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Cats of Kansas City

Take note because this very moment begins a years-long love story with your new cat. Take a screenshot. Tell your mama. You'll want to remember this. Each of these guys and gals are available to adopt right now from local Kansas City animal shelters. Just click on the provided links to get in touch with their respective shelters. Don't resist--it's fate.

Five adoptable cats you'll fall in love with

Old Bridge Township, NJ

Flour, Eggs and Yeast

It appears that a struggling chain may have recieved a desperately needed lifeline. The restaurant industry has been in a tailspin since covid, especially in the casual dining and bars segment. Many major chains have been heavily discounting food and drink in order to bring people in. Recently TGI Fridays has $5 Happy Hours and appears to be doubling down on the bar scene again. Some of the chains also have gone above and beyond lowering margins and in some cases quality to keep the lights on. With this latest move, it seems that the single bar scene may have new life, we learned one of the world’s largest casual dining companies that proudly serves guests with over 850 restaurants in more than 55 countries was about to be taken over.

Popular Restaurant Chain Sold Off to Avoid Closing Doors For Good

Chicago, IL

Axios Chicago

Chicago has seen many businesses shutter so far this year, as labor and other costs remain high and consumer habits change.Why it matters: Many of these spots carry memories and meaning for our communities, while providing jobs.Here are some of the closings announced in April and May:The biggest impact: The sudden implosion of Foxtrot and Dom's. The two boutique grocers merged in 2023 but, just months later, closed all 17 stores in our area.The closings have caused upheaval for local vendors and customers, even though the Tribune suggested the company's demise was no big deal.Nostalgia pick: The Scottish pub Duke...

Closing time: Chicago businesses that shuttered in April and May

Philadelphia, PA

Axios Philadelphia

🎉 Thursday is Third Thursday in Mayfair. Browse vendors, hear live music, and chow down at food trucks at the corner of Frankford and Cottman avenues in Northeast Philly. 6-9pm.🏳️‍🌈 Head north to New Hope for the annual PrideFest on Saturday. Count on floats and marching bands at the parade at 11am, as well as a fair at Pride Park from noon-5pm.Plus, other PrideFest parties and markets run Friday-Sunday.🇮🇹 The South 9th Street Italian Market Festival returns this weekend with its grease pole climbing competition, half ball tournament, and a hoagie of the year contest. Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm.⚒️ Explore the trades...

Weekender: Grease pole climbers look to reach summit

Charlotte, NC

Axios Charlotte

Flower Child will open its second Charlotte location at The Bowl at Ballantyne on May 21. Why it matters: Flower Child is the latest of many businesses opening soon in the fast-changing south Charlotte neighborhood. The vibe: The 3,555-square-foot restaurant has a similar vibrant feel as its other locations. The new Ballantyne location also has a shaded outdoor patio that wraps around the building.  Photo: Laura Barrero/AxiosDig in: The menu at the fast-casual chain features bowls, salads and wraps. It also offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free options. Photo: Laura Barrero/AxiosStop by: 15210 Bowl St.It'll open daily from...

Flower Child opens at The Bowl at Ballantyne on May 21, see inside

Missouri State

CJ Coombs

I first encountered a rat one evening in a Target parking lot. When my daughter told me it was a rat, I went straight to the car and she went to get a photo of it since she's never seen one before. I assure you it wasn't little.

Rat infestations in Missouri: it can be a growing concern

Miami, FL

Axios Miami

A pair of local organizations are urging Miami residents and community members to raise enough money to save 3 acres of green space in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood.Why it matters: The space is considered one of the "last remaining slices of the Everglades within the city," according to the nonprofit Miami Tropical Botanic Garden, which is located on the land.The nonprofit's executive director, Casey Zap, told Axios he has a contract to buy the land, which is home to fruit trees, animals and native plants. (Zap currently leases the space and also lives on the property.)If he falls short of...

