Dear John,

There are important voices in this week’s News Digest. It’s a week of bold truth-telling in the face of overt and horrifying acts of violence and oppression – and also in the face of the subtle, pernicious work of corporate greed and grinding bureaucracy.

We are heading into the final weeks of what is being nationally celebrated as a model season of progressive legislative victories.

It’s a powerful time to let ourselves be pushed and inspired by the people - NBA stars, NYTimes bestselling authors and TakeAction leaders alike who are using their words and actions courageously towards their visions and hopes for a better world for all of us.

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

1. "Hey, MN Senate, pass paid sick time (and __ and ___)"
“Minnesota is a state where we care about our kids, families and communities, but without paid sick days, we are falling short.” TakeAction Minnesota leader, Bree, shares her story about having to work as a server when she was sick before paid sick days became policy in Duluth, how the policy is working in her city and why paid sick and safe time should be made law for the whole state.

2. Writers' Strike

Comic and writer Matt Conover spoke the truth about the TV writers’ strike on CNN this week - media CEOs are making massive salaries while the creative workers struggle.

3. Making people uncomfortable can now get you killed

Roxane Gay says it plainly and painfully in this New York Times opinion piece about the killings of Ralph Yearl, Kaylin Gillis, Travonsha Ferguson, Jordan Neely, and heartwrenchingly - many more.

“We have to ask the uncomfortable questions: Why are men so afraid? Why are they so fragile that they shoot or harm first and ask questions later? Why do they believe death or injury is an appropriate response to human fallibility? Public life shared with terrified and/or entitled and/or angry and/or disaffected men is untenable. We are at something of an impasse. The list of things that can get you killed in public is expanding every single day.”

4. Supreme Co(urt)rruption

The stories keep coming about ethics issues for Supreme Court justices. Listen to this podcast episode about the private jet rides and real estate purchases made for Justice Clarence Thomas.

And how about the over $10 million in commissions that Chief Justice John Roberts’ wife made as a recruiter for elite law firms?

5. Cop City Primer

 Atlanta Organizer Micah Herskind gives an in-depth primer on the Stop Cop City struggle in Scalawag magazine, which is dedicated to reporting on fights for liberation in the South.

6. What we refused to learn from the pandemic

Theologian and Poor People’s Campaign Co-Chair Liz Theoharis reflects on recovery and community as we approach the Biden administration’s end to the Covid-19 public health emergency - and the impact on the policies attached to it. “In order to fully recover, we must first recover the society that has made us sick.”

7. Yes, there is another Minneapolis election this year

Check out this MinnPost analysis of the current City Council members’ votes and what they say about the current political alignments on the council.

8. When will we stop giving fatphobia and abuse a pass

The celebrity fashion-fest Met Gala was this week. The event this year honored the work of Karl Lagerfeld, who viciously slammed women who came forward about predatory behavior. Read model Sara Ziff’s call to action to enact systemic change in the industry.  

9. Art students vs. DeSantis

Bills are advancing in Florida’s Republican-controlled legislature that would prohibit entire fields of study, including race and gender studies, as well as spending on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Florida high school and university students are getting organized and pushing back. As art student and activist, Alejandro González, shares, “I doubt that most of my generation, and possibly millennials, will ever forgive or forget these measures.”

10. Giannis

Ok, we are not the sports-iest people, so we know this clip may be old news at this point, but it’s worth sharing again. ICYMI, watch NBA champ Giannis Antetokounmpo rebuke a reporter’s question about failure.

And that’s a wrap!

Send us what you’re reading, watching, and listening to.

Until next time,

Katie Blanchard (she/her)
Basebuilding Director

Jessica Zimmerman (she/her)
Development Director