Recent content from Faiza Mahamud
Bipartisan bill proposes student teacher stipends to combat teacher shortage in Minnesota
The 12-week pilot program is slated to start in the 2024-25 school year in collaboration with colleges in Duluth, St. Cloud and elsewhere in Greater Minnesota.
Opioid epidemic hits hardest among Minnesotans of color
In response to the disparities, which are particularly stark for American Indian and Black Minnesotans, officials are investing millions of dollars from the opioid settlement in culturally specific treatment programs.
Stretch of 1st Avenue N. in Mpls. will get $30M upgrade for safety
Planning is in early phases; construction work on the iconic corridor is expected to start in 2028.
Plan to transform Olson Hwy. in north Mpls. gains federal backing
The effort aims to restore a more community-oriented feel to a stretch of the former 6th Avenue N.
Fact check: What Rep. Ilhan Omar actually said in viral speech
Republican leaders are calling for an investigation over a disputed translation of the congresswoman's comments.
Hmong American activist Tou Ger Xiong's funeral service to be held this month
The Xiong family announced on Facebook that services will be held Jan. 27-29 in St. Paul.
No stranger to hardship, Fartun Weli uses nonprofit Isuroon to help East African families
The 13-year-old organization has a staff of 38 and provides a wide range of services to Somali and East African women and their families.
Twin Cities break century-old record with Christmas Day high of 54
Travelers in west-central Minnesota were urged to be careful while driving.
Man, dog killed while crossing St. Paul street on Christmas Eve
The circumstances of crash are under investigation.
Minneapolis teachers say resolution on Israel-Hamas conflict harmed families, divided their union
At a Wednesday meeting, the union approved a new resolution that aims to refocus the federation's priorities and unify its members.
Minnesota's Somali community rallying to support its flood-devastated homeland
The heavy rains and floods have killed nearly 100 people, displaced hundreds of thousands and ravaged several regions in Somalia.
Mpls. teachers' union statement on Israel-Hamas conflict sparking controversy
While the resolution has garnered support from some in the school community, others are calling on MFT to take down the resolution and say it threatens the safety of Jewish students and teachers.
It's Election Day: Who's running and what's on the ballot
Minneapolis and St. Paul will pick City Council members; schools have board members and tax requests before voters.
Commotion flares outside polling place in Minneapolis' Sixth Ward
A precinct support judge spoke with people outside Brian Coyle Center to assure them poll workers are trustworthy.
![The new Dinkytown McDonald's that is set to open this week in Minneapolis, Minn. is seen on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. ] LEILA NAVIDI • leila.navidi@star](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/4MD4OIUZX5JALMEX5ISXT6X3RI.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Dinkytown McDonald's will reopen at same site as the one closed in 2020
Known locally as "Drunk Don's" because it was a favorite stop after an evening of drinking, the former Dinkytown McDonald's was a beloved fixture for students and residents in the neighborhood.
Fall colors light up the Twin Cities this week as we bid farewell to autumn
Rain and wind predicted over the next few days could cause many of the remaining leaves to fall.
You say Minnesota is the North? Not so, says study finding most residents identify with the Midwest
Researcher says states like Minnesota and Iowa need to help reestablish the significance of the Midwest and its culture.
Twin Cities area and southern Minnesota starting to see more peak fall colors
Recent cooler temperatures have spurred the colors to finally start changing in the metro area and other parts of southern Minnesota.
Want to know how to safely watch Saturday's 'Ring of Fire' eclipse? Here's how
Don't use your sunglasses. Get certified eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer instead, and make sure they comply with standards.
Message from the DNR: Now's the time to get out and see the fall colors
Weather conditions have had a significant impact on Minnesota's fall foliage, making it a quick season for fall colors.
Don't panic if your cellphone blares an alert at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday. It's just a test.
The federal government will be conducting a nationwide test of its emergency alert systems.
Where to find the best fall colors this weekend in Minnesota
Much of northern Minnesota is nearly at peak, while the southern part of the state is changing slowly.
