Dear John,
I’m thrilled to introduce you to Ayanna Lee, our new Digital Manager. Ayanna started organizing in high school around gun violence prevention and climate action. Look for creative videos and other content from them in 2024!
Ayanna and I are writing to you this week with several big Minnesota stories – from Minnesota cities calling for Ceasefire and Allina doctors unionizing, to new state standards for ethnic studies and another championship title for the UMN dance team.
We hope you’re staying warm. Looks like next week we’ll be back to double digit temperatures. Phew!
Here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week:
1. Ceasefire resolutions
This week, City Council Members in Hastings, Minnesota unanimously approved a resolution urging President Biden to call for a Ceasefire in Gaza, joining dozens of cities across the U.S. who have passed similar resolutions. Next week, Minneapolis City Council will finalize and vote on its own resolution. Read this op-ed by Jewish residents in Minneapolis on why cities must speak up now. If you live in Minneapolis, send a message to Mayor Frey and your Council Member on why you support the resolution.
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2. Billionaire buying up properties in Duluth
Kathy Cargill is buying what she calls “pieces of crap” and tearing them down – as Duluth residents face a housing crisis. This news got our blood boiling.
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3. Doctors unionizing
2024 is going to be a big year for labor organizing. I (Laura) love that it’s starting with this victory for doctors unionizing in Minnesota.
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4. Affordable Rx drugs
The first appointments have now been made to Minnesota’s new Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), which will review high-cost drugs in Minnesota and set limits on what patients pay at the pharmacy. The PDAB was a major win last legislative session, and Big Pharma is already gearing up to protect its profits. I (Laura) hope that the board tackles this new (and ridiculously expensive) drug for postpartum depression.
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5. Free PCR testing is back
Recently, The Covid Aware Twin Cities Network asked for community testimonials on why PCR testing should be free to submit to the Minnesota Department of Health and they received over 100 submissions. With the help of these testimonials, the MDH has decided to resume PCR community testing sites this month. Keep an eye out for more information on testing sites.
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6. Keith Ellison is DELIVERING
The Attorney General’s office has been busy defending workers against wage theft and holding big oil accountable for spreading disinformation about climate change. Things could have been a lot different if Ellison’s opponent, a climate denier, had won the election. 😬
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7. Ethnic studies standards
Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, students will dive deeper into Indigenous history, resistance movements, and critical thinking thanks to new social studies standards in Minnesota. Students of color, Indigenous leaders, teachers, and parents have been pushing for these standards since 2020, fighting back against fear mongering from rightwing organizations like the Center for the American Experiment.
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8. Six challenges in the year ahead.
A motivating, clear-eyed piece on how we can respond powerfully, together, as we face fascism, genocide in Gaza, and another pivotal election in 2024.
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9. Taqueria feeds families
This restaurant provided for their community and when the restaurant was in danger, the community provided for them.
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10. UMN dance team
The University of Minnesota dance team just won their 22nd nationals title. (Wow.) Their jazz routine gave me goosebumps!
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That’s a wrap!
Send us what you’re reading, watching, and listening to.
In solidarity,
Ayanna Lee (they/she)
Digital Manager
Laura Proescholdt (she/her)
Digital Strategist
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