Hi there and Happy New Year! Did you miss The Highlighter? I hope you had a restful and rejuvenating break. Welcome everyone — all 322 of you (plus 11 new subscribers!) — to 2018. Today’s issue includes four great articles and one fine podcast. Read about the economic plight of millennials, the high death rate of Black mothers, the fall of a Black church, the promise of weight loss surgery, and the importance of living with the end in mind.
Also: I’m happy to announce
two new features! The first is a greater focus on the lead article, including an invitation to share your thoughts in an online forum. Please do! (Think of it as an article club — just you and your 321 Highlighter friends.) The second is
Anne-otations, in which my friend and loyal subscriber Anne Nyffeler will choose an outstanding podcast episode for your listening pleasure. Please enjoy!