As I prepare the lists of articles for publication each day, I am very aware that many of our stories talk of death, destruction and cruelty.

I make a conscious effort to include at least a few stories of hope and of human progress. Some days they are easier to find than others, but they are always there.

This week, my favourite is the story of the 33-year old Muslim man who defied the odds to win the Democrat mayoral primary in New York.

Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani did it not by making himself a small target, but by inviting his critics to bring it on.

Running for office in the city with the most Jewish residents outside Jerusalem, he did not play down his opposition to Zionism: he demanded the release of Mahmoud Khalil, called out Israel’s war crimes, and attended protests.

When former mayor Andrew Cuomo repeatedly mispronounced his name, he spelled it out, loud and clear.

He survived a vicious smear campaign, one social media post reading: “Hard to believe NY was attacked by Moslems (sic) in 2001 and just 24 yrs later, they elect an extreme Moslem in their primary.”

He speaks clearly and with experience, about the lives of shift workers and taxi drivers. He has been seen as an antidote to “organised cynicism”.

He is optimistic about what people can do, how they can act to improve their lives and the lives of their community. Reading about his resilience is a good way to start the week.

But as you do, don’t miss one of Australia’s most senior media figures, Bruce Dover, on Australia's media myopia.

Also check out our series on the implications of the Antoinette Lattouf win, especially Joe Lauria’s story, putting it into an international context.

Today we look at Trump and his alienating effect on young people in our region, and the latest brutal reports on global warming from Julian Cribb.

Until next week.