Dear John,

“Our best protection is our unity and power.”

I’m thinking of Monarca’s words today as we steel ourselves for the days ahead, the fights to come. The fruits of community power are evident in Gender Justice’s recent win for trans rights in Minnesota. They are evident in the massive demonstrations held around the country last Saturday to protest authoritarian takeover. They are evident in the way our community is consistent in mobilizing to protect our immigrant neighbors. They are evident in union solidarity. They are evident in the work of our very own Duluth Tenants to pass a ballot measure empowering renters.

Election Day is under two weeks away — Minneapolis voters have the opportunity to demonstrate our power by electing a mayor that will work in support of these efforts, not against them. Duluth voters have the opportunity to band together to raise the standard for how renters are treated in Duluth. As our legislative allies write in one of this week’s featured op-eds, “our federal government is shut down. Our state Legislature is locked in a stalemate. In this moment where progress can feel out of reach, we’re drawing hope from renter-led organizing right here in Minnesota.”

I, too, draw encouragement from people-led movements, especially in a time when it feels our government is increasingly working against us. We are our own hope.

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

1. MPS teachers may strike

More than 800 parents from across the district have mobilized in support of shared demands with educators for smaller class sizes, resources for special education and English Language Learners, and fair pay for educators -- including ESPs and adult educators. District leadership has the power to avert a strike by delivering on these demands, and they failed to do so in mediation this week. Now, educators are taking a strike vote. Email the district to show your support for our educators!

2. ICE in Minneapolis

US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem will be in Minneapolis this evening holding a press conference about ICE operations in the Twin Cities. Unidos’ Moncarca Network shared the following alert: “Be on the lookout for increased federal activity. Self-organize w/ neighbors in Signal chats & stay aware. If you have deportation orders, past deportations, or a record, stay home or have a plan. Stay peaceful; our best protection is our unity & power." If you need to report ICE activity use Monarca's hotline at 612-441-2881. Monarca is also holding a solidarity rally TODAY from 4-6pm at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building.

3. MN Supreme Court rules in favor of trans athlete

The state Supreme Court ruled that USA Powerlifting’s discriminated against trans powerlifter JayCee Cooper when it refused to let her compete as a woman. Our friends at Gender Justice, who represented Cooper, said that “this decision is a historic victory for fairness, equity, and the fundamental rights of all Minnesotans.”

4. Duluth Right to Repair

In an op-ed published today, Minnesota legislators Lindsey Port, Liz Boldon, Esther Agbaje and Liish Kozlowski make the case for Right to Repair, a ballot initiative championed by TakeAction’s Duluth Tenants. Duluth residents — vote yes on Question 1 between now and Election Day!

5. Americans reject authoritarianism

“Unlike the protests during Trump’s first term, this one doesn’t see a savior in the FBI or even the Democratic Party, instead putting their faith in ordinary people like themselves,” writes journalist Ken Klippenstein about his experience at the Madison, WI No Kings protest last Saturday.            

6. DC venue workers unionize

Workers at Washington, DC music venues filed for a union this week, supported by UNITE HERE who organized workers at First Ave in Minneapolis in 2023. Over 300 artists and musicians, including TCUP members, signed a letter of solidarity.   

7. Health insurance premiums hit record high

“The average premium, which is roughly equivalent to the base price of a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek, grew by $1,408 compared with last year. And price growth is widely expected to be even more stark in 2026.”

8. MN food banks in dire situation

Food banks in the state are bracing for immense pressure that will come as a result of SNAP funding running out if the government shutdown continues. Counties like Olmsted are allocating money to support local food banks, but it likely won’t be enough.

9. Dems must abandon Israel talking points

77% of Democratic voters view the Israeli state negatively, and Democratic politicians like Pete Buttigieg and Cory Booker are learning the hard way that unwavering support for Israel’s actions is not a winning message.

10. Tour de France fights far-right turn

An intriguing and hopeful new study finds that hosting the Tour de France makes a city’s population less likely to adopt far-right political views.

That's a wrap!

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

Until next time,

Charlie Bartlett
TakeAction Member