Trump goes after Somali Minnesotans

Trump Targets Minnesota Somali Community

In a Cabinet meeting earlier this week, President Trump went on a tirade against Minnesota's Somali community, saying that he doesn’t "want them in our country." This comes on the heels of threats from the Trump administration to end the extension of Temporary Protected Status to all Somali people in the U.S., a move that would only affect about 700 people nationwide. [Star Tribune]

• Why Somali people, and why now? Some Somali Minnesotans have been implicated in recent instances of fraud committed in Minnesota, and the President is conflating their actions with the entire community. On today's episode of the City Cast Twin Cities podcast, host Sean McPherson unpacks how opponents of the Somali community claim fraud as the reasoning for their views, but the real reason for many is just racism. [Star Tribune / 🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]
• Local officials push back: Mayors Jacob Frey and Melvin Carter reaffirmed their support for the Somali community and their commitment to not assisting with federal immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities, though advocates question how sincere they are in these promises, given local police presence at a recent federal raid in St. Paul. [MPR / 🎧 City Cast Twin Cities]
• Renewed fight over SNAP: In the same Cabinet meeting as President Trump's remarks against the Somali community, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said SNAP funding could end for Minnesota as early as next week if the state doesn't comply with a request to share data about SNAP recipients with the federal government. Rollins claims the move is another attempt to stamp out fraud, but MN Attorney General Keith Ellison took a strong stance against it, saying, "Donald Trump’s administration is trying to take food from hungry families to punish his political rivals." [Bring Me The News]

Cheba Hut (allegedly) opening soon: The weed-themed sandwich shop has fallen through on plans to open a location in Uptown in 2022, 2023, and 2024, but they claim their opening scheduled for next Monday is actually going to happen. Despite the cannabis theme, Cheba Hut's "toasted" subs won't actually get you high – they're just intended to satisfy the munchies. [Bring Me The News / Racket]

Chauvin wants a new trial: Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has filed a petition for postconviction relief to overturn his conviction of second-degree murder in the killing of George Floyd. The petition leans heavily on claims made in the controversial Alpha News documentary "The Fall of Minneapolis." Chauvin has filed several other petitions and appeals regarding his conviction, though none have been successful so far. [Star Tribune]

Same Heights, new owners: The historic Heights Theater in Columbia Heights has been sold to the owners of Chicago’s Music Box Theatre. The new owners plan to revive the old-school cinema and host specialty film screenings, leading the theater into a new era 100 years after it originally opened in 1926. [Bring Me The News]

Best new bands 2026: First Ave just released the lineup for their annual Best New Bands concert on January 17. This show spotlights local acts that are making a splash in our scene and beyond, and it's consistently one of the best concerts of the year. This year, City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson was tapped to host part of the night and introduce a few of the bands. Check out the full lineup here, and make plans to come say hi! [Star Tribune]

Can you guess WFNU's next sponsor? Frogtown Community Radio is kicking off a five-clue online contest as it prepares to announce a new sponsor for its main broadcast studio (a major boost for the small, neighborhood-focused station). Clues will drop across WFNU’s website and social media, leading up to a live reveal on air at noon on Dec. 19. The station says the contest is designed to get Frogtown, Midway, and Rondo residents talking, sharing, and celebrating local storytelling. [Frogtown Community Radio]

Thursday, December 4

• 🍪 Cookie House 2025 🆓 | Coffee House Press
• 🛍️ 14th Annual Holiday Art Market 🆓 | Solar Arts Building
• 🍳 Julia Child Trivia Night 🆓 | Minnesota History Center
• 🦋 Dolly Bingo | Centro
• 🎸 Cedric Burnside | Parkway Theater
• 🎙️ Sue Scott's Island of Discarded Women | Crooners
• 🎶 S. Carey (EP Release) | Berlin

Friday, December 5

• 🎁 Makers Merry Mini Market | Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center
• 🥐 Merry Marc Heu Christmas Market | Marc Heu Patisserie Paris (Linden Hills)
• 🌕 Full Moon Hike 🆓 | Theo Wirth Lake
• 🍽️ The Splendid Table 30th Anniversary Live Show | The Fitzgerald Theater
• 🎶 The New Standards Holiday Show | State Theatre
• 🥁 Black Market Brass x Obi Original | Cedar Cultural Center
• 🎛️ Kajunga Records 10 Year Anniversary Party | (Secret Location)

• Individual Giving Manager at Minnesota Public Radio | $78k - $85k per year
• Marketing Specialist at Quality Bicycle Products | $60k - $68k per year
• Financial Analyst at Planned Parenthood North Central States | $62k - $85k per year
• Facilities Manager at Hmong American Farmers Association | $43k - $50k per year
• Sensory Scientist at General Mills | $64k - $89k per year