## A Year in Review: Minnesota Reformer, 2024
My most memorable journalistic achievement this year stemmed from a simple question: What did U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar actually say? Social media posts claimed Omar stated, in Somali, that Somali-Americans prioritize being Somali over being Muslim. This ignited a firestorm of accusations regarding her loyalty to the United States, fueled by attacks from fellow Congressman Tom Emmer. Both local and national media reported on the “controversy” without verifying the accuracy of the claims, largely hampered by a lack of Somali language speakers. The *Minnesota Reformer*, however, hired two translators, ultimately exposing the smear campaign orchestrated by a Somali political rival.
A few months later, I edited Max Nesterak’s investigative piece detailing the business failures of Omar’s husband. Despite receiving a thinly veiled legal threat from his lawyer before publication, we stood firm and ran the story, upholding the *Reformer’s* commitment to journalism “without fear or favor.”
This year exemplified the dynamic nature of my work. While covering the November election, I simultaneously spent considerable time with Rev. JaNaé Bates and her incarcerated fiancé, Jamel Dontez Hatcher, crafting a story exploring the concept of redemption, even for those who have committed serious crimes.
Minnesota’s biggest news story was Governor Tim Walz’s selection as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee. Having covered Walz since 2017, I was prepared. I wrote an introductory profile that was widely republished across the country, introducing the nation to this relatively unknown Midwestern governor. My work also included examining his occasional misstatements, a column defending Minnesota’s values, and, with Michelle Griffith, a piece detailing his post-election reflections.
Many of my most impactful columns were born from anger. Examples include Minnesota Republicans’ endorsement of Donald Trump during the primary, a wage theft case highlighting America’s two-tiered justice system, local government roadblocks to pro-housing legislation, and the Minneapolis Police Department’s defense of officers’ actions in the Jaleel Stallings case.
I’m incredibly fortunate to work with the remarkably talented reporters at the *Reformer*. Their dedication to fact-finding simplifies my editorial role. Their preparedness often anticipates my follow-up questions.
The year wasn’t without its bittersweet moments. While it’s an honor to have our staff sought after by larger organizations, we were saddened to see reporter Deena Winter and Iron Range columnist Aaron Brown move to the *Star Tribune*. Their contributions were invaluable, enabling our small organization to achieve far more than its size might suggest. They were more than colleagues; they were family, and that bond remains.
We wish you and your loved ones a happy 2025.
J. Patrick Coolican, Editor-in-Chief, *Minnesota Reformer* December 31, 2024
(Note: The boilerplate text about the *Minnesota Reformer*, its mission, licensing information, and J. Patrick Coolican’s biography has been retained and slightly reorganized for better flow within the context of the year-in-review article. The metadata has also been retained.)