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Denise Johnson

Editorial Writer
Opinion
Denise has been an editorial writer at the Star Tribune since 1996. Before joining the editorial board, she was a reporter, editor, columnist and editorial writer at the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and wrote editorials for the Miami Herald. She currently writes about urban affairs and a variety of other topics, but specializes in covering K-12 education. Johnson has also worked for the American Society of Newspaper Editors in Washington, D.C., and done diversity training locally and nationally. Earlier in her career, she hosted and produced news and issues public affairs shows on Twin Cities public television. The recipient of several journalism awards, she was honored in 2007 with the Frank Premack Graven award for career contributions to public journalism. Johnson lives with her husband in St. Paul, her hometown, and they have one grown daughter.

Latest from Denise Johnson

Columnists

Johnson: Disorder is a drag on neighborhoods and businesses. They need more help.

Intensify efforts to get homeless people and drug addicts off the streets.
October 25, 2024
Columnists

Johnson: Minnesota Lynx gave fans a stellar season

They continue to contribute to the rising profile of women’s professional sports.
October 21, 2024
Our Columnists

Johnson: Reject the St. Paul child care ballot question

The need is real, but there are better ways to meet it.
October 19, 2024
Our Columnists

Johnson: No more delays: Get moving on former MPD Third Precinct site

Minneapolis has a well-supported, feasible plan to return this eyesore to productive use. Why wait?
October 12, 2024
Our Columnists

Johnson: Boost literacy levels for Minnesota students

Our state shouldn’t accept its current concerning rates of reading proficiency.
October 10, 2024
Our Columnists

Johnson: Evaluating Minnesota school referendum issues

Minnesotans can and should make informed choices for their schools on the Nov. 5 ballot.
October 4, 2024
Our Columnists

From Opinion: More placement options needed for youngest juvenile offenders

Crime involving kids so young highlights the vexing question of what to do with the children involved.
August 27, 2024
Our Columnists

Johnson: No more delays: Get moving on former MPD Third Precinct site

Minneapolis has a well-supported, feasible plan to return this eyesore to productive use. Why wait?
October 12, 2024
Our Columnists

Johnson: Boost literacy levels for Minnesota students

Our state shouldn’t accept its current concerning rates of reading proficiency.
October 10, 2024
Our Columnists

Johnson: Evaluating Minnesota school referendum issues

Minnesotans can and should make informed choices for their schools on the Nov. 5 ballot.
October 4, 2024
Our Columnists

From Opinion: More placement options needed for youngest juvenile offenders

Crime involving kids so young highlights the vexing question of what to do with the children involved.
August 27, 2024
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