Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said his assistant requested a low-profile ambulance ride to a hospital on January 1 after Austin experienced complications from an earlier surgery. Austin apologized on Thursday for his role in a coverup earlier this year after he and his team failed to inform the White House and the American public that the defense chief had been hospitalized because of complications from prostate cancer surgery. Austin entered the hospital on January 1‚ but failed to inform the White House that he was indisposed until four days later. On January 1‚ an assistant requested an ambulance for Austin‚ but asked if it could show up without lights and sirens on to keep the situation “subtle.” Austin said Thursday that the request did not come from him‚ and that the reasons for why the aide asked should come out in a review. “I asked my assistant to call the ambulance. I did not direct him to do anything further than just call the ambulance‚ and so what he said and why he said it‚ I think that should come out in the review‚” Austin said. Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin can’t explain why his staff told the ambulance “no lights‚ no sirens.” Repeatedly throughout this press conference‚ Austin doesn't answer questions about who knew what when. pic.twitter.com/qDrBTU20uv — RNC Research (@RNCResearch) February 1‚ 2024 A recording of 911 call for Austin’s ambulance was reviewed by The Washington Post. “Can the ambulance not show up with lights and sirens? We’re trying to remain a little subtle‚” Austin’s aide said‚ according to the Post. The 911 dispatcher replied‚ “Usually‚ when they turn into a residential neighborhood they’ll turn them off.” The dispatcher said that ambulances are legally required to activate lights and sirens on main roads‚ however. Austin began the Thursday press conference by taking “full responsibility” for how his cancer diagnosis and hospitalization were handled. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “We did not handle this right‚ and I did not handle this right. I should’ve told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should have also told my team and the American public. And I take full responsibility. I apologize to my teammates and to the American people‚” Austin said. He said he initially kept the information private because he is a “private guy.” He added that he has “learned from this experience” and that‚ as a public official‚ he cannot expect the same level of privacy as a private citizen. “I want you all to know why this happened. I was being treated for prostate cancer. The news shook me‚ and I know that it shakes so many others‚ especially in the black community. It was a gut punch‚ and‚ frankly‚ my first instinct was to keep it private. I don’t think it’s news that I’m a pretty private guy. I never liked burdening others with my problems. It’s just not my way‚” Austin said. .@SecDef Austin on his recent cancer diagnosis and transparency: "We did not handle this right. I did not handle this right. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis‚ and I should have also told my team and the American public. I take full responsibility." pic.twitter.com/rt3WjjjJdl — CSPAN (@cspan) February 1‚ 2024

Over the years‚ Kate Hudson has made a name for herself as an actor in popular movies like Almost Famous and How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. All this time‚ though‚ the A-list actress has been secretly passionate about the idea of taking a shift in her career. That’s because‚ turns out‚ acting isn’t Hudson’s biggest passion in life. Rather‚ this Los Angeles native has always had a deep connection to music. She didn’t grow up in a musical household‚ though‚ and her trajectory in life drastically changed when she got her breakout role in Almost Famous. But now‚ Hudson is ready to take a chance with music‚ a sentiment most of us can relate to at some point in our lives. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Hudson (@katehudson) Although Hudson loves the music process as a whole‚ what she connects with the most is songwriting. This could be seen even when she was a kid. “I’d listen to a verse and I’d go back and I’d try to understand it‚ and then I’d listen to the pre-chorus‚” Hudson tells American Songwriter. “I didn’t realize that I was doing it at the time‚ but I would deconstruct music in my head to learn it.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Hudson (@katehudson) She’d also take the time to rewrite other people’s songs. In doing so‚ she learned to develop her own voice as a songwriter. This is something she continued to do for herself even when acting became her career. Kate Hudson Shares Inspiration Behind Talk About Love It’s no wonder‚ then‚ she chose to be involved with the writing of each song. So‚ as scary as it feels for her to share music that feels so personal‚ she’s finally ready. To kick off her musical career‚ she released Talk About Love‚ a song she wrote with her partner‚ Danny Fujikawa‚ and singer-songwriter Linda Perry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Hudson (@katehudson) “So the song as a whole is about [how] we should be talking more about love‚” Hudson explains. “We talk about a lot of things‚ and we’re living in a very complex time. And the thing I think we need the most is to talk about … what love is and why it’s so hard for us. Why is it so hard to connect in that purest place?” According to Hudson‚ this song encompasses the overall message of her album. “So I felt like this was the perfect lead-in‚” she continues. “It’s so fun. I can’t wait.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Hudson (@katehudson) As Hudson and her fans excitedly await her debut album’s release‚ there’s no telling what the future holds. But one thing is for sure: music and‚ most importantly‚ songwriting will always be a key part of the actor’s life. “I’d like to go into the end of my life writing for me or for people‚” Hudson shares. “I love to write music. Singing is one thing. I want to sit in a room with a bunch of people and beautiful artists and experience the collaborative writing experience with them. There’s nothing like it.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Kate Hudson Dishes On Her Debut Single And Her True Love: Music. appeared first on InspireMore.

