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Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
These Americana Baby Names Are Perfection for Little Patriots
America: Whether you're feeling patriotic or a bit jaded these days, the 4th of July is a moment to reflect on who we are as a nation … and who we want to become. While we've certainly faced our share of challenges — and continue to — there's still plenty worth celebrating, not least of which is our fundamental right to speak our minds about the country we call home. In honor of that spirit — and of the landmarks, legends, and ideals that define Americana — we've gathered this collection of patriotic Americana-inspired baby names. They may be unconventional, but in today's world where unique names reign supreme, each one is surprisingly wearable … and undeniably rooted in our American story. Maybe you're naming your baby around Independence Day, or you simply want a name that carries echoes of grit, freedom, and hope; either way, these names will stand the test of time. After all, what could be more American than daring to dream big — and giving your little one a name that reflects all that boldness? More from SheKnows On's Nurse-Approved Cloud Sneakers Are Hugely Marked Down for 4th of July - Score Rare Deals Under $100 Best of SheKnows July 4th Printable Coloring Pages to Keep Kids Busy All Day How Social Media Killed Romance for Teens: What Parents Need to Know About Gen Z Dating in the Digital Age The Summer College Prep Tips No One Talks About — But Every Teen Needs When it comes to Americana baby names, you can't get any more American than, well, America! Our great continent was named after Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, whose name is actually the medieval Italian form of the German name Emmerich, meaning 'great ruler.' When you think of America, you think of journeys — literal and figurative! From the Oregon Trail to Route 66, Manifest Destiny to the modern road trip, forging a path is woven into our national identity. As a name, Journey captures that spirit of adventure and optimism, while also feeling grounded in today's naming trends alongside word names like River and Sage. The meaning of Freeman is clear: free man. It was a surname originally (and still is!), but like other surnames such as Carter and Sullivan, it works perfectly well as a first name too. Liberty is 'the state of being free' — and, of course, there's the famous line from the National Anthem, ' … with liberty and justice for all.' And we can't forget the Statue of Liberty! With all these American associations, Liberty is the perfect patriotic name. Oh say can you see … a more poetic name for an American baby? While the word 'anthem' itself is not exclusively American, obviously, it has an inextricable tie to our national anthem, 'The Star Spangled Banner', for anybody from the U.S.A. It hits a sweet spot, too: undeniably unique, yet familiar-sounding enough to not be weird, thanks to its proximity to more common names like Anthony. Virtue names are not just for Puritans — they've been making a huge comeback in recent years, and Honor is one of the most wearable modern virtue names. It signifies adhering to what is right and showing respect and integrity. The Medal of Honor is the U.S. Armed Forces' highest military decoration. Jessica Alba and Cash Warren chose this name for their oldest daughter, Honor Marie Warren, but it works equally well for a boy. Spelled with an E at the end, the name Belle is French and means 'beautiful.' But take the E off, and you've got Bell: the same sound, but a difference significance — and the perfect subtle way to pay homage to the U.S.A. through its association with the Liberty Bell, which has come to be known as a symbol of our country. The fabric of our great nation was woven from multiple nationalities — many of whom immigrated to the U.S. via Ellis Island, the country's biggest federal immigration station. From its opening on the first day of 1892 to its last day in 1954, Ellis Island welcomed over 12 million immigrants. As a name, Ellis is derived from the Hebrew name 'Eliyyahu, meaning 'my god is Yahweh.' It has been used since medieval times, which is why this name is a great choice for a more subtle tribute to America. Penny feels sweetly old-fashioned, but it's got copper-clad Americana ties too. Not only is it a classic nickname for Penelope, but it calls to mind the Lincoln penny — an enduring symbol of thrift, industry, and Honest Abe himself. A name with retro charm and all-American roots? Yes, please! We've seen a multitude of little boys named Tanner — so why not put a patriotic spin on its popularity by swapping out the T for a B? Banner, of course, pays homage to our national anthem 'The Star Spangled