News Above the Noise—Week of May 28, 2023
1. Veteran Journalist Christiane Amanpour on the State of the News
“Journalism is about the truth, first and foremost,” Christiane Amanpour told graduates of the Columbia Journalism School. In addition to her thoughtful insights on the state of the news today and what journalists must do to create a relationship between the world and their audiences, she talked about her network’s recent town hall with Donald Trump—something many are focusing on. “I still respectfully disagree with allowing Donald Trump to appear in that particular format,” Amanpour said, going on to discuss how editors might deal with Trump’s various claims: “Maybe we should revert back to the newspaper editors and TV chiefs of the 1950s, who in the end refused to allow McCarthyism onto their pages.” To watch Amanpour’s speech, click here.
2. Alarms Sound on the Dangers of Kids Using Social Media
This week, the U.S. government issued a public warning that scrolling through social media apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok may pose serious risks to your child’s mental health. Yes, these platforms offer some benefits, including the ability to connect with others. Even Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy acknowledged this in the 19-page report. Yet social media seems to do more harm than good, exposing kids to potential harms like cyberbullying and content that promotes eating disorders and other destructive behavior. So, what’s a concerned parent or grandparent to do? A good start is knowing what tools are available to limit kids’ screen time. Click here for more.
3. Is it Safe to Give Melatonin to Kids?
Melatonin, an over-the-counter supplement used as a sleep aid, is widely available and used often—especially among parents hoping to help their kids get a good night’s sleep. However, an alarming trend is emerging especially among the pediatric population: Children are overdosing on the supplement, which often comes in an appetizing gummy form when intended for the pediatric population. To read more on how melatonin works and why health care providers are concerned, click here.
4. Inside the Movement to Make Workplaces “Menopause Friendly”
At last, a growing number of female leaders—including Oprah, Michelle Obama, and Maria Shriver—and increasingly bringing menopause into our cultural conversation. Women in their 40s and 50s are more willing to talk about their menopause symptoms and experiences than previous generations—and they’re requesting support in new ways, including at the office. Thankfully, many companies are starting to listen and adopting policies to help half their workforce through this transition. For more on this exciting new trend, click here.
5. Why You Should Buy Everything Used
There’s a new, bustling secondary market on the internet taking the taboo out of buying previously owned goods. In fact, the online “recommerce” ecosystem is full of quality goods at low prices, and a growing number of shoppers are taking notice. According to some figures, roughly half of Americans have bought used clothing. Want to learn more about this big shift in how we shop, which is powered by changing attitudes and advances in technology? Click here.
Editor's Note: Every week, The Sunday Paper's team of journalists sift through the news to find what Rises Above the Noise, makes sense of what's happening in the world, and provides hope for your week to come. While we do our best to provide our own informative summary of each piece, some publications require their own subscriptions beyond our control.
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