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Fed recognizes need for economic recovery

At this point in the economy’s recovery from COVID-19, the concern needs to be stagnation, not inflation. Good for Federal Reserve officials for recognizing that. Central banks are looked to for help in situations such as that facing the economy today. By holding down interest rates, they can prime recovery pumps. Low interest rates in the United States are a legacy of the “Great Recession.” Unfortunately, just as it seemed American businesses had roared back into action, with historically low unemployment rates, the coronavirus epidemic hit. Mass closures and slowdowns in the ...

Opposing sides in the controversy over building the Enbridge Line 3 oil pipeline across northern Minnesota seem more concerned with how the issue will play out politically rather than any reasoned concern for jobs and the environment. Senate Republicans recently grilled Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelly on his decision to appeal a court decision. That appeal will further delay the project, which still faces permit requirements from several other agencies. Kelly, a Democrat, decided to appeal the decision with the backing of Gov. Tim Walz. But the issue tends to split Democrats among ...

Americans will emerge from pandemic stronger than ever

Too many of our family members, friends, neighbors and in some cases, former co-workers are in trouble this Labor Day for the holiday to be a time of carefree celebration. Plenty of room remains for pride in what working men and women accomplish, however. Reflecting upon it gives us reason for optimism, in fact. Last Labor Day, we Americans were riding on top of the world. The U.S. unemployment rate was just 4.8%. Nothing could stop us. Six months ago we received a rude awakening. COVID-19 not only stopped us — it shoved us backward. At the peak of the business slowdown linked to ...

Short Takes

College students putting bars at risk THUMBS DOWN: Some of our college students are putting some of our bars and restaurants in a tough spot by not practicing public safety rules. One bar owner had to shut his doors early last weekend because students wouldn’t stop crowding together. Bar owners have a right to be concerned. State regulators sent emails to them warning of compliance checks at bars and restaurants. Of course that puts the burden on these owners to make sure employees and customers are complying with social distancing and wearing masks. Lesson 101 for college ...

Don’t let virus take over through neglect

We know people get tired of the coronavirus restrictions. People want to see their families and friends. They are tired of wearing masks all the time. They are tired of keeping a six-foot distance from others. They are sick of waving to grandkids or grandparents through a Zoom window. But we can’t allow all that to bring our guards down when it comes to COVID-19. Over the weekend, the number of COVID-19 cases in Brown County jumped from 112 cases on Friday to 132 cases as of Tuesday. That’s an 18 percent increase, and while the number of cases remains relatively low compared to ...

Senate Republicans, Walz must work together to end state of emergency

Sadly, Minnesotans this past month saw just how petty some of their legislators can be when they don’t get their way. The Republican-led Senate, while convened in the August special session, made a stunning 34-32 vote to reject the confirmation of Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Nancy Leppink. While a few key Senate Republicans tried to spin the decision as dissatisfaction with her performance over the past 19 months, the reality is this was purely a political play. Witness House minority leader Rep. Kurt Daudt, a key Republican, who tweeted “Looks like ...