City Cast Twin Cities

Juneteenth on the Southside, Free Music Festivals, and Har Mar No More

The owners and operators of Har Mar Mall are finally thinking about putting the dead mall out of its misery. But what should replace it? Also, it's another big week of summer events in the Twin Cities, and we got you covered with insider scoops on where to hang out and what festivals you should hit up around town. One festival you definitely need to check out is Soul of the Southside [https://soulofthesouthside.com/], a Juneteenth celebration of Black creativity, education, community wealth, and health and wellness. Festival director Fancy Lanier-Duncan joins Sean and City Cast contributor PaviElle French to talk about what to expect at this year's festivities. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: * Har Mar Mall could be headed for the wrecking ball [https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/10/har-mall-mall-redevelopment-plans] (Axios Twin Cities) * What Should We Do With Har Mar Mall? [https://racketmn.com/what-should-we-do-with-har-mar-mall] (Racket) * World Cup Fever [https://www.blackhartstp.com/worldcupfever] (The Black Hart of St. Paul) * No Brains, No Lightbulbs Live Podcast Taping [https://www.bryantlakebowl.com/theater/no-brains-no-lightbulbs-live] (Bryant Lake Bowl) * Go Your Own Way ⏤ A Fleetwood Mac Sing-along [https://first-avenue.com/event/2025-05-fleetwood-mac-sing-along/] (Turf Club) * Twin Cities Jazz Festival [https://www.twincitiesjazzfestival.com/] (Mears Park) * Kingfield PorchFest [https://kingfield.org/porchfest/] (Kingfield neighborhood) * Fierce: Pride Party [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fierce-pride-party-tickets-1989627039033] (Eat Street Crossing) * Soul of the Southside [https://soulofthesouthside.com/] (E. Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue) * Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor [https://membership.citycast.fm/twincities] Learn more about the sponsor of this June 15th episode: * Make Music Madison [https://makemusicmadison.org/] 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/].

You Could Get Paid to Take Notes. Plus, R.I.P. 56 Brewing’s Patio

The local brewery scene is going through a lot. It’s not just declining beer sales; just this week, 56 Brewing had to demolish their 9-year-old patio because it was built on Xcel Energy’s land. Fortunately, there’s other silver linings. We also talk to Mikki Morrissette of Minnesota Women’s Press and Jackie Renzetti of MinnPost about how they’re making local journalism accessible to all. We also celebrate some Twin Cities wins, featuring our brave class of 2026 graduates and some delicious coffee. Become a member today to hear us gripe and praise our Twin Cities Devils/Angels.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: * Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor [https://membership.citycast.fm/twincities] * Who we are and why we are building a consumer-owned media co-op [https://www.womenspress.com/who-we-are-and-why-we-are-building-a-consumer-owned-media-co-op/] (Minnesota Women’s Press) * Twin Cities Documenters [https://www.minnpost.com/twin-cities-documenters/] (MinnPost) * Last call for deck drinks: Minneapolis brewery forced to demolish patio on Xcel Energy land [https://www.startribune.com/last-call-for-deck-drinks-minneapolis-brewery-forced-to-demolish-patio-on-xcel-energy-land/601855026] (Star Tribune) * Minnesota craft breweries see steep declines in 2025 [https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/09/minnesota-breweries-declines-2025-beer] (Axios Twin Cities) * Resilience at Roosevelt: Students graduate after year that brought ICE to their doorstep [https://sahanjournal.com/education/minneapolis-roosevelt-high-school-graduating-class-2026/] (Sahan Journal)  * A unique coffee shop is brewing in the former Kopplin’s space, by the founder of Five Watt [https://www.twincities.com/2026/06/11/a-unique-coffee-shop-is-brewing-in-the-former-kopplins-space-by-the-founder-of-five-watt/] (Pioneer Press)  * Twin Cities Pride Festival preview [https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/twin-cities-pride-festival-preview/89-ff5c9b1a-176a-4ce5-994e-bdd69be9c645] (Kare 11) Learn more about the sponsors of this June 12th episode: * Ordway Center for the Performing Arts [https://ordway.org/] * Vida y Deportes [https://vidaydeportes.com/] * North Canna [https://www.northcanna.com/] - get 30% of your first purchase at northcanna.com 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/].

