Staff Directory 7101947

Laura McCallum

Politics and Government Team Leader | Politics and Government

Laura McCallum is the Star Tribune's Politics and Government Editor. 


A North Dakota native, McCallum came to the Star Tribune after nearly 27 years at Minnesota Public Radio News. During her time there as a reporter, editor and newsroom leader, she covered the Capitol for eight years and served as President of Capitolbeat, the Association of Capitol Reporters & Editors. She is an avid reader who occasionally reviews books for the Star Tribune.
Recent content from Laura McCallum
photo of author Marlene M. Johnson

With Peggy Flanagan in headlines, Minnesota's first elected woman lieutenant governor tells her story

LOCAL NONFICTION: In "Rise to the Challenge," Marlene M. Johnson writes about her two terms in office, decades ago — and caregiving for her spouse after he suffered a traumatic brain injury.
We will cover races, policies and candidates across the entire state, not just the Twin Cities metro area.

How the Star Tribune is covering the 2024 election

Our mission this election cycle is to provide the facts and context you need. Here's how we'll do that.
photograph of author James Traub

Book shows how 'True Believer' Hubert Humphrey made deals, fought injustice, skinny-dipped with JFK

NONFICTION: James Traub delivers a big biography of an exuberant champion of liberal causes.
Benjamin Taylor

Curious about the great Willa Cather? Start with 'Chasing Bright Medusas'

NONFICTION: This slim homage to one of the great American writers is an absorbing introduction.

Review: 'The Secret Gate,' by Mitchell Zuckoff

NONFICTION: The true story of an American diplomat, an Afghan writer and a dangerous escape from Taliban rule.
Lynne Olson

Review: 'Empress of the Nile,' by Lynne Olson

NONFICTION: Lynne Olson's ninth book of history profiles a fiery Egyptologist who led an international campaign.
Jonathan Franklin photo by Luciano Bacchi

Review: 'Cabin Fever,' by Michael Smith and Jonathan Franklin

NONFICTION: "Cabin Fever" takes us inside the Zaandam, which had an unanticipated passenger — the coronavirus.
The Bucci sisters. Courtesy photo.

Review: 'Always Remember Your Name,' by Andra & Tatiana Bucci, translated from Italian by Ann Goldstein

The Bucci sisters were 4 and 6 when they were sent to Auschwitz.
Attorney General Keith Ellison, Governor Tim Walz and Chief Justice Lorie Skjerven Gildea spoke about delaying the decision in the pardon decision for

Feds won't oppose Walz's request for deportation reprieve for Ethiopian woman who killed husband

The immigration court must still approve the request.
573513174

REVIEW: 'American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears,' by Farah Stockman

NONFICTION: Three union workers whose factory closes illustrate the challenges for America's blue-collar workforce.
Rebecca Donner photo by Beowulf Sheehan

Review: 'All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days,' by Rebecca Donner

NONFICTION: The riveting story of the only American to help lead a resistance group against the Nazis.