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CBS News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Red, White and Blue To-Do is back "bigger and better" in Philadelphia
We all know July 4, 1776 as Independence Day, but two days earlier, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia passed a resolution to break free from the British Empire. July 2 is the day John Adams figured would be remembered as Independence Day, calling for "pomp and parade." The Red, White and Blue To-Do honors that wish. The event was first put on in 2024 as part of a lead-up to the massive celebration coming in 2026 for America's 250th birthday. There was indeed a parade through Old City and another is set for the second annual "to-do" today in 2025. Vince Stango, COO of the National Constitution Center, said this year's Red, White and Blue To-Do is "bigger and better." It includes eight musical acts performing throughout the historic district, 13 floats and over 400 people marching. What's happening in the 2025 Red, White and Blue To-Do? The parade kicks off at the NCC at 11 a.m. and ends at 3rd Street between Walnut and Chestnut streets. Free musical performances will be happening between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. throughout Old City, with other programming planned at the historic attractions around the area between 5 and 7 p.m. Things wrap up with the Wawa Welcome America Salute to Service with the U.S. Army Field Band on Independence Mall. Check out the full slate of events on
Miami Herald
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Who is Senate parliamentarian? What to know about staffer Trump seeks to overrule
At the heart of the debate over the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' stands one little-known official: the Senate parliamentarian. The low-profile congressional official has been thrust into the spotlight after issuing a procedural decision on the GOP-backed spending bill, drawing sharp responses from some Republicans. President Donald Trump himself has even weighed in, calling for the 'unelected senate staffer' to be ignored. Who is the Senate parliamentarian? What powers do they have? And why are Republicans up in arms? Here is what to know. Who is the parliamentarian? The Senate parliamentarian is a nonpartisan advisor who makes recommendations to lawmakers regarding the interpretation of rules and precedents in the upper chamber. The role was established in 1935 amid the passage of a slew of New Deal-era laws, which 'expanded opportunities for procedural confusion and mischief,' according to Senate records. The parliamentarian is appointed by the Senate majority leader and serves at their pleasure, according to the National Constitution Center. The official's rulings are not necessarily final. The presiding officer of the Senate — typically the vice president or the president pro tempore — can simply ignore their advice, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. This has happened a few times in recent history, including in 2017, when GOP lawmakers changed Senate rules to allow Supreme Court nominees to be confirmed with a simple majority. That said, the Senate typically adheres to the parliamentarian's guidance, according to Time. This included in 2021, when the staffer rejected Democrats' attempt to include a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants in the 'Build Back Better' bill. Currently, the office of the parliamentarian is held by Elizabeth MacDonough, who has served in the position since 2012. She was appointed by then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat. MacDonough formerly worked at the Senate library and as a trial attorney, according to the Wall Street Journal. She also advised former Vice President Al Gore during a recount dispute following the 2000 election. Why are Republicans upset? Some Republicans expressed outrage at the parliamentarian after she issued rulings on the 'Big Beautiful Bill,' which is currently being considered by the Senate, following its passage in the House in May. In late June, MacDonough ruled that a series of provisions in the bill violate the Senate's Byrd Rule, which prohibits 'extraneous' provisions from being included in budget reconciliation bills. One such provision would have charged immigrants a $1,000 fee to apply for asylum in the U.S., according to The Hill. MacDonough also ruled against several provisions that affect Medicaid. One was a proposed cap on provider taxes, which states use to fund Medicaid, according to CNBC. Another would block noncitizens from accessing Medicaid in addition to other health programs, according to USA Today. In response to these proposed changes, multiple GOP lawmakers telegraphed their frustration with MacDonough. 'The WOKE Senate Parliamentarian, who was appointed by Harry Reid and advised Al Gore, just STRUCK DOWN a provision BANNING illegals from stealing Medicaid from American citizens,' Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a Republican from Alabama, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on June 26. 'THE SENATE PARLIAMENTARIAN SHOULD BE FIRED ASAP.' Rep. Greg Steube, a Florida Republican, also singled out MacDonough for criticism. 'How is it that an unelected swamp bureaucrat, who was appointed by Harry Reid over a decade ago, gets to decide what can and cannot go in President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill?' he wrote on X. He then called on Vice President JD Vance — using his power as the presiding officer in the Senate — to ignore the proposed changes. Trump appeared to concur with this view. 'Great Congressman Greg Steube is 100% correct,' he wrote on Truth Social on June 29. 'An unelected Senate Staffer (Parliamentarian), should not be allowed to hurt the Republicans Bill. Wants many fantastic things out. NO!' However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, poured cold water on the push to sideline MacDonough. When asked by Politico about overruling her on June 26, Thune said, 'No, that would not be a good option for getting a bill done.' Meanwhile, other Republicans have defended MacDonough. North Carolina Sen. Thom Thillis, who recently announced he will not seek reelection, called her a 'straight shooter,' according to Reuters. And Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy told reporters, 'Nah, never overrule the parliamentarian.'
