Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · 3d

Joan Bennett Kennedy, the first wife of Sen. Ted Kennedy — and the last survivor of Camelot — died on Oct. 8. She was 89 years old.

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · 3d

Let's send some positive energy Dolly's way, shall we?

Dolly Parton's Sister Says She 'Was Up All Night Praying' After the Country Icon, 79, Postponed Shows amid Health Issues

Dolly Parton's sister is asking for prayers for the country icon a week after she postponed her Las Vegas residency due to unspecified "health challenges." "Last night, I was up all night praying for ...

people.com

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · 7d

Happy LGBT (I'm choosing to add the Q+) History Month. Our history—where we've been, and how we got here—is more important than ever. A little history lesson on how this month came to be 👇 via @advocate.com #lgbthistorymonth

www.advocate.com/news/how-lgb...

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Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · 8d

As we head into the weekend, some reflections from the late, great Dr. Jane Goodall: Let's all think about the people, animals, trees—everything around us—and do a little better in her honor.

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · 9d

Jane Goodall spent her life advocating for the animal kingdom. Widely regarded as the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees, she made people around the world fall in love with these magnificent creatures. A life well lived, and one of great importance. #janegoodall

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · 15d

Thank you to Sunday Paper and Maria Shriver for inviting me to share my thoughts on civil discourse and civility in a time marked by such division and hate.

READ MORE: www.mariashriversundaypaper.com/steven-petro...

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · 20d

My latest for Maria Shriver and The Sunday Paper. Answering the question, "What are you most afraid of?" Does it have the potential to unite us all? My observations in today's column. @mariashriver.bsky.social

What Are You Most Afraid Of?

Steven Petrow says answering this question has the potential to unite us all. Listen to this article.0:00/477.257142857142871× The day after Charlie Kirk was assassinated, my friend Mike—an Afghanis...

www.mariashriversundaypaper.com

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · 25d

An American original. Rest in peace, Sundance Kid.

Robert Redford, movie star and Sundance founder, dies at 89

He won a massive following with “Butch Cassidy” and “All the President’s Men.” Through the Sundance Institute, he became a patron saint of independent film.

www.washingtonpost.com

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Sep 11

Writing is at its most powerful when it makes you feel less alone. This beautiful booo from Emma Heming Willis on her marriage to Bruce Willis and experience navigating dementia did just that. A beautiful read.

Review | Bruce Willis’s wife, Emma, has a vital message for caregivers

In “The Unexpected Journey,” she delivers a candid look at Bruce Willis’s struggle with dementia and offers a road map for others.

www.washingtonpost.com

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Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Sep 10

Any and every act of political violence is reprehensible and has no place in this land.

Trump ally Charlie Kirk shot during event at Utah Valley University

Turning Point USA executive director can be seen in video getting struck but condition is unknown

www.theguardian.com

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Reposted by Steven Petrow

It Gets Better @itgetsbetter.bsky.social · Sep 3

idk just feeling like we need more kazoo-based protests

Scene Mag headline that reads, "LGBTQ+ activists armed with kazoos blare Chappell Roan to drown out controversial Christian event in Seattle"

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Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Sep 3

"Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery," Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo said. "Who am I to tell you what your child should put in [their] body?"

Florida surgeon general says state will eliminate all vaccine mandates

"Every last one of them is wrong and drips with disdain and slavery," Dr. Joseph Ladapo said. "Who am I to tell you what your child should put in [their] body?"

www.nbcnews.com

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Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Aug 29

It's the guns. It's not the trans community.

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Aug 21

RIP to the "nicest judge in the world"... a man who taught us all quite a bit about kindness and compassion.

TikTok Famous Judge Frank Caprio Dies at Age 88 After Being Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer

The late judge and content creator was known for his reality show 'Caught in Providence,' where he presided over court cases with compassion, becoming known as the "Nicest Judge in the World."

people.com

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Aug 15

Have you signed up to receive my twice monthly (sometimes more, occasionally less) newsletter? It's the best way to Santa's up to speed on what I'm writing, issues I'm passionate about, and more! stevenpetrow.com/newsletter

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Aug 4

Rest well to the "smartest person in the room"... and one of the funniest.

The New York Times @nytimes.com · Aug 3

Loni Anderson, who earned Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her role as the receptionist on the screwball comedy “WKRP in Cincinnati” in the late 1970s and early ’80s, died on Sunday. She was 79.

Loni Anderson, Star of ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ Dies at 79

Known for her platinum blond hair, she earned Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for her role. Her divorce from Burt Reynolds landed her in the tabloids for years.

nyti.ms

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Aug 1

HGTV has a strong, loyal, devoted Christian following. It also has a strong, loyal, devoted gay following. For Chip Gaines to make this statement speaks volumes to his character. Bravo to the Gaines' for taking a strong stand.

Chip Gaines defends decision to include gay couple on 'Back to the Frontier' show

Conservative Christians, including Franklin Graham, criticized the inclusion of same-sex couple Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs and their twin sons.

www.nbcnews.com

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Jul 31

My friend (and publisher) @mariashriver.bsky.social is a force in every aspect of her life, but it's her work to advance research on women and Alzheimer's that has gotten her named one of Forbes' 50 Over 50. This honor is well deserved.
www.forbes.com/.../2025/07/...

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Jul 30

For anyone receiving tsunami alerts or evacuation warnings, please, listen to the experts. Hoping for safety for anyone who might be affected by this earthquake and the aftermath.

Live updates: 8.8 magnitude quake triggers tsunami alerts for Japan, Alaska, Hawaii and US West Coast and Russia’s Far East | CNN

Tsunami alerts have been issued for parts of Russia, Japan, Alaska, Hawaii and the US West Coast after the earthquake struck off Russia’s far eastern coast. Follow for live updates.

www.cnn.com

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Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Jul 24

My latest newsletter is out. I've been sending these every two months... my writings, my recommendations, my observations and more. If you'd like to receive it, you can sign up on my website: stevenpetrow.com/newsletter

Read the newsletter here: createsend.com/t/y-FB12754F...

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Jul 23

A reminder as the federal government sunsets LGBTQ+ services on the 988 helpline that @thetrevorproject.bsky.social is still here, and still critically important. #mentalhealth #helpline #trevorproject

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Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Jul 18

In a sea of change for corporate America, here are 25 companies we can proudly still support. #dei #equality #diversity #equity #inclusion @advocate.com

These 25 major companies still have DEI practices

While some large corporations are ending DEI programs due to conservative backlash, these companies are staying strong.

www.advocate.com

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Jul 15

@nytimes.com is reporting on “@pbs.org and @npr.org last-ditch fight to save funding.”

“It’s really important,” said Ed Ulman, chief executive of Alaska Public Media. “Everybody is reaching out to their senators and ensuring that this issue is front of mind.

PBS and NPR’s Last-Ditch Fight to Save Funding

www.nytimes.com

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Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Jul 15

I sat down with my longtime friend Michael Wish to explore how we find joy in the midst of life's hardest moments—and why writing, failure, grief, and even hero golf shots can be powerful sources of meaning and growth. Please watch and enjoy. #thejoyyoumake

Steven Petrow on the Joy of Friendship and Writing

YouTube video by Velle Logos

youtu.be

Steven Petrow @stevenpetrow.bsky.social · Jul 6

My thoughts are with the people affected by the horrific flash floods in Texas Hill Country. Here is a pretty thorough resource on how to help... and for folks affected by the floods, how to receive help.

Hill Country flooding: Here’s how to give and receive help

Catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country has killed 69 people. Rescue crews are searching for missing girls from Camp Mystic. Here is a guide on how to help those affected.

www.texastribune.org