Omar narrowly beat Samuels by 2 percentage points, or about 2,500 votes, in the 2022 primary election.
Kenyan, Liberian candidates face off in one of Minnesota’s most diverse House districts
Huldah Hiltsley and Wynfred Russell are competing in House District 38A, which covers parts of Brooklyn Park and Osseo.
Lino Lakes City Council member under fire for calling anti-Muslim rant ‘best email I’ve ever received’
The City Council recently passed a one-year moratorium in an area where a developer wants to build a Muslim-oriented neighborhood.
At soccer camps, local tournaments, Minnesota Aurora builds fan base — and sport’s future
With standout stars like Tommie Mariah Nguyen and former Gopher Katie Duong, the club is inspiring a diverse generation of young girls to pursue their soccer dreams.
Igbo Fest, Bollywood circus, Fringe shows serve up a summer cultural feast
Nigerians celebrate in Brooklyn Park; a Fringe show reimagines bullfighting; South Asian theater explores neurodiversity; and a Winona show dives into seafaring myths.
Opinion: Push for downtown growth shouldn’t overlook potential of north Minneapolis
After a challenging few years, the North Side is ripe for development and growth. The city’s proposed Labor Standards Board could stall momentum.
Researchers zero in on Twin Cities neighborhoods hit hardest by heat island effect
Hennepin and Ramsey counties are participating in an international heat island study — gathering data officials hope will help them target outreach on extreme heat and health risks.
For Minnesota’s growing Venezuelan community, disputed election sparks worry, hope
Several hundred rallied at the Minnesota Capitol over the weekend to show support for those protesting disputed presidential results at home.
Who is Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan? A ‘hard-nosed’ negotiator fighting for Minnesota kids
Minnesota’s lieutenant governor could become the first Native woman to lead the state if her boss, Tim Walz, and presidential running mate Kamala Harris prevail in this fall’s election.
Roof Depot organizers call on local leaders to fill budget gap as September deadline looms
The state legislature left a $5.7 million funding gap for the Roof Depot when it failed to pass a bonding bill. Now organizers are asking for help from local governments to get the project over the finish line.
VP nominee Tim Walz praised for advancing policies for communities of color, immigrants
Community members say Walz has supported progressive policies, including health insurance and driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants.
Immigrant-owned rideshare company Hich says it’s ready to launch service in Minneapolis
It will be the third alternative to Uber and Lyft to start up since May; two others still have plans to enter the market.
Here’s what you need to know about voting in the Minnesota primary
Among one of the most closely watched races is a DFL rematch between Representative Ilhan Omar and Don Samuels. All seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives are also up for election.
As 10-year utility deals expire, Minneapolis residents seek more climate action from CenterPoint, Xcel
In 2023, Minneapolis started funding $10 million in annual climate investments with utility franchise fees. As the city negotiates new deals with Xcel and CenterPoint, some residents are pushing for more.
New St. Paul Public Schools program will center Black culture and history
The Afrocentric program, inspired by the popular summer program Freedom School, is slated to begin in fall of 2025.
At Suni Lee watch party in Maplewood, hundreds cheer her comeback journey to Paris bronze
The St. Paul gymnast placed third in the individual all-around, adding to her team gold medal at the Paris Olympics earlier this week. Team USA’s Simone Biles placed first.
The art of preservation: Native artist paints her way through Arikara history
Also this weekend: Powderhorn Art Fair features more than 190 artists; Guthrie play explores the pain that can come when learning the English language.
New community board seeks bigger voice in Hennepin County prosecutions, police reform
Board members say they support County Attorney Mary Moriarty’s youth justice efforts but are critical of some decisions she’s made, such as her handling of the Ricky Cobb II case.
Supreme Court homelessness ruling: What it means for Minnesota
Some Minnesota cities are looking into ordinances that criminalize camping on public property, but Minneapolis and St. Paul officials say the court ruling won’t impact their policies.
After scooping up two Aldi sites, Latino entrepreneur has big dreams for local grocery chain
Daniel Hernandez started with one neighborhood grocery on Nicollet Avenue, but will open two Colonial Markets in former Aldi sites this year and hopes to have seven locations in five years.
