National Geographic, the iconic yellow framed magazine that has chronicled the natural world for more than 100 years, laid off its last remaining staff writers this week, multiple departing staffers said. https://t.co/AbHmsXmW9d
Illinois became the first state in the nation to prohibit book bans, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced, as states across the country continue to challenge and axe literature from public schools and libraries https://t.co/q3qpn3gJ0U
“You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. And you belong,” President Joe Biden said at a Pride Month celebration on the South Lawn of the White House https://t.co/X44JwoscxV
Five years ago today, my friend Tony Bourdain left us. Tony had a huge impact on my life through his work and his friendship. Tony was also there for me during a tough time and pushed me, in only a way he could, to keep going. Imagine waking up in the morning to messages like "I'm in Bhutan. Where are you? You know, I was thinking about why you need to keep writing..." If you're a fan of Tony's, you should know that he was everything you would expect him to be, grumpy, curious, and incredibly loyal, and when he cared about something or someone, you could feel it emanating from him. While some people didn't know what he was dealing with, that didn't make him fake, just private. He was never fake. He would never pretend to care about something out of politeness. Sometimes you'd get a one-word response from him, and other times he'd go on and on. Tony's global footprint also inspires me, and I see reminders of him everywhere. It's like he's always with me. Whether it's when I think about Iran or photos he sent me from his trips to Africa, especially in the bush when he saw elephants, or when I think about how he gave the best restaurant recommendations (of course). You could always go to him with a specific request like "I need an Italian restaurant in Nairobi that's not too crowded" or "I need an Ethiopian restaurant in Rome." He'd always come back with the perfect choice. I'll admit that five years on, I still harbor some sadness that Tony played a big part in helping me keep going, but I couldn't do the same for him. I have so many questions I want to ask you, Tony. I miss you.