opinion exchange
Grade inflation masks how poorly kids are doing in school
U.S. students aren't faring well vs. peers worldwide, in part because they're getting higher grades than deserved.
Minnesota has a growing trash problem
Our legislative solution is the packaging waste and cost reduction act.
Allow more Minnesotans the 'public option' of MinnesotaCare
Few states have a successful public health insurance program to expand, but we do, and it's time.
Counterpoint: Let us lose the judgment words imply
A recent essay warned us not to move away from common meanings. It's worth thinking about why we do.
Debate over 'natural' food continues (to get the word wrong)
People tend to forget humanity's longstanding practice of adapting resources to needs.
Get serious about immigration fixes
Secure the border and expand legal pathways for immigrants to come to the U.S. to work.
Brick and mortar in higher education needs attention, too
Minnesota's workforce depends on reversing diminished state investments.
Counterpoint: It's not Finland or bust: How Minnesota schools can evolve
The state should neither import nor reject the high-performing Finnish model. One philosophy in particular to embrace: recess.
Editorial counterpoint: 'It's a shame the feds aren't helping us more' against cyberattacks
These are today's pirates, and it's not just up to companies to stop them.
Let's move beyond the flag debate
The new Minnesota design is just fine, yet GOP won't let it go.
From the publisher: Star Tribune is growing for Minnesota
We're investing in our journalism to better serve our readers across the state and region.
A little true love for our lakes
I've never seen the water levels as low as they are now. That means we have action items in our daily lives.
Science can defend democracy in elections …
… but not in the way you think. It can't define values.
Why try to ban TikTok instead of doing what voters actually want?
They want to keep that service, and they want legislators to focus on privacy controls for all social media.
Leave Kate alone
Photo controversy is overblown and confirms Kate Middleton has a very difficult job.
What we saw in Israel
During a trip organized by the Minneapolis Jewish Federation, we saw that Israelis bear the pain of Oct. 7 every day, and that they are determined to defend themselves — to survive.
Could Ramadan save Gaza?
The observance this year is under a cloud of war, yet it also offers opportunity.
Minnesota legislators, address the mental health system. Don't make kids wait.
A first step is increasing Medicaid reimbursement.
Sports betting: A risky bet for Minnesota
It wouldn't be a huge new revenue source for the state, but it would produce costly new problems.
New president's compensation spotlights inequities at U
Austerity in the ranks but not at the top.