The Florida Special Olympics tennis event held at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona saw Team Sarasota shine, grabbing nine medals across different categories. Coaches Ron and Brenda Shields guided a group of nine athletes who all earned podium finishes: Dylan Mayes and Virginia Barakos took gold
Kutztown University's Rock Ensemble I just earned top honors in a major music contest—the 2026 DownBeat Student Music Awards, beating out college groups across the country in the Blues/Pop/Rock category. This isn’t a one-time win though. Over the past decade, KU’s commercial music program has claime
A hidden gem in Franklin County just opened its doors to the public. Bald Knob Natural Area Preserve now welcomes visitors to explore a one-of-a-kind landscape filled with exposed rocks and a special flower found nowhere else in the world. The rocky terrain isn’t just for looks—it’s a rare habitat t
The streets of downtown Detroit will buzz with speed and energy later this month as the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix hits town for another round. This marks the fourth time the event has taken over the city’s pavement, giving locals a chance to watch high-octane racing right where they live and work
Every summer, Birmingham schools buzz with alumni events, bringing together former students to catch up and celebrate. But some of these gatherings have turned dangerous, with shootings happening near schools and parks where events take place. Last year saw a serious injury when a woman was caught i
The Idle Hour in Mount Morris wasn’t always a hotspot, but new owners Megan and Britton Brooks are changing that. Since buying the place in early 2024, they’ve given the back patio a glow-up, upgraded the stage for live music, and added more fun events like themed bingo nights and adult prom. But th
A long-running Williamsburg restaurant has shut its doors after four decades, but new businesses are stepping in to fill the space. The Whaling Co. , a fixture in the area since the 1980s, closed for good in August, leaving a vacant building on McLaws Circle. Now, two big-name chains are vying for t
A new tribute will open its doors to the public on May 18th in Yorkville’s Kendall County Office Building. The exhibit, called the Illinois Fallen Wall, showcases photographs of every soldier from the state who lost their lives in combat since September 11th. The display will stay on the first‑floor
St. Charles is pushing for more people to ditch their cars this summer. Instead of driving everywhere, the city wants residents and visitors to use bikes or walking. A new online guide makes it simple to plan trips. It shows bike trails, explains local riding rules, and lists summer events. No more
Aurora’s 32nd Sports Festival kicked off with a burst of energy at Phillips Park, where middle schoolers from 14 local schools gathered to compete in a wide array of games. The event, organized by the city’s Youth Services Division, draws more than a thousand students and a similar number of volunte
