My Weekly Recommendations
Get caught up on what to read, watch, and listen to.
I know you’ve been busy! Let’s get you caught up on what you might have missed this week.
Misinformation is Hurting Hurricane Helene Victims
Lies and rumors have been spread in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This false information actively harms people who need help by diverting resources and attention away from the actual issue. I give the facts and talk about how you can help hurricane victims.
Sarah Isgur: Beware Popular SCOTUS Decisions
Sarah Isgur has worked in all three branches of government, been a part of several presidential campaigns, and served in the DOJ during the Trump administration (as a Trump skeptic, she had joined in hopes of “tempering his worst instincts). While president, Trump appointed three conservative justices who have gone on to make rulings that drastically changed American lives. I talked to Sarah about why she feels the Supreme Court doesn’t need to be reformed, despite its low approval rating.
Who is Elena Kagan?
When Elena Kagan joined the Supreme Court, she had never been a judge and had no judicial experience. So how did she end up serving a life appointment on the highest court in the land?
Elon Musk is Trying to Buy the Election
Is the richest man in the world trying to buy the 2024 presidential election? If Elon Musk succeeds in his aims, there will be one million new Trump voters before November 5th.
What I’m reading…
'Sleeper agent' bots on X fuel US election misinformation, study says
By Anuj Chopra, YahooNews
A research group found that hundreds of apparent pro-Russian bot accounts on X are pushing US election misinformation and amplifying false narratives about Democratic contender Kamala Harris. The group says these "sleeper agents" have been evading detection for years.
Federal judges decline to extend voter registration deadline in Georgia and Florida as states face hurricane damage
By Devan Cole, Jason Morris, and Nick Valencia, CNN
Two federal judges denied requests to immediately reopen voter registration in Georgia and Florida in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
More Americans Identify as Republican Than Democrat. Here’s What That Means for the Election.
By Aaron Zitner, The Wall Street Journal
More voters are calling themselves Republicans than Democrats, suggesting that the GOP has its first durable lead in party identification in more than three decades.
Johnson slams door on Congress returning for disaster aid
By Andres Picon, Politico
House Speaker Mike Johnson and top appropriators insist Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) can manage just fine — for now — with the $20.3 billion that Congress freed up for it late last month. That money is for the fiscal year that ends next Sept. 30.
What I’m listening to…
The Plan with Kendra Adachi
Feeling overwhelmed by the constant juggle of work and life? Always trying to be more productive with the little time you have? Kendra Adachi says there’s a better way. She shares with me The Plan for how to let go of guilt and embrace the season you’re in. You’ll be guaranteed to walk away from this episode feeling better about yourself, no matter where you are in your life.
Father Greg Boyle: Unshakable Goodness
Kate Bowler talks to Father Grey Boyle, who started working with gang members in Los Angeles through Homeboy Industries. The lessons that he learns from whom he calls “homies” are contagious. Every day, they teach him about what it means to heal, to belong to one another, to practice compassion, and to relearn how to feel good again to God and others.
A conversation I had…
How a Former Government Teacher Is Turning Social Media Into “An Incredible Force for Good”
I talked to Katie Couric about how to bridge the gap on bipartisan issues; The Small and the Mighty, why I share the news on social media, and my mission to educate, empower, and inform.
What I am asking you to do…
Early and absentee voting has begun in 44 states.
That means that you should:
Check your registration
Make a plan if you want to vote early or in-person
Know the voting requirements in your state
Have questions about any of this? There’s a voting tool on my website full of information just for you, like where you can register, learn more about early voting, find your polling location, and more: sharonmcmahon.com/vote
I’ll see you soon!
At what point do we stop calling it misinformation and call it disinformation? Most of what is being shared now, everyone knows to be lies and yet they still keep pushing it.
Loved the interview with Katie Couric!