Dear John,

We’ll be sharing more thoughts and reflections about the state of the things in the days and weeks to come. Today, we just want to acknowledge the gravity of what’s happening.

Words don’t suffice. In our hearts, there is a well of gratitude and compassion. From the workers risking their lives to do what needs to be done, to the incredible competence and leadership across our state government.

We’re in a time of falling apart and coming together. We’ve always been interconnected and known that our destinies are tied together, but there is no way to deny that now. There will be no going back to an economic or political system that doesn’t work for everyone. 

While we’re mostly following news related to COVID-19, we wanted to share some bright spots with you and some unrelated but relevant pieces for the times we’re in.

Please help us out and let us know what kind of things you are interested in seeing from us in the weeks to come – are you getting enough COVID updates from other places?

Take good care of yourself this weekend if you can. We’ll get through this together or not all. We’re grateful for you all.

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

1. Executive Orders

The administration, legislative leaders, and the Attorney General’s office has been working around the clock to prepare and protect the state as best as possible. Today, the Walz-Flanagan Administration announced executive orders banning price-gouging and ensuring DHS has power to protect Minnesotans. Read the latest.

And if you’re having trouble getting a friend or family member to adhere to social distancing, send them this simple but compelling message from the Lt. Governor.

2. Role of Government

After decades that included a great recession, the right-wing worldview of government is coming to an end. Now more than ever, we need a strong social safety net. Read this piece in the Washington Post.

3. Support Local Restaurants

The service industry has been hit hard by COVID-19. There are a lot of ways you can support your favorite local establishment: buy a gift card, order some merchandise, or donate to a fund to support workers. You can also still get takeout from a number of local restaurants (and breweries!). Find more information here.

4. Venice

For the first time in “forever” water canals in Venice are clear—there are fish and swans returned. Here’s a bit of beauty in hard times.

5. The Census

You can and should fill out the census online this year. Make sure you’re counted. Find out what you need to know.

6. Corruption

Several U.S. senators appear to have dumped millions of dollars in stocks before the market collapsed while telling their constituents they had nothing to worry about. This is what corruption looks like. Read more.

7. The Future Pt. 1

This is admittedly a piece of hopeful fiction, but there is no reason it couldn’t become true. What is the best-case scenario for us as humans right now? Read more.

8. The Future Pt. 2

“A few rules for predicting the future” from science fiction writer Octavia Butler in 2000. Add this to your quarantine-and-chill reading list.

9. Penguins

With the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago closed, animal handlers decided to let penguins for a little field trip. Watch the video here.

10. How to Quarantine and Chill

Best advice from across the Internet. Enjoy it here.

That’s a wrap. Sending you all our best.

Kenza Hadj-Moussa and Patrick Burke