Minnesota

Mogadishu (AX) — A significant moment unfolded in the heart of Somalia as Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre welcomed Somali American politician Samakab Hussein to his office on Monday. Hussein, a notable member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, made the journey back to his homeland, a visit that speaks volumes about the bridges being built between the Somali diaspora and their roots. During their meeting, Prime Minister Barre took a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude to Rep. Hussein for making the trip to…

Tragic Violence in Minnesota: A Reflection on Leadership President Donald Trump has stated that he did not intend to reach out to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president in 2024, following a weekend shooting that claimed the life of a Democratic politician and injured another. In light of the tragedy, Mr. Trump, a Republican, expressed his outrage over what he termed "horrific violence" that should not be tolerated in the United States. However, he has opted against extending any supportive…

Minnesota Attorney General Advocates for Community in Fraudulent Housing Case MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — In the picturesque city of Minneapolis, a legal drama is unraveling that echoes a broader narrative of trust, betrayal, and resilience in the Somali-American immigrant community. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has urged a judge to compel Nolosha Development to refund substantial deposits from Somali-American families who found themselves ensnared in a web of unkept promises and dreams…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AX) — In a turn of events that left many shaking their heads in disbelief, a resident of Savage, Minnesota, confessed on Friday to participating in a swindle of grandiose proportions. This scam siphoned $250 million from a federally funded initiative meant to nourish less fortunate children during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oh, the irony of it all – a saga wrought with intrigue and greed! The protagonist of this sordid tale is Ayan Farah Abukar, a 43-year-old who founded the…

Celebrating Heritage: Language, Identity, and New Beginnings Before indulging in a traditional Karen porridge prepared by their instructor, Ehtalow Zar, a question lingered in the air. Why exactly is this dish emblematic of Karen culture?” she inquired, engaging her students. One eager participant ventured the guess that its origins traced back to a time when jungles were home. "Absolutely," Zar confirmed with a knowing nod. Back then, food choices like rice, meat, or vegetables weren’t bountiful. “Therefore, our…

Over the course of Barack Obama's presidency, roughly 54,000 Somali refugees found new homes in the United States, a far cry from the widely circulated but inaccurate claim that he relocated 70,000 Somalis to Minnesota. Contrary to some eyebrow-raising social media posts, this was not a cunning plan to manipulate future elections in favor of Ilhan Omar, the Somali-American Congresswoman representing Minnesota. Around the time of the U.S. presidential election on November 5th, messages floating around Facebook declared,…

The Biden administration's approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict has stirred unrest among Somali and Muslim Americans nationwide, contributing to Kamala Harris's dip in support normally expected by Democrats. In Minnesota, community organizers dispersed leaflets in mosques and Somali shopping centers, urging folks to consider third-party options, portraying the administration as backing what they termed genocide in the Middle East. Discussions with voters and community figures reveal alternative motivations: nostalgia for a…

Renowned for her personal history and commitment to progressive values, Ilhan Omar has consistently been a beacon for change. Born in Somalia, Omar's journey to becoming a member of Congress reflects a deep personal engagement with issues affecting immigrants and minorities. Her candidacy and eventual victories in elections have been testaments to her influential persona and unwavering beliefs. Omar's re-election campaign faced fierce competition from Dalia Al-Aqidi, an Iraqi-born secular Muslim and former journalist.…