Somali Prime Minister Barre inspires hope during historic weekend visit to Minnesota
In the first visit to Minnesota by a sitting Somali prime minister, Hamza Abdi Barre urged a Bloomington audience to join the country's fight against Al-Shabab.
State Science Fair and Science Bowl programs safe for another year, but future remains uncertain
The Minnesota Academy of Science secured $100,000 in new donations and pledges to support the programs for another year.
The American Red Cross faces severe blood shortage, appeals for urgent donations
The national shortage has been exacerbated by recent hurricanes that have forced dozens of blood drive cancellations and strained blood supply.
Classes resume at Plymouth high school following sewage backup caused partially by flushed vape pens
School officials said they have cleared the blockage and cleaned and sanitized the affected areas.
Mechanical issues force closing of Space Tower for the rest of this year's State Fair
Operators of the 1960s-era structure said the ride will be refitted with elevator parts in time for next year's fair.
Looking to avoid the Minnesota State Fair's bigger crowds? Here are tips on how to beat the crush
The opening Thursday of the Great Minnesota Get-Together is historically one of the lowest-attended days.
Mayor Frey announces funding boost for Minneapolis public housing
City and housing officials say the additional $4 million in funding would help the cash-strapped Minneapolis Public Housing Authority to complete much-needed repairs and plan ahead.
How do Minnesota lakes get their names?
Minnesota has more than 200 Mud Lakes, though state and federal guidelines discourage duplicate monikers.
Want to get high at the Minnesota State Fair? Better stick to the Ferris wheel
Fair officials are prohibiting the use of marijuana during the annual event, which starts Aug. 24.
Man accuses Bloomington police checking a burglary report of 'unlawful' search, detainment
A city spokesperson said officers detained the homeowner and his son until confirming there was no burglary, and didn't search the house.
Stubborn snow pile at MSP Airport persists despite hot weather
Weather officials say a snowy winter and dry conditions are partly to blame.
Loss of St. Paul school's beloved goat sparks an outpouring of support
The Great River School has raised $15,000 for a more secure pen to protect the remaining animals from future harm.
Drop in funding is threatening Minnesota's Science Fair, Science Bowl programs
The Minnesota Academy of Science has six months to attract new funders and close a nearly $200,000 budget gap.
Pride flag stolen in West St. Paul sparks fundraising campaign
Couple want to buy Pride flags for others to fly in their neighborhood and surrounding communities.
Air quality alert for Twin Cities, eastern Minnesota to continue through Tuesday
Possible thunderstorms, along with a forecast cold front, may help clear the air late Monday.
YMCA of the North offering free summer memberships to high school teens
Memberships will be valid at 19 YMCA locations, starting Monday through Aug. 31.
DFL punishes candidate after chaotic Minneapolis convention
The Minnesota DFL voted Tuesday to ban Nasri Warsame, the Minneapolis City Council candidate whose supporters stormed the stage of a convention earlier this month, from ever seeking the party endorsement.
Valleyfair introduces chaperone policy to cut down on unruly youth behavior
Children and teens 15 and younger at the amusement park now must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21.
Members of the Somalia Parliament in St. Paul to thank Books for Africa for donations
The nonprofit has sent more than 1.1 million books to the East African country over the past 35 years.
DNR taking heat for euthanizing injured black bear roaming north Minneapolis
Officials deemed the bear a threat to the public, while others say it could have been tranquilized and moved to a rural area.
Longtime BNSF employee suing company for discrimination following gender transition
BNSF declined to comment on the suit, but said it's committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Want to stop crime? Walk with us, say Minneapolis block clubs
Neighborhood groups are forming walking clubs to deter crime around the city.
Advocates push Mpls. to issue city IDs to residents, unveil list of 'pro-immigrant' demands
Minneapolis passed municipal ID ordinance in 2018 but halted implementation over concerns information could be used to identify immigrants for deportation.