Chef Yia Vang opens Vinai restaurant as love letter to parents, Hmong culture
The much-awaited restaurant in northeast Minneapolis will offer staples from Hmong cuisine, including grilled and braised meats, vegetables and hot sauce.
Locally owned Colonial Market will fill hole left by Aldi’s departure in north Minneapolis
Local entrepreneur Daniel Hernandez will bring the second location of his Colonial Market to the North Side. The local chain combines groceries with prepared food, including tamales and fresh salsas.
Residents celebrate as Smith Foundry announces its closure in Minneapolis’ East Phillips neighborhood
Smith Foundry, a century-old metal factory, will close less than a year after the EPA found that it violated the federal Clean Air Act for several years. Neighbors had raised concerns about the foundry for decades.
International adoption leads to family health mysteries for Minnesotans
Genetic testing could help adoptees fill in missing medical histories. But Minnesota researchers say the decision can be complicated.
Nourishing body, soul: St. Paul festival rides growing interest in plant-based eating in Black community
Started in the depths of the pandemic, V-Fest has grown along with a wave of Black-owned Twin Cities eateries serving up vegetarian and vegan fare.
A recent court ruling would allow 18- to 20-year-olds to publicly carry guns in Minnesota. What happens now?
The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office hasn’t said whether it’ll challenge the ruling. Residents between 18 and 20 can’t start applying for a permit to carry until the appeals process concludes.
Twin Cities hip-hop artists Carnage, FPA drop a beat at Orchestra Hall
Also this weekend: Pillsbury House holds a community block party and Northeast Sculpture Gallery show explores colonization through a Middle Eastern lens.
Does carbon-free mean carbon-neutral? Activists, industry fight over details in new Minnesota energy law
When Minnesota enshrined a goal of 100% carbon free energy by 2040 into law, environmental advocates thought the definition was clear. But now some state agencies are arguing that burning trash and wood to produce energy should count.
Camp Nenookaasi occupants say Minneapolis didn’t give them notice before surprise evictions
Three homeless encampments in south Minneapolis were evicted.
Feeding Our Future defendant pleads guilty in attempt to bribe juror with $120,000
Abdimajid Nur was convicted in the first Feeding Our Future case last month. He faces an additional five to six years in the bribery case.
Kamala Harris campaign stumps at Minnesota’s Hmong Village
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and others campaigned for Harris Tuesday, meeting with voters at Hmong Village and hosting a roundtable with Asian business owners.
Northern Iron neighbors push back after judge rejects pollution limits at St. Paul foundry
The company is now rehiring several laid-off workers while rapidly installing new pollution control equipment. But East Side neighbors are concerned about the impact of increased emissions.
Hamline University reaches settlement with instructor who showed images of Prophet Muhammad in class
The St. Paul university found itself at the center of a painful debate over academic freedom and religious tolerance after school leaders decided not to renew the art history instructor’s contract.
‘A new level of hope’: Voters react to Kamala Harris’ run for president
Democrats hope that replacing Joe Biden with Harris as the front-runner so close to the election will help mobilize voters of color. But voters say they want more details on her policies.
There’s still time to complete the FAFSA. Here’s where to get help applying for financial aid in Minnesota.
After a glitchy rollout of a new form, the state of Minnesota and local nonprofits have compiled resources to help you get the financial help you need for college.
Activists call on Don Samuels to take down ‘anti-woman’ ad featuring Ilhan Omar
Samuels is facing off against Omar in the Fifth Congressional District primary for the second time in two years.
Leech Lake band celebrates the transfer of 11,000 acres that represent what was illegally taken
U.S. Agriculture Under Secretary Homer Wilkes said the return of land to Leech Lake will serve as “a template” for tribal land returns around the country.
Outdoors with a beat: Rondo Days returns with Rakim, MC Lyte; DJ Queen Duin rocks Cedar, nature fest
Mexican-American DJ Queen Duin will perform at The Cedar and a Latino Nature Fest this weekend, while St. Paul’s Rondo Days festival returns after five years with hip-hop pioneers and a celebration of local talent.
Vandals hit future site of St. Anthony Islamic youth center multiple times
The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations wants police to investigate the break-ins as hate crimes.
