‘The reason Minnesota thrives today is we’re living off the fat of yesterday’: A Q&A with Gov. Arne Carlson
Minnesota’s former governor on the reasons for the state’s prosperity; the state of the University of Minnesota; and more.
Politics & Policy
To consider claim against Kavanaugh, Senate panel to reconvene Monday — which seems fast
The schedule has the advantage (from Republicans’ perspective) of keeping alive hopes of getting Brett Kavanaugh confirmed to a lifetime appointment before the midterm elections.
Copper-nickel? The data say it’s bad economics
There is a remarkable amount of economic data and research suggesting that a new mine will not bring the economic benefits that its supporters believe.
Eric Black Ink
Should the White House pull down the Kavanaugh nomination — or postpone action on it?
It’s really pretty hard to come up with a reasonable excuse to deny Christine Blasey Ford her chance to tell her story, under oath, and for Brett Kavanaugh to respond.
State Government
How the ‘tracker’ became strangest, most important job in campaign politics
Minnesota is home to some of the most contested partisan races in the nation this year, which means it is also home to a lot of trackers: people whose job it is to follow the opposing side’s candidate — and recording everything they do or say.
Foreign Concept
Trump has been lucky so far to avoid a foreign policy crisis. But his luck won’t last forever.
Major challenges are brewing on several continents, where the right moves could make the difference between war and peace or help achieve a longstanding U.S. objective. Yet Washington is preoccupied and ill-prepared.
State Government
What the current population trends mean for Minnesota’s legislative district boundaries — and politics
Unlike the last round of redistricting, when the suburbs swelled, this decade core cities appear to be making the biggest gains.
MNopedia
Minnesota’s first female member of Congress’ political career was off to a great start — till her husband stepped in
Coya Knutson was first elected in 1952 and won re-election once before a campaign by her political opponents — and backed by her husband — sunk her career.
Eric Black Ink
Andrew Bacevich makes me think I might be making too big a deal of Trump
Trump is not the disruptive force that anti-Trumpers accuse him of being, Bacevich argues. He is merely a noxious, venal, and ineffectual blowhard, who has assembled a team of associates who are themselves, with few exceptions, noxious, venal, or ineffectual.
Economy
Why Minnesota companies have a lot to say about addressing global food insecurity
Efforts on the international stage by Minnesota food and agriculture companies play an integral role in addressing food insecurity, said David Beasley, executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme.
National
A field guide to green: the outside groups that will be spending tens of millions in Minnesota this election season
With four top-tier House contests and a nationally-watched Senate race, Minnesota is a top target for outside campaign groups.
Metro
What we know — and don’t know — about a $15 minimum wage ordinance for St. Paul
A $15 hourly minimum wage for St. Paul is almost certain to pass, based on the Council and mayor’s position. But we don’t yet know the specifics or how fast it’s going to happen.
D.C. Memo
D.C. Memo: President makes dubious claim on Twitter
Trump disputes Hurricane Maria death toll; Republicans float new tax bill; Jeff Sessions’ future; Minnesota congressional candidate gets Trump endorsement; and more.