Banner' and our flag. It may have been a while since Abraham Lincoln was President of the United States, but his legacy remains strong — and his name remains trendy! It stands to reason, since similar names like Logan are consistently within the top 50 most popular names in the U.S. What's more American than a promise? Our founding documents are filled with promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Naming your baby Promise nods to that aspirational hope woven into the American psyche — plus, it sits right at the intersection of modern virtue names like Grace and Serenity and more abstract word names like Dream. Boston, Massachusetts is widely considered to be the birthplace of the American Revolution; the Siege of Boston was the first major battle in the Revolutionary War, and who can forget the infamous Boston Tea Party? As a name, Boston pays homage to a spirit of independence worth fighting for. America wouldn't have the power it holds today without the vital support of our armed forces. While nothing is technically stopping you from naming your kid Air Force, there are probably better choices — like Navy! It has become more trendy as a name since the increased popularity of unique color names like Indigo and Scarlet. Valor is defined as 'great courage in the face of danger,' and if it weren't for the valor of certain groups and individuals throughout America's history, we might have a whole different story to tell. Like Honor, this fits right in with the virtue baby name trend, plus has the additional perk of Val as a cute nickname. There are so many reasons to love this name. First of all, its patriotic ties; Betsy Ross was, of course, credited with sewing the first American flag. The name, meaning 'pledged to God', is a diminutive of Elizabeth – which is one of the most popular girl names of all time. While Elizabeth has a ton of potential nicknames, Betsy isn't one you hear a lot these days — but as old-fashioned names come back into vogue, this one is a perfectly charming choice. Whether it's a nickname for Samantha, Samuel, or just a standalone, Sam is a short-but-sweet way to pay subtle homage to the U-S-of-A. After all, 'Uncle Sam' has been regarded as the personification of the U.S. (and more specifically, the U.S. governmental system) since the early 19th century. Another virtue name extolling the values on which this country was founded, Justice is a strong choice suitable for either gender (and, perhaps, for a future lawyer or judge?). The multiple meanings of glory as a word — magnificence, high renown through notable achievements, to delight in — makes it excellent as a name too. And of course, our flag's nickname is 'Old Glory', given by 19th-century American merchant seaman William Driver, a Massachusetts native who defiantly flew the flag on his ship during the Civil War, when it was considered a symbol of Union loyalty. Few things symbolize America quite like its national bird, the bald eagle — and Talon evokes the fierce power of those iconic claws. Though it's technically a nature name, it carries an unmistakably strong, edgy vibe, fitting right in with current trends for tough-but-cool names like Jagger or Blaze. As a name, Star could fall into a few different categories: nature names like Rain and Meadow, celestial names like Luna, or patriotic Americana baby names! Whether you're paying tribute to the twinkling orbs scattered through the night sky or the five-pointed symbols waving proudly on our flag, you can't go wrong. Perhaps the most subtly Americana-inspired moniker of all the names on this list, Indie (or Indy if you prefer that spelling, which skews a little more masculine) can be a nod to independence: one of the principles that's been the driving force of this country since its founding.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jack Schlossberg Urges Ryan Murphy Against 'Grotesque' Depiction Of JFK Jr. In ‘American Love Story'
As Ryan Murphy prepares to debut his next piece of nonfiction in his American Story franchise, one member of the Kennedy family is speaking up. Jack Schlossberg recently commented on FX's American Love Story, which premieres in February 2026, recounting the high-profile, yet doomed public romance between his uncle John F. Kennedy Jr. and wife Carolyn Bessette. More from Deadline 'American Love Story' Sets February 2026 Premiere; Ryan Murphy Shares First Look Photos Of Paul Kelly & Sarah Pidgeon As JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette Erik Menendez Calls Ryan Murphy's 'Monsters' A 'Dishonest Portrayal' '9-1-1: Nashville': ABC Spinoff Unveils Explosive New Teaser 'Lately, my news feed has been filled with pictures of my uncle, John F. Kennedy Jr., a great man,' he said on his Instagram Story, according to Entertainment Weekly. 