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.
Posted inHOUSING
$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.
Posted inNEWS PARTNERS
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.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
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.
Posted inCULTURE & 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.
Posted inBUSINESS & WORK
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.
Posted inNEWS PARTNERS
‘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.
Posted inNEWS PARTNERS
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.
Posted inCOMMUNITY VOICES
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.
Posted inNEWS PARTNERS
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.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
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.
Posted inHOUSING
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.
Posted inINSIDE SAHAN JOURNAL
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.
Posted inHEALTH
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.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
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.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
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.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
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.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
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.
Posted inHOUSING
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.
Posted inCLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
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.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
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.
Posted inCLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
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.
Posted inEDUCATION
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.
Posted inBUSINESS & WORK
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.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
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.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
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.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
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.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
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.
Posted inHOUSING
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.
Posted inHEALTH
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.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
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.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
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.
Posted inBUSINESS & WORK
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.
Posted inHOUSING
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.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
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.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
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.
Posted inHEALTH
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.
Posted inCLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
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.
Posted inCHANGING MINNESOTA
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.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
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.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
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.
Posted inBUSINESS & WORK
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.
Posted inNews
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.
Posted inCLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
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.
Posted inHOUSING
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.
Posted inCHANGING MINNESOTA
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.
Posted inNEWS PARTNERS
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.
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Posted inHEALTH
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.
Posted inEDUCATION
‘Big dreams’: Roosevelt High School graduates who started high school remotely prepare to take on the world
Four years ago, Yamilet Arroyo was taking classes behind a computer screen and wondering if her mom would survive COVID. Now, she’s aiming to become a neurosurgeon.
Posted inHOUSING
The Bridge for Youth begins $700K renovation of Minneapolis shelter spaces
The multiyear project invited shelter residents into the design process and was a “full circle” moment for an architecture student who had a family member who had stayed at the shelter.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Five takeaways from a report on the state’s oversight of Feeding Our Future
Here’s what you need to know about a 120-page report on the Minnesota Department of Education’s oversight of Feeding Our Future.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
Maria Isa, BdotCroc among headliners at St. Paul Pride Festival this weekend
The festival lineup features Black, Hmong and Latina performers. Other arts events this weekend include Katha Dance Theatre’s premiere of a river odyssey and a dance exploration of the African American family unit at the Southern Theater.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Report: Minnesota Department of Education was ‘ill-prepared,’ created opportunities for fraud in Feeding Our Future case
The education department received 10 complaints between June 2018 and December 2019 about Feeding Our Future’s executive director, its recruitment practices and alleged kickbacks. Fraud began in 2020.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
Hmong-led movie starring St. Paul actor Wa Yang debuts at Tribeca Festival
The Minnesota-based producers of “Bitterroot” relied on an apprenticeship model to get Hmong talent involved in all aspects of the filmmaking process.
Posted inEDUCATION
Israeli scholar says U rescinded Holocaust Center job offer on ‘political grounds’
The move came after two board members of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies resigned in protest over the offer and a local Jewish advocacy group sent out an action alert.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Report will examine Minnesota Department of Education’s oversight of money in Feeding Our Future case
The Legislative Auditor plans to release a report Thursday looking at how the Minnesota Department of Education monitored Feeding Our Future’s participation in a federal program designed to feed underserved children.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
Here’s where to celebrate Juneteenth across the Twin Cities
Juneteenth celebrations include face painting, a carnival, free food, live music and more.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
Hai Hai’s Christina Nguyen named Best Chef Midwest by James Beard Foundation
The self-taught chef was honored for her Southeast Asian street food restaurant in northeast Minneapolis.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Minneapolis officer Jamal Mitchell awarded Medal of Honor, Purple Heart
Friends and coworkers remembered Mitchell at a memorial service as a loyal friend and hero who was committed to serving others.
Posted inBUSINESS & WORK
‘Untapped market’: Rapidly growing Yemeni coffee chains set sights on Twin Cities
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., and a second chain opening this fall, fill a need for after-hours social spaces for young Muslims — and also draw coffee connoisseurs.
Posted inBUSINESS & WORK
Workers at a dozen Twin Cities nursing homes struck in March. One is still waiting for a contract.
A week after St. Therese announced it was selling its flagship New Hope care facility, workers say they’ll launch a five-day strike to lock in pay promises.
Posted inCLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
Heat pumps are ‘cheapest, healthiest’ way to meet Minnesota’s climate goals, local coalition says
Billions of dollars in investment will be needed to help the state hit net-zero emissions. A report by Clean Heat Minnesota has found that the best way to do that is through mass electrification of buildings.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Five defendants convicted, two acquitted in Feeding Our Future fraud trial
The verdicts come in the seventh week of trial, and after rare allegations of jury tampering led to the dismissal of two jurors.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Who decided the Feeding Our Future verdicts?
The jury of six women and six men all live in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and are mostly in their 30s.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
Eat, dance, sing and paint your way across the Twin Cities cultural scene this weekend
An Asian street festival, an Afrobeat rave, a “Reservation Dogs” watch party, a concert by Native composers, and a community mural project are just some of this weekend’s arts events in the Twin Cities.
Posted inNEWS PARTNERS
Latest challenge to Indian Child Welfare Act struck down in Minnesota appeals court
A Minnesota appeals court has allowed white foster parents to continue seeking custody of two Red Lake Nation children, while striking down the couple’s claim they were discriminated against because of their race.
Posted inCHANGING MINNESOTA
Small in numbers, Cameroonian community is beginning to make a mark on Minnesota
Cameroonian immigrants and their children are starting new businesses and launching events like African Fashion Week, coming this fall.
