april media rewind and news stories you should read this month

a collection of what I've been reading, watching and listening to in April.

Apr 29, 2024

Hello Tamia Talkers!

Mmmm, I don’t know how I feel about that. It’s kind of cute, I’ve wanted to try out giving a name to my readers, but I don’t know how I feel about it. Regardless, here I am, back in your inbox with yet another media rewind!

I feel like we were just here, rewinding March. That is, of course, because we were. Time flies and the months zoom past with a quickness. So, from now on, I am committing to giving you rewinds within an appropriate end-of-month/top-of-the-month time frame.

April was fantastic. As I write this, I am headed to a screening of “Challengers.” I am thrilled to see Zendaya serve (in every sense of the word) and for people to get on the Mike Faist train that I’ve been on since 2012. I don’t know though, my Twitter feed is giving major anti-Art energy, so maybe y’all hate him. Tbd! Actors are not characters, and Mike Faist, as a talent, is a gem!

Anyway, here are the things I’ve watched, listened to, and read this month that made me think, gave me life, and/or called me to broaden my horizons and learn something new. I almost finished writing this at a reasonable hour, but I started looking at “Challengers” tweets.

in the news

The Student-Led Protests Aren’t Perfect. That Doesn’t Mean They’re Not Right.: In her latest for New York Times Opinion, Lydia Polgreen guides readers through her experience covering pro-Palestinian student encampments at Columbia University and New York University. Polgreen happened to be at Columbia, speaking to a class on Thursday, April 18, when police were called to campus to arrest student protestors who built a Gaza Solidarity Encampment across a main campus lawn. Over the past few weeks, reporting and social media posts about the encampment have presented, sometimes, drastically differing evaluations of protestors’ intentions, student safety, and violence at the campus.
Polgreen speaks to Jewish students about their growing safety concerns and follows Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s visit to the campus. Johnson met with a group of Jewish students and in media coverage renounced anti-Semitism and “lawless agitators and radicals” taking over Columbia’s campus. Polgreen’s analysis sheds light on the complexity and nuance of student perspectives, as many pro-Palestinian student protestors feel their demands for divestment and an end to the war are often clouded and lost due to a small number of aggressive agitators who have employed anti-Semitic language and sought to mask themselves among student protestors. Jewish students say they have faced dual threats, some as supporters of encampments on campus and others for being visibly Jewish and perceived as a threat or anti-Palestinian for wearing kippah. As an alumna of Columbia University, Polgreen highlights the tricky fault lines students confront in trying to initiate change and demand action from leaders at the university, paralleling the events of student protests against the war in Vietnam in the late 1960s. Read more here.
Mari Copeny Is More Than Little Miss Flint: I met Mari Copeny in 2017 at the Inaugural Teen Vogue Summit where she was honored as one of the publication’s 21 under 21 alongside rising young leaders like actress and model Hunter Schaefer and Nadya Okamoto, author and founder of Period: The Menstrual Movement. In Imani Mixon’s 2024 Teen Vogue profile of Copeny, the now-16-year-old environmental activist reflects on growing up in the spotlight while her hometown faced a lead contamination crisis. Copeny speaks of dealing with extensive abuse from adults who wanted her to remain silent and her persistent commitment to ensuring people across the United States have access to clean water. Read about Copeny’s activism and how she’s finding herself, her peace, and her focus after a decade of advocacy here.

A Hidden Sexual-Assault Scandal at the New York Philharmonic: A few months into Cara Kizer’s new gig as an assistant principal French horn player in the New York Philharmonic, she traveled with her colleagues to Vail, Colorado for their “German Masters” concert residency. On the night of the group’s second concert, a member of the Philharmonic hosted a small gathering, inviting Kizer and a handful of their colleagues. Liang Wang and Matthew Muckey arrived later that evening. The pair was accused of sexually assaulting Kizer that night, but for decades her story went unheard. Read freelance reporter Sammy Sussman’s story for Vulture here.
Law enforcement keeps making women remove hijabs for mugshots: Three women, Tamera Hutcherson, Donia El-Hussain, and Nidaa Lafi have filed a civil lawsuit against the Dallas County Police Department for violation of religious liberty after police officers forcibly removed their headscarves for mugshots. Mariel Padilla’s article for The 19th examines recent lawsuits made by Muslim women who were forced to remove their hijabs during the booking process and details the emotional turmoil that women undergo when their religious expression is vilified. According to United States Law, the government cannot “impose a substantial burden on the religious exercise of a person residing in or confined to an institution.” Padilla’s reporting highlights an ongoing battle at the intersection of police conduct and religion. Read here.
Milwaukee drag queen Jaida Essence Hall discusses confronting LGBTQ+ discrimination in new season of HBO's 'We're Here': My fellow Journal Sentinel Public Investigator Quinn Clark wrote a wonderful story about Milwaukee Drag Queen and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jaida Essence Hall to discuss HBO’s “We’re Here” series. The show follows drag queens, Sasha Velour, Priyanka, and Hall as they visit cities impacted by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, like Season 4’s Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The hosts meet and work alongside local drag queens to put on two shows in the community with the hope of eliminating fear and promoting inclusion of the LGBTQ community. Read here.
As Civil Rights Era Fades From Memory, Generation Gap Divides Black Voters: Maya King’s story examines the divergence between young and elderly Black voters who are looking ahead to the 2024 election with apprehension about the future and concerns about President Joe Biden. While many elderly voters hold sacred their right to vote, remembering the days of poll tax and inadequate representation in legislative bodies; many older voters are contending with the reality that their young family members and peers might not harbor the same deep commitments to participating actively in the democratic process. King’s reporting highlights the nuances between these varying perspectives and sheds light on the potential electoral outcomes that could emerge if Biden fails to secure the trust of a usually reliable voting bloc. Read here.

