Contra Costa County, CA

North Carolina State

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Highlands, NC

Town Talks

A North Carolina destination boasts “breathtaking” views and is the best mountain town in the United States, a new report finds. Highlands ranks No. 1 on a list of small mountain towns that are brimming with activities and places to stay.

This small town in North Carolina ranks No. 1 on a list of best mountain destinations. Here’s why

Illinois State

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Chicago, IL

Chicago Happenings

Every year, new laws that were passed the prior year go into effect on July 1. In 2024, a number of new laws will begin this Monday. Among them include higher wages for tipped employees, a gas tax increase, and driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants.

New Laws July 1: Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Migrants, Raises for Tipped Workers, and More

Orlando, FL

When it comes to family vacations, Orlando is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations around. Home to theme parks galore, it is a vacation hotspot for kiddos and parents alike, but what it doesn't have is a plethora of brilliant beaches. That's why the city's many water parks compete for the top spot for cooling down in the sometimes blistering Florida sun.

The Absolute Best Water Parks In Orlando, Florida, According To Reviews

Franklin, NC

Dengarden

'Coolest' Airbnb in North Carolina Comes with a Natural Waterfall Slide

Wrightsville Beach, NC

When planning summer fun, North Carolina has something for every type of getaway. You could follow Samantha Brown's lead for a visit to The Biltmore house (one of her favorite underrated outdoor activities), or you could head to the hills for a romantic mountain getaway at the Brown Mountain Beach Resort. Then again, taking the family to the beach is always a good idea. In the case of North Carolina, there's a charming seaside town you won't want to miss that oozes summer charm: Wrightsville Beach.

North Carolina's Best Seaside Town Is Oozing Summer Charm With Lively, Spacious Beaches

Oregon State

It’s a modern spin on the classic treasure hunt: six special bottles hidden across Oregon, offering the chance to direct $6,000 to local nonprofits. The Hidden Bottle Hunt is back for another year in Oregon, hiding the treasure in parks and on trails around the state, offering a series of clues to help people find them.

When to look for Hidden Bottle Hunt treasures in Oregon parks

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WyoFile

Within hours of the sighting on Wednesday, Frank van Manen caught word that there was a grizzly sow with five cubs in tow spotted in Yellowstone National Park. Five cubs following mom is so unlikely that van Manen, who leads the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, pondered an explanation.

Five grizzly bear cubs make the largest litter in Yellowstone-area history

Antioch, CA

On Monday, the Antioch Police Department responded to a disturbing report of a person found hanging from a tree in a local park. The individual was discovered just before 9:00 am at Yellowstone and Calaveras Cir in the City of Antioch. The police promptly cordoned off the area as they awaited the arrival of the county coroner. A chair was found tipped over next to the person, suggesting the possibility of suicide.

Individual Discovered in Antioch Park Amid Larger Safety Concerns

Aurora, CO

David Heitz

The Aurora City Council will consider using opioid settlement money Monday to pay for drug treatment for clients of its yet to open homeless services campus. The council will vote during its study session whether to spend money from the fund on a peer advisor, a van to transport clients from the navigation center to treatment, and a case manager. The city will receive about $14 million in opioid settlement funds, according to a presentation by city staff to the city council.

Aurora may send homeless people to rehab

Missouri State

CJ Coombs

According to Shakey's website, this pizza parlor is only in California, North Carolina, and Washington state in the U.S. now. This was my family's go-to pizza joint when my father was stationed with the Air Force outside of Omaha, Nebraska. We liked it so much, that when we were transferred again, it was hopeful we'd find another one.

Shakey's Pizza Parlor and nostalgia: the first franchised pizza restaurant also landed in Missouri

California State

Josue Torres

Assembly Bill 230, set to come into effect in California on July 1, 2024, builds on existing legislation that mandates free menstrual products in public school bathrooms for grades 6 through 12. This new bill extends the requirement to include grades 3 through 5.

New California law mandates schools to provide menstrual products, including in boys' restrooms

Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a collaborative effort with the state legislature to restrict students’ use of smartphones during school hours. This initiative follows a warning issued on Monday from Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy about the detrimental effects of social media on children’s mental health.

California governor moves to ban smartphone use in schools

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with more information about the law enforcement response and the area where the shooting took place. Yellowstone National Park rangers shot and killed a person early Thursday morning during an exchange of gunfire that also left a ranger injured, the park announced.

Yellowstone National Park shooting leaves one dead, ranger injured

Georgia State

Buford, GA

DeanLand

There's been a whole lotta shakin' goin' on in Northwest Georgia over the past 30 days. And, yes, some of it likely has been in the barn. A total of six earthquakes have been recorded in the northernwestern portion of the state over the past 30 days, according to data from the US Geological Survey (USGS).

6 Earthquakes Shake NW Georgia in 30 Days

Colorado State

Denver, CO

The Finance and Governance Committee of the Denver City Council voted Tuesday to ask voters whether the U.S. citizenship requirement for police and firefighters should be dropped.

Committee OKs removing citizenship requirement for police, firefighters in Denver

Kentucky State

Northern Kentucky Tribune

Kentucky’s medical cannabis program has taken significant steps toward ensuring those with qualifying conditions have access to medical cannabis as soon as possible, said Gov. Andy Beshear this week.

State to open licensing applications for medical cannabis businesses beginning July 1

The dream of the UK’s very own ‘Disneyland’ theme park is officially dead. There are plenty of impressive theme parks worldwide, from Universal Studios to Knott’s Berry Farm to Dollywood. However, for many, Disney set the standard for immersive experiences upon opening Disneyland Park in 1955 – and continues to do so to this day.

Final Nail in the Coffin: ‘Disneyland’ for Sale in the UK, Theme Park Hopes Dashed

Declutterbuzz

Why Depression Can Impact A Cluttered Home & Cluttered Mind sets out to explain the possible connection between depression and clutter. Scientists that study depression have found a link to depression playing a role in some folks.

Why Depression Can Impact A Cluttered Home & Cluttered Mind

Wisconsin State

Superior, WI

Looking for a hidden gem in Wisconsin that offers breathtaking scenery, tranquil spots, and a touch of adventure?. Pattison State Park, located near Superior, is your go-to destination for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Featuring majestic waterfalls, a secret beach, and serene woodland trails, this park is a natural wonder waiting...

Uncover Jaw-Dropping Waterfalls And A Secret Beach In This Picturesque Wisconsin State Park

About 80 people overtook Aurora’s City Council meeting Monday, causing the mayor to recess the meeting three times in an effort to bring about order. The council then agreed to extend public invited to be heard beyond the one-hour time limit. The speakers showed up to chide the City Council for not punishing the officer that shot and killed Kilyn Lewis. Lewis was a suspect in a crime which is why police approached him. Body camera footage released by the Aurora Police Department showed Lewis did not have a gun and repeatedly yelled “I don’t have nothing!” with his hands in the air. Despite this, officer Michael Dieck killed him with a single shot from his rifle. Lewis never had more than a cell phone in his hand, the video showed.

Supporters of Black man killed by Aurora police overtake council meeting

NewsBreak

Swim facilities, shoreline regional parks to remain open through heat event

Hills and inland East Bay Regional Parks closed due to extreme fire conditions, excessive heat. Many East Bay Regional Parks will remain open for visitors during...

Swim facilities, shoreline regional parks to remain open through heat event

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