Posted inBUSINESS & WORK
‘Meet the boss’: Minnesota Black entrepreneurs discuss access to funding, tips for success
A panel event hosted by Sahan Journal examined the challenges and successes faced by Black and immigrant African entrepreneurs in Minnesota.
Posted inCLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
Minneapolis foundry accused of Clean Air Act violations will pay fine, end casting operations
Smith Foundry in the East Phillips neighborhood will pay an $80,000 fine and will transition to a metal finishing business in the next 12 months.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Family members mourn fallen Minneapolis police officer Jamal Mitchell
Jamal Mitchell’s mother said her son had a “heart for people” and always tried to lend a helping hand to those around him.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
All seven defendants in Feeding Our Future fraud trial arrested after juror was bribed with $120K in cash
A search warrant affidavit says a woman tried to bribe a juror with a bag containing $120,000, and promised more cash if the juror acquitted the defendants at trial.
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On Tuesday, June 18th, FamilyWise will host the 7th Annual Growing Resilient Communities Gathering.
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Children’s Minnesota takes new approach to address vaccination disparities
Health disparities work supported by United Health Foundation grant
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Prosecution, defense make a last stand in Feeding Our Future trial before jurors begin deliberations
Prosecutors and defense attorneys gave closing arguments Friday in the Feeding Our Future fraud trial.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
‘Loyal to his oath’: Slain Minneapolis officer remembered for his heroism
Officer Jamal Mitchell was among the four killed after responding to reports of gunshots in the south Minneapolis Whittier neighborhood.
Posted inCLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
St. Paul schools go big on geothermal energy, using the earth to heat and cool buildings
Geothermal power is having a moment in Minnesota. One of the biggest early adopters is St. Paul Public Schools.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Feeding Our Future defendant says ‘highly respected’ community member recruited him
Mukhtar Shariff shifted blame for the alleged fraud onto the community member, Mahad Ibrahim. Mahad became Mukhtar’s business partner in a company that is accused of stealing federal funds designated to feed underserved children.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
Musical sculptures celebrate resilience of BLM movement at show near George Floyd Square
Twin Cities arts events this weekend include Douglas Ewart’s show at the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center; the 54th annual Edina Art Fair; and a show by artist Duk Ju L. Kim at NE Sculpture.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Feeding Our Future fraud suspect testifies in his own defense, witnesses saw food being distributed
Mukhtar Shariff’s attorneys presented evidence that his company purchased $1.5 million worth of food, and called witnesses from the Dar Al Farooq Center who say they saw food distributed at the Bloomington mosque.
Posted inHOUSING
Minnesota housing advocates chalk up modest wins at the Legislature this year
New rights for renters who are crime victims; easier ways to verify income; and more funding for emergency rental assistance are among the gains during a contentious session.
Posted inCLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
Hay millones de dólares disponibles en descuentos energéticos federales y estatales. ¿Cómo se puede participar?
Grupos locales están poniendo en contacto a los habitantes de Minnesota con ventajas que pueden ahorrarles dinero a la vez que reducen las emisiones de carbono.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Feeding Our Future fraud trial nears end; only one defendant will call witnesses in his defense
Jurors could begin deliberating in the case early next week. Seven defendants are being jointly tried for allegedly stealing $41 million from the federal government.
Posted inCLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
Millions of dollars are available in federal and state energy rebates. How can you take part?
Local groups are connecting Minnesotans to benefits that can save them money while lowering carbon emissions.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Driver charged with second-degree assault after hit-and-run at south Minneapolis mosque
According to charges, the driver had a history of trespassing at Alhikma Islamic Center, with the most recent incident occurring last week.
Posted inCLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
Legislative stumble puts Roof Depot project at risk, forcing supporters to close $5.7 million funding gap
Lawmakers failed to come through with promised funding for the Roof Depot project at the end of the legislative session. The East Phillips Neighborhood Institute remains confident in its ability to move forward.
Posted inEDUCATION
New Minnesota law limits districts’ ability to hire special education teachers without training
The change was necessary to maintain federal special education funding. But one education advocate said it went too far, and will lead teachers to jump to other specialties.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
Hmong Arts Festival celebrates the qeej with master players, acrobatic performances
The traditional bamboo pipe takes center stage at the RiverCentre; more than 20 local soul acts perform at U.S. Bank Stadium; and the Red Eye Theater features “Works-in-Progress” by BIPOC artists.
Posted inCLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
St. Paul Foundry fights pollution control order in court as community seeks answers
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ordered Northern Iron to limit pollution due to concerning data; now the company is resisting the demands in court.
Posted inPOLICING & JUSTICE
Hit-and-run at Minneapolis mosque investigated as possible bias crime
A suspect in a vehicle struck an employee with the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Posted inINSIDE SAHAN JOURNAL
Meet the boss: Join Sahan Journal for a live community conversation with Black entrepreneurs who’ve made it in Minnesota.
On Thursday, May 30, Sahan Journal will host a discussion at Capri Theater’s Paradise Community Hall, in Minneapolis. Come meet and hear from Black entrepreneurs about their journey and tips on becoming a boss in Minnesota.
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY
Time to reset, reflect: Group plans vigil on fourth anniversary of George Floyd’s death
Other events this weekend include panel discussions, a documentary film screening, a rally and a prayer event.
Posted inCOMMUNITY VOICES
Opinion: My mother was proud of her work as a midwife. Then we came to America and her credentials didn’t count.
Many immigrants are shut out of skilled jobs at a time when the U.S. needs them most. The right policies can change that.