Last week, in this space, we argued that the state’s Legislature should end the exemption for townships in the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), citing Greenwood Township’s … more

If you’re a University of Kansas alum, as I am, there are two givens about Jayhawk sports.First, you will spend most of your adult life doing whatever you can to excuse or distance yourself … more

The ongoing lack of access to many records in Greenwood Township is a case study in why it’s a bad idea to exempt any branch of government from the requirements of a law, particularly one … more

Balancing public safety with the public’s right to know has been a challenge for local units of government around the country over the past eleven months, including here in the North Country. … more

Last Sunday evening, I was convalescing in my green leather recliner after a busy day. I was hoping the subject for this week’s column would drop into my lap. It seemed to be one of those … more

We’ve heard an awful lot of false equivalency when it comes to the Trump-inspired riot on Jan. 6, which was the subject of the recent impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate. Trump’s … more

I have been reading Michelle Obama’s book, Beloved, and waxing nostalgic about what was and what could have been. When Barack Obama was elected in 2008, I thought we, as a country, were finally … more

By early February, the landscape is heavily blanketed with many layers of snow. Some days I stand in awe at the silent beauty of this season. But there are other days I curse it! Today, it’s a … more

There is little reason to hold back on the latest COVID-19 response package that now appears likely to make its way to President Biden’s desk as early as next month. Some have claimed that the … more

It’s time for a discussion in Tower and Soudan about the future of law enforcement in the communities. Operating a local police department is expensive— really expensive— and … more