Latest news with #Macy'sThanksgivingDayParade
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Is It Time To Reconsider a Fairytale Marriage?
When I graduated high school in 1997, I had a quote hanging on my wall that said, "A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle." Marriage was not of interest to me back then, even though in my faith marriage and family were highly valued. It turns out, I was way ahead of the curve of Americans' changing views on marriage. Marriage rates have plummeted, and as of 2024, Americans were less likely to be married than at any point since 1940. Cinderella and Prince Charming attend The Disney Wish float at the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 2022, in New York City. Cinderella and Prince Charming attend The Disney Wish float at the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24, 2022, in New York even though recent studies show married women with children are the happiest female demographic, we can't seem to get young people to want to date or marry. In part, young women today are more educated than men their age and have greater focus on professional ambition and individual growth. Women are delaying marriage or avoiding dating and almost half of young women (age 18 to 34) say they don't want kids, believing marriage and family benefits them less than men. You may have heard all of this but what you likely haven't heard is that the societal shift in U.S. marriage rates happens to match the plummeting marriage rates of Disney princesses. Starting in 1937, the Classic Disney Princesses spread love and kindness and were always rescued by a prince: Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty all end up married to a prince, saved by true love's kiss. Then beginning in 1989, the Renaissance Princesses had additional goals like exploring a new world on land, away from their town, castle, or tower—even starting a restaurant, but all ended up happily in a royal marriage: Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Tiana, and Rapunzel. Even Pocahontas and Mulan who have more complicated stories, both end up married in sequels. Then we have the Modern Era of Princesses—which I would argue starts in 2012, where we see a significant shift as criticisms mount that traditional princesses are portrayed as helpless without a man. In response, more modern princesses began to appear without princes or marriage as part of their storylines. We have Merida in 2012's Brave, the first Disney princess to completely reject marriage against her parent's wishes and focus on self-discovery. Elsa, in Frozen, has no love interest, same with Moana, and Raya. The 2025 live action princess movie, Snow White, falls in love but doesn't get married. Disney is not the only company reflecting this cultural shift. In 2023, Barbie rejects the doting man she has been paired with for over 60 years. These subtle shifts accompany more explicit messages like the 2024 book, This American Ex-Wife, claiming that marriage should be rejected as a "commonplace horror" and "violent prison." For the last two years, one of Hulu's top performing unscripted shows features infidelity in marriage and other risqué behavior of MomTok wives, arguably empowered from traditional patriarchy to take back their lives. We've experienced a marked cultural shift rejecting marriage and family as a desirable life pursuit. Despite the trend against marriage both in princess movies and in our culture, who did America vote for as their favorite princess in 2023? Universally in almost every age group, it was Cinderella! Could it be that we still gravitate to a classic princess romance that ends in marriage? While teaching girls independence, education, and leadership is vital, idealizing a solo life is not ideal for individuals or society. Yearly Gallup polls confirm that married adults are thriving 20 percent more than those never married and substantially more than domestic partners. Studies show that married adults are healthier, their children thrive, and communities prosper with lower crime where more married couples live. As a professor, I've had three single Gen Z students this year tell me that their greatest fear is divorce. They didn't realize that despite my disinterest in marriage, I got married young and ended up divorced and a single mom. You would think I would be warning them to wait to get married or have kids, but I'm grateful my failed "happily ever after" didn't deter me from giving marriage another chance. I've been married nearly 10 years, and while I was told I couldn't be taken seriously as a lawyer with more than two kids, I have five and I'm profoundly grateful. Marriage and family life are undeniably messy and imperfect—but they are also deeply meaningful. Just as Cinderella went from an abusive home to find her Prince Charming, we must offer today's young people a vision of lasting love that is worth pursuing. It's time to rewrite the cultural narrative to reflect the enduring benefits of marriage and parenthood—both of which lead to greater fulfillment than the solitary path subtly normalized for our youth. Shima Baughman is the Woodruff J. Deem professor of law and a distinguished fellow at the Wheatley Institute for Religion, Family and Constitutional Studies. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Webster County student to march in 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
