RITA

May 29 2026SPORTS

A New Spin on a Rising Tennis Star

Nishesh Basavareddy grew up in the United States, but his story is rooted in family values that began long before he stepped onto a tennis court. His parents, who left Andhra Pradesh in 1999, brought with them a strong work ethic and humility that shaped Nishesh from the start. These lessons taught

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May 29 2026SPORTS

Tennis’ quiet Tuscan star: what shapes Lorenzo Musetti under the spotlight

Lorenzo Musetti’s racket speaks before he does—one silky one-hander at a time. But where he swings that racket says everything about where he comes from. Born in the stone-blue light of Carrara, a town carved out of marble quarries since Roman times, Musetti grew up breathing Italian air before he b

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May 27 2026SPORTS

Jiri Lehecka: The Czech Tennis Star Shaping His Own Path

Jiri Lehecka’s rise in tennis isn’t just about his powerful shots or steady performance under pressure—it’s also a story of where he comes from. The 24-year-old from Mlada Boleslav is the top-ranked Czech male tennis player today, a title he’s earned through years of dedication and sacrifice. But hi

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May 26 2026BUSINESS

New Tax Rules Make Giving to Charity Harder for Businesses

Businesses that donate money will find the rules tougher from January 2026. A new law, called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), adds limits that cut into how much a company can claim as a tax deduction for charitable gifts. The effect is simple: a donation that once lowered the tax bill dollar

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May 26 2026POLITICS

A Look Back at a Springfield Leader’s Impactful Life

Ben Swan’s death at 92 leaves behind a legacy tied to civil rights and public service in Springfield. He wasn’t just a politician or activist—he was someone who turned his principles into action, long before holding office. Swan’s early years in the segregated South shaped his drive for justice. By

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May 25 2026SPORTS

Emma Navarro: Roots, Rise, and the Quiet Spirit Behind a Tennis Star

Emma Navarro is often celebrated for her calm poise on the court, but what fuels that steadiness? Born in New York City in 2001, she grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, a town that shaped her early tennis life. The city’s vibrant sports scene and her family’s support—her father runs the Charlesto

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May 24 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Mixed heritage, double lives: What growing up between worlds really means

Being mixed isn’t just about having two last names or checking multiple boxes on forms—it’s a daily balancing act between cultures that don’t always want to share the same space. Take Aubrey Plaza, who grew up in a Puerto Rican household but was constantly told she didn’t “look” Latino enough to cla

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May 22 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Fashion with a Message: How One Designer Blends Jamaica's Many Worlds

Francesca Lake doesn’t just make clothes—she tells stories through them. Growing up straddling two Jamaican worlds—the quiet Sunday services of church and the wild energy of dancehall—left her with questions about identity. Today, those questions shape her bold, thought-provoking designs. A lot of

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May 17 2026LIFESTYLE

A Century of Food on Ghent Road

The spot on Ghent Road in Fairlawn has been a food hub for almost 100 years, switching hands and names more times than most people can count. It started with the Ghent Road Inn in 1930, a roadside stop that offered hearty meals during Prohibition. The first owner promised top‑notch service and a men

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May 17 2026EDUCATION

Celebrating Jewish Roots in the New School Year

The education board has started a new month-long program to honor Jewish American heritage. Students and teachers will learn about the history of Jewish communities in the United States, from early settlers to modern achievements. Activities include talks by historians, cultural performances,

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