Dear John,

We hope you stayed safe, healthy, and cozy in this first week of real snow across much of the state.

We’re still reveling in the exciting victories of last week’s election, taking in analysis on how Democrats defied expectations, and most importantly, considering how we best use DFL governing power in Minnesota to deliver for our communities.

Celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together this year. Grab tickets to our People’s Celebration on December 8th. Early bird pricing ends today!

There won’t be a News Digest next week, but make sure to send us your news favorites for us to include when we’re back in December.

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

1. Voters rejected both parties' "crime" panic

The Appeal reports, “the Democrats who ran hardest on law-and-order were among those who performed the worst.” Instead, justice system reformers won across the country – including our own Mary Moriarity for Hennepin County Attorney.

2. Democratic-Farmer-Labor

It’s been a historic year for labor organizing and action around the country and especially in Minnesota. The Minnesota Reformer reports on what our nurses, teachers, health care workers, school bus drivers, and public defenders want to see from the DFL trifecta.

3. DFL trifecta wants climate action

Minnesota hasn’t updated its climate goals since Republican Tim Pawlenty was governor in 2007. Read more about the DFL trifecta’s goals for climate action in Sahan Journal.

4. Xcel Energy wants climate inaction

The Energy and Policy Institute reports on Xcel Energy’s efforts to recruit Minnesota cities against Governor Walz’s climate agenda.

5. This Land

Responding to news about the Indian Child Welfare Act case in front of the Supreme Court, a News Digest reader reminded us of this vital and award-winning documentary podcast, which reports on how the far right is using Native children to attack American Indian tribes and advance a conservative agenda.

6. Repeat COVID is risky

A new study found that to protect ourselves from long Covid and serious health problems, it’s really, really worth avoiding COVID reinfections. Experts say to continue wearing well-fitted masks and to test often. Make sure to order your free at-home rapid tests thanks to MDH.

7. Everyone is sick or caregiving

RSV, Covid, and flu are keeping kids home from school and parents home from work. The Washington Post reports that workplace absences for childcare reached an all-time high in October.

8. Minnesota Nurses still waiting for justice

Months after their historic strike, and when heath care is in crisis, nurses are still pushing to get what they need to care for themselves and their patients.

9. Workers will make Amazon pay on Black Friday

We’re entering “peak season” for shopping and shipping. Over the years, this has also been a peak season for Amazon workers to take action for their rights and working conditions. Rise up with Amazon workers on December 8.

10. Gooooooooal!

The World Cup starts this weekend in Qatar. Our resident football fan coworker shared with us this podcast about the human rights issues, labor conditions, and brazen corruption that surround the competition.

And that’s a wrap!

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

Until next time,

Katie Blanchard (she/her)
Basebuilding Director

Jessica Zimmerman (she/her)
Development Director