Recent content from Editorial Board
Watchdog reporting revealed Walz's hiring error
Diligent journalism properly vetted Gov. Tim Walz's pick to lead the Office of Cannabis Management, leading her to step aside. Any next pick should have stronger, unquestionable credentials.
Health task force should tackle a key question: the future of U-Fairview partnership
State's new health care education task force should weigh future of Fairview-University of Minnesota partnership.
Dysfunction rules at Minneapolis City Hall
Public safety is at risk because the City Council can't settle on a new headquarters for Third Precinct police.
Participation needed in cybersecurity plan
Public entities operating in Minnesota should opt in to new state effort intended to protect private data and information.
A real-world cost of spending stalemate
Critical funding for community health centers, which provide primary care to underserved rural and urban locations, is caught up in the congressional standoff that could cause a government shutdown.
Bipartisanship isn't dead in Minnesota
Recently released report from Majority in the Middle suggests cooperation more common than thought.
Creative solutions can ease teacher shortage
Some districts were ready to meet the challenge, in part by hiring foreign-born educators.
An ambitious push to help small farmers
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited Minnesota to promote a far-reaching plan to diversify food production, revitalize rural regions and fight climate change.
Marijuana ruling is a win for civil liberties
The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that weed odor alone doesn't justify car searches.
Books for Africa's story of hope
The Minnesota-based organization marks 35 years of delivering 59 million books across the continent.
Carver County Library Board upholds reader freedom
The Board deserves kudos for not caving to those who believe the entire public — adults included — should be beholden to their expectations for their children.
Close gap in facilities for state's vets
U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad has identified a troubling lack of needed services in southern Minnesota. Opening a new Vet Center in Mankato is a solution.
A promising choice for public safety chief
Todd Barnette has valuable experience as a public defender, prosecutor and judge.
A free, easy step to fight COVID's spread
Free at-home tests are available while supplies last. Ordering them before you need them is the responsible thing to do.
2040 is coming …
… even though the Minneapolis comprehensive plan for that year has hit legal obstacles. Work it out.
Schools still need family income data
The state's new free meals haven't changed that. Other federal allocations still ride on that information.
Medicare's new drug price negotiation authority uses business savvy to drive down costs
It's a textbook example of market-driven health reform. A cautious rollout is appropriate, however, to monitor unintended consequences.
MPCA has a bold plan for metro waste
Citizens can offer the state Pollution Control Agency their thoughts on the 20-year plan before Sept. 17.
Minneapolis Council Member Robin Wonsley should recant claims against Mayor Jacob Frey
Her allegations of abuse of power — so far offered without evidence — were irresponsible.
Design a Minnesota state flag that can inspire, unite
The current version is outdated and muddled, and a much-needed redo is underway.
Special session needed on SROs
Walz appears ready to work with the Legislature to clarify law on use of restraints in Minnesota schools.
Frustrating futility on long COVID
So far, the National Institutes of Health's progress has left patient advocates and some scientists underwhelmed. Accountability and oversight are needed.
From the archives: Our country's productive strength flows from our liberty
In the United States, labor is free to organize and bargain. It does not wear the shackles imposed upon it in totalitarian countries.
Clarify rules to get officers back in school
Unclear statewide restrictions on restraining students have caused law enforcement to pull out of schools.
Hope from an honest fish tale
Connor Halsa, a 14-year-old angler from Moorhead, landed a lunker of an ethics lesson.
Heat rules needed for workers
Minnesota lawmakers should implement an outdoor standard as soon as possible, because a federal one could take ages.
Minnesota's latest grim test scores require correction
Funding is strong; a real "sense of urgency" is key.
Expertise crucial on U task force
Group grappling with U medical center's next steps needs fresh perspective on what's working and what's not.
Amid downturn, North Loop shines
One need only look to the increasingly popular neighborhood to find that downtown Minneapolis is not, in fact, "dead."
Keep expanding the Midtown Greenway
Bringing the bike and pedestrian path over the Mississippi would make it even more of a community asset.
Veto of ride-share rules is right step
Minneapolis should be part of statewide discussions on regulations that would help drivers but also preserve their jobs.
Maintain values while collecting medical debt
Minnesota relies on nonprofit medical systems. Attorney General Keith Ellison is commendably scrutinizing debt collection. But medical providers' governing boards need to step up, too.
Costly St. Paul plan is short on details
City Council wants voters to pay higher taxes to subsidize child care, but Mayor Carter is right to resist.
Mourning Al Quie — and his era
Minnesota's former governor, who died on Friday at 99, led an exemplary life of public service.
Freedom to read under attack — again
These are not good-faith efforts to protect children. They're part of a greater endeavor to quash freedom of expression.
