Former President George W. Bush recently made headlines when he stepped up to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the World Series opener. However, there was a surprising turn of events. His daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, shared some insights into what happened, revealing that her father had undergone back surgery earlier in the year.
She explained that when he threw the pitch, instead of going straight, it curved. This raised concerns that he might have injured himself due to the surgery.
Jenna Bush Hager elaborated on the situation, expressing concern for her father’s well-being. She mentioned that the surgery was likely a contributing factor to the unexpected outcome of the pitch. Despite the setback, she emphasized that her father is a resilient individual who is determined to overcome any challenges he faces.
A spokesperson for President Bush later confirmed the details of his back surgery, stating, “President Bush isn’t one to make excuses, but that’s true — he did have fusion surgery on his lower back early this year.”
This statement affirmed the authenticity of Jenna Bush Hager’s remarks and provided further context to the situation. The spokesperson also reassured the public that despite the surgery, President Bush is on the path to recovery.
Despite facing health challenges, President Bush’s determination to fulfill his ceremonial duties demonstrates his commitment to public service and resilience in the face of adversity.
The man who raised me wasn’t my father. He was a grease-stained mechanic named Big Mike, a six-foot-four biker with a beard down to his chest, arms covered in military tattoos, and a laugh that shook walls. Most people would’ve called the cops when they found a runaway kid sleeping in their dumpster, stealing crusts of leftover sandwiches.
Mike didn’t. At five in the morning, he opened the shop door, saw me curled up between garbage bags, and said five words that changed my life: “You hungry, kid? Come inside.”
That was twenty-three years ago.
Today I stand in a courtroom wearing a tailored three-piece suit, watching the city try to shut down his motorcycle shop—calling it a menace, a “blight” on the neighborhood. What they don’t know is that their opposing lawyer—the one fighting to keep the shop alive—is the same runaway kid Mike pulled out of the trash.
I was fourteen when I ended up at Big Mike’s Custom Cycles. My fourth foster home had turned into a nightmare—wandering hands from the dad, silence from the mom. I bolted and lived rough for weeks, sleeping under bridges, eating from dumpsters, dodging cops who would’ve just thrown me back into the system. That’s how I wound up behind his shop, trying not to starve to death.
Mike didn’t ask questions. He didn’t call social services. He handed me a broom, let me sweep floors, and “accidentally” left the back room unlocked at night so I had a cot. At the end of each day, he gave me twenty bucks and a hot meal.
The other bikers noticed the skinny kid hanging around. They could’ve been terrifying—tattoos, leather vests, bikes that roared like thunder—but instead they became my teachers.
Snake taught me algebra using engine measurements. Preacher made me read out loud while he worked, correcting every mistake. Bear’s wife quietly brought me bags of clothes her son had “outgrown,” though they fit me perfectly.
Six months later, Mike finally asked, “You got somewhere else to be, kid?”
“No, sir.”
“Then you better keep that room clean. Health inspector doesn’t like mess.”
Just like that, I had a home.
He wasn’t soft about it. Mike laid down rules. School was mandatory—he drove me there every morning on his Harley, ignoring the stares from other parents. I had to work in the shop after class, learning how to fix things “because every man needs to know how to use his hands.” I had to show up at Sunday dinners in the clubhouse, where thirty bikers quizzed me on homework and threatened to kick my ass if my grades slipped.
“You’re smart,” Mike told me one night after catching me reading one of his legal documents. “Scary smart. You could be something more than a grease monkey like me.”
“Nothing wrong with being like you,” I said.
He ruffled my hair. “Appreciate that. But you got potential. We’re gonna make sure you use it.”
The club pooled money to pay for my SAT prep. When I got into college on a scholarship, they threw a party that shook the block. Mike cried, though he blamed it on engine fumes.
College was another world. Kids with trust funds and summer homes had no idea what to make of the boy who got dropped off by a motorcycle gang. I stopped talking about Mike, stopped mentioning home. When asked about my family, I lied and said my parents were dead.
Law school was worse. Everyone had connections, parents in firms, family money. I mumbled about “blue-collar work” and left it at that. Mike showed up to my graduation in a new suit and motorcycle boots. I introduced him as a “family friend.” He never said a word about it. He just hugged me, told me he was proud, and rode eight hours home alone.
I got a job at a top firm and buried myself in work. Calls from the shop went unanswered. I convinced myself I was building a respectable life. Then, three months ago, Mike called.
“Not asking for me,” he said. That was always how he asked for help. “But the city wants to shut us down. Callin’ us a blight. Sayin’ we’re draggin’ down property values. They want to force me out.”
He couldn’t afford a good lawyer. I should’ve offered on the spot. Instead, I hesitated, afraid my colleagues would find out about my past.
It wasn’t until my paralegal, Jenny, caught me crying at my desk that I admitted the truth. I showed her a photo Snake had sent me—Mike sitting on the steps of his shop with a “CONDEMNED” notice on the door. “That’s the man who raised me. And I’m too much of a coward to help him.”
She looked at me with disgust. “Then you’re not the man I thought you were.”
