Dear John,

TakeAction Minnesota’s July member drive kicked off this week! Our work to build progressive, independent political power is fueled by people like YOU. Join or renew your membership by making a contribution of $10 or more today. Your investment truly makes a difference.

There’s so much more important news I wanted to cover in the Digest this week that’s not in here – the statewide ban on conversion therapy (finally!), the drought, international news, Britney, the infrastructure package… There will be more next week. In the meantime, thank you so much for your notes. Have a great weekend.

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

1. MPD

It is absurd and deeply harmful that Mayor Frey supports the Minneapolis Police Department to investigate its own corruption – a department under state and federal investigation. ICYMI: While the third precinct burned last summer, police officers across the city destroyed case files instead of… moving them to a different location. Mayor Frey has exclusive control over the MPD. Read the front page Star Tribune story and our statement. Check out our plan to win a Minneapolis that serves and protects all of us.

2. Flooding

We are an interconnected planet. The effects of climate change are devasting and impact all of us. See photos of the massive floods in Western Europe and read the latest.  

3. Critical Race Theory

A conservative activist invented the critical race theory conflict. Read this deep dive in The New Yorker.

4. Texas

In a tactic they haven’t used since 2003, Democrats in the state house fled to Washington, D.C. to break quorum, avoid arrest from Texas law enforcement, and stop the GOP from shredding voting rights. Read the explainer in Vox.

5. Student Debt

Whether you have student debt or know one of the millions of people in this country living with it, this is an incredible piece to check out. Read this hypothetical speech on what President Biden could say—and do—for higher education.

6. Child Tax Credit

Money in the bank is coming for eligible families with children. Learn more about child tax credits (aka money) passed for families in the American Rescue Plan. Watch AOC speak about the impact and how it works. If you’re eligible, be sure to claim yours.

7. Bernie

Where is he now?! Read this delightfully written interview and commentary catching up with Bernie Sanders in the New York Times.

8. Facebook

Right-wing content consistently ranks in the top ten best performing posts on Facebook – a fact that Facebook isn’t keen to publicize. Read this New York Times piece on Facebook’s internal battle over data transparency, recommended by our digital strategist.

9. Film Rec

The movie Hustlers is a couple years old, but I watched it this week and loved it. It reminded me of an inside out Wolf of Wall Street, with an incredible cast of women of color (Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Keke Palmer, Lizzo, Cardi B, and more). Watch the trailer.

10. Music Bubble

Shared this week in the Minnesota Reformer… a geographical breakdown of music bubbles. See the top hit where you live.

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