The world around us is filled with systems and beliefs that promise us something: financial stability, the perfect marriage, success, popularity, good health, or a happy life. But what happens when those promises turn out to be empty? What happens when our health fails, when the money is gone, or when our marriage hits a
President Trump and members of Congress from both political parties have proposed suspending the federal gas tax, currently 18.4 cents per gallon, to provide consumers relief from this year’s substantial increase in gas prices. Unfortunately, consumers are unlikely to see much, if any, benefit from this “gas tax holiday.” Instead, oil companies are the most
Graduation season produces a lot of forgettable advice. Fareed Zakaria’s address at Bard College this year was not that. The TV host and journalist walked onto that stage and did something rare: he made the case for being human at exactly the moment everyone is debating whether machines might do it better. His challenge to
On July 4, 1776, the United States came to be. Then, 100 years later, in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful telephone call in Boston, Massachusetts. Fast-forward nearly 100 more years after that—to 1974, Stuttgart, Germany—a 6-year-old Army brat (me) was having the first telephone call of my life. I was talking to
July 4, 2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone that invites reflection not only on the history of the United States, but on the everyday freedoms and simple joys that continue to define life in communities across the country. As the nation celebrates its semiquincentennial, July becomes more
As America kicks off its Semiquincentennial, a monumental 250th birthday, the energy of summer 2026 is electric. This milestone anniversary is sparking a vibrant cultural shift, blending historic nostalgia with modern optimism. Across home décor, fashion, and accessories, this season’s design movement is all about elevated patriotism, joyful gatherings, and reimagined classic style. Here is
If you are waiting for a perfectly calm news cycle to put your money to work, you will be waiting forever. There is always a looming crisis ready to rattle our confidence. Whether it is the wars in Ukraine and Iran, the lingering economic sting of COVID, stubborn inflation, or dizzying market volatility, the world
It was always one of the most awkward moments of my entire week when I was in elementary school. I stood on the playing field, with two kids my age staring across at me with disdain. They would occasionally look at each other, their eyes pleading. Who would get stuck with me today? I had
June 2026 arrives in the area with a sense of long-awaited relief and anticipation. After months of cold mornings and gray skies, the temperatures are finally climbing into that sweet spot where it feels like summer is just around the corner. Sunshine lingers a little longer each evening, and the fresh green of trees and
We all join clubs and groups for different reasons throughout life. Usually, we get to decide which ones to join, but sometimes there’s little or no choice. That’s how I was able to join a new vehicle group more than a year ago. It’s a 4-wheeler club, but it doesn’t involve any motoring fun you’re
June is the official kickoff to the summer season. Memorial Day marks the final days of the school year, the approach of the longest day of the year — the summer solstice in June — and summer style staples like white T-shirts and the best blue jeans. This winning combo always works, and they’re year-round
My husband is an athlete. When we were in high school together (though I was two years his junior), he seemed like some kind of minor god to me. I’d watch him from the stands at Holy Redeemer Field, my history teacher—the football coach—invoking his name and comparing him to the English Navy darting around