Grammy-winning singer Celine Dion has been struggling with a rare health issue for years‚ and she’s ready to tell her story. Her upcoming documentary‚ I Am: Celine Dion will offer a look into her battle with stiff person syndrome. This neurological disorder causes a variety of debilitating symptoms which have made life difficult for the performer. However‚ she’s hoping that she can help others by shining a light on the illness. According to Johns Hopkins‚ people with stiff person syndrome often experience stiffness and muscle spasms. These symptoms can also cause frequent falls and difficulty getting around. For Celine Dion‚ living with this health condition has meant cancelling shows and taking a step back from the stage. Currently‚ there is no cure for the painful disorder. Wikimedia Commons Celine Dion’s documentary will highlight her own experience of managing the uncommon illness. American Songwriter tells us that director Irene Taylor will be helping the singer tell her story. Amazon has already picked up the film. “This last couple of years has been such a challenge for me‚ the journey from discovering my condition to learning how to live with and manage it‚ but not to let it define me‚” Dion wrote on Instagram. “During this absence‚ I decided I wanted to document this part of my life‚ to try to raise awareness of this little-known condition‚ to help others who share this diagnosis.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Céline Dion (@celinedion) Sharing your personal struggles with the world can be daunting‚ but it can also help others feel less alone. Here’s hoping that Celine Dion’s documentary will give a voice to all those fighting stiff person syndrome! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Celine Dion Announces New Documentary: Aims To Spread Awareness Of The Rare Neurological Disorder She’s Battling. appeared first on InspireMore.

There’s nothing like seeing the impact a teacher has on their students. Recently‚ one teacher saw this in an unexpected gift. As told by her daughter on TikTok‚ this teacher has been offering crochet lessons for students who are interested. In doing so‚ she inspired one little girl in particular‚ Grace‚ to make something for her during the Christmas season: a scarf. Adorable‚ right? Unfortunately‚ though‚ Grace ran out of yarn. Even still‚ nothing could stop her from finishing what she set out to do. So‚ instead‚ she worked with what she had — and the results are absolutely precious. @eyelashileashaalish she taught some kids in her class how to crochet ♬ phoebe and maggie iris – olive As you can see in the above video‚ Grace didn’t have a lot to work with. And yet‚ it’s so clear how much love and time went into creating this “not a scarf” for her beloved teacher. Best of all‚ though‚ has to be the note attached. “Sorry it is not a scarf‚” the little girl writes. “I didn’t have enough yarn. Love‚ Grace.” Teacher’s Unexpected “Scarf” Gift Starts Ripple Effect of Kindness When the teacher’s daughter shares this sweet gift on TikTok‚ it goes viral! Folks from all over offer to send little Grace some yarn. TikTok To make that possible‚ an Amazon Wishlist was created‚ allowing anyone who wanted to gift this teacher with yarn and other crocheting items. This way‚ not only would Grace get more material‚ but so would the rest of the teacher’s crochet club! In no time‚ all sorts of colorful yarn arrived‚ inspiring this teacher and her daughter to make an update video. In it‚ she shares with her class the story of Grace’s heartwarming gift that led to their own — something she got permission to do from both Grace and her mom. @eyelashileashaalish Replying to @User12456839463 ♬ original sound – e As soon as the teacher starts to show off the cool stuff people bought them‚ the classroom fills with “ooohs” and “aahhh” over the exciting surprise! I can only imagine what a lasting impact this will have on them all. Now‚ Grace’s mom‚ along with some other folks‚ will be joining the class for a crochet lesson. With all the cool supplies they have‚ it’s sure to be a blast! “Thank you to everyone who sent yarn to my Mom’s class!” her daughter says. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Teacher Receives Adorable “Not A Scarf” Gift When She Teaches Students How To Crochet. appeared first on InspireMore.

