Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS The most diverse city council in Minneapolis history might also be the weakest. We asked new council members how they hope to operate under a strong mayor system by Hibah Ansari November 12, 2021November 12, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections There are plenty of new faces on the Minneapolis Park Board, but just one person of color. by Andrew Hazzard November 10, 2021November 12, 2021
Posted inEDUCATION This year, Minnesota school-board meetings endured a backlash against diversity. On Election Day, three suburban districts elected Somali Americans for the first time. by Becky Z. Dernbach November 10, 2021November 10, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Three young Democratic Socialists elected to Minneapolis City Council are eager to pass progressive policies to benefit the city’s working class. by Grace Birnstengel and Jon Collins November 10, 2021November 10, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS With St. Paul school board win, Halla Henderson becomes first Eritrean American elected to office in Minnesota by Becky Z. Dernbach November 3, 2021November 4, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS For the first time, majority of Minneapolis City Council members will be people of color. by Hibah Ansari November 2, 2021November 3, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Minneapolis voters reject public safety amendment. Strong mayor and rent control provision pass. by Becky Z. Dernbach November 2, 2021November 2, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Duluth elects Azrin Awal, first Asian American, to City Council. by Hibah Ansari November 2, 2021November 2, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections Mayor Jacob Frey wins reelection in Minneapolis by Andrew Hazzard November 2, 2021November 3, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Your Minnesota Election Day 2021 results: All the updates on races in Minneapolis and St. Paul. by Joey Peters November 2, 2021October 4, 2022
Posted in2021 Elections Election Day in Minnesota is here. So we made this last-minute voting guide for you. by Sahan Journal November 1, 2021November 2, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘We need to follow the lead of the people’: Support for public safety charter amendment grows among elected officials of color in Minnesota. by Hibah Ansari October 29, 2021October 30, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections As Bloomington becomes more diverse, two Latino men are among those seeking election to its city council. by JD Duggan October 29, 2021October 29, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections Minneapolis City Council candidates for Uptown, Whittier address housing and public safety challenges by Logan Carroll October 28, 2021October 29, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Minneapolis mayoral candidate Kate Knuth releases detailed immigration policy plan. by Joey Peters October 28, 2021October 28, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections Unsettling messages tarnish final days of campaign in Minneapolis’ Ward 6 by Becky Z. Dernbach October 26, 2021October 29, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections James Farnsworth: ‘We need to learn from what the successful schools are doing around us’ by Becky Z. Dernbach October 24, 2021October 22, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections Halla Henderson: ‘Top of mind right now for me is school closures’ by Becky Z. Dernbach October 24, 2021October 22, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections Jennifer McPherson: ‘Allow families to have real school choice’ by Becky Z. Dernbach October 24, 2021October 22, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections Uriah Ward: ‘Invest in the staff that work directly with students’ by Becky Z. Dernbach October 24, 2021October 26, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections Jim Vue: ‘The people who are leaving our district are Asian Americans.’ by Becky Z. Dernbach October 24, 2021October 22, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections Jeannie Foster: ‘To have an enrollment increase, we have to serve the students we currently have.’ by Becky Z. Dernbach October 24, 2021October 22, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections Clayton Howatt: ‘Our high-poverty elementary schools lack the same opportunities.’ by Becky Z. Dernbach October 24, 2021October 22, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections Hands up, who wants to serve on the St. Paul school board? by Becky Z. Dernbach October 24, 2021October 25, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Sheila Nezhad’s run for Minneapolis mayor focuses on transforming public safety and making the city more democratic. by JD Duggan October 17, 2021October 20, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Duluth City Council candidate Azrin Awal hopes to make history by becoming the first Asian American to win office. by Hibah Ansari October 15, 2021October 15, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Candidates Phillipe Cunningham and LaTrisha Vetaw agree that public safety policy is the main issue in Minneapolis’ Ward 4. Next question: How to fix it? by Hibah Ansari October 11, 2021October 11, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections A luxury rental tax? A citizens assembly to solve public safety? In Minneapolis mayor’s race, AJ Awed adds unconventional solutions to progressive agenda. by Joey Peters October 7, 2021October 7, 2021
Posted inImmigration Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson said he’d change the way his office works with immigration enforcement. Critics say the jail still referred 1,000 inmates to ICE. by Joey Peters September 23, 2021September 23, 2021
Posted inINSIDE SAHAN JOURNAL What makes a useful voter guide? We started by asking immigrant groups in Minneapolis what they wanted to know about the 2021 city election by Aala Abdullahi September 22, 2021September 24, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Victor Martinez, a candidate for the Ward 5 City Council seat in Minneapolis, door-knocks almost every day, delivering his pro-police, pro-life message by Hibah Ansari September 19, 2021September 28, 2021