UPPERGLADE, (WBOY) — A Webster County High School freshman will be marching through the streets of New York City this November as part of the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Alexa Snyder has been selected to perform with the Macy's Great American Marching Band, a prestigious ensemble made up of top student musicians from across the country. She is the first-ever student from Webster County High School to earn a spot in the nationally televised event. 'I am very excited to go because I really enjoy hanging out with other people who perform the same ways I do, who like the same things that I do. Going to New York is a very big experience and it will open a lot of opportunities for me when I graduate,' Snyder said. 'It's a big honor. There are not many things that go on down in this small town and I am very excited to go there and represent Webster County and represent West Virginia. Harrison County woman gets motorcycle ride for her 90th birthday Snyder said she has watched the parade for years and has always been especially drawn to the performances by the marching bands. Before traveling to New York in November, Snyder said she has a few songs to memorize in preparation for performing with the Macy's Great American Marching Band. 'I am so excited for her because this is a giant deal, and it's not just a giant deal for our high school, it's a giant deal for our state. West Virginia doesn't see representation like it should in the fine arts communities, and to see one of my students who's a freshman make the Macy's Day All American Marching Band it's really exciting,' the Wester County High School Band Director Tabitha Terry said. Terry noted that the high school marching band continues to grow in membership and that both the band and its members actively support community events throughout the county. She also highlighted that several students perform with collegiate-level honor bands, all while remaining committed to the various performances and responsibilities associated with the local marching and concert bands. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
20-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Popular stores shutting down for Easter shopping blackout 2025
The spring season has begun, which means flowers are blooming, the weather is warming up, more sunny days are upon us, and Easter festivities are only a few days away. As those who celebrate know, Easter Sunday falls on April 20 this year. This is the same day as the Easter shopping blackout - shopaholics' most dreaded day, since many stores shut down. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Because Easter is widely celebrated in the U.S., many stores tend to close so employees can spend quality time with their loved ones. Related: National clothing retailer makes key change after bankruptcy If your family bonding time or favorite hobby involves shopping on the weekends, this day might be difficult to navigate. It can get hard to keep track of all retailers' operation hours, especially when some are not updated or accurate. To make your life easier, here's a list of all the major retailers closing on April 20. Image source: Getty Images Macy's (M) knows how to throw a holiday extravaganza, from its annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to its option-filled Christmas shopping selection to the Macy's Flower Show in New York City. It's almost hard to believe that this iconic retailer that thrives on holiday shopping would join the blackout on April 20. Unfortunately, if you want a last-minute pastel outfit for Easter brunch or a tea set to adorn the kitchen table before the guests arrive, Saturday, April 19 will be the last day to make any Macy's runs before Easter Sunday. If you are missing an ingredient or two, make sure to do all your in-bulk grocery shopping for the Easter feast before April 20, because all Sam's Club (WMT) locations will be closed on Easter Sunday. In case you were thinking of heading to Costco (COST) to buy one of the huge, delicious cakes from the bakery section and a nice bottle of wine or five before heading to Grandma's house, you might want to start thinking of a second option. Costco locations will not be open on April 20. Related: Discount retail chain takes aim at Walmart, Target Most savvy shopping addicts know nothing is better than finding a great deal. TJ Maxx (TJX) is the worst-kept secret to looking stylish while on a budget. More Retail News: Starbucks' pricing plan, profitability could be impacted by tariffsNew Taco Bell menu items combines multiple classicsHow to eat free at Disney World this summer (and even more) However, if you were thinking of heading to TJ Maxx on the morning of Easter Sunday because you have nothing to wear, it's time to get creative. This retailer will not be open on April 20. In case Marshalls was also on your list of places to shop for an affordable last-minute Easter Sunday outfit, unfortunately, this retailer will not be opening its doors on April 20. It's better to plan a few outfits ahead of time or even the day before to avoid any potential mishaps. Target (TGT) is truly an addicting place due to its wide range of product offerings, including apparel, food, electronics, beauty, and even furniture, all of which can be found in one place. Because of all the variety, it's hard not to want to head to the nearest Target to make a few impulsive buys on April 20 before the Easter celebrations begin. While this retailer will not be open on Sunday, it will be open the day before to fulfill consumers' shopping needs. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘A big deal for Central Florida': Hotel tax shakeup gains momentum