Toby Keith has been one of country music’s biggest stars for over three decades‚ and he continues to earn accolades today‚ but for the past two years‚ he’s been juggling his career with a strenuous and painful cancer battle. He says he’s made it this far because of his family and faith in God. Toby‚ 62‚ was diagnosed with stomach cancer in October of 2021. It wasn’t until the following June that he went public with his illness. He did so to explain why he was taking a hiatus from the music world. YouTube “I’ve spent the last 6 months receiving chemo‚ radiation‚ and surgery‚” he said at the time. “So far‚ so good. I need time to breathe‚ recover‚ and relax.” “I am looking forward to spending this time with my family‚” he continued. “But I will see the fans sooner than later. I can’t wait.” Toby did return to the stage in December‚ but he was noticeably frail and thinner. He told News 9 that he’s still in treatment today‚ and many days are a struggle. YouTube “Cancer is a roller coaster‚” he admitted while talking to Robin Marsh. “So it’s like‚ you just sit here and wait on it to go away‚ and it may not ever go away. If it goes into remission‚ it will still be in the back of your mind.”  Toby Keith is ‘Comfortable’ with Whatever Happens While the uncertainty could be too much for some to handle‚ the outspoken Christian relies on his trust in God to get him through. “You have to have your faith‚” he said. “Thank God that I got it‚ too. You take it for granted on days that are good‚ and you lean on it when days are bad. It’s taught me to lean on it a little more every day.” Toby Keith shared that through this journey‚ he has “experienced a peace that surpasses all understanding‚” and he has come to terms with the possibility that he may not win his war with cancer. “I finally got to a point in the spring … where I was comfortable with whatever happened‚” he continued. “I got my brain wrapped around it. And I was in a good spot‚ either way. People without faith don’t have that.” Instagram The chart-topper has also leaned on his family for support. Toby has been married to his wife‚ Trisha‚ for 40 years. Together‚ they have three children; Krystal‚ Stellen‚ and Shelley‚ and several grandchildren. “She’s been a trooper‚” he said of Trisha. “She stepped right in‚ took control‚ and said‚ ‘We got this.’” Share this story and help others who may be struggling with the same battle. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Toby Keith Shares How Faith And Family Have Helped Him Stay Strong Through Cancer Battle. appeared first on InspireMore.

Kodi Lee’s life drastically changed when he became the winner of America’s Got Talent (AGT) in 2019. In addition to the million dollar prize‚ he got his own show in Las Vegas. Now‚ he’s back again on AGT: Fantasy League‚ specifically on Simon Cowell’s team. Through all of the changes in his life‚ both good and bad‚ there’s always one person that he can count on: his mom‚ Tina Lee. It’s no wonder‚ then‚ that Kodi felt inspired to write a song all about his love and appreciation for her. The song is called Journey of You and I. As you can imagine‚ a song with this much genuine emotion made it the perfect one for the semi-finals‚ sending everyone into tears. Kodi Lee Performs Heartwarming Song for Mom on AGT “I wrote this song for my hero‚” Kodi shares before he starts to sing. “Mom‚ this song is for you.” This isn’t the first original Kodi Lee song that’s been performed on AGT — but this one is full of lyrics that expresses the admiration he has for Tina. In turn‚ his sweet mom is brought to tears for the best reason. “I fall but you catch me every time‚” Kodi sings. “You lead me to new heights. This love will never die.” Facebook Tina is certainly not the only person who got emotional over Kodi’s beautiful song. All four judges were moved‚ prompting Howie Mandel to give the talented singer-songwriter a Golden Buzzer. Now‚ he’s on his way to the finale — and on Team Howie! “I’m just a mom‚” Tina says. “That’s what moms are supposed to do. I am extremely grateful for AGT because they have shown another whole side of Kodi that I didn’t even know existed.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Kodi Lee’s Heartfelt Tribute Brings Mom to Tears. “I Wrote This Song For My Hero.” appeared first on InspireMore.

He’s the biggest‚ baddest bear in Banff National Park‚ and that’s why they call him “The Boss.” Weighing in at over 600 pounds‚ this enormous grizzly is not to be messed with. Just ask the other bear he killed and ate‚ or the train that couldn’t take him down! While these might sound like tall tales‚ they’re not. Witnesses can vouch for The Boss actually being that tough! Free Range American tells us — in perhaps slightly more colorful language than we would have chosen — that this grizzly bear isn’t afraid of anything. He roams Banff National Park as he pleases and eats whatever looks good. Hence the incident in 2013‚ where people discovered The Boss dining on a black bear that he had likely killed. It wasn’t his first time‚ either. “The Boss” is one bear who makes his own rules. Screengrab from YouTube The Boss is officially known as Bear 122‚ but his affectionate nickname is far more descriptive. This behemoth of a grizzly truly rules the roost wherever he goes. When he ambled into a popular hiking location in Kootenay National Park‚ helicopters had to come to the rescue of nearby nature lovers! More recently in 2023‚ this bear had the Town of Banff rethinking their residential gardens. It seems that the smell of fruit trees brought The Boss into the neighborhood‚ to the horror of many homeowners who encountered the bear! According to CBC‚ the town is even offering to replace fruit trees with less appetizing plant life for free. Screengrab from YouTube As for the incident involving a train‚ Free Range American says that The Boss was being tracked at the time of the accident. That’s how we know he survived. However‚ it looks like his brush with death didn’t phase him — he regularly frequented the train tracks afterward! Even more impressive is that the entire reason researchers were tracking the grizzly in the first place was to figure out why so many bears were being killed by trains. It looks like what threatens other bears means nothing to The Boss! What do you think would happen if The Boss came across tough gal and American grizzly bear legend Grandmother of Tetons? Perhaps a little romance might bloom! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Meet “The Boss‚” One Of The World’s Toughest Grizzly Bears. appeared first on InspireMore.

