Dear John,

Happy first day of March! I hope you're relishing in the delightful spring-like weather we've been experiencing, with more sunshine to come this weekend. As we embark on this new month, amidst the bustling activity of potential strikes among Twin Cities workers and the celebration of Women's History Month, there's a wealth of observations and learnings to be gleaned. Alongside updates on Minnesota's dynamic landscape this month, I'm excited to share just a few impactful media crafted by women that not only reflect the current state of our world but also bring joy to your day. You’ll find those at the end of this digest!

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

1. Quarry Home Depot Labor Violation 

The National Labor Relations Board found that the Quarry Home Depot violated labor law by firing a worker, Antonio Morales, for writing "BLM" on their work apron, ruling that such expression falls under protected "concerted activities" according to existing precedent. Morales was offered reinstatement and back pay, highlighting the significance of workers' rights to engage in collective action even in non-unionized environments, amidst broader debates over employee expression and corporate responses to social justice movements like Black Lives Matter..

2. Great Start Childcare scholarships 

Minnesota parents are advocating for the approval of "Great Start" scholarships to alleviate the financial burden of child care, offering aid from $25 to $600 per month for families earning below 150% of the state median income. The initiative targets a significant gap, helping those who earn too much for existing programs but struggle to afford child care, potentially bringing parents closer to the federal guideline of spending 7% of their income on child care.

3. Minnesota Pollution Control

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency took 118 enforcement actions in the second half of 2023, penalizing various polluters for violations ranging from clean air to wastewater laws. Notably, ConAgra Foods faced the largest fine of $1.25 million for exceeding hydrogen sulfide gas limits, highlighting the importance of holding companies accountable for environmental infractions and promoting compliance with regulations to safeguard the environment.

4. Early childhood education crisis 

A survey by the National Association for the Education of Young Children highlights a national crisis in early childhood education, with over 50% of professionals reporting staffing shortages and under-enrollment due to low wages and burnout following the collapse of federal funding. The findings underscore the urgent need for significant public investment in childcare, emphasizing the positive impact of cracking down on wealthy tax cheats to fund essential social programs like childcare.

5. Camp Nenookaasi  

Yesterday, a devastating fire razed Camp Nenookaasi, impacting our unhoused neighbors profoundly. As they rebuild, your support can make a difference. Learn more about the camp and see the needed supplies and donation guidelines on their Instagram page, and let's come together to assist in their recovery.

6. Saint Paul Educators strike 

St. Paul teachers plan to strike on March 11 unless an agreement with the district is reached, citing the need to secure affordable health insurance and stronger wages, with the union emphasizing that continued pressure is necessary for meaningful progress. The strike aims to address the collapse of federal funding, staff shortages, and burnout, ultimately highlighting the collective effort to advocate for fair compensation and improved working conditions, for the greater good of educators, students, and the community. Join us on March 8th to show solidarity with teachers and let district leadership know you support action for healthy, green schools.

7. Google's algorithm impact

The article discusses the impact of Google's algorithm updates on website rankings, highlighting how major publishers consistently dominate search results by providing product recommendations without conducting firsthand testing. HouseFresh expresses concerns about the diminishing traffic to their site due to this trend and emphasizes the potential threat it poses to their future.

8. Contemporary Twin Cities rock bands

Paramore, led by Hayley Williams, makes history as the first female-fronted act to win the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album, resonating particularly with non-male fronted bands in the Twin Cities who view this recognition as crucial in addressing imposter syndrome, microaggressions, and misogyny in the music industry.

9. Angela Davis: Freedom is a Constant Struggle

Angela Y. Davis illuminates the connections between struggles against state violence and oppression throughout history and around the world. Reflecting on the importance of black feminism, intersectionality, and prison abolitionism for today's struggles, Davis discusses the legacies of previous liberation struggles, from the Black Freedom Movement to the South African anti-Apartheid movement. She highlights connections and analyzes today's struggles against state terror, from Ferguson to Palestine.

10. Polite Society

Directed and written by Nida Manzoor, this story follows Ria Khan who believes she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage. After enlisting her friends' help, she attempts to pull off the most ambitious of all wedding heists in the name of independence and sisterhood.

And that’s a wrap!

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

Until next time,

Ayanna Lee (they/she)
Digital Manager