The Long Weekend You Can Thank America’s Workers For 🇺🇸
Good morning! Let's start the long holiday weekend with a little catch up on this week’s news and some interesting stories ...👇🏽
But first... what is Labor Day and why do (some of us) get off work?
In the late 19th century, American workers pushed for a federal holiday to honor their contributions and achievements.
Though its founder is debated, labor unions championed the idea many years before it gained momentum. Labor Day was first celebrated as a state holiday in the 1880s, and by the time it became a federal holiday, about 23 states already observed it. The first Labor Day parade took place in NYC on Sept. 5, 1882, with “lager beer kegs … mounted in every conceivable place.” Some 10,000-20,000 workers, both women and men, were present to celebrate their trades. The New York Tribune reported: “The windows and roofs and even the lamp posts and awning frames were occupied by persons anxious to get a good view of the first parade in New York of workingmen of all trades united in one organization.” The first Labor Day parade closed with speeches, cigars, and (ahem) beverages.
Within the next 2 years, 23 states had adopted the holiday.On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland officially made the first Monday in September a national holiday.
🗣️ Your Conversation Starters:
🙏 "We will rebuild from this”: Words from Annunciation Catholic School Principal Matt DeBoer following a deadly shooting that took place this week during the school’s Mass in Minneapolis. Two children were killed, and 18 others were injured. Jenna covers this – and highlights a past question with an answer that could save your life – on her latest podcast.
🏥 First U.S. Human Case: A Maryland patient contracted New World screwworm after traveling to El Salvador. The flesh-eating parasite typically targets livestock. Luckily, the patient has since recovered. 👉🏽 What this illness is and why it matters.
🚨 45%: The drop in violent crime in D.C. since the federal government assumed control of the city. While D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged her gratitude and noted that residents do feel more safe, this New York Times op-ed cautions of long-term consequences. What do you think?
📉 Dropped Again: Consumer Confidence fell by 1.3 points in August to 97.4, with jobs, food and groceries seemingly driving the decline.
💍 It's A Love Story: In pop culture news, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement this week. The New York Times offers a look at the singer’s "engagement era".
🔁 Ctrl Alt Delete: What Cracker Barrel did with its new logo design after customers made their disapproval of it quite clear.
💸 $1 Billion: The current Powerball prize – the 6th largest in the game’s history. No one has hit the jackpot since May. Will Saturday night bring a winner?
🍖 18 School Lunch Ideas: And on trend for 2025, they’re all protein-packed. Yes, please! 😋
💊 To Take, or Not to Take: That's the question surrounding hormone therapy during menopause. The topic sparked debate after a recent FDA panel highlighted its benefits. However, some doctors caution that the topic is nuanced, noting that a 2002 research trial was paused due to concerning side effects.
🌹 Roses Are Red: But also, pink. And this one rose out of the floodwaters. As this week marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we learned about a mysterious, 16-year-old rose that not only survived the devastation, but has become a symbol of resilience in the storm’s aftermath.
🐶 College Companion: Some colleges change their stance on pets in the dorm room to ease stress and anxiety for students.
🎙️ This Week From Jenna:
A quick podcast to jumpstart your weekend:
✔️ A dash of history (the origins of Labor Day)
✔️ A mix of a few stories to have on your radar (inflation, U.S. warships off the coast of Venezuela, and the firing of the CDC Director)
✔️ AND a quick snippet from a past interview that feels meaningful during this news cycle.
WATCH ABOVE OR BY CLICKING HERE. You can also listen on podcasting platforms everywhere (Apple, Spotify).
SCOOP (approx. 50 minutes) “Energetic Diplomacy,” A New “Czar” & The Phone-Free Trend Gathers Steam. Listen. (SCOOP Insiders can attend this live broadcast once a week and get their news questions answered; they also receive the special video report EXCLUSIVELY delivered to their inbox along with a "cheat sheet" for the week ahead — learn more HERE).
🙌🏽 What We Found SmartHER This Week:
Mexican-American entrepreneur (and friend of SmartHER News) Luisa Navarro just released her first book! Filled with stunning photography and thoughtful essays, Luisa brings to life Día de Muertos (the Day of the Dead) – Mexico’s holiday honoring loved ones who have passed. Pre-order your copy HERE.
P.S. Our SmartHER ShopMy just got a refresh! ✨ From every day finds to gifts and more, this is where we keep the links to all our SmartHER favorites.
Take a look around – and if there’s something you’d love us to test out or shop for, we want to hear from you! Email us at hello@smarthernews.com. 📩
🪼 “How to Love Jellyfish in a Time of War”
As resilient as the jellyfish themselves, this museum in the heart of Ukraine stands as a symbol of the country’s endurance during wartime. Its mission? To “destroy the myth that jellyfish are somehow disgusting,” while quietly reflecting the perseverance of the Ukrainian people amid conflict.
And that's The Weekend Digest!
❤️,
Jenna and the SHN Team
Daily news, interviews, our latest podcasts and more at www.SmartHERNews.com.
