The “Big, Beautiful Bill” that recently passed the House, Senate, and was signed into law by President Trump temporarily increases the deduction on Social Security income so that upwards of 90% of seniors will pay no income tax on Social Security benefits. This deduction is scheduled to expire in 2028 and benefits middle- and upper-income seniors the most as lower income seniors already do not pay federal income tax.
As families start their back-to-school shopping, it’s time to think about what healthy snacks, drinks and lunches you plan to send to school with your child.
A new school year is just weeks away. It has been decades, but I still remember my kindergarten teacher. I never knew her last name – my classmates and I called her Katie, because she said we could. However, I called her Miss Katie because even though this was my first experience in public school, something felt weird about not having some sort of prefix before an adult’s name.
There is a parable that Jesus told in the Bible about two sons (Luke 15:11-32). One day, the younger son came to his father and asked for his inheritance early so that he could go off and live life doing whatever he pleased. Even though this was an incredibly inappropriate request to ask for an inheritance before the father’s passing, the man granted his son’s request. The son then headed off to a faraway land and squandered the inheritance in reckless living. With nothing left and no one to turn to, the son came to his senses and decided to go back to his father and ask to be considered as one of his servants. With his head hung low, he headed back to his father’s house in humility, heavily burdened by the choices of his past, and as he approached, received a surprising welcome home. His father, seeing him in the distance, ran to him, embraced him, welcomed him, clothed him in fine robes, placed the family ring on his finger and threw him a feast to celebrate.
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In about five minutes, you can have a fruity and naturally sweet treat that’s creamy, slightly icy and super-refreshing … so good! Made simply with frozen fruit and dairy-free milk or coconut water, its cotton candy-like flavor is perfect for hot summer days or nights.
Every summer, without fail, it begins: the highly unpublicized, fiercely uncompetitive and proudly unproductive event known as The Lawn Chair Olympics.
President Trump made a campaign promise that if elected, he would support legislation exempting tipped income from the federal income tax. On May 20, 2025, the Senate unanimously passed the “No Tax on Tips Act” with the House narrowly passing the “Big Beautiful Bill” on May 22 that also exempted tipped income from taxation. “No Tax on Tips” might make for a good political slogan, but it is lousy economic policy.
I was 13 in July of 1966, when Richard Speck committed the “Crime of the Century” – raping and murdering eight student nurses after breaking into their Chicago townhome.
The best part of a new season – and yes, by July, summer is in its prime – is that style locks in for the weather, which in Michigan is sunny and gorgeous!
Sometimes, I need an inspiration boost to write this column, usually when my mind is in whirling dervish mode. It happens occasionally and when it does, I take a look at the National Day Calendar website, nationaldaycalendar.com. I am forever amazed by the things we find it necessary to celebrate!
