This year, readers homed in on Sahan Journal’s sprawling Feeding our Future coverage, including the first trial in the case, and the surprise arrests of defendants in that trial for allegedly bribing a juror. The year’s most read story was about Somali parents pushing against LGBTQ books in schools, a topic that came up multiple times in 2024.
Other top-read stories of the year include the city of Minneapolis dumping concrete rubble on a vacant lot to deter homeless encampments, and an investigation into a south metro housing development.
The year also featured several developments community members celebrated: increased pressure to close the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center in Minneapolis, the shuttering of Smith Foundry and steps towards community ownership of the Roof Depot.
As the nation turned its eyes on Minnesota in the fall, Sahan Journal provided community-driven stories about Minnesota’s immigrants and communities of color. When Vice President Kamala Harris tapped Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the presidency, Sahan Journal looked at how Walz impacted communities of color as governor, and what Harris’ candidacy meant to the South Asian and Black communities.
Post election, Sahan translated what President-elect Donald Trump’s plans could mean for education, immigrants and health care.
Thank you for being a Sahan reader. Here’s a look at the most read stories of 2024.
Sahan Journal’s most read stories of 2024
#10: LAKEVILLE HOUSING INVESTIGATION
Planned development for East African immigrants in Lakeville under investigation by state Labor Department
#10: FBI RAIDS AUTISM TREATMENT CENTER
FBI raids Minnesota autism treatment centers for alleged fraud, notes ties to Feeding Our Future case
#8: SOMALI FAMILIES OPT OUT OF LGBTQ BOOKS
After lawsuit threat, St. Louis Park Public Schools will allow Somali families to opt out of LGBTQ+ books
#7: OMAR DEFEATS REPEAT PRIMARY CHALLENGER
Rep. Ilhan Omar defeats Don Samuels in Fifth District primary by wide margin
#6: COFFEEMAKER CAMERA
Coffee machine camera at Amazon warehouse raises concerns about surveillance in the workplace
#5: E-BIKE REBATES
Want to buy an e-bike with help from state funds? Here’s what you need to know.
#4: FEEDING OUR FUTURE BRIBE
All seven defendants in Feeding Our Future fraud trial arrested after juror was bribed with $120K in cash
#3: MINNEAPOLIS EVICTS HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT
Minneapolis city officials didn’t want the homeless camping on city land, so they dumped concrete rubble across two lots
#2: FEEDING OUR FUTURE DEFENDANT BOUGHT TESLA
Eagan woman admits to buying Tesla, new home with $1.3 million in Feeding Our Future case
#1: HOW FAR DO BOOK CHALLENGES GO?
After dispute with Somali parents, St. Louis Park school board says state should clarify how far book challenges can go
Thank you for reading Sahan Journal this year; we’re excited for 2025. Sign up for our free weekly newsletters to stay updated with Sahan Journal.