Posted inHOUSING Rent control is on the ballot this fall in Minneapolis and St. Paul. We asked supporters and opponents whether the measures will help produce affordable housing. by Hibah Ansari September 14, 2021September 23, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Should the mayor of Minneapolis have more power? Here is everything you need to know about the strong-mayor amendment on the ballot this fall. by Joey Peters September 13, 2021September 23, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Jennifer Carnahan, Minnesota Republican chairwoman, steps down amid party scandal by Hibah Ansari August 19, 2021August 19, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections Minneapolis’ Ward 2 has two strong third-party candidates running for City Council. They agree that capitalism is failing people. by JD Duggan August 18, 2021August 18, 2021
Posted in2021 Elections Brooklyn Park mayoral recount tilts toward Lisa Jacobson by Abe Asher August 13, 2021August 20, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘It’s an extremely progressive city—if you’re white’: Minneapolis elections hinge on how to fix inequality in housing, policing. by Hibah Ansari and JD Duggan July 26, 2021July 28, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Abuse survivors speak out about domestic violence allegations against John Thompson while Black activists struggle with double standards. Progressive legislators? No comment. by Becky Z. Dernbach July 22, 2021July 23, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Redistricting is a plodding, legalistic process. It’s also vitally important to Minnesota’s communities of color. by Logan Carroll July 20, 2021July 21, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS We asked the Minneapolis City Council candidates for Ward 9 what they would do about police reform, rebuilding East Lake Street, homelessness, and rent control. by JD Duggan June 24, 2021June 25, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS In Ward 5, DFL caucuses become a referendum on defunding Minneapolis police by Hibah Ansari June 15, 2021June 15, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS After a tumultuous year, Minneapolis DFL voters to judge mayor’s tenure. by Jon Collins June 15, 2021June 16, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS With its virtual caucus already under way, Minneapolis DFL faces charges that the process is so discriminatory it must be scrapped. by Hibah Ansari June 3, 2021June 4, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Fraud allegations disrupt DFL endorsement convention for Minneapolis City Council seat by Logan Carroll June 1, 2021June 1, 2021
Posted inCriminal Justice Andy Luger on short list for Minnesota’s next U.S. attorney, sources say. by Hibah Ansari March 4, 2021March 5, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS DFL virtual caucus debate raises a thorny issue: How best to include immigrant communities. by Hibah Ansari February 17, 2021February 17, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS In D.C., a mob tried to overturn multiracial democracy. In St. Paul, the most diverse Minnesota legislature ever is just getting started. by Becky Z. Dernbach and Hibah Ansari January 21, 2021January 25, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘I’m looking for unity’: Minnesota immigrants share hopes for new Biden administration on Inauguration Day. by Joey Peters January 20, 2021January 20, 2021
Posted inHEALTH The Biden administration is likely to reverse ‘public charge’ restrictions on aid to immigrants. Confusion over the rules will remain. by Joey Peters January 13, 2021January 13, 2021
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘We have suddenly seen ourselves as Americans’: Minnesota immigrants are finding a place in the suburbs–and elected office. by Mike Mosedale October 30, 2020October 30, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Immigrants to Minnesota know about instability and political violence. Many recognize familiar signs in their adopted homeland. by Madison McVan October 12, 2020October 27, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS A former refugee from Liberia running for the Minnesota Legislature teaches the Constitution, supports gun rights, and wants immigration restrictions. by Joey Peters October 5, 2020October 5, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘You cannot stop our vote.’ Minnesota faith leaders say efforts to discourage Muslim voters will fail. by Becky Z. Dernbach October 2, 2020October 3, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Trailing in the state’s polls, Trump returns to Minnesota for a campaign stop filled with racist taunts and anti-immigrant agenda. by Hibah Ansari October 1, 2020October 3, 2020
Posted inDigital Disinformation How did an August primary election in Minneapolis turn into a national right-wing disinformation campaign against absentee ballots? by Becky Z. Dernbach, Hibah Ansari and Joey Peters September 28, 2020September 29, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘Change is coming’: A St. Paul program is building a pipeline from diverse communities to the state Capitol to tackle racial disparities. by Melissa Townsend September 22, 2020September 22, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Count on it: Election Day voting in Minnesota starts now by Brian Bakst September 18, 2020September 20, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Mustafa Jumale came to the U.S. at age three as a refugee from Somalia. Now he’ll help lead a national advocacy group supporting refugees. by Joey Peters September 4, 2020September 4, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Young, educated and Black: Here’s how Minnesota’s politicians with African roots are reshaping the state’s politics. by Ibrahim Hirsi August 30, 2020September 8, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Surprised that political newcomer Esther Agbaje unseated a longtime DFL legislator? Her childhood friends aren’t. by Becky Z. Dernbach August 26, 2020August 26, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS The Minnesota GOP has a problem winning voters of color and new Americans. Could Republican Party chair Jennifer Carnahan offer a solution? by Hibah Ansari August 26, 2020September 21, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘I opened a business. I’m hiring. I’m paying taxes’: Minnesota immigrants say Trump’s Mankato campaign comments don’t match what they’re seeing in their