After missing purchase deadline, Roof Depot advocates say they have plan to raise $5.7M
State legislators failed to deliver additional money for the Roof Depot project causing organizers to miss a purchase deadline with the city of Minneapolis, but the community group remains optimistic that it can buy the site.
‘Spike Moss Way’: Minneapolis names section of Plymouth Avenue after civil rights champion
After decades of organinzing in Minneapolis to improve the lives of African Americans, Harry “Spike” Moss has been immortalized at the site of one of his early campaigns.
Muslim spiritual care offers comfort — and improves patient outcomes — at HCMC
The providers, who serve Hennepin Healthcare’s growing Muslim patient population, help ease anxiety and reduce the stigma around mental health and other medical issues.
Minnesota works to define new law protecting vulnerable communities from pollution
The state’s cumulative impact law will go into effect in 2026. Regulators are trying to establish rules, and weighing what factors should be considered when analyzing existing pollution conditions.
Sahan Journal names Vanan Murugesan as next executive director
Vanan was previously head of transformation at Pillsbury United Communities and brings extensive experience in social entrepreneurship, creative fundraising, and organizational change. At Sahan Journal, he will lead a Minnesota newsroom with 23 employees, supporting its nonprofit mission to serve immigrants and people of color.
Some Somali voters say economy, social issues are driving them to vote for Trump
Economic issues and LGBTQ issues in local schools are prompting more Somali voters to choose Republican candidates, say several Somali community members.
Judge allows Northern Iron to resume normal foundry operations on St. Paul’s East Side over state’s objections
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ordered Northern Iron in April to limit its operations to reduce pollution. A judge is allowing the company to resume normal hours and production levels as it installs new pollution control equipment.
$25K payments to Nolosha paid CEO’s salary, won’t guarantee homes in proposed Lakeville development
Nolosha has been collecting $25,000 “pre-reservation agreements” from Somali families that want to live in a proposed suburban community. But the money only gives them “the opportunity to accept a future opportunity,” and doesn’t guarantee them a spot or home, says Nolosha’s CEO.
Yuen: St. Paul columnist Rubén Rosario told stories with conviction and empathy
The Pioneer Press writer’s death is a gut punch also because of what he represented: a time when there wasn’t anything a smaller local newspaper couldn’t do.
Revamped Minneapolis American Indian Center cafe expands Native foods mission
By using Native-grown and gathered ingredients, Vernon DeFoe and his team are reintroducing healthy Indigenous dishes to their community.
‘Block parties with purpose’: Our Streets launches series to link neighborhoods divided by highways
The nonprofit’s first “Imagine” event will bring together Frogtown and Rondo neighbors this weekend. Also on tap: an outdoor Somali poetry series and a Latin diasporic show at the Minnesota Museum of American Art.
After walking picket lines, shaping legislation, Abdirahman Muse takes Biden administration post
The founding director of the Awood Center steps into a bigger role in his new job with the U.S. Department of Labor.
‘The first step’: Advocates celebrate Minnesota’s groundbreaking child welfare law
The Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionately Act will take effect in Ramsey and Hennepin counties in January and expand statewide two years later.
Hmong disability advocate connects inclusivity and accessibility
Mai Thor, a Hmong woman and refugee, contracted polio at a young age. Now, she dedicates much of her time to disability advocacy.
Opinion: ‘Postponing’ Palestinian doctor’s talk was a missed opportunity at HCMC
Fighting for equity, human life, and freedom of speech is what leaders take risks to do. Health care leaders must do better at this painful moment.
As ICWA-for-all bills gain traction, some states raise cost, legal questions
Minnesota passed legislation this spring that applies the “gold standard” of the Indian Child Welfare Act to most children in its foster care system. It’s one of four states to consider the change.
Minnesota’s new Murdered and Missing Black Women and Girls Office could serve as model for country
Some members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation are urging President Joe Biden to create a national office that mirrors the state’s efforts.
Lino Lakes City Council pauses Muslim-focused housing development amid public pushback
Several Lino Lakes residents say they’re concerned the project could overwhelm the water supply, increase traffic and harm the environment. Project supporters say the criticisms are steeped in Islamophobia.
