News & Updates

Mid-Week Reads: Minnesota's Economy and Colin Kaepernick

by | Aug 31, 2016 | Other

Every week, North Star will take some time out of our schedules to bring you our favorite reads from the past week.

Jeff Van Wychen

The Center of the American Experiment Report on Minnesota’s Economy? It’s Politics, Not Economics.

Saint John’s University economist and regular MinnPost contributor Louis Johnston critiques the recent CAE report on the state of Minnesota’s economy, the central theme of which is that progressive policies are hurting the state. Professor Johnston uses some of the arguments cited in a recent North Star article–as well as several we didn’t think of. However, while he’s too polite to say it in these words, his conclusion is basically the same as ours: the CAE report is bogus.

Stephanie Fenner

49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s True Sin

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick recently stated he wouldn’t stand for the National Anthem, refusing “to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.” This article from the Atlantic explores the real reasons behind Kaepernick’s critics, who have argued he’s not black, or not black enough. These critiques of Kaepernick’s background largely ignore his motive – that black people are killed in disproportionate numbers by police officers who are rarely punished.

Exploited Youth: Strengthening Child Labor Protections in Minnesota

At 10 PM, a 16-year-old clocked in to their shift. They spent the next 6 hours cleaning a meat grinder with a pressure hose. At 4 AM they clocked out. At 8:50 AM, their school day started. Though this scene may sound like an excerpt from Upton Sinclair’s 1906 novel,...

The Misplaced Priorities of “Business” Leaders

Minnesota’s economy is under siege after the first month of a chaotic Trump administration. We’re in an on-again-off-again trade war with our closest neighbors, employers are planning  “recession-level” layoffs, the Executive Branch is unilaterally canceling contracts...

Diverting Dollars: The Danger of School Vouchers in Minnesota

The number of students receiving taxpayer money for vouchers to attend private or religious schools has surged in the US, growing from 12,000 at the turn of the century to over 1 million today. At the same time, evidence has mounted showing that these vouchers weaken...

Progress and Protection: Aligning AI Innovation with Worker Welfare

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the workplace, offering opportunities for innovation while presenting significant challenges for Minnesota’s workers. A recent survey highlights the disconnect between employer expectations and worker experiences:...

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