💒 Tim Scott, unmarried president?

Happy Friday! It’s September 1 — people are talking about Tim Scott’s marital status on the campaign trail, the phenomenon of tourism guilt, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly.

💒 In the news: Tim Scott, unmarried president?

The US hasn't elected an unmarried president for 139 years. Tim Scott, a Republican 2024 hopeful, is single. What’s the impact of his marital status?

💒 Axios explains that while most candidates talk openly about their families to boost appeal, Scott has been quieter. He is in a relationship, though — he has shared publicly that he has a girlfriend, but has kept her identity a secret.

💒 The Washington Examiner says concern over his marital status is valid. Marriage is positive for individuals and the nation — it's a red flag about Scott.

💒 But Hot Air disagrees: What an odd complaint. Being married doesn't affect his presidential qualifications, and he’s done a great job campaigning so far.

💒 Deseret takes the same view — who cares if he’s unmarried? He still holds strong pro-family values, so conservatives should be supporting him.

💒 Nicki Swift notes that marriage isn't out of the question for Scott. In an interview, he said he was open to it if “Mrs. Right” came along at the right time.

✈️ Cultural trend: Tourism guilt

Is it normal to feel a pang of guilt while you're traveling the world? Tourism guilt has been a subject of recent debate.

✈️ The Restless Beans travel blog says traveler's guilt is real: You may feel guilt for financial reasons, or because you feel like you're ditching people at home.

✈️ Insider compiled stories from travelers who regretted things they did on trips in the past. Someone said they took a piece of the Berlin Wall. Others felt guilty about riding elephants, or other experiences with animals.

✈️ There's also the environmental impact. The Lost With Purpose Blog says flights create 2x - 20x the carbon footprint of a similar train trip.

✈️ A Redditor on r/SoloTravel feels guilty when visiting tourist traps in major destinations. Are we destroying the authenticity of the places we’re visiting?

✈️ But the Sydney Morning Herald thinks there’s no need to feel bad about being a tourist. The world needs tourism because it props up local economies.

Quick hits

💸 Interest on federal student loans began accruing again, following a hiatus of over three years. (The Hill)

🏳‍🌈 Fabian Nelson won his election runoff and is set to serve as the first openly gay lawmaker in Mississippi. (Mississippi Free Press)

🏛️ Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas officially disclosed several private trips paid for by Republican mega-donor Harlan Crow. (CNN)

🧑‍⚖ Former Proud Boys leader Joe Biggs was sentenced to 17 years for seditious conspiracy and other charges related to the events of January 6. (CNN)

That’s it for today. Reply at [email protected] to let me know what you think of our newsletter, or to suggest a topic for next time.

Here at Shades we’re trying something new – quick summaries from different points of view. We think it’s a better way to stay informed and see the big picture. Please reach out if you’re curious to learn more!

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)