UNITY

May 17 2026LIFESTYLE

When a taxi trip became the center of attention

A bright yellow cab parked outside a theater last night wasn't just waiting for passengers—it was getting its own spotlight. The gathering wasn’t about red carpets or long speeches. Instead, people showed up to celebrate a show where the city itself became the guide. The host takes viewers on quick

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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 17 2026POLITICS

A local parent steps up for Bloomfield schools

Bloomfield voters have a quick decision to make this May. On the 19th, they’ll pick one new person for the school board to fill a five-year spot that pays nothing. One name appears on the ballot—Steele—but that doesn’t mean the vote is pointless. The polling place, a large classroom at the middle-h

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May 17 2026LIFESTYLE

Why a 60-year-old’s warm online presence is winning millions of hearts

In a time when social media feeds overflow with noise and disagreement, a grandmother from Albion is quietly building one of the fastest-growing online communities. Diane Shiffer’s secret isn’t viral challenges or eye-catching edits—it’s steady kindness. Her posts, often simple selfies or short vide

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May 16 2026LIFESTYLE

Summer Fun Starts Soon at Bay County Community Center

Registration has begun for the 2026 Summer Recreation Program at the Bay County Community Center, kicking off on June 8 and wrapping up July 30. The program welcomes kids between 5 and 14 years old, offering a mix of sports, field trips, and arts projects. Sessions run from 8 a. m. to 12:30 p.

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May 16 2026CRIME

Man faces trial next year after London knife attack on two Jewish men

A London court recently set March 1, 2027, as the trial date for a man accused in a shocking knife attack that left two Jewish men injured in north London. The 45-year-old defendant, identified as Essa Suleiman, appeared in court on Friday but did not enter pleas to the four charges against him, inc

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May 16 2026EDUCATION

Behind the Scenes: Two Longtime School Supporters Get Big Recognition

Two women who have quietly shaped the Highland Local Schools experience for years will finally get their moment in the spotlight. Kristine Nerlich, a high school science teacher with nearly two decades under her belt, and Koula Makris, a community volunteer since 2014, were named winners of the 2026

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May 16 2026HEALTH

Local women’s health care gets a boost in Siloam Springs

For years, women in Siloam Springs and nearby towns had to travel to get basic women’s health care. The closest options vanished in December when the local women’s center shut down after nearly three decades. That gap is now filled by a newly expanded clinic on Progress Avenue. The building used to

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May 16 2026OPINION

Foster Care: How Communities Can Help Kids in Need

Every year, over 365, 000 kids in the U. S. find themselves in foster care, many after experiencing tough situations like abuse or neglect. This number isn't just a statistic—it represents real children who need stability more than ever. In Florida alone, the system handles so many cases that it ran

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May 15 2026FINANCE

Maine’s 25‑Year Journey of Helping People Own Homes and Grow Businesses

MaineStream Finance, a nonprofit rooted in Penquis, has marked a quarter‑century of making money more reachable for Mainers. From the start in 2001, its goal has been simple: give people who don’t fit traditional bank rules a chance to buy homes, start or grow businesses, and build solid financial f

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