The Minnesota Star Tribune Announces a New Iteration of Strib Voices with Additional Contributing Columnists

New voices bring broader perspectives and deeper community engagement across Minnesota

 

Minneapolis, Minn. – The Minnesota Star Tribune announced a new iteration of its reimagined opinion platform, Strib Voices, with the addition of four new contributing columnists. As the largest news media organization in the Midwest, this latest step reinforces the Minnesota Star Tribune’s commitment to amplifying a broader range of perspectives from across Minnesota through insightful commentary.

 

As part of a major reimagining of the opinion section, Strib Voices launched in 2024 in concert with the organization’s refreshed brand initiative with the aim to reflect the full spectrum of experiences, expertise and identities across the state. Under the leadership of Phil Morris, vice president and opinion editor—and a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist—the platform continues to grow as a home for independent, informed and community-connected voices.

 

“Strib Voices is our commitment to reflect Minnesota in all its richness and complexity,” said Morris. “These columnists combine sharp analysis with a lived connection to their communities, ensuring our opinion pages are informed not only by ideas, but by experience.”

The newest contributing columnists represent a wide array of backgrounds, geographic regions and viewpoints. Their commentary will appear regularly in print and online, covering topics including women’s health, history and disabilities, Gen Z perspectives, transportation and public policy.

 

Alongside the contributions from these new columnists, the editorial board of the Minnesota Star Tribune will continue to publish individual and collective commentary through its tradition of thoughtful, principled op-ed writing. Additionally, the opinion section will continue to offer comprehensive election and policy coverage, providing platforms for community leaders and candidates to share their perspective through issue-based commentary.

 

New Strib Voices Columnists:

 

Nicole Garrison: Matters of menopause

Nicole Garrison is Twin Cities marketing communications executive in the throes of perimenopause. A former journalist who covered banking and finance at the Pioneer Press during the 2008-09 banking crisis, Garrison today leads communications for RBC’s U.S. operations. She’s also worked at U.S. Bank and the Minnesota Department of Commerce. She is an active member of the community, currently serving on the board of the Minnesota Children’s Museum.

 

David M. Perry: On disabilities and history

David M. Perry is a historian and author. He’s the associate director for undergraduate studies in history at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, trying to convince students that studying history is good for them and good for their careers. He’s written four books, most recently (with Matthew Gabriele), Oathbreakers: The War of Brothers that Shattered an Empire and Made Medieval Europe and The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe. He’s the father of two children, one of whom is autistic and has Down syndrome. He’s written for dozens of local and national outlets, including CNN and The Washington Post. He moved to Minnesota for graduate school in 1997, married a Minnesotan, moved to Chicago for a decade in 2007, but came back to the Twin Cities in 2017 because this is where he wants to raise his kids. He lives in Shoreview.

 

Haley Taylor Schlitz: The Gen-Z angle

Haley Taylor Schlitz is an attorney, writer and civic leader whose voice reflects the intersections of being a Black woman, attorney, educator and member of Gen Z. She serves as chair of the CapitolRiver Council in St. Paul and on the board of directors of Greater Twin Cities United Way. A former 5th grade social studies schoolteacher and proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., she writes from the perspective of a new generation stepping into leadership. A native of Texas, she now makes her home in St. Paul.

 

Robin Washington: Decoding the issues

Robin Washington is a producer-host for Wisconsin Public Radio and was previously editor-in-chief of the Duluth News Tribune. His columns have run in dozens of newspapers, and he has appeared on news broadcasts including ABC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, BET, NPR, and the BBC. His seminal work is his PBS film on the first Freedom Ride, “You Don’t Have to Ride Jim Crow!” He makes his home in both Duluth and St. Paul.

 

Returning Strib Voices Columnists:

Andy Brehm: A conservative perspective

Andy Brehm has been a conservative commentator around the Twin Cities for nearly 20 years, regularly contributing to the Minnesota Star Tribune’s opinion section and frequently appearing on KSTP’s “At Issue” and TPT’s “Almanac.” He’s a corporate lawyer and previously served as U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman’s press secretary. He lives in St. Paul.

 

Clemon Dabney: All things cannabis

Clemon Dabney is a cannabis expert, scientist and entrepreneur. He is the CEO of Doctor Dabs, a Minnesota-based company specializing in hemp-derived edible manufacturing, and is the chief science officer for Uniflora Holistics, which owns cannabis-related businesses Retro Bakery and Love is an Ingredient. He is also the co-owner of A&D Genetics, a company dedicated to the breeding, production and wholesale of cannabis seeds. He lives in Bloomington.

 

Maggie Koerth: Finding nature in the city

Maggie Koerth is an award-winning science writer who has covered the intersection of science and society for publications such as FiveThirtyEight.com, the New York Times Magazine and Undark magazine. She also appears regularly on NPR’s “Science Friday.” She lives in Minneapolis.

 

Ka Vang: On marginalized communities

Ka Vang is a proud Hmong American writer, bringing thoughtful perspectives on culture, community and diversity in the Twin Cities. With more than 20 years of experience in equity, inclusion and community engagement, Ka draws on her background in media, nonprofit leadership and public service to explore how stories shape our understanding of identity and belonging. She is also an award-winning author, playwright and advocate for underrepresented voices in Minnesota. Currently, she serves as the vice president of equity and community impact for Meet Minneapolis, the city’s official destination marketing organization that promotes tourism, drives economic impact and champions inclusive community impact.

 

Commentary by this new class of Strib Voices will be available at startribune.com/opinion.