Stephen Thompson: Happiness Happens When Beauty Stirs Our Souls

By TIFFANY STANLEY, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Diocese of Washington, said Wednesday that she will continue to pray for President Donald Trump, hours after he lashed out at her over a sermon. “I don’t consider him an enemy,” Budde told The Associated Press. “I believe we can disagree respectfully and put our ideas out there and continue to stand for the convictions we’ve been given without resorting to violence of speech.” Budde made a direct appeal to Trump during a post-Inauguration prayer service he attended on Tuesday, asking him to show mercy to members of the LGBTQ+ community and migrants who are in the country illegally. Trump called Budde a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” on his Truth Social site on Wednesday. “Apart from her inappropriate statements, the service was a very boring and uninspiring one.

Dear Eric: My wife and I are both 70. We recently gave up our landline and now both carry our cellphones. Related Articles Advice | Asking Eric: I’m not on board with my wife’s vision for my retirement years Advice | Asking Eric: It will be a large will. Can I leave out those who don’t call me uncle? Advice | Asking Eric: His friend offered him a room — but it came with unsolicited meddling Advice | Asking Eric: A group of friends wants to expel a newcomer who wrecked their vibe Advice | Asking Eric: Now that I’m sober and successful, they apparently want to unghost me Lately my wife, when receiving a text or call, will stop what she’s doing to reply. While eating lunch together recently and having a conversation, a text came in and she interrupted our talk to respond. I voiced my feelings about being made to feel second class and asked if she couldn’t have waited to address this, unless it was timely or very important.

We’re looking for an antidote to the chilly air that is supposed to blow through South Florida early in the weekend. How about some time around the fire at the Smoke & Sunshine barbecue festival? Or inside a theater during the Sun & Stars film festival? Maybe an evening enveloped in warm nostalgia: Space of Mind is throwing an ’80s party, Yacht Rock Revue is in town, as are Kansas and Al Stewart, and the Broward Center has a musical set to the songs of Neil Diamond.

Q: My son is leasing a small condo. The lease includes “a sofa, TV, TV stand, table, 2 chairs, bed and mattress”.  He did not want the mattress, and the owner’s brother removed it, leaving the used bedding behind. A few unwanted small appliances, pans, and dishes were left in the kitchen cabinets.

Here are the top stories for Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Get the weather forecast for today here. SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get our free Morning Update email. Sign up here. U. S. Coast Guard to ‘surge assets’ in South Florida after Trump’s immigration orders Fort Lauderdale seeks to collect new EMS tax. The higher the property value, the higher the tax. Another Heat suspension for Jimmy Butler after missing flight, out next two games DeSantis’ proposals for Florida’s ballot initiative process could effectively end it Billy Idol coming to Amerant Bank Arena: How to get tickets (pssst: here’s the presale password) Inmate who pled guilty in West Boca murder faces charges over threat to Palm Beach County judge Chef to the stars won’t need famous DeLorean at Delray Beach party to go back to the ‘80s — he lived it Florida lawmakers seek money for local projects amid belt-tightening Accused killer says Miramar victim was about to rape him Miss Manners: She wants me to officiate her wedding, but I don’t even like the guy

As a Pembroke Pines resident for more than 30 years, I would like to extend my appreciation for the well-written editorial on the bond issue proposed for Pembroke Pines. In Broward’s second-largest city, the needs have been ignored by our previous mayor. It was more important for Mayor Frank Ortis to build a city hall and an art center named after him than focus on much-needed funding for a new police station, road improvements and to address the housing crisis. I’m very grateful for your fact-based editorial.