-
Latest Reformer column explores collapse of local news
The Minnesota Reformer published my latest column today, this one about the collapse of local newspapers. Last week the International Falls Daily Journal announced it would cease publication later this month. This comes after other small weeklies have closed while other papers have either merged or reduced publication. It’s not just happening here, but across…
-
Drawing lines won’t solve problems
This week we learned that Minnesota would keep all eight of its Congressional seats after the federal government released the results of the 2020 Census. Good news for our state. We almost lost a seat. Nevertheless, this political analysis will now fixate on maps and lines as demographic change shapes new maps. Political districts are…
-
Legislative ‘bluff and bunk’ no different after 100 years
Just when did politics get so … weird? When did politicians become sociopathic performance artists, huffing their own vapors long past the point of inebriation? Of course, we begin by blaming the other party, whoever they may be. But then, upon sober analysis, we might conclude that it’s the internet’s fault. The answer, however, is…
-
Future of Hibbing mine tied to rapidly changing steel industry
Today, the Minnesota Reformer published my new column, “The clash of two big steel companies will help shape the future of the Iron Range.” The piece explores the issues behind Hibbing Taconite’s need for a new iron ore supply. I’ve written before about Cleveland-Cliffs’ new position in North American iron and steel. Now we’ll see…
-
Community police challenges not just a metro issue
My latest column for the Minnesota Reformer, “Law and Order starts with peace,” weaves stories from my Iron Range grandpa’s time as Keewatin town cop with the unsettling trends in community policing today. This is a problem for all of us to face, not just the metro area. This piece refers to the killing of a…
-
Legislature, mining & police
This year I’ll be offering occasional news analysis on WDSE’s Almanac North as part of the station’s “Voices of the Region” segment. My first segment was Jan. 8. If you missed it, here it is: I reviewed three topics. First, the legislature is in session now. Northeastern Minnesota lawmakers of both parties find themselves in…
-
On economic class, urbanization, and chickens
My latest column for the Minnesota Reformer is up today. “Just Like a Century ago, there’s a class war in rural America, and the wrong side is winning.” This was quite the creative exercise for me. I had a few things on my mind when I wrote it. First, we seem mired in a hopeless…
-
Bakk, Tomassoni bolt DFL caucus in MN State Senate
Two longtime Iron Range state senators will leave the DFL caucus and form an independent caucus for the 2021 legislative session. State Sen. David Tomassoni (I-Chisholm) and former DFL majority leader Sen. Tom Bakk (I-Cook) made the announcement Wednesday. The Republicans held a 34-33 majority in the State Senate. Now they’ll hold a 34-31-2 advantage.…
-
The tenuous situation facing northern Minnesota DFLers, and a way forward
My latest for the Minnesota Reformer is live today: “Cleaving Minnesota: Good news and bad for northern Democrats.” It’s got election analysis, messaging advice, political strategy and even a few jokes. Read for yourself. Related posts: No related posts.
-
Complex scenario could put Iron Ranger in Lt. Gov. chair
It’s difficult to analyze hypothetical situations. After all, there is no guarantee that the circumstances assumed will actually occur. But there’s a particular hypothetical floating around today that’s so complex it almost feels like a game of tridimensional chess that Captain Picard used to play on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” First premise, President-elect Joe…
-
Space to think
This was the first time since I started the blog that I neither maintained a live blog on election night, nor wrote a breathless analysis article the day after. To those who were looking for one, sorry. I’ve got thoughts, and you’ll get them, but not yet. Holding out might have been the best choice.…
-
The view from the Iron Range as 2020 race nears end
I’ve written here and there about the Mesabi Iron Range’s role in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Nothing more to say there. The votes will be cast and tallied soon. Unfortunately, I’ve written very little about other races across northern Minnesota. Deep in the writing process for my book and podcast, I decided to ignore…
-
Pence in Hibbing today for campaign rally
Vice President Mike Pence and other Republican candidates will appear today at a rally at the Range Regional Airport in Hibbing. Just one week before the Nov. 3 election, the Trump campaign sees Minnesota as winnable despite polls that currently trend toward Joe Biden and the Democrats. National campaign visits to northern Minnesota are typically…
-
Iron Range becomes ‘living political meme’ in 2020 race
As I’ve written already, the Iron Range finds itself at the center of the 2020 campaign these days. This happened mostly because of the attention being paid to us by President Trump. But does Trump really have all the answers for the Range or is this just part of a symbolic gambit in his “turn…
-
PBS NewsHour digs into Iron Range political dynamic
Last week I talked about the increased attention paid to the Iron Range amid Minnesota’s newfound treatment as a swing state. This week, much more of the same. Even as polls continue to show a consistent, significant lead for Joe Biden, media pontificators (and supporters of President Donald Trump) continue to argue a different narrative.…