community. by Hibah Ansari August 18, 2020August 18, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS In the August primary, diverse millennial candidates in Minneapolis drove new voters to the polls. What lesson will the DFL take into November? by Becky Z. Dernbach August 17, 2020August 19, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Is St. Cloud ready for a change? Hassan Yussuf thinks Minnesota city will elect its first Black city council member. by Sheila Regan August 14, 2020August 14, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘You’re not a guest here, and you deserve better’: Jamal Osman’s message to immigrant communities helps capture Minneapolis Ward 6 City Council seat. by Hibah Ansari August 14, 2020August 16, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Housing advocate Jamal Osman defeats ten candidates in Minneapolis Ward 6 race. by Hibah Ansari August 14, 2020August 14, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Progressive challenger Omar Fateh defeats longtime State Senator Jeff Hayden in Minnesota’s Democratic primary by Joey Peters August 11, 2020August 12, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘Ready for a new generation’: With election night lead, Esther Agbaje hopes to bring ‘sense of urgency’ to the Capitol by Becky Z. Dernbach August 11, 2020August 12, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Another win for the Squad: Progressive champion Ilhan Omar beats well-funded challenger Antone Melton-Meaux. by Ibrahim Hirsi August 11, 2020August 12, 2020
Posted inBUSINESS & WORK Minnesota is helping malls that serve immigrant communities survive the COVID-19 downturn. How much aid will their tenants see? by Joey Peters August 7, 2020August 30, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Ilhan Omar wants to rewrite U.S. immigration policy—if she can win the DFL primary first. by Ibrahim Hirsi August 6, 2020August 7, 2020
Posted inBUSINESS & WORK Governor Tim Walz visits Somali mall in Minneapolis and declares commitment to help businesses. Some ask if commitment is enough. by Joey Peters August 4, 2020August 4, 2020
Posted inHEALTH A Somali health advocate’s crusade against skin lightening, a vestige of colonialism, becomes a federal public health issue by Joey Peters July 31, 2020August 30, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS In their own words: Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District voters have opinions about the race between Ilhan Omar and Antone Melton-Meaux by Hibah Ansari July 27, 2020July 29, 2020
Posted inHEALTH Everything you need to know about Minnesota’s new coronavirus face mask rule by Joey Peters July 23, 2020August 30, 2020
Posted inHEALTH Minnesota’s health department wants to reveal your positive COVID-19 test results to first responders—including immigration officials. What could go wrong? by Joey Peters July 22, 2020August 30, 2020
Posted inCULTURE & COMMUNITY ‘I want people to know that the Oromo people are here’: A killing in Ethiopia ignites a youth revolution in Minnesota. by Jaida Grey Eagle July 17, 2020July 17, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Ellison appoints longtime advocate for racial equity to top spot in attorney general’s office by Joey Peters July 17, 2020July 17, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘Defund the police’ debate unfolds with no representation for Ward 6 residents on Minneapolis City Council by Ibrahim Hirsi June 16, 2020June 16, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Minnesota hires new assistant commissioner for immigrant and refugee affairs by Hibah Ansari June 15, 2020June 15, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS St. Paul City Council approves measure declaring Indian government Islamophobic by Joey Peters May 20, 2020May 20, 2020
Posted inCOMMUNITY VOICES Haji Yussuf: Ilhan offers best chance to advance progressive agenda by Haji Yussuf May 13, 2020May 13, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Two newcomers oust DFL veterans to win party endorsement for Minnesota legislature by Joey Peters May 7, 2020August 5, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS St. Paul City Council’s symbolic resolution against India’s ‘anti-Muslim’ policies sees delay after unexpected controversy by Joey Peters May 7, 2020May 7, 2020
Posted inNews Abdi Warsame takes the helm at the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority by Joey Peters March 30, 2020April 1, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Community activist Haji Yussuf steps up to challenge Rep. Ilhan Omar for 5th District seat by Joey Peters February 19, 2020November 6, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS, Immigration What you need to know about Trump’s plan to deport Hmong, Lao immigrants by Riham Feshir February 11, 2020April 1, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Minnesota protesters slam India’s new citizenship law as biased against Muslims by Joey Peters January 27, 2020April 1, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Diversity big on the ballot in race for Minnesota House seat 60A by Joey Peters December 23, 2019April 1, 2020
Posted inCHANGING MINNESOTA, DEMOCRACY & POLITICS Youth, diversity take the reins of power at St. Paul City Hall by Becky Z. Dernbach November 14, 2019April 1, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS, Religion Preaching ‘hate’ for Islam, speaker arrives in a divided Willmar by Riham Feshir November 7, 2019April 1, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘My voice is needed’: History made as Nadia Mohamed wins a seat on St. Louis Park City Council by Becky Z. Dernbach November 5, 2019April 1, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘I’m here to stand up against oppression’: Minnesotans protest divisive rhetoric, security crackdown in India by Mukhtar M. Ibrahim September 22, 2019April 1, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS ‘I hope they are fine’: Kashmiris in Minnesota worry for loved ones back home by Danish Raza August 30, 2019April 1, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS Minnesota federal judges skip Trump’s welcome video for new citizens at naturalization ceremonies by Mukhtar M. Ibrahim August 11, 2019April 1, 2020
Posted inDEMOCRACY & POLITICS, Immigration ‘On edge’: Minnesota Latinos wrestle with fear, frustration after El Paso killings by Joey Peters August 11, 2019April 1, 2020