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A year-end review

Another year has gushed through the culvert of time, leaving behind a scoured gully along with some unexpected and pleasant flotsam. The year 2025 began with my wife and I watching the famous ball drop in Times Square. Not in person, of course. We viewed it on TV, awakening from our prebedtime naps just in time to witness the blizzard of confetti and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” The meaning of that song’s title is as clear as a cup of mud. We had good reasons to be tired: we were in Kansas City, visiting our four-year-old grandson. Anyone who has spent time with ...

Let us resolve

As many of us know, we start the New Year with a New Year’s resolution. By George! This year we are going to accomplish that resolution-come heck or high water! That will make the coming year different from past years, right? We will do it! However, the big question is what will be that thing that is going to begin in January — that resolution? Will it be easy so we can continue it all year or...? We know it will take a lot of personal resolve and personal firmness, but this year we are going to do it. Darn right! Well, for me, I’ll pick from this list... Let’s try our ...

Reflecting on 2025; priorities for the year ahead

As 2025 draws to a close and Minnesotans enjoy a holiday season filled with family, friends, and, yes, snow, I wanted to take stock of what we’ve accomplished this year, reflect on some of the challenges we’ve faced, and look forward to the work ahead. This year started with the transition of power from one president to another. I chaired the bipartisan inauguration committee and spoke about the need to recommit to my North Star: finding common ground where I can and standing my ground where I must. Last Congress, during a highly partisan time, I was again ranked as one of the ...

Politics isn’t measured in words, it’s measured in results

Politics is a lot of talk. Sometimes, that conversation results in action. Other times, it fizzles out and gives way to the next headline, the issue forgotten and the solution left uncharted. In my decade as a Minnesota senator, I have seen dozens, maybe hundreds, of conversations bubble up and then pop before any meaningful reforms are signed into law. If we only talk and don’t act, nothing changes. From housing affordability to mental health, and from public safety to education, those of us who write our laws and decide how to spend the public’s money must remember that when ...

Nativity scenes show real meaning of Christmas

This past week I did something I hadn’t done since eighth grade by being one of the performers in a Nativity program. I portrayed one of the Wisemen. I had a gown, a cardboard crown and a gift for baby Jesus. It was the 10th year that Boulder Estates has done a nativity program for residents and the public. A minister, Pastor Nathan Delich of First Baptist Church near Marshall, narrated the scriptures and spoke about the readings. All the actors had to do was march in and sit in the nativity area. First came Mary and Joseph followed by Angel Gabriel. The audience was told how ...

Home remodel: Financial considerations

When the broader housing market feels unpredictable, homeowners may look to refresh their current home instead of relocating. Home renovations can enhance your living space and raise the value of your home, but they also come with many decisions and potential financial pitfalls. If you’re considering a home renovation, keep the following tips in mind. Set a realistic budget. Know how much you can spend before you ask for the moon. Remodeling projects are notorious for running over budget and past deadlines. Once the work begins, your contractor may discover problems lurking behind ...