My aunt is the legendary singer Patti LaBelle.
She has performed our National Anthem FOUR different times at major national sporting events.
Not once did she ever sing the Black National Anthem.
She ALWAYS performed "The Star-Spangled Banner."
And tomorrow, she will do it again at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
Why?
Because she will be singing to EVERY AMERICAN - not just some of us.
She will be using her beautiful, powerful voice to bring us TOGETHER - not tear us apart.
And I like to think that’s because President Trump is in office and his message is AMERICA FIRST.
Unlike the Democrats who constantly use race to divide us, he reminds us:
We are ONE country.
We have ONE national anthem.
And it belongs to ALL OF US.
So while the NFL platforms the OTHER song at the Super Bowl...
...MLB will celebrate baseball's place in the DNA of OUR COUNTRY by giving us the REAL ANTHEM.
God Bless America!
A BIG THANK YOU 🇺🇸
(apologies for the very long post)
Tonight we head home after what has been the trip of a lifetime for me and Mrs T.
When we landed in Chicago four weeks ago we had an itinerary, an RV booking and some World Cup tickets. As I sit here in the same airport waiting for our flight home (and for England v Mexico to begin) I realise what we didn’t plan for was how much we’d fall in love with America.
We’ve driven over 3,000 miles across 12 incredible states, cruised down Route 66, encountered tornadoes and heatwaves, camped under the stars, wandered through world-class cities, explored small towns we’d never heard of before, eaten some of the best barbecue, Cajun food, deep dish, cheesesteaks and burgers we’ve ever had, sampled fantastic local beers, celebrated the 4th of July in Philadelphia, spotted license plates from 41 states and watched 5 unforgettable World Cup matches alongside fans from all over the world.
But what has made this trip truly special hasn’t been the places.
It’s been the people.
To everyone who stopped to chat, welcomed us, recommended a restaurant, suggested a hidden gem, answered one of my many questions on here, shared advice, wished us safe travels, or simply took an interest in our journey… THANK YOU 🫶.
Like Keith from Louisiana, who I chatted with whilst filling up with gas at Buc-ee’s in Leeds, AL. Keith owns a couple of farms and took the time to educate me on the plans for huge data centers in his home state and also the origins of the Eisenhower interstate system. Thank you Keith.
Or the lady from South Carolina who we chatted to whilst sititng on the bleachers at the Field of Dreams. She was also on a road trip with her family and whose husband had briefly left that trip to fly to LA to watch the USMNT’s opening game.
And so many more encounters like these along the way.
The warmth, humour and generosity we’ve experienced everywhere we’ve gone has been overwhelming. I’ve learnt that many Americans feel their country has a negative reputation elsewhere but for us that couldn’t be further from the truth. Everywhere we have been there has been nothing but friendliness, good humour and love.
In my experience social media can often feel divided, but over the past few weeks our experience on here has reminded me just how brilliant it can be. I’ve loved the conversations, the recommendations, the laughs, and getting to share this adventure with so many people.
This World Cup trip has given us memories we’ll treasure forever, but it’s the people we’ve met, both in person and online, that we’ll remember most.
Thank you, America, for your hospitality, your kindness, and for making us feel so welcome. We leave with incredible memories, phones full of photos, suitcases that are heavier than when we arrived, and already a growing list of places we want to come back and visit.
This won’t be goodbye.
Just… see you next time.
🇺🇸🤍
(and I’m forever sorry for mistaking biscuits and gravy for scones and mushrooms)
When Fanatics released the Football x Football collection in the UK last year, I couldn’t quite justify £80 for the Steelers jersey but patience paid off because I picked one up for £10 from Vinted this week 😮💨
Happy 4th of July!
While the humidity all but covered both the fireworks and #pittsburgh skyline a few minutes into the show, I was able to grab a few keepers, including this one. More to come!
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Partying like it's 1776? Well, you can't forget your merch, and Bullseye is here to help!
Like, comment, and repost for a chance to win some Fourth of July goodies in honor of 250 years 🇺🇸🎇
America's ranchers deserve better.
For generations, Chris Heaton and his family have worked the land, cared for their livestock, and lived the values that built this country.
Now, they're facing uncertainty because of a nearly 1-million-acre national monument designation that puts traditional ranching at risk and leaves hardworking producers wondering if simply doing their jobs could make them lawbreakers.
That's not how we protect the American West.
On Thursday, July 2, I'll join @SecRollins and Administrator @SBA_Kelly for a Lawfare Roundtable to hear directly from Chris and other producers who are fighting back against government overreach.
If we're serious about protecting America's food supply and preserving our ranching heritage, we need policies that trust the people who know the land best. NOT more bureaucracy from Washington.