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.

The illumination of Hannah Arendt: “Arendt’s lifelong project was to honestly confront and comprehend the darkness of our times, without losing sight of the possibility of transcendence, and illumination. It should be our project, too.” (The New York Times)

A reckoning: What kind of country are we?: “Trump is angrily sawing away at the global structures the U.S. spent decades building after prevailing in that conflict, which left America not only as the globe’s only intact major economic power, but also holding the moral high ground.” (TIME)

On immigrants, a theory of animals: “We are your neighbors, your friends, significant others, teachers, students, co-workers, employees and people you have no relationship to but whose absence you would feel, whose missing passion, love, and work ethic would starve the world’s most famous democracy.” (Jezebel)

Who is Dolly Gee, the judge deciding the fate of Trump’s Executive Order?: “If there is one through line to her career, as a lawyer in private practice and then a judge, it is as an advocate for the underdog — immigrants, minorities and the working class.” (The New York Times)

How to talk to your kids about the border crisis: “Media coverage, from nightly news to Facebook fundraisers, has exposed our kids to the horrific situation, and while it’s important for families to understand the actions of its government, kids—on both sides of the border—need care and attention during difficult times.” (Mother Mag)