This week’s edition covers stories
from January 23rd to January 29th, 2024.
Today’s issue is 750 words, a 6-minute read.
Good morning, mis queridos lectores,
After returning from my recent trip to Latin America (where I may or may not have consumed my body weight in tacos), I’m now diving back into the chaos that is American politics. It’s like I’ve entered a time warp where things are simultaneously familiar and completely baffling — like when you try to order a coffee in a foreign language and end up with something that’s definitely not a latte but still somehow delicious. If you’re feeling a little disoriented by the latest from Washington, you’re in good company — things are about as clear as a mud puddle in a rainstorm. Let’s break down the latest political drama and serve up some clarity.
– Isabella
| White House’s Latest Memo Mishap: Clarification or Just More Confusion?

In the latest episode of “What’s Actually Happening in Washington,” the White House has rescinded a memo ordering a freeze on federal assistance — but only sort of. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) says the freeze is off, while the White House insists the memo was simply withdrawn to avoid “confusion.” Confused yet? You’re not alone.
After legal challenges and a federal judge’s intervention, the administration is now emphasizing that the freeze never applied to essential programs like Social Security, Medicaid, or SNAP. However, the vague language of the original directive left many agencies scrambling, and a group of 22 attorneys general is still challenging the move in court.
Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans appear unfazed, with some calling the move “harmless” and others acknowledging it as a “test of separation of powers.” Translation: Trump is seeing just how far he can push executive authority before someone stops him. Stay tuned.
| Immigration Crackdowns Spark Fear and Resistance Across Communities

As the Trump administration escalates deportation efforts, tribal leaders, Hennepin County officials, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison are pushing back against federal overreach.
Tribal leaders nationwide are urging their members to carry tribal identification cards at all times, citing a disturbing rise in encounters where ICE agents have questioned the legitimacy of these documents. A confirmed case in New Mexico saw an ICE officer dismissing a Mescalero Apache citizen’s tribal ID as proof of citizenship—despite these documents being federally recognized. With the administration expanding immigration enforcement to agencies like the FBI and DEA, fears of wrongful detainment are growing.
Meanwhile, in Hennepin County, local officials are bracing for impact as immigration raids intensify. Community advocates stress the need for legal resources and support systems to protect immigrant and mixed-status families. The county, home to one of the largest immigrant populations in Minnesota, is now a frontline in the national debate over immigration policy.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has made it clear that local law enforcement is under no legal obligation to comply with federal immigration enforcement. In a TikTok video responding to a Trump administration official’s memorandum threatening to jail or investigate local law enforcement officials who refuse to cooperate with ICE, Ellison firmly stated:

“There is nothing in American federal law that requires local officials to cooperate with federal law enforcement officials. In fact, the scarce resources of our state should be devoted to the business of our state, and the federal government should focus on its own business. It’s not the job of local law enforcement to carry out the dictates of the Trump administration.”
While the administration frames these crackdowns as law and order measures, critics argue they create chaos and confusion—particularly for communities that have long been woven into the fabric of American society. As legal battles mount and local governments push back, one thing is clear: immigration enforcement under this administration is anything but predictable.
| Fresh Brews, Hot Bites

After such heavy discussions on immigration policy, let’s take a moment to shift gears to something a little lighter—food. More specifically, coffee and the evolving landscape of dining in Minnesota.
Starbucks is making big moves in an attempt to win back customers, including cutting 30% of its menu by late 2025. The coffee giant is bringing back ceramic mugs, free refills, and the beloved condiment bar—all in an effort to recapture the cozy, local coffeehouse feel it once had. And in a surprising twist, non-dairy milk alternatives are now free, a change that’s already enticing lapsed rewards members to return. While we don’t yet know which menu items will be disappearing, one casualty has already been confirmed: the olive-oil-infused Oleato coffee.
On the local food scene, Minnesota is making waves in the prestigious 2025 James Beard Award semifinalists. The Twin Cities are well-represented, with Ann Ahmed of Khâluna up for Outstanding Chef and Spoon and Stable recognized in the Outstanding Restaurant category. Exciting newcomers like Bûcheron and Vinai have been named among the Best New Restaurants, while Bar Brava is getting recognition for its exceptional beverage program. Meanwhile, local culinary stars like Shigeyuki Furukawa (Kado no Mise), Abraham Gessesse (Hyacinth), Mateo Mackbee (Krewe), and Diane Moua (Diane’s Place) are competing for Best Chef: Midwest.
It’s clear that while Starbucks is trying to reclaim its identity, Minnesota’s food scene is thriving in its own right. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a dedicated foodie, there’s plenty to look forward to in 2025.
Stay informed, stay connected.
See you next week!
–
Isabella and the NewPrensa team
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