I have refused to use the term “Somali gangs” despite tremendous pressure. Why? It’s a political narrative, not an accurate descriptor of gun violence, even if it was committed by a Somali youth. Who is driving this narrative? Republicans, the Strib, and police. Brilliant reporting below.

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DEEP DIVE is up! How the Star Tribune turned Republican “Somali gangs” rhetoric into an election-year crime narrative—and helped give demands for expanded local, state, and federal enforcement the authority of news.

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We cannot take meaningful steps to end homelessness or address substance use in Minneapolis because our own elected officials do not understand basic facts about fentanyl and subscribe to the belief that drug users do not deserve housing.

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Also, fences do nothing, well, less than nothing, to change anything.

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fantastic episode of @onthemedia.bsky.social about the tactics — I don’t know whether there’s a transcript available but it’s well worth listening to (if you haven’t already) though it’ll enrage you

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