Local News and Events

OK, if you had to choose a best city to live and stay in if quarantined, where would it be. Well, a national survey said "Scottsdale". These cities are beautiful, have a lot to do, great restaurants and retail. In #1 Scottsdale, you would be happy, well fed and entertained. Read on to find out why...(primary photo #1 by Robin Higgins, Pixabay)Want to move to Scottdale? Here are the latest Sunny Scottsdale Arizona homes for sale UPDATED DAILY on the Free MLS and create your own personal MLS search portal to filter home attributes like a pro. If you are thinking of moving to Scottsdale and looking for "things to do", you have come to the right place. Scottsdale is one of the best places to live in the US. Find your next home in Sunny Scottsdale Arizona. Call or text (480-242-6500) me, Jef... 07/19/2026

🥗Catholic Charities - Elaine Brodeur☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email BrianInspired by posts that I see from others, I wanted to begin a weekly series of resources for people in need who are in the East Valley.  Researching for this weekly series has helped me to discover what is out there for those in need.Catholic Charities is committed to helping a community’s most vulnerable with solutions that permanently improve lives. They do this by serving and sheltering neighbors, strengthening children and families, and welcoming refugees and immigrants, and collaborating with the community. To learn more, click HERE.☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian  ~  Search the M... 07/26/2026

Join Montgomery County Recreation for the Final Watch Party on SundayJoin Montgomery County Recreation for a free Final Watch Party at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, at the back parking lot of the Administrative Headquarters building in Wheaton, located at 2425 Reedie Drive.The parking lot will be transformed into a grassy haven where participants can enjoy games, food, and drinks ahead of the big match. Bring your own chairs and blankets to watch on two jumbotrons and experience the excitement together.Make sure to check out the youth soccer skills-and-drills activity station from 1 to 2:30 p.m. before the match begins at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Chameleon plant, houttuynia cordata, Kentlands Photowalk,Gaithersburg,... 07/18/2026

It's that time of year again, as we prepare for back to school.  6% savings on clothing, shoes, and backpacks add up quickly.  A savvy shopper could save some money for their down payment on a house this way. And, look out for other stores offering those savings on other items too, to encourage buyers to shop. Maryland Tax-Free Week Returns August 9 Maryland’s annual Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week will run from Sunday, August 9, through Saturday, August 15, giving shoppers a break on the state’s 6% sales tax for qualifying clothing, footwear, and backpacks. Clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item qualify for the exemption, while the first $40 of a backpack purchase is also tax-free. Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman announced the program Wednesday at Beltway Plaza Mall in Greenbe... 07/17/2026

Join your neighbors for an evening of great music, delicious food, and community fun at Troon Community Park! 📅 Sunday, July 19, 2026🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM📍 Troon Community Park 🎸 Featuring Live Music by Hot Summer Nights 🍖 Food Vendors:California InspirationsNino's Ice Cream Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, and blankets, and enjoy a relaxing evening filled with live entertainment and great food.By attending, you'll be supporting local musicians and small businesses that help make this community event special year after year.Come hungry, bring your dancing shoes, and enjoy a wonderful evening with your Eagle Ridge neighbors!We can't wait to see you there!   07/17/2026

Maryland Tax-Free Week Returns August 9Maryland’s annual Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week will run from Sunday, August 9, through Saturday, August 15, giving shoppers a break on the state’s 6% sales tax for qualifying clothing, footwear, and backpacks.Clothing and footwear priced at $100 or less per item qualify for the exemption, while the first $40 of a backpack purchase is also tax-free. Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman announced the program Wednesday at Beltway Plaza Mall in Greenbelt, encouraging Marylanders to shop local while preparing for the new school year.The Comptroller’s Office also announced a partnership with the Maryland Retailers Alliance to give shoppers a chance to win up to $1,000 through the Maryland Tax-Free Week Video Contest. Marylanders can enter by submitting a short v... 07/17/2026

As a Realtor, one of the questions I hear most often is, "What's it like living in Berea or Richmond?"The answer isn't found only in home prices or neighborhood statistics, it's found in the community itself.This week reminded us why Madison County continues to be such a special place to call home.The Berea Craft Festival once again brought together local artists, small businesses, and visitors from across the region. Even with rainy skies, the event highlighted Berea's creative spirit and strong sense of community.Economic development also made headlines as leaders shared a vision for the future of the Blue Grass Army Depot. Plans involving drone technology, advanced manufacturing, and military innovation could create opportunities that benefit the entire region for years to come.Housi... 07/17/2026

