This week’s edition covers stories
from November 27th to December 3rd, 2025.
Today’s issue is 630 words, a 5-minute read
Hey folks, Isabella writing you from the frozen tundra.
It’s a crisp -5°F out there (yes, actual negative degrees), and honestly? The cold hits different when you’re scrolling through today’s news. While we’re all hibernating indoors with our third cup of coffee, Minneapolis is having a moment — and not necessarily the cozy kind. From federal immigration raids targeting our Somali neighbors to robotaxis trying to navigate black ice, this week is giving main character energy in all the wrong ways. But that’s why you’re here, right? To stay plugged in while staying warm. So grab that blanket, top off your coffee, and let’s unpack what’s really going down in the Twin Cities. Trust us, you’ll want to know about this.
ICE targets Somali community in Twin Cities
Riverside Plaza in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood.
📸 Ban Brewer | The New York Times
Federal immigration agents are preparing a major operation in Minneapolis-St. Paul focused on undocumented Somali immigrants with deportation orders, sources told multiple outlets.
Why it matters: Minnesota is home to the nation’s largest Somali population, and the operation could begin in the coming days with teams of agents spreading across the Twin Cities.
The big picture: Trump called the Somali community and Rep. Ilhan Omar “garbage” during a Tuesday Cabinet meeting, saying “I don’t want them in our country” – rhetoric that’s fueling fear throughout the community.
By the numbers: The operation could involve as many as 100 federal agentstargeting hundreds of people in the metro area.
Pushback: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter held a joint press conference standing in solidarity with Somali residents. Frey said the city’s police officers won’t work with federal agents doing immigration enforcement.
What they’re saying: “I am proud to say I am a Somali-American,” said Minneapolis Council Member Jamal Osman, adding the community has lived through fear before and won’t let it divide them.
Reality check: Gov. Tim Walz called reports on ICE targeting undocumented Somalis “a PR stunt” while local leaders emphasized that Somali residents have rights and legal resources available.
Judge tosses Camp Nenookaasi lawsuit
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Mayor Jacob Frey’s clearing of Camp Nenookaasi, the predominantly Indigenous homeless encampment that city crews evicted multiple times since early 2024.
Why it matters: Residents claimed Frey intentionally caused emotional distress by repeatedly ordering the camp cleared, but the court wasn’t buying it.
The bottom line: The judge ruled no reasonable jury would find the mayor’s actions extreme or outrageous. The city maintains encampments aren’t safe shelter and create public health risks — case closed.
Waymo’s robotaxis hit Minneapolis streets
Waymo began testing its signature white autonomous vehicles in Minneapolis, with plans to eventually launch a full driverless ride-hailing service here.
Why it matters: Minneapolis presents harsh winter conditions that could challenge Waymo’s tech with snow affecting perception and traction— potentially setting new standards for all-weather autonomous driving.
What’s next: Testing started with human safety drivers, but no passenger service date has been set yet. If successful, Minneapolis will be among 15 cities where Waymo plans expansion in 2026.
Pushback: Uber/Lyft drivers are raising “urgent concerns” about job losses and safety, arguing Minnesotans shouldn’t be test subjects.
Ex-Chamber CEO admits he
embezzled reward money
Waymo began testing its signature white autonomous vehicles in Minneapolis, with plans to eventually launch a full driverless ride-hailing service here.
Why it matters: Minneapolis presents harsh winter conditions that could challenge Waymo’s tech with snow affecting perception and traction— potentially setting new standards for all-weather autonomous driving.
What’s next: Testing started with human safety drivers, but no passenger service date has been set yet. If successful, Minneapolis will be among 15 cities where Waymo plans expansion in 2026.
Pushback: Uber/Lyft drivers are raising “urgent concerns” about job losses and safety, arguing Minnesotans shouldn’t be test subjects.
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 enjoying the snow by night!
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