Community & Culture
18 storiesReaders will see profiles, event previews, local guides and features on institutions and community life; public participation and social services provide recurring context. Community & Culture distinguishes an isolated event from a continuing process.
Petaluma 12-Year-Old Sets Sonoma County Fair Steer Sale Record
A Petaluma-area 4-H member's steer sold for $50,000 at the Sonoma County Fair, breaking the previous auction record by $17,000 and highlighting the impact of youth agricultural programs in California.
Grand Tasting Alpharetta to Feature 25 Local Restaurants August 27
Food lovers can sample dishes from more than 25 Alpharetta restaurants at Grand Tasting Alpharetta, set for August 27 at The Hotel at Avalon. The event includes celebrity chefs, cocktails, and live music for guests age 21 and up.
Three Candidates Compete for Danville Town Council Seats in November
Danville, California will see three candidates-one incumbent and two newcomers-competing for two at-large seats on the Town Council this November, following the decision of one current member not to seek re-election.
Michigan Journalist Uncovers Family Ties to Indian Boarding Schools
A new book by Sierra Nadeau reveals her family's hidden history in Michigan's Indian boarding schools, shedding light on the generational impact of these institutions and the silence that followed their closure in 1983
Meijer to Open Smaller Grocery Store in Livonia August 2026
Meijer will launch a new 75,000-square-foot grocery-focused store at Seven Mile and Farmington roads in Livonia on August 19, 2026, offering food, essentials, and local features in a smaller format than its supercenters.
Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy Launches $30K Roadrunner Run Drive
Marylin Avenue STEAM Academy in Livermore, CA is seeking to raise $30,000 for its annual Roadrunner Run, with a 50% donation match available in August. Funds will support field trips, enrichment programs, and student activities throughout the year
North Haven Church Moves to Larger Industrial Space on State Street
Liberación New Haven Mundial is relocating to a 13,000-square-foot industrial building at 198 State Street in North Haven, Connecticut, to support its expanding congregation and new programming needs.
Middletown Students Earn Dean's, President's List Honors at SCSU
Southern Connecticut State University has recognized Middletown students for academic excellence during the Spring 2026 semester, naming several to the Dean's and President's Lists for their outstanding performance.
California Wineries Remove Vineyards as Wine Sales Hit 20-Year Low
California wine growers are pulling out and burning vineyards as national wine sales drop to their lowest point in decades, with shifting consumer habits and health concerns driving the decline
Pleasanton to Host 160th Scottish Highland Games and World Championships
The 160th Scottish Highland Gathering & Games returns to Pleasanton, California, September 5-6, featuring world-class heavy athletics, a 50th anniversary competition, and special guest Adrian Paul.
Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts Returns With 80+ Artists in August
Lake Ellyn Park will host the 2026 Glen Ellyn Festival of the Arts on August 22 and 23, featuring more than 80 artists, live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages. Admission is free and the event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
Betti Pool Retires After 30 Years as Governor Warner Mansion Gardener
Betti Pool stepped down at the end of 2025 after more than three decades as Head Gardener at Farmington's Governor Warner Mansion, leaving a lasting mark on the historic site's gardens and community programs
Lake Elsinore Delays Demolition of Historic Ambassador Hotel
Demolition of the Ambassador Hotel in downtown Lake Elsinore is on hold after a court stay halted city-approved plans to tear down the deteriorating building. The city council had approved a $198,000 contract for demolition work.
Free Play Pinball Arcade Brings Classic Games to Livonia
Free Play Pinball Arcade has opened in Livonia, offering unlimited access to nearly 100 vintage arcade and pinball machines for a flat fee. The new location aims to provide a family-friendly space for all ages to enjoy classic games.
MJR Named Metro Detroit's Top Movie Theatre in 2026 Voting
MJR has been voted the best movie theatre in Metro Detroit for 2026, topping the annual Vote 4 The Best contest with more than 163,000 votes cast across 80 categories this year
Michigan High School QB Poll Open for 2026 Division 1 and 2
Michigan high school football fans can now vote for the top quarterback in Division 1 and 2 for the 2026 season. The poll features standout players identified by coaches and preseason surveys, with voting open until August 24.
Farmington Retail Incubator Offers Short-Term Storefronts to Entrepreneurs
A new retail incubator in downtown Farmington is giving small business owners a chance to test brick-and-mortar locations with 90-day leases, helping them move from online or pop-up sales to permanent shops.
El-Sayed Faces Challenge Uniting Michigan Democrats for Senate Race
Abdul El-Sayed is working to bring together Michigan Democrats after a divisive primary, but skepticism among Black and Jewish voters could affect his campaign as he prepares to face Republican Mike Rogers in November