Palm Realty is happy to welcome Suzy Haughwout back to our Indialantic office. With over 25 years of experience as a licensed Realtor and a new home sales consultant, Suzy specializes in helping clients find their ideal home in Brevard County's most desirable 55+ and planned multi generational communities. Her deep knowledge of Viera, Rockledge and Suntree allows her to guide her clients through active adult lifestyle communities and seamlessly transition into vibrant neighborhoods tailored for every stage of life. Suzy is a U.S. Navy veteran and brings discipline, integrity and a client first approach to every interaction. Family is at the heart of Suzy's work, being the proud mother of two adult children and experiences daily joy as she raises her two teenage grandchildren. Suzy grew ... 07/16/2026

Bill Salvatore of Arizona Elite Properties featured a post toRe-Blog today on Active Rain. Good post by Sam today, andworthy of our daily Re-B. Gilbert AZ   GILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler  #Sellmyhouse #whatsmyhomeworth #homevalues#2026market #ArizonaEliteProperties #ChandlerAZ#yourValleyProperty #GilbertRealtor #AZVHV#buyingaHome #LiveinSunnyAZ #BillSalvatore   I Thought It Was Just a Foggy Wisconsin Morning... https://youtube.com/shorts/zUVoE-eqWtc?is=7LByszJjQsYMRAKO When a Wisconsin Sunrise Tells a Bigger Story This was my view in Pleasant Prairie at about 10:35 this morning, July 17, 2026. As I looked out across the neighborhood, I noticed the sky had a strange, ... 07/16/2026

This client's story was interesting because it kept unfolding as we worked through it.  I'll tell you what happened and then explain how the outcome could have been different.Let's call this client Tim.Tim owed the IRS over $95,000 from several prior years.  He had also recently gotten married and decided it was finally time to deal with his IRS problem.One of the biggest reasons Tim wanted to take care of it was because he didn't want his new wife to end up dealing with his IRS debt if something happened to him.  She didn't want that either.  That is what made this situation a little tricky.The IRS wanted Tim to pay $1,500 per month toward his tax debt. Tim felt that paying that much every month would really strain their finances.I explained that he had another option.He could submit f... 07/23/2026

 I Thought It Was Just a Foggy Wisconsin Morning...https://youtube.com/shorts/zUVoE-eqWtc?is=7LByszJjQsYMRAKOWhen a Wisconsin Sunrise Tells a Bigger StoryThis was my view in Pleasant Prairie at about 10:35 this morning, July 17, 2026.As I looked out across the neighborhood, I noticed the sky had a strange, hazy look to it. At first, I didn't think much of it. After all, this is Wisconsin. We get our share of foggy mornings, and I assumed it was simply another sunrise wrapped in mist.But it wasn't.A short time later, I learned that the smoky haze hanging over Southeast Wisconsin had traveled hundreds of miles from the devastating Canadian wildfires. It was amazing to think that something happening so far away could change the view right outside my own window.As a Realtor, I'm always payi... 07/16/2026

One of my favorite things about being a Realtor in Madison County is seeing how active our communities are every weekend. Whether you're new to Berea or Richmond or you've lived here for years, there's always something happening that brings neighbors together.This weekend offers a little something for everyone.Coffee lovers can start Saturday morning with Celestial Sips at Just Love – Berea Sapphire Rising, while those looking to unwind can attend the Somatic Saturday Stress Relief Event in Richmond.Pet owners will enjoy Pups in the Park, and families have two great Sunday options with the Bagel Boogie 2 Miler & Free Kid's Dash followed by Family Activity: Lots of Ladybugs in Berea.Events like these help create the strong sense of community that makes Madison County such an incredible p... 07/16/2026

Auburn University Relocation: Cooler September Games or Crisp November Football?Auburn University relocation is about more than finding the right home—it’s about becoming part of one of college football’s greatest traditions.Here’s a fun Auburn football debate… Would you rather go to a warm September game… Or a crisp November game at Jordan-Hare Stadium?Every Auburn fan has a favorite.Some love the excitement of opening weeks and early-season optimism.Others love the cool weather, conference rivalries, and championship atmosphere that November football brings.As an Auburn University graduate who’s lived in the area since 1988 and has been helping buyers and sellers for over 20 years, I’ve met countless buyers who first fell in love with Auburn because of football—and eventually decided ... 07/16/2026

