Dear John,


Facing mounting political pressure, economic instability, and human suffering—both at home and abroad—this week’s news lays bare a common thread: the urgent need to protect what is right and just. From Minnesota workers on the brink of losing basic sick leave protections, to thousands of children at risk as federal childcare funding hangs by a thread, the message is clear: our most vulnerable communities are being attacked.

Amidst all of this, what carries us through is our refusal to give in. It’s us everyday people, as we continue to resist and demand accountability, who unequivocally affirm the value of every person’s dignity. We will not be erased, in all of our diverse brilliance, and we will not stop until the rules that govern our society also affirm this truth.

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

1. 6 Senate DFL-ers Joined the GOP in Passing Carve Outs to Earned Sick & Safe Time
In 2023, Minnesota did the right thing by passing Earned Safe and Sick Time (ESST) for all workers in the state. On Tuesday, the Minnesota Senate passed amendments to take ESST away from over 110,000 workers who have been earning and using Earned Sick and Safe Time for 16 months now, for no other reason than the size of their employer. In doing so, they sent a clear, troubling message: some workers count less than others. Luckily, the fight is far from over. The Minnesota House and Governor Tim Walz now have a critical opportunity and a responsibility to do what the Senate would not: stand up for universal, common-sense protections and reject these harmful carveouts. Contact your legislators to fight for Minnesota families and protect ESST and PFML.
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2. I’m a Veteran Organizer From Hungary. Here Are My Lessons for the Trump Era.
Bernadett Sebály has dealt with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his authoritarian regime taking power and keeping it in Hungary. The parallels to our struggles here stateside aren’t too different – a flailing liberal party that continually promises change while leaving the same people in power year in and year out. The grievances folks hold toward our government are deep, and the Democratic party has failed to engage with that in a meaningful enough way to warrant people’s trust. This fight back against authoritarianism is a long one, as made clear by Hungary’s experience, and it will take consistent organizing and diligent work to dismantle the Trump regime.
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3. More than 12,000 Minnesota kids could lose child care if Trump administration cuts Head Start
Head Start, a federal program that has had bipartisan support as recently as last year, is on the chopping block in Trump’s budget. These potential cuts from the Trump admin show the complete lack of care and understanding that Trump and his cronies have for the programs that support everyday families. Whether they cut Head Start or other equally important programs, the impact on our kids will be dire.
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4. What an Iowa Farmer Fears About the Trade War
Soybean farmers are being deeply affected by Trump’s trade war, experiencing firsthand what poorly thought out policy does to the hardworking folks that keep our country running. These tariffs will hurt folks who do some of the hardest work to keep us fed and our country running — and now they’re stuck in limbo because Donald Trump only cares about lining the pockets of his billionaire friends.
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5. The West’s shameful silence on Gaza
Western powers continue to let the desecration of human life and dignity in Gaza continue as we watch advocates for Palestine be punished by the Trump regime. The U.S. and its allies must break their silence, demand an immediate end to the siege, and push for a permanent ceasefire. We know what is right and so do our leaders — every minute we fail to act increases the loss of life.
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6. Surprising to none: Minnesota’s Charter Schools Cost the State $1 Billion and are Largely Mismanaged
Recently released records from the Minnesota Department of Education on Minnesota’s charter schools paint a clear picture of a deep mismanagement of our state’s charter schools. These schools are breaking the rules by directly violating open meeting laws, conflict of interest provisions, and required reviews. These actions hurt children in our state who deserve a quality education in a system that is transparent and has an administration that doesn’t actively violate rules to benefit their own wellbeing.
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7. Opinion: CEOs to state leaders: Invest in early learning now to prevent future budget hits
Research has shown early education is vital for our children’s future success. While this is the right thing to do, it also makes business sense according to some Minnesota CEOs. When children receive support early on, they’re less likely to fall behind later in life and cost taxpayers more through things like unemployment, social services, or healthcare. Our children are our future, and we can make that a bright one in Minnesota by investing in their early education.
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8. Minnesota Supreme Court: Female breasts are not lewd or inherently sexual and can be exposed in public
Freeing the nipple isn’t exactly top of mind these days but, nevertheless, this is a win for women in Minnesota and combats the stigmatization of female breasts as inherently sexual. This updates Minnesota’s precedents of indecent exposure which had included female breasts as ‘private parts’ to now recognize them as men’s have been for centuries.
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9. Inside the Met Gala: Under a petal-filled sky, guests honor Black style, hail a ‘monumental night'
We are celebrating the Met Gala’s decision to highlight Black culture and dandyism and its inherent influence on fashion and American culture.
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10. Mexican Pride on the West Side
In St. Paul, the community gathered for a multi-day Cinco de Mayo celebration of Mexican car culture, food, music, and more. In a time when so many of our diverse communities’ existences are under attack, celebrating in big ways is critical for stopping erasure.
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And that’s a wrap!

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

Until next time,

Amanda Otero
Co-Executive Director



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