Trump Sues MPS, MnDOT Won't Name a Snowplow "Abolish ICE," and The Kids Might Be Alright

The Department of Justice is suing Minneapolis Public Schools for a policy that protects teachers from underrepresented groups from being laid off. Host Sean McPherson is joined by contributor Hans Buetow and producer Adam Sage to break down what the DOJ's goals are in this lawsuit. The team also gets into possible snowplow names for MnDOT's 2026 Snowplow naming contest, and some good news in Minnesota schools – recent statewide survey results show our students are trending in a positive direction regarding their mental health, substance use, connection with school and family, and a litany of other issues. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: MnDOT’s 2025-26 Name a Snowplow contest (MnDOT) All 50 of MnDOT’s 2025 Name-a-Snowplow Finalists, Ranked (Racket) Trump admin sues Minneapolis schools over layoff protections for teachers of color (Minnesota Reformer) Justice Department Sues Minneapolis Public Schools for Racial Discrimination Against Teachers (Department of Justice) How many Black male teachers are there in the US? (USAFacts) Survey: Minnesota students faring better compared to a few years ago (Minnesota Reformer) Minnesota Student Survey Reports 2013-2025 (MN Department of Education) Learn more about the sponsors of this December 12th episode: Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 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 .