Dear John,

As we wrap the week, we’re closely following the Minneapolis City Council budget process. In the first City budget since the murder of George Floyd, this should be the moment the city comes together to affirm a new path forward toward safety and justice.

The Safety for All plan brought forward by several City Councilors is the bare minimum of policy change: it invests in mental health response, violence prevention, and moves nonemergency reporting work out of MPD. The changes are not controversial but meaningful.

We urge all City Councilors to vote for the Safety for All budget and to stop MPD’s demands for a blank check 250% increase in overtime pay. More in the digest.

Lastly, if you haven’t already, take our winter COVID survey. We want to check in and hear how you’re doing.

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

1. Minneapolis Budget

Next week the Minneapolis City Council will pass the city’s first annual budget since the murder of George Floyd by ex-MPD officers. The Safety for All proposal is the bare minimum of policy change we can do this year and should not be controversial—we deserve a much bolder vision, like the life-affirming 2021 People’s Budget. Read this commentary by City Councilor Jeremiah Ellison and read our take.

2. Rural Solidarity

What will it take for Democrats to win rural voters? Find out in this smart analysis about how the Democratic Party – and all of us – can be in solidarity with rural communities. Check it out.

3. Billionaires

AOC’s thinking on concentrated wealth within our democracy is on par with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Read about it. 

4. Youth

When we fight, we win. Learn about the incredible youth who are suing for pandemic relief.    

5. Reverend Raphael Warnock

He’s running for Senate in Georgia. Read about his incredible experience as a sexual health educator.   

6. Climate Crisis

This is a somber, must-read in comic form about the impact of the climate crisis. See it. 

7. Climate Justice

TakeAction Minnesota Climate Organizer Magdalena was featured in Minnesota Women’s Press. Learn about their community work. 

8. Beavers

They’re back in Exmoor after more than 400 years. Yay! Read all about it.

9. Spotify

Everyone’s sharing their Spotify Wrapped. Jewel Ham is the intern that created the idea. Honor her. 

10. Go outside!!

This viral Twitter thread explains how to dress warmly for winter. Bookmark this!

That’s a wrap. 

--Kenza Hadj-Moussa & LyLy Vang-Yang