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
Musical 'Hamilton' and historian Ron Chernow to receive Liberty Medal awards
PHILADELPHIA -- The Broadway musical 'Hamilton' and the historian whose book inspired it will collect the National Constitution Center's Liberty Medal this fall, an award for efforts to spread liberty around the world. Ron Chernow and ' Hamilton ' will collect the medal and its $100,000 cash prize at an event in October on Philadelphia's Independence Mall. Award organizers credited the book and musical for having a 'singular impact' by bringing to life and spreading the story of the U.S. Constitution and Alexander Hamilton, a pivotal figure in drafting and promoting the governing document. He was also the first U.S. treasury secretary. 'Hamilton,' which debuted on Broadway a decade ago, has become a cultural touchstone, winning the Pulitzer Prize, a Grammy and 11 Tony awards. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created the musical, called the award a deep honor. 'The Constitution is not just a historical artifact — it's a challenge. A call to participate. To speak up, to imagine better, and to work, every day, toward that more perfect union,' he said in a statement released before the formal announcement. Chernow's many books have included biographies of former presidents George Washington and Ulysses S. Grant and, more recently, of writer and humorist Mark Twain. 'In writing about Hamilton, Washington, and Grant, I've come to see that liberty is not a gift passed down through generations — it's a responsibility,' Chernow said in a statement. 'One that demands courage, compromise, and commitment. These men were imperfect, but they dared to envision something greater than themselves.' The Liberty Medal was established in 1988 to honor the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution's 1787 signing. Recent winners have included the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and PBS documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.
Winnipeg Free Press
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Musical ‘Hamilton' and historian Ron Chernow to receive Liberty Medal awards
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Broadway musical 'Hamilton' and the historian whose book inspired it will collect the National Constitution Center's Liberty Medal this fall, an award for efforts to spread liberty around the world. Ron Chernow and ' Hamilton ' will collect the medal and its $100,000 cash prize at an event in October on Philadelphia's Independence Mall. Award organizers credited the book and musical for having a 'singular impact' by bringing to life and spreading the story of the U.S. Constitution and Alexander Hamilton, a pivotal figure in drafting and promoting the governing document. He was also the first U.S. treasury secretary. 'Hamilton,' which debuted on Broadway a decade ago, has become a cultural touchstone, winning the Pulitzer Prize, a Grammy and 11 Tony awards. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created the musical, called the award a deep honor. 'The Constitution is not just a historical artifact — it's a challenge. A call to participate. To speak up, to imagine better, and to work, every day, toward that more perfect union,' he said in a statement released before the formal announcement. Chernow's many books have included biographies of former presidents George Washington and Ulysses S. Grant and, more recently, of writer and humorist Mark Twain. 'In writing about Hamilton, Washington, and Grant, I've come to see that liberty is not a gift passed down through generations — it's a responsibility,' Chernow said in a statement. 'One that demands courage, compromise, and commitment. These men were imperfect, but they dared to envision something greater than themselves.' The Liberty Medal was established in 1988 to honor the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution's 1787 signing. Recent winners have included the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and PBS documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.
CBS News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
5 ways to observe Memorial Day in the Philadelphia region this weekend
Memorial Day is about more than the beach, and the Philly area is hosting multiple events with a sense of remembrance befitting the holiday. Across the city and outside it there are parades, flag ceremonies and and educational programming to accompany the music, relaxation and outdoor fun this weekend. Visit Philadelphia shared more with us about these all-ages activities to enjoy this weekend. Philadelphia: Memorial Day at Laurel Hill Cemetery Laurel Hill Cemetery hosted Philly's first Memorial Day commemoration in 1868 and will keep the tradition going on Sunday, May 25 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The afternoon will include wreath-laying ceremonies, patriotic songs and honor guards. There will also be gravestones given to three veterans whose graves were previously unmarked. Get all the details at Philadelphia: Memorial Day Weekend at the National Constitution Center The NCC has free admission from Saturday, May 25 through Memorial Day in observance of the holiday. There will be special programming including daily flag cerermonies, a giant flag folding and presentations. Philadelphia: Eastern State Penitentiary The prison-turned-museum that once housed Al Capone is hosting multiple events this weekend diving into the history and learning about the impact of military service on prisoners and staff while the building was operational. More info at Philadelphia: Banners of Liberty at the Museum of the American Revolution Only 30 flags stitched by the original flagmakers of the American Revolution are known to have survived, and over a dozen are on display in Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution. The "Banners of Liberty: Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags" is on from now until Aug. 10. In addition, there will be special programming throughout the weekend including pop-up talks and character performances. Find out more at Bucks County: Memorial Day at Sesame Place On Saturday and Sunday, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and other Sesame Streeters will be decked out in red, white and blue for the unofficial start of summer. There will also be fireworks on Sunday, May 25. Learn more on
