This week’s edition covers stories
from February 27th to March 5th, 2025.
Today’s issue is 768 words, an 8-minute read.
Hey folks, Mateo here.
I hope you’re staying safe and warm as we experience this week’s weather chaos. Southern Minnesota is digging out from one of the largest snowstorms of the season, leaving a trail of power outages and hazardous roads. While we’re dealing with the storm’s aftermath, there’s also plenty happening in the world of politics and business. Target is facing a major 40-day boycott over changes to its DEI policies, and tensions continue to rise with President Trump’s new tariffs sparking a global trade standoff. Locally, Minnesota made headlines with a pivotal vote rejecting a ban on transgender athletes. And on a lighter note, sports fans are gearing up for the Big Ten Tournament with March Madness just around the corner. With all this in the mix, there’s no shortage of news to follow this week. Let’s dive in!
Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc
in Southern Minnesota
Minnesota’s largest snowstorm of the season hit overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday, closing major highways, leaving thousands without power, and making travel hazardous. In the Twins Cities, bus service was suspended temporarily and many school districts had an e-learning day on Wednesday. Over 10,000 Xcel Energy customers lost power as snow and strong winds knocked down power lines. The City of Minneapolis, among others, has declared a snow emergency.
Minnesota House Rejects Ban
on Transgender Athletes
The Minnesota House voted down a bill that sought to ban transgender athletes from competing on girl’s sports teams. The proposal, backed by Republican lawmakers, was framed as a measure to ensure fairness in women’s sports. However, DFL legislators and LGBTQ+ advocates strongly opposed it, arguing that it discriminates against transgender athletes and lacks clear enforcement mechanisms. The Minnesota High School League has allowed transgeneder students to participate in sports aligning with their gender identity for a decade without reported issues. While the GOP-led Education Policy Committee advanced the bill, it lacked the votes to pass the full House, and the DFL-controlled Senate is unlikely to take it up.
Target Faces 40-Day Boycott Over
DEI Policy Changes
Target is facing a 40-day boycott following cuts to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The boycott, which started last week, criticizes the company for rolling back its commitments to racial justice and LGBTQ+ support. This shift reflects broader corporate reductions in DEI policies, driven by conservative pressure, but Target’s history of progressive stances, particularly post-George Floyd, has made it a focal point of backlash. Even members of the Dayton family, descendants of the company’s founders, have condemned the move. While some support the boycott, others are concerned about the impact on minority-owned brands sold at Target. With declining consumer visits and economic challenges looming, how Target navigates this controversy will have broader implications for the company and the local economy.
US Stocks Plunge as Trump’s Tariff Hikes Spark
Economic and Political Tensions
President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and its North American partners. Canadian energy products are subject to a 10% tariff, while other imports from both countries face a 25% tariff. Canada has vowed to retaliate with tariffs on over $100 billion worth of U.S. goods, and Mexico is expected to announce its countermeasures soon. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made it clear that Canada will not lift its retaliatory tariffs unless the U.S. removes its own, signaling a prolonged trade dispute. These recent developments have contributed to a stock market plunge amid growing economic uncertainty.
Big Ten Teams Fight for Spot in
March Madness Tournament
The Big Ten Tournament, starting March 13th, will be crucial for teams vying for a spot in the NCAA March Madness Tournament, like the University of Minnesota. The tournament runs through March 17th, and the top finishers will likely secure bids to “The Big Dance”. Selection Sunday is on March 16th, and will kick off this year’s college basketball craziness.
A Decade Later: Celebrating the Legacy of
To Pimp A Butterfly
2015 was a legendary year for rap, with numerous classic albums that helped shape the genre’s future. Among them was Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly, an album that pushed boundaries with its blend of jazz, funk, and bold commentary on race and identity. As we approach its 10-year anniversary on the 15th, Lamar’s influence is stronger than ever. His recent Super Bowl performance and Grammy wins only cement his place as one of the most impactful artists of this generation. To Pimp a Butterfly continues to resonate, reminding us why Kendrick remains at the forefront of both music and culture.
Stay informed, stay connected.
See you next week!
–
Mateo and the NewPrensa team
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Hi, friend: Isabella and Mateo here!
We’re Communications Specialists by day and
reminiscing about our first listen of To Pimp a Butterfly by night!
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