Laura Yuen

Laura Yuen is a metro reporter for Minnesota Public Radio News. She’s interested in covering race, ethnicity and the immigrant experience. Her radio series on young Somali-Americans, "Civil War Kids," won the national Society of Professional Journalists New America Award, which honors work that explores issues of importance to immigrant communities living in the United States.

Recent Stories

Books

A 'Dora The Explorer' for Muslims?

The World

August 10, 2015

What inspired Amir and Mohammed Aaser to create children’s books? “We said there's no way we want Aasiya, my sister's daughter, to experience the same challenges as we did."

Education

How to walk on ice, and other essential winter-survival tips for newcomers to America

The World

December 03, 2014

Some refugees who've lived in warmer climates all their life, come to the US sporting flip flops and shorts. Part of their American orientation is learning how to stay warm and enjoy the winter weather in Minnesota.

Belief

A shy 19-year-old woman disappeared in Minnesota — and resurfaced in Syria

The World

September 15, 2014

At least one young man from Minnesota has died fighting with ISIS militants in Syria. But who would expect a shy, 19-year-old woman with no job and no passport to attempt the journey there? But that's exactly what happened to one Minneapolis family.

Conflict & Justice

A Somali imam declares war on al-Shabab, in Somalia and at his mosque in Minnesota

The World

October 09, 2013

Al-Shabab has recruited Muslim militants from the Somali community in Minnesota. One Somali imam in the Twin Cities is determined to fight the terrorist group and any talk of extremism in Islam.

Arts, Culture & Media

A New Magazine Hopes to Spark Frank Talk About Race and Identity in Adoption

The World

August 15, 2013

A new magazine aims to provide a voice for adult adoptees around the country. Many of the magazine's contributors are from Minnesota, a state with a rich history of international adoption. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura Yuen reports.