CITY

Apr 26 2026SPORTS

From Minnesota Courts to NBA Stardom: Jalen Suggs' Journey

Jalen Suggs grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota, a city known for producing tough, competitive athletes. His early years were filled with sports—basketball and football were his main games. But Suggs didn't just rely on natural talent; his family pushed him to be disciplined and hardworking. While some

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Apr 26 2026CELEBRITIES

A Look at Devin Booker’s Roots and Identity

Devin Booker’s story isn’t just about his basketball skills—it’s also about the cultures and values that shaped him. Born in Michigan, he spent most of his childhood in Mississippi, where his father, a former pro basketball player, guided him. His mother, with Hispanic roots, played a big part in ra

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Apr 26 2026BUSINESS

McKinney bets on waves and crowds to reshape its identity

McKinney just gave a big thumbs-up to plans for a surf park called Cannon Beach. The city council changed some rules so building can start on a patch of land where Stacy Road and State Highway 121 meet. The whole area will be a planned development, meaning it won’t just pop up overnight. Right next

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Apr 26 2026FINANCE

Yorkville’s budget plan for 2027: What’s inside and why it matters

Yorkville is getting ready for its financial future with a 2027 budget that promises a steady five-year outlook. The city has set aside $27. 9 million for its general fund, enough to cover its yearly expenses without running short. This budget passed smoothly during an April meeting, kicking off a n

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Apr 26 2026HEALTH

New Challenges with Designer Drugs: What’s Happening with Fake Benzos?

New kinds of fake benzodiazepines are showing up more often in labs and hospitals, creating tough problems for doctors and scientists. These substances, often called “designer benzos, ” don’t act like regular medicines. They can cause serious harm, especially when mixed with alcohol, painkillers, or

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Apr 25 2026SPORTS

Deni Avdija: A Mixed‑Heritage Journey to the NBA

Born in 2001, Deni Avdija grew up on a kibbutz before moving to Herzliya, where he learned discipline and independence. Though his passport says Israeli, his father also holds Serbian citizenship, giving him a dual national identity that shows up in how he talks about his roots. As a child, Deni

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Apr 25 2026SPORTS

Island Roots to the Court: VJ Edgecombe’s Journey

VJ Edgecombe grew up on Bimini, a small Bahamian island where basketball dreams start on simple courts. He moved to the United States to chase tougher competition and better training, a step that shaped his rise in the sport. After sharpening his skills at Victory International Institute back hom

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Apr 25 2026BUSINESS

Big Plans Coming to Sterling Heights’ Old Mall Spot

Sterling Heights is pushing forward with a huge plan to turn the old Lakeside Mall into a new community hub. The city wants to spend $270 million over 30 years to fix up the area, calling it a "brownfield" project. Brownfields are places that might have pollution issues, making them tricky to redeve

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Apr 24 2026FINANCE

Santa Rosa's Budget Struggle: Why Cutting Services May Not Be the Only Answer

Santa Rosa's financial problems didn't appear overnight. Over the past three years, the city has watched its sales tax income shrink steadily, a trend that mirrors broader changes in how people shop. More purchases happen online now, and spending has shifted from goods to services, leaving local sto

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Apr 24 2026SPORTS

Ryan Wilson: Beyond the Football Field

Ryan Wilson is a name that football fans might recognize from his time as a defensive back for the Fresno State Bulldogs. He’s built a solid reputation in college football, but many people want to know more about the person behind the cleats. While his on-field skills get the most attention, questio

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