Teaching little ones about the importance of detail can feel like an uphill battle. Kiddos are bold and incredible‚ but their sense of nuance is iconically lacking. This teacher came up with a creative and hilarious way to drive home the point that details make a difference. She decided to do a demonstration around building a PB &; J. Something we all know and love‚ of course! However‚ her instructions were lacking in detail and she followed them literally. @msvwbug ♬ original sound – VW From missing out on how many pieces of bread were necessary‚ to lacking an explanation of how to apply the peanut butter and the jelly‚ these instructions were missing some key pieces of info. This teacher decided to play up the chaos to make her point known. The importance of details are clear in her demonstration! She picked four slices of bread instead of two. This image is from TikTok. Instead of using a knife‚ she scooped the peanut butter and jelly with her hand. This made the kiddos scream with horror! Finally‚ she stacked all the slices right on top of one another with PB &; J revealed on the top. Frankly‚ this sandwich doesn’t look so good. Her lesson on the importance of detail is sure to be memorable! In fact‚ viewers remembered their own teacher’s PB &; J demonstrations. “The way my professor did this to us IN LAW SCHOOL‚” commented one fan. What a hilarious way to make a point. Thank you‚ teachers‚ for always inspiring us with creativity! The featured image is from TikTok. The post Teacher Shares Silly Lesson With Her Students On The Importance Of Detail. appeared first on InspireMore.

Everybody loves Ed Sheeran‚ right? Wrong. These cats did not appreciate the impromptu Ed Sheeran concert at their café home — and we think they’re seriously missing out! Ed Sheeran posted up in the middle of a cat cafe with his guitar‚ hoping to play a tune for these kitties. Ed probably hoped the cats would gather at his feet and meow along. Unfortunately… that’s not what happened. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos) As soon as he strummed his guitar‚ these kitties darted away from the premises‚ totally startled by his music. In all fairness‚ Ed Sheeran could’ve strummed a bit gentler — cats are iconically skittish! This image is from Instagram. “Trying to win over the same kitties that ran away from me in 2014‚ same results‚” captioned Ed on Instagram. At least these cats are consistent! Fans loved this attempted concert. Ed is a pro at documenting his failures‚ and viewers adore the down-to-earth approach. “I‘m glad you’re still trying to win this tough crowd‚” said one fan trying to inspire some hope. “They wanted to hear ‘Purrfect’ obviously‚” commented another viewer‚ suggesting that Ed simply played the wrong song. While these cats may not love Ed Sheeran‚ we certainly do! The featured image for this post is from Instagram. The post Ed Sheeran Tries To Serenade Kitties At Cat Cafe‚ Fails Hilariously. appeared first on InspireMore.

Every year‚ the Minnesota Department of Transportation holds an epic and hilarious “Name A Snowplow” contest. Creative folks from all over the state enter the competition to have a snowplow named after their ingenious ideas. This year‚ there were eight winners. The winners get to have their names plastered along a snowplow door in one of Minnesota’s eight DOT districts. What an epic celebration! This image is from YouTube. The names were creative and quirky‚ all utilizing some puns to make the titles pop. Let’s look at the winners of the 2024 MDot “Name A Snowplow” contest! First‚ we have “Taylor Drift.” In the year of Taylor Swift‚ it only makes sense to dedicate a snowplow to her. Then we’ve got “Clark W. Blizzwald.” A nod to one of our favorite Christmas movie characters‚ with an epic snowy pun. This image is from YouTube. The third winner was “Dolly Plowton.” I bet Dolly herself would be pleased to know her name is a winning pun in the “Name a Snowplow” contest. The next winner took a linguistic approach‚ using the Dakota word for “Snowplow.” That word is “Waipahinte” — what a great name! Since Taylor Swift got a shoutout‚ it’s only fair that Beyoncé also has a snowplow named after her. “Beyonsleigh” is the name on the District 4 snowplow. This image is from YouTube. Then‚ we’ve got “You’re Killin’ Me Squalls‚” “Fast and Flurrious‚” and “Barbie’s Dream Plow” as the final three winners of the “Name a Snowplow” contest. What an awesome display of creativity! The featured image for this post is from YouTube. The post From Dolly Plowton To You’re Killin’ Me Squalls: This Year’s Hilarious “Name A Snowplow” Contest Winners. appeared first on InspireMore.