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| |  | The Black Hart Bar on University Ave. W. (Sean McPherson / City Cast Twin Cities) |
| St. Paul bar Black Hart internationally recognized | Wes Burdine bought a gay bar near Allianz Field, kept up that legacy and added a side of soccer celebration. Earlier this month, the German football club FC St. Pauli awarded Burdine its Peace Prize, bringing the award to the U.S. for the first time. The club contrasted its award with FIFA presenting President Donald Trump with its own Peace Prize in December. [🎧 City Cast Twin Cities] | - For community: Black Hart has served as a gathering space for protesters and mutual aid organizations. Burdine also recalled a confrontation he had with ICE agents in the Cub Foods parking lot in Midway. The bar owner said he was observing the agents staging in the parking lot when the agents accused him of following them. “Anytime I could put my body between the feds and someone that they want to pick up, I’m doing a good job,” he said.
- Fundraising: Burdine used the spotlight to direct donations to the Hamline Midway Supply Hub. The German club donated, and Burdine’s appearance on MS NOW’s “The Briefing with Jen Psaki” raised $200,000.
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| What the Cities Are Talking About |
| End of an era: After 30 years, the Basilica Block Party is coming to an end. The music festival served as a fundraiser for the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. The last Block Party was in 2024. [Star Tribune] | | That was quick: On April 6, St. Paul Parks and Recreation banned TikTok influencer Josh Liljenquist from its parks for six months. Liljenquist is known for filming himself feeding unhoused people, leading the department to accuse him of harassing vulnerable adults. But St. Paul lifted the ban this week after the influencer appealed. [Bring Me The News] | |  | Governor Tim Walz at the No Kings Rally in front of the State Capitol on March 28. (Stephen Maturen / Getty Images) |
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| Book tour incoming: Looks like Gov. Tim Walz is working on a new side gig as an author. He’s writing a book called “Good Neighbors" about the state’s response to this winter’s surge in immigration enforcement. Publication is set for next year. [Associated Press] | | Volunteer with us: The City Cast team is cleaning up St. Paul and Lilydale parks on Saturday, and we want you to join us! This event is open to the public – spend the day doing a good deed and getting to know your neighbors. [Sign up here] | | In the courts: We’re seeing a wave of lawsuits in connection to Operation Metro Surge, which will undoubtedly uncover more information about the federal government’s behavior. Thankfully, MinnPost’s Cleo Krejci has a great round-up of major lawsuits. The cases range from alleged rights violations of protesters to denying pastoral care visits at the Whipple Federal Building. [MinnPost] |
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| | Friday, Apr 24 | | | Saturday, Apr 25 | | | Sunday, Apr 26 | | | |
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Your Friday Floof is Charlie Chap the Wonder Cat. From Charlie’s owner, Jennifer: “He is a bright light for many people especially during tough times.” You can submit your pet here. | |  | (Courtesy of Jennifer W.) |
| A TGIF and welcome to our newest Neighbors, Izzy B., Randy B., Nick D.P., Erica B., David Z., and Dan D. Thank you and welcome to the Neighborhood! |
| — Tiffany | Anna Weggel and Sean McPherson edited the City Cast Twin Cities newsletter this week. Feedback? Email twincities@citycast.fm. |
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