Rainville tries to make peace after firestorm over remarks about Somali youth
He had blamed Somali American youth for a wave of violence in the city over the July 4th weekend.
Some Minneapolis council members want to censure Rainville, but it's not so easy
Council Member Michael Rainville's comments singling out Somali American youth for violence over the July 4th weekend sparked anger.
Pressure mounts against Minneapolis City Council's Rainville
He has apologized for singling out Somali youth after a wave of violence over the July 4th weekend.
Minneapolis to demolish vacant building on former Kmart site
A St. Paul-based consulting firm hired by the city will begin community engagement in August around the future of the site.
Vacant ice arena in north Minneapolis could gain new life as roller-skating rink
Though the plan is still in its infancy, the hope is to open the roller rink by 2024.
Twin Cities minimum-wage workers get pay raises. Here's what you need to know
The step increases will occur over several years, with Minneapolis small businesses expected to hit the $15 rate by 2024, followed by St. Paul's in 2027.
Minneapolis City Council fails to override Mayor Frey's veto on Hennepin Av. redo
The matter has been sent back to the city's public works committee.
Minneapolis City Council postpones nomination of Barret Lane as city's emergency director
Several members raise questions about Barret Lane's leadership during the unrest of 2020,
Minneapolis seeks injunction to stop court order blocking 2040 plan
The city argues that allowing the order to go into effect would throw a wrench into its long-range plan and expose it to possible lawsuits.
Mpls. City Council committee approves nomination of Barret Lane to head emergency management
The department is tasked with coordinating the city's disaster plans, training and response.
Heat wave parks itself over state; highs in triple digits likely
Authorities urge people to stay hydrated when possible, and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Mpls. Council OKs $150K settlement for tenant who said city failed to enforce code violations in public housing
City officials said they didn't know before that they had the authority to inspect public housing properties.
Minneapolis City Council approves Heather Johnston's nomination for city coordinator
Appointment came as some current and former staffers said Johnston could have done more to combat a racist culture within the department.
$27M upgrade for aging Elliot Twins public housing towers is complete
Housing Authority officials said the redevelopment of the towers will serve as a blueprint for how the agency can preserve and produce more affordable housing amid a crisis.
Downtown Minneapolis residents want to hire police to curb crime in neighborhood
The pilot project would bring an off-duty beat officer to patrol the Mill District in the summer.
Pay increase coming to Twin Cities minimum wage earners July 1
Tips and gratuities do not count toward wage payments.
Why hasn't a fire-damaged apartment building in north Minneapolis been repaired?
The charred remains have been sitting vacant for more than a year, leaving many concerned about safety.
Minneapolis to pay $600K to journalist blinded in one eye by police projectile after George Floyd's death
Photojournalist Linda Tirado argued that the city and police conspired to deprive journalists of their constitutional rights during the unrest.
Three Mpls. department heads get nod; city coordinator decision postponed
While voting to delay the city coordinator appointment, council members acknowledged the position will likely cease to exist in a matter of months.
Two years later: 'I'm going to still be out here to honor George'
George Floyd's brother and his aunt came to the corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue on Wednesday night, exactly two years after his killing, and quietly made official the name the intersection has carried almost ever since.
Minneapolis council committee forwards city coordinator appointment without recommendation
The full council could decide on Heather Johnston's nomination later this week. She's served as interim head of the department since August.
Retired Minneapolis deputy city attorney named acting head of the department
Peter Ginder will serve as interim city attorney until a permanent replacement is selected.
Minnesota Somali singer fights deportation as he faces death threats in native country
The Minneapolis resident who came to the U.S. as a refugee teenager said he fears militants will kill him if he's deported to Somalia.
Tom Hoch tapped to lead Minneapolis Public Housing Authority board
Hoch, who previously served as MPHA's deputy executive director, will preside over the board through 2024.
City Coordinator's Office staffers allege 'toxic, racist and unsafe workplace conditions'
Groups says they want the interim head of the department gone and have made several demands to create a better work environment for employees of color.