We analyzed 240,000 death records to learn who’s dying from opioid overdoses in Minnesota.
Public health reports haven’t shown the full toll of opioid deaths on people of color, masking huge disparities for Native Americans and Somalis. Here’s how we used data to reveal a more accurate picture.
Overlooked: Who suffers the most from the opioid epidemic in Minnesota?
A lack of public health data has masked huge racial disparities in overdose deaths from fentanyl and other opioids. Sahan Journal examined more than 240,000 death records to get a clear and startling picture of the epidemic’s toll.
Mexican photographer Xavier Tavera places immigrant experience at forefront of American history
Other events this weekend include an exhibit in White Bear Lake celebrating Black motherhood, and the Taste of Minnesota’s two-day festival featuring local flavors, music and art in downtown Minneapolis.
Dragon Festival returns to Lake Phalen after four-year hiatus
The St. Paul festival, known for its dragon boat races, will return on July 13 with food trucks, a beer garden, and a cornhole competition.
Brothers plead not guilty to bribing juror in Feeding Our Future trial, remain jailed
Said Farah and Abdulkarim Farah pleaded not guilty and were ordered to remain in jail. The hearing for a third brother, Abdiaziz Farah, who also remains in custody, was postponed until next week.
An earthquake brought Djenane Saint Juste to Minnesota where she’s built a life teaching Haitian dance
The founder of local arts group Afoutayi empowers Minnesota’s Haitian community to reconnect with their roots through music, dance, and cultural education.
Developer will push ahead with Muslim-centric community in Lino Lakes, despite backlash
Plans for Madinah Lakes, which would include housing, a mosque and businesses, have drawn pushback from city residents. Backers of the project say some of it has been Islamophobic.
St. Paul metal foundry continues fight with state after failing to reach agreement on reducing pollution
Northern Iron and Machine and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will argue their case in court after mediation could not resolve conflict over emissions.
One of St. Paul’s oldest Hmong cultural centers celebrates expansion, looks to future
After securing more than $450,000 in grants, the Hmong Cultural Center Museum has doubled its exhibit space.
Can you fix it? Yes, you can. Minnesota’s Right to Repair bill is now in effect.
The new law requires manufacturers of consumer electronics and other goods to provide replacement parts, tools and instructions so items can be repaired in order to reduce waste and costs.
As COVID funds dry up, can the music at a St. Paul magnet school continue?
The district faced a $100 million shortfall and had to make painful choices — but its cuts to elementary music programming caused the most pushback from parents.
White House will hold economic summit for Asian American entrepreneurs in St. Paul
The summit marks the first Twin Cities meeting of the president’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.
North Minneapolis food shelf that has been a lifeline for Ecuadoran refugees to close for now
The Camden Collective, which provides food, clothing and a youth jobs program, will have a community celebration on Saturday before it goes dark.
Minnesota AG, feds probing Nolosha-Lakeville development marketed to Somali families
Both the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and federal authorities confirmed they are investigating the project, which is planned on land tied up in the Feeding Our Future case.
Suspect who allegedly left $120,000 at home of Feeding Our Future juror pleads not guilty
Ladan Ali was one of five people charged this week with conspiracy to bribe a juror. Court documents link her to a company that received at least $1.6 million from entities involved in the fraud scheme.
Crossover harpist Brandee Younger brings blend of classical, funk, soul to Mill Ruins Park
Also this weekend, ‘Cucarachalandia’ reimagines a lowly bug as a symbol of Chicano, Mexican resilience, and Pride month wraps up with a parade and festival in Minneapolis.
Wells Fargo destroyed during Floyd unrest will be reborn as housing, small business and job center
Nonprofit Project for Pride in Living broke ground Thursday on the $62 million project, which will include apartment units for large families, along with an Afro Deli and other small businesses.
Los riesgos de la gripe aviar están aumentando para los trabajadores agrícolas en todo Minnesota. Los expertos en salud ofrecen consejos y equipos de protección gratuitos.
Tras arrasar las bandadas de pavos del estado, el virus de la gripe H5N1 está apareciendo ahora en vacas y cabras. El temor: los humanos pueden ser los siguientes. Los más de 100.000 trabajadores agrícolas del estado -incluidos muchos indocumentados- deben estar atentos a los síntomas y tomar precauciones.
