Brown: Minnesota wildfires remind that danger smolders in these North Woods
Fires don’t care about anyone’s political beliefs or skepticism.
AuthoredAaron Brown
AuthoredAaron BrownMay 16, 2025
![Firefighters Joshua Donahue, Chris Schlosser, Jon Settergren, Michael Hemmerich, left to right, move debris and water down hot spots in the smoldered remains of a structure as part of the efforts to combat the Camp House wildfire in Brimson, Minn. on Thursday, May 15, 2025. ]
ALEX KORMANN • alex.kormann@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BANFVOHWPZEAHLMJFLDNBOQIRU.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: Firefighters, a fraught fundraiser and a possible pardon
As temperatures climb, it’s important to heed the wisdom of Gov. Tim Walz — and Smokey Bear.
AuthoredRochelle Olson
AuthoredRochelle OlsonMay 15, 2025
Rash: ‘Between both worlds,’ Ukrainians in Minnesota contribute to each
While their stories are unique, there’s unity in appreciation of America, a desire to give back, and a warning that waning Western support only emboldens Russia.
AuthoredJohn Rash
AuthoredJohn RashMay 14, 2025
Burcum: Don’t rush the decision on undocumented immigrant health coverage
MinnesotaCare eligibility for undocumented immigrants is a thorny issue. Each side has reasonable arguments, and time is required to hammer out a compromise that preserves coverage and doesn’t hurt hospitals. 
AuthoredJill Burcum
AuthoredJill BurcumMay 13, 2025
Olson: Will Minnesotans be able to legally purchase keys after July 1? The kerfuffle continues.
The House-Senate conference committee should scrub the new law on keys or push out the start date.AuthoredRochelle Olson
AuthoredRochelle OlsonMay 12, 2025
Rash: Record graduation rate merits kudos — and caution
Threats to federal funding are among the challenges to progress on narrowing demographic gaps.AuthoredJohn Rash
AuthoredJohn RashMay 11, 2025
Brown: Mental illness threatens the harvest in rural Minnesota, but hope grows
State-backed program offers a lifeline, but breaking stigma remains a tough row to hoe.AuthoredAaron Brown
AuthoredAaron BrownMay 10, 2025
Burcum: Stauber sweetens sweetheart deal for Chilean mining firm
The northeast Minnesota congressman is leveraging the budget reconciliation process in an attempt to gut critical Boundary Waters copper mining protections. AuthoredJill Burcum
AuthoredJill BurcumMay 9, 2025
![Firefighters Joshua Donahue, Chris Schlosser, Jon Settergren, Michael Hemmerich, left to right, move debris and water down hot spots in the smoldered remains of a structure as part of the efforts to combat the Camp House wildfire in Brimson, Minn. on Thursday, May 15, 2025. ]
ALEX KORMANN • alex.kormann@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/BANFVOHWPZEAHLMJFLDNBOQIRU.jpg?&w=80&ar=1:1&fit=crop)
Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: Where leadership is and isn’t
It involves things like “consistent, nondiscriminatory application of the law,” good organization and forthright disclosure. AuthoredRochelle Olson
AuthoredRochelle OlsonMay 8, 2025
Banks: Reading a little — but not too much — into a papal selection
Can the Roman Catholic Church bring a traditional sensibility to modern concerns? Or vice versa?
AuthoredDavid Banks
AuthoredDavid BanksMay 8, 2025
Rash: Trump is risking America’s — and Minnesota’s — key relationship with Canada
The president should respect that our northern neighbor is “not for sale” and mend fences with Minnesota’s largest trading partner.AuthoredJohn Rash
AuthoredJohn RashMay 7, 2025
Brown: Trump boosts NorthMet, but mines need strong economy, not just bluster
If Trump wants copper-nickel mining in Minnesota, he will need to stop tanking the economy. AuthoredAaron Brown
AuthoredAaron BrownMay 6, 2025
