Free Republic

Soft and sugary, it has spurred the spirits of World War One soldiers on the front lines. Warm and doughy, it has earned the adulation of Homer Simpson, the main character of America's longest-running animated TV series. Heart-shaped and jelly-filled, it has even been used to honour the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wedding. And every 2 June since 1938, we celebrate it - the donut or doughnut - on National Donut Day in the US

I learned from Don Boudreaux this morning that Walter Williams died either this morning or last night. For those of you who don’t know, he was a long-time economics professor at George Mason University. I’ll have more to say later but I want to give one appreciation. Walter liked smoking and he also hated the TSA. Some years ago, the combination of no-smoking regs on planes and intrusive groping by the TSA caused him to vow never to fly by commercial airline again. When he received offers to give speeches that were far enough away that driving was infeasible, he...

The remains of hundreds of Los Angeles County residents whose bodies were never claimed by family or friends were buried in a mass grave Wednesday. “This holiday season many of us are reminded how fortunate we are to be surrounded by our loved ones,” Supervisor Don Knabe said Tuesday, when he and his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors observed a moment of silence for the people being buried. “Sadly, not everyone shares this blessing.” He said the 1,639 people designated for the mass interment at the Los Angeles County Crematory and Cemetery “are individuals that, for one reason or...

SANTA MONICA - Actor Chris Penn died in Santa Monica. The brother of Sean Penn was 43. Santa Monica police say there is no sign of foul play in the death of Actor Chris Penn. The actor and brother of Sean Penn was found dead in a Santa Monica residence.