Brunch Reads – 6/21/26

We the People: The 250th birthday of the United States is right around the corner, and today marks the anniversary of a historic achievement that has helped the country make it this far. On June 21, 1788, the United States Constitution officially became law when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it. Under the Constitution’s own terms, approval by nine of the thirteen states was enough to replace the weak Articles of Confederation and establish a stronger national government. After years of political uncertainty following the Revolutionary War, the new framework promised greater stability by creating separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches and defining the balance of power between the states and the federal government.

The Constitution did not take effect everywhere immediately. Several key states, including Virginia and New York, ratified it only after New Hampshire’s vote. Even so, June 21 marked the decisive turning point when the Constitution moved from a proposal on paper to the governing law of the new nation. The first federal government under the Constitution began operating the following year, with the inauguration of George Washington in April 1789.

More than two centuries later, the Constitution remains the foundation of the American political system. Though amended and interpreted over time, the document ratified in 1788 continues to shape the rights of citizens, the structure of government, and the rule of law in the United States.

Food

German Soccer Fan Goes Viral as He Discovers Waffle House and Other U.S. Food Spots in World Cup Road Trip (People)
A German soccer fan has attracted hundreds of thousands of followers by documenting his World Cup road trip across the US, treating stops at Taco Bell, Walmart, Waffle House, Chili’s, and Buc-ee’s with the same enthusiasm many tourists reserve for famous landmarks. His posts about oversized stadiums, endless drink choices, Southern scenery, and unexpected acts of kindness have become a celebration of everyday American experiences through the eyes of a first-time visitor. [Link]