Recent content from Editorial Board
Let voters decide on Equal Rights Amendment
Minnesota voters can and should be trusted to weigh a constitutional measure that would safeguard abortion rights and protect historically vulnerable groups from discrimination.
Legislature must solve rideshare issue — now
With threat of service shutdown looming for Uber/Lyft, the clock is ticking on an essential element of today's economy.
In need of student aid? Don't give up now.
Minnesota has taken steps to help those who've run into obstacles on their higher-ed journey.
Pass new pathway to become a midwife
If passed, this measure could bolster the ranks of Minnesota's health care workforce as concerns mount about maternity care access, particularly in rural areas.
Air quality alerts are a climate change alarm
No place is immune from the threat. Minnesota clearly is not.
Make policing a better career choice
It's good to see more law enforcement agencies make use of a state program to aid recruits.
'Longer we wait, the more people will die'
Legislature should seize the opportunity to pass legislation to help those whose lives have been upended by the opioid epidemic.
A special spark from an inspiring teacher
Washburn's Tracy Byrd, who made a career change to get into teaching, is state's annual award winner.
Pass guardrails for HCMC governance changes
Legislators are weighing legislation to require solid reasons, due diligence before any sweeping overhaul of Hennepin County Medical Center oversight. That's just common sense.
As Capitol clock ticks, focus on priorities
Legislators shouldn't leave St. Paul without addressing key Minnesota issues.
Overcome objections, keep DEI on track
Leaders of Minnesota's largest school district, Anoka-Hennepin, should find common ground.
BWCA's future likely hinges on election
The reckless bill to rescind copper mining protections in the watershed that passed the U.S. House panders to foreign mine owners. Its fate now rests with voters.
Kudos to St. Cloud's longtime mayor
Dave Kleis has built relationships and served the city well for nearly two decades.
Bolster safeguards after cyberattack
A basic oversight left UnitedHealth vulnerable to hackers. Congressional action is needed to protect sensitive medical data.
In the cellar with Minnesota state Sen. Nicole Mitchell
An evenhanded process is needed for dealing with legislator behavior.
State wisely mulls banning book bans
Legislation would require that key decisions be made by library professionals.
St. Thomas needs to work with neighbors
With hockey arena project looming, St. Paul university's growth is causing a parking controversy.
Kristi Noem's disturbing revelation
Killing a dog isn't normal, but the potential Republican VP candidate and South Dakota governor thinks it shows strength.
Strengthen firearm storage laws
A proposed expansion of Minnesota law would help prevent accidental deaths, and it could be enough to stop some suicides.
What's lost when newspapers die
Eight Minnesota papers will stop publishing this month in a blow to their communities.
Turn off cellphones in state's classrooms
Legislation that would require schools to have smartphone policies is a good foundation.
Taiwan policy must be a campaign issue
An expert panel will examine the U.S. approach to China on Thursday at the U.
Transparency leads to better government
Minnesota shouldn't change law mandating that public notices be published in newspapers.
Aid votes show Congress can still work
But it's unfortunate that four members of Minnesota's delegation failed to see the big picture.
Minnesota is losing the race on mental health care
A new state study concludes that reimbursement provided by medical programs hasn't kept pace with the cost of providing care. So it makes zero sense to let a cut passed in 2023 take effect.
Mpls. must investigate suspicious fires
Police Department staffing issues have led to a disturbingly low clearance rate for arson cases.
Be a major player in film and TV game
A dedicated film office under Explore Minnesota would make the state more competitive.
An urgent call for long-term care advocates
The ranks of "certified ombudsman volunteers" have thinned. Their work is vital in ensuring dignity, quality of life for residents in nursing homes, assisted living. Minnesotans should step up.
Israel needs U.S. after attack by Iran
A unilateral response to the weekend drone and missile attack risks a much wider war.
Don't blow up HCMC's governance
Direct oversight of Hennepin County Medical Center by county commissioners isn't the solution to concerns voiced by nurses.
Make smart changes to Minnesota marijuana laws
Lawmakers should keep working on improvements to legislation legalizing cannabis.
Minnesota group rallies to stand with Ukraine
The state's congressional delegation should listen to Stand With Ukraine MN, not reckless rhetoric from representatives like Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Move ahead with Third Precinct plan
Minneapolis City Council can aid healing by embracing new uses for fire-damaged police station.
Japan is an ally U.S. can count on
A state visit by the prime minister reflects the tight ties between Tokyo and Washington.
A season to build on for women's sports
Stars, including two of Minnesota's own, elevated the quality of play while serving as role models.
End the 'zombie' Comstock Act
The 1873 law could be resurrected to target abortion access. It's time to repeal its rigid puritanical parameters on Americans' freedom of choice and speech.
Eclipse, cicadas and ... army worms?
The natural world is always treating us to its wonders, as we're about to be reminded.
