Dear John,

The News Digest is read by supporters from across the state and country. I just wanted to say thank you for being with us on a news coverage journey that includes so many local stories from the Twin Cities this election season. While much of TakeAction’s work is state and nationally focused, there are some seasons where local campaigns take precedent. This year we’re acutely aware that in an otherwise sleepy off-year election, the whole country is watching what happens in Minneapolis (and St. Paul) on November 2. Spoiler: the New York Times came to town last weekend to report on TakeAction’s deep canvassing program with the Yes 4 Minneapolis campaign. From now until Election Day, we’ll focus the local news highlights from the Metro at the top of the Digest.

This week, we’re leading with Mayor Melvin Carter’s endorsement of the St. Paul rent stabilization amendment. His support and leadership is huge. Take action now to support a broad coalition of renters, homeowners, and local landlords on the brink of passing rent stabilization. Contribute $25 or more to keep St. Paul home.

Thank you for all your notes. Send me what you’re reading!

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

1. Minneapolis & St. Paul

In our countdown to Election Season:

• Shout out to St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter for endorsing St. Paul’s rent stabilization amendment. He says, “bold action on housing & equity goals cannot wait.” Story in the Star Tribune.
• We know what Mayoral control looks like under Jacob Frey. TakeAction Minnesota, Sierra Club North Star Chapter, Faith in Minnesota, OutFront Minnesota, and Our Revolution MN released a new ad this week against City Question 1. Watch and share the ad.
• More must-read stories are coming out of the Minnesota Reformer. Two officers in the Stallings body camera videos are receiving $62K-$84K in “duty disability retirements.” Meanwhile, MPD is defunding the City of Minneapolis with workers’ compensation settlements. Read about the pensions and settlements.

2. Rent Control

Published in the Minnesota Reformer, journalist Henry Pan, a second-generation Chinese immigrant from San Francisco, shares their experience growing up in a rent-controlled apartment. Read Henry’s powerful perspective.

3. People vs. Fossil Fuels

Over 530 climate activists were arrested at Indigenous-led civil disobedience actions in Washington, D.C. this week. See the coverage from Democracy Now.

4. Injustice in Tennessee

Excellent reporting from ProPublica on a horrific story out of Rutherford County, Tennessee where Black children were jailed for basically non-existent crimes and almost nothing happened to the adults responsible. It’s a long and heartbreaking story of injustice. Read it on Nashville Public Radio.

5. Striketober

ICYMI: 10,000 John Deere workers went on strike this week for the first time ever. More strikes (from Kellogg to film & TV workers) are on the horizon. Read about Striketober.

6. Strong Songs

This podcast breaking down what makes a strong song comes highly recommended. Listen on Spotify or iTunes.

7. De(Colonized)

Check out Teen Vogue’s series de(colonized). Start with this piece explaining colonialism.

8. Native Creators

From the De(Colonized) series… Check out 6 TikTok Native creators to follow now.

9. Late-Stage Capitalism

With a record-breaking Netflix debut, Squid Game, the dystopian series from South Korea, has people around the world talking. Read about it and watch the trailer.

10. Biscuits

Those delicious looking biscuits on Ted Lasso? Here’s the recipe.

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

- Kenza Hadj-Moussa