Hiking to Collier Glacier from Lava Camp: A Journey Across Oregon's Volcanic Landscape Distance: 14.63 miles out-and-backElevation Gain: 2,236 feetTrailhead: Lava Camp Lake Trailhead – McKenzie Pass Scenic Highway (Hwy 242)Difficulty: DifficultBest Time: July through early October (depending on snow) Most hikes have one destination. This hike has about six. Beginning at Lava Camp on the historic McKenzie Pass Scenic Highway, the trail to Collier Glacier feels less like one continuous hike and more like walking through the geological story of Central Oregon. Nearly every couple of miles the landscape changes completely—from dense forests to lava flows, peaceful alpine lakes, colorful wildflower meadows, volcanic cinder cones, and finally the stark alpine world beneath the glaciers of No... 07/15/2026

Mint Hill's New Ezell Park Is Worth The VisitIf you've been looking for a new place to enjoy the outdoors in the Charlotte metro  area, Mint Hill now has another reason to visit.Ezell Park, Mecklenburg County's newest public park, officially opened in June 2026, transforming a former family farm into a beautiful 91-acre community destination that blends recreation, nature, and local history. Located at the corner of Matthews-Mint Hill Road and Mintwood Drive, the park was thoughtfully designed to preserve the property's rural heritage while providing amenities that residents of all ages can enjoy.  From Family Farm To Community ParkThe land that is now Ezell Park has an interesting history.Mecklenburg County purchased the property in 2001 as development continued to expand across easter... 07/19/2026

What Happens When the Gates Close?As the heavy gates swing shut and the daytime crowds depart, a quiet transformation takes place behind the scenes at the Honolulu Zoo. In the soft, fading light of dusk, a hidden world begins to stir. While some animals settle down for their evening rest, others are just waking up, stepping out into the cool twilight air.For those with a curious spirit, the Twilight Tours offer a rare opportunity to step past the threshold and witness the zoo's nocturnal rhythms come to life.The Twilight Expedition The Hour: Saturdays | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM The Journey: A captivating two-hour guided trek through the shifting shadows of the African Savanna, the quiet canopy of Primate Island, and the fascinating, cool world of the Reptiles. The Explorer's EssentialsTo fully... 07/15/2026

When July arrives in Montgomery, the heat doesn’t exactly ease in — it makes an entrance.By late morning, pavement starts shimmering, afternoons feel thick with humidity, and even a quick trip outside can feel like a challenge. But Montgomery locals know the secret: you don’t fight the summer heat, you plan around it.Luckily, Alabama’s capital city has plenty of ways to cool down, from splash pads and public pools to riverfront breezes, outdoor adventures, and places where families can spend an entire afternoon escaping the sun.This month’s Montgomery cool-off guide is all about where people actually go when the temperature climbs and staying inside isn’t an option.🌊 Riverfront Cooling: Water Views, Splash Pads, and Outdoor SpaceRiverfront Park355 Coosa StreetIf Montgomery has a signatu... 07/15/2026

Pensacola seniors are sitting on some of the strongest home equity in Northwest Florida — and many are choosing to cash in while the market is still working in their favor. After years of appreciation, low inventory, and steady demand across the Gulf Coast, longtime homeowners are in a powerful position to make a move that supports both lifestyle and financial goals.Whether you’re downsizing, moving closer to loved ones, or simply ready for a lifestyle shift, selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, with the right guidance, it can be one of the most empowering decisions you make.At Stallions Real Estate Group, we deliver a streamlined, modern process built for simplicity and peace of mind. Seniors deserve clarity, comfort, and confidence — and that’s exactly what we p... 07/15/2026

When people think about Pacifica, they often picture beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and breathtaking ocean views. While these attractions are certainly worth visiting, there is another side of Pacifica that many people overlook.  It's a rich history. From early California ranches to historic landmarks connected to the region's first settlers, these hidden historic sites in Pacifica, CA offer a fascinating look into the city's past.Whether you're a longtime resident, a visitor from the Bay Area, or someone considering making Pacifica your home, these local treasures provide a deeper appreciation for the community and its unique character. Sánchez Adobe Historic SiteThe Sánchez Adobe Historic Site is one of Pacifica's most important historical landmarks. Built between 1842 and 1... 07/14/2026

I don't often get to write about good news from the IRS, but today I can.The IRS has announced a change that could save you both time and frustration.  Beginning this summer, the IRS is replacing its First Time Abate program with a new Automatic Exemption from Penalty (AEP) program.What does that mean?For many taxpayers, it means you won't have to ask the IRS to remove certain penalties anymore.In the past, every 4 years you could ask for First Time Abatement of Penalties.  To qualify you had to be current on your tax filings for the prior 3 years.  The catch?  You had to know the program existed and contact the IRS to ask for it.  Many taxpayers never realized this option was available.Under the new Automatic Exemption from Penalty, the IRS will do the work for you.  If you qualify, th... 07/15/2026