LOCAL BUSINESS

Jun 22 2026BUSINESS

Restaurant Fights to Keep Its Music Alive

A Prince George’s County restaurant owner is pushing back against new county rules that threaten to silence live music at her spot. La’Caj, a Latin and Cajun fusion eatery, has hosted small live performances on its patio for nearly three years, drawing crowds without complaints. But now, after a lan

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Jun 18 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Pizza review: A thin slice of Westfield’s pizza history gets Portnoy’s nod

A slice of history made its way onto Dave Portnoy’s plate recently when he stopped by a Westfield joint known for serving pizza since disco was king. The place, Buona Pizza & Restaurant, has been a local fixture since the late '70s, long enough for some to call it a neighborhood time capsule. Portno

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Jun 16 2026EDUCATION

Kids Power Festival Lights Up Scotlandville

In the heart of Scotlandville, a bright Saturday saw families gathering for a free day of fun and learning. The festival opened at 11 a. m. , inviting children to stroll through an entrance tunnel that buzzed with excitement. Organizers wanted every child to feel noticed and encouraged, so they p

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Jun 12 2026ENVIRONMENT

Buc‑ee’s New Stores: A Road to Trouble

Buc‑ee’s plans to open more gas‑and‑shop stops across the U. S. have sparked sharp opposition from towns and wildlife groups. The chain’s huge centers, each about 70‑80 k sq ft with over a hundred pumps, promise jobs and sales but also bring worries about traffic jams, water use and pollution. In

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Jun 05 2026BUSINESS

Summerville explores a new plan to mix drinks with downtown walks

Summerville’s leaders want to turn part of the historic downtown into a spot where adults 21 and older can carry open alcoholic drinks outdoors. The idea is to help local shops and cafés by giving visitors more reasons to wander the sidewalks. Similar zones exist in other cities, and the town hopes

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Jun 03 2026BUSINESS

Big Money Move: Soccer Team Owner Steps Up for Healthcare

A local soccer club owner recently dropped a bombshell in St. Louis by writing a check for $10 million. What’s surprising isn’t just the amount but where it’s going. Instead of flashy stadium upgrades or player salaries, this money is funding medical care for people who can’t afford it. The cash wil

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May 30 2026BUSINESS

Vote for Your Favorite Local Shops

The voting window for the Best of Mower County has opened and will stay open until July 2. In April and May, several businesses were shortlisted in each category, leaving up to five finalists for voters. Now residents can decide which local spot deserves the top honor in its field. This event

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May 26 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Trivia Nights in Eugene: Fun, Not Fuss

Geo Carcamo turned his love for people into a weekly habit in Eugene and Springfield. Since 2017, he’s been hosting trivia nights that feel more like game night with friends than a test of smarts. His events run Mondays at PublicHouse in Springfield and Tuesdays at beergarden in Eugene, drawing team

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May 17 2026OPINION

Portland’s Creative Pulse is Fading Fast

Portland still brags about being a city where art and small businesses thrive. But the places that once made it special are disappearing—not all at once, but one by one, like ice melting in spring. Rents are skyrocketing, forcing artists, writers, and shop owners to work extra jobs just to scrape by

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May 14 2026TECHNOLOGY

Why Your Local Shop Might Need to Speak AI’s Language

Local stores and services often assume their biggest challenge is competing with big brands. But in 2026, something quieter is changing how customers find them—artificial intelligence. A recent look at how AI picks local recommendations showed some surprising truths. Most small businesses barely get

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