Dear John,

Today, on his birthday, we remember George Floyd. May his memory be a call toward action, justice, and an end to police violence.

This fall, we have the opportunity to elect candidates into office pushing for accountability and to transform our justice system. TakeAction is having meaningful conversations with Minnesotans about voting for candidates committed to a people-centered agenda this year. We’d love for you to join us. I (Katie) am heading to Rochester next week to door knock for Aleta Borrud. Join me!

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

1. Encampment Evictions

Dozens of unhoused people and activists protested at Minneapolis City Hall this week against encampment evictions. This summer, a federal judge ruled that police cannot destroy people’s belongings. 

2. U of M Service Workers

University of Minnesota service workers voted this week to strike. A recent survey of University service workers found that 61% do not have enough money to pay for basic expenses, 44% have put off paying bills to buy groceries in the past year, and 8% have experienced homelessness while working for the U. According to the University's own analysis, staff wages are 13% lower than the market rate.

3. Expired Law License

Running for Hennepin County Attorney requires an active law license. Martha Holton Dimick, candidate for Hennepin County Attorney, filed for this office with an expired law license. Read about how Holton Dimick’s campaign responded and more in this article.

4. Happy Fat Bear Week

Katmai National Park in Alaska hosts the Fat Bear Week competition each year. Read about Fat Bear Week and the surprising attempt at voter fraud.

5. Firefighters and Long COVID

Firefighters are stretched thin due to fire seasons that have been intensified by climate change. Their work also puts them at greater risk for catching COVID-19. Read about how long COVID affects firefighters’ health and livelihoods, and how that could impact their response to the escalating wildfire crisis.

6. Wapato

Watch this video of Alexis Nikole Nelson, the very-viral Black Forager on Instagram and TikTok, as she harvests wapato (aka catniss, aka duck potato) with Prairie Island Indian Community.

7. Iran Protest Art

Creatives from Iran and the Iranian diaspora have been making powerful art in response to the uprisings against the morality police after the death of Mahsa Amini. Take a look at some of the artwork and learn more about the role of art in the Iranian women’s rights movement.

8. Braiding Sweetgrass

One of our colleagues says it’s “probably one of the most beautiful books" she’s ever read. The author, Potawatomi scientist and storyteller Robin Wall Kimmerer, was just awarded a MacArthur “genius” grant. Check out why Robin’s book is flying off the shelves and grab your copy.

9. Lizzo

She returned to Minnesota for a major concert at the Xcel this week and got to visit her favorite culinary establishments while in town. Check out Lizzo’s top restaurants in this article.

10. Big Pumpkin Energy

An Anoka teacher broke the U.S. record for heaviest pumpkin ever grown! His gorgeous gourd weighs in at 2,560 pounds. He is going to need a lot of tea lights for his jack-o-lantern this year.

And that’s a wrap!

Send us what you’re reading, watching, and listening to (and any fun ideas for Halloween costumes while you’re at it).

Until next time,

Katie Blanchard (she/her)
Basebuilding Director

Jessica Zimmerman (she/her)
Development Director