] (MPR News) * Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor [https://membership.citycast.fm/twincities] Learn more about the sponsors of this May 28th episode: * Ordway Center for the Performing Arts [https://ordway.org/] * Project for Pride in Living Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/citycasttwincities/], or email us at twincities@citycast.fm [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 [https://citycast.fm/advertise/].

Remembering George Floyd, Six Years Later. Plus, Prediction Market Ban

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 an overflowing mailbag. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: * ⁠Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor⁠ [https://membership.citycast.fm/twincities] * ⁠Minnesota becomes first state to outlaw prediction markets, immediately sued by federal regulators⁠ [https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/05/19/minnesota-becomes-first-state-to-outlaw-prediction-markets-immediately-sued-by-federal-regulators/] (Minnesota Reformer) * ⁠City of Minneapolis moves ahead with development at George Floyd Square⁠ [https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/05/21/city-minneapolis-george-floyd-square-agape-peoples-way] (MPR News) * ⁠38th & Chicago Re-envisioned - City of Minneapolis⁠ [https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/38th-chicago-ave/] If you enjoyed this interview with Sam Holt, the Senior Partner Development Manager for TaskRabbit, ⁠learn more here⁠ [https://www.taskrabbit.com/]. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 27th episode: * ⁠Ordway Center for the Performing Arts⁠ [https://ordway.org/] * ⁠Project for Pride in Living⁠ [https://www.ppl-inc.org/] Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/citycasttwincities/], or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠ [https://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 [https://citycast.fm/advertise/].

John Cook House Saved. Plus, Rondo Time Travels Through Roblox

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 through both historic and modern Rondo. Finally, we welcome Recovery Bike Shop's Seth Stattmiller and Elizabeth Richardson to discuss their community effort to save the 137-year-old John Cook House from demolition. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: * Rondo in Roblox pairs St. Paul time-travel with modern verve [https://www.minnpost.com/news/top-story/2026/05/rondo-in-roblox-pairs-st-paul-time-travel-with-modern-verve/] (MinnPost) * Historic home to change hands [https://www.mynortheaster.com/news/historic-home-to-change-hands/] (My Northeaster) * Cook House [https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/property-housing/preservation/landmarks-districts/landmarks/cook-house/] (City of Minneapolis) * Dilapidated 137-year-old Minneapolis house saved from wrecking ball [https://www.startribune.com/dilapidated-137-year-old-minneapolis-house-saved-from-wrecking-ball/601833149] (Star Tribune) * Help Us Save the John Cook House [https://recovery.bike/johncookhouse/] (Recovery Bike Shop) * Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor [https://membership.citycast.fm/twincities] Learn more about the sponsors of this May 26th episode: * Ordway Center for the Performing Arts [https://ordway.org/] * Project for Pride in Living [https://www.ppl-inc.org/] Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/citycasttwincities/], or email us at ⁠twincities@citycast.fm⁠ [https://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 [https://citycast.fm/advertise/].