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.

I tried to befriend Nicholas Cruz. He still killed my friends: “The implication that Mr. Cruz’s mental health problems could have been solved if only he had been loved more by his fellow students is both a gross misunderstanding of how these diseases work and a dangerous suggestion that puts children on the front line.” (The New York Times)

Every female senator is demanding their chamber address sexual harassment: “All 22 women in the Senate — both Republican and Democrat — together wrote a condemnatory letter to their chamber leadership, urging them to overhaul how Capitol Hill handles sexual-harassment claims.” (The Cut)

This is so much bigger than Facebook: “Data misuse is a feature, not a bug—and it’s plaguing our entire culture.” (The Atlantic)

26 women of color diversifying entrepreneurship: “Each one of the women in this group tableau has raised $1 million or more in outside capital, breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings along the way.” (Vanity Fair)

Raising my kids to be unapologetic American Muslims: “Growing up, I practiced my faith quietly. Now I want my children to be loud about theirs.” (The Atlantic)

How we can get a more equal union: “Fifty years later, the picture is bleak. The initial reception of the report would have made it difficult for Fred Harris to imagine just how little difference half a century would make for black Americans.” (NY Mag)