A Year in Review: Reporting on Minnesota’s Hidden Stories
In 2024, my reporting for the Minnesota Reformer took me from the halls of the state legislature to the intimate settings of small-town politics and the personal struggles of Minnesotans grappling with overlooked issues. One unexpected highlight was witnessing Vice President Kamala Harris become the first sitting vice president to visit a St. Paul abortion clinic, a visit that took place months before she ascended to the Democratic presidential nomination after President Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
My reporting process often begins with an unusual email. These missives, lengthy and detailed, frequently arrive with a conspiratorial tone, backed by numerous links and documents. While many are anonymous ramblings or simply hate mail, a significant number reveal genuine, underreported problems affecting real people. This insight, gleaned from former Reformer reporter Deena Winter, emphasizes the importance of investigating even the most seemingly outlandish claims.
One such email spurred my investigation into the challenges Minnesota homeowners face with their homeowners’ associations (HOAs). The lack of a statewide advocacy group for reform has left many homeowners to fend for themselves, prompting a few dedicated individuals to research, raise awareness, and organize around these issues. This led to the first two installments of my “HOA files” series, exploring the influence of HOAs, property management companies, and insurance on homeowners, with further installments planned for the coming year.
My first Minnesota legislative session proved to be a steep learning curve. I followed a series of ambitious housing proposals aimed at increasing housing diversity and availability. The ultimate failure of these bills—including eliminating parking minimums, banning single-family zoning statewide, and permitting apartments in commercially zoned areas—provided a valuable lesson in the intricacies of Minnesota state politics. However, the bipartisan support some of these bills received suggests similar conversations, potentially with more nuanced and achievable legislation, will continue in the next session.
Beyond the broader political landscape, my reporting encompassed a variety of unique assignments. My editor’s willingness to publish stories outside my usual beat has been invaluable. This openness allowed me to pursue a long-held interest: a deep dive into the small-town political battle surrounding the proposed expansion of a dairy farm in Winona County—a story that gained further significance with the subsequent upholding of the county’s ban on large livestock operations by higher courts. A chance phone call with a source in Waite Park led to another story, this time about the cancellation of the only Spanish-language mass in the St. Cloud metro area—an issue overlooked by local news outlets but crucial to the affected community. Additionally, I explored the intersection of politics and religion by profiling Minnesota’s religious left, a project which allowed for stimulating conversations about faith and values.
As 2024 concludes, I eagerly anticipate the stories 2025 will bring, ready to uncover more of the hidden narratives shaping Minnesota.
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Madison McVan, Minnesota Reformer, December 26, 2024
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