Dear John,

So many of us in Minnesota are still reeling from the violence that’s taken place in our state these past months — from the politically motivated killing of Mark and Melissa Hortman in June, to the tragic and horrifying shooting at Annunciation just a few short weeks ago — watching more violence unfold on a national stage is, doubtlessly, traumatizing. 

In a political climate that is becoming exceedingly hard to reckon with, I find myself turning to the people in my community who lead with compassion and respect for the dignity of all people, and who remind us that we can win when we prioritize solidarity and people-powered politics. Omar Fateh is one of those people — “we cannot normalize or condone violence of any kind, especially across political differences. Minneapolis has recently been impacted and traumatized by a similar disregard for life. Gun violence must end,” he writes.

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

1. Charlie Kirk killed in shooting

The conservative political commentator and founder of Trump-allied group Turning Point USA was shot and killed Wednesday while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University. The killing is the latest in a year rife with political violence, including the assassination of the Hortmans.

2. UMN Teamsters on strike
  

After rejecting the University’s last and final offer, the service workers of Teamsters Local 320 announced rolling strikes across the state beginning Monday. The workers are planning 24-hour picket lines at campuses until a deal is reached. Join a rally tonight at 5:30pm at Northrup Plaza.

3. Walz signs Exec Order protecting COVID vaccine access; pharmacists say access is safe

Following national restrictions placed on COVID vaccines by RFK Jr., Gov. Walz signed an Executive Order Monday protecting access in Minnesota. Public health officials expressed appreciation for the order but noted that vaccine access is already well-protected under state law.

4. Fika Cafe votes to unionize 

Workers at the American Swedish Institute’s in-house restaurant and its catering arm voted to join Unite Here Local 17. “‘Workers came to us when there was a major change that happened at their workplace that they got no say in,’ UH Secretary Treasurer Sheigh Freeberg tells Racket. ‘They wanted a way to push back, and realized a union was the only way they'd have the power to win what they needed.’”

5. Minneapolis DFL appeals Fateh endorsement decision

Citing conflicts of interest, the city party is asking another state DFL committee to reinstate Omar Fateh’s mayoral endorsement. Plus, TAMN’s own co-ED Amanda Otero is quoted in a recent article by The Nation discussing the endorsement revocation.

6. Alleged Trump birthday note to Epstein raises further questions

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform obtained a lewd drawing via subpoena that they allege is a birthday card from Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, further calling into question the Justice Department’s refusal to release government files on Epstein. A bi-partisan petition calling for a vote to release the files is short two Republican signatures.

7. Rep. Zack Stephenson picked to lead House DFL caucus

MN House Democrats selected the Coon Rapids area Representative to replace the late Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. Rep. Stephenson was a close friend and mentee of Rep. Hortman and was the author of the 2023 cannabis legalization bill. 

8. A concerning gender gap in MN math scores

A new analysis found that a gender gap in standardized math test scores among Minnesota third through eighth graders has widened significantly since the pandemic. According to the analysis, girls are nearly half a grade level behind their male peers in math, one of the most significant gaps in the country. Educators are seeking solutions.

9. Protests in Nepal

Gen-Z-led protests have erupted in Nepal this week, resulting in deadly standoffs with police, the burning of the parliament building, and the ousting of the Prime Minister. The protests were triggered by worsening wealth inequality and unemployment, as well as a government ban on several social media sites.

10. Missed the crop art this year? Fear not

A new (free) exhibit on folk art at the MIA showcases some of this year’s best State Fair crop art submissions — check it out by September 28!

That's a wrap!

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

Until next time,

Charlie Bartlett
TakeAction Member