This week’s edition covers stories
from December 4th to December 10th, 2025.
Today’s issue is 739 words, a 6-minute read
Hey folks, Mateo here.
December has arrived in Minnesota with relentless snow and a heavy weight on our Somali neighbors. This week has been difficult for many in our community as federal immigration enforcement has targeted Somali Minnesotans across the Twin Cities, including U.S. citizens who were wrongfully detained. We’re thinking of those affected and the many who’ve stood in solidarity. This edition covers the ongoing ICE operations and community response, the winter weather that continues to blanket the state, the Timberwolves’ struggles with consistency, and the exciting Yacht Club Festival lineup announcement for next summer. Dive in.
Federal Immigration Operations Target
Minneapolis Somali Community
U.S. citizen wrongfully detained in Minneapolis: Hear Mubashir’s story
📸 City of Minneapolis
Federal immigration enforcement agents have been conducting a sustained operation across the Twin Cities this past week, with ICE specifically targeting Minnesota’s Somali community. At least eight people have been arrested in what authorities are calling “Operation Metro Surge,” though community advocates believe the actual number is higher. The enforcement actions have led to troubling reports of U.S. citizens being detained, including multiple Somali Americans who were held and later released after proving their citizenship. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey signed an executive order prohibiting federal agencies from using city parking lots for immigration operations and created signage for businesses to mark their properties off-limits. Governor Tim Walz condemned Trump’s recent statements calling Somalis “garbage,” noting that most Somali Minnesotans are U.S. citizens and legal residents. Community leaders, faith groups, and elected officials have rallied throughout the week in Cedar-Riverside and across the metro to support the Somali community, while CAIR-Minnesota established a task force to respond to arrests and provide legal support.
Yacht Club Festival Returns With
Star-Studded 2026 Lineup
📸 Minnesota Yacht Club Festival
The Minnesota Yacht Club Festival announced its 2026 lineup this week, bringing another wave of major acts to St. Paul’s Harriet Island Regional Park. The Lumineers, Matchbox Twenty, and The Strokes will headline the three-day festival from July 17-19. The lineup also features The Black Keys, Cage the Elephant, Mt. Joy, Lord Huron, Passion Pit, and Geese, whose recent album generated significant buzz. Minnesota acts on the bill include Semisonic—who had to cancel last year after bassist John Munson suffered a stroke—along with Atmosphere, Yam Haus, Night Moves, and Prize Horse. Tickets start at $150 for single-day general admission and $275 for the full three days, with presale beginning Thursday at 10 a.m. The festival has drawn approximately 35,000 attendees each day in its first two years, establishing itself as a major summer destination for music fans across the region.
Winter Weather Keeps Minnesota
Buried in Snow
Minnesota has been experiencing one of its snowiest starts to winter in years, with consistent waves of snow keeping plows running nearly nonstop before winter officially begins. Minneapolis and St. Paul both declared snow emergencies this week after the latest storm dropped several more inches across the metro. The early and persistent snowfall has been a blessing for snow removal companies, which are seeing steady work after last year’s relatively quiet season. Plow operators report customers are signing contracts earlier than usual, wanting to lock in coverage after seeing how much snow has already fallen. The timing hasn’t been without challenges—the State Patrol reported nearly 300 crashes during one storm earlier in the season, with 30 semi trucks jackknifing. Supply chain issues have also forced some companies to travel out of state for equipment. Still, the consistent work means seasonal employees are staying busy rather than relying on unemployment, and companies are optimistic about making up for last year’s losses.
Timberwolves Struggle With
Consistency Despite Talent
The Timberwolves sit at 15-9 and sixth in the Western Conference, but coach Chris Finch isn’t satisfied with what he’s seeing. After an overtime victory against the lowly Pelicans earlier this month, Finch noted Minnesota “completely lost focus and intensity” in the second quarter, making the game far harder than necessary. The team’s young players—Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Jaylen Clark—haven’t yet earned Finch’s full trust, with Shannon’s defensive rating dropping significantly from last season and Dillingham struggling to adjust to NBA speed. Finch has been blunt about needing better effort from the main rotation, especially on defense and at the start of games. While the Wolves remain playoff contenders with Anthony Edwards averaging 28 points per game, their inability to maintain leads and close out games cleanly has raised questions about whether this roster can challenge elite teams like Oklahoma City in the West.
Stay informed, stay connected.
See you next week!
–
Mateo and the NewPrensa team
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Hi, friend: Mateo here!
I’m a Communications Specialist by day and shoveling my car out of the snow by night!
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