Maryland approves $50,000 for downtown Chestertown façade-improvement program
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $50,000 award to Main Street Historic Chestertown Inc. for the Downtown Chestertown Façade Improvement Program.
Community & Culture
Arts, culture, community organizations, civic events, libraries, museums, recreation, philanthropy, and public participation.
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Decatur awards $50,000 in grants to six local organizations
Decatur awarded a combined $50,000 to six local organizations, with grants supporting youth, arts, social-service and community groups.
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St. Paul sets Aug. 5 deadline to close Pig’s Eye Park encampment
St. Paul plans to close three homeless encampments, beginning at Pig’s Eye Park on Aug. 5, as the city cites safety concerns and adds shelter capacity.
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Irvine Details Great Park Access Rules for Daisy Chain Fields
Setup for Irvine’s Daisy Chain Fields festival begins Aug. 23, with closures planned around Great Park and Dash Pass access for residents.
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Nedrow community center project advances on South Salina Street
The foundation behind a planned Nedrow Community Center has reported progress on a proposed wellness and economic-development hub on South Salina Street.
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Huntington Station’s Breezy Park to Receive $1.4 Million for Turf Fields
New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Steve Stern announced $1.4 million for Breezy Park turf fields during a July 20 visit to Huntington Station.
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Marguerite Casey Foundation commits at least $500 million over the next decade as nonprofits face funding pressure
The Marguerite Casey Foundation plans to distribute at least $50 million annually as U.S. nonprofits confront financial and political uncertainty.
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Hollywood studios move into mobile-first microdramas as the format gains U.S. attention
Issa Rae’s Hoorae Media is among the established Hollywood players entering microdramas, a short-form, vertical-phone format that Omdia projects will become a $14 billion global market by the end of 2026.
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UNESCO Expands Protection for Ukraine’s Odesa Archaeological Museum and 160,000 Artefacts
UNESCO announced a safeguarding project for Ukraine’s Odesa Archaeological Museum, whose historic building was damaged by shockwaves from nearby missile strikes in July 2023.
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NEA names 2026 National Heritage Fellows ahead of September ceremony
The National Endowment for the Arts has selected its 2026 National Heritage Fellows, with each fellowship carrying a $25,000 award. The honorees will be recognized at a public ceremony Sept. 30 at the Library of Congress.
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Newell plans August demolition of closed pool as it pursues a lower-cost waterpark
Newell plans to demolish its former municipal pool and brick bathhouse in August 2026 as the city pursues a roughly $500,000 beach-style waterpark.
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Texas GATORFEST 2026 canceled in Anahuac
Texas GATORFEST 2026 has been canceled, removing the decades-old community tradition and economic driver from Anahuac’s 2026 event calendar.
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Sioux Falls Receives Grant to Revitalize The Quarry Near Falls Park
Sioux Falls announced grant support for revitalizing The Quarry near Falls Park, with review by the Parks Board and City Council planned before fall engagement.
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Smithsonian to Open National Craft Exhibition Drawing Work From All 50 States and Puerto Rico
The Renwick Gallery will present more than 240 artworks and a photo gallery representing every U.S. state and Puerto Rico in an exhibition focused on state-fair craft traditions.
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UNESCO World Heritage Committee reviews sites and nominations in Busan
UNESCO’s 48th World Heritage Committee session took place in Busan, South Korea, from July 19 to 29, 2026, examining new nominations and the conservation of listed sites.
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IRS warns donors about fake charities and inflated donation appraisals
A July 28 IRS warning urges taxpayers to verify charities, preserve donation records and watch for scams involving cash appeals, property valuations and hard-to-reverse payments.
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Census population estimate puts U.S. above 342.7 million as migration drives slower growth
The Census Bureau’s July 28 population-clock estimate placed the U.S. population at 342,704,625, while its latest completed annual estimates show growth slowing sharply as net international migration fell.
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Anythink Nature Library scheduled to open Aug. 8 in Thornton
Thornton’s new Anythink Nature Library is scheduled to open Aug. 8 with a public program, outdoor learning activities and access to a 15-acre campus.
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Killeen schedules Back to School Splash Bash for Aug. 8
Killeen Parks and Recreation scheduled a back-to-school Splash Bash for Aug. 8 at Zenner Family Aquatic Center, with swimming and heat relief.
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Census study finds child-care disruptions cost affected households an average 65.8 workdays
A U.S. Census Bureau working paper finds that child-care costs and access problems affected household finances and work decisions in 2024.
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Union’s Arts Center and Library complex sets theater, concerts and blood drive
Union’s Arts Center and Library complex at 1980 Morris Avenue is scheduled to host a July theater production, two summer concerts and an August blood drive while the township develops a draft safety plan focused on areas near schools.
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Newport Beach schedules inaugural Art Week for Aug. 9-15
Newport Beach’s first Art Week, titled “Then and Now,” is scheduled for Aug. 9-15, with dance, a Pacific Symphony concert and an annual art show.