Dear John,

It’s been a busy week – let me know how you’re doing and what you’re reading and listening to.

We are deep in campaign mode in Minneapolis, focusing on conversations with voters that cut through fearmongering and lies coming from All of Mpls – a PAC that’s essentially working to re-elect Mayor Frey, maintain the status quo of MPD, and pass a charter amendment that would consolidate city power in the hands of the mayor.

We know that what happens in Minneapolis this fall is going to be part of the 2022 election story nationwide. Even if you’re not a Minneapolis resident, we hope you have good information and the truth about what’s going on.

Ready to get on the phones and doors with us? Sign up for a volunteer shift. Join a community conversation to learn what’s at stake. Power our work with a donation.

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

1. MPD

Mayor Jacob Frey has not answered to reports of continued lies and abuses by the Minneapolis Police Department. If you haven’t already, read this piece in the Minnesota Reformer about the case of Jaleel Stallings that recently came to light.

2. Breaking the Cycle

“You can’t solve the problem of policing while ignoring the massive inequality it’s there to protect.” Read this incredible piece in Pollen by Ricardo Levins Morales called Breaking the Cycle. Bonus: Check out Sheila Nezhad’s recently posted policy outline called A Just Transition: A People’s Plan for Minneapolis.

3. Public Safety Amendment

ICYMI: Read Mayoral Candidate Kate Knuth’s Star Tribune commentary about her plan for the new Department of Public Safety and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s support for the Yes 4 Minneapolis Public Safety Charter Amendment. And, read about the myth of ‘14 bosses’.

4. Big Pharma

This year, TakeAction members shared their stories about price-gouging of lifesaving EpiPens at the Capitol. This article from The Intercept dives into how Big Pharma CEOs colluded to price gouge the medicine. The head of one company is Senator Joe Manchin’s daughter. This story broke as many Democrats in Congress are (finally) fighting to negotiate Medicare prescription drug prices.

5. Abortion + Democracy

“If we lose voting rights, we lose women’s rights.” Read this piece about voter suppression and abortion. Learn about other states preparing to pass laws similar to the Texas abortion ban. Take action with us at the #BansOffOurBodies: Rally to Protect Abortion on Sept. 13.

6. Resist Line 3

This week, we’re reading Line 3 Resisters Light the Way in a Battle for Life on Earth.

7. Tough Love Letter

A few years old, but still relevant and important. Read this tough love letter to the Left, and let me know what you think.

8. TikTok FTW

Young people are at it again, using TikTok to flood anti-abortion “whistleblower” forms in Texas. This story gave me some hope.

9. Films

Got you a fall movie list of films the critics got wrong. Check it out and bookmark.

10. Punk

What’s more punk than a public library? You tell me. Enjoy this sweet piece in the Washington Post.  

That’s a wrap. Send me what you’re reading!

- Kenza Hadj-Moussa