That night, still in my suit, I drove five hours to the clubhouse. Thirty bikers sat around a table, trying to pool money for a lawyer. I stepped inside. “I’ll take the case.”
Mike’s eyes were red. “Can’t pay you what you’re worth, son.”
“You already did,” I said. “Twenty-three years ago.”
The trial was brutal. The city painted the shop as a gang den. They paraded residents who said they felt “unsafe,” though they’d never spoken to Mike.
But I had something better: the truth.
I brought in the kids Mike had helped—now grown doctors, teachers, mechanics, social workers. I showed records of toy drives, veteran support rides, neighborhood repairs. I put Mike on the stand, where he admitted to giving food and shelter to runaway kids.
“That’s kidnapping,” the prosecutor accused.
“That’s kindness,” Mike replied.
“And where are those kids now?”
Mike’s eyes went to me. “One of them is standing right there, Your Honor. My son.”
The courtroom froze. I stood. “Yes. I was a runaway. Abused, homeless, eating out of dumpsters. Mike Mitchell saved my life. If his shop is a blight, then maybe we need to redefine community.”
The judge ruled in our favor. Big Mike’s Custom Cycles stayed.
That night, at the clubhouse, I admitted what I’d hidden for years. “My name is David Mitchell. I’m a senior partner at Brennan, Carter & Associates. And I’m the son of a biker. Raised by bikers. Proud to be part of this family.”
The roar nearly lifted the roof.
Now, every Sunday, I ride down to the shop. Mike’s older, his hands shake, but he still opens at 5 AM, still checks the dumpster. Just last week, we found another kid. Fifteen, scared, hungry. Mike handed him a sandwich and a wrench.
“Know how to use this?” he asked.
The boy shook his head.
“Want to learn?”
And so it begins again.
I’m David Mitchell. Lawyer. Son of a biker. And I’ve never been prouder of where I came from.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has found himself increasingly isolated within his own party, as more than a dozen Democratic senators voted with Republicans to confirm one of President Donald Trump’s key nominees, David Perdue, for the role of U.S. ambassador to China.This confirmation vote, which ended with a 64-27 tally in favor of cloture, sent a clear message about Schumer’s waning influence and the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party.Perdue, a former Republican senator from Georgia, has been appointed to a crucial position involving trade and national security, particularly with China, the world’s second-largest economy.The confirmation was not a mere procedural step; it highlighted the growing fractures within the Democratic Party and the difficulty Schumer faces in maintaining cohesion among his own colleagues.The vote was particularly notable because it showcased Democratic senators breaking ranks with their party’s leadership and siding with Republicans, in part to advance Trump’s foreign policy agenda.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has found himself increasingly isolated within his own party, as more than a dozen Democratic senators voted with Republicans to confirm one of President Donald Trump’s key nominees, David Perdue, for the role of U.S. ambassador to China.This confirmation vote, which ended with a 64-27 tally in favor of cloture, sent a clear message about Schumer’s waning influence and the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party.Perdue, a former Republican senator from Georgia, has been appointed to a crucial position involving trade and national security, particularly with China, the world’s second-largest economy.The confirmation was not a mere procedural step; it highlighted the growing fractures within the Democratic Party and the difficulty Schumer faces in maintaining cohesion among his own colleagues.
The vote was particularly notable because it showcased Democratic senators breaking ranks with their party’s leadership and siding with Republicans, in part to advance Trump’s foreign policy agenda.Schumer’s failure to prevent this, along with a series of other recent challenges, underscores the struggles he faces as he attempts to hold onto his leadership position.This move by his own colleagues comes at a time when Schumer’s political career is under greater scrutiny. While he remains the leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus, his position is increasingly threatened by both external political dynamics and internal party dissatisfaction.
A Key Nominee and a Changing PartyDavid Perdue’s confirmation marks a major victory for President Trump, who had supported the former senator in his failed attempt to unseat Republican Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia in 2022.Perdue’s nomination to China ambassador was widely regarded as a key part of Trump’s broader geopolitical strategy, particularly given the rising tensions with Beijing over trade practices and national security concerns.Schumer’s inability to unite his party against this nomination, especially when some of his fellow Democrats crossed party lines, reveals the lack of cohesion within the Democratic Party.The infighting between the progressive wing and more moderate members has put Schumer in a difficult position, as he struggles to keep his party unified and focused on its legislative priorities.The increasing popularity of more progressive figures, such as New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), only compounds Schumer’s problems. As the Democratic Party becomes more divided between its centrist and left-wing factions, Schumer faces pressure from both sides.Growing Discontent Within the Democratic BaseSchumer’s struggles are not confined to the halls of Congress.
He is facing mounting discontent from the Democratic base, particularly among young voters, a demographic that has traditionally been one of the party’s most loyal and energized groups.According to a recent poll from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics, approval of congressional Democrats among young voters has plummeted to just 23%, down from 42% in early 2017.Republicans, on the other hand, have seen a slight improvement in their approval among young voters, with their rating increasing to 29%. While this is still lower than the Democrats’ approval rating among young voters in the past, it signals a shift in the political landscape and indicates that more young people are becoming disillusioned with the Democratic Party’s leadership.Brett Cooper, the host of “The Brett Cooper Show,” expressed concerns that the Democratic Party is becoming increasingly out of touch with its younger voter base. “Democrats are completely out of touch with their voter base,” she said during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.”
