Dear John,

This week has felt incredibly dark and heavy. It’s the news about out of control COVID cases and our overwhelmed hospital systems and health care workers. Canceling and scaling back holiday plans. Anger that the federal government has basically abandoned its people: the Senate approved federal Trump judges then left for recess. It still has not passed a meaningful second COVID relief bill. We deserve much, much better than this.

So many Minnesotans don’t know how they’re going to pull through this winter, physically, mentally, and financially. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Let us know how you’re doing and what your plans are for Thanksgiving. Zoom dinner? Food exchange? Netflix party? We’re off next week but will see you in December.

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

1. Bakk-assoni

Two long-time DFLers in the state Senate left the caucus. Read this analysis.

2. Telemedicine

Telemedicine is essential for abortion care. Read about how revolutionary it is.

3. Line 3

12 out of 17 members from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s advisory group on environmental justice resigned in protest. Learn more about their decision. 

4. Growing Community

These three farms do so much more than grow food. The New York Times photos and videos will surely take you back to fall. Immerse yourself. 

5. Dolly Parton

Big love to Dolly Parton for funding crucial COVID vaccine research. Celebrate with us.  

6. Pay Equity

Everyone’s sharing this New York Times piece on New Zealand’s commitment to pay equity: Read Women’s Work Can No Longer be Taken For Granted.

7. Safety

This powerful counterpoint around the complicated surge of crime in Minneapolis was created and signed onto by neighbors around the five block radius of George Floyd Square. Read it in the Star Tribune. 

8. Indigenous TikTok

Michelle Chubb takes to TikTok to share her culture. Read about her. Watch her.  

9. Solitude

As we hunker down to flatten the curve of the virus this winter, many of us are spending days, weeks, or longer alone. Read this piece How to be Alone.

10. Socialism

Is there anything more Southern? We love this viral TikTok. Watch and enjoy.

That’s a wrap. Send us what you're reading. 

--Kenza Hadj-Moussa & LyLy Vang-Yang