My Weekly Recommendations
What I am reading, watching, and listening to
It’s bitterly cold, which means we all need to snuggle up and dig into some great reads and podcasts.
Will TikTok Be Banned?
A deep dive into TikTok v. Garland, the Supreme Court case that decided TikTok’s fate. Gabe Fleisher was in the chambers, and in this article, he lays out the arguments from each side.
The 60th Presidential Inauguration
Donald Trump is being sworn into office tomorrow as the 47th president of the United States, but events have been going on all weekend. Learn why the ceremony is Jan. 20, what big donations to the inauguration fund will get you, who is performing, and more.
“Please don’t normalize this,” and other questions and comments
I have a lot to say about some of the questions you asked, including: Is Pete Hegseth set up for failure? Is the government giving more assistance to the victims of the Los Angeles fires than they did to those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton? Should I watch the inauguration even if I am not celebrating the man being inaugurated?
SCOTUS Takes Up Obamacare
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a new case about a portion of the Affordable Care Act, one that requires insurance plans to provide coverage for some types of preventative care, like cancer screenings and medication to prevent HIV.
The Little-Known Group Shaping Trump's Agenda
You’ve heard of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s detailed playbook for how to overhaul the executive branch. But a lesser-known group with deep ties to the president-elect is emerging as a key player in his transition.
What I am reading…
Coldest inauguration forecast since Reagan’s in 1985 forces Trump’s indoors
By Jason Samenow and Ian Livingston for The Washington Post
Donald Trump’s inauguration will be moved indoors because of the dangerously cold weather predicted Monday. Temperatures will not get much above 20 degrees, and factoring in howling winds, it will feel like the single digits. Trump’s inauguration is poised to be the most frigid since President Ronald Reagan’s in 1985.
Here’s what else I am reading:
DeWine passes over Ramaswamy, will select Jon Husted for Senate
By Adam Wren and Sophia Cai for Politico
Gov. Mike DeWine has selected his own Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to become the next senator from Ohio, passing over entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
What Did Trump’s Tax Cuts Do?
By Andrew Duehren for The New York Times
Seven years ago, when Republicans passed the most significant overhaul of the tax code in a generation, they were sure the law would supercharge investment, raise wages and shift the American economy into a higher gear. So did it? The answer, at least for now, is largely lost to history.
What I am listening to…
Rebecca Brenner Graham
Here’s Where It Gets Interesting
She was the first female cabinet secretary, but secretly, out of the spotlight, Frances Perkins also saved countless lives during World War II. Author Rebecca Brenner Graham shares incredible stories from her new book, Dear Miss Perkins, which showcases the letters of people who wrote to Perkins, desperate for her help to escape Nazi Germany. As the longest-serving Labor Secretary, Perkins stared down personal attacks and fierce opposition to do what she knew was right: making quick decisions that would protect those at a time when many turned their backs.
Navigating uncertainty in 2025
TED Radio Hour
In unpredictable times, how can we stay calm, grounded, and on course? This hour, TED speakers lead us through uncertainty. Guests include former medical clown Matt Wilson, psychologist Jamil Zaki, writer and filmmaker Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir and human rights activist Yifat Susskind.
Peace by piece: a ceasefire in Gaza is close
The Economist
After 15 months of fighting, a ceasefire in Gaza may soon be agreed. What does the deal entail – and could it last? Our correspondent has uncovered new information about Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard and her relationship with Syria’s former dictator, Bashar al-Assad.
What I am watching…
A harrowing escape from the California wildfires
The Washington Post
Altadena, Calif. resident Jeffrey Ku recounted the story of his family’s escape Jan. 7 as the Eaton Fire grew nearby.
As always, thank you for being here!
Hey Sharon, did you watch The Six Triple Eight on Netflix? Such a fantastic movie and a great story, one that I had never heard before. It seemed like it could have easily come out of The Small and the Mighty. I hope your people are in touch with Tyler Perry's people because a collaboration between the two of you could bring so many of these kinds of stories to life in such an entertaining way that we would all be better off for it. You both share a love of history and a talent for storytelling that is unmatched. If I were still in the biz I'd start trying to set the first meetings myself!
Frances Perkins went to Mount Holyoke College (I did too!) and there is a program for non-traditional aged college students named after her. I could several "FP's" among my dearest friends from college.