Dear John,

This week's narrative revolves around the intertwined themes of childcare, education, and the youth population in Minnesota. Spanning from the Minnesota legislature's recent decision to withhold funding for childcare services this session to contentious debates within school boards and the critical role of mental health support in our educational institutions, we delve into the daily realities faced by numerous families and young individuals across the state. Through these stories, we confront the challenges and envision pathways towards a brighter tomorrow for Minnesota's next generation.

Here's what we're reading, watching, and listening to this week.

1. Rideshare in the Twin Cities 

With news that Uber and Lyft are planning to pull their service from Minneapolis soon, drivers are working toward forming their own co-op and rideshare service. 

2. The childcare crisis in Minnesota

The results of a recent study from the Minneapolis Fed underscore the central crisis of childcare in capitalism: there is no free market solution that provides what all young kids need and deserve.

3. #mnleg inaction on childcare

My wife and I pay about 50% of our annual family income for child care. That’s many multiples of the 7% that the federal government (and the state of Minnesota) deems as ‘affordable,’” wrote Nicole Graf in a commentary for the MN Reformer.Thousands of Minnesota families are struggling to stay afloat amidst soaring childcare costs. Despite the pressing need, the Minnesota legislature allocated $0 for affordable childcare this year. 

4. Anoka-Hennepin school board members attaack racial and gender equity programs

Three Anoka-Hennepin school board members backed by conservative parents' rights groups are withholding approval for the district's budget in an effort to block ‘divisive’ racial and gender equity programs Legal mandates require many of these programs. Blocking them risks district funding and the academic success of students – particularly in a district where over 40% of students are students of color.

5. Free mental health servies in schools 

The accessibility of mental health therapy within Minnesota's public schools has significantly increased since 2000, with over half of students now having access to these services. A recent study indicates that embedding therapists in schools may have saved lives, evidenced by a 15% decrease in suicide attempts across Hennepin County schools that implemented school-based mental health programs. These resources are crucial as they provide vital support to students, especially those from marginalized communities, and help address mental health concerns early on, potentially preventing more severe outcomes. 

6. Young people and gun violence in Minnesota

In the three years from 2021-2023, people ages 18-24 made up 21.8% percent of gun violence victims in Minnesota – but only 8.8% of the state’s population.

7. Australia refusing to grant Palestinians visitor visas

While Palestinians continue to face the horrors of a genocide, Australia is refusing to grant Palestinians visitor visas out of a concern that they’ll stay permanently. This is not how we should show up for each other in a crisis.

8.  Lesbians of the Black Panther Party 

Black queer women have been at the forefront of many movements in history. Check out this Instagram post that highlights the lesbians of the Black Panther Party!

9. Will the 19 Bar survive?

A garbage truck accident caused a fire that gutted the 19 Bar, Minneapolis's oldest gay bar, risking its survival amidst neighborhood changes. This interesting piece dives a little into community spots facing challenges like gentrification and fires over the years and the community efforts that aim to revive cherished establishments.

10. New Taylor Swift album

Taylor Swift dropped her new album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ today, and as a certified Swiftie myself, I've been looking forward to giving it a listen!

And that's a wrap!

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

Until next time,

Ayanna Lee (they/she)
Digital Manager