This week’s edition covers stories
from July 10th to July 16th, 2025.
Today’s issue is 950 words, a 8-minute read
Hey folks, Isabella here.
I have just returned from Geneva, Switzerland, where I had the honor of representing the Minneapolis Hub and meeting with curators from Global Shapers Community hubs around the world. ICYMI: Global Shapers is a network of young changemakers driving dialogue, action, and impact in over 150 countries.
Now back in the Twin Cities, we’re turning up the heat on civic life this week — and trust, there’s no shortage of events to plug into between Thursday and Sunday. Whether you’re here for justice, culture, or just a good scoop of ice cream, here’s your rundown:
THURSDAY, JULY 17 — GOOD TROUBLE LIVES ON: TWIN CITIES
📍 Hennepin County Government Center Plaza, 6–8:30 p.m.
March, rally, and candlelight vigil honoring the legacy of Congressman John Lewis on the 5th anniversary of his passing. With powerful speakers, performers, and a message loud and clear: the power lies with the people.
FRIDAY–SUNDAY, JULY 18–20 — MINNEHAHA FALLS ART FAIR
📍 Minnehaha Falls Park
Wander among 150+ artist booths, live music, food trucks, and one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Midwest. It’s one of the top-rated art fairs in the U.S. for a reason.
SUNDAY, JULY 20 — SISTER CITIES DAY
📍 Nicollet Island Pavilion, 1–5 p.m.
It’s Minneapolis meets the world at this free, family-friendly celebration of our global sister cities. Expect ice cream, live performances from Japan to Kenya to Chile, and a whole lot of international flair.
Minneapolis is Watching You (Speeders, Beware 👀)
Minneapolis is rolling out speeding cameras at five intersections by September, and let’s just say your lead foot might finally get you caught in 4K. If you’re zooming more than 10 mph over the limit, the camera will snap your plate and ding—a warning first, then a $40 fine ($80 if you’re pushing 20+).
It’s all part of the Vision Zero plan to stop traffic deaths ever since city staff reported over 40 people were killed in speeding-related crashes between 2022 and 2024. Most weren’t even the ones speeding. Dark.
The cameras are near schools and crash hotspots, and drivers will see signs warning them (so no “I didn’t know” excuses). Red light cams are next in 2026.
The city swears it’s not about the coin, but the $12 million contract with NovoaGlobal will likely pay for itself from those fines. So… drive chill, Minneapolis. Big Brother’s got a radar.
MPD’s “Reform” Plot Twist: The Officer
Who Killed Amir Locke Is
Now Teaching Use-of-Force
The Minneapolis cop who shot and killed 22-year-old Amir Locke during a no-knock raid in 2022 is now leading MPD’s use-of-force training. Sgt. Mark Hanneman, who fired three times within nine seconds of waking Locke (who wasn’t even a suspect), is officially in charge of teaching other officers how to not do exactly that.
Chief O’Hara calls him “outstanding” and says he’s crucial to selling reform from the inside. But Locke’s family, community leaders, and pretty much anyone with common sense are screaming, “how is this real?” Critics say it undermines trust, reform, and the literal point of new state-mandated training after the George Floyd fallout. The city says it’s committed to change, but if this is the face of reform, folks are wondering if anything’s actually changed at all.
Trump to MAGA: Drop the Epstein Files
— Supporters Cry Betrayal
President Donald Trump is facing backlash from his own base after publicly dismissing calls for more transparency in the Justice Department’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Once a vocal proponent of releasing files related to Epstein’s 2019 prison death, Trump now calls the matter a “hoax” and has lashed out at Republicans pressing for answers.
Epstein, a wealthy financier with ties to high-profile figures, including Trump himself, was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges when he died by suicide in a Manhattan jail. The suspicious circumstances of his death, paired with longstanding allegations of a powerful client network, have fueled widespread conspiracy theories, particularly among QAnon supporters who believe in a hidden elite cabal of predators.
This week, Trump doubled down on Truth Social, calling it ridiculous that his past supporters are still focused on the case. “I don’t want their support anymore,” he said.
The Justice Department recently stated no “client list” exists and will not release additional files, despite past campaign promises to do so. Prominent Republicans like Speaker Mike Johnson and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have called for further disclosure.
Trump’s about-face has created a rift within his own movement. For many on the far right, Epstein’s case was symbolic of the very corruption Trump once vowed to expose. Now, supporters are left questioning whether the man they believed would reveal the truth is choosing political convenience over promises.
As one analyst put it, believers are “trying to reconcile two things that both cannot be true.” For Trump, it’s a strategic pivot. For his base, it’s a bitter pill.
MN Leaders Rally Behind Omar Fateh
After Islamophobic Attacks
Minnesota State Senator and Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh is receiving strong support after right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk posted Islamophobic attacks targeting his identity and campaign. Kirk accused Muslims of attempting to “take over” the U.S. government and called for an end to “mass migration.” Fateh, the first Somali American and Muslim elected to the Minnesota Senate, responded by affirming Minneapolis’ progressive and diverse values.
A flood of hate followed Kirk’s posts, prompting condemnation from elected officials, advocacy groups like CAIR-MN, and fellow mayoral candidates including Jacob Frey and DeWayne Davis. They denounced the rhetoric as dangerous, racist, and un-American. Fateh, a Democratic Socialist, is running on a progressive platform including rent stabilization and wage increases. Despite the hate, support for Fateh reflects Minneapolis’ broader rejection of bigotry and its pride in immigrant leadership.
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 eating hot dogs at the ballpark by night!
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