COMMUNITY EVENTS

May 22 2026CRIME

Big gatherings, big changes: safer alumni events in Birmingham

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

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May 20 2026LIFESTYLE

A Local Bar Gets a Fresh Makeover While Keeping Its Heart

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

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May 17 2026BUSINESS

New shops and food spots shaping up in Williamsburg and nearby areas

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

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May 12 2026LIFESTYLE

Easy Ways to Explore St. Charles Without a Car This Summer

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

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May 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Better shows for kids: Why fun learning beats just fun

Kids laugh more than adults, but keeping them focused for an hour isn’t child’s play. At the Chocolate Church Arts Center, professional performer Jack Golden turned that challenge into a masterclass for elementary students. Instead of another forgettable school trip, the kids got a high-energy show

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May 01 2026HEALTH

Free heart checks coming to Barre and Berlin in May

Vermont’s heart disease numbers tell a quiet story. Every year, strokes and high blood pressure quietly claim more lives than almost any other health issue. Last year, one out of three adults across the state walked around with high blood pressure they might not even feel. The problem doesn’t announ

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Apr 25 2026SPORTS

High School Sports Roundup: Local Stars Shine in College Plans and Team Tributes

Two East Islip football players recently earned countywide honors at an awards event where only 11 athletes receive top recognition. Dylan Bayer became one of the Golden Eleven Scholar Athletes for 2025, a title that combines sports skill with academic success. His teammate Jake Simmons was named Pl

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Apr 24 2026ENVIRONMENT

Green Living Gets a Boost in Oak Park

Oak Park isn't just talking about going green—it's throwing a party to show it. The village teamed up with local park leaders to turn Earth Day into a hands-on showcase at the Oak Park Conservatory. Instead of the usual classroom-style learning, residents got to explore real stations run by half a d

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Apr 20 2026HEALTH

The Power of Parties for Kids' Health

Every spring, Virginia Beach turns into a stage for something bigger than just a good time. A night of music, food, and celebration brings people together to raise money for kids born with cleft lips and palates. The event is more than a party—it’s a fundraiser for a group that fixes these birth def

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Apr 18 2026ENVIRONMENT

Celebrating Earth Day: Reading’s Big Green Bash

Reading welcomed its 36th Earth Day in City Park with a lively mix of learning and fun that showed how the town cares for nature. The city teamed up with a local nonprofit to pull together workshops, music and hands‑on activities that invited everyone from kids to grandparents. The event grew year a

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