Here, I open my mind and unpack my thoughts — on sports, politics, or pop culture.
By Terrance Turner Feb. 1, 2023 PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 06: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles speaks with Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs at Footprint Center on February 6, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) This year's Super Bowl will make Black History. The Philadelphia Eagles will … Continue reading Black History At The Super Bowl
By Terrance Turner Jan. 3, 2023 (updated Jan. 6) WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 04: U.S. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) listens in the House Chamber during the second day of elections for Speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 04, 2023 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is meeting … Continue reading Kevin McCarthy Wins 15th Bid For House Speaker
By Terrance Turner Dec. 30, 2022 Legendary journalist and trailblazer Barbara Walters has died. She was 93. Her publicist confirmed the news in a statement, writing that Walters died peacefully at her home. “Barbara Walters passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones. She lived her life with no regrets. She was a … Continue reading Barbara Walters Dies At 93
By Terrance Turner Dec. 16, 2022 (updated Dec. 28) BREAKING (Feb. 8, 2023): Twitter is down. According to CNBC, "Many Twitter users on Wednesday afternoon were unable to post on the site for about 90 minutes, receiving a message that read, “You are over the daily limit for sending Tweets.” Tweets also couldn’t be posted … Continue reading Twitter Down
By Terrance Turner Sept. 6, 2022 Pictured are Mia Thornton, Gizelle Bryant, Candiace Bassett, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, and Wendy Osefo. Photo from Bravo (via Twitter). "The Real Housewives of Potomac" has debuted an explosive new trailer for the upcoming season (set to premiere in October). According to People magazine, the hit Bravo … Continue reading “RHOP” Returns With Dramatic New Trailer
By Terrance Turner Aug. 24, 2022 WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 24: U.S. President Joe Biden, joined by Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, speaks on student loan debt in the Roosevelt Room of the White House August 24, 2022 in Washington, DC. President Biden announced steps to forgive $10,000 in student loan debt for borrowers who make … Continue reading Biden Announces Student Loan Forgiveness
By Terrance Turner Mar-A-Lago. Photo from the New York Times. Aug. 8, 2022 (updated Aug. 11, Aug. 31) The Federal Bureau of Investigation has executed a search warrant at Mar-A-Lago, the Florida home of former president Donald J. Trump. The warrant concerns the removal of certain documents from the White House after Trump's exit in … Continue reading FBI Searches Trump’s Florida Home, Finds “Top Secret” Documents (UPDATED)
By Terrance Turner June 28, 2022 Yesterday, word broke that the January 6th committee was calling a surprise hearing for Wednesday at noon. The news took many political observers by surprise, as the committee had earlier indicated that they would take some time off as the July 4th holiday neared. But the committee called this … Continue reading Cassidy Hutchinson Gives Explosive Testimony At Surprise Jan. 6 Hearing
By Terrance Turner June 9, 2022 Tonight, the House committee investigating the January 6th insurrection held their first day of hearings in prime time. Coverage of the hearings is being broadcast on ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, Fox 26, and CNN. The proceedings began around 7 pm CST, with opening statements by Reps. Bennie Thompson and … Continue reading January 6th Committee Hearings Begin
By Terrance Turner May 24, 2022 An officer walks outside of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022. - An 18-year-old gunman killed 14 children and a teacher at an elementary school in Texas on Tuesday, according to the state's governor, in the nation's deadliest school shooting in years. (Photo by allison … Continue reading President Biden Addresses Nation After At Least 20 Killed In School Shooting In Uvalde, TX
Jesse Williams in "Take Me Out". Photo from SR Talent. By Terrance Turner May 9, 2022 (updated May 26, June 12) This story contains mature themes and strong language. Viewer discretion is advised. Actor Jesse Williams has scored a Tony nomination -- and a whole lot of online admirers -- for his performance in "Take … Continue reading Jesse Williams Scores Tony Nod For “Take Me Out”
