Dear John,

Happy April! I hope you're looking forward to spending some quality time outdoors this week as the beautiful weather finally arrives! As we transition into the vibrant spring and summer months and prepare for the upcoming election season, there's a whirlwind of activity on both the local and national political fronts. Each day, more workers are joining the fight for fair pay and improved working conditions, while voices against the ongoing genocide in Palestine are gaining momentum. This year will be full of moments to use our voices and our votes to send our elected officials clear messages about our values. Now, more than ever, it's crucial to stay informed and engaged so we can be ready to act together. I'm excited to continue sharing the news with you every week.

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

MPS budget cuts
Amidst historic budget cuts hitting Minneapolis public schools, a coalition of parents, educators, union members, and local organizers united this week to push back. Lindsey Turner from TakeAction voiced her frustration, saying, "I am angry because as a parent and organizer I know we deserve so much more – parents shouldn't have to be fighting for crumbs."
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Minnesota housing prices skyrocket
As housing expenses skyrocket in Minnesota, wages fail to keep pace, leaving residents in a precarious position. The median home price requires nearly six figures to afford, all while managing the ongoing costs of childcare, food, and transportation.

We need action from our elected officials now – and renters across the country are building power to push for that. In fact, renter organizing was a key part of an important victory for affordable housing this week. The Biden administration announced that rent increases will be capped at 10 percent for certain affordable housing units across the U.S.
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Why our current housing solutions are failing
Check out this amazing post that dives into Low Income Housing Tax Credits and why they’re not a reliable solution to our housing crisis.
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Indeed Brewing unionization
Exciting news for our pals over at Indeed Brewing and all the beer enthusiasts in the community: Indeed Brewing Company has heeded its workers' call for a fair process to Unionize!
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8 weeks of Alabama prison shutdown
The Alabama Department of Corrections has garnered infamy for its violence against prisoners, all while exploiting them in what amounts to legalized slavery. This is precisely why incarcerated organizers have refused to participate in prison labor since February 6th. They prefer to term it a "prison shutdown" rather than a strike, emphasizing that their goal isn't to seek better "benefits." Instead, they aim to dismantle the entire system of prison labor and exploitation.
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Amazon’s fake AI stores
Amazon's 'Just Walk Out' grocery stores were touted as groundbreaking AI technology, but in truth, the system depended on over 1,000 workers in India monitoring customers as they shopped. This tweet encapsulates the situation perfectly.
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Minnesota to expunge marijuana records
Starting as early as May, Minnesota is set to expunge over 60,000 low-level marijuana records, with felony convictions undergoing individual review. Although this move doesn't fully address the glaring racial disparities – considering Black Minnesotans were almost five times more likely to face marijuana charges compared to their white counterparts – it does mark a positive stride forward.
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Wisconsin uncommitted
Nearly 50,000 Wisconsin voters chose “uninstructed” in Tuesday’s primary, joining 101,000 voters in Michigan and 45,000 voters in Minnesota who voted “uncommitted.” This growing movement is sending a message to President Biden: act now to end the genocide in Gaza.
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Biden’s infrastructure bill
A recent analysis found that of the money set aside to upgrade bridges, roads, ports and public transit, a vast majority has been used to resurface and expand highways – while only a fifth has gone to public transit. In the era of climate change, we can’t afford to spend our resources this way.
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Normal Gossip returns
My favorite podcast is making a return this month! If you like gossip, you'll love this!
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And that’s a wrap!

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

Until next time,

Ayanna Lee (they/she)
Digital Manager


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