Reckoning With O.J.

Revisiting the trial of the century. April 12, 2024 Good morning. I’ve been thinking about [what O.J. Simpson’s infamous case taught America]( about race and the criminal justice system — and ruminating on [the reactions to his death](. Later on, I’m sharing [what teens want adults to know about social media]( and [a compelling case for a digital detox]( — and a whole lot more. Thanks for waking up with us.   In the News [O.J. Simpson holding up his 2 gloved hands to demonstrate it doesn't fit]( Getty Images / KCM Reckoning With O.J. When I learned the news that O.J. Simpson had died, I immediately thought back to the mid-1990s. I had a front-row seat to the story that defined that decade: the grisly and shocking murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, and the bizarre two-hour Bronco chase across LA that I and 96 million other people couldn’t look away from. O.J. Simpson symbolized many things to different people. A record-breaking football star (and, later in life, a golfer — I found this piece about [his little-known golf obsession]( fascinating). A cold-blooded killer who got away with his crimes (he was found responsible in a civil trial for Ron and Nicole’s deaths and ordered to pay their families $33.5 million, but only paid a small portion). Or, a Black man who was, at the time, vindicated by the very criminal justice system that all too often unjustly targets people who look like him. We’re taking a look at [the varied reactions to Simpson’s death](, and I reflect on my time covering the historic trial and [my tense interview with him post-acquittal](. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Fnews%2Fkatie-couric-oj-simpson-interview%2F   More Stories [Navalny is surrounded by mics]( Getty Images Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny wrote a memoir before he [died in a Russian prison]( in February, and it'll be published in the U.S. in October. “This book is a testament... to his unwavering commitment to the fight against dictatorship," his widow said. NPR is in turmoil after a senior editor published a letter accusing the broadcaster of liberal bias, and “telling people how to think.” It's prompted a huge conservative backlash — and Donald Trump said NPR's government funding should be rescinded. A Texas surgeon has been accused of manipulating transplant databases to make his patients ineligible to receive new livers. A disproportionate number of Dr. J. Steve Bynon Jr.'s patients have died while waiting for potentially lifesaving care. Three mariners have been rescued by the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard after being stranded on a tiny Pacific Island by spelling "HELP" on the beach in palm fronds. Incredibly, one of the rescuers turned out to be a distant cousin of the castaways. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry have two new Netflix shows in production, Deadline reports. The first will see Meghan champion the joys of cooking, entertaining, gardening, and friendship, while the second will focus on international polo.   In Focus [Illustration of doctor operating a giant robot arm holding a stethoscope]( Getty Images If the term “artificial intelligence” makes you nervous, we’ve got news for you: Using AI, doctors and scientists are working to make our lives longer, safer, and healthier. With support from Medtronic, we spoke with an expert about [how AI is changing healthcare]( for the better, and what we can expect for the future of disease prevention and treatment. [READ MORE]( [Sponsored by Medtronic](   Must-Reads [Illustration of a woman walking out of a smartphone screen]( Digital Detox Google’s productivity advisor shares 10 simple steps you can take today to develop a healthier relationship with your phone. [Read More »]( [Teenagers running through a school hallway]( Moldable Minds The Breakthrough Years author Ellen Galinsky reveals the biggest influence on teens today — and it's not social media. [Read More »]( [Illustration of a working woman standing on stairs with a briefcase]( DEI Dilemma The debate over workplace departments for diversity, equity, and inclusion is very complicated. An expert weighs in on what's next. [Read More »](   Extra Credit [Katie Couric and David Letterman]( Getty Images To many more: I'm wishing a very happy 77th birthday to David Letterman! Here's a little flashback Friday to [the time I appeared on the Late Show]( and we workshopped some signature evening news sign-offs. (It's shocking none of them stuck!) Tune in: You'll see a familiar face on the TODAY show this morning. I'll be appearing in the 8 o'clock hour to discuss [An American Bombing: The Road to April 19th](, the documentary I executive produced about Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City Bombing. Cook safe: The "forever" chemicals found in nonstick coating have been linked to all kinds of health ailments — [Our Place's titanium pan]( uses nonstick technology that's free of PFAS.   Get Your Fill Wake-Up Callers are obsessed with [Dermelect's neck lifting cream]( and their magical [anti-aging lip treatment](, and right now, you're in luck because you can take 20% off your purchase, plus free shipping, with code FAMILY20. [Dermelect neck lifting cream and anti-aging lip treatment on blue sparkly background]( [SHOP HERE](   Thank you for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.cominfo@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] [For the best experience, read in browser.]( Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. 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