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birtley community

Women’s Health Expo Opens Doors in Plainfield

March 7, 2026

The Plainfield YMCA will host a women’s health expo on Saturday, March 21, from 9:30 to 11 a. m. The venue is the C. W. Avery YMCA at 15120 Wallin Drive. State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel is the main organizer and will speak at the event. She has invited local leaders such as Will County Executiv

politics

A Friendly Check on Sweet Drinks

March 7, 2026

The U. S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, recently softened his strong warning about sugary drinks from the popular coffee chain Dunkin’ after a week of heated discussion. Earlier in the month, he had called for possible limits on some of Dunkin’s sweeter offerings, describing them as “the wors

politics

Settler Shooting Triggers New Shock in West Bank Village

March 7, 2026

In a grim turn of events, a 27‑year‑old Palestinian man lost his life after an Israeli settler fired a shot in the rural outskirts of Masafer Yatta, a community near Hebron. The Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed the fatality, noting that the incident occurred in a part of the village known for e

politics

UAE Leader Confirms Nation’s Resilience After Missile Attacks

March 7, 2026

Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates, stepped into the public eye after months of silence. He addressed citizens while visiting those wounded in recent missile strikes, saying the country is “strong and not easy to defeat. ” The president

business

Big Y’s 90‑Year Road to Expansion

March 7, 2026

The Big Y grocery chain, now nine decades old, is looking ahead to a future with more stores and smarter technology. In West Springfield’s busiest outlet, shoppers can choose between self‑service checkouts that offer AI help or a friendly cashier. The AI assists by looking up product codes and guidi

politics

Science and Democracy Rally in Kane County

March 7, 2026

Local groups plan a protest on Saturday to defend science and democratic values. The event will start at 10 a. m. outside the Kane County Circuit Clerk’s Office and run until 11:30 a. m. The organizers include Indivisible Fox Valley Rising, Fox Valley Activists, Batavia Democrats, Geneva Democrats,

education

A New Farm School Barn Brings Hands‑On Learning to Osceola

March 7, 2026

Osceola County is investing in its own future by building a new agricultural barn at Harmony Middle School. The structure will let students from sixth grade onward work with animals, grow plants, and learn about farm equipment. Construction is slated to start later this year, giving the school a lon

sports

Gunnar Henderson: A Small‑Town Star with Big Roots

March 7, 2026

The Baltimore Orioles’ young outfielder, born in Montgomery and raised in Selma, Alabama, shows how a supportive family can turn local talent into a major league presence. Growing up in a close‑knit community, his parents Allen and Kerry encouraged his love for baseball from the first swing. Their g

religion

Church Sign Sparks Controversy in Ballwin

March 7, 2026

A new sign outside a local church has stirred debate among residents. The board of the Ballwin community says the sign was meant to welcome people, but many Muslim neighbors view it as offensive. The message on the sign calls Islam “demonic, ” a phrase that many find hateful and inflammatory. The c

sports

From Slocomb to the Big Leagues: A Fresh Look at Clay Holmes

March 7, 2026

Clay Holmes grew up in the small town of Slocomb, Alabama, where his love for baseball started on dusty fields. He made a name for himself at Slocomb High School, catching the eye of scouts who saw potential in his pitching arm. In 2011, the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted him in the ninth round, and he