'For those wondering whether his family was ever consulted, or has anything to do with the new show being made about him, the answer is no, and there's really not much we can do.' The Vogue political correspondent explained that New York state law doesn't protect someone's right to privacy after death, 'which includes the ability to control your own name, image and likeness,' adding: 'And for that matter, he's considered a public figure, so there's not much we can do.' His video comes after Murphy debuted a first look at Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon as the famous couple as production kicked off earlier this month in New York City. 'I hope those making this show about him take seriously what he stood for in his life, all that he achieved in it, and that they donate some of the profits [from] what they're making to the John F. Kennedy Library,' he wrote. Schlossberg clarified, 'For the record, I think admiration for my uncle John is great. What I don't think is great is profiting off of it in a grotesque way.' The series focuses on JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette's love story, which started as a beautiful union for the young couple, widely regarded as American royalty, began to fray under the stress of the relentless microscope and navel-gaze of tabloid media. The pressures of their careers and rumored family discord ended with their tragic deaths when his private plane crashed into the ocean on a hazy summer night off the coast of Massachusetts. Best of Deadline Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex-Trafficking Trial Updates: Cassie Ventura's Testimony, $10M Hotel Settlement, Drugs, Violence, & The Feds A Full Timeline Of Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni's 'It Ends With Us' Feud In Court, Online & In The Media 'Poker Face' Season 2 Guest Stars: From Katie Holmes To Simon Hellberg
Hindustan Times
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
JFK Jr.'s nephew slams new Ryan Murphy series American Love Story: ‘For those wondering if his family was consulted…'
Ryan Murphy's upcoming series American Love Story may be bringing the romance and tragedy of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette to the screen but not everyone is applauding the move. In fact, a key member of the Kennedy family has spoken out against it. The series, part of Murphy's larger American Story anthology, casts newcomer Paul Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr. and Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn Bessette. It will chronicle their whirlwind romance in the 1990s, their glamorous wedding in 1996, and their tragic deaths in a 1999 plane crash off Martha's Vineyard. JFK Jr. was 38 while Carolyn was 33. A post shared by Ryan Murphy Productions (@ryanmurphyproductions) Now in a public statement, JFK Jr.'s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, took to Instagram to set the record straight about the family's involvement, or lack thereof. 'Lately, my news feed has been filled with pictures of my uncle, John F. Kennedy Jr., a great man,' Schlossberg said in a video posted to his Instagram Stories on June 19. 'For those wondering whether his family was ever consulted, or has anything to do with, the new shows being made about him, the answer is no. And there's really not much we can do.' Schlossberg, the 32-year-old son of JFK Jr.'s sister, Caroline Kennedy, explained that legally, the family has little control over the show: 'The right to privacy, which includes the ability to control your own name, image and likeness, doesn't survive death in the state of New York. For that matter, he's considered a public figure, so there's not much we can do.' A post shared by Jack Schlossberg (@jackuno) Still, he urged the creators to approach the project with sensitivity and respect for his uncle's legacy. 'I hope those making these shows about him take seriously what he stood for in his life, all that he achieved in it. And that they donate some of the profits [that] they're making,' he added. And while he clarified that he's not against public admiration of JFK Jr., he drew the line at exploitation. 'For the record, I think admiration for my Uncle John is great. What I don't think is great is profiting off of it in a grotesque way,' he concluded. American Love Story is the latest installment in Murphy's anthology universe, which includes American Horror Story, American Crime Story, and American Sports Story. The new series will also feature Naomi Watts as Jackie Kennedy, Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy, Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette, and Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein. A release date has not yet been announced.
