#5SmartReads - April 18, 2023

‘How do you protect a Black kid?’ Protesters demand justice in shooting of Ralph Yarl, 16 (Kansas City Star)

I am sick and tired of certain lawmakers ignoring the very real lack of gun safety laws at all levels (especially at certain state levels), and the racism problem we have in this country.

Because how else can Ralph Yarl - A CHILD - be shot point blank when he rang the wrong doorbell, looking to pick up his brothers?

How else can you explain that he had to visit 3 homes - AFTER BEING SHOT IN THE HEAD - to finally get help?

How else can the suspected shooter be released from custody, because of a self-defense law seemingly designed to protect those who wish to cause harm rather than protect themselves?

Make it make sense. Because this is a uniquely American issue, and how many Black boys will lose their lives because one political party refuses to acknowledge we have a problem, or show any willingness to solve it?

The Clayton County Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against Andrew Lester yesterday evening - one count of felony assault in the first degree, and one count of armed criminal action. But Missouri’s stand your ground laws may result in his acquittal - a reminder that our laws can be incredibly unjust.

If you can, please support their family and donate to the GoFundMe created by Ralph’s aunt. It is one micro action many of us can take to support this single child and family. I’ll leave you with Faith’s words, which moved me deeply:

Return of the romcom: the genre is thriving again – but with new values (The Guardian)

Romantic comedies have been our collective mental palate cleansers for decades. And while the general plot of this genre remains the same (meet, fall for each other, conflict drives them apart, they come back together for a happy ending), the genre has evolved - and in doing so, is surging this year.

We’re talking thirty six new romcoms hitting both the big screen and the streaming apps. And unlike the genre’s origins and first surges, these love stories reflect the world we live in.

I loved Louisa Young’s thoughtful analysis of the genre, from its very narrow past to a more inclusive future that celebrates all kinds of love. In a time when it feels like reboots and sequels are the only films and shows being made, it’s exciting to see this genre give us new stories and experiences - while keeping the happy endings.

Love is love is love. And I, for one, can’t wait to spend way too much time watching all of them (and rewatching some old favorites, of course).

Top Saudi and Iranian envoys meet in China for a deal that could remake the region (NPR)

When they’re not suppressing those seeking to live free, Iran’s leaders have also been quietly negotiating a major accord with Saudi Arabia - facilitated by China.

At first read, this agreement could help stabilize the entire region (especially in Yemen and Syria, where Iran and Saudi Arabia backed opposing groups). And both of these countries need to rebuild, which can only happen when the fighting ceases.

But the human rights abuses from all three of these countries - and their deepening cooperation - also raises my own concerns (and yes, I also see the hypocrisy here given that the United States is far from a democratic, humane place to live).

The news climate is especially noisy right now, and this particular news will have a significant impact on the global future. It’s worth reading up on it now and gaining a better understanding of this agreement, and what to consider int eh future.

This Is Their Moment (Bustle)

I have no clue what happened on the men’s side of the NCAA basketball championship. But I was GLUED to my screens, watching the women’s tournament.

And I’m not alone.

There are a few factors that made this year’s tournament so much fun to watch - the talented players (Angel Reese was captivating on and off the court), a rule change for the transfer portal (which led to significant transfers and recruiting efforts), and absolutely stellar coaching (and coach style - I loved LSU coach Kim Mulkey’s fun suits).

I didn’t think I’d see the day where women’s sports (especially at the college level) got the same energy, airtime, and fandom that men’s did.

The question “women’s or men’s?” was more widely asked in response to someone saying they’re going to a game. I hope we normalize it for all basketball games and soccer matches from here on out.

America is not ready for retirement (Axios)

I don’t mean to be the harbinger of bad news. I don’t.

But when an estimated 52% of Americans are not on track to pay for retirement - and one party keeps threatening to gut Social Security and Medicare - I can’t help but amplify this very urgent story.

There are a few factors at play here - the instability of the stock market causing 401(k) accounts to lose 23% of their value, inflation and rising costs of living causing the younger workforce to put retirement savings on hold, and the fact that over 50 million workers’ employers don’t offer a retirement plan.

While I’m not a personal finance expert, I’ve learned a lot from friends who are. I highly recommend following Farnoosh, Vivian, and Tori for excellent educational content on building your wealth. I also recommend The Financial Gym and Snowball Wealth (two of my portfolio companies) who offer 1:1 finance coaching at accessible prices.