Rural Minnesota transit system expands service with driverless vehicles

Minnesota has the largest population of Somali immigrants in the U.S., a community that has recently faced significant challenges due to President Trump's announcement to terminate temporary legal protections for Somali migrants. This decision has raised fears and legal questions among the immigrant community regarding their future in the state.

A federal investigation has been launched into alleged fraud within Minnesota's Somali community, linked to a COVID-19 aid scheme that reportedly defrauded the Small Business Administration (SBA) of approximately $1 billion. This probe is part of ongoing scrutiny into the misuse of pandemic relief funds, particularly involving community organizations associated with Governor Tim Walz's administration.

Local leaders in Minnesota are defending the Somali community following a series of derogatory remarks made by former President Trump, who criticized Somali immigrants and suggested they should leave the U.S. This backlash comes amid reports of planned immigration enforcement targeting Somali individuals in the Minneapolis area.

A Pentagon inspector general report has found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth endangered U.S. servicemembers by sharing sensitive military information via the Signal messaging app. This breach of protocol could have allowed adversaries to intercept critical intel, potentially compromising military operations and the safety of troops.

Federal immigration raids initiated by ICE and Border Patrol have begun in Minneapolis and New Orleans, with reports indicating that operations in Minnesota may specifically target Somali immigrants. This follows President Donald Trump's recent derogatory remarks about the Somali community, suggesting they should 'go back to where they came from.'

The proposed 'Trump Account' initiative aims to provide $1,000 to eligible newborns, a plan outlined by Stacey Vanek Smith from Bloomberg. This initiative is designed to support families financially and address the economic challenges associated with raising children. The mechanics of how these accounts would operate are still being discussed, including eligibility criteria and funding sources.

Republican Matt Van Epps has narrowly won the special House election in Tennessee's 7th Congressional District, defeating Democrat Aftyn Behn in a contest that attracted millions in outside spending and significant national attention. The election took place on December 2, 2025, and was closely watched due to its implications for congressional control.

The White House is facing scrutiny over military strikes that reportedly targeted survivors of a boat attack, raising concerns about potential violations of due process. The administration's defense of these actions has been muddled, leaving questions about the chain of command and accountability for the orders given.