The news cycle is fast and furious—which is why we shifted through the recent noise and found a few articles we believe matter. These thoughts and ideas made us pause, think and, most importantly, consider what is happening in the world. We hope they do the same for you.

What Barbara Bush knows about life, and politics: “But it is also a reminder that even lives and characters that seem lucky and straightforward have complexities too quickly passed over.” (The New Yorker)

There are now more women in Congress than ever before: “That includes 78 Democrats and 29 Republicans, constituting 20% of congressional seats for the first time in history.” (Fortune)

When misogynists become terrorists: “Until we grapple with the disdain for women that drives these mass murderers, and the way that the killers are increasingly radicalized on the internet, there will be no stopping future tragedies.” (The New York Times)

What to help schools and students? Here’s where to start: It’s easy to sense that you could be doing more financially to help educators and students. It’s harder to know how to go about it. (The New York Times)

Bill Cosby and the slow death of celebrity impunity: The conviction of the actor and comedian is a testament to the power of #MeToo. (The Atlantic)