Erin Golden
Cities team leader
CitiesBefore joining the Minnesota Star Tribune, Golden covered business, city government, public safety and other topics at newspapers in Nebraska and Oregon.
Latest from Erin Golden
State's school bus drivers say shortage exposes deeper issues
On top of longstanding challenges like pay and irregular hours, they said many drivers have opted out of the field because of COVID-19-related health concerns, more frequent schedule shifts, and other pandemic-related complications.
September 14, 2021
Many Minnesota schools begin anew, shadowed by COVID
The state's largest district, Anoka-Hennepin, was among the school systems resuming classes. Many, particularly in metro-area schools, are wearing masks because of school district-imposed mask mandates.
September 7, 2021
![New Hoover Elementary School principal Keisha Davis greeted students and parents outside the school before the start of the school day on the first day of school Tuesday in Coon Rapids. ]](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/ZUYYP3LDCJ3FIGOWJ2PPFRSIUA.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Minnesota students brace for uncertainty, hope for normalcy
Across Minnesota, students are leaping — or trudging — into a third school year shaded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 6, 2021
Lawsuit seeks statewide mask mandate for Minnesota schools
A parents group says Walz should require masks to protect students' rights.
September 3, 2021
Minnesota student math, reading scores drop in pandemic year
More than 20% of eligible students did not take statewide tests.
August 27, 2021
Anoka-Hennepin mandates masks for youngest students when COVID-19 spread is high
The mask requirement will be reviewed weekly.
August 24, 2021
Minn. schools wrestle with mask decisions just weeks before classes start
In patchwork of last-minute decisions, more districts issue mandates.
August 21, 2021
![In Minnetonka, Minnesota on August 19, 2021, Dr. Elizabeth Reed spoke in favor of using masks in schools. The Minnetonka School Board held a work session and meeting that involved public comment — including on whether the district should mandate masks this fall. ] RICHARD TSONG-TAATARII • richard.tsong-taatarii@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/YBAIORNA5FNXLDAWTYBQGTYTXQ.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
As Minnesota schools' online options grow, so do complications
Close to 100 public schools are set to open new virtual academies this fall. On that list are programs built over years of careful study and others assembled in a matter of months. A few are still making those decisions, even with the new school year just weeks away.
August 14, 2021
![Dylan Feddersen, cq, from the IT staff at Big Lake High School, worked on prepping hundreds of laptops for students at Big Lake High School, Monday, August 2, 2021 in Big Lake, MN. ] ELIZABETH FLORES • liz.flores@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/TVMVZ5VJFN6AFCNNJTBFA6JKRU.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
State recommends masks in schools, but districts can decide
Minnesota officials cited rising COVID-19 case rates and the risk of spread among unvaccinated people in schools.
July 28, 2021
More Minnesota school board members resign in turbulent year
Record number have resigned in Minnesota this year amid controversies.
July 24, 2021
More Minnesota schools can continue online option, will make local choices on pandemic precautions
The state will issue guidance, but no new COVID-19 rules for schools.
July 22, 2021
Family sues over Minnesota corrections officer's death
The relatives of Joseph Gomm say negligence contributed to Gomm's murder.
July 18, 2021
