SUMMER

May 29 2026LIFESTYLE

Best ways to keep kids busy and energized this summer

Summer has kicked off, and parents everywhere are scrambling for fresh ideas to keep their kids moving, munching, and learning. One go-to source suggests mixing playtime, snacks, and stories into a simple three-part plan. But is this really the only way to make the season count—or just one polished

reading time less than a minute
May 27 2026CRIME

Teens, parents and cops: what really happens in Chicago’s summer safety plans

Chicago’s warmer months bring two things: sunshine and hard choices. Every April, flyers pop up online promising “Hyde Park takeovers, ” big teen meetups that sometimes turn into fights, theft or worse. Last year a 14-year-old died after one of those nights. This year, adults in Hyde Park chose a di

reading time less than a minute
May 27 2026WEATHER

Summer heat and sudden storms hit Minnesota

Minnesota is in for a typical summer day with high heat and possible late-day storms. Temperatures will climb into the upper 80s and low 90s across the state by afternoon. The Twin Cities metro might see clouds linger until lunchtime, but sunshine should return later. Early morning storms in southe

reading time less than a minute
May 26 2026LIFESTYLE

Keeping Your Car Cool Without Wasting Gas

On a scorching day, stepping into a parked car feels like entering an oven. The trapped heat makes the cabin uncomfortable and forces drivers to rely heavily on air conditioning. But blasting the A/C doesn’t just cool you down—it also burns through fuel faster. Research shows that in extreme heat, a

reading time less than a minute
May 26 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Summer Movie Season: Hidden Gems and Familiar Faces

This summer’s film lineup mixes fresh ideas with recycled trends, proving Hollywood loves both innovation and nostalgia. One standout is a thriller about a piano tuner who cracks safes despite a sensitivity to noise – a clever twist on the heist genre. The film pairs an experienced actor with a risi

reading time less than a minute
May 25 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Summer Books: Fresh Nonfiction Picks for the Hot Days

The sun is coming up, and so are new books that can keep you company on the beach or in a cool chair. Instead of diving straight into fiction, this list highlights nonfiction titles that cover food, sports, history, and more. A memoir from a key figure in the late‑1970s music scene tells the s

reading time less than a minute
May 25 2026ENTERTAINMENT

A Decade of Summer Sounds in Syracuse

Ten years ago, Syracuse got a new summer tradition that turned out to be more than just another stage. The Lakeview Amphitheater, now called the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater, opened in 2015 with a single country concert. What started as a $50 million project quickly became a cornerstone

reading time less than a minute
May 25 2026LIFESTYLE

Summer fun blooms in Redwood City with music and movies on the square

Redwood City’s downtown is getting ready to host a summer packed with entertainment for all ages. Starting May 29, the Courtyard Square will buzz with music every Friday evening. The season opener features a Santana tribute band, Carnaval, kicking things off with classic rock vibes. Through early Se

reading time less than a minute
May 24 2026WEATHER

Summer Heat Paying a Visit to Chicago Just in Time

A warmer weekend is rolling into Chicago just as Memorial Day approaches, giving residents a preview of summer conditions. The city started the weekend with typical late-spring freshness—temperatures near the upper 50s and a crisp breeze coming off Lake Michigan at about nine miles per hour. Light s

reading time less than a minute
May 23 2026WEATHER

Cold days push summer fun to the next day

Memorial Day weekend usually means flip-flops, sunscreen, and long lines for water slides. But this year, Illinois’ biggest splash park had to adjust plans because spring decided to linger a little longer. Instead of opening on schedule, Raging Waves in Yorkville pushed its launch to Sunday, citing

reading time less than a minute