This week’s edition covers storiesÂ
from May 1st to May 7th, 2025.
Today’s issue is 1000 words, a 9-minute read.
Hey folks, Isabella here.
Minnesota said “hot girl summer” and actually meant weather. With temps flirting in the 70s and 80s all week, we’re finally shedding our layers and seasonal depression in one go. But it’s not just the sun turning up, the whole week is giving big energy.
Let’s start at the top. Literally. The 2025 Met Gala kicked off the week with opulence and intention. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” spotlighted Black dandyism as both art and resistance, honoring centuries of style as cultural survival and storytelling. Inspired by Monica Miller’s powerful work on Black diasporic identity, the Met stepped into overdue territory.
Back on the ground, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week, so major applause for the real heroes. Not all icons wear custom couture, some carry dry-erase markers and emergency snacks.
And May also marks Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to honor the resilience, brilliance, and cultural richness of AAPI communities across the U.S. From the builders of the transcontinental railroad to modern-day artists and organizers, this month uplifts histories often erased, and reminds us that Asian and Pacific Islander voices are essential to the American story. This year’s theme, “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” is about the leaders who have paved the way for future generations to thrive, adapt to change, and overcome adversity.
No New Pope… Yet
📸 Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images
This week, black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican’s way of saying, “no pope just yet.” The secretive conclave to elect the next head of the Catholic Church kicked off with one round of voting, but no candidate reached the magic number: 89 votes out of 135 eligible cardinal-electors.
Don’t worry, the white smoke (a.k.a. the good smoke) usually comes within a few days. For context, Pope Francis was elected on Day 2 back in 2013. If things drag out past three days, the cardinals take a break to pray and refocus. If they still can’t decide after 21 votes (yikes), they narrow it down to two finalists.
Until then, the Sistine Chapel remains bug-free (yes, literally) and vow-of-silence strict. Once that white smoke rises, the crowd in St. Peter’s Square will cheer, “Habemus Papam”, we have a pope, and the new leader will step onto the balcony for their first blessing.
If you’re curious about what goes down behind the velvet Vatican curtain, Conclave (2024) is a must-watch. It’s an Oscar-nominated thriller starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci that fictionalizes the backdoor politics, ritual, and mystery of papal selection. While it takes some creative liberties (Hollywood gonna Hollywood), experts say it nails the vibe and ceremonial detail. Catch Conclave now on Prime. It’s the perfect binge while we all wait for the white smoke and the iconic “Habemus Papam.”
What’s MayDay?
Minneapolis Just Celebrated 50
Years of It
If you’re not from Minneapolis, here’s the rundown: every spring since 1975, MayDay has brought people out of hibernation and into the streets of South Minneapolis for a vibrant celebration of art, community, and resistance. The very first MayDay happened just two weeks after the end of the Vietnam War, featuring a handful of neighbors, an Earth and Water puppet, accordions, banners, and a Maypole. It was small, joyful, and deeply political.
Over the decades, it grew into a massive event drawing tens of thousands, with towering puppets, live performances, and powerful themes reflecting the pulse of the community. Organized for years by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT), MayDay became a space where neighbors helped shape the message, build the art, and carry it into the world.
Fifty years later, it’s still blooming: radical, local, and full of soul.
The Summer Farmers
Markets are Back, Baby
The smell of fresh herbs, wood-fired pizza, and summer energy is officially in the air — the farmers market season is on. Minneapolis’ outdoor markets, like the Mill City Farmers Market next to the Guthrie Theater, are back in full swing, buzzing with over 70 vendors and thousands of sun-soaked visitors.
From local produce and handmade textiles to tea, honey, and warm community vibes, this is the summer tradition that never misses. I waited in a long line (worth every minute) for my favorite Guatemalan coffee and a salmon lox bagel sandwich – chef’s kiss – which I devoured while sitting on the steps across from the Mississippi, soaking in the sunshine and watching the city wake up.
Markets like Mill City transform into lively gathering spaces where neighbors catch up, kids dance to live music, and visitors get a taste of what makes Minneapolis, well, Minneapolis. Come thru. Saturdays are for community.
Weekend Vibes: Markets,
Mamas & May Magic
The summer farmers market season is in full swing, and there’s no better way to kick it off than with a lox bagel sandwich and Guatemalan coffee (yes, I waited in a long line and no, I have zero regrets) eaten on the steps overlooking the Mississippi. That’s my Saturday morning ritual at Mill City Farmers Market, and trust, it hits every time.
But this weekend? The vibes are next-level. Mother’s Day is here, and Minneapolis is showing out:
- Mother’s Day Makers Markets – Swing by local pop-ups like Arbeiter Brewing’s Mother’s Day Weekend Maker’s Market (permanent jewelry, soaps, baked goods & more) or head to Surly Brewing for their outdoor market + Books & Brews kidlit fair. She’s not a regular mom, she’s a Surly mom.
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair – Over 180 artists, botanical vendors, live music, food trucks, and beer/wine service all weekend long. Art, tulips, and snacks? Say less.
- Piano Men: Elton John & Billy Joel Tribute – Catch this rooftop-adjacent concert at the Minneapolis Marriott. Drinks, dancing, and every song you know by heart.
- Asian Phoenix Festival at Arbeiter Brewing – Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with incredible food (hi, bao buns + bánh mì), art, DJs, lion dancers, and a whole lotta joy.
- Mother’s Day Picnic at the Arboretum – Pack a lunch (or pre-order a fancy one) and stroll through 40,000 blooming tulips. Literal flower queen energy.
Whatever your weekend holds, make it festive, make it fresh, and maybe, make it for mom.
Stay informed, stay connected.
See you next week!
–
Isabella and the NewPrensa team
Hi, friend: Isabella and Mateo here!Â
We’re Communications Specialists by day and
enjoying the sun by night!
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