Even if you think you know everything about the ruby slippers heist, you ought to read this fascinating deep dive by Rachel Hutton that delves into how it changed the town where they were stolen. startribune.com/an-infamous-he…

Are you a "none," one of the 28% of Americans who don't claim any religious affiliation? I spoke to a theologian and former pastor who no longer goes to church. Here more about his fascinating personal journey and his quest to understand why nones are on the rise.

To many she's most identifiable as Joe Mauer's mom, but before she was a mother to three standout athletes, Teresa Mauer was a star in St. Paul. Laura Yuen has the story in her latest column. startribune.com/teresa-mauer-j…

What a treat to meet Teresa Mauer. Long before she became a mom to Jake, Bill and Joe Mauer, she was a star athlete in her own right. On this Mother's Day, ask your mom to tell you a story you've never heard. Here's to all the baller moms out there! startribune.com/teresa-mauer-j…

I loved learning more about the traditional Hmong chicken herb soup diet for new moms. Then my friend Nicole Norfleet sent me these pics of her family lovingly rationing the herbs before she went into labor. So much prep! And so much love. strib.gift/grw0ues5k

Pondering a lighthearted summertime column about little kids who have walk-up music for their T-ball/baseball games. If you (or your kid) had a walk-up song, what would it be and why?

The transgender victim in the Hopkins High School alleged assault is Cobalt. They were going to the restroom when they tell me the taunting began, calling her a Fa**** Minutes later she was punched, hard. This is her story. kare11.com/article/news/l…

💯. Such a fascinating, moving and ultimately hopeful story.

I think Laura Yuen needs a warning label on her columns that she'll make you cry. Here's the latest, and I'm giving you the cry warning now. startribune.com/life-is-a-laby…

After Maria Carmen Morra's took care of so many others, they showed up to return her love. Sometimes good things happen to good people, even when they're facing the bad things. Props to this village of friends and helpers. strib.gift/5hx20enmq

Our newspaper The Minnesota Star Tribune sent photojournalist Liz Flores and me to central Mexico in April to track down former guest workers from a shuttered slaughterhouse in Windom, MN. This is what we reported back: m.startribune.com/they-kept-amer…

I went to a potluck up north today, tried grape salad for the first time, AND got the recipe. I’m in the club!

What a treat to meet the VHS queen who taught millions how to country line dance from their living rooms the 1990s. Diane Horner is now 78 and is still stomping, still teaching, and inspiring a younger generation. strib.gift/3fdksctl4

Rubén Rosario was just tremendous. In high school, I emailed him about journalism and he offered to let me shadow him for a day. Truly one of the best. He will be missed. twincities.com/2024/07/10/rub…

Ruben Rosario was a giant in journalism, and not just for his scoops. His empathy for the most vulnerable and eye for the humanity in every story is always what I’ll admire about him the most. Here’s my tribute to him. m.startribune.com/yuen-st-paul-c…

Chris is an inspiring leader, a community builder. He recently organized and MC'd this event honoring athletes receiving the Strib's metro high school sports awards. He got so much joy recognizing these kids, coaches and families. Always lifting people up. ♥️

The search is over. I am pleased to introduce Vanan Murugesan as Sahan Journal's executive director. Vanan is an exceptional local nonprofit executive who brings deep experience and expertise in fundraising, strategic growth, and financial management. sahanjournal.com/inside-sahan-j…

Trust me, you'll want to read this one by J.p. Lawrence startribune.com/a-hmongs-famil…

What’s the Minnesotan word for me tearing up every time Suni Lee competes at this Olympics? So proud of her. ♥️

Want to learn more about Kamala Harris' vice presidential choice, Gov. Tim Walz? Here's some of our reporting leading up to the decision that covers his record in office, his life and even his hot dish recipe: startribune.com/what-you-shoul…