Basalt Elementary third-graders got a break from regular lessons last Thursday. Instead of worksheets and textbooks, they explored science through short movies. Two local groups—one focused on film, the other on science—set up stations where kids could watch clips and try small experiments. The Asp
Kids today spend far more time staring at screens than exploring outdoors—sometimes up to seven hours daily. That’s a trend that worries educators, especially when combined with the growing political divide over how much we should even care about environmental issues. A new documentary, however, doe
The campus of Northern Illinois University buzzed with excitement on Saturday as DeKalb County Earth Fest returned for its third year. The celebration, built through a partnership between DeCarbon DeKalb and the university, aimed to connect people with nature without heavy guilt. The opening keynot
This weekend brings a special event where creativity meets learning for free. The festival known for blending science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) opens its doors again. Kids don’t just watch—they jump right into building, experimenting, and discovering. Local groups team up to s
The idea that someone would need a professional to help them through childbirth might seem odd to some, but for many Black mothers, it’s a necessity. A doula isn’t just an extra pair of hands—it’s someone who understands the cultural and systemic challenges these women face. One doula, who stepped i
Every year, a quiet Chicago neighborhood transforms into a lively hub for yarn lovers. Over 2, 000 people gather at YarnCon, a free weekend event that started in 2007 as a small market for local crafters. Today, it draws sellers from Illinois and beyond, offering everything from hand-dyed threads to
A Naples local isn't impressed by the idea that airport noise adds to the city's charm. Over 125, 000 flights take off and land at Naples Airport each year, making constant noise a daily reality. One resident pointed out that calling this noise "charming" feels out of touch when it disrupts peace an
The Central Florida Expressway Authority has finished a study on the Southport Connector. The plan would link I‑4 at SR 429 to the Turnpike and Canoe Creek Road. It cuts through Poinciana, raising a new span in Cypress Parkway’s median. The goal is to turn the road into six lanes and fix key traffic
Kuku Smith stands outside her shop on Georgia Avenue, holding up T‑shirts that cost $25 each. The owner of a small beauty supply store that opened in 2019 is fighting an eviction notice while trying to keep her business running. She says the pandemic hit hard because she had just started and was
The heat is coming, and many families look forward to trips, playtime, and a break from school. But for young children, the pause in classroom life can shake up routines that give them security and readiness to learn. Community Education steps in with a mix of programs that keep kids active, healthy
