In recent years, mocktails have surged in popularity, with more people turning to non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy a fun, flavorful experience without the negative effects of alcohol. What was once a niche offering in bars and restaurants is now a mainstream choice for those who are health-conscious, designated drivers, or simply prefer to avoid alcohol for any reason. So, why are mocktails becoming the new cool, and how are they changing the way we socialize and entertain? We dive

Chicago is set to experience a food trend unlike any other as Heinz teams up with Smoothie King to launch the world’s first tomato ketchup smoothie. Known for its culinary traditions and strong opinions on condiments, the city will soon witness an unusual twist that blends its iconic ketchup with the vibrant flavors of a smoothie. This innovative drink is set to be available only for a short period, starting August 6, and will be offered at select Smoothie King locations across Chicago,

With cleanup crews hard at work and major streets reopening, another year of Lollapalooza has officially wrapped in Chicago. The four-day festival drew approximately 115,000 attendees per day, offering a wide range of music, food, and entertainment in Grant Park while maintaining a relatively calm public safety profile. Preliminary figures released by event organizers show that despite the massive turnout, only 12 arrests were made throughout the duration of the festival. This arr

As the countdown begins for the highly anticipated Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning fans to stay vigilant against a surge in ticket-related scams. With the four-day music event set to take over Grant Park from July 31 to August 3, scammers are expected to exploit the urgency of last-minute ticket buyers with fake websites, counterfeit tickets, and fraudulent merchandise. BBB President and CEO Steve J. Bernas cautioned that scammers prey o

A recent rath yatra procession held in Toronto has sparked diplomatic concern after a video surfaced online allegedly showing eggs thrown at the religious gathering. The incident, which occurred during the annual chariot procession dedicated to Lord Jagannath, has prompted India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to issue a formal response, describing the act as “regrettable” and urging Canadian authorities to take appropriate action against those involved.

A devastating fire broke out early Thursday morning at a mixed-use apartment building in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, claiming the lives of three people, including a 5-year-old child, a 32-year-old pregnant woman, and a 76-year-old man. At least three others were injured, including a 4-year-old boy in critical condition. The fire, which occurred at 5222 W. North Ave., was extinguished before 4 a.m., but the damage was severe, particularly on the buildi

Sports tourism is rapidly becoming one of the hottest travel trends of 2025. With global events like Wimbledon and Formula 1 drawing significant crowds, fans are now opting for immersive travel experiences, combining their passion for sports with multi-city itineraries. This trend has led to a noticeable surge in visa applications for countries hosting such events, with the UK seeing a 28% increase in visa queries for Wimbledon 2025.

Union City Community & Recreation Services offers a variety of public spaces available for rent throughout the year. From sports fields to picnic areas and community centers, these facilities serve both city-run programs and private community use. If you’re planning a celebration, sports event, or community gathering, Union City’s facilities are ready to host you. To explore all programs and services offered, visit the Community & Recreatio

  The Chicago Department of Transportation has announced the installation of seven new speed enforcement cameras across the city, as part of an ongoing effort to improve traffic safety, reduce speeding, and prevent crashes. These cameras will be activated in phases starting this June, and they are located primarily near schools and parks to help protect pedestrians, especially children. Each newly installed speed camera will begin with a 30-day warning period dur

  A towering and immersive structure known as the Epic Portal has arrived in downtown Chicago, offering fans a rare and interactive glimpse into Universal Orlando Resort’s newest and most ambitious theme park—Universal Epic Universe. The massive 30-foot replica of the park’s grand gateway now stands at Pioneer Court on North Michigan Avenue, marking the final stop of a four-city promotional tour that’s been building excitement across the country.

As Washington, D.C. prepares for one of its largest military events in recent years, security measures are being tightened in anticipation of the massive crowds expected to attend the Army’s 250th anniversary parade. Scheduled for Saturday, the grand procession will commemorate a quarter-millennium of Army service with a four-mile route beginning at the Pentagon and ending on 15th Street Northwest. To ensure a safe and orderly event, officials have released comprehensive public safety g

As summer unofficially kicks off, central Ohio is buzzing with vibrant events and family-friendly activities. From world-class golf to community festivals and interactive zoo experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout Columbus this weekend. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a fan of local culture, or simply looking to make memories with your family, this lineup of events will not disappoint. The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club c

Chicago is under federal scrutiny over its hiring practices, but Mayor Brandon Johnson is standing firm in his defense of the city's approach to workforce diversity while sharply criticizing President Donald Trump. As the Department of Justice begins looking into whether the city has violated civil rights laws by using race-based criteria in hiring decisions, Johnson has turned the spotlight on what he sees as an attack on inclusion and representation. The Department of Justic

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced a significant investment into early childhood education and the professionals who sustain it, describing the initiative as a necessary “down payment” on the city’s long-term commitment to children and working families. Johnson’s plan comes amid growing concerns about federal disinvestment in educational programs and local workforce challenges that have hampered the ability of centers such as the North Lawndale YMCA to functio

The much-awaited Livermore Downtown Street Fest is back for 2025, taking place on May 17-18 in the heart of Livermore, California. This free, family-friendly festival promises a weekend full of live entertainment, local shopping, delicious food, and refreshing beverages. Hosted by Livermore Downtown Inc. (LDI), the event has been a cherished tradition for over 30 years. Despite its evolving format, the essence of the festival remains the same supporting small businesses and fostering communit

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted a major shipment of counterfeit luxury watches at a cargo inspection facility at O’Hare International Airport. The package, which had been shipped from China, contained 243 fake watches replicating well-known luxury brands such as Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Breitling, Bulgari, Cartier, Omega, Panerai, Richard Mille, Tag Heuer, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin. If authentic, the total retail value of these items would have reached

Renowned adventurer and philanthropist Alex Pancoe has tragically passed away during a mountaineering expedition in the Himalayas. Pancoe, 39, was preparing for a climb of Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world, when he suffered cardiac arrest. Despite efforts from fellow climbers on the scene, he could not be revived. His death was confirmed by his family, with his wife, Nina Laske Pancoe, sharing a heartfelt tribute on social media to honor the man many considered not just a climber,

San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown night market will make its return on Friday, May 9, bringing back the lively community spirit, rich culture, and local food that have made it one of the city’s most anticipated recurring events. Following the success of last year’s series, which featured nine night markets that drew in thousands, organizers are expanding the event to six major nights this year, taking place on the second Friday of each month from May through October.

The devastating attack at a Filipino festival in Vancouver, which tragically claimed the lives of 11 people, including a 5-year-old girl, has deeply shaken Filipino American communities across the Bay Area. Despite the pain and fear stirred by the violence, Filipino American leaders and organizations are responding with resilience, cultural celebration, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding their communities. In San Francisco’s SOMA Pilipinas Cultural Heritage District, the

Chicago’s Battle of the Badges charity boxing event once again delivered a thrilling night of action, heart, and heroism on the South Side. Hosted at De La Salle Institute, the annual event brought together members of the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department in a series of boxing matches, all for an extraordinary cause—supporting their own and remembering fallen heroes. What makes this event truly unique is that most of the competitors are not professi