Your BRIGHT Week in Review

Plus: Be Bold on Independence Day! 🇺🇸

Photo of the Week

Governor DeSantis shows off “Alligator Alcatraz.” More photos here.

Duffy Cracks Down on Political Statements on Roads

The Daily Signal reported Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has called on governors to remove politically themed road markings, such as rainbow crosswalks, citing safety concerns. “Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork,” Duffy stated. In a letter sent to all 50 governors, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, Duffy urged participation in the SAFE ROADS initiative, emphasizing that “far too many Americans die each year to traffic fatalities to take our eye off the ball.” He requested that states submit “a list of arterial segments… with the highest safety, operational, or compliance concerns” within the next 60 days. He concluded, “We can make the expectation that all Americans make it home safely and on-time a reality.”

Be Bold on Independence Day!

Check out the new Be Bold collaboration between XX-XY Athletics and Riley Gaines. Use code LISA20 for 20% off!

RELATED: University of Pennsylvania to apologize to female swimmers and restore stolen records from female athletes (Sey Everything)

Americans Paying Less for Independence Day Cookouts

The Federalist reported the average cost of an Independence Day cookout in 2025 is $70.92—30 cents less than 2024’s record $71.22, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. Although still among the highest totals ever recorded, the slight drop offers relief after years of inflation. Prices for staples like chicken, pork chops, cheese, buns, and chips are down from last year. The report notes food prices are stabilizing after sharp inflation under the Biden administration, with supply chains improving and input costs easing. From their report:

Although the $7.09 per-person cost is near a historic high, when put in a global context, people in the U.S. spend a smaller percentage of their expenditures on food than in any other country.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “We can celebrate America’s independence every year in part because of the hard work of the farmers and ranchers who contribute to the nation’s food independence. Farmers are dedicated to doing the right thing, and their commitment to sustainable and innovative farming practices ensures a safe and abundant food supply for every family in America.

“Farmers and ranchers achieve this, in part, through research, conservation and farm safety net programs that are made possible through a strong farm bill. We urge members of Congress to return from their holiday break and pass a new, modernized five-year farm bill. We appreciate efforts during the reconciliation process to address some issues facing agriculture, but only a new farm bill will bring the certainty farmers need to continue leading the world in agriculture.”

While still higher than 2019’s $52.80 pre-COVID total, the 2025 dip aligns with slower inflation under President Trump, whose administration now sees a 2.4% annual CPI increase—down from Biden-era highs. Jordan Boyd of The Federalist noted, “Corporate media have tried to convince Americans that Trump-led tariffs will keep punching their pocketbooks where it hurts. So far, however, the economy has only improved under the Republican and his policies.”

RELATED: Thanks to President Trump, America Enjoys the Lowest Summer Gas Prices Since 2021 (Townhall)

What’s on your Independence Day menu this year?

Is Matchmaking Back?

In the movie The Materialists, matchmaking got a glam makeover—but real-life matchmaker Adam Cohen Aslatei, CEO of Three Day Rule, says it’s more than just a Hollywood love triangle. “It’s the most rewarding thing to connect with someone and help them find love,” he told Evie magazine. At his company, clients get a team—matchmaker, coach, and recruiter—because “we think about the entire relationship journey.” Growing resistance to apps like Tinder and Hinge are driving the focus on traditional matchmaking.

The biggest shift? “People are tired,” he says bluntly. And while you might assume matchmaking is a luxury reserved for older singles who’ve grown disillusioned, Adam says that’s no longer the case.

“There’s this huge misconception that matchmaking is only for people in their 50s, 60s, or 70s,” he says. “But now we’re seeing people in their 20s and 30s flooding in, especially women, because they’re serious about long-term love, and they want privacy.”

“Millennials and Gen Z are over the apps. They do not want to be on these apps. They’ve been on them for 10 years, they don’t work, your self-esteem’s in the toilet, you’ve been catfished, you’ve been ghosted, it costs so much money to go on dates, it’s such a huge, colossal waste of time, and I think we’ve reached that point with millennials, and now Gen Zers are also are turning to [matchmaking].”

“Dating is a skill. Most of us were never taught it.” He said his company’s coaching boosts success rates up to 80%, compared to just 9% via apps.

Aslatei also debunked myths around height as a qualifier (“Short guys try harder”) and money (“It’s not greed; it’s about values and ambition”), adding that confidence and aligned intent matter most: “Money comes, chemistry fades. Shared purpose lasts.” He praised The Materialists for spotlighting matchmaking but warned, “Love and wealth aren’t mutually exclusive.” His advice? “You can’t build your dream man like a Build-a-Bear. People aren’t parts. They’re whole.”

Dinner and a Movie

There are so many good options for movies to celebrate Independence Day. I’m hoping we might be able to go see F1 in the theater.

Like movies, there are plenty of cookout and Independence Day-worthy recipes, too. Here’s a roundup of classics and new ones to try:

25 Nostalgic 4th of July Recipes for a Classic American Cookout (Pioneer Woman)

70 Vintage Fourth of July Recipes (Taste of Home)

Every Fourth of July Party Needs These 6 Foods (Chris Loves Julia)

All The Summer Recipes You'll Need For The Best Fourth Of July Ever (Delish)

Enjoy the long weekend! 🇺🇸