While we often think of the winner as the person who finishes on top, that’s not always the case. Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles earned silver and bronze medals in the individual floor exercise event at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The women’s display of incredible sportsmanship made them winners, not just their medals. Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade bested the Americans in the floor exercise, earning her second Olympic gold medal for the event on August 5. During the medal ceremony, the Americans were on either side of Rebeca and bowed down to her greatness. Simone Biles Said It Was A Historic Moment For Women’s Gymnastics It wasn’t just about a viral video. Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles wanted to celebrate having three black women on the podium, a first in women’s gymnastics in Olympic history. “First, it was an all-Black podium, so that was super exciting for us,” Simone said in a press conference. “But then Jordan was like, ‘Should we bow to her?’ And I was like, ‘absolutely’ — it was just the right thing to do.” Many call Simone the greatest gymnast of all time, but she’s not above celebrating others. “She’s so amazing. She’s queen,” Simone said of Rebeca Andrade. “She’s such an excitement to watch — all the fans in the crowd always cheering for her.” Jordan told the press she wanted Rebeca to be honored, “In that moment, I was like, ‘You know what? First off — yes, it was an all-Black podium.’ Second off, ‘Why don’t we just give her her flowers?’ Not only has she given Simone her flowers, but a lot of us in the United States our flowers as well. So, giving it back, is what makes it so beautiful. … I felt like it was needed.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Simone Biles And Jordan Chiles On Why They Bowed Down To Gold Medalist Rebeca Andrade appeared first on InspireMore.

DAILY CALLER NEWS FOUNDATION—Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz has faced multiple lawsuits accusing him of infringing on religious liberty during his six years as Minnesota governor. Walz encountered legal challenges for COVID-19 lockdown policies that religious organizations argued were discriminatory, placing stricter requirements on churches than businesses. He also encountered pushback after signing a law that stripped faith-based schools of funding for a program that offers free college credits to high school students. [Vice President Kamala Harris, now Democrats’ presumptive presidential nominee, tapped Walz on Tuesday to be her running mate.] Walz determined in a May 13, 2020, executive order that retailers would be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity, but he left religious gatherings capped at 10 people. After Catholic and Lutheran churches in Minnesota announced plans to resume meeting in person regardless of the governor’s order, he negotiated to allow religious groups to operate at 25% capacity, according to the Minneapolis-based Star Tribune. Two churches nevertheless moved forward with their lawsuit over discriminatory treatment. Walz settled in May 2021 after the state’s motion to dismiss was denied, agreeing to treat religious gatherings the same as “the least restricted secular business regulated by the order.” Three churches backed by the Thomas More Society also filed a lawsuit in August 2020, arguing Walz violated their religious liberty by mandating masks, limiting capacity, and requiring social distancing. “Governor Walz, a former teacher, gets an F in religious liberties,” Thomas More Society special counsel Erick Kaardal said in a press release at the time. BREAKING: The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis will NOT comply with the new guidance from Governor Walz that only allows 10 people inside or outside churches. A letter to parishes across the state is signed by Archbishop Hebda and all six bishops in the state. https://t.co/PyzFIorMed— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) May 20, 2020 In May, the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld Walz’s declaration of a peacetime emergency in response to COVID-19, according to the Upper Midwest Law Center. Walz also faced a lawsuit in May 2023 after he signed into law a bill barring schools that require students to affirm a statement of faith from receiving funding from Minnesota’s Post Secondary Enrollment Options program, which allows high school students to earn free college credits. Minnesota agreed not to enforce the law while the lawsuit is ongoing. Becket senior counsel Diana Thomson called the state’s decision to exclude faith-based schools “patently anti-religious.” Walz did sign legislation in May that clarified religious exemptions from the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on categories such as race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. Republicans pushed for the bill after the state Legislature added “gender identity” as a protected class but didn’t add a religious exemption, according to the Minnesota Reformer. In April 2023, Walz signed a bill into law that banned “conversion therapy,” defined as any practice that seeks to “change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity,” for clients under 18. At the same time, he signed a bill to make Minnesota a “trans refuge” state, which allows state courts to assume “temporary emergency jurisdiction” if a child has “been unable to obtain gender-affirming health care.” The Harris campaign didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on Walz’s record on religious liberty. Originally published by the Daily Caller News Foundation The post ‘Patently Anti-Religious’: Tim Walz’s History of Restricting Faith-Based Institutions appeared first on The Daily Signal.

