June 23, 2021

The first case of AIDS was reported 40 years ago this month. Since then, millions of people all over the world have lost their lives to the virus. The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus feels the pain of that tragedy particularly acutely, having lost over 300 singers to AIDS since the choir was founded in 1978. Clint Johnson has been a member of the Chorus for over 34 years.

The US State Department is calling for the released of the paper’s jailed executives, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken is overseas again to promote democracy in the face of rising authoritarianism. As number two in the department, Wendy Sherman is tasked with managing America’s relationship with China.

Award-winning British rapper, activist and author Akala is a social commentator for our time. His debut novel "The Dark Lady" is out now,