Dear John,

There’s so much news happening this week locally, nationally, and the around the world, this digest could be three times longer. I’m so glad to be writing with the news that—finally—the Yes 4 Minneapolis ballot question has been settled by the Supreme Court. We won. This election season, we have the chance to show the world that when we come together across race, income, and zip code, real change is possible.

If anything, this last week has shown us how far Mayor Frey’s backers will go to protect the status quo and a corrupt, unaccountable police department. At the same time, they’re pushing a different charter amendment to consolidate power in the hands of the mayor. It’s wrong—but our votes are powerful, and we got this.

Let me know how you’re doing and what you’re reading.

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

1. Supreme Court

Last night, the Minnesota Supreme Court blocked Mayor Frey’s backers from stealing the vote of Minneapolis residents. Make no mistake, it’s wrong for three residents with personal, financial, and political ties to Mayor Frey to try to silence the voice of 22,000 Minneapolis residents who petitioned for a ballot amendment. Read our news release and see the coverage in MPR and Axios.

2. #LetThePeopleVote

"We went through every valid process, we ticked off every box. We did exactly what they told us to do. And then people with power and money said no." Read this piece on the fight to get Yes 4 Minneapolis on the ballot and watch this clip of Minister JaNaé Bates.

3. Question 1

This is a solid piece by the Sahan Journal on the Minneapolis mayoral control amendment – the bottom line is that elites are kidding themselves if they think concentrating power in the hands of the whitest and wealthiest wards in Minneapolis is more democratic. Check out this FAQ (that features a TakeAction blog about why we’re voting NO on question 1).

4. Rent Control

Hedge fund landlords are only motivated by their bottom line. Must-read piece on rent control policy.

5. Occupy Wall Street

It’s the 10^th anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street Movement that cemented the widespread political and economic concept of the “99%”. Read the Rolling Stone commentary that reflects on what’s happened over the last decade in the U.S. and internationally. Go deeper in The Intercept.

6. Abortion Care

A post-Roe world is coming. Read why Minnesota must prepare for this crisis.

7. The Kaepernick Effect

Four years ago, Colin Kaepernick was kicked out of the NFL for demonstrating against racism and police brutality. Learn more about this new book, The Kaepernick Effect, which tells the story of how “taking a knee” triggered a 20^th century awakening in sports. See reviews here.

8. Rx Drug Costs

Big Pharma bought over three House Democrats to vote with Republicans to kill—or weaken—a bill that would allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drug price. Read the latest.

9. Tax the Rich

Who else loved AOC’s Met Gala Dress? As she said: the medium is the message. See her dress here.

10. Music

For the first time in almost 20 years, Rolling Stone updated its list of its top 500 songs of all time. Lizzo, Zedd, and Daddy Yankee made the cut. Enjoy this. If you’re looking for new music, check out Japanese Breakfast (coming to First Ave this weekend).

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

- Kenza Hadj-Moussa