Ex-Cardamom Workers Allege Retaliation. Plus, Queer Folk Music and MN Tops Another List

Minnesota was recently named the #1 state in the country for quality of life by the State of the Nation Project, but we came up short in some specific categories. Former employees at Cardamom, the recently-shuttered restaurant inside the Walker Art Center, have filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that DDP Restaurant Group retaliated against them for organizing efforts. Sean is joined by contributor Tane Danger to break down these stories, and local musician Emmy Woods joins the conversation later to talk about an upcoming queer country music concert at the Turf Club. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: * Minnesota ranked best in country for quality of life [https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-tops-quality-of-life-us-study/601854426] (Star Tribune) * Minnesota full State of the States Report [https://stateofnation.org/assets/stateofnation/downloads/sots/Minnesota.pdf?v=1.0.42] (State of the Nation)   * Former employees of Walker Art Center restaurant file labor complaint [https://www.startribune.com/former-employees-of-walker-art-center-restaurant-file-labor-complaint/601855093] (Star Tribune)   * Country Queers Make Do [https://first-avenue.com/event/2026-06-emmy-woods-lake-davi-tomboyy-pine-fire/] (Turf Club) * Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor [https://membership.citycast.fm/twincities] Learn more about the sponsors of this June 11th episode: * Ordway Center for the Performing Arts [https://ordway.org/] * Vida y Deportes [https://vidaydeportes.com/] * North Canna [https://www.northcanna.com/] - get 30% of your first purchase at northcanna.com 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/].

Is the U of M Slogan Really That Bad? Plus, GR3G Wants to Get Vulnerable

We found the one person willing to defend the University of Minnesota’s slogan “Leave A Future” publicly. Maybe too little too late, as the university has decided to ditch it two months after its launch. We also chat with up-and-coming rapper GR3G, who is celebrating the release of his new album “Voices in Between” on June 27 at the 7th Street Entry. Plus, food shelves still need your support.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: * Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor [https://membership.citycast.fm/twincities] * UMN ‘Leave a Future’ tagline scrapped by officials following public response [https://mndaily.com/campus/umn-leave-a-future-tagline-scrapped-by-officals-following-public-response/06/07/2026/eicmndaily-com/] (MN Daily) * GR3G ★ 7th St Entry - First Avenue [https://first-avenue.com/event/2026-06-gr3g/] * Operation Metro Surge has receded, but food shelf demand is still setting records [https://www.startribune.com/operation-metro-surge-has-receded-but-food-shelf-demand-is-still-setting-records/601847584] (Star Tribune) * Hunger Solutions [https://www.hungersolutions.org/] Learn more about the sponsors of this June 10th episode: * Ordway Center for the Performing Arts [https://ordway.org/] * Vida y Deportes [https://vidaydeportes.com/] * North Canna [https://www.northcanna.com/] - get 30% of your first purchase at northcanna.com 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/].

Best Breakfast Spots and Double Features in the Twin Cities

The Twin Cities does breakfast better than anywhere else. But where do you go to get the best breakfast within the best breakfast scene in the world? Sean is joined by Kirstie Kimball of beyond beurre blanc and podcast producer Hans Buetow to talk about their favorite spots. Later, Racket co-owner Em Cassel and producer Adam Sage join the conversation to share the best double features around the cities – where you go to one location and chain together multiple activities for one awesome night or day out on the town. Check out the excellent breakfast spots mentioned in today's episode: * Al's Breakfast [https://www.alsbreakfastmpls.com/] for a waffle * Dahlia [https://www.eatatdahlia.com/] for a croissant * Darling [https://www.darlingmpls.com/] for savory waffles (old birchwood location) * Herbst [https://www.herbstsaintpaul.com/menu] in St. Paul for the duck waffle * Churchill St. [https://www.churchillst.com/] for blueberry hotcakes cooked in bacon fat * Isles Bun and Coffee [https://islesbun.com/] for the best cinnamon bun in the Twin Cities * Diane's Place [https://dianesplacemn.com/] (go at 8 a.m. on a weekday to easily get a spot at the bar) * Post Modern Times [https://www.moderntimesmpls.com/] for vegan donuts Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and their Southside Hash * Our Kitchen [http://www.our-kitchen.com/] for the best hashbrowns in the Twin Cities * Scramblin' Egg [https://www.scramblinegg.com/] for their deep-fried hashbrown bites * So Yen [https://www.soyendesserts.com/menu] for their congee  * Lito's Burritos [https://order.toasttab.com/online/litosburritos] for their breakfast burrito * Andy's Garage [https://www.andys-mpls.com/] in Midtown Global Market for the best breakfast tacos in the Twin Cities * El Taco Riendo [https://eltacoriendomn.com/] for the best chilaquiles in the Twin Cities  * Black Walnut [https://www.blackwalnutbakery.com/] for the best quiche in the Twin Cities * Bellecour [https://bellecourmn.com/] for a close runner-up for best quiche Want ad-free listening and access to bonus content and exclusive invites to members-only events? become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor [https://membership.citycast.fm/twincities] today. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 9th episode: * Ordway Center for the Performing Arts [https://ordway.org/] * Vida y Deportes [https://vidaydeportes.com/] * North Canna [https://www.northcanna.com/] - get 30% of your first purchase at northcanna.com 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/].