Photo via Politico

Written by Jackson Bird

This week we’re looking at the effects the longest shutdown in history is having on our nation and trying to keep positive without losing perspective.

What we’re checking out…

In addition to the National Parks, the TSA, and the FDA all being hit hard by the shutdown, we’re now hearing that the federal courts are on pace to run out of money soon and even the Super Bowl is not safe (literally, the main concern is with regards to security at the stadium and at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport).

As the shutdown continues, more stories come out about local businesses and good samaritans doing what they can to support furloughed government employees. Journalist Jessica M. Goldstein, however, warns us to be wary of the feel-good shutdown stories.

Of course our coverage of shutdown commentary wouldn’t be complete without Cardi B’s video on the topic, which is definitely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it yet. (Language warning if you’re watching with young ears nearby)

The Women’s March will be happening this weekend and we know you’ve at least heard rumblings about inner turmoil and public denouncements of the national organization. To shed some perspective, we offer this piece by the founder of Advancing Women Professionals & the Jewish Community, Shifra Bronznick, as well as this one by FRESH friend Rebecca Traister.

The whole controversy over Gillette’s The Best Men Can Be commercial is exhaustingly ridiculous, but this Twitter thread from Agri Ismaïl uses some of the surrounding coverage as a fantastic case study in media literacy.

For some levity, enjoy this ad from AeroMexico that claims to be offering “DNA Discounts” to U.S. southerners depending on what percentage Mexican they are. Incredible.

Our reFRESHing Talk of the Week goes to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, making her first address to the House of Representatives about how the shutdown has affected her constituents.

The latest from our speakers…

Chris Downey was on 60 Minutes this week, discussing how going blind made him a better architect.

Localeur, Joah Spearman’s travel recommendation startup, hit its 100 city milestone this week. Read more about it in this Xconomy interview with Joah.

via 60 Minutes

Mychal Denzel Smith wrote for Esquire about how Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has arrived in Congress with a passionated urgency unseen since Shirley Chisholm.

Susan McPherson talked the state of corporate responsibility in 2019 for Forbes.

Last year, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya gave a talk at Google, which is now available to watch online.

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