When the new pastor told me I could no longer serve communion, it wasn’t because I’d lost my faith or failed my duties. It was because I rode a Harley. He said my motorcycle “sent the wrong message.” I had been a deacon at First Baptist for forty-three years. I never missed a Sunday unless…
When I asked my mom to go to prom with me, it wasn’t meant to be a dramatic statement or a moment designed to impress anyone. It felt like the most natural decision I could make. For as long as I can remember, she had put everyone else before herself—especially me. Her sacrifices were never…
The House of Representatives has approved a federal funding package totaling nearly $180 billion, moving Congress one step closer to preventing a government shutdown expected at the end of the month. The legislation includes just over $174 billion to fully or partially fund several federal departments, including Commerce, Justice, Interior, and Energy. It also establishes…
The Trump family welcomed the New Year with their trademark extravagance, but—as has often been the case—the spotlight ultimately settled on the First Lady. While the evening was filled with champagne, celebrity guests, and lavish displays, it was Melania Trump’s choice of attire that dominated conversation both inside the venue and across social media. On…
Former NFL offensive lineman Matt Kalil has filed a lawsuit against his ex-wife, Haley Kalil, accusing her of invading his privacy after she publicly discussed intimate details of their marriage during a recent livestream interview. During the appearance, Haley—who is a model and social media personality and was married to Kalil in 2015—made comments suggesting…
As country music legend Dolly Parton approaches her 80th birthday on January 19, fans are reflecting on the remarkable journey that began with the humblest of circumstances. Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in Pittman Center, Tennessee, the fourth of twelve children born to Avie Lee and Robert Lee Parton. Her parents…
U.S. Senator JD Vance issued a strong public statement expressing support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, emphasizing that they have the backing of the nation’s leadership amid what he described as growing hostility toward law enforcement personnel. In a message shared publicly, Vance stated that ICE officers should know they are supported not…
Most people will go through their entire lives without ever stopping to question it. You buy a new coat or shirt, try it on, and weeks later—maybe months—you notice a tiny plastic pouch sewn inside the lining. Inside it are one or two spare buttons. You might shrug, rip it out, or forget it’s there…
The Broadway world and theatre lovers everywhere are mourning the loss of Bret Hanna-Shuford, whose passing has brought profound sadness to the performing arts community. Bret was a dedicated stage performer whose career included appearances in several cherished musical productions. Best known for his work in Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, and Chitty Chitty Bang…
Marianne believed neglect was invisible. She believed it because it was quiet. Because it didn’t bruise skin or leave obvious marks. Because no one ever asked children what absence felt like. So she slept in while the house woke itself. The cereal box sat empty on the counter. The milk had gone sour two days…