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Articles by Ben MacKenzie
Visitor Levy — Overnight Success?
New discretionary powers for mayors and local leaders to introduce visitor levies have created sector controversy. Has the charge worked in pilot locations or has the ‘tourist tax’ outstayed its welcome? While legal challenges postpone wider government devolution plans, the proposal for local strategic authorities to have the power to introduce local accommodation levies has had a decidedly mixed reception.
Legislators: Prioritize funding to support the students and schools who need it most
After a school year unlike any other, there is a familiar degree of uncertainty as Minnesota teachers, schools and districts prepare to plan for next year with the recently agreed upon budget framework of the Legislature’s education bill. As often happens, our legislative leaders have asked for more time to complete an education budget.
Legislators: Prioritize funding to support the students and schools who need it most
Community Voices features opinion pieces from a wide variety of authors and perspectives. (Submission Guidelines) 1 min ago REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson After a school year unlike any other, there is a familiar degree of uncertainty as Minnesota teachers, schools and districts prepare to plan for next year with the recently agreed upon budget framework of the Legislature’s education bill. As often happens, our legislative leaders have asked for more time to complete an education budget.
NFL and Kneeling for the USA’s National Anthem
By Ben Mackenzie on February 11, 2019 Magazine Sport “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” Colin Kaepernick went from leading a team to the Superbowl, and being a well-respected quarterback in the NFL, to the most talked about and controversial player in last decade. Recently, he has now become the new face of Nike’s latest ‘Just do it’ advert. It becomes even more significant, given it is the 30thyear edition.
#HOUvMIN US Open Cup Game Thread – FiftyFive.One
When? – 7:30 p.m. CDT, Monday, June 18 Where? – BBVA Compass Stadium How to Watch?
WCIS 154: From Russia With VAR – FiftyFive.One
We Call It Soccer has a new segment in which we discuss everyone’s favorite international soccer tournament. We also bring you the latest from MLS and a round-up of where all the American domestic league tables stand. Go away and listen: You can subscribe to WCIS on the following platforms: Tags: MLS, NWSL, podcast, Two United Fans, USL, USMNT, USWNT, We Call It Soccer, worldcup
A North Fan's Guide to Rooting for the World Cup – FiftyFive.One
As FIFA’s World Cup kicks off this week, the attention of the world will turn to Russia. 1.6 Billion people will cheer for their own nation, but the remaining 5 billion and change have a choice on their hands. Some will root for the land of their ancestors. Others will root for a random team. “But Fifty-Five-One,” you ask, “who should I, the discerning sports fan of the upper Midwest, root for?” Whomever you like gentle reader reader, you should root for whomever you like.
Glory, Defeat, and Pepper Spray: Minnesota in the U.S. Open Cup – FiftyFive.One
To celebrate the entry of Minnesota United FC into the 2018 Open Cup this Wednesday, I’m re-posting an article I compiled for Northern Pitch back in 2015, where I and some longtime fans shared our memories of the U.S. Open Cup. The highs of pulling incredible upsets, the lows of being upset ourselves, the agony of encounters with rent-a-cops; it’s all here. Being from Rochester, I still remember watching the ESPN sports center update on the Rhinos winning the cup in 1999.
Kickstarter >> The Blockchain Game: Cryptocurrency made easy (and fun!) by Bec Lloyd & Ben Mackenzie
About Confused by cryptocurrency? We've got just the game for you! We were inspired by the complicated, confusing and volatile world of virtual money. A world we could just ignore… But, we want to understand! We want to have some! We want to look intelligent at parties! We’ve done the hard work to make things sound simple. We've created a fast, funny, futuristic card game to play with your mates. We’ve played it, we’ve changed it, we’ve even binned it and started over.
Minnesotan Sean Boyle & US Paralympic National Team Take on the World [Championships] – FiftyFive.One
Read my longer profile of Sean Boyle and his journey to the 2016 Paralympics here. When we spoke last, Sean Boyle didn’t know what was next. He was off to play in the 2016 Paralympics for the United States and that feat was already overwhelming. But he had college to catch up on and the rest of his life to figure out. A year later, I call up Sean as he trains at Barcelona’s academy in Casa Grande, Arizona. Since our last conversation, he admits he hasn’t played much soccer.
Report: Scottish Winger Sam Nicholson Set to Sign With Minnesota United – FiftyFive.One
Heart of Midlothian winger Sam Nicholson is finally poised for a move to Minnesota United as Jeff Rueter reports he has made up his mind to make the MLS switch. When we last spoke, Nicholson had returned to Scotland after traveling to Minnesota and meeting with the club. There was reported interest from a bevy of clubs, among them: Barnsley, Bristol City, Rangers, and Aberdeen. However, Nicholson was eventually won over by the Loons’ pitch.
Match Preview: Minnesota United FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes – FiftyFive.One
The two clubs last squared off in the 2012 US Open Cup, as a lone Steven Lenhart goal sent the Earthquakes to the quarterfinals and the then-Minnesota Stars packing. Looking back even further, the Minnesota Thunder met the Quakes in the quarterfinals of the 2004 tournament, sending the game to extra time but ultimately falling in a heartbreaking 5-4 penalty shootout.
Why teachers like me support Secretary King’s proposed Title I rules
Last December, after years of delays and gridlock, Congress stepped up and passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), a bipartisan bill outlining the federal role in education policy going forward. Ever since the President signed ESSA into law, education advocates have wondered whether the legislation will indeed ensure that every student succeeds. That debate will continue this week, when the U.S. House Subcommittee discusses the Department’s proposed Title I spending rules under ESSA.
How teaching portfolios grow skilled teachers
As articles, op-eds, and radio programs have announced recently, the Minnesota Board of Teaching is under fire. The board’s refusal to implement the alternate forms of teacher licensure, as required by state law, has been criticized from nearly every outpost in local education circles.
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