My Weekly Recommendations

What to read, write, and listen to the final month of the year

Happy December everyone! It's already snowed here in Minnesota, and the fire is roaring. Here’s what I recommend you cozy up with this weekend.

Operation Wetback: America's Previous Mass Deportation

During the Great Depression, the federal government never declared a formal deportation program, so state and local governments, who lack the authority to deport, began to stoke the fires of “repatriation,” creating the conditions under which Mexican immigrants would just “voluntarily” return home. Sometimes this included local governments raiding businesses that employed Mexican immigrants, and soon word–and fear–began to spread.

Who is Amy Coney Barrett?

Her faith and conservatism powered her way to the court, where she has been a part of major legal overhauls in the past four years.

Pay to Play?

Elon Musk isn’t the only billionaire who helped Trump achieve success with personal donations and fundraisers. And as a thank you, some of them will stand by his side in Washington.

Trans Rights Before the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court heard arguments this week in the most consequential case to come before the Supreme Court to date regarding transgender rights, and it could have a significant domino effect around the country.

Reader Q&A

You had lots of questions this week, including whether or not martial law could be declared in the US (after the shocking news of martial law being declared by South Korea’s president earlier this week). I answered that, and discussed the Equal Rights Amendment, and whether Joe Biden will move to certify and publish the amendment before his presidency ends. Plus, your concerns about Kash Patel being picked by Trump to replace Christopher Wray as FBI Director, even though Wray’s 10 year term isn’t up. And, is there a way to overturn one of the worst Supreme Court rulings in modern history, Citizens United?

What I am reading…

Nadler to Relinquish Democrats’ Top Judiciary Post, Bowing to Calls for Change

By Nicholas Fandos for The New York Times

Democrats’ longtime leader on the panel faced a challenge from Representative Jamie Raskin, and pressure from colleagues who wanted a younger, more strategic figure at the helm.

French lawmakers vote to oust prime minister in the first successful no-confidence vote since 1962

By Tom Nouvian and Sylvia Corbet for The Associated Press

France’s far-right and left-wing lawmakers joined together this week in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes that forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet members to resign, a first since 1962. A look at why that happened.

Who is Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare CEO gunned down in New York?

By Rachel Treisman for NPR

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed outside a Manhattan hotel on Wednesday morning, sparking a search for his killer and an outpouring of condolences.

Trump's plan for Ukraine comes into focus: NATO off the table and concessions on territory

By Gram Slattery and Jonathan Landay

Advisers to Donald Trump publicly and privately are floating proposals to end the Ukraine war that would cede large parts of the country to Russia for the foreseeable future, according to a Reuters analysis of their statements and interviews with several people close to the U.S. president-elect.

What I am listening to…

Good People with Lucia Knell and Gabriel Reilich

Here’s Where It Gets Interesting

We talk a lot about the bad side of social media, but what about the good stuff? I sat down with Lucia Knell and Gabriel Reilich, the creators of the viral Instagram account, Upworthy, to discuss their uplifting and thought-provoking NYT Best Selling book, “Good People.” Together, they explore the power of sharing stories that shine a light on human decency, giving us a much needed break from the negativity that often dominates our feed. What’s the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you? Or the teacher who had the most impact on your life? Those are the stories Gabe and Lucia want to highlight.

Night Flyer with Tiya Miles

Here’s Where It Gets Interesting

How do you choose hope when fear feels overwhelming? In her most recent book, “Night Flyer,” Harvard historian and NYT best-selling author Tiya Miles shares the powerful legacy of Harriet Tubman. We’ve all heard stories about Tubman’s daring escape and work on the Underground Railroad. But how did she do it, and who helped her? Tiya Miles tells us about Tubman’s humor, and the vital role her faith and allies, both human and non-human, played in helping her free over 700 people throughout her lifetime. In a world where hope often feels out of reach, Miles reveals why Tubman’s story continues to inspire and resonate with us today.

What I am watching…

What Trump’s Dismantling of the Education Department Could Look Like

The Wall Street Journal

President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to dismantle the Department of Education and reverse Biden-era policies on transgender students and racial disparities. Trump has also signaled support for religions in schools, including prayer in the classroom. But why do Trump and other Republicans want to abolish the Department of Education and what would that look like?

Conversations I had…

What Fear Can Teach Us About Unity with Sharon McMahon

Connection Codes

I sat down with Tera to discuss the power of fear as a driver in politics and history. We talked about how emotions influence decision-making, the importance of warm relationships in bridging divides, and the steps individuals can take to create meaningful change in their communities. And I share insights from my journey, highlights from The Small and the Mighty, and advice for navigating today’s polarized world.

Something I am so proud of…

YOU! You raised $511,499 in Just. One. Weekend. during our holiday giving campaign.

Over the past four years, our community has raised $11.1 million. We have forgiven $300 million in medical debt, and helped more than 4,000 teachers with classroom necessities so they can better support our nation’s children.

You want to know who you’ve helped? Families who have lost everything, including their hope, in a fire. Children fighting against rare diseases, and single moms diagnosed with cancer. We’ve helped families who needed a medical transport van for a disabled child. We’ve helped people who lost a loved one and needed help covering funeral costs.

We’ve gotten gifts for kids, supplied warm pajamas, and been able to provide food for those who need it. People have been able to fix their roof, or heat their home. Because of you, people who survived natural disasters received a helping hand. Those who escaped war were able to get some relief.

We did this. And we are just getting started.

Thank you for being here.