My Weekly Recommendations

Here’s what I suggest you dig into this Sunday

Even with the election over, the news cycle is not going to slow down in the foreseeable future. Here are a few things to sink your teeth into this weekend.

Will Policies in Blue States Change?

Democratic lawmakers are vowing  they’re “ready to fight” against many of Trump’s proposals. Now, these leaders need to decide how to govern once Trump takes office, especially since the first two years of his term (at least) will be bolstered by a Republican House and Senate. 

Who is Neil Gorsuch?

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch says there are too many laws in America, that the government has gotten too big, and that this is reducing the freedoms Americans enjoy. So how did a man who wants fewer laws and less government not only become a lawyer himself, but get a lifetime appointment at the highest court in the land?

Ten Trump Education Ideas

As a longtime classroom educator, I have ideas about what would improve the state of education. And so does Donald Trump. In fact, we have some of the same ideas. Let’s discuss.

Transitioning from Biden to Trump

Changing administrations is not a simple task, and for national security purposes, the planning begins well before election day. Presidents need to be ready on day one, and spending weeks or months getting up to speed and hiring people would leave a president –and the country– flat footed and vulnerable. 

Veteran Homelessness is a Moral Failure

As the child of a disabled veteran who died of his war-related injuries, generic platitudes posted on Veteran’s Day and beyond can ring hollow. This is a concept veterans know deep in their core: running your mouth does little. Moving your hands and feet gets the job done.

What I am reading… 

Amazon Best Books of 2024 revealed: Top 10 span genres but all 'make you feel deeply'

USA Today

I am so honored to be on Amazon’s Best Books of the Year list, curated based on editorial judgment (instead of sales). And I must say, The Small and the Mighty is in incredible company. Take a look at the other books, all of which the senior editor at Amazon Books says will “make you feel deeply.” 

Why Matt Gaetz is such a controversial pick for attorney general

Amber Phillips, The Washington Post

A lot of you have been asking about Matt Gaetz’s nomination to attorney general. If he becomes attorney general, Gaetz would have oversight of — and could be tasked with getting rid of — federal investigations into Trump. But that’s not all: from inviting a Holocaust denier to the State of the Union to credible accusations of sexually assaulting a minor, here’s why Matt Gaetz — a man who calls himself a firebrand — has ignited a firestorm of controversy. 

After McCarthy ouster, GOP to consider new requirement for House leadership elections

By Olivia Beavers, Politico

House Republicans are set to consider a variety of new internal rules proposals this week, including some proposals that tie back to the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, which threw the House into turmoil in 2023. 

What I am listening to…

On Freedom with Timothy Snyder

Here’s Where It Gets Interesting

What if Americans are thinking about freedom all wrong? Yale historian and New York Times #1 Best-Selling author Timothy Snyder unpacks this question in his book “On Freedom”. He challenges our common understanding of freedom, and highlights the ways in which others attempt to take our freedom through anger and fear mongering, and what we can do to take it back.

From high tariffs to isolation, what a 2nd Trump term might mean for foreign policy

Fresh Air, NPR

With wars raging around the world and high tariffs looming, Economist editor-in-chief Zanny Minton Beddoes says Trump's agenda may be chaotic — but she remains optimistic about possible good elements.

What I am watching…

Ukraine soldiers focus on keeping Russian advances at bay but brace for Trump taking over in US

The Associated Press 

Ukrainian soldiers on the front know the re-election of Donald Trump will change their lives, but most say that they can’t afford to lose focus on their more urgent mission: holding back Russian troops.

Conversations I had this week…

Sharon McMahon, America’s Favorite Government Teacher and Master Storyteller, Joins us to Discuss Civic Education and Stories About American Heroes

Meant for It, hosted by Polina Rubin, Yelena Mugin, and Amber Greene

There is currently a  lack of standardized civic education across the United States. Each state decides how much time to allocate within their schools to teach about US Government and Civics. If students are not taught how to make change locally, statewide or nationally, or that their vote and participation matters, perhaps that explains a lot including why so many of us complain that the system is not representing us? I dig into all this and more on Meant for It. 

A small request…

The Small and the Mighty has been nominated in the opening round of the Goodreads Choice Awards in two categories: Best History/Biography and Best Audiobook.

(Yes, I read the audiobook myself!)

I would be truly honored if you'd consider voting for my book. You can find all the categories here.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the nomination! And always, thanks for being a part of the Governerds community. I appreciate all of you.

What can I do for you this week? Tell me in the comments.