This week’s edition covers stories
from March 20th to March 26th, 2025.
Today’s issue is 820 words, a 6-minute read.
Hey folks, Isabella here.
In a world where top-secret military documents are somehow going viral on social media, it’s no wonder that America’s latest fashion trend is giving off major “just trying to survive” vibes. The recent war leaks, exposing sensitive details that definitely weren’t meant for TikTok, have sparked a national debate on security, trust, and how on earth classified files end up on Instagram.
Meanwhile, over on your For You page, “Recession Core” is having a moment. Think simple, muted colors and clothes that scream, “I’m too broke to be fancy, but I’m making it look intentional.” As inflation keeps wallets slim and uncertainty looms, the aesthetic’s practicality somehow matches the national mood. It’s like we’re collectively saying, “The world’s falling apart, but hey, at least my thrifted blazer looks effortlessly cool.
”It’s almost poetic: while global tensions escalate, fashion’s response is to shrug, grab a sensible cardigan, and embrace the chaos in style.
Downtown Saint Paul:
Can State Workers Really Save the Day?
Downtown Saint Paul, once a bustling hub of business and creativity, now feels like a ghost town. Once-popular spots like Dark Horse, Grey Duck, and Revival have shut down, leaving the streets noticeably quieter and residents scratching their heads. So, what happened?
It’s not hard to spot the culprit — remote work. COVID-19 turned downtown office life into a distant memory, and with it went the daily crowd of workers grabbing coffee, lunch, and happy hour drinks. Fewer people on the sidewalks means fewer customers for small businesses, and foot traffic has trickled down to a bare minimum.
And the businesses still hanging on aren’t having an easy time, either. High property taxes and homeowners association (HOA) fees make it tough to stay afloat, and even tougher to attract new entrepreneurs. Then there’s the whole parking situation, because who doesn’t love paying too much to park too far away? Plus, with increasing safety concerns and visible homelessness, the once-vibrant atmosphere feels more like a caution zone.
Governor Tim Walz has a plan to bring some life back by mandating state employees to return to the office 50% of the time. The hope is that more office workers will mean more spending at local businesses, but as columnist Jennifer Brooks rightly pointed out, it’s not a fix-all. Shuffling employees back downtown doesn’t magically fix the grocery desert or solve public safety issues.
Locals have plenty of ideas of their own. Many are calling for tax breaks to support businesses and event organizers, hoping to reinvigorate the downtown scene. Others think the answer lies in making downtown more livable, transforming vacant commercial spaces into apartments and condos to boost the resident population. Bringing back big community events like Taste of Minnesota and the Winter Carnival could also help rekindle that lively spirit.
Safety remains a big sticking point. More police presence and community ambassadors could make downtown feel welcoming again, while addressing homelessness with better shelters and mental health services is key to creating a safe and supportive environment.
Meanwhile, Duluth is also getting in on the revitalization game. Mayor Roger Reinert is pushing for downtown living as the backbone of a comeback, with new high-rise projects like Lakeview 333 and the Ordean Building conversion set to add hundreds of residents. The goal? An 18-hour neighborhood that’s buzzing well beyond office hours.
It seems Minnesota’s downtowns are in a bit of a race. Saint Paul and Duluth are both hustling to bounce back from pandemic woes. Whether it’s bringing workers back or bringing new residents in, the cities are betting big on breathing life into their cores. Who will get it right? Stay tuned.
Minnesota Faces $200 Million Cut in
Federal Funding, Impacting SNAP Benefits
Minnesota is bracing for a financial blow as the state loses more than $200 million in federal funding related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The cut comes as pandemic-era assistance comes to an end, leaving thousands of low-income families in a precarious position.
Roughly one in nine Minnesotans currently relies on SNAP benefits, and the reduction in funding is expected to significantly strain household budgets. The Minnesota Department of Human Services expressed concern over the impact on food security and is working to connect affected residents with additional resources to help bridge the gap.
Community organizations and food shelves are also preparing for a surge in demand as families navigate the sudden decrease in support. Advocates warn that without adequate intervention, many could face increased food insecurity in the coming months. Local leaders are urging continued support for vulnerable populations as the state grapples with the funding loss.
In a world of leaked secrets, recession fashion, and struggling downtowns, Minnesotans are proving one thing: resilience is the name of the game. Whether it’s reinventing our cities or making thrift look chic, we’re facing the chaos with grit and style. Stay tuned and stay hopeful, because Minnesotans know how to weather any storm.
Stay informed, stay connected.
See you next week!
–
Isabella and the NewPrensa team
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Hi, friend: Isabella and Mateo here!
We’re Communications Specialists by day and
filling out our March Madness brackets by night!
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