By Terrance Turner May 2, 2022 (updated June 24, 2022) From the Onion. The Supreme Court has overturned the landmark 1973 case of Roe v. Wade. In a 6-3 ruling, the Court upheld a 2018 abortion ban passed by Republicans in the Mississippi Legislature and ruled that the United States Constitution does not confer the … Continue reading Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade (UPDATED)
By Terrance Turner April 7, 2022 (first filed March 22, 2022; updated June 29) History has been made. Ketanji Brown Jackson has become the first Black woman ever to be sworn in as a justice on the Supreme Court. "Welcome to the Supreme Court. We're here today to administer the oath of office to Judge … Continue reading Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Sworn In As Supreme Court Justice (UPDATED)
By Terrance Turner Feb. 13, 2022 Today, the Los Angeles Rams took the field in their home stadium to play against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Inside L.A.'s SoFi Stadium, the Rams sought to defeat a surging Bengals team that had somehow managed to overcome an 18-point deficit and beat the Kansas City … Continue reading Rams Win Super Bowl LVI (UPDATED)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews caught two touchdowns in Sunday's Pro Bowl. Photo from the Baltimore Sun. By Terrance Turner Feb. 6, 2022 Today the NFL season officially concluded (for most players) with the Pro Bowl. The game features all of the league's best players: top performers from the AFC and NFC battled it … Continue reading Lack Of Tackling, Picks Aplenty At Pro Bowl
By Terrance Turner Dec. 26, 2021 This recap contains spoilers. Tonight was the final episode of Issa Rae's groundbreaking HBO series "Insecure". In a chaotic, jam-packed finale that stuffed two hours of content into 40 minutes, (almost) everyone somehow ends up on the path they wanted. Issa Rae's remarkable screenplay centered around birthdays -- each … Continue reading “Insecure” Ends With A Jam-Packed Finale
Photos by Lauren Fair Photography. By Terrance Turner July 26, 2021 Issa Rae is married. The actress, writer, and producer married businessman Louis Diame over the weekend in the French Riviera. The intimate ceremony took place in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a commune in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in Southeastern France. Rae shared stunning photos of the nuptials, … Continue reading Issa Wedding! Issa Rae Marries Louis Diame in France
. By Terrance Turner June 23, 2021 (updated Sept. 29, Nov. 12) BREAKING NEWS: Britney Spears' conservatorship is over. “The court finds and determines that the conservatorship of the person and the Estate of Britney Jean Spears is no longer required,” Judge Brenda Penny ruled on Friday afternoon. "The conservatorship is hereby terminated." Spears was … Continue reading Freed Britney
By Terrance Turner March 26, 2021 (Updated April 20; updated June 25) BREAKING NEWS (June 25, 2021): Derek Chauvin has been sentenced to 22.5 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd. On April 20, the jury found Derek Michael Chauvin guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degre manslaughter for the murder of … Continue reading Derek Chauvin Convicted For Murder Of George Floyd, Will Serve 22.5 Years In Prison
By Terrance Turner March 14, 2021 BREAKING NEWS: Beyonce is now the most decorated singer in Grammy history. Just minutes ago, Beyonce won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance for her song "Black Parade", which she co-wrote. With this win, she now has 28 Grammy Awards -- more than any other music artist, male or … Continue reading Beyonce Makes Grammy History with “Black Parade”
By Terrance Turner Jan. 28, 2021 Legendary actress Cicely Tyson has died. She was 96. Tyson's family announced the passing. “With a heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces her peaceful transition this afternoon. At this time, please allow the family their privacy,” they said, in a statement issued through Tyson's manager, Larry … Continue reading Cicely Tyson: In Memoriam
Photo from Instagram. Drafted March 2020 (updated March 26, 2022) By Terrance Turner He's one of the biggest social media influencers in Houston. He generates thousands of views among more than 76,000 followers on Instagram. He hosts large-scale events at packed clubs. He lives in a luxury penthouse in Midtown Houston. But who is "Country … Continue reading In Revealing Documentary, Superstar Influencer Answers: “Who Is Country Cowboyy?”
