Minneapolis Leaders Discuss Pathways Forward Amid Crisis

CNN Anchors Anderson Cooper and Sara Sidner moderate a discussion with Mayor Jacob Frey and other community leaders.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:55pm

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In a special episode of the Anderson Cooper 360 podcast, CNN anchors Anderson Cooper and Sara Sidner moderated a discussion with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other community leaders about the ongoing crisis in the city. The group took questions from the audience and explored potential pathways forward to address the challenges facing the community.

Why it matters

Minneapolis has been grappling with a range of issues, including civil unrest, economic hardship, and public health concerns. This discussion provides a platform for local leaders to directly engage with the community and outline their plans to confront these pressing problems.

The details

The podcast episode featured an in-depth conversation with Mayor Jacob Frey, who discussed the city's response to the crisis and outlined various initiatives aimed at promoting public safety, economic recovery, and community healing. Other community leaders, including representatives from local organizations and advocacy groups, also participated in the discussion, sharing their perspectives and proposed solutions.

  • The podcast episode was recorded on January 29, 2026.

The players

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis, who has been leading the city's response to the ongoing crisis.

Anderson Cooper

A CNN anchor who moderated the discussion alongside his colleague, Sara Sidner.

Sara Sidner

A CNN anchor who co-moderated the discussion with Anderson Cooper.

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What they’re saying

“We must come together as a community to find solutions that address the root causes of the challenges we're facing.”

— Jacob Frey, Mayor of Minneapolis (CNN Podcasts)

“It's crucial that we listen to the voices of those most impacted by the crisis and work collaboratively to enact meaningful change.”

— Sara Sidner, CNN Anchor (CNN Podcasts)

What’s next

The city of Minneapolis plans to hold a series of town hall meetings in the coming weeks to further engage with residents and gather feedback on the proposed solutions discussed during the podcast.

The takeaway

This discussion highlights the importance of open and transparent communication between local leaders and the community, as well as the need for a comprehensive, collaborative approach to addressing the complex challenges facing Minneapolis.