This week’s edition covers stories
from June 12th to June 18th, 2025.
Today’s issue is 880 words, a 7-minute read
Hey folks, Isabella here.
From James Beard wins to sudden closures, the Twin Cities dining scene is giving major The Bear energy: chaotic, brilliant, and heartbreakingly real. While Minneapolis’ Bûcheron just snagged Best New Restaurant of 2025 (go off!), local favorites like Young Joni and Vellee Deli are closing their doors, proving even the hottest tables aren’t safe from lease drama and rising costs. It’s giving gourmet triumph meets late-stage capitalism. This week, we’re serving up culinary highs, community vibes, and reflections on freedom, from Juneteenth celebrations to global unrest. Because like any good menu, this moment is sweet, salty, and a little bit bitter.
Minnesota Mourns the Loss of Melissa
Hortman in Politically Motivated Attack
Minnesota is in mourning after the targeted killing of longtime state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in what officials have confirmed was a politically motivated assassination.
Hortman, 55, a former Speaker of the House and a key force in Minnesota politics for two decades, was shot in her Brooklyn Park home on June 14 by Vance Boelter, 57, who posed as a police officer. Her husband was also killed. Just hours earlier, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot in their Champlin home. Both survived. Boelter later left behind a manifesto targeting pro-choice lawmakers, including Hortman and Hoffman.
Elected in 2004, Hortman led transformative legislation during her speakership from 2019 to 2024, including codifying abortion rights, expanding education, legalizing cannabis, and creating paid family leave. Known for her ability to unite moderates and progressives, she remained focused on the needs of everyday Minnesotans.
“This was an act of targeted political violence,” said Gov. Tim Walz. “ We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint.”
The heartbreak continued days later. On June 18, police responded to a break-in at the now-boarded Hortman residence. A rear window was smashed and the home searched, though nothing appeared stolen. The house had been secured after initial crime scene processing.
Boelter was arrested after a 40-hour manhunt and faces state and federal charges. In the days since, more threats have surfaced, including one from a North Dakota man citing the shooting in a violent email to a federal prosecutor. Utah Senator Mike Lee faced backlash for joking about the murders online.
Across Minnesota, grief runs deep. “There is no greater champion for working people than Melissa Hortman,” said labor leader Joel Smith. Her death is both a personal tragedy and a chilling reminder of the dangers of political extremism.
“No Kings” follow-up rally on July 17th
Organizers of the “No Kings” protest, one of the largest global demonstrations in recent history, have announced a follow-up rally for July 17, honoring the legacy of civil rights icon John Lewis. The June 14 protests, which drew over 5 million participants across 2,100 events in 20 countries, were a direct rebuke of former President Trump’s authoritarianism. The upcoming rallies will center racial justice, voting rights, and the fight for an inclusive democracy, said Barbara Arnwine of the Transformative Justice Coalition. Despite the tragic shooting death of Arthur Folasa Ah Loo at Salt Lake City’s protest, organizers remain committed. In Minnesota, local leaders dedicated the Twin Cities rally to Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, who were killed that morning. “We refused to let hate win,” said organizer Lisa Erbes. Plans for July 17 protests are now underway nationwide.
Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates Amid
Nuclear Tensions, U.S. Travel Ban Expands
Tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified following Israeli airstrikes on key Iranian sites, including Tehran’s Fordo nuclear facility. Israel claims Iran is edging closer to building a nuclear weapon, though U.S. and international intelligence remain divided on that assessment. Iran has denied the accusations and maintains its nuclear program is peaceful. Civilians in Tehran are scrambling for shelter as strikes expand, with metro stations opened for 24/7 refuge. Meanwhile, the risk of U.S. involvement looms, and Iran’s proxies appear weakened or inactive.
Amid rising global instability, the Trump administration has issued a warning to 36 mostly African countries: improve travel vetting by Wednesday or face a U.S. travel ban. Countries like Egypt, Nigeria, and Ethiopia are on the list. This follows a new ban affecting 12 countries and restrictions on 7 others. Critics say the policy deepens global division, while the administration argues it’s necessary for national security.
Twin Cities Honor Juneteenth with
Music, Art, and Reflection
Minnesota is celebrating Juneteenth with over 20 vibrant events honoring Black freedom, history, and community. From Minneapolis to Savage, hosting its first-ever observance, residents can join in parades, performances, storytelling, and family-friendly activities through June 22. The holiday, marking the end of slavery in the U.S. on June 19, 1865, is being embraced across the state despite national pushback on DEI initiatives.
Highlights include the Soul of the Southside Festival in Minneapolis, celebrating Black liberation through music, art, dance, and healing spaces. Other major events include Rondo’s family history exhibit, live music from Sounds of Blackness in Minnetonka, and a Miss Juneteenth pageant in Brooklyn Center. Many celebrations feature Black-owned vendors, cultural food, and educational displays.
Whether through history tours, poetry, or community meals, each event reflects the enduring spirit of Juneteenth, freedom, resilience, and joy shared across generations and communities.
Stay informed, stay connected.
See you next week!
–
Isabella and the NewPrensa team
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Hi, friend: Isabella here!
I’m a Communications Specialist by day and
buried in the latest news by night!
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