Dear John,

As you know, yesterday was the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic. Our lives have been affected in more ways than we could have ever imagined this time last year. Life has carried on, and we know there’s still enormous grief to process as we remember the loved ones we’ve lost.

On another note, so much of the news we’re focused on is local and national. Would you like to see a little more news from around the world in the digest? Let us know.

We hope you’re doing well.  

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

1. George Floyd

Today, the City of Minneapolis reached a historic settlement with George Floyd’s family. But no trial, no amount of money can ever bring George Floyd back. We need a new approach to public safety. Read about the $27 million settlement in the Minnesota Reformer.  

2. Minneapolis

As the community charts a new path forward on public safety, it’s worth the reminder that the Mayor, not the City Council, has complete control of MPD. Three pieces that caught our eyes this week: this New York Times article on MPD’s racism and use of force, this viral thread on the article by D.A. Bullock and this contextual thread from Council President Lisa Bender. 

3. People's Vaccine

For a full recovery from COVID-19, we need to ensure everyone is vaccinated. However, wealthy members of the World Trade Organization, including the United States, are blocking patent rights for vaccines. Read more on what organizers across the globe are doing about inequitable vaccine distribution.  

4. Unions

This week, the U.S. House passed the PRO Act, sweeping legislation to boost unions and worker power in the United States. Of course, with the filibuster still in place, its chances of passing are harder in the Senate. Vox breaks down what’s in the PRO Act and why it matters.  

5. Big Pharma

Imagine causing a national opioid epidemic that’s stolen thousands of lives for profit, paying for it in court, then getting a billion-dollar tax break. Learn about the unbridled corporate power of Big Pharma. 

6. Breonna Taylor

Tomorrow marks the painful one-year anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s murder by Louisville police officers. Get to know Breonna through the eyes of her sister, Ju’Niyah, in this stirring and heart-wrenching essay. 

7. Meghan Markle

Teen Vogue asks, if a Black princess isn’t safe in Britain, who is? Read this piece about anti-Blackness in the royal family.  

8. Care Work

COVID-19 exposed our crumbling care infrastructure. Learn why care work is the work that makes all other work possible, and about the impact of the expanded child tax credit in the New Republic.  

9. Stacey Abrams

Get to know the powerful political organizer in this Marie Claire interview. Celebrate Stacey Abrams.  

10. Bryant Lake Bowl

ICYMI: Checkout the gorgeous video filmed by a pilot with a Go-Pro and drone of Bryant Lake Bowl. Watch the video that went viral around the world.  

That’s a wrap. Send us what you’re reading.

- Kenza Hadj-Moussa and LyLy Vang-Yang