A tax package advancing in the Florida Senate could shake up how Orange County spends tens of millions of dollars in hotel tax revenue, potentially directing money from tourism advertising to mass transit and other transportation needs. The changes, green-lighted by the Senate's Finance and Tax Committee on Tuesday, could allow more than $50 million to be shifted from Visit Orlando, the region's tourism development organization, to public projects like expanding SunRail. The proposal eases a requirement that at least 40% of Orange County's roughly $360 million in hotel taxes go to tourism marketing and advertising. Visitors pay the tourist development tax when they stay in hotels and short-term rentals. Getting the item into the Senate's tax package is a 'big deal for Central Florida,' said Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, who introduced the hotel-tax changes. But it still faces significant hurdles, including potential opposition of tourism industry lobbyists, and the question of whether the state House and the governor will go along. Smith's proposal softens the mandatory spending requirement for tourism promotion to no more than $50 million, or about half of what is spent currently by Visit Orlando. Smith has been critical of Visit Orlando, saying it subsidizes Walt Disney World's and Universal Studios' corporate marketing budgets. 'Government spending on advertising is not acceptable,' Smith said. In past years, the Republican-dominated Legislature has shown little appetite to restructure the tourist development tax. But this year, Senate leaders meshed Smith's proposal into an overall tax bill. It was given initial approval Tuesday with little discussion. The change, if signed into law, 'gives Orange County the ability to invest hotel tax dollars into our transportation needs,' he said. 'We can finally use that TDT revenue to link Sunrail to the (Orlando International) Airport… and upgrade our Lynx buses.' Having a reliable mass transit system connected to Orlando's airports and major attractions is key to making Central Florida a world-class resort destination, Smith said. Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, another advocate for overhauling tourist development taxes, called the development 'very significant.' Visit Orlando's leaders, however, argue they deliver an economic return that benefits the community and extends to all parts of the tourism industry. In addition to promoting Orlando's brand globally, the organization works to attract conventions, gather economic data and forge community partnerships. Visit Orlando reports that about 40% of its members are small businesses. Visit Orlando and the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association did not respond to emails Tuesday seeking comment. Swifties or SunRail? Orlando lawmakers question hotel tax spending Visit Orlando's marketing efforts have included television ads that aired during the Summer Olympics, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and other major events, including a $600,000 spot that ran during Taylor Swift's on-demand concert movie featured on the Disney+ streaming platform. In addition to tourism promotion, tourist development tax revenue is used for the Orange County Convention Center, sporting venues, and the arts and museums. The tax package will be hashed out between the House and Senate during the final weeks of the legislative session, which is scheduled to end May 2. In addition to the hotel tax change, the Senate's $2.1 billion tax relief proposal also includes a permanent elimination of the sales tax on clothing and shoes under $75. House Speaker Daniel Perez is calling for lowering the sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25%, which is estimated to produce $5 billion in savings.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Martinsburg High School band to perform in Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
MARTINSBURG, () — The beloved Washington, D.C. cherry blossoms have made their way to West Virginia, bringing excitement for several high school students. The popular Martinsburg High School Marching Band has been invited to participate in the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival Parade this weekend. Members of the band have performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the entire band has marched in festivals at Disney World in the past. Senior Ariel Funkhauser is focused on her plans this fall to enroll in community college to be a physical therapist assistant. But she will graduate this spring, cherishing her high school experience, with a special celebration in the nation's Capital this Saturday. Dozens of road closures, traffic changes ahead of Cherry Blossom Parade 'Everyone works together in the band,' said Funkhauser. 'It's teamwork and a family that we have really built here.' Band director Casie Adams explained how special it is to be invited to march in the Cherry Blossom parade. 'This is history for Martinsburg High School,' Adams said. 'For the band program and the high school as a whole. We've never been in this parade.' And while senior Leonora Puplampu is focused on her biology studies at Shepherd University next year, marching in the Cherry Blossom parade will be an exciting way to wind down her senior year of high school. 'I don't think I've ever been on such a huge stage, so it's going to be really interesting,' she said. After graduation this spring, Olivia Lewis is setting her sights on pre-med studies at West Virginia University. But in looking forward to the weekend parade in the Nation's Capital, Lewis said, 'the whole experience, just being able to march in Washington, D.C. for such a big parade, it's pretty special.' The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, N.W. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