A kind-hearted person returned to the shelter for a cat and her kittens, giving them a chance at a better life. Marigold and her kittensLoriWhiteLori White of ARPO (Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership) was at a local animal shelter transporting a group of kittens and several dogs when she came across a mother cat and her newborn kittens.Lori was instantly smitten with the cat named Marigold and her "squishy face." "I always have a soft spot for moms and babies in the shelter," Lori shared with Love Meow.Already having a full house of fosters, Lori promised Marigold, "When I had space at my house, I'd come back for her." Marigold and her kittens at the shelterLoriWhiteA month later, Lori returned to the shelter to find the feline family still waiting for a rescue. "Her babies were walking by this time, but the three walls and cage bars in the shelter was all they knew."Marigold rose from her bed and walked up to Lori for attention as if ready to go. That day, they left the shelter, en route to their foster home. She was very pleased with her new room and all the amenitiesLoriWhiteAfter living in a kennel for the first month of their lives, the kittens (Buzz Buzz, Bumble Bee, Shasta Daisy, and Sunflower) were delighted to have more space to move around and play.Except for big boy Bumble, they weighed about the size of a three-week-old kitten. LoriWhiteMarigold was overjoyed to have a comfortable room to raise her babies and immediately showed Lori how much she appreciated everything. "She purred nonstop and jumped up in my lap as soon as I sat down."Having a foster home and a dedicated carer became the turning point for the feline family. Marigold jumped on Lori's lap for a cuddleLoriWhiteThey all struggled with stomach troubles and other health issues and needed treatment for parasites. Lori wasted no time and began giving the kittens supportive care twice daily to keep them hydrated."It really helped that Marigold was nursing them as they did not have any interest in wet kitten food at first." Buzz, Daisy, Bumble, and SunflowerLoriWhite"After a few weeks of supportive care, they are showing signs of improvement, such as increased activity and weight gains."Through all of this, Marigold has been a champion mama, keeping her kittens fed and clean, tolerating their constant antics (such as playing with her tail), and catering to their every whim. LoriWhite"She has a very unique nursing position that I have never seen with any of the other momma cats I've fostered. She often has her tongue out, which always makes me laugh."Weighing only five pounds, Marigold has a lot of filling out to do. Marigold is a wonderful mother to her kittensLoriWhiteLori and her team are working on getting her to a healthier weight and providing dental care so she can enjoy her meals without discomfort."Her sweet and fun personality will make a wonderful addition to someone's family once she's ready for adoption." LoriWhiteDaisy, whose weight loss worried Lori, has since made excellent gains. She's getting more active and curious, scaling things with her siblings and keeping their mom on her toes. Daisy is getting more playful and curious each dayLoriWhiteWith a foster home, these kitties have gained a new lease on life. Marigold continues being the best mom, raising her last litter while filling the room with soothing purrs. LoriWhiteShare this story with your friends. More on Marigold, her kittens, and Lori's fosters on Instagram and ARPO on Instagram.Related story: Kitten Meows All Day After Being Found in the Road, Crew of Cats Take Him in, Making Him Feel Like He Belongs

Tuesday's Final Word

Texas prosecutors secured a life sentence for the alleged mistress of a Christian radio host for her role in stealing tens of millions from elderly listeners of his show. 65-year-old Debra Mae Carter was convicted of money laundering in the Ponzi scheme that stole nearly $31 million from about 170 victims, mostly retirees. The scam ran over 10 years, according to the Tarrant County criminal district attorney. 'She has ruined so many lives. It's despicable.' Prosecutors said Carter was the mistress to William Neil "Doc" Gallagher, who referred to himself as the "Money Doctor." Gallagher was previously convicted of forgery, securing the execution of a document by deception, theft of property, and exploitation of the elderly. He was sentenced in 2021 to three life sentences in prison with another 30 years that can be served concurrently. "She is a blight on society," said Tarrant County Assistant District Attorney Lori Varnell. "She's just a liar. That's what she does." 84-year-old Brenda Wilkerson lost the money she invested in Carter and Gallagher's scam. She said that she would have her mortgage paid off if not for the actions of the couple. "Debbie Carter deserves life in prison," said Wilkerson. "She has ruined so many lives. It's despicable." Police found $200,000 in gold and silver when they searched Carter's travel trailer. While Gallagher brought in the money from victims, Carter worked to funnel it through fake charities, rental homes, and land purchases in order to steal it. The host ran the Gallagher Financial Group by advertising on Christian radio until he was convicted. The video news report about the sentence from KDFW-TV can be found on its YouTube channel. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Flashback: Here’s Gov. Tim Walz ‘Fixing’ Minnesota’s Flag

Kamala Goes Babbling in Philly With Tim Walz, Opens Mouth and Inserts Foot

About a dozen F/A-18 fighter jets from the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier have flown to a military base in the Middle East, as part of the Pentagon's effort to help defend Israel from possible attacks by Iran and its proxies and to safeguard U.S. troops, according...

House Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., launched an investigation into Vice President Kamala Harris to ascertain whether she has "done anything" to address the "border crisis" in her 3½ years on the job as President Joe Biden's border czar.

Former Rep. Mike Rogers, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has secured the Republican nomination for a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan and will face Democrat Rep. Elissa Slotkin in November's election.