Mike Pesoli, Author at The Rapid City Post

The Washington National Cathedral is photographed in Washington, Monday, Nov. 17, 2005. (AP Photo/Mike Pesoli)

Funerals at Washington’s National Cathedral tell the story of a nation

November 20, 2025

When former Vice President Dick Cheney’s funeral is held at the Washington National Cathedral, he will join a bipartisan but exclusive list of figures memorialized there, in a church that tells the story of America on hallowed ground. Multiple presidents have received state funerals there. Memorials have also been held there for towering figures in American history, like the first Black Supreme Court justice, Thurgood Marshall, and the moonwalking astronaut Neil Armstrong. The funerals shed light both on the deceased and their place in the country’s history.

President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump’s quest for Nobel Peace Prize falls short despite high-profile nominations

October 10, 2025

President Donald Trump has been passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize, despite efforts from Republicans and world leaders. Opposition activist María Corina Machado of Venezuela received the award for her work promoting democratic rights. Trump has long desired the prize, claiming credit for ending global conflicts. Although he received nominations, many came after the deadline. His supporters may see the decision as an affront, especially after his involvement in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The Nobel Peace Prize aims to encourage peace efforts, with past winners including three U.S. presidents. Critics argue that Trump’s nominations are more about manipulation than merit.

160-mile march for democracy arrives in Washington from Philadelphia

September 19, 2025

Over the span of 14 days, nearly 200 people marched from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., in defense of democracy. From children to the elderly, members of the We Are America march arrived in the nation’s capital on a warm and sunny Friday afternoon, tired but joyous, where they were greeted with hugs and cheers from supporters and members of Congress. The mission of their sprawling walk was to unite a movement strong enough to hold America’s leaders accountable. Along the way they were housed in churches, where they slept in pews, or at people’s homes.

FILE - U.S. President Donald Trump and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II inspect a Guard of Honour, formed of the Coldstream Guards at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, July 13, 2018.(AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool, File)

From Carter’s kiss to Trump’s step ahead: Famous presidential gaffes toward British royals

September 15, 2025

U.S. presidents and first ladies have had their share of awkward moments with the British royal family over the years. Tabloids reported that President Jimmy Carter kissed the Queen Mother on the lips during a 1977 visit, though he said it was on the cheek. In 2007, President George W. Bush mistakenly suggested Queen Elizabeth II was more than 200 years old during a speech, leading to laughter. First lady Michelle Obama broke protocol in 2009 by touching the queen. In 2011, President Barack Obama forged ahead with a toast during the British national anthem. In 2018, President Donald Trump walked ahead of the queen at Windsor Castle.

FILE - Gen. David Allvin testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee nominations hearing on his reappointment to the grade of General and to be U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, Sept. 12, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Air Force’s top uniformed officer is retiring early in latest Trump military shake-up

August 19, 2025

The Air Force’s top uniformed officer is set to retire early in the most recent shake-up of military leadership during President Donald Trump’s second term. The Air Force said Monday Gen. David Allvin will continue serving as the service’s chief of staff until the Senate confirms a replacement. The Air Force says Allvin expects to retire around Nov. 1, two years into his four-year term. Allvin joins other top military officials who’ve stepped down or been fired by Trump’s Republican administration during a broader leadership upheaval. Allvin was appointed by President Joe Biden, a Democrat. Trump fired Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in February.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Jay patrols the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Pesoli)

For 1 sentinel, a final walk at Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

May 23, 2025

Army Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Jay of Indianapolis has been dutifully guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery for the last two years. Rain or shine, snow or sleet, for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Jay and the other guards on watch duty serve as both protectors and commemorators of a national tribute to America’s unidentified and missing service members. With Jay’s final walk scheduled for June 2, this Memorial Day will hold special significance for him as the cemetery prepares for a string of events honoring those who died for their country.