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 Who we are and why we are building a consumer-owned media co-op  (Minnesota Women’s Press) Twin Cities Documenters (MinnPost) Last call for deck drinks: Minneapolis brewery forced to demolish patio on Xcel Energy land (Star Tribune) Minnesota craft breweries see steep declines in 2025 (Axios Twin Cities) Resilience at Roosevelt: Students graduate after year that brought ICE to their doorstep (Sahan Journal)  A unique coffee shop is brewing in the former Kopplin’s space, by the founder of Five Watt (Pioneer Press)  Twin Cities Pride Festival preview (Kare 11) Learn more about the sponsors of this June 12th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Vida y Deportes North Canna - get 30% of your first purchase at northcanna.com Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

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 (Star Tribune) Minnesota full State of the States Report (State of the Nation)   Former employees of Walker Art Center restaurant file labor complaint (Star Tribune)   Country Queers Make Do (Turf Club) Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor Learn more about the sponsors of this June 11th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Vida y Deportes North Canna - get 30% of your first purchase at northcanna.com Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

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 UMN ‘Leave a Future’ tagline scrapped by officials following public response (MN Daily) GR3G ★ 7th St Entry - First Avenue Operation Metro Surge has receded, but food shelf demand is still setting records (Star Tribune) Hunger Solutions Learn more about the sponsors of this June 10th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Vida y Deportes North Canna - get 30% of your first purchase at northcanna.com Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

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 for a waffle Dahlia for a croissant Darling for savory waffles (old birchwood location) Herbst in St. Paul for the duck waffle Churchill St. for blueberry hotcakes cooked in bacon fat Isles Bun and Coffee for the best cinnamon bun in the Twin Cities Diane's Place (go at 8 a.m. on a weekday to easily get a spot at the bar) Post Modern Times for vegan donuts Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and their Southside Hash Our Kitchen for the best hashbrowns in the Twin Cities Scramblin' Egg for their deep-fried hashbrown bites So Yen for their congee  Lito's Burritos for their breakfast burrito Andy's Garage in Midtown Global Market for the best breakfast tacos in the Twin Cities El Taco Riendo for the best chilaquiles in the Twin Cities  Black Walnut for the best quiche in the Twin Cities Bellecour 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 today. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 9th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Vida y Deportes North Canna - get 30% of your first purchase at northcanna.com Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

The Lynx are sitting near the top of the heap as they make their way to the championships. Star Tribune women’s sports reporter Cassidy Hettesheimer tells us about the rookie player leading the way, even in Napheesa Collier’s absence. We’re also joined by Minneapolis Park Board Commissioner Jason Garcia, who explains why the board is decommissioning the Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park. Plus, Sean’s cabin questions for when you’re sitting around a campfire (or taking a poop).  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor Park Board Takes Step Toward Closing Minnehaha Dog Park (Axios Twin Cities) Stories by Cassidy Hettesheimer If you enjoyed today's interview with Jill Hornbacher, the Senior Director of Public Relations at Comcast, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 8th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Vida y Deportes North Canna - get 30% of your first purchase at northcanna.com Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

