It’s Thursday, Loyal Readers, which means it’s time for another great issue of The Highlighter! Have you cleared your calendar so you can dive deeply into the articles? I hope so. This week focuses on the deep problems in our justice, health care, and public education systems — and how finding solutions to these challenges is not easy. The first two pieces are back-to-back worthy of your time. The second two aren’t too shabby, either, especially if you’re an educator or a kombucha enthusiast. Please enjoy!

Avenging Emily Doe

Two years ago, former Stanford swimmer Brock Turner was convicted of sexually assaulting Emily Doe (not her real name), a 22-year-old woman. During the sentencing hearing, Ms. Doe read a powerful statement about her experience, which some people called a manifesto of the #MeToo Movement. Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Aaron Persky sentenced Mr. Turner to six months in jail. This is the story of Michele Dauber, the Stanford Law School professor who spearheaded the successful campaign to recall Judge Persky, who was removed from office by voters last week. This is also the story of retired Judge LaDoris Cordell, who opposed Judge Persky’s removal, arguing that the recall process threatened the independence of the judiciary. Author Julia Ioffe presents a balanced and comprehensive assessment of the case. (22 min)

Being Black in America Can Be Hazardous to Your Health

Kiarra Boulware is a 27-year-old woman who lives in Baltimore and suffers from obesity, sleep apnea, diabetes, and menstrual dysregulation. She does not want to die young. But Ms. Boulware is Black, poor, and has more than six adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This article explains how our racist and segregationist history increases the likelihood that Ms. Boulware will die 20 years earlier than a white person who lives just miles away. (33 min) If you’re interested in reading more: #108, #124, #139.

Death by a Thousand Cuts: How Choice Has Plagued Public Education

If you work for a charter school, watch out: This history of education reform will push your buttons. When reformers say parents should have “choice” in where they send their kids to school, that’s a dog whistle to preserve a racist, neoliberal system, with choice being a proxy for segregation. Educators, I’d love to hear your thoughts. (27 min)

Is Kombucha Actually Good For You?

In addition to offering you great articles on race, education, and culture, The Highlighter makes sure you are not hoodwinked into believing that certain beverages (e.g., smoothies, juice) are good for you. Get ready for an exposé on kombucha. “People are believing what they want to believe,” professor of food science Bruce Chassy says — adding that relying on intuition is just not enough. (24 min)

You did it! Thank you for reading The Highlighter #147. Tell me what you thought by using the thumbs below. Also, let’s welcome new subscribers Vincent, Alison, Calvin, Rebecca, and Julia! If you like reading this newsletter, pester a friend until they subscribe. If you think the newsletter is not especially compelling, please unsubscribe. I’ll see you back here next Thursday at 9:10 am. Have a great week!