Happy Sunday, everyone! Welcome to the Six.
On this day in history, the Constitutional Convention began in Philadelphia in 1787.
The convention was composed of 55 delegates, including a who’s who of Founding Fathers like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison. It took over three months of debate—often heated inside un-air-conditioned and windowless Independence Hall—but by September, the delegates had created the foundation for the federal system we still use today.
Happy Convention Day, everyone.
Let’s proceed with the Six.
THE COVER-UP WORSE THAN THE CRIME
It keeps getting worse and worse… the cover-up behind the cognitive decline of former President Biden. This past week, the release of a damning book by CNN host Jake Tapper fanned the flames. Reports are that members of the Senate are launching an investigation. Just over 50 years ago, the Watergate investigation dominated the culture with the famous line about then-President Richard Nixon: “What did he know and when did he know it?” This investigation may not quite reach that level of national importance, but the story is far from over.
A MAYOR NOT FOR A CITY, BUT FOR A RACE
In office just two years, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson continues to make a name for himself as an elected official. Not for the good deeds of running one of the country’s major cities, but for the consistently dumb things he says (and does). With an embarrassingly low 6.6% approval rating, Johnson said the issue is not one of policy but “messaging.” Watch this exchange with a reporter and decide whether Johnson seems interested in adjusting his “messaging” strategy.
STAR WARS FANS REJOICE!
Another date in history… On May 25, 1977, a science-fiction film from a relatively unknown director named George Lucas debuted. It featured unfamiliar actors named Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill and told the hero’s story of a young man’s journey towards becoming something called a “Jedi.” Of course, that movie, titled “Star Wars,” became a massive hit and one of the biggest movie franchises of all time. More films in the series are expected to be released in the coming years, but a rare print of the original movie is being screened next month.
THE HOLD UP ARTIST
In the long but well worth it category… A confidently told caper of a globe-trotting bank robber’s rise and fall. The author of the piece wisely includes just the right number of references to the classic thriller film “Heat.” Pour a second cup of coffee and buckle up.
AMERICAN TAKEOUT
In the ‘that’s kinda interesting’ category… A new report from the National Restaurant Association found that 75 percent of restaurant traffic is now takeout orders—that is, delivery, pickup, and drive-thru. That stat signals a fundamental realignment of the dining industry, where many restaurants have essentially had to change their entire business model, a model that diminishes the traditional in-house dining experience. Also in the survey, 37 percent of adults in the U.S. order delivery, and 47 percent order takeout at least once per week.
RIP GEORGE WENDT
And finally… a notable death this week from the bygone era of network sitcoms. George Wendt, the actor best known for playing “Norm,” the pudgy, wisecracking accountant from the hit 80’s show “Cheers,” died in his sleep. Although Wendt acted in many films, TV shows, and musicals and first got his start as part of Chicago’s “Second City” acting troupe, he will always be remembered for his role on “Cheers.” Here’s a compilation of his greatest hits.
Have a great rest of your Memorial Day weekend.
Have a suggestion for The Kerr Report? Send email to jonjkerr@gmail.com.
Thanks for the Norm compilation. Gave me a good Sunday chuckle!