LND topic: downtown-kankakee page 1

downtown kankakee

County Steps Forward to Help Revive Local Hotel

June 6, 2026

Shawnee County has taken a quiet but important step toward breathing new life into a historic downtown building. Officials recently approved a plan to support upgrades for Hotel Topeka, a project that could reshape part of the city center. The move allows up to $7 million in bonds to be issued, but

opinion

Portland’s shift: newcomers, old-timers, and the city’s changing heart

June 6, 2026

In the early 1980s, Portland was a place many people hesitated to call home. A journalist once got turned down for a job there simply because he wanted to move from the busy suburbs of Washington D. C. Fast forward to today, and Portland’s doors seem wide open—over half its residents now come from s

business

A BBQ truck burns down in Kankakee—here’s how the town is stepping up

June 6, 2026

A food trailer in downtown Kankakee went up in flames one afternoon, leaving behind a charred shell and a gap in the community. Firefighters arrived quickly and put out the fire before it could spread, but the trailer—used by Brother George’s BBQ—was left badly damaged. The pickup truck attached to

education

A Fresh Face Takes Over Bay County’s History Hub

June 6, 2026

The Bay County Historical Museum has a new leader stepping into the role this summer. Kyle Proctor starts as executive director on June 1, bringing over two decades of experience in running organizations and shaping their direction. His background includes high-level jobs in corporate communications

art

Queer Art Shines in St. Pete’s June Fest

June 5, 2026

St. Petersburg lights up with a splash of color this June, as local artists showcase their queer creativity across town. At the City Theatre lobby, a show called “Royal Tea” invites visitors to see art that blends royalty themes with LGBTQ+ identity. The curator, Rachel Covello, mixes ideas of dr

entertainment

New Stage by the Water: Long Beach Opens Amphitheater

June 5, 2026

Long Beach is about to welcome music lovers with a brand‑new outdoor amphitheater on its downtown waterfront. The venue, which can hold up to 11, 000 people, sits close to the historic Queen Mary ship and will offer a mix of seating options, food trucks, and easy public transport. City leaders say t

business

Summerville explores a new plan to mix drinks with downtown walks

June 5, 2026

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

politics

Mayor Bass Builds a Surprise Alliance to Secure Runoff Spot

June 4, 2026

In a surprising turn of events, the current mayor managed to gather an unlikely mix of supporters that pushed her into the November runoff race. The coalition included workers’ unions, business leaders, the local Democratic Party, and groups advocating for immigrant rights. Even though these f

entertainment

Weekend Fun in Cleveland: Music, Pride, Soccer and More

June 4, 2026

Cleveland wakes up to a fresh mix of music shows, sports games and community celebrations that promise something for everyone. Start the weekend by marching through downtown with Pride in CLE, where people gather to celebrate love and diversity. The event kicks off at 11 a. m. , then turns into a

entertainment

A Wonderland-style hangout spot is coming to Downtown Atlanta

June 3, 2026

Downtown Atlanta is getting a new spot that feels like stepping into a storybook. A team known for mixing food, drinks, and games is turning part of the old CNN Center into an Alice in Wonderland-themed venue called The Looking Glass. Construction starts after the 2026 World Cup, with plans to open