Dear John,

I’m back after a week off (it was wonderful — lots of online chess, pool time, and a social media detox.) 

Since coming back, I’ve been dumbfounded by the state Senate’s political ousting of Commissioners and the horrific news of MPD killing Leneal Frazier, Darnella Frazier’s uncle, in a high-speed chase. This is a police department that is under state and federal investigation. It happened in a city that is still reeling from police violence and the murders of Daunte Wright, Winston Smith, and Deona Marie this summer.  

Outdated, racist systems were created by people, and they can be changed by people, too. We have the power to elect and invest in leaders who will do the work to make these changes happen. ICYMI: TakeAction this week announced more endorsements for St. Paul School Board, Brooklyn Park Mayor, Minneapolis City Council & Minneapolis Park Board. 

Finally, many of the news stories below were shared by my colleagues. They’re not the most newsy, but they are good. What topics have you been diving into this summer? Send me an email — and thank you for all your notes this summer. 

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

1. Safety

“Safety isn't armed guards standing by, it's the presence of systems of care and support.” Check out this must-read commentary by TakeAction leader Sarina Partridge published in the Star Tribune. CW: Sexual assault 

2. Opioid Crisis

The role of our elected officials is to stand up to unbridled corporate power. Big Pharma knowingly caused the opioid crisis for profit. Read about Minnesota’s settlement with Purdue led by Attorney General Keith Ellison and his powerful comments.  

3. MMIW

Minnesota created the first state office on Missing & Murdered Indigenous people. Read and listen to learn more.  

4. Pequot Lakes

If you don’t watch Fox News and aren’t following the right-wing push around “critical race theory,” start by reading or listening to this MPR News story about the Pequot Lakes school district.  

5. Work

The results of Iceland’s four-year, four-day workweek pilot are in: people who participated in the study were happier and more productive. Read why the pilot was an overwhelming success. 

6. Work II

This is one of my favorite New York Times pieces of the summer. Economists are clear that it’s not unemployment benefits that are keeping workers from returning to undervalued jobs. Read this in-depth look into the stark fact that in the United States, workers are not returning to business as usual. 

7. Win

ICYMI: The Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that affirms the rights of transgender students. Read more about this huge win. 

8. Guaranteed Income

Mayors are making it happen. Read about how they’re implementing guaranteed income in this Time commentary.  

9. Spelling Bee

Zaila Avant-garde crushed the national spelling bee and made history as the first Black student who won. Oh, she’s also a basketball prodigy. Watch her shine. 

10. New Moon

There’s a new moon in Cancer tonight. Read what it means for your sign.  

That’s a wrap. Send me what you're reading and watching. Have a great weekend. 
- Kenza Hadj-Moussa