What You Missed This Week

Selling America’s Heritage?

A proposal to sell millions of acres of public land is widely unpopular with the public. But will it help address the housing shortage?

Iran’s Allies Sent Thoughts and Prayers

In its hour of need, Iran finds that the nations it thought were allies were largely friends in name only.

She Wields a Powerful Red Pen

Elizabeth MacDonough is far from a household name. But, right now, she quietly wields as much power as almost anyone in Washington.

Is Striking Iran Unconstitutional?

The Islamic Republic of Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terror. According to Amnesty International, the Islamic Republic engages in systematic and widespread torture of its own citizens, including punitive amputations, blinding, crucifixion, and stoning. (Yes, crucifixions in 2025.) But were they close to having a nuclear weapon, and was it legal for President Trump to send 125 warplanes and a host of specialized bombs to Iran?

What I’m reading…

Tattered Pages Discovered in Storage Reveal an Enslaved Man's Daring Bid for Freedom—and His Second Life at Sea

By Ellen Wexler for The Smithsonian

​​Historians are investigating the haunting handwritten manuscript, which chronicles Thomas White’s escape from slavery in Maryland and adventures around the world nearly 200 years ago.

The Ultimate Career Advice: Make Your Work Your Calling

By Arthur C. Brooks for The Atlantic

Don’t wait for your life’s calling to find you with the perfect job; turn whatever job you find into the way you seek that calling.

What I Found Driving Through Appalachia

By Mason Adams for Atlas Obscura

Appalachia beckons travelers with bluegrass, ancient landscapes, and a deep-rooted tradition of storytelling.

At Jackie Robinson's high school, Altadena rebuilds after fire

By Alyssa Roenigk for ESPN

One hundred and forty-nine days after the fire, around 70 seniors from John Muir High School rise from their seats inside Pasadena's historic Civic Auditorium. Like their 200 classmates seated around them, their dark blue gowns are draped with colorful ribbons and stoles. Five months ago, these 70-some seniors lost or were displaced from their homes when one of the most destructive fires in California history ripped through their town.

What I’m listening to…

Book Bans and Free Speech with Suzanne Nossel

Here’s Where It Gets Interesting

How does American society uphold the First Amendment while restricting books and censoring diverse ideas? I talked with Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, about the surge in book bans, now over 4,000 nationwide. Suzanne explains how vague language about “protecting children” is used to remove books that reflect marginalized voices, often labeling them as “indecent” without justification. The result is classic literature and health-related content being removed from the shelves.

Not My Type

Storycorps

Stories about people who ended up in relationships they didn't see coming— friends and lovers who weren't part of the plan.

Sleepaway camp's nostalgia economy

Explain it to Me

Unpacking the American rite of passage that so many children love — but that isn't right for everyone.

What I’m watching…

The Unsung Heroes Protecting Our Wildlife

Great Big Story

Discover the stories of the nature lovers protecting our wildlife. Dive into the clear waters of the Bahamas to swim with sharks and learn about marine conservation efforts. Follow the zoo that preserves elephant habitats and promotes peaceful coexistence. Experience life on a turtle-dominated island and witness equine rescue stories.

Conversations I had this week…

Empowering Change: Sharon McMahon on Unsung Heroes, Patriotism, and Local Action

If you missed this one the first time around, here’s a chance to listen to me talk to Ashley and Sara about how to make a difference, even when it feels like nothing you do matters.

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Thanks for being here!