My thoughts on events of the week — both big news and beyond.
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Columnists
Olson: Walz has a chance to refocus and reset
Upon his return from a trade mission, the governor can turn his attention to a Minnesota agenda.
AuthoredRochelle Olson
AuthoredRochelle OlsonFebruary 18, 2025
Contributing Columnists
Sheletta: I have a dream for 38th and Chicago
Everything in the world changed after George Floyd died, except the place where he was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer.
AuthoredSheletta Brundidge
AuthoredSheletta BrundidgeFebruary 17, 2025
Columnists
Burcum: Flooded dental clinic needs donors, state support
The Scenic Rivers nonprofit dental clinic in Cook, Minn., is still struggling to replace equipment lost or damaged in last summer’s flood. 
AuthoredJill Burcum
AuthoredJill BurcumFebruary 15, 2025
Columnists
Olson: Sen. Smith does Minnesota right in Senate and retirement
The Democrat’s retirement announcement clears the way for campaigns to get going.AuthoredRochelle Olson
AuthoredRochelle OlsonFebruary 13, 2025
Columnists
Burcum: Seek savings from insurers, not medical research
There’s a literal roadmap for finding $83 billion in annual savings from Medicare Advantage. So why are Trump and Musk going after scientists for $4 billion in cuts?AuthoredJill Burcum
AuthoredJill BurcumFebruary 13, 2025
Columnists
Rash: Protect consumers by preserving the CFPB
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, created after the Great Recession, shouldn’t be dismantled.
AuthoredJohn Rash
AuthoredJohn RashFebruary 12, 2025
Contributing Columnists
Brown: The wheeling and dealing of American steel
For better or worse, Trump’s tariffs will impact Minnesota workers and the state’s Iron Range.
AuthoredAaron Brown
AuthoredAaron BrownFebruary 11, 2025
Columnists
Olson: Please allow me to introduce myself and start sharing opinions
Longtime news reporter Rochelle Olson makes her editorial debut. She will focus on politics and government at the Capitol and beyond.AuthoredRochelle Olson
AuthoredRochelle OlsonFebruary 11, 2025
Columnists
Johnson: Good reasons to preserve the federal Dept. of Education
Eliminating the Dept. of Education would jeopardize equal access, quality standards and national educational progress. 
AuthoredDenise Johnson
AuthoredDenise JohnsonFebruary 10, 2025
Contributing Columnists
Brehm: It’s the Democrats’ message that is the problem
Polls show the Democratic brand is less attractive than ever — for good reason — and party leaders show no signs of changing course.
AuthoredAndy Brehm
AuthoredAndy BrehmFebruary 10, 2025
Columnists
Burcum: Healthier kids, less red tape
Innovative reform ensures state’s littlest, neediest kids don’t lose access to medical care during key developmental years. It’s also reducing clinics’ administrative burden.AuthoredJill Burcum
AuthoredJill BurcumFebruary 7, 2025
Columnists
Morris: Get to work
Minnesota House lawmakers should use the current occasion to ask themselves why faith in government is often shaken or deeply discounted.
AuthoredPhil Morris
AuthoredPhil MorrisFebruary 6, 2025