🎄 “How’s work?”

It’s Friday, December 22 — people are talking about the NYC City Council’s vote on solitary confinement, being asked “How’s work?”, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

🔒 NYC city council votes to ban solitary confinement

NYC's debate on solitary confinement in prisons heats up: Some call it torture, others say it's for safety.

🔒 In a move to reform its jail system, NYC’s city council voted to limit solitary confinement. The NYT says it's a crucial step toward more humane jails.

🔒 The NY Daily News agreed: The use of solitary confinement in jails is nothing short of inhumane torture.

🔒 But amNewYork thinks the ban goes too far. NY shouldn't ban punitive segregation — it's a measure that keeps inmates and officers safe.

🔒 On the other hand, an NYT opinion piece believes the ban doesn't go far enough. The US needs to stop all instances of solitary confinement.

🎄 “How’s work?”

Navigating the “How's work?” question can be a minefield at holiday gatherings. Some dodge it, while others use humor or change the subject.

🎄 WSJ: During holiday gatherings, the inevitable “How's work?” can trigger anxiety and gossip. It's okay to keep it brief and swiftly pivot the conversation.

🎄 Bloomberg agreed: Deflect, deflect, deflect. Or shift the conversation to talk about the real estate market or some other general topic!

🎄 But Refinery29 had a different take: Turn holiday job-grilling into a bridge-building chat. Approach the money conversations with confidence!

🎄 The Everygirl recommends prepping for nosy holiday questions with humor and deflection — and try not to take comments personally!

Quick hits

⚫ A report from the United Nations concluded that 1/4 of Gaza's population is starving. (AP News)

💵 Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of NYC, filed for bankruptcy in the wake of a $148m legal loss. (Bloomberg)

⚫ A gunman killed at least 14 people at Charles University in Prague. It's the worst mass shooting in the Czech Republic's history. (AP News)

⚾ Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is signing a 12-year, $325 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Sports Illustrated)