in my ears

music

Dearest April, how I have loved the music you have brought to my ears. My favorite part about this month is how the weather has warmed slightly, offering me glimpses of hope for summer. Many of these songs deliver a burst of that summertime energy, hang your head out of a car window, and belt your heart out vibes. Others are featured on the Glee Season 2 soundtrack (sorry, not sorry).

Illusion, Dua Lipa (2024): I truly could dance all night to “Illusion.” Thrilled for the album.
Blue Dream Baby, Fancy Hagood and Kacey Musgraves (2022): I am obsessed with Kacey and Fancy Hagood’s 2022 collab. My reintroduction to this song emerged as a byproduct of diving into more country music after Beyoncé dropped Cowboy Carter. So playful, so romantic, so fun!
Espresso, Sabrina Carpenter: I’m glad that the general public is finally understanding the power and magic of the Sabrina Carpenter. Thinking ‘bout me?! Baby, I know. Is it that sweet? I guess, so!
Twisting Fingers (with Moneybagg Yo), The Mexican OT (2024)
Fria, Anitta (2024): This album came out two days ago, but this song has been on repeat.
Blame It (On The Alcohol) (2012), Glee Cast: This song is just so goofy. Every time I listen, it brings tears to my eyes. I’ve restarted my Glee watching this month, and “Blame It On The Alcohol,” as an episode and song is legendary. Amber Riley ad-libs changing lives! I need to go watch some fan edits of Rachel’s first party.
Pink Sky, Infinity Song (2023)
The Kill, Maggie Rogers (2024)
Like It Tends To, Lizzy McAlpine (2024): As of late, I’ve been trying to stay away from sad girl music to maintain a generally high vibration and positive spirit. But, for Lizzy McAlpine, I will always make an exception. “Like It Tends To” brings to life a lost relationship and all of the awkward moments that follow losing connection with someone you once cared deeply about. It is beautiful and makes my heart pang.
Tell Ur Girlfriend, Lay Bankz (2024)
Karma’s A Bitch, Brit Smith (2024)
Take Me Or Leave Me, Glee (2012): I hope you didn’t think I was going to omit the diva from the lineup! Not.
B2B, Charli XCX (2024): Could be on the “Challengers” soundtrack, certified banger.

podcasts

Can cities fine unhoused people for sleeping outside?, Post Reports: Washington Post reporter Reis Thebault shares insights on the United States Supreme Court case, City of Grants Pass, Oregon, v. Johnson. Judges will determine whether or not government entities can establish anti-camping laws that prevent unhoused people from sleeping outside in public spaces. Thebault visited Grants Pass to speak with unhoused people at the center of the homelessness crisis in the small conservative city. Many speak of facing harassment from residents who criticize them for not getting a job and taking up space. The Post’s reporting on Grants Pass provides a thoughtful and comprehensive look into the complexities of America’s housing crisis and highlights the implications of the case on a national scale. Listen here.
Why Trump Would Rather Be At The Supreme Court, The Assignment with Audie Cornish: This episode of “The Assignment with Audie Cornish” examines two significant Supreme Court cases that could invalidate the charges of January 6th defendants and determine whether or not a former president be immune for criminal liability once they leave office. Both cases will impact former President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign for the presidency. Listen here.
The Attack on Black History, with Nikole Hannah-Jones and Jelani Cobb, The New Yorker Radio Hour: In this episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, David Remnick speaks with Columbia Journalism School Dean Jelani Cobb and Nikole Hannah Jones, New York Times Magazine reporter and creator of the 1619 Project, about a recent surge in government policy aimed to diminish diversity, equity and inclusion in K-12 and higher education institutions across the United States. Hannah-Jones and Cobb shed light on subjects including barriers to tenure for professors of color, book bans, and teaching Black history, sharing insights from their roles in academia. Listen here.

on my screen

My screen time has been a bit lower this month, but I do have a handful of things that have called me to turn on my television, buy a ticket to the movies, and tap into the culture. Also, I have now seen Challengers, let’s freaking chat about it.

