Dear John,

From the unionized workers at Hormel refusing to be exploited, to Minneapolis residents standing strong in allyship with immigrant communities being targeted by ICE, our top stories this week emphasize the impact of collective action in the face of oppressive powers. They also demonstrate the throughlines between organizing movements —the earned sick and safe time law, which passed in 2023 due to the efforts of local organizers, is now the basis upon which labor organizers are fighting for their rights in court. When faced with unrelenting abuse of power and a rising tide of fascism, seemingly small actions, when taken together, add up to big movements.

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


Hormel workers fight back
Last week, UFCW Local 633 which represents over 1,600 meatpacking workers in Austin, announced a class action lawsuit against Hormel Foods for allegedly violating Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law. TakeAction co-led the campaign to pass this law in 2023, and the union calls this lawsuit “the first of its kind.”
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City releases audit of Lake Street ICE raid in June
After federal agents launched an attack on Lake Street immigrant communities in June and were met with dozens of protesters, city councilors demanded an audit of the city’s response to the event, particularly the involvement of MPD. Troublingly, the audit found that no city policies were violated, causing many community members to call said policies into question.
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BlackRock is looking to seize control of northern MN’s electrical utilities – join our partners in saying no
Two private equity entities, one of which is a subsidiary of the massive asset management company BlackRock, are looking to acquire northern Minnesota’s main electric company Minnesota Power. This deal could have far-reaching implications for private equity ownership of utilities, and TakeAction partner organization CURE is calling on the public to email the Public Utilities Commission by 8/14 – click here to send yours!
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Trump has killed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which accounts for 15% of PBS’ annual funding, has announced it will be closing down by the end of the year after the White House gutted its funding in July. This move is in line with the administration’s hostility toward arts, culture, and journalism, and will have the biggest impacts on low-income and rural communities.
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Mercury pollution rises in MN lakes
Northern Minnesota lakes, including the Boundary Waters, are becoming increasingly contaminated with Mercury, a problem exacerbated by climate change and mining. The growing pollution will have an especially devastating impact on Native communities who rely heavily on subsistence fishing in the region.
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House committee issues subpoenas in Epstein investigation
In addition to ordering the Department of Justice to turn over the records of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking investigation, the House Committee on Oversight subpoenaed several high-profile figures with connections to Epstein this week, including Bill and Hillary Clinton. This follows significant public backlash after Trump backtracked on years of promises to make the Epstein files public.
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Childcare crisis escalates Minnesota
Childcare centers are continuing to shutter their doors due to lack of funds, and recent attacks on Head Start funding and operations by the Trump administration have left many eligible families without resources, which in turn impacts their classrooms.
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Keeping an eye on Minnesota special elections
After several legislative seats were unexpectedly left vacant this summer — including House seat 34B following the devastating murder of Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman in June — we’re set to tie our record for most legislative special elections in a year. Here’s what you need to know so far.
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American Eagle takes a page from the new conservative playbook
Why is everyone talking about a denim ad? Many folks have rightly criticized a new American Eagle ad featuring Sydney Sweeney for playing into white supremacist and eugenicist tropes, and right-wing figures (including the president) confirm they received the message loud and clear.
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A musical tribute to the Hortmans
As her district readies itself for a special election, we continue to remember and honor Melissa Hortman’s legislative legacy. On Wednesday, Melissa and Mark’s kids joined the hosts of The Current for a moving musical tribute to their parents — listen here.
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And that’s a wrap!

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

Until next time,

Charlie Bartlett
TakeAction Member



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