This week’s edition covers stories
from March 13th to March 19th, 2025.
Today’s issue is 884 words, a 9-minute read
Hey folks, Mateo here.
As usual, Minnesota’s spring season has been all over the place, with sun, rain, and snow all in the last week. And just like the weather, the week’s news is anything but predictable. Senator Cory Booker made history with a marathon Senate speech, Wisconsin voters shut down a Musk-backed effort to sway the state’s highest court, and ICE’s latest crackdown on international students is drawing criticism in Minnesota. Meanwhile, tens of thousands are gearing up for nationwide Hands Off protests, and the Timberwolves are making a final playoff push. Here’s what you need to know:
Cory Booker Breaks Senate Speech
Record in Historic Moment
on April 1st, 2025. 📸 Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
At a time of intense political division, Booker’s marathon speech underscored the urgency felt by many Americans. He spoke out against the Trump administration’s policies, read letters from constituents, and called for bold action on issues like healthcare, housing, and democracy itself. His speech wasn’t technically a filibuster, but it served as a rallying cry for those demanding stronger resistance from their leaders.
Quoting the late John Lewis, Booker closed by urging Americans to “cause some good trouble,” a reminder that, in moments like this, history is watching.
At a time of intense political division, Booker’s marathon speech underscored the urgency felt by many Americans. He spoke out against the Trump administration’s policies, read letters from constituents, and called for bold action on issues like healthcare, housing, and democracy itself. His speech wasn’t technically a filibuster, but it served as a rallying cry for those demanding stronger resistance from their leaders.
Quoting the late John Lewis, Booker closed by urging Americans to “cause some good trouble,” a reminder that, in moments like this, history is watching.
Wisconsin Rejects Musk-Backed
Court Takeover
In a resounding victory for democracy, Dane County Judge Susan Crawford decisively won Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race, defeating conservative Brad Schimel despite an unprecedented $24 million effort from Elon Musk and Trump-aligned PACs. This wasn’t just a state judicial race, it became a national battleground over the future of democracy, with Musk’s extreme spending, including offering voters financial incentives, drawing widespread outrage.
Despite these efforts, Wisconsin voters sent a clear message: their courts are not for sale. Crawford’s win secures a liberal majority on the court for at least three more years, ensuring continued rulings on key issues like fair elections, abortion rights, and legislative redistricting. At her victory speech, Crawford acknowledged the stakes: “Wisconsinites fended off an unprecedented attack on our democracy. Justice does not have a price.” Her win marks the fourth liberal victory in Wisconsin’s last five Supreme Court races–proving once again that big money can’t always buy power, especially when voters are paying attention.
‘Hands Off’ Protest to Draw Thousands Across
Minnesota Continues
On Saturday, April 5th, the nationwide Hands Off protest will take place in all 50 states, with over 250,000 expected to rally against Trump administration policies and mass layoffs under Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Minnesota is set to be a major hub for the demonstrations, with events happening across the Twin Cities metro and beyond. The largest protest in the state is expected at the Capitol in St. Paul, where thousands will gather to demand protections for public services, labor rights, and democratic institutions. Other protests are planned at city halls and federal buildings, echoing a nationwide call to resist sweeping budget cuts and privatization efforts.
Organized by Indivisible and a broad coalition of advocacy groups, Hands Off is shaping up to be one of the largest mobilizations since Trump’s second inauguration. To find the nearest protest and get involved, click here.
ICE Arrests Minnesota Students
in Immigration Crackdown
Two Minnesota college students were detained by ICE last week, part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on foreign nationals in U.S. universities. A University of Minnesota graduate student and a Minnesota State University-Mankato student were both arrested off-campus, sparking outrage from campus leaders and elected officials.
Minnesota State President Edward Inch condemned the arrests, emphasizing the value international students bring to campus and the harm these actions cause. Governor Tim Walz echoed concerns over due process, questioning whether these detainments align with fundamental legal rights.
While DHS claims one arrest was linked to a visa revocation for a prior DUI, many fear these crackdowns disproportionately target students based on political beliefs–particularly those supporting Palestinian causes. With similar detentions occurring nationwide, this is more than an isolated incident; it’s part of a troubling pattern threatening academic freedom and the safety of international students in the U.S.
Timberwolves Fight for Playoff Seeding
in Tight Western Conference Race
As the NBA regular season nears its conclusion, the Minnesota Timberwolves are in a fierce battle for playoff positioning in the highly competitive Western Conference. Following a thrilling double-overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night, the Wolves improved their record to 44-32, tying them with the Memphis Grizzlies for the sixth seed, though Memphis holds the tiebreaker advantage. With six games remaining, the Timberwolves have the league’s easiest schedule based on opponent win percentage. Capitalizing on these favorable matchups is essential for Minnesota to secure a direct playoff spot and avoid the play-in tournament.
Stay informed, stay connected.
See you next week!
–
Mateo and the NewPrensa team
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Hi, friend: Isabella and Mateo here!
We’re Communications Specialists by day and
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