Is Minnesota Nice? Not If You Are a Conservative

To my knowledge, this story has gotten no local attention. But it ought to be of concern to all Minnesotans, especially given that it involves the flagship Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota. A national outlet, the Daily Beast, found it newsworthy: “A Campus Conservative’s Year Facing Anger, Doxing and Intimidation.” Madison Faupel…is the president of the University of Minnesota’s College Republican chapter. Her group sparked controversy last fall when it reserved space and painted a mural on the Washington Avenue Bridge to promote their student group. Her group settled on three slogans: “College Republicans, The Best Party on...

To insulate Minneapolis from the effects of bad policy, $15 activists need to hobble neighboring areas too

Having damaged the low wage labor market in Minneapolis, $15 activists now have to pursue employers and jobs into neighboring areas, starting with St Paul. But the economics remain the same. If productivity doesn't increase, neither will wages.

When you measure it properly, worker’s compensation is driven by productivity

Productivity drives earnings. Arguments that it doesn't are based on the selection of poor variables, incomplete data, and misleading measures of inflation.

AMERICAN EXPERIMENT BOOK SHELF

Are Politics Preventing Vikings From Signing Controversial Kaepernick?

Desperate times call for desperate measures. But are the Vikings desperate enough just two games into the season to sign controversial quarterback Colin Kaepernick? Sports writer Jim Souhan went long in his latest column arguing that Kaepernick should already be wearing purple in spite of the baggage he brings for taking a knee during the national anthem. Souhan took Vikings GM Rick Spielman to task for signing Case Keenum as a backup, instead of Kaepernick, essentially for political reasons. It didn’t help that the Vikes looked lackluster in a 26-9 loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday with Keenum under center. Last...

Do the Governor or Met Council Chair Ride Bikes to Work? Well, I do not either.

When the Governor talks about attracting a new Amazon distribution center to Minnesota, does he tout our great bike paths? Er, bike roads?

Reader Rage Over Confusing Minneapolis Bike Lanes

It’s not your imagination. It’s not your fault. There’s a deliberate campaign by city, county and state transportation planners to get more cars off our freeways and streets. See “Twin Cities Traffic Congestion: It’s No Accident” for more specifics. Star Tribune traffic expert Tim Harlow provides the latest example in a piece headlined “Lane Markings on Minneapolis Streets Baffle Drivers.” Harlow focuses on the nauseating experience awaiting the 15,000 drivers who will be detoured from the newly closed Franklin Ave.–I-35W bridge onto two east-west arteries in south Minneapolis. Spoiler alert: Avoid W. 26th and W. 28th at all costs! The...

August employment report: Minnesota’s job growth is concentrated in lower productivity sectors

Minnesota's rate of job growth has been ahead of the national average over the last year. But those new jobs have been concentrated in less productive sectors of the economy.