Dear John,

I hope you’re doing well. All eyes are on the sentencing of Derek Chauvin today. He will be only the 11^th ex-police officer charged for murder on duty in the last 15 years, according to MPR News.

It’s a hard and heavy day. Let me know how you’re doing. I’ll be off next Friday, but the News Digest will be back in early July.

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

1. MPD

Almost a decade after Minneapolis police shot and killed Terrance Franklin in a basement, the case may be reopened with new video footage: police appear to have lied about what happened to cover up an execution. It’s horrific. This is the same department that reported George Floyd died in “medical distress.” Read more on the Franklin case in Time.

2. Criminal Justice

A national crime wave has nothing to do with criminal justice reform efforts. Check out this must-read piece about how the data is being interpreted wrong.

3. Opioid Crisis

Calling the Big Pharma-fueled opioid crisis the Crime of the Century is not an understatement. Add this new HBO documentary to your watch list. Already seen it? Let me know what you thought. See the trailer and read a review.

4. Canada

There is no healing without telling the truth in public. This week, it was announced that hundreds of unmarked graves were found at another school for Indigenous children near Saskatchewan. NPR reports that up until the 1970s, more than 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend state-funded Christian schools, mostly run by Roman Catholic missionary congregations. Learn about the crimes committed against Indigenous youth.

5. Canada II

Hundreds of protesters were arrested in Canada this week. Learn more about their movement to protect ancient trees.

6. India Walton

“We’re not meant to be islands. The myth of rugged individualism is a lie.” Watch this interview clip with India Walton, the brilliant Black nurse, mother, and socialist who beat a 16-year incumbent mayor of Buffalo, NY. Also check out this story on how progressive women of color are coming out on top in New York City Council races.

7. Amazon

Huge news: one of the most powerful unions in the country, the Teamsters, announced that unionizing Amazon workers is their top priority. Read about the unionization effort at Amazon.

8. Work

Companies like Kickstarter are testing a four-day work week. Read about Sunday Scaries and the push for the four-day work week in The Atlantic.

9. In the Heights

Lin-Manual Miranda’s new movie In the Heights is out, and it’s fantastic.

Read the review and watch the trailer.

10. Hummingbirds

Ok, this is just a viral video of a guy and some hummingbirds. Enjoy it here.

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