Miami green space could become luxury condos if sold

Seattle, WA

Axios Seattle

Data: Zillow/Bark; Chart: Axios VisualsSeattle is one of the friendliest rental markets for pet owners, though the number of rentals has dropped slightly since last year, according to a new study by Zillow and dog subscription box service Bark.Why it matters: Trying to find housing can be challenging in a city with a widening affordability gap.When landlords won't accept dogs and cats, it makes the process even harder for the estimated 50% of Seattle households that own pets.State of play: But with 70% of rentals that are pet-friendly, Seattle is the nation's ninth most welcoming city for renters with dogs...

Seattle is among the top cities for pet-friendly rentals

San Diego, CA

Axios

Hopefully you spend some of this weekend surfing in bioluminescent waves, but if not, here's a list of great events to help you fill out your weekend. Drink wine, ride in hot air balloons and watch performances by the Stone Temple Pilots, Lynyrd Skynyrd and George Thorogood at this three-day festival.

San Diego weekend events: Free festivals, a title fight and border photography

Massachusetts State

Scituate, MA

Dianna Carney

The Scituate Animal Shelter of Massachusetts recently introduced a little dog named Howie who they describe as the “cutest pup on four paws" clarifying that “okay they might all be cute, but Howie is extra special." Despite being returned to the shelter twice, the shelter staff attest that Howie brings an extra special charm to anyone he meets.

Meet Howie: The Extra Special Little Dog Looking For Love

Brumley, MO

The historic Castle House in Brumley, Missouri was built around the 1890s. One resource stated the owners were Dr. Walter Dixon and his wife, Martha but according to those who have researched the history of the house, his wife's name was Grace Dickson which is what her death certificate also indicates.

Historic Castle House: said to be an unnerving paranormal site in Missouri

Santa Ana, CA

NewSantaAna

Ismael Salgado , a 44-year-old Chicago man, was sentenced this Friday to 25 years to life in prison, for kidnapped and repeatedly raping an 11-year-old Santa Ana girl on Feb. 3, 1999.

Chicago man gets 25 years to life in prison for repeatedly raping a girl in Santa Ana

Phoenix, AZ

Axios Phoenix

Get your calendar out, it's time to plan your weekend!🌼 Sunflower DaysMesa's Vertuccio Farms is hosting an inaugural sunflower festival with flower picking, photo opportunities and a petting zoo. The event starts Friday and runs each weekend through June 2.Tickets are $10.💧 Take Me to the Water FestivalLearn about the once-segregated Washington-Escobedo Neighborhood with visual artist booths, singers, storytellers, drummers and dancers.10am-3pm Saturday at the Plaza at Mesa City Center; free.💃 The 90s CrawlOh, snap! Relive the '90s with a themed bar crawl through Old Town Scottsdale. Admission includes three vouchers for penny drinks at participating locations.3-8pm Saturday; Tickets start at $20.🧪 Prom: A Science SoireeIt's prom but for grown-ups. The Arizona Science Center invites you to enjoy a night of silent disco, spiked punch and fairytale-themed activities.General admission is $30.👢 Boots in the ParkKane Brown headlines Sunday's country festival at Tempe Beach Park. Lee Brice, Tyler Hubbard and Parmalee will also perform.Gates open at 2pm; tickets available from $99.

5 things to do in Phoenix this weekend, including Boots in the Park

Minneapolis, MN

Axios Twin Cities 

Data: Stanford Education Data Archive. Note: Index ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 implies no segregation (all schools have identical proportions of Black and white students), while 1 implies complete segregation (no Black student attends a school with any white students, and vice versa). Map: Axios VisualsThree decades ago, the public schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul were largely racially integrated.Today, students of color in both cities' districts are far less likely to share classrooms with white peers, researchers have shown.The big picture: Friday is the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling — meant...

The creeping re-segregation of Minneapolis and St. Paul schools

The Scituate Animal Shelