Dear John,

We hope you’re doing well. With the Iowa caucuses on Tuesday and the Senate trial of the President possibly reaching its conclusion, we’re at a crossroads. Either we fight to begin a new progressive era, or we settle for more of the same neoliberalism that has hurt all of us.

We’re in this for the long-haul. We kicked off our 2020 elections work in St. Paul and St. Cloud this week (and Duluth next Tuesday). Consider making a financial contribution today. Every dollar helps. As always, for reading and wrestling with us.

Here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week:

1. Iowa

As the campaigns sprint to the finish line in Iowa, the choice before us is increasingly clear: are we going to be afraid of our future or are we ready to dream boldly and fight to make those dreams reality? We know what side we’re on. #NotMeUs Read more in Slate.

2. Medicare for All

This is an important Twitter thread from Wendell Potter, head of Medicare for All NOW, about strategies the health insurance industry is using in an attempt to kill meaningful reform. Read and share this.

Also, check out our partners in Iowa, holding former Vice President Biden accountable this week for spreading lies about Medicare for All. Video here.

3. Big Pharma

We need our state to stop pharmaceutical corporations from killing people. We’re getting ready for a big legislative session taking on Big Pharma. This video explains why drug prices are so high in the United States. Watch and learn in less than two minutes.

4. Drumming Duck

Did you see the viral video of the duck drumming with his feet? Turns out, he lives in St. Paul with his human family. Read more and – if you have no idea what we’re talking about – watch the video in City Pages.

5. All Are Welcome Here

The inn is not full in Minnesota. This commentary in the Minnesota Reformer puts the right-wing debate about refugee resettlement in an important, and eye-opening historical context. Read it here (and add the Minnesota Reformer daily newsletter to your morning routine).

6. Wealth Test

ICYMI: SCOTUS upheld Trump’s policy to enforce a wealth test for immigrants. This is shameful. A harm to one is a harm to all. Let’s be clear—the goal of these racist policies are always the same: undermine the role of government and slash public programs to benefit corporations and billionaires. Learn more.

7. Grammys

Missed Sunday’s award show? Check out highlights in this short video.

8. Kobe Bryant

All week, people have been mourning the deaths of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people – and wrestling with Kobe’s legacy. Read this essay in The Nation, remembering Kobe’s greatness and his flaws, and check out these photos from the impromptu memorial in LA outside the Staples Center. 

9. Brexit

Today’s the day: at 11:00 p.m. tonight in London, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. But no one quite knows what the means. Catch up on the history of Brexit – and the complications it still poses.

10. Queso

As a former Texan who forgot about the Super Bowl until this morning, I (Patrick) unequivocally endorse this article and recipe. Don’t make your queso fancy. Read more here.

(I look forward to reading your angry emails.)

That’s a wrap. Have a great weekend.

-- Kenza Hadj-Moussa and Patrick Burke