Kendrick’s Big Night, Immigration Policy Shifts, & Community Healing

This week’s edition covers stories 
from January 30th to February 5th, 2024.
Today’s issue is 901 words, a 6-minute read.

Hey friend, Mateo here.

I hope you’re all staying healthy and sane as we navigate these expectedly challenging times. This week’s stories capture a blend of cultural milestones, political tensions, and community action. From Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy triumph and historic wins to the University of Minnesota’s stance on ICE compliance amid expanding federal enforcement, the headlines reflect both celebration and concern. Meanwhile, protests against Project 2025 and shifting immigration policies continue to gain momentum, and local organizations like CLUES are fostering spaces for healing and connection. As always, there’s plenty to reflect on, debate, and anticipate in the weeks ahead.

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A Night of Records, Returns, and Resilience: The Grammys Raise Millions for Wildfire Relief

Music’s biggest night, the 67th annual Grammys, saw a 9% dip in viewership from last year, drawing 15.4 million viewers on CBS. Despite the decline, the show proved a success, showcasing not only incredible performances (as always) but also a message of resilience. The evening honored communities impacted by the wildfires, raising nearly $9 million for relief efforts. The ceremony also broke new ground, with 102 million online interactions, marking it as “the most social television program ever,” as reported by CBS. The night saw major wins for Kendricks Lamar, who scooped up Record and Song of the Year with “Not Like Us”, and Beyoncé, who made history with her first-ever Album of the Year win for Cowboy Carter, becoming the most decorated Grammy winner of all-time. Other standout moments included Chappell Roan’s win for Best New Artist and Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet album taking home Best Pop Vocal Album. 

But amid the celebrations, one notable artist made headlines with his return to the Grammys after a long-standing boycott: The Weeknd. The Canadian artist, who had previously called the Grammy process “corrupt,” surprised fans by taking the stage to perform new music from his recent album, Dawn FM. His return follows a shift in the Academy’s voting process, which has been modernized to include over 3,000 new members, with nearly 40% of the voting body now made up of people of color. The Weeknd’s decision to return was given a spotlight by the Academy’s CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., who acknowledged the criticism The Weeknd has voiced in the past about the lack of transparency in the Grammy process. “I remember waking up to the headlines that The Weeknd called out the academy… but you know what, criticism is ok. I heard them. I felt his conviction,” said Mason. This acknowledgement, along with the Academy’s expanded voter base, seemed to signal a renewed commitment to addressing past criticisms.

Despite his past grievances with the Grammys, The Weeknd’s focus now shifts to his recently announced tour with Playboi Carti, which kicks off in May. The highly anticipated tour will bring the duo behind “Timeless” to U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis on June 14th, promising a high-energy set from both artists. Fans can expect an electrifying performance as The Weeknd continues to cement his place as one of the most influential artists of his generation.

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Salud, Paz & Comunidad: A Celebration of Connection and Healing at CLUES: A Preview

Last Thursday, January 30th, CLUES St. Paul hosted the Salud, Paz & Comunidad reception, a heartwarming event designed to inspire connection, healing, and reflection as we move further into 2025. The interactive art exhibit, created by artist Candida Gonzalez, invites visitors into a space of creativity and intentionality. With two installations that encourage conversation and community-building, the exhibit aims to be a catalyst for personal growth and collective empowerment. As a nonprofit dedicated to serving Minnesota’s Latino community, CLUES once again demonstrated its commitment to providing spaces that uplift the voices and wellbeing of all. Read more about the exciting event here.

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ICE Policies Face Campus and Community Pushback

In light of recent policy shifts under the Trump administration, the University of Minnesota has confirmed that it will comply with federal court orders related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requests. University of Minnesota spokesperson Jake Ricker clarified that while the institution is not directly involved in enforcing immigration laws, it must adhere to court-backed subpoenas and warrants due to its status as a public university. This announcement comes as ICE expands its reach, allowing officers to enforce orders in areas previously deemed sensitive, such as schools and churches.

While the University’s Police Department will not actively participate in ICE operations, the institution does not track or disclose students’ immigration status unless legally required to do so. Despite these guidelines, cities like Minneapolis have taken a stand against cooperating with ICE, citing a separation ordinance that prevents city officials and police officers from sharing immigration-related information. As enforcement measures become more widespread, immigration experts are advising students to always carry valid identification and be prepared to seek legal assistance if detained by ICE officers.

The University’s stance comes as growing public pushback mounts against recent immigration policies and executive orders under the Trump administration. Yesterday, hundreds of demonstrators gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol as part of the nationwide 50501 Movement, protesting Project 2025 and other policy shifts they say threaten civil liberties. Protestors marched from St. Paul technical College to the Capitol, chanting messages of unity and resistance. The demonstration highlighted concerns over increased federal enforcement powers, including ICE’s expanded jurisdiction. Immigration advocates at the event urged local institutions, including universities, to take stronger stances in protecting the undocumented and resisting federal overreach.

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Stay informed, stay connected. 

See you next week! 

–
Mateo and the NewPrensa team

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