No hostility to voting in Minnesota, please
Legislature should pass Voting Rights Act to counteract efforts to suppress participation.
Get back on track with measles vaccination
Measles cases have already eclipsed the number reported for all of 2023. The good news: It's never too late to get a child vaccinated.
Keep Uber and Lyft rolling in the Twin Cities
The Minneapolis rideshare driver pay ordinance was clearly a mistake with implications beyond the city. The City Council must revisit it.
Trump's wrong about need for NATO
The transatlantic alliance, formed 75 years ago this week, is more essential than ever.
Don't let red tape burden patients
Minnesota legislators are weighing commendable reforms to health insurance's prior authorization process. The targeted approach under consideration is sensible.
Make a bigger push to improve grad rates
Minnesota's high schools need to keep working on attendance issues, struggling students.
Legalize sports betting in Minnesota
Problem gambling is a concern, but there are benefits for the state.
Create deterrent for copper wire theft
Legislation would make it more difficult for thieves to sell material stolen from public property.
Pay EMS crews for all calls
Medicare has a "no transport" loophole. It doesn't reimburse for calls that don't transport a patient to a hospital. Fixing this is one solution to ease emergency responders' financial pressures.
Moscow attack shows terrorism endures
And Putin's deflection to Ukraine reinforces the need for Western, U.S. resolve.
Credibility on trial in trooper's case
Troubling questions are being raised about Hennepin County attorney's handling of key evidence.
What's that degree going to be worth?
DEED tool can provide guidance for degree-seekers in Minnesota.
Emmer's sour note on speech to Congress
Minnesota representative floats the idea of not inviting President Joe Biden to deliver another State of the Union address. But politics shouldn't interfere with tradition.
Indictment message: Straw buyers beware
Woman who allegedly bought guns used in Burnsville shooting now faces accountability.
Walz's budget asks are rightly modest
But more funding will be needed for greater Minnesota emergency medical services.
'Human composting' should be legal
Minnesota lawmakers should legalize Natural Organic Reduction as an end-of-life alternative this session.
Only one person can solve Duluth mystery
There's legitimate concern about what Kathy Cargill is up to on Park Point. Only she can provide answers.
Find a fix for rideshare fail
If Minneapolis doesn't reconsider ordinance, the Legislature should step in.
Protecting civilians should be Gaza 'red line'
A growing rift between U.S. and Israel over the war against Hamas.
Rethink desire for St. Paul streetcar
Planners should give less expensive arterial bus-rapid transit consideration for W. 7th Street.
No waiting line for vets' care
The landmark PACT Act, enacted in 2022, helps veterans exposed to burn pit toxins and other hazards. The VA is commendably accelerating the law's implementation to strengthen care.
Balance found on cops in schools
Gov. Tim Walz should swiftly sign the bill, which was just passed by the Legislature.
A cyber warning for health care
Attack on UnitedHealth Group-owned company has had a broad, harmful impact. Company has faced criticism from medical providers for its response. This is an opportunity to step up.
Free journalists and back Ukraine
House Speaker Mike Johnson admirably supports reporter Evan Gershkovich but is wrongly blocking military aid to stop Putin.
An inside look at the fake elector scheme
Newly released documents in the Wisconsin case should clear up any Trump confusion.
Hard lessons from Super Tuesday
Both presumptive presidential candidates have reasons to be concerned as vulnerabilities are revealed.
Conscientious corporate leadership on reproductive health
Retailers merit praise for offering access to an over-the-counter birth control pill, itself a milestone, and for pursuing increased access to mifepristone.
Why voting matters on Super Tuesday
The choices made in presidential primary in Minnesota and other states will say much about the November election.
Start work now on ambulance plight
Lawmakers ought to heed a task force's urgent assessment of emergency response system's vital signs. Work should begin this session on solutions.
Action: Time is right for public film board
Nonprofit approach has taken Minnesota state this far, but competition to attract TV and movie projects is intense.
Save, don't spend, state surplus
Additional $3.7 billion likely will be needed to address a projected deficit in the next biennium.
Embrace, don't restrict, use of IVF
This reproductive health care has helped many become parents. Ill-advised legislation supported by three Minnesota U.S. House members could jeopardize access.
Cunningham, the U emerge as winners
Three strong candidates and a transparent process impressed as the University of Minnesota selected a new president.
Gun laws in light of Burnsville's tragedy
Dismissing the need because they didn't stop Shannon Gooden would be the wrong takeaway. A safety net with a stronger mesh is needed.
The damage done by Trump's fraud
Corporate financial dishonesty is not a victimless crime. "The institution of business depends on trust," St. Thomas professor says.
Say no to human bones sold as 'curiosities'
Minnesota Legislature should pass bill that would prohibit use of "calcified" remains for commercial purposes.
