This week’s edition covers stories
from September 25th to October 1st, 2025.
Today’s issue is 927 words, a 8-minute read
Hey folks, Mateo here.
For you heavy-footed drivers, it’s time to ease off the gas: Minneapolis’ new traffic camera pilot program is officially in effect, bringing warnings and fines to curb speeding and improve safety on city streets. Meanwhile, the federal shutdown is leaving thousands of Minnesotans without paychecks and plenty of uncertainty, and the DOJ has launched a lawsuit over so-called “sanctuary” policies in the state. On the national stage, Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, a cultural milestone already stirring excitement and political pushback. And closer to home, Lynx star Napheesa Collier is speaking out after the team’s playoff exit, using her platform to call for sweeping changes in WNBA leadership as tense labor talks continue.
Federal Shutdown Leaves
Workers in Limbo
The federal government officially shut down yesterday, marking the first closure in several years. With no resolution in sight, the effects are already being felt across Minnesota and the nation.
Here in Minnesota, more than 18,000 civilian federal workers face furloughs, reassignments, or being asked to work without pay. Some are being shifted into roles outside their expertise just to keep essential operations moving. Others have been told to wait, unsure of when or if paychecks will resume. The uncertainty is rippling through families and communities, with union leaders describing the situation as “a hostage” for workers who are afraid to speak out publicly.
Essential services like airport security, food inspection, weather alerts, and law enforcement will continue, but departments such as Education, Housing, and Labor have furloughed the majority of their staff. In Minnesota, that means everything from national park management to data collection and public health research is stalled or operating with skeleton crews.
The larger question is how long this will last. With Democrats demanding the preservation of health care subsidies and Republicans refusing to reopen negotiations, there’s no clear off-ramp. Past shutdowns have stretched for weeks, and with tensions running high, this one could follow suit. For federal employees and the Minnesotans who depend on their work, every day without a deal only deepens the strain.
DOJ Targets Minnesota Over
‘Sanctuary’ Policies
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Minnesota, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Hennepin County, and state officials, alleging their so-called “sanctuary city” policies interfere with federal immigration enforcement and put public safety at risk. Attorney General Pam Bondi framed the lawsuit as an effort to hold local jurisdictions “fully accountable,” accusing Minnesota leaders of “jeopardizing the safety of their own citizens.”
But Minnesota officials and city leaders are pushing back, calling the lawsuit politically motivated and legally baseless. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey vowed that the city “will not back down,” while St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter stated, “We will stand with our immigrant and refugee neighbors no matter how many unconstitutional claims the White House makes.”
Governor Tim Walz’s office rejected the DOJ’s characterization outright: “Minnesota follows federal law – we are not a sanctuary state. We will review the lawsuit, but suspect it is another partisan stunt that will not hold up in court.” Attorney General Keith Ellison echoed that sentiment, saying his office regularly partners with law enforcement to prosecute dangerous individuals, but will not divert state resources to advance “political retaliation” from Washington. The case now heads to federal court, but Minnesota leaders appear united in their stance: protecting immigrant and refugee communities remains a priority, regardless of federal pressure.
Bad Bunny to Headline Super Bowl Halftime Show
It’s official: Bad Bunny will headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show in Santa Clara. Just a few years ago, he appeared as a guest performer — now he’s leading the biggest music stage in the world. The announcement quickly sparked excitement across the globe, but also drew political backlash from some conservatives upset over a Spanish-language artist known for speaking out against Trump and ICE.
For millions of fans, though, the moment is pure celebration. Bad Bunny’s rise is not only about music, but about visibility, pride, and joy for Puerto Rico and the broader Latin American community. Critics may complain, but the excitement is undeniable. As the world tunes in this February, millions will see one of the world’s biggest artists celebrate his culture and his people on football’s biggest night.
Napheesa Collier Takes a Stand
Against WNBA Leadership
As their season came to a close early this week, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier made waves with a bold, prepared statement calling out WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league’s leadership. “We have the best players in the world, we have the best fans in the world, but right now we have the worst leadership in the world,” Collier said, criticizing what she described as a dismissive, tone-deaf approach to player concerns.
She cited ignored complaints about officiating, a lack of accountability, and Engelbert’s attitude toward low rookie salaries for Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. Collier also shared that Engelbert never reached out after her recent injury, saying, “That is what leadership looks like—it’s the human element, the bare minimum.”
This moment comes amid critical collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations. The current CBA limits player earnings with rigid salary caps, and many players are pushing for a new revenue-sharing model that reflects the league’s growth. Collier’s remarks are being widely praised by players across the league, who see in her words the spark for much-needed change.
I highly recommend watching the full video — hearing her voice, pacing, and conviction adds power to what’s already one of the boldest calls for reform we’ve seen in women’s sports.
Stay informed, stay connected.
See you next week!
–
Mateo and the NewPrensa team
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Hi, friend: Mateo here!
I’m a Communications Specialist by day and
walking the dog by night!
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