Minnesota's Somali community is stepping up to help their homeland in Somalia, which is facing severe flooding. Since October, heavy rains have claimed nearly 100 lives, displaced about 700,000 people, and devastated regions.
Minnesota witnessed a historic moment as Natalie Hudson became the first person of colour and the first Black woman to serve as the chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. The swearing-in ceremony, attended by state, federal, and tribal judiciary members, took place at the Minnesota History Center, marking a significant milestone.
In a recent study from the University of Minnesota, researchers uncovered that workers in critical occupations, including healthcare and food service, were more likely to die during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, focused on the "excess mortality rate" of Minnesota workers in these critical roles.
As the world faces crises in the Middle East and concerns about Islamophobia and antisemitism, the interfaith service aims to provide a space for shared peace. The event will include organ music, President Biden's 2023 Thanksgiving Proclamation, and messages from Rabbi Zimmerman and Hamdy El-Sawaf from Masjid Al-Amin. Organizers anticipate participation from up to 200 people representing 15 different faith communities
Heavy rains and flash flooding in Somalia have left a devastating impact, claiming the lives of 50 people and displacing nearly 700,000 individuals, according to the Somali Disaster Management Agency. The situation is expected to worsen with more rainfall anticipated. The crisis is part of a broader catastrophe in the Horn of Africa, where over 1.7 million people are now in urgent need of assistance.
President Mohamud emphasized the urgency of the situation, outlining that the goal is to achieve this objective by December 2024, aligning with the departure of the African Union peacekeeping forces. Al Shabaab, known for waging a brutal insurgency to establish its rule based on a strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law, has been a long-standing challenge to the Somali government.
In a move that will postpone decisions until the new year, Minneapolis City Council members Robin Wonsley, Jamal Osman, and Jason Chavez have announced that efforts to pass a rideshare ordinance aimed at improving pay and workplace conditions for drivers will continue into 2024. This delay is intended to provide city staff with ample time to evaluate three different options for compensating rideshare drivers more fairly.