Dear John,

I hope you had a good week. It has been such a pleasure reading your notes this summer. And I have news! After many years living in St. Paul, I’m happy to share that I moved to Minneapolis with my wonderful partner. It’s been so fun getting settled, having a garden, and getting to know my new neighbors this week. Like the water that connects our state, I know what happens in Minneapolis this election season can make a difference everywhere. I’m enjoying August and will be so ready to hit the doors in a couple weeks.

Let me know how you’re doing. I’m out of town next week but the Digest will be back on the 20^th.

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

1. Yes 4 Minneapolis

This week, 22 neighbors in Ward 13 of Minneapolis wrote a powerful commentary on the public safety charter amendment. Read why they’re voting Yes 4 Minneapolis in the Star Tribune and share.

2. Vaccines

This is an important, heartbreaking piece about patients in the U.S. who didn’t get the COVID-19 vaccine by choice and are now facing the consequences in hospitals and ICUs. Note: There are a lot of reasons why people haven’t gotten vaccinated, including understandable distrust in a health care system that discriminates by race, income, background, ability, etc. And…it’s never too late for people to change their minds or move at their own timeline to get the shot. Read more about vaccine hesitancy in the New York Times. I also recommend this local piece about what changed the mind of a former anti-vaxxer.

3. Cori Bush

The coverage of Congresswoman Cori Bush and her victory to extend the eviction moratorium got me crying. Read Cori Bush is my hero, and watch this clip of her meeting a mother facing eviction on CNN.

4. Black August

Learn about the birth, meaning, and practice. Read about Black August.

5. Abortion Care

Told by a doctor, this Newsweek story chronicles the difference between abortion care in California and Texas. Read about the contrast.

6. Climate Education

Our children deserve honesty in education. Read how young people, including Annie Chen, a high school senior from Minnesota, are pushing for state laws to ensure climate justice is taught in public schools.  

7. Labor

This podcast episode from The Daily called Stories from the Great American Labor Shortage is highly recommended. Hear from workers and managers in the U.S. hospitality industry that’s been turned upside down during the COVID crisis.

8. Child Care

Care is the work that makes all work possible. New data is out from Bureau of Labor Statistics. Throughout the pandemic, mothers with young children spent 8 hours a day on childcare and 6 hours per day working at a paid job. We can do better. Read why it’s no surprise that mothers in the U.S. left the workforce in droves last year.

9. Cat Video

My coworker, DyAnna, shared this one. Enjoy this TikTok. (It’s a mood, right?)

10. New Moon

The Leo new moon is happening on Sunday. Find out what this new beginning means for your sign.

That’s a wrap. Send me what you're reading and watching. Have a great weekend. 
 

- Kenza Hadj-Moussa