Dear John,

We’re on the precipice of something big. Can you feel it?

This past week, not only did voters in Hennepin County resoundingly reelect Representative Ilhan Omar, but voters across the state – in Duluth, Minneapolis, and in St. Paul where we both live – backed progressive challengers to longtime state legislators.

But it’s not just in electoral politics; we know elections lag behind real social change.

In the last couple years, we’ve walked the picket line with striking workers and demanded cops stop policing students. We’ve rediscovered mutual aid and worked to shelter our neighbors. We’ve stood up against police brutality and white supremacists. We’ve dared to reimagine community safety, and we’re closer than ever to real climate change solutions and a true universal health care system.

I (Patrick) am not saying any of this has been easy, nor am I trying to minimize the very real suffering so many of our neighbors are experiencing right now. But I know when I joined TakeAction in the fall of 2018, almost none of this seemed possible.

And yet it happened. You made it happen.

Today is my last day at TakeAction, and writing this introduction is one of the last things I’m doing before I head out the door. In a couple weeks, I’ll be starting a graduate program in Labor Studies through the University of Massachusetts.

I want to thank you – yes you – for reading these weekly newsletters. When Kenza asked me to join her in writing these a year and a half ago, I had no idea how much I would enjoy putting them together. Searching for these articles and cute pet videos has become one of the highlights of my week.

Don’t worry – the news digest is not going anywhere. Kenza will continue sending them out on Friday afternoons with the help of some special guest contributors. And I hope you keep reading and sending her what you’ve been enjoying.  

Buy some stamps. Unionize your workplace. And keep going. We’re winning.

For one last time…

Here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to:

1. Women in Politics

Women won primaries. Women of color won primaries. This fall, we can look forward to a record number of women of color in the U.S. House of Representatives -- and Kamala Harris as VP. Check it out in Vox.

2. Action Prescribed 

TakeAction’s first podcast is out now on iTunes. Listen to our series on rising prescription drug prices, and what we can do about them. Reviews are appreciated! Let us know what you think. Listen here on Apple Podcasts.

3. Save USPS

Every day, it becomes increasingly clear that the Trump administration is sabotaging the U.S. Postal Service and interfering in the election. Internal documents from May show an intentional plan to slow mail processing. Read the report in Vice.

Want to join the campaign to save the post office? Check out the American Postal Workers’ Union website for a tool kit and to learn more.

4. Pramila Jaypal

Rep. Pramila Jayapal is an activist who was elected to Congress and is now one of the co-chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. She’s navigates the tension between organizing and legislating day, sitting with the challenges of compromise. Read this thoughtful interview with her in New York Magazine.

5. National Black Convention

Drawing inspiration from the first National Black Congress in 1972, the Movement for Black Lives is hosting its huge national convention in August. Read about it in ColorLines.

6. Meteor Showers

The sky reminds us that all of us and everything is connected. Don’t miss the meteor showers lighting up the sky in August. Find out how to watch them on CNET.

7. Expand the Electorate

This year is the 100^th anniversary of the 19^th amendment, and the fight for voting rights for teenagers is growing. There’s no question in our minds that the generation facing a lifetime of climate change and student debt, who are already fighting for racial and social justice should have the right to vote. Read more in Teen Vogue.

8. Ed Markey

Yesterday, Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, who is facing a primary challenge from Rep. Joe Kennedy, released what may be the best political ad we’ve ever seen. Come for the reframing of the role of government. Stay for the subtle dig at his primary opponent. Watch it on Twitter.

9. Nice White Parents

One week and two podcast recommendations from us. Nice White Parents, from the New York Times, looks at our public schools and the way they cater to white parents – even when white students aren’t present. I (Patrick) couldn’t stop listening. Check it out in the New York Times or wherever you listen to podcasts.

10. Birds

Instead of a cute dog or cat video, this week we’re leaving you with a video about a bird… a truly terrifying bird. Watch it on Twitter.

That’s a wrap.

-- Kenza Hadj-Moussa & Patrick Burke