Zach Courtney

Zach Courtney, Columnist

Zach graduated in May of 2022 from the University of Minnesota with a BA in political science. Since then, he has been enrolled in the University’s masters of education/initial licensure program in social studies education. Since he joined the opinions desk in January 2021, he has focused his columns on politics. Some of his favorite things to do are play music—he was a three-year member of the Pride of Minnesota—and play, coach or watch soccer.

All content by Zach Courtney

Courtney: The case for Marianne Williamson

by Zach Courtney
Published April 20, 2023

The progressive alternative to President Joe Biden is worth a serious look.

Courtney: The Supreme Court is broken. Can we fix it?

by Zach Courtney
Published April 3, 2023

I don’t know. But I have some ideas to try.

Courtney: We need to fully fund our schools

by Zach Courtney
Published March 1, 2023

Superintendent of Forest Lake Area Schools Steve Massey discusses the state of school funding.

Courtney: How can we help ease the shortage of sports officials

by Zach Courtney
Published February 24, 2023

The answer starts with being nicer to officials.

Courtney: A look into the issue of underpaid prison labor

by Zach Courtney
Published February 16, 2023

Prison inmates are humans too.

Courtney: Should we let our children play tackle football?

by Zach Courtney
Published February 9, 2023

This question doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

Courtney: So, where are the deficits?

by Zach Courtney
Published February 3, 2023

The DFL-led Minnesota Legislature has a $17.6 billion surplus to work with. Here’s how it should be spent.

Courtney: The myth of moderacy

by Zach Courtney
Published January 26, 2023

Are my politics truly extreme?

Courtney: Thanks, Bill

by Zach Courtney
Published August 5, 2022

In response to today’s economy and crime, we should be thanking former President Bill Clinton, not Obama, Trump or Biden.

Courtney: We need to create a pro-children country in a post-Roe reality

by Zach Courtney
Published August 5, 2022

Featuring a conversation with First Focus on Children’s President, Bruce Lesley.

Courtney: Rick Scott said the quiet part out loud. We should listen.

by Zach Courtney
Published July 19, 2022

The Republican senator from Florida accidentally said what he (and much of the GOP) believes. Will it hurt their electoral chances this fall?

Courtney: I read the Dobbs decision so you don’t need to

by Zach Courtney
Published July 8, 2022

The words that came across my Twitter feed two weeks ago still make me quiver: “Held: The Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; Roe and Casey are overruled; and the authority to regulate...

Courtney: What statistics best show the economy’s health?

by Zach Courtney
Published June 23, 2022

No matter where you fall politically, you have stats to prove the economy is doing well or poorly.

Courtney: The war on journalism

by Zach Courtney
Published June 18, 2022

The Fourth Estate is crucial to our democracy. We need to do more to ensure it prevails.

The Democrats need to look themselves in the mirror.

by Zach Courtney
Published April 21, 2022

The Democrats appear likely to lose in the midterms. But why?

Courtney: What happened to health care?

by Zach Courtney
Published April 11, 2022

A main topic of the 2020 Democratic primaries–health care– seems to have vanished from the public discourse in Washington. Why might this be?

Courtney: The case for democracy

by Zach Courtney
Published March 29, 2022

How we can build a democracy before we lose our democracy.

Courtney: Child poverty soaring under Biden and the Democrats

by Zach Courtney
Published February 20, 2022

As Biden and the Democrats allow the Child Tax Credit expansion to lapse, millions of children have fallen back into poverty

Courtney: We should pay our politicians more.

by Zach Courtney
Published February 10, 2022

A few small changes to our politicians’ incentives would ensure they work for us all, not just the wealthy.

Courtney: Biden’s first year in review, and a creative look ahead to year two

by Zach Courtney
Published February 8, 2022

Where Biden succeeded, where he failed and what to do before the midterms.

Courtney: Why are our memories so bad?

by Zach Courtney
Published January 27, 2022

Over the last few weeks, American politics has driven me nuts. I’ll touch on just a few examples of a specific pet peeve I have.

The Daily Discourse with Zach and Matt : Episode 6

by Zach Courtney and Matthew Doty
Published November 15, 2021

Zach Courtney: Hello, and welcome to another edition of the Daily Discourse with Zach and Matt. I'm Zach. Matt Doty: And I’m Matt. Zach: We have a great show prepared for you all today and...

Courtney: An unlearned lesson from the pandemic

by Zach Courtney
Published October 28, 2021

Why are we so quick to run away from Zoom?

Courtney: The case against means testing

by Zach Courtney
Published October 14, 2021

Why politicians and voters alike need to resist the urge to means test.

Courtney: Quit playing games

by Zach Courtney
Published October 6, 2021

A look into the debt ceiling crisis.

The Daily Discourse : Episode 3

by Matthew Doty and Zach Courtney
Published October 4, 2021

Zach Courtney: Hello, and welcome to the first episode this fall of The Daily Discourse with Zach and Matt. I am one of your hosts, Zach Courtney, and... Matt Doty: I am your other...