No need for red light on 'green burials'
A last-minute moratorium enacted by the Minnesota Legislature is an overly broad reaction to one locality's concerns.
COVID booster guidance is in order
Those not at high risk of COVID may be about a year out from their last booster. Federal health officials should advise as soon as possible on who should get an updated booster.
A long to-do list in Minneapolis
Mayor's budget proposal has familiar priorities because challenges remain similar to years past.
Another courtroom, more Trump charges
Confidence in election results, like the kind found in Minnesota, can help thwart attempted political meddling.
A 'chilling' attack on press freedom
Raid on small Kansas newspaper targeted journalists doing their jobs.
Release results of Attorney General Keith Ellison's Sanford-Fairview probe
Although the proposed merger has collapsed, the findings could help inform the state as health care consolidation continues.
GOP must stop attacking government
Several Republican presidential candidates — including the ex-president — threaten the very institutions they seek to lead.
Q&A with Fairview CEO James Hereford
On the termination of the Sanford merger plan, on the partnership with the University of Minnesota, and more.
Carter's budget eyes a better St. Paul
He's striking the right notes on basics and innovation for the city.
Medicaid 'unwinding' creates challenges
Early report card should spur concerns about kids losing coverage as pandemic's end means checks on medical assistance eligibility resume.
Allow courtroom cameras for Trump trials
Americans will hear endless spin. Shouldn't they also have access to the facts presented in the proceedings?
Accept the Third Precinct decision for now. But locate police where they're needed.
Minneapolis must move on from the site of the burned headquarters but also come up with a long-term solution for public safety.
A historic new safeguard for children's health
Federal officials have greenlighted an RSV shot for infants and toddlers. It can help prevent serious illness from this easily transmissible, potentially dangerous virus.
A new and better approach to prison time
The majority of those in Minnesota prisons will be released at some point. A new law would ensure they have the skills to integrate back into their communities upon release.
Answers needed in Ricky Cobb's death
It's understandable that emotions are running high, but the legal process is just starting.
Let the process unfold on Jan. 6 charges
Accountability and following the evidence are imperative. So is finding a way to avoid deepening our already alarming divides.
A higher calling for the Minnesota Zoo
Treetop Trail fits a mission that values conservancy and an appreciation for natural beauty.
Tentative optimism warranted on crime near the U
University and city officials have crafted a response to public safety concerns.
New cannabis law needs work
Minnesota cities, counties now must regulate pot use in parks, public spaces.
Bronny James and CPR's benefits
The son of NBA superstar LeBron James suffered sudden cardiac arrest, highlighting the need for bystanders to be ready to render assistance.
Is Rethinking I-94 too ambitious?
The reimagining is well-intentioned, and it is clear change is needed in the corridor. But the project might be held back by its broad goals.
A breakthrough on AI safeguards
Tech giants agree with Biden on need for guardrails. Legislation should come next.
Smart approach keeps Minnesotans insured
At least 3.7 million Medicaid enrollees nationally have been "disenrolled." This state's flexibility and thoughtful strategy puts priority on health care coverage.
Netanyahu brings Israel to the brink
Ill-advised, self-serving judicial "reforms" undermine unity in Israel and the U.S.
Rethink restrictive busker rules in Minneapolis parks
Street performers can bring life, vitality — even safer parks.
Cops in schools can be part of the solution
Minnesota schools struggling with violence, weapons and drug use might be best served by resource officers.
Cedric Alexander abandons critical public safety post
Minneapolis's first community safety commissioner chose to leave as police reform's heavy lifting gets underway.
Affordability is key for birth control pill
The FDA recently made one form of oral contraceptive available without a prescription. But the cost must be reasonable.
Russia imperils global food stability
Abrogation of Black Sea Grain Initiative hurts Ukraine as well as food-insecure countries.
Keeping Lights On! and building trust
Program that replaces tickets with repair vouchers deserves even more support.
A wisely careful approach on 'public option'
Minnesota lawmakers commendably did not rush through a proposal that would allow consumers to buy into public health programs.
Needed attention on energy drinks
The amount of caffeine found in many popular drinks is alarming. Regulators should seek a better understanding of the effects on young, growing bodies.
Minneapolis needs better from police leaders
Community Safety Commissioner Alexander, MPD Chief O'Hara need to learn from recent missteps.
Take note, seniors: RSV vaccines are coming
Starting this fall, Americans over 60 can get protection against this respiratory illness.
What's going on at MyPillow?
Weekend auction raises eyebrows, but Mike Lindell says the company will survive.
NATO unity boosted on eve of summit
Turkey's move to allow Sweden to join the alliance strengthens the defense pact.
