On this episode of Our American Stories before haunted houses filled October nights Halloween in America was a mess In the early twentieth century it was less about candy and costumes and more about broken fences stolen gates and angry neighbors Communities were desperate for order and their answer came from an unexpected place Schools churches and civic clubs began creating haunted attractions small events meant to channel mischief into something creative Author Lisa Morton whose Trick or Treat A History of Halloween remains a definitive account traces how those first haunted houses grew into the elaborate haunted attractions we [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories along the shores of Lake Michigan is a story stranger than fiction a man preserved in a glass coffin He was part of the House of David a communal religious group whose followers built amusement parks baseball teams and their own legends Visitors came from across the country to see him but not all of them came with good intentions Thieves once tried to steal the diamond necklace that lay inside the coffin For decades the figure has fascinated locals and outsiders alike raising questions about faith spectacle and how we remember the [... more]

JUST IN At least teens were arrested at the Delta Fair Music Festival after mobs of black teens caused stampedes and fights Law enforcement had to temporarily suspend the fair until order could be restored Both city and county leaders have allowed the teens to destroy our malls entire neighborhoods our parks and downtown is on the verge of disaster City Hall shut down Tom Lee Park on weekend nights for safety issues What's your solution for stopping the violence Because more basketball courts and community centers aren't working See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Elizabeth Jennings was on her way to church when a New York City streetcar conductor ordered her off She refused The conductor and driver forcibly dragged her from the car leaving her bloodied and bruised Jennings got back up and climbed aboard again The year was nearly years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery Alabama What followed was a court battle that would turn the city on its head and Jennings would turn to a young lawyer taking on one of his first cases future [... more]

Octavius Valentine Cato, a lesser-known figure in American history, refused to leave his seat on a segregated Philly trolley in 1865, echoing the actions of Rosa Parks in 1955. Cato's fight for equal rights, including voting rights, led to significant national change and ultimately resulted in his murder. [... more]

Parents can create lasting memories with their kids without breaking the bank by exploring free summer activities, such as visiting the library, hosting a backyard camp out, and organizing a neighborhood game day. Meanwhile, individuals approaching retirement age can navigate complex financial decisions, including Medicare and Social Security, to ensure a secure financial future. Additionally, property owners can consider forming an LLC to protect their assets and simplify tax obligations, while also exploring ways to avoid probate when passing on their estate. [... more]

The discussion revolves around Thomas Massey's political stance and funding, the issue of Islamism and colonization, the historical context of Rosa Parks' protest, the expansion of euthanasia in Canada, gun regulations, data centers, identity theft, and the challenges of homelessness and Medicaid in the US. [... more]

Crystal Payne shares budget-friendly tips for a great family vacation, including planning ahead, taking advantage of free activities, and being strategic about meals. She also discusses the importance of financial planning for retirement, including considering Social Security and investment options, and the benefits of converting traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA. [... more]

A devastating conflict is unfolding in Lebanon, leaving families in fear and uncertainty. Heart for Lebanon is responding with emergency aid and the hope of the gospel, providing food, shelter, and hygiene supplies to newly displaced families. The organization is committed to walking with these families for as long as they need, introducing them to the hope of Christ and the possibility of a lasting eternal peace. [... more]

Forgiveness is a process that requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to let go of past hurts. God's timing is crucial in this process, and it's essential to acknowledge and accept one's own brokenness and the brokenness of others. Self-forgiveness is also a vital aspect of forgiveness, as it allows individuals to release shame and guilt and move towards healing and restoration. [... more]

A census of the natural world emerges from engaging millions in nature, while a free phone app called iNaturalist identifies plants, animals, birds, and bugs. Meanwhile, a fierce debate brews over the removal of signs promoting climate change and divisive narratives at national parks, and a legendary comedian Sid Caesar's talent is being reevaluated. In other news, chef and owner of London's River Cafe Ruthie Rogers shares her story of connecting people over food, and actress Lisa Kudrow discusses her return to her iconic character Valerie Cherish in The Comeback. Additionally, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker talks about his new book and his hopes for a more perfect union, and author Arthur Brooks charts an unlikely path to happiness by learning to manage devices and live with silence. [... more]

Rosa Parks, a Christian woman, refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus, sparking a 382-day boycott that brought attention to the injustices of segregation and the power of nonviolent resistance, led by Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Improvement Association. [... more]

In 1927, the leader of the House of David, a religious colony in Benton Harbor, Michigan, died after contracting tuberculosis. The colony preserved his body in a hermetically sealed glass coffin, inspired by the Soviet Union's treatment of Vladimir Lenin. However, the coffin became a target for thieves, who broke in and stole valuable items, including a 22-karat diamond ring and a giant medallion. The story of the robbery and the cult leader's eccentricities is a fascinating and bizarre tale. [... more]

Adam Scott's journey from a young actor to a successful comedian and dramatic actor, discussing his early days, struggles, and breakthroughs in the entertainment industry, including his experiences on shows like Severance, Parks and Recreation, and Party Down. [... more]

The story of how Florida was built and sold, with the Mackle brothers and Rosen brothers playing key roles in transforming the state from a rural agricultural area to a popular retirement destination, through innovative marketing and sales techniques, including installment land sales and mass media advertising. [... more]

Theodore Roosevelt, as police commissioner, devised a clever scheme to protect a German Jew hater from anti-Semitic violence, assigning Jewish officers to guard him, thereby undermining his repugnant ideas and promoting the importance of free speech and religious liberty in America. [... more]

The story of Naomi and Ruth in the Book of Ruth illustrates how God uses ordinary people and events for extraordinary purposes, demonstrating His sovereign power and faithfulness even in times of bitterness and hopelessness. [... more]

A widow named Naomi faces a hopeless situation, but her daughter-in-law Ruth's decision to remain with her points forward to a decision each of us must eventually make, one of commitment and faith in the face of uncertainty. [... more]

In the midst of heartbreak and hard times, Naomi, a widow, finds herself in a desperate situation, but under God's providential care, a story of loyalty, duty, and love unfolds, reminding people in every generation that God still has his people and is working his purposes out, often in quiet and unlikely ways. [... more]

The concept of truth has fallen in the streets, and reality is fading, leaving behind a sense of confusion and disorientation. In a postmodern world, everyone has a right to their own version of reality, and ethics become a matter of personal taste. Christians must respond to this cultural shift by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, rather than condemning or accommodating the culture. [... more]