Hump Day Recommendations, Feb. 19, 2025

Read:The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” I’ve never read a book about life in America that left a bigger impact than “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” as told to writer Alex Haley. The book chronicles the strange, eventful history of a man, born Malcolm Little, who passed from foster child to petty criminal to internationally renowned activist icon – and who was assassinated before the book was published. For the record, I’m recommending this book, not because it’s Black History Month but because it remains one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. – Willis

Face: the greatest. Some records will never be broken. During his 27 seasons as a flamethrowing Major League Baseball pitcher, Nolan Ryan struck out more than 5,000 batters, twirled seven no-hitters, and tossed more 1-hitters, 2-hitters, and 3-hitters than anyone in history. The documentary “Facing Nolan” tells the story of how the “Nolan Express” went from clunky beginnings all the way to the Hall of Fame. No Oscar nominations here, but it’s a fun doc that tells you what you want to know about Big Tex and has some great interviews with Ryan at his cattle ranch as well as former teammates, opponents, and his ride-or-die wife Ruth. And yes, of course, the Bo Jackson split lip and the Ventura headlock are in it. – Alex

Watch: “Prime Target.” I only started watching this Apple TV series starring Leo Woodall because a close friend of mine works for St John’s College at the University of Cambridge, where much of it was filmed. She told me all about the stars being on campus, so I had to give it a look. The premise is a bit silly, and the baddies are a bit corny, yet I’m finding myself looking for the next installment each week. You might too. – Tracy


Read: Factory Girls,” by Leslie T. Chang. If you are like me and like to learn about the recent histories of other countries through a good humanizing story, check this out. The book follows two young women navigating life in China’s factory cities, revealing a world where switching factories ends friendships and English classes change social statuses. Chang illuminates the largest human migration in history – made up of a majority of women under the age of 30 – while painting a portrait of modern China and the workers creating the shoes, electronics, and appliances that make the world go round.

– Riley

More from GZERO Media

Luis Fernando Cerimedo, advisor of Presidential candidate Nasry Asfura of the National Party of Honduras (PN), speaks during a press conference after the general election, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, December 1, 2025.
REUTERS/Jose Cabezas

There are close presidential races, and then there’s the one in Honduras, where just 515 votes separate the top two candidates following Sunday’s election in the Central American nation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inspects a guard of honor by the Irish Army at Government Buildings during an Irish State visit, in Dublin, Ireland, on December 2, 2025.
REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

Even though an energy corruption scandal is roiling his leadership, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky isn’t necessarily in a rush to accept a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war – especially if the terms are unfavorable.

In this episode of Tools and Weapons, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith sits down with Ed Policy, President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, to discuss how purpose-driven leadership and innovation are shaping the future of one of the world’s most iconic sports franchises. Ed shares how technology and community-focused initiatives, from Titletown Tech to health and safety innovations on the field, are transforming not just the game of football, but the economy and culture of Green Bay itself. He explains how combining strategic vision with investment in local startups is keeping talent in the Midwest and creating opportunities that extend far beyond Lambeau Field.

Subscribe and find new episodes monthly, wherever you listen to podcasts.

The Gen Z group led by Miraj Dhungana escalates their ongoing demonstrations, confronting police outside the prime minister's official residence in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Nov. 26, 2025.
Sanjit Pariyar/NurPhoto

Youth unemployment is making headlines from China to Canada, with many countries’ rates at historic highs. The fallout is fueling Gen Z discontent, creating migration pressures, and threatening social unrest in nations around the globe.

People stay at a school, which is functioned as the temporary shelter at flooded area, on November 30, 2025 in Sumatra, Sumatra. The authorities in Indonesia were searching on Sunday for hundreds of people they said were missing after days of unusually heavy rains across Southeast Asia that have killed hundreds and displaced millions.
Photo by Li Zhiquan/China News Service/VCG

800: The death toll from the tropical storm that battered parts of Southeast Asia is now close to 800.