The Minnesota Star Tribune announced that they would be laying off about 15% of their work force, or 65 people. After Racket published the leaked layoff memo from Star Tribune CEO Steve Grove, Sean is joined by Racket co-owners Em Cassel and Jay Boller to talk about what we know so far. Renowned Prince Historian Andrea Swensson also joins the show to share some facts you probably didn't know about the superstar as Sunday marks what would have been his 68th birthday, and local venue operators James Taylor and Josh Cragun talk about the challenges of running an independent music venue in the Twin Cities in the big '26. In a bonus segment only for City Cast Twin Cities Neighbors, the entire city cast staff joins to play a game of "Hot Dish Hush," where they try to get each other to guess common Twin Cities landmarks without saying certain prohibited words. To get bonus segments like this, ad-free listening, and exclusive invites to members-only events, you can sign up to become a Neighbor today. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Read Star Tribune Publisher Steve Grove's Leaked Memo Announcing Dramatic Job Cuts, Updated 'Vision' (Racket) Minnesota Star Tribune cuts jobs and pursues nonprofit ownership structure (Star Tribune)   Star Tribune planning job cuts, exploring new ownership model (MPR News)  Mpls Police Chief's Epic Downfall. Plus, Sing Purple Rain With 1,000 Strangers (City Cast Twin Cities) Prince Singalong (Paisley Park)  NIVA Conference June 7-10 Minneapolis The Cedar Cultural Center Gobo Tickets Learn more about the sponsors of this June 5th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Glow sticks, a moment of silence for Derek Chauvin (!), and a political upstart. These were all headlines from the GOP and DFL conventions last week. But how important are these events to people who aren’t hardcore partisans? Dr. Christopher Lehman shares the story of Eliza Winston, an enslaved woman brought to Minnesota on vacation. Here, Eliza Winston won her freedom. Plus, hometown fave Gully Boys are returning from tour to play Grand Old Day in St. Paul.  Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor Listen to the moment of silence MN GOP delegates held for Derek Chauvin  (Minnesota Reformer) Lisa Demuth to run in GOP primary for governor, setting up three-way election in August (Minnesota Reformer) It Took Courage – Minnesota Historical Society Grand Old Day 2026 If you enjoyed today's interview with Tess Rowser, the Marketing Manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 4th episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

After reading the New York Times' Best Hot Dogs article, we were inspired to put together our own list of best hot dogs in the Twin Cities. Sean did his homework trying out several hot doggeries over the weekend, and he shares his findings. Our new newsletter writer Roseanne Pereira joins the show to talk about City Cast's free newsletter "Keep It Local," where Roseanne shines a light on some of her favorite local businesses you should check out each week (today's newsletter is all about summer pies!). Later, Sean chats with MPR newsroom coordinator Denzel Belin and producer Adam Sage about the ongoing drama surrounding bike lanes on Lyndale Ave., and Sean shares a tribute to longtime Twin Cities broadcaster and journalist Larry Fitzgerald Sr. Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Sign up for the Keep It Local Newsletter! 620 Club Nordic Dogs The Wienery Kyatchi Kramarczuk’s Litt Pinball Bar St. Paul Meat Shop Lyndale Avenue South redesign debate: Uptown business owners clash with bicyclists over parking (FOX9) Clip from Uptown Association Meeting (Taylor Dahlin) 6.1.2026 - Jacob Frey speaks at the Uptown Association event for the Lyndale Ave reconstruction (Taylor Dahlin) Interactive community feedback map of the current reconstruction plan (Hennepin County) Lyndale Avenue South reconstruction (Hennepin County) Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor Learn more about the sponsors of this June 3rd episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

Nonprofit fraud has been all over the news lately, especially after the Attorney General announced a $2 million lawsuit against two North Minneapolis pastors. DeAnna Cummings, a co-owner of Juxtaposition Arts, shares her perspective on how this might impact the community. Plus, you don’t have to drink with your friends or coworkers after work. Food critic Kirstie Kimball talks about third spaces for a sober hang. Meanwhile, producer Adam Sage is fresh off the Taco Bell 50k. Did he survive? Learn more about the topics discussed in today's episode: Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor Northside pastors and their followers prepare to fight fraud claims (North News) Twin Cities Taco Bell 50k (@twincitiestacobell50k) Learn more about the sponsors of this June 2nd episode: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. 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.

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 (MPR News) ⁠Your Guide to June 2026 in the Twin Cities⁠ (City Cast Twin Cities) ⁠Beth Dooley's Kitchen⁠ (Substack) ⁠Become a City Cast Twin Cities Neighbor⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this June 1st episode: ⁠Ordway Center for the Performing Arts⁠ ⁠Project for Pride in Living⁠ ⁠Indeed Brewing Company⁠ Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastTwinCities on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, or email us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠. 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.