Dear John,

This week's stories cover a diverse range of topics, from the cost of childcare and groceries to school budget cuts and the curious case of Minnesota holding a confederate battle flag hostage. With so many engaging and thought-provoking pieces to choose from, we hope you'll find some time to join us as we get into this week's Digest.

On Monday, we'll be at the Capitol for our Childcare Lobby Day, and we'd be thrilled to have you join us! Our team will equip you to meet with your state elected officials, share your personal experiences with affordable childcare, and advocate for the passage of the Great Start Affordability Program to ensure accessible childcare for families across Minnesota. There will also be a bonus rally, story time with lawmakers, and a Bluey-themed scavenger hunt, so don't forget to bring the whole family along! Join us in person or follow along on our social media channels.

Let's dive right in! Here's what we're reading, watching, and listening to this week.


How to find childcare without losing my mind
Here's a thoughtful article addressing the challenges faced by a parent grappling with the daunting task of finding childcare and the feelings of envy and frustration towards those who seem to have it easier. Lauren Smith Brody offers a reassuring perspective:“It’s important to realize that the icky jealousy and bitterness about money you’re feeling is not a character flaw.” As we organize to change this system, we don’t need to feel bad about ourselves in the process.
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Gen Z “splurge” on groceries
I’d never thought I'd see someone seriously refer to buying groceries as a ‘splurge’ but here we are. Sigh. The high cost of groceries, in combination with things like rent and childcare are the reason so many of us live paycheck to paycheck.
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Rep. Ilhan Omar on holding elected officials accountable
It has become abundantly clear that many progressive voters have reservations about voting for Biden this upcoming election due to his lack of response to the genocide in Palestine.The uncommitted electoral strategy has been widespread and is about winning a permanent ceasefire and stopping a genocide. It's about us, our communities, and what we expect of our elected officials. Representative Ilhan Omar aptly captures this sentiment, stating, “I think it is the responsibility of every citizen of this country that cares for the humanity of all to continue to push this administration to do what it can do to end the onslaught that Palestinians are living through every single day.”
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South High students speak out about budget cuts
Check out the South High student newspaper all about the $2.8 million budget cut and the harm it's causing.
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Tenants’ rights legislation
The Minnesota Senate recently approved a comprehensive tenants’ rights bill, offering crucial protections like the right to organize, access to emergency services without fear of retaliation, and remedies for construction delays. However, the bill is encountering opposition from GOP senators who are making unfounded allegations about immigrants stealing homes through squatting.
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Sleep and racism
Over the past two decades, researchers and policymakers have focused on social factors like housing, racism, and pollution influencing health disparities, but recent studies highlight a significant omission: sleep. Poor sleep quality disproportionately affects marginalized communities, exacerbating existing health inequities, with factors like chronic stress, racism-induced rumination, and structural issues contributing to disparities.
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Frey responds to Minneapolis rideshare ordinance
The battle to boost the minimum wage for rideshare drivers rages on, with the Minneapolis City Council pushing back the ordinance's start date to July 1st to facilitate better coordination should Lyft and Uber follow through on their threats to depart. In response to the law's passage, Mayor Frey quipped, "Are we now planning on setting a minimum wage for every industry that comes forward?" Well, I certainly hope so!
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George Floyd Square
The city is announcing its future plans for George Floyd Square by the end of this year despite the community already nurturing this space for years now.
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Minnesota refuses to give back a confederate battle flag
If you need a reason to love living in Minnesota today, there’s this!
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Ojibwe cereal
Here is a really tasty breakfast using Manoomin (wild rice) and a few other simple ingredients!
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And that’s a wrap!

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

Until next time,

Ayanna Lee (they/she)
Digital Manager


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