My Weekly Recommendations

What I'm reading, watching, and listening to this week

Can you believe we only have six Sundays left in 2024? Let’s enjoy them. Here are some things I am reading, watching, and listening to today. 

First, a quick ask: Today is the last day of voting in the opening round for the Goodreads Choice Awards, and I am nominated in two categories: Best History, and Best Audiobook. Would you take 30 seconds and cast your vote for The Small and the Mighty? It would mean so much to me.

Vote in the Best History category here
Vote for best Audiobook here

Who is Brett Kavanaugh?

Before joining the court, Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was a part of some of the biggest DC investigations involving Presidential scandals and dramatic Congressional showdowns. How did that impact who he’s become today?

What Will Become of Ukraine?

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the US quickly rushed to provide aid. Now, two years later, Congress has moved five bills through its chambers, and we’ve provided billions of dollars in resources in an effort to help Ukraine fend off the Russian army. What will happen once Donald Trump takes office?

Trump Isn’t Kidding on Immigration

Mass deportations and radical changes to immigration are coming. It’s no longer a question of if, but a question of when. I run through what we know Trump will do after taking office. 

The 2024 Election Wasn’t Stolen

Yes, this election was different from past elections. And guess what? That’s how it always is. Elections change every cycle based on a variety of external and internal factors. Kamala Harris did not appeal to voters in the same way Donald Trump did – that’s the truth, even though the answer to “why” is still being uncovered.

Cynicism Doesn’t Keep You Safe

It’s easy to be cynical – but it also is bad for your health. The good news is that there’s a third way, and it’s not rose colored glasses.

What I am reading… 

Texas education officials approve Bible-based lessons for K-5 schools

By Praveena Somasundaram and Kim Bellware

The Texas state school board on Friday approved an optional elementary school curriculum that includes Bible-based lessons. School districts will be able to start using the new curriculum in August. Those that do will receive an incentive of $60 per student.

Why Trump Allies Say Immigration Hurts American Workers

By Lydia DePillis

There is an intellectual movement behind immigration restriction that seeks to reshape the relationship between employers and their sources of labor. According to this rising conservative faction, most closely identified with Vice President-elect JD Vance, cutting off the supply of vulnerable foreigners will force employers to seek out U.S.-born workers. What do economists say?

Meet Trump’s No. 2 pick for what may be his No. 1 job

By Kyle Cheney and Josh Gerstein

Donald Trump has chosen Pam Bondi to oversee the agency that has tormented him and threatened to put him in jail for seeking to subvert the 2020 election and hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Politico digs into who she is. 

What I am watching… 

What Trump Can and Can’t Do on Day One

The Wall Street Journal

For most of Trump’s objectives for his second term, there are limitations including checks and balances within the process or limitations directly from Congress. WSJ explains which of these plans he can carry out on his own, which he’ll need help from Congress for, and what might end up in the courts.  

What I am listening to… 

Hope for Cynics with Jamil Zaki

Here’s Where It Gets Interesting
Is cynicism getting in the way of our progress? In “Hope for Cynics”, Stanford psychologist Dr. Jamil Zaki, explores how cynicism is keeping us hopeless and inactive, which prevents us from creating real, lasting change. Zaki shares his ideas on how to escape the “cynicism trap” and become critical thinkers capable of hope and trust.

Is the influence of third party candidates waning?

The NPR Politics Podcast

Even though many voters said they didn't like Kamala Harris or Donald Trump, very few who voted decided to cast their ballots for other candidates.

92NY Talks: Sharon McMahon in Conversation with Ken Burns

In this episode of 92NY Talks, join award-winning host of the hit podcast Here’s Where It Gets Interesting and “America’s Government Teacher” Sharon McMahon with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns for a discussion on the ordinary Americans who form the backbone of our society — and her new book, The Small and the Mighty.

---

Wondering what to buy for your children’s teachers this holiday season? What to bring to your office holiday gift swap that anyone could enjoy, or to have on hand as a last minute hosting gift? Target has The Small and the Mighty on sale for under $15 each when you buy three!

Thanks for being here. I appreciate you. Wishing you and yours a happy Thanksgiving this week.