How Congress Is Working to Avoid a Government Shutdown

Capitol building in Washington DC where the United States Congress works to avoid a government shutdown

How is Congress going to avoid a government shutdown? What are the consequences of a shutdown if it does happen? To avoid a government shutdown, Congress is working on bipartisan funding bills to keep services running and federal employees paid. However, some critics argue that these temporary funding bills are insufficient for addressing the greater issue of overspending. Read this summary of a snippet from NPR News Now on the potential shutdown.

Saturday Night Live Behind the Scenes: Lots of Hard Work

Microphone on a stage under lights

What do we know about Saturday Night Live behind the scenes? What is it like to perform on SNL? Saturday Night Live involves hard work, creativity, and complex dynamics between recurring stars and guest performers. A recent episode of the podcast Fly on the Wall offers a glimpse into this world. Consider these insights from a Fly on the Wall interview between Dana Carvey, David Spade, and Bobby Moynihan.

When to Commit in a Relationship: How to Read the Signs

A man who knows when to commit in a relationship who's proposing to his girlfriend under a tree.

How do you know when to commit in a relationship? What should you look for? The right time to commit in a relationship is after the honeymoon period has passed and after you know that you are comfortable with someone and feel like the best version of yourself around them. You should also take notice of how you feel around your potential partner’s family. Read the following for advice on when to make a commitment.

Modern Comedy: The Rise of YouTube, TikTok, and the Digital Age

Comedian on a laptop screen animated surrounded by emojis and reactions

What makes modern comedy unique? How important is the Internet to comedy today? Modern comedy has been greatly influenced by the Internet, as evidenced by the success and trajectory of Saturday Night Live (SNL). SNL has demonstrated how comedy now relies on rewatchability on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Here’s more about comedy in the digital age from the podcast Fly on the Wall.

Becoming First-Time Parents: How to Support Your Family

A woman becoming a first time parent as she holds her pregnant belly while lying down.

How can you make the process of becoming first-time parents easier? What does it take to support your marriage after the addition of a child? When becoming first-time parents, you should think about how you’re going to distribute household labor and how you can support both each other’s needs and the needs of a new child. Sometimes marriages decline when a new child is introduced due to a lack of investment in the marriage. Read on for advice on how to navigate becoming parents in a way that is healthy for your family.

How to Make Your Relationship Strong and Last Longer

An elderly couple sitting on a bench and smiling as people who know how to make their relationship strong and last longer.

When learning how to make your relationship strong and last longer, what should you focus on? How can you make your love last? To make your relationship strong and last longer, you need to continue dating your partner long into the relationship, stay curious about them, and invest in their dreams. This will help you maintain an emotional connection and bond of trust. Continue reading for more on how to strengthen your relationship.

The Axeman: Jazz and Its Role in Protecting New Orleans

A black and white photo of a man playing the clarinet while seated

What was the connection between the Axeman, jazz, and the city of New Orleans? How did jazz save lives? According to a public letter from the serial killer the Axeman, jazz music could keep residents of New Orleans safe when he went on his killing sprees. The Axeman may have loved jazz music, but he may have also been simply demonstrating power and control. Here is what we know about the Axeman and jazz, with content from an episode of Morbid: A True Crime Podcast.

About the Axeman, New Orleans’ Notorious Serial Killer

The silhouette of a man holding an axe at night looking at the city of New Orleans

What do we know about the Axeman, New Orleans’ most famous serial killer? Why was he associated with jazz? The Axeman, New Orleans’ notorious serial killer of 1918-1919, targeted primarily Italian women. We know that he would use the victims’ own axes to commit his murders, and that he wrote a public letter declaring that those who played jazz out of their homes would be safe. Read more about the true story of this vicious killer, based on an episode of Morbid: A True Crime Podcast.

The History of the Liberty Bell: From the Revolutionary War to WWI

The history of the Liberty Bell illustrated through its hanging in Independence Hall in Philadelphia

Where does the history of the Liberty Bell begin? Where is it now? The history of the Liberty Bell starts in 1751, when it was forged on the eve of the Revolutionary War. Since, it has become relevant in many periods of American history, such as during the abolitionist movement and later World War I. Read on to understand the depth of the significance of the Liberty Bell in history, as recounted on the Stuff You Should Know podcast.

Who Is Larry Elder? Understanding Conservative Politics

Larry Elder, conservative media figure, speaking on stage dressed in a suit

Who is Larry Elder? What’s his perspective on the current political climate? Larry Elder is a conservative podcast host and public figure who has provided support for politicians including Donald Trump and Ron Desantis. Elder works to counter what he sees as a negative media portrayal of conservatives on an episode of the PBD Podcast. Here is some context for what Larry Elder thinks and what his arguments are.