The Juneteenth flag was designed by activist Ben Haith in 1997. Photo from CNN. By Terrance Turner June 19, 2020 (updated June 19, 2021) On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with some game-changing news. "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation … Continue reading Juneteenth
Photo courtesy of HBOWatch. By Terrance Turner June 1, 2020 This recap contains spoilers. On "Lowkey Happy", last night's episode of Insecure, Lawrence (Jay Ellis) meets up with his ex Issa (Issa Rae) for drinks. He waits for her to show up, anxiously popping a breath mint. Issa arrives and quickly takes a nasty fall … Continue reading A Meditation on Happiness, And A Passionate Reunion, on “Insecure”
Photo courtesy of the Washington Post. By Terrance Turner April 30, 2020 (Updated Nov. 24) BREAKING NEWS: (March 14, 2021): Tonight, Megan Thee Stallion and Beyonce won the Grammy for Best Rap Song for their work on the remix of Megan's song "Savage". They are the first female duo ever to win in this category. … Continue reading Beyonce and Megan Thee Stallion Make Grammy History with “Savage” Remix (UPDATED)
By Terrance Turner March 9, 2020 (updated Nov. 15) Despite three turnovers and a wildly controversial fourth quarter, the Houston Roughnecks survived Game 5 on Saturday afternoon to remain undefeated. The Roughnecks beat the Seattle Dragons 32-23 at TDECU Stadium yesterday. They remain the only unbeaten team in the XFL. After a near-scoreless first quarter, … Continue reading Roughnecks Remain Unbeaten After Wild Finish
By Terrance Turner Sept. 27, 2019 (updated Oct. 4, 2021, Aug. 9, 2022) Facebook turned over a teenager's private chat messages in response to a search warrant from authorities, Forbes reports. Seventeen-year-old Celeste Burgess, who is being tried as an adult along with her mother Jessica Burgess, is awaiting trial in Madison County District Court … Continue reading Why Facebook and I Are Done (UPDATED)
By Terrance Turner July 17, 2019 Last night, ABC aired its prime-time special on "The Lion King", the live-action retelling of the classic 1994 animated film. The special featured intriguing details about the making of the original film and its adaptation to the stage. ABC also included interviews with the voices behind the current version: … Continue reading As “Lion King” Premieres, Beyonce’s “Spirit” Soars
By Terrance Turner March 23, 2023 This is my final blog post. The domain for Unpacked Thoughts expires tomorrow. It would cost me $300 to renew my WordPress business plan -- which is more than twice the amount I've earned from this site. After 610 stories in three years, I've only generated $129 in ad … Continue reading This Is The End.
By Terrance Turner March 20, 2023 Photo from Rolling Stone. Former president Donald Trump said Saturday that he expects to be arrested Tuesday for his role in a hush-money scheme hatched before the 2016 election. He's under investigation for payments made to buy the silence of adult film star Stormy Daniels. At 7:26 AM on … Continue reading Trump Says He’ll Be Arrested Today
By Terrance Turner March 15, 2023 Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers appeared on "The Pat McAfee Show" today to reveal his decision about free agency. After weeks of speculation about his future in Green Bay, Rodgers confirmed that he intends to play for another team next season. At the start of his appearance, Rodgers … Continue reading Aaron Rodgers Reveals Decision On “The Pat McAfee Show”
By Terrance Turner March 4, 2023 One of the NBA's biggest stars has been suspended by the league after a string of off-the-court incidents. On Tuesday, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant dazzled crowds at the FedEx Forum in Tennessee. After going 3-for-14 in the first half, Morant exploded in the third quarter. He shot … Continue reading Ja Morant Suspended After Latest Incident
By Terrance Turner Feb. 22, 2023 Photo from Twitter. This recap contains spoilers. Tonight, viewers tuned in to the latest episode of ABC's hit series "Abbott Elementary". Produced and conceived by actress Quinta Brunson, the series follows the teachers and staff at an underfunded elementary school in Philadelphia. Tonight's episode revolved around a much-anticipated teachers' … Continue reading The Gregory-Janine Slow Burn Reaches a Boil on “Abbott Elementary”
By Terrance Turner James O'Keefe, founder of the the right-wing organization Project Veritas, said today that he's been forced out by the company's board. In a 45-minute video posted on Vimeo, O'Keefe resigned. He claims he's being booted by the board -- though they say they haven't fired him or asked him to resign. Standing … Continue reading Project Veritas Leader Out
By Terrance Turner Feb. 19, 2023 Tonight, Bravo TV viewers saw cast members of the "Real Housewives of Potomac" gather for their reunion. Gizelle Bryant, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Dr. Wendy Osefo and Mia Thornton sat down with host Andy Cohen to discuss a tumultuous season seven, answering questions about their marriages, finances, and actions on the show. … Continue reading Lies And Lunacy At #RHOP Reunion
By Terrance Turner Feb. 17, 2023 SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 17: DK Metcalf #14 of Team Dwyane dunks the ball during Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game as part of 2023 NBA All Star Weekend on Friday, February 17, 2023 at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: … Continue reading DK Metcalf Stuns With Athleticism At Practice, NBA Game
By Terrance Turner Feb. 16, 2023 Sen. John Fetterman leaves a briefing on Feb. 14. Fetterman has checked into a hospital seeking treatment for depression. Photo from the AP. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) has checked into a hospital to seek treatment for clinical depression, his office says. Fetterman checked into Walter Reed National Military Medical … Continue reading Fetterman Checks Into Hospital For Depression
By Terrance Turner Feb. 14, 2023 Today is Valentine's Day. In honor of the occasion, the Twitter account NFL Memes posted a series of Valentine's Day memes featuring NFL players. The memes sparked an online row on Twitter thanks to one meme that referenced Sunday night's Super Bowl. One set of memes referenced QB Russell … Continue reading NFL Valentine’s Day Cards Spark Online Fight