Minnesotas

Measles outbreak in Minnesota’s Somali community tests public health outreach as vaccine fears persist MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota health officials racing to contain a measles outbreak centered in Minneapolis’ large Somali community are confronting entrenched vaccine fears stoked by long-running myths about autism and the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) shot. Fourteen measles cases have been confirmed statewide since February. About half are in Somali children, six of whom were not vaccinated and one of whom was too young for shots,…

Trump administration freezes $185 million in Minnesota childcare funds, orders audits of Somali American immigration cases MINNEAPOLIS — The administration of President Donald Trump has suspended federal childcare funding to Minnesota and ordered audits of immigration cases involving Somali Americans, escalating a fraud crackdown that critics say disproportionately targets immigrant communities in the state with the nation’s largest Somali population. The Department of Health and Human Services froze $185 million in…

Trump administration freezes Minnesota childcare funds, orders Somali citizenship audits MINNEAPOLIS — The Trump administration has frozen $185 million in federal childcare funding to Minnesota and ordered audits of immigration cases involving Somali Americans, escalating a fraud crackdown that state leaders and advocates say risks unfairly targeting a single immigrant community. The Department of Health and Human Services announced the funding freeze Tuesday, citing viral allegations by conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley…

ICE raids and Trump’s rhetoric rattle Minnesota’s Somali community MINNEAPOLIS — Federal immigration raids, high-profile fraud prosecutions and escalating rhetoric from former president Donald Trump are converging on Minnesota’s Somali community, unsettling daily life in the state that is home to the largest Somali population in the United States. Since Dec. 1, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has detained 12 people in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area under a Department of Homeland Security initiative called Operation…

In a captivating video snapshot, we see Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley, originally from Kenya and now a proud U.S. citizen, addressing the audience at the Minnesota State Capitol on November 8, 2024. She shares the remarkable news of being elected as the first Kenyan-born member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — On November 5, Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley shattered ceilings as the inaugural Kenyan-born individual elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Her journey is one painted with hues of…

Minneapolis, Minn (AX) — A group of over 35 Somali religious figures and thinkers in Minnesota have shown firm support for the Harris-Walz campaign. Their endorsement stems from deep worry about what a second term for Donald Trump might mean for Muslims in America. Announced during an event in St. Cloud, they made a fervent call for Somali-American voters to back the Democrats to safeguard civil liberties and combat the growing tide of Islamophobia.This coalition, representing various segments of Minnesota's Somali-American…

In their pursuit to establish a Muslim burial ground in the region, organizers navigated an array of obstacles, ranging from a hesitant local government to acts of vandalism. A fresh chapter began for Al Maghfirah Cemetery, nestled in Castle Rock Township just south of Farmington, as community members marked the commencement of its construction on October 8, 2024. Credit: Dymanh Chhoun | Sahan JournalThe name “Al Maghfirah” shines with significance, embodying the spirit of forgiveness in Arabic. On Tuesday, a hopeful spirit…

Minneapolis, USA (AX) – Abdi Daisane, a Somali-born entrepreneur, is challenging incumbent Republican Rep. Bernie Perryman in Minnesota's House District 14A. If victorious, Daisane would be among the select few Somali-Americans holding state legislative office in the U.S. Born amid Somalia’s civil war, Daisane spent nearly two decades in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp, one of the largest globally. In 2009, he made his way to the United States, seeking a fresh start. By 2013, he planted roots in St. Cloud, earned several…

For 16 years, retired tailor Mukhtar Isse has been diligently rebinding Qurans with tape and glue, ensuring these sacred texts remain accessible to local Muslims. He's joined by two other Somali men who volunteer as bookbinders in the mosques, yet they struggle to meet the increasing demand.Minnesota imams report that strict protocols for disposing of the Muslim holy book, coupled with state environmental regulations, have created a backlog of old and damaged Qurans at mosques.The shortage of suitable facilities for…