Candidates: The Democratic field is not too large
Most of the two dozen or so “major” candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination will fall away quickly.
Mankato Free Press
E-cigs: Crackdown on e-cigarettes is well justified
The increasing us of e-cigarettes among youth is an epidemic that government health agencies need to aggressively tackle.
Space Force the wrong approach to a genuine threat
The military’s space operations do require reform and resources, but they don’t need a new, built-from-scratch bureaucracy to get the job done.
Economy: Trump’s bump has been blip so far
President Donald Trump’s promises of economic gains have not yet panned out.
Immigration: Separating families immoral, inhumane
The Trump administration took deliberate action to separate children from their parents in border crossing cases, creating trauma for families.
State budget: Invest in critical higher education
The Minnesota State university system provides the biggest bang for the buck on educating Minnesota’s workforce for the future.
Distracted driving: Ban the use of hand-held cellphones while driving
Distracted drivers using cellphones have caused numerous fatalities in Minnesota. Passage of this common sense public safety bill should be a no-brainer.
Elder abuse: State, Legislature must act quickly for safety
Minnesota’s system of pursuing elder abuse cases is so broken it threatens the safety of the elderly on a daily basis.
Charlottesville: Trump ignores most hateful facts
President Trump’s credibility continues to crumble even among his own team with his implicit endorsement of white supremacy groups.
Broadband: Minnesota is still lagging
Broadband internet has become a critical tool for growing jobs and economic development in outstate Minnesota.
Political shenanigans: Don’t waste taxpayer money on theatrics
Gov. Mark Dayton and the Republican legislative leaders are now embroiled in what could be a costly and trust-eroding legal battle.
Special session: Provide relief to insurance premium increases
Why it matters: A plan to limit premium increases will help people keep their health insurance.
Mille Lacs: A risky move for a major lake
Politics and wildlife management frequently conflict, and we suspect the decision by Gov. Mark Dayton to keep the Lake Mille Lacs walleye season open will backfire.
Overturned Ventura verdict is good for us all
The appeals court ruling this week tossing the libel verdict in favor of Jesse Ventura was welcome.
Obama gun checks are warranted and reasonable
Obama’s actions put teeth into current gun law and bolster the resources for more rigorous enforcement. They also create a fairer playing field for gun commerce.
Dayton pheasant plan affirms commitment to hunting, environment
A plan to restore pheasant habitat will help stem the drastic decline in pheasant numbers and improve the environment for everyone.
Sex offenders: Legislative inaction increases risk
A federal judge has ruled Minnesota’s sex offender law is unconstitutional and he will act forcefully to change it if the Legislature does not.
Overlooked ruling on Fair Housing Act deserves applause
A U.S. Supreme Court decision on housing discrimination was overshadowed but provided important protections.
Lack of road funding disappoints
The lack of a comprehensive compromise on transportation seems even more troublesome given all sides were agreeing on the major issue.
Support schools, end LIFO policies
With the new evaluation systems in place, we can work toward ensuring our children have the best teachers possible even during hard times.
