Dear John,

We have seen things steadily escalate since Donald Trump’s inauguration and the last week they have accelerated.  Attacks on civil society are growing - from Harvard University’s tax status being threatened to news of Executive Orders in the works focusing on nonprofits and philanthropy. These attacks on civic infrastructure, along with the highly-visible and illegal disappearing of students and parents,, are strategies to scare us into submission. They are straight out of an authoritarian playbook. 

We must be clear-eyed that when we’re up against fascism, we need to strategize, be creative and act at levels able to beat it. That is not easy. None of us who have lived in this country our whole lives have done that before. And so I’m feeling compelled to find and share resources about people resisting and beating fascism throughout history and across the globe topush my mind to enter into a different strategic space. For me, that means going back to my experiences in Central America and particularly in Nicaragua, where my mom’s family is from and where I’ve been witnessing political repression from this playbook for the last six years via the experiences of loved ones. This moment feels overwhelming but it is not unprecedented and we have our own playbooks to draw from as we write new moves together. 

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

1. Donald Trump sidesteps the Supreme Court’s 9-0 Ruling

Our Judicial branch is doing their job: hold the Trump administration accountable for illegal actions. The Trump administration has opted to challenge the judiciary in order to continue their illegal, inhuman and undemocratic treatment of immigrants across the United States. As a whole, the Trump administration is facing more than 200 legal challenges to its policies and they’re resisting complying with the orders. Let’s be clear: The Trump administration has no intention of complying with the courts.

2. Maryland Sen. Van Hollen meets with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador amid court fight over US return
  

Senator Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to check on the wellbeing of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, Sen. Van Hollen’s constituent, who was wrongfully deported. Senator Van Hollen, who was initially denied entry to the El Salvador prison, has met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador as his Garcia’s lawyers continue to fight the Trump administration to follow court orders to facilitate his return to the U.S. Representatives who wish to visit the prison to fight for their constituents must fight to gain entry while Christy Noem, the Secretary of Defense, can utilize the prison as a backdrop for her videos where she cosplays as an ICE agent. ​​

3. Union health care workers in Rochester get big wage wins, limits on overtime

Mayo Clinic, while a leader in health care, is notorious for blocking staff organizing for better work conditions through a union or policy change. That’s why this week’s announcement that workers organizing with SEIU Healthcare won major victories is an especially big deal and an inspiring testament to deep organizing, solidarity and commitment. At the St. Mary’s campus, they’ve won an increased wage of $20 for certified technicians, personal care attendants, patient escorts and maintenance workers, and other hospital staff. A win for health care workers is a win for patients. 

4. Minneapolis has a great music scene — but it needs to do better for performers

The Star Tribune published an article rating all of the Twin Cities' music venues, but an important piece of the conversation was left out: how venues treat performers. To fill in this missing piece, Twin Cities United Performers (TCUP) published an op-ed pointing out that while Minnesota has a long and rich history of artists like Prince and Lizzo, we must make changes to how performers are treated to foster that same magic for generations to come.

5. Tariff flip flops = chaos and uncertainty for Minnesota small businesses

Trump’s tariff plan is a reflection of the man himself: unpredictable, largely ineffective, and downright confusing. Small business owners across the country are experiencing the brunt of this confusion, unsure of the future of their businesses. A Minneapolis bike shop that sources materials from around the world, including the United States, fears how high the costs will soar for vital components solely made in Taiwan, Vietnam, and China. An Oronoco small business that sells baby products will have to shutter her business and take massive losses if the tariffs for China continue, even with the business’s efforts to budget for the increase. Our government, including our President, shouldn’t throw countless hardworking folks under the bus under the guise of ‘temporary pain’ as Trump says — this isn’t temporary pain for many small businesses, it’s bankruptcy. 

6. The Deadly Seriousness Behind Trump and Bukele’s “Joke”

There is an authoritarian convergence happening between Trump and his administration and El Salvador’s President, Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez, that is more than a mere joke. Bukele has marked his presidency in El Salvador by eroding the country’s democratic institutions — much like we are seeing Trump attempt to do in the United States. Nevertheless, while Bukele and Trump are standing arm and arm for facism, the people of El Salvador are not accepting Bukele’s authoritarianism and their efforts are a beacon for progressive movements globally. We can withstand rising authoritarianism when we stay vigilant, stand in solidarity together, and defend our democratic principles. 

7. DNC leaders stepping outside “business as usual” to get fellow Democrats to step-up

It’s clear the Democratic party needs to change to meet the moment and this sentiment isn’t being lost on top voices in the party. David Hogg, the DNC vice chair, has announced plans with his organization Leaders We Deserve to fund primary challengers for “ineffective, asleep-at-the-wheel” Democrats. 

8. Paris said au revoir to cars. Air pollution maps reveal a dramatic change.

For the last 20 years, Paris has undergone major physical transformation to remove the presence of cars throughout the iconic city and they’ve seen spectacular results. In areas that were once deep red, meaning there were high concentrations of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, now have dropped to less than 50% of what they were in 2005. Paris has seen this success because they’ve eliminated thousands of parking spaces, limited traffic, and introduced more bike paths and green spaces. The people of Paris breathe easier, literally, because the city took on aggressive climate policy that benefits the community as a whole.  

9. ‘A big Minnesota moment in New York’: The Met announces exhibition of late artist George Morrison

The Minnesota Museum of Art (The M) is partnering with The Met in New York to bring an exhibition on Minnesotan artist George Morrison. The show will focus on Morrison’s time in New York, and how it shaped his works. Seeing an Indigenous Minnesotan artist receive accolades for their immeasurable impact on American art is enough to make any Minnesotan proud. 

10. The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to dazzle the night sky beginning this week

The Lyrid meteor shower is a lovely opportunity for folks to turn to the skies and bask in the wonder of the world above us. The shower is supposed to be most visible on April 21st and 22nd, and all you need to enjoy it is the clear night sky.

That's a wrap!

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

Until next time,
 

Amanda Otero

Co-Executive Director