Dear John,

A lot happened this week but I’m going to be honest. My brain (Kenza) has been completely tickled by GameStop and some beloved Reddit bros. When people come together, we can do extraordinary things – like winning health care for all and beating billionaire hedge fund owners at their own game.

What are your plans for the weekend? Let us know what’s keeping you going these days.

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

1. Democracy

Holocaust Remembrance Day took place this week. Read this powerful piece by Rep. Hornstein.

2. MPD

Despite causing gruesome injuries to several protesters during the uprising, the Minneapolis Police Department has yet to discipline any officers for misconduct. Take a deep breath and read about our lack of police accountability. 

3. Participatory Budgeting

We’re fans of it. It’s how Seattle residents will allocate money that would have gone to their police department. Learn all about participatory budgeting.

4. Poland

Mass protests erupted after courts upheld a near total ban on abortion. Read about the demonstrations for reproductive rights.

5. Ice

Pellet ice is the best ice. Discover why it’s the best ice in The New Yorker.

6. Cicely Tyson

She was a groundbreaking actress and activist. Remember Cicely Tyson and her incredible career in The New York Times.

7. #WithThePeople

Powerful piece on the significance of electing working-class leaders like Congresswomen Cori Bush and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Read this piece in Vox on why it’s important our leaders reflect the people they represent.

8. Touch

It's so important for humans. Read about why we need hugs in The Guardian.

9. GameStop

What’s all this talk about GameStop and the stock market? Get the info about what’s going on with Wall Street. Enjoy this brilliant and hilarious explainer video.

10. Cookie Monster

A geologist found a rock that looks like the beloved Muppet. Check out this agate.

That’s a wrap. Send us what you’re reading.

 - Kenza Hadj-Moussa & LyLy Vang-Yang