Loot, Season Two (2024): If you haven’t watched Loot on Apple TV+, the delightful comedy series follows Molly Novak (Maya Rudolph), a recently divorced billionaire attempting to redefine her public image by revenge spending her $87 billion divorce settlement on charitable initiatives in an attempt to outshine her ex-husband. Throughout the first and second seasons, Molly emerges from her privileged bubble and discovers that her wealth has clouded her ability to connect with the real world and understand the issues facing her lower-income residents of Los Angeles. Surrounded by an eclectic group of coworkers who lead her foundation’s social initiatives, she discovers new parts of herself and redefines her standards for love and fulfillment. It’s such a fun watch and I’m so excited the show has returned for a second season.
Gossip Girl (2012): Every year, I feel an insatiable urge to watch Gossip Girl. The buzz usually hits in April and October when the weather starts to transition into summer or fall. I’m not sure why exactly, but April just feels like the right time to watch Dan and Serena fight at somebody’s wedding.
Glee, Season Two (2012): Having only watched one and a half seasons of Glee, I am fairly convinced that Season Two is the best season of all time. The antics are at an all-time high. The characters are behaving in truly bizarre, yet deeply entertaining ways. And, the music reminds me of one of my favorite summers of my life, an era defined by hits by Katy Perry and Ke$ha, reading the Hunger Games on the bus to a volleyball tournament, and going to a pool party in a tankini (lol). Somehow, Quinn Fabray continues to be a little demon cheater. Help her.
Challengers (2024): OK, first of all, do not read this if you haven’t seen the film. Jump ahead. I do believe this was the perfect film. It was riveting, high stakes, compelling and beautiful. It would have been entirely unpredictable (maybe?) if I hadn’t seen the uterus-shaped tennis racket photo time and time again in the days leading up to my viewing. Tashi Duncan is incredibly sick and twisted, but I hold so much sorrow and sympathy for her character as she tries to fill the gaping hole in her life by seeking out relationships with Patrick and Art. For Tashi, losing tennis was her downfall. Ultimately, it seems that whatever relationship allowed her the closest proximity to the life of a successful tennis star would be the one that she pursued. Patrick, as he states, was a true peer who challenged her and her desperation for control, but he was far too frivolous and uncommitted as a player. At his core, he didn’t understand the game as she sought to play it. Art lacks the fervor and passion for the sport that she needs to remain continually invested, but he maintains the skill and focus necessary to keep her attention and build a foundation for a long-term partnership. For the boys, they are the perfect pair, each of them is pushed to address or fill their gaps when brought together. Art finds his passion and Patrick finds his focus. As for Tashi, homegirl, you let those white boys ruin your life. Divas, you MUST stay single for at least a minute. Secure your joy, secure your bag, and then figure your life out.

on stage

I have wanted to add this category to my rewind for the longest, but I was not sure if I had enough shows on my agenda to devote an entire category. This month, I saw two Broadway shows, so I must speak of their glory.

Merrily We Roll Along: I saw Merrily We Roll Along on a trip to New York this month. A friend and I snagged the last two tickets in the theatre, unexpectedly landing in the 12th row for a usually sold-out Thursday night performance. I had heard wonderful things about the production, but in all honesty knew nothing about the plot. I was, of course, familiar with the show’s star-studded cast which includes Daniel Radcliffe, Lindsay Mendez, and Jonathan Groff, all individuals who I have been a fan of and whose work I’ve admired greatly over the years. The musical tells the tragic tale of three friends whose friendship falls apart as a consequence of a series of miscommunications, relationship scandals, and heartbreaks. The most enthralling part is that the story is told in reverse. So, instead of watching your favorite characters devolve into selfish monsters, you watch them transform into hopeful 20-somethings with dreams fulfilled on the horizon. It was truly such a joy to watch and served as a beautiful cautionary tale and a reminder to cherish and adore your friends, uplift them, and to hold each other accountable when things get tough. I also have to say, it did feel a bit magical to see Daniel Radcliffe just feet away from me on a Broadway stage. That’s my Harry Potter and Quinta Brunson rom-com fan cast. <3
The Outsiders: In the weeks leading up to my New York trip, I spent days on end convincing my friends to see “The Outsiders” with me. I promo’d it as “Oklahoma West Side Story” and “The Hot Man Musical,” because I felt that was simple enough terminology to convince non-theatre-obsessed individuals like myself to see a show that has pretty recently landed on Broadway. Also, none of us were afforded the opportunity to read S.E. Hinton’s book in middle school, and I have always wanted to know why Ponyboy Curtis needed to “stay gold.” I can confirm post-show that we had the best time. “The Outsiders” is a gripping story about a group of young misfits, The Greasers, contending with the classist social hierarchy of their hometown, Tulsa, Oklahoma. The audience follows 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis and his brothers Sodapop and Darrell on a coming-of-age journey that includes a grizzly murder, a rumble in the rain, and a fire that alters the course of their lives. Through it all, the group of dejected teens aims to find their place in a world that seems inherently built to reject them. This show is a massive production with an emotional and compelling plot and an immersive set. It is a fun watch for fans of the book, theatre newbies, and anyone in between, absolutely would recommend it.