“They are aging out. We do not want them in Congress anymore on the left and the right.”Cooper pointed to aging senators like Dick Durbin, who announced his retirement, as prime examples of a party struggling to maintain its relevance. “You see members of Congress like Dick [Durbin] who are so old,” Cooper said. “Young people feel unrepresented, and they are fed up.”This sense of alienation among younger voters is becoming more pronounced as they witness a political establishment that seems increasingly disconnected from the issues they care about, including climate change, student loan debt, and economic inequality. As young people move further away from the Democratic Party, Schumer’s leadership is under intense pressure to adapt.The Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-CortezOne figure who stands out in this shifting landscape is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), the left-wing firebrand from New York. While Schumer continues to lead the Senate Democrats, AOC’s rise within the party is a clear indication of where the energy of the Democratic base is shifting.
A recent survey by Data for Progress found that in a hypothetical 2028 Democratic primary contest between Schumer and Ocasio-Cortez, AOC would win by a wide margin, garnering 55% of the vote compared to Schumer’s 36%.These findings are significant, as they suggest that Ocasio-Cortez’s brand of progressive politics has gained considerable traction within the Democratic Party, particularly among younger voters who are looking for a change in leadership.Schumer, on the other hand, has increasingly become associated with the party’s establishment wing, which is struggling to connect with the shifting priorities of a new generation of Democrats.
While Schumer remains in control of the Senate Democratic Caucus, his disapproval rating is the highest among all Democratic figures tested in the survey, further illustrating the growing dissatisfaction with his leadership. In contrast, Ocasio-Cortez enjoys significant popularity within the party, trailing only Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, and Elizabeth Warren in terms of favorability.Schumer’s Leadership Under FireSchumer’s leadership is increasingly under fire not just from the right but from within his own party.
Annie Wersching was a gifted actress whose talent, grace, and presence on screen captivated millions. Known for her compelling roles in popular TV series and films, she left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. From portraying Renee Walker in
Annie Wersching was born on March 28, 1977, in St. Louis, Missouri. From a young age, she was drawn to the performing arts. After studying musical theater at Millikin University, she launched a career that spanned over two decades. Whether on television, in movies, or in video game voice acting, Annie Wersching consistently delivered powerful and emotionally resonant performances.
Annie Wersching was best known for her work on television, where she played diverse and impactful roles. Her breakout role came in 2009 when she joined the cast of
Other notable Annie Wersching TV shows
Wersching played Lily Salvatore, the mysterious and powerful mother of Damon and Stefan Salvatore. Her performance brought new depth and drama to the popular CW series, introducing fans to a compelling villain with a complex backstory.
In NBC’s Timeless, Wersching played the role of Emma Whitmore, a brilliant scientist who becomes a central figure in the show’s time-travel plot. Her performance added suspense and intrigue to the storyline.
One of her final television appearances was in Star Trek: Picard, where she portrayed the Borg Queen. This role allowed her to join the iconic Star Trek
Other appearances include guest roles in Supernatural, NCIS, Charmed, Bosch, and Runaways, cementing her reputation as a versatile and respected television actress.
While Annie Wersching was primarily known for her TV roles, she also appeared in a few notable films. Among the Annie Wersching movies
Although a minor role, Wersching appeared in this hit Jim Carrey comedy early in her career, marking one of her first steps into mainstream Hollywood productions.
In this political drama, Wersching played opposite Tate Donovan in a story that explored life in Washington, D.C. This role gave her the opportunity to take on more dramatic material in a cinematic setting.
Wersching’s limited but meaningful film appearances revealed her ability to adapt across mediums and genres, solidifying her as an actress who could thrive in both TV and film.
One of Annie Wersching’s most beloved roles came in the form of voice acting. She provided the voice and motion capture for Tess in The Last of Us, one of the most acclaimed video games of all time. Her performance as Tess, a tough and resilient smuggler in a post-apocalyptic world, was both emotionally powerful and narratively critical.
The role endeared her to the gaming community and helped expand her fan base to a new generation of fans who appreciated her depth and realism in a video game character.
Annie Wersching was married to actor and comedian Stephen Full. Together, they had three sons. Despite her busy career, she was known for being a devoted mother and wife, balancing her personal and professional life with grace.
Tragically, Annie Wersching passed away on January 29, 2023, at the age of 45 after a private battle with cancer. The news of her death shocked fans and colleagues alike, many of whom took to social media to share heartfelt tributes and memories.
Annie Wersching may be gone, but her legacy lives on through the unforgettable roles she played across television, film, and video games. Her performances in
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her work, revisiting Annie Wersching TV shows and Annie Wersching movies is a great way to appreciate the talent and impact of an actress who brought heart and soul to every role. She was a bright light in the entertainment world, and her contributions continue to inspire.