Dear John,
As you know, yesterday was the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic. Our lives have been affected in more ways than we could have ever imagined this time last year. Life has carried on, and we know there’s still enormous grief to process as we remember the loved ones we’ve lost.
On another note, so much of the news we’re focused on is local and national. Would you like to see a little more news from around the world in the digest? Let us know.
We hope you’re doing well.
Here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week:
1. George Floyd
Today, the City of Minneapolis reached a historic settlement with George Floyd’s family. But no trial, no amount of money can ever bring George Floyd back. We need a new approach to public safety. Read about the $27 million settlement in the Minnesota Reformer.
[link removed]
2. Minneapolis
As the community charts a new path forward on public safety, it’s worth the reminder that the Mayor, not the City Council, has complete control of MPD. Three pieces that caught our eyes this week: this New York Times article on MPD’s racism and use of force, this viral thread on the article by D.A. Bullock and this contextual thread from Council President Lisa Bender.
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
3. People’s Vaccine
For a full recovery from COVID-19, we need to ensure everyone is vaccinated. However, wealthy members of the World Trade Organization, including the United States, are blocking patent rights for vaccines. Read more on what organizers across the globe are doing about inequitable vaccine distribution.
[link removed]
4. Unions
This week, the U.S. House passed the PRO Act, sweeping legislation to boost unions and worker power in the United States. Of course, with the filibuster still in place, its chances of passing are harder in the Senate. Vox breaks down what’s in the PRO Act and why it matters.
[link removed]
5. Big Pharma
Imagine causing a national opioid epidemic that’s stolen thousands of lives for profit, paying for it in court, then getting a billion-dollar tax break. Learn about the unbridled corporate power of Big Pharma.
[link removed]
6. Breonna Taylor
Tomorrow marks the painful one-year anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s murder by Louisville police officers. Get to know Breonna through the eyes of her sister, Ju’Niyah, in this stirring and heart-wrenching essay.
[link removed]
7. Meghan Markle
Teen Vogue asks, if a Black princess isn’t safe in Britain, who is? Read this piece about anti-Blackness in the royal family.
[link removed]
8. Care Work
COVID-19 exposed our crumbling care infrastructure. Learn why care work is the work that makes all other work possible, and about the impact of the expanded child tax credit in the New Republic.
[link removed]
9. Stacey Abrams
Get to know the powerful political organizer in this Marie Claire interview. Celebrate Stacey Abrams.
[link removed]
10. Bryant Lake Bowl
ICYMI: Checkout the gorgeous video filmed by a pilot with a Go-Pro and drone of Bryant Lake Bowl. Watch the video that went viral around the world.
[link removed]
That’s a wrap. Send us what you’re reading.
- Kenza Hadj-Moussa & LyLy Vang-Yang
Paid for by TakeAction Minnesota
TakeAction Minnesota
705 Raymond Ave Ste 100
Saint Paul, MN 55114
United States
If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe: [link removed] .
