Laura McCallum
Politics and Government Team Leader
Politics and GovernmentA North Dakota native, McCallum came to the Star Tribune after nearly 27 years at Minnesota Public Radio News. During her time there as a reporter, editor and newsroom leader, she covered the Capitol for eight years and served as President of Capitolbeat, the Association of Capitol Reporters & Editors. She is an avid reader who occasionally reviews books for the Star Tribune.
Latest from Laura McCallum
Elections
How the Star Tribune is covering the 2024 election
Our mission this election cycle is to provide the facts and context you need. Here’s how we’ll do that.
October 8, 2024
Books
Review: With Peggy Flanagan in headlines, Minnesota’s first elected woman lieutenant governor tells her story
Local nonfiction: In “Rise to the Challenge,” Marlene M. Johnson writes about her two terms in office, decades ago — and caregiving for her spouse after he suffered a traumatic brain injury.
September 19, 2024
Books
Book shows how ‘True Believer’ Hubert Humphrey made deals, fought injustice, skinny-dipped with JFK
NONFICTION: James Traub delivers a big biography of an exuberant champion of liberal causes.
February 7, 2024
Books
Curious about the great Willa Cather? Start with 'Chasing Bright Medusas'
NONFICTION: This slim homage to one of the great American writers is an absorbing introduction.
November 8, 2023
Books
Review: 'The Secret Gate,' by Mitchell Zuckoff
NONFICTION: The true story of an American diplomat, an Afghan writer and a dangerous escape from Taliban rule.
April 28, 2023
Books
Review: 'Empress of the Nile,' by Lynne Olson
NONFICTION: Lynne Olson's ninth book of history profiles a fiery Egyptologist who led an international campaign.
March 17, 2023
Books
Review: 'Cabin Fever,' by Michael Smith and Jonathan Franklin
NONFICTION: "Cabin Fever" takes us inside the Zaandam, which had an unanticipated passenger — the coronavirus.
June 17, 2022
Books
Review: 'Always Remember Your Name,' by Andra & Tatiana Bucci, translated from Italian by Ann Goldstein
The Bucci sisters were 4 and 6 when they were sent to Auschwitz.
January 14, 2022
Books
Review: 'The Secret Gate,' by Mitchell Zuckoff
NONFICTION: The true story of an American diplomat, an Afghan writer and a dangerous escape from Taliban rule.
April 28, 2023
Books
Review: 'Empress of the Nile,' by Lynne Olson
NONFICTION: Lynne Olson's ninth book of history profiles a fiery Egyptologist who led an international campaign.
March 17, 2023
Books
Review: 'Cabin Fever,' by Michael Smith and Jonathan Franklin
NONFICTION: "Cabin Fever" takes us inside the Zaandam, which had an unanticipated passenger — the coronavirus.
June 17, 2022
Books
Review: 'Always Remember Your Name,' by Andra & Tatiana Bucci, translated from Italian by Ann Goldstein
The Bucci sisters were 4 and 6 when they were sent to Auschwitz.
January 14, 2022