Dear John,

Over the years, student debt has been one of the biggest issues facing TakeAction members in every county across the state. While there is still work that must be done, this week’s news is a huge step forward.

President Biden’s cancelation of student debt for 40 million people didn’t happen by accident. It happened because people organized, shared extremely personal stories about the shame and burden of student debt, and elected lawmakers who understand educational debt is a national crisis due to divestments in higher education, not personal failures. This campaign took years to accomplish—and is only beginning. Huge shout out to all the TakeAction leaders who organized, lobbied, and shared their stories to get here.

Join TakeAction this coming Tuesday, August 30 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for our elections kick-off party WE GOT THE JOY! at La Doña Cervecería Brewery. We would love to see you there.

The news digest will be back after Labor Day. Let’s get to the news.

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

1. #CancelStudentDebt

Such huge news this week. Biden’s plan could help 40 million people and structural changes are included. This is a major step forward and only happened because of relentless grassroots organizing. Stories about the impact of loan forgiveness got me teary eyed, especially reading about people my age who can start family planning now because of this change.

2. FAQ

From the Washington Post, see Frequently Asked Questions about Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan.

3. Life and Debt

This podcast digs into the celebration of student debt cancelation and holds space for the anger and grief felt by so many who are still suffering despite the news. Listen to the Life and Debt podcast responding to Biden’s announcement.  

4. Inflation Reduction Act

Important context in the IRA: Mining companies strike gold with new climate law.

5. Follow the Money

News of the largest political advocacy donation in history broke this week. Read How a Secretive Billionaire Handed His Fortune to the Architect of the Right-Wing Takeover of the Courts.

6. Scott Jensen

From MPR News: Jensen stands by comments comparing mask mandates to Nazi Germany. The GOP gubernatorial candidate (Scott Jensen) is horrific—and flanked on his ticket by a Big Lie conspiracy theorist (Kim Crockett) and fear-mongering hedge fund lawyer (Jim Schultz).

7. Gen Z in Congress

“It’s not just one politician that’s going to save us all. It’s not just one leader,” Frost tells the packed room. “It’s how we’re going to change Florida. And when I say ‘changing Florida,’ it’s not just flipping it red to blue… It’s about creating a society where we say, ‘Your success is my success and my success is your success.’” Read more about Maxwell Frost who will be the first Gen Z and only Afro-Cuban member of Congress.

8. Clean Cars

The climate crisis is solvable with bold action. California is leading with a ban on the sale of new gas-fueled vehicles after 2035.

9. Gymnastic Champs

For the first time in history, three Black women swept the U.S. gymnastics championship. Check out the amazing video of gold medal winner Konnor McClain.

10. Moon Photos

 ICYMI: The most ‘ridiculously detailed’ photos of the moon dropped this week.

That’s a wrap. Have a great weekend. 

- Kenza Hadj-Moussa