City Cast Chicago logo
Display Ad: Children play near Chicago's Cloud Gate. "Big plans. Coming right up." with pizza graphic on left; "Enjoy Illinois. Meet in the middle." on right.
February 14, 2026

Your City Could Be Better: What Chicago Needs to Know About How the Twin Cities Organized

City Cast Chicago

Your City Could Be Better: What Chicago Needs to Know About How the Twin Cities Organized

00:00:00
View all City Cast Chicago episodes

All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Chicagoans’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly. 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 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

Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
April 9

Broadview Protesters Face Trial, Farmers Market Prices Rise, and Where to Karaoke in Chicago

The trial against the Broadview Four, a group of high-profile protesters arrested and charged with conspiracy back in September, is set t...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 8

Why Can’t the Sky Keep Stars? Plus, The Hideout’s New Ownership

Earlier this week, the ⁠Chicago Sky traded All-Star forward Angel Reese⁠ to the Atlanta Dream for two future first-round picks. Following...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 7

What to Do on Route 66 in Chicago

In April 1926, Route 66 received its iconic number. The so-called Mother Road takes you all the way to California, but it begins in Chica...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 6

Mayor Johnson vs CHA Board, Buses to O’Hare, and Hawks Miss Playoffs… Again

At the end of March, Chicago’s Housing Authority board voted 7-2 to appoint a new CEO. CHA has been without a permanent CEO since former...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 5

'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium — Presented By City Cast Chicago

While both Chicago and Denver have a professional Women's Soccer team (go Stars!), Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 3

What Went Down At The Jeffs? Plus, Was Midway Blitz Martial Law?

Chicagoans are still asking if the feds will return to the city after Operation Midway blitz. WBEZ’s Curious City recently tackled whethe...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 2

Accessing Immigration Courts, Regulating Prediction Markets, and Ranking Chicago Burgers

Why are immigration court watchers in Chicago struggling to observe virtual hearings? Will Illinois regulate rapidly growing prediction m...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 1

Your Guide to April 2026 in Chicago

April showers are here, but luckily we’ve got your guide to what’s happening in Chicago this month — rain or shine. Host Jacoby Cochran i...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
March 31

Rental Inspections, Illini Final Four, and You’re Tired of Robots

Chicago has a new working group looking into ⁠proactive rental inspections⁠ and creating a registry of apartment owners. Host Jacoby Coch...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
March 30

CPS Finally Has a Permanent Leader. Plus, Broadview Calls to Close ICE Facility

The Chicago school board seems to have its pick for ⁠permanent CPS CEO⁠, finally… and it’s interim CEO Macquline King. Ahead of the board...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art