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MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Star Tribune announced an expansion of its reimagined opinion platform, Strib Voices, adding four new contributing columnists to broaden perspectives and deepen community engagement across the state.
The new contributors bring expertise from diverse backgrounds and regions, reinforcing the Star Tribune’s effort to showcase a wider range of experiences and viewpoints.
Launched in 2024 as part of the Star Tribune’s brand refresh, Strib Voices was designed to reflect the full spectrum of Minnesota life. Under the direction of Phil Morris, vice president and opinion editor — and a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist — the platform has become a home for independent, informed and community-connected commentary.
“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 new columnists will write on topics including women’s health, disabilities and history, Gen Z perspectives, and public policy. Their work will appear regularly in print and online.
Alongside their contributions, the Star Tribune editorial board will continue to publish individual and collective opinion pieces. The section will also maintain its election and policy coverage, offering space for community leaders and candidates to share their views through issue-based commentary.
New Strib Voices Columnists
Nicole Garrison: Matters of menopause
Garrison, a Twin Cities marketing communications executive navigating perimenopause, previously covered banking and finance for the Pioneer Press during the 2008-09 financial crisis. She now leads communications for RBC’s U.S. operations and has also worked for U.S. Bank and the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Garrison serves on the board of the Minnesota Children’s Museum.
David M. Perry: On disabilities and history
Perry is a historian and author who serves as associate director for undergraduate studies in history at the University of Minnesota. His books include Oathbreakers: The War of Brothers that Shattered an Empire and Made Medieval Europe and The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe. He is the father of two children, one of whom is autistic and has Down syndrome. Perry’s writing has appeared in dozens of national outlets, including CNN and The Washington Post. A native of Chicago by way of Shoreview, he has lived in Minnesota since 1997.
Haley Taylor Schlitz: The Gen Z angle
Taylor Schlitz is an attorney, writer and civic leader whose work reflects the intersections of being a Black woman, attorney, educator and member of Gen Z. She chairs the CapitolRiver Council in St. Paul and serves on the board of Greater Twin Cities United Way. A former fifth-grade teacher and proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., she writes from the perspective of a new generation stepping into leadership. A native Texan, she now lives in St. Paul.
Robin Washington: Decoding the issues
Washington is a producer and host for Wisconsin Public Radio and a former editor-in-chief of the Duluth News Tribune. His columns have appeared in dozens of newspapers, and he has contributed to national broadcasts including ABC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, BET, NPR and the BBC. His PBS film You Don’t Have to Ride Jim Crow! remains a seminal work on the Freedom Rides. He splits his time between Duluth and St. Paul.
Returning Columnists
Andy Brehm: A conservative perspective
Brehm has been a conservative commentator in the Twin Cities for nearly two decades, contributing regularly to the Star Tribune and appearing on KSTP’s “At Issue” and TPT’s “Almanac.” A corporate lawyer, he previously served as press secretary to U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman. He lives in St. Paul.
Clemon Dabney: All things cannabis
Dabney is a cannabis expert, scientist and entrepreneur. He serves as CEO of Doctor Dabs, a Minnesota-based edible manufacturer, and as chief science officer for Uniflora Holistics, which owns Retro Bakery and Love is an Ingredient. He also co-owns A&D Genetics, a cannabis seed production company. Dabney lives in Bloomington.
Maggie Koerth: Finding nature in the city
Koerth is an award-winning science writer whose work has appeared in FiveThirtyEight, The New York Times Magazine and Undark. She is a regular guest on NPR’s “Science Friday” and lives in Minneapolis.
Ka Vang: On marginalized communities
Vang, a Hmong American writer and advocate, brings more than two decades of experience in equity, inclusion and community engagement. She serves as vice president of equity and community impact for Meet Minneapolis, the city’s tourism and economic development agency. Vang is also an award-winning author, playwright and public-service leader who explores culture, identity and belonging through her work.
Commentary from the new contributors will appear at startribune.com/opinion.
The Minnesota Star Tribune is the Midwest’s largest news organization, with a 158-year legacy of journalistic excellence that includes seven Pulitzer Prizes. The paper continues to serve as “the heart and voice of the North,” building a model for local news that aims to make every Minnesotan’s life better. For more information, visit startribunecompany.com
