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There can be but one explanation

Letters

To the editor: I’ve been an interested observer for several years to find out some truths about pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and as an avid critic of the president and his party, I’ve waited patiently to find out more about Epstein’s client list and details about his apparent suicide while in the custody of 45’s department of justice. With Epstein’s favorite girlfriend/procurer, Ghislaine Maxwell, behind bars for her role in Epstein’s shenanigans, (Hmmm…A woman is the only person being punished. Give her another twenty years.) the scandalous list detailing Epstein’s ...

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Editorials

THUMBS UP New Ulm celebrates Bavarian Blast Bavarian Blast is back this weekend, meaning New Ulm is in for a weekend full of music, dancing and a parade to cap off festivities on Sunday. The Blast officially began on Thursday with three musical performances in the main tent. Friday saw festivities expand to include more bands throughout the day on the main stage in addition to music in the KNUJ Polka Hall. The music will continue Saturday, in addition to the return of the 5K Fun Run in the morning and a Bean Bag tournament in the afternoon. The Bavarian Blast parade on Sunday has the ...

July is National Mental Health Awareness month

Columns

July 2025 marks the 16th annual National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month. This observance was established in 2008 when congress officially recognized July in honor of author and health advocate Bebe Moore Cambell. Cambell (1950-2006) co-founded a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) chapter to support Black families affected by mental illness. Through storytelling and advocacy, she worked to break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health in communities of color. Her efforts led to the national designation of this month to ...

Good fences make good neighbors

Columns

Dear Annie: I work remotely and rent a small guesthouse on a property owned by a retired couple, “Tom” and “Linda.” They live in the main house and are kind, but recently their friendliness has crossed into something more intrusive. At first, it was small things; Linda would wave and come chat while I was outside on a break, or Tom would ask about my work. Lately, though, they’ve started popping by unannounced. One afternoon, Tom let himself into my yard to “check the sprinkler,” and yesterday, Linda knocked on my door with cookies and stayed for almost an hour, even ...

When support feels like sales

Columns

Dear Annie: My sister, “Jenna,” is 38 and recently started selling handmade candles online. I was excited for her at first; it’s a big step to start your own business. But now, every conversation somehow turns into a pitch. She’ll bring candles to family dinners and “gift” them, only to follow up later asking for social media shoutouts or reviews. At our mom’s birthday, she gave everyone “custom scents” and then passed around her business cards. I want to support her, but it’s getting awkward. I don’t think she realizes how pushy it’s coming across. My husband ...

Urge lawmakers to save our libraries

Letters

To the editor: I am writing on behalf of the New Ulm Public Library Board to call attention to the critical importance of including library funding in next year’s federal budget for FY26. The Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding supports libraries of all types through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and its grant programs, including direct-to-state grants. We urge our legislators to reinstate funding for IMLS, including LSTA funding, and to support the reauthorization of the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018. Among other important services, ...