Elle
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Sarah Pidgeon Is Almost Unrecognizable as Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in ‘American Love Story' Photos
After wrapping up her acclaimed run with the 1970s-set Broadway play Stereophonic last fall, ELLE Hollywood Rising honoree Sarah Pidgeon is stepping into her most high-profile period piece yet—this time with both feet planted in the '90s. In Ryan Murphy's upcoming FX series American Love Story, she will play the fashion icon Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, with newcomer Paul Kelly as her husband, John F. Kennedy Jr. The latest in a long line of Murphy's American Story installments (including American Horror Story, American Crime Story, and American Sports Story), American Love Story will follow the courtship and marriage between JFK Jr. and fashion publicist Bessette; the resulting media attention; and the couple's tragic death in a plane crash off the coast of Martha's Vineyard in 1999. Murphy himself took to Instagram on June 13, 2025, to introduce Pidgeon and Kelly in their respective roles, sharing stills from a recent camera test in which the actors are outfitted in their characters' signature styles. As Hollywood-centric content creator John Joseph Krukowski put it in the comments, 'Your mom and grandma's favorite influencer is READY! 🎬' 'Over a thousand actors auditioned for each of these roles, and we absolutely found the perfect choices,' Murphy wrote in his caption for the post. 'Congratulations Sarah and Paul!' The caption also mentioned that American Love Story is currently filming in New York City, having officially launched production earlier this week. Murphy teased that the series is set to drop on FX 'Valentine's Day week of 2026.' This story will be updated.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump says he's revoking Harvard's tax-exempt status: 'It's what they deserve!'
WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump said he is taking action to remove the tax-exempt status of Harvard University, escalating his fight with one of the country's most prestigious universities. "We are going to be taking away Harvard's Tax Exempt Status. It's what they deserve!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social on the morning of May 2. The move to use executive power to revoke Harvard's tax-free designation ‒ a status held by the vast majority of U.S. colleges and universities as non-profits ‒ is expected to be challenged in federal court. The Internal Revenue Service grants federal tax exemptions in accordance with federal law. More: Harvard vs. Trump: What to know about the standoff costing the university billions Trump, who had previously threatened targeting Harvard's tax-exempt status, has accused Harvard of being an "anti-Semitic, far-left Institution." His administration in April said it is freezing more than $2 billion in federal funding for the Ivy League school after Harvard leaders said they would not agree to a list of Trump administration demands, which included a mask ban and removal of diversity, equity and inclusion programs. "There is no legal basis to rescind Harvard's tax-exempt status," Harvard spokesman Jason Newton said in a statement. 'Such an unprecedented action would endanger our ability to carry out our educational mission." Ahead of Trump's announcement, a group of Senate Democrats ‒ including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts ‒ sent a letter to the acting inspector general of the Treasury Department calling for an investigation into Trump's plan to revoke Harvard's non-profit status."It is both illegal and unconstitutional for the IRS to take direction from the President to targetschools, hospitals, churches, or any other tax-exempt entities as retribution for using their freespeech rights," the letter, also signed by Sens. Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Ron Wyden of Oregon, says. Harvard responded to Trump's funding freeze in April by suing the Trump administration, accusing it of unlawfully threatening the school's "academic independence" and "pathbreaking research." More: Harvard sues Trump administration over attacks on school funding Trump has increasingly made the elite university a go-to punching bag. "It is clear to see the next chapter of the American Story will not be written by the Harvard Crimson," Trump told graduates of the University of Alabama on May 1, referencing the name of Harvard's college newspaper. "It will be written by you, the Crimson Tide." Similar to many other nonprofit colleges, Harvard is exempt from federal and state income taxes. The president doesn't necessarily have the unilateral authority to revoke an organization's tax-exempt status, but there are processes by which the IRS can rescind nonprofit status. A bill introduced by Republicans in Congress last year would give the president and Treasury secretary more latitude to target colleges' tax exemptions. Harvard receives about $9 billion annually from the federal government, with $7 billion going to 11 Harvard-affiliated hospitals. A significant amount of federal funding, $686 million in 2024, also supports research and innovation at Harvard. The university also has an endowment of $53.2 billion, by far the largest of any school in the United States, though about 80% has certain restrictions. Newton said revoking Harvard's tax-exempt status would "result in diminished financial aid for students, abandonment of critical medical research programs, and lost opportunities for innovation." "The unlawful use of this instrument more broadly would have grave consequences for the future of higher education in America," Newton added. Contributing: Zach Schermele. Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison. (This story has been updated with more information.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says he's revoking Harvard's tax-exempt status
