Dear John,

We’re an interconnected world, and these are heavy times. I am praying for the people of Ukraine, and for all of us. I included a few articles shared by our staff with context on Russia, Putin, and the senseless war that started this week. If there are any pieces you recommend, please send them my way, and let me know how you’re doing.

On a lighter note, I’m playing in my first chess tournament this weekend. Wish me luck.

Here’s what we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week:

1. Russia

Listen to this Democracy Now episode on what Russia’s invasion means for the rest of Europe. Read: How do you sell a war to people who don’t want it?

2. Putin

This is a helpful history and primer on Putin published by The Guardian in 2007. This piece in the Washington Post provides context on how Putin makes political decisions.

3. MPD Report

Nearly 150 Minneapolis police officers with misconduct history served as trainers. More than 400 officers employed since 2016 have been disciplined or named in lawsuits, costing the public more than $34 million. Read the new report on MPD from Kare 11.

4. Frey

From the Mpls Musing blog read: What’s the plan, Mayor Frey?

5. Solidarity

Read this piece published in MinnPost to understand why educators are getting close to striking.

6. Texas

Horrific legislation across the country is targeting trans children and their families. This commentary in the Washington Post begins with a list of ways to help trans kids and ends by snapping at Governor Abbott to “Leave the kids alone.”

7. Abortion Rights

Highly recommended essay in the New Yorker ahead of Dobbs v. Jackson. Learn how Black feminists defined abortion rights around equality, not choice.

8. SCOTUS Nomination

President Biden announced his supreme court nomination. Learn about Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.

9. Mars

For the space lovers: See amazing video of Mars in 8K!

10. Inventing Anna

 I loved Netflix’s Inventing Anna. It’s the true story (except the parts that are made up) of a Russian woman swindling her way through New York City pretending to be a German heiress. Watch the Inventing Anna trailer.

That’s a wrap. 

- Kenza Hadj-Moussa