Dear John,

In the News Digest this week, we’re talking about care. Care for trans and nonbinary people, for kids, for disabled folks. Care for our health and care for our climate. 

When we talk with our members and with Minnesotans across the state, care is more than watered down gestures of kindness. Care is a dedication and commitment to showing up. Care means being valued and having the right to live with dignity.

Right now, we are especially thinking about care because three years ago this weekend were the first days that most of us in the United States started to really face the scale and impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. We invite you to take care, as we honor the millions of people who have died, gotten sick, and been impacted by the pandemic in these three years.

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

1. Gender-affirming care

While many states are passing dangerous legislation that targets and even criminalizes trans people, Minnesota legislators including Rep. Leigh Finke and Sen. Erin Maye Quade are pushing for policy positioning Minnesota as a refuge for trans and non-binary people. This week, Governor Walz signed an executive order protecting the right to gender-affirming care.

2. Fixing childcare

No one can afford to pay more for childcare. Childcare providers are closing up shop due to insufficient resources. The current childcare system isn’t cutting it. The good news? Minnesota activists, parents, childcare providers, legislators, and the Walz Administration are working on solutions.

And, read this commentary by former Rep. Ami Wazlawik who is calling for bold investments to repair this broken system.

3. PhRMA

A new poll was released exploring Americans’ opinion on regulation of major U.S. industries. Results show that many Americans believe more regulation is needed. Which industry rose to the top, even above A.I. and Facebook? The pharmaceutical industry. Take a look.

4. #Insulin4All

In this article, Minnesota’s very own insulin affordability activist Nicole Smith-Holt talks about the many-year campaign for affordable insulin. Then, check out this podcast shared by a TakeAction Minnesota member to learn more about the story behind the insulin manufacturer’s price drop.

5. Judith Heumann

Judith Heumann, also known as the ‘Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,’ has passed away. Read more about her organizing legacy, from suing the Board of Education for denying her a teaching license despite passing exams (and winning), to organizing for historic legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

6. #StopWillow

Gen Z is organizing boldly against the Willow Project, a proposed drilling venture on Alaska’s North Slope.

7. Walgreens

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state would no longer do business with Walgreens after the company said it would not sell the abortion pill in 21 states.

8. Preserving the Dakota language

There’s no Google Translate or other online dictionary for the Dakota language. Read about a new language app called Dakhód Iápi Wičhóie Wówapi aiming to bridge the language gap between elders and younger generations.

9. Coach Beard's reading list

TakeAction’s staff includes many fans of the Ted Lasso television show on AppleTV, and we’re counting down until Season 3 kicks off (only 5 more days to go!). To get ready for the premiere next week, check out this piece on the many books featured in season 2 of the series.

10. Spring

It’s still coming, we promise. In the meantime, check out this beautifully illustrated guide to the signs of spring in Minnesota.

And that’s a wrap!

Send us what you’re reading, watching, and listening to.

Until next time,

Katie Blanchard (she/her)
Basebuilding Director

Jessica Zimmerman (she/her)
Development Director