Hmong Freedom Festival expected to draw thousands to St. Paul’s Como Park
The festival, one of the largest Hmong events in the U.S., draws crowds for food, cultural activities and sports competitions. This year it will also feature a new music festival and free admission.
Feds charge five people in alleged bribery attempt during Feeding Our Future trial
Three Feeding Our Future defendants who just finished trial, including one who was acquitted, are charged along with two others with attempting to bribe a juror.
Twin Cities’ BIPOC owned, operated farmers markets offer food, culture, community
Indigenous-owned Four Sisters’ Farmers Market, Black-owned People’s Market and others are creating safe cultural spaces for communities to access food.
Four-year collaboration pays off as nonprofits break ground on Minneapolis shelter and apartment complex
The four-story complex, just off Lake Street East, will boost shelter beds and provide transition services for residents to get into housing.
Planned development for East African immigrants in Lakeville under investigation by state Labor Department
More than 150 buyers have put down $25,000 reservation fees for Nolosha’s Lakeville project. But the land is tied up in the Feeding Our Future case, and a state agency says the company lacks a building license.
Genre-defying artist Lady Midnight confronts themes of addiction and grief, and her Afro-Caribbean roots in latest album
From ethereal ballads to dance floor anthems, “Pursuit & the Elusive” embodies the St. Paul singer’s relentless pursuit of sonic liberation.
Bird flu risks are rising for farmworkers across Minnesota. Health experts have advice — and free protective gear.
After devastating the state’s turkey flocks, the influenza virus H5N1 is now appearing in cows and goats. The fear: Humans may be next. The state’s 100,000-plus farmworkers — including many undocumented workers — should look out for symptoms and take precautions.
Minnesota activists say state prioritizes industry over public health, environment
A coalition of 16 groups say the state’s handling of Smith Foundry in Minneapolis and logging in the northwoods are examples of how it’s letting down the public.
Biden order streamlining path to citizenship for spouses could affect 40,000 Minnesotans
The order allows undocumented spouses and children to stay in the U.S. while pursuing a green card, removing a major source of stress for many mixed-status families.
Dive into Somali Week with performances, cultural events and a street fair
Celebrations kick off this weekend with a Somali Cultural Festival in Plymouth in the lead up to Somali Independence Day. They wrap up June 30 with a concert.
Pianist Kavyesh Kaviraj debuts Indian-infused ‘Fables’ at Twin Cities Jazz Fest
This weekend’s arts events include a diverse roster at Jazz Fest; immigrant stories at the Southern Theater; a hip-hop Pride event; and fabric art exploring lotería and tarot.
Historic building damaged during George Floyd protests reopens as Black-owned business incubator
The Coliseum building on Lake Street will be the future home of the Du Nord Cocktail Room and a New Orleans-style restaurant. It will also have meeting and work spaces for neighborhood businesses.
Sahan Journal receives three top awards from Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists
Sahan housing reporter Katelyn Vue shared the award for Young Journalist of the Year; education reporter Becky Dernbach was recognized for beat reporting; and Sahan’s website was recognized.
Textile waste is a growing concern. One way to prevent it? Mend what you own.
Fast fashion is driving growth in textile waste. Minnesota is trying to understand the extent of the issue, and is encouraging people to fix what they own before buying new.
Former NBA star Devean George breaks ground on modular building facility in north Minneapolis
The goal of George Modular Solutions is to speed up the development of new housing and boost the community’s job base.
Local movement pushing for temporary protected status for Ecuadorians gains momentum
Three cities — St. Paul, Minneapolis and Columbia Heights — have passed resolutions calling on the U.S. government to approve the designation.
After boy’s drowning in Minnehaha Creek, Somali family works to prevent similar deaths
Nonprofits say the death highlights a broader need for more culturally-responsive services for Somali families that have children with autism.
Meet the 2024 Bush Fellows
24 visionary leaders with big ideas for what’s possible.
When a patient at M Health Fairview can’t afford food, Mang Vang can help
In her new position as a “food navigator,” Mang Vang works with the hospital system’s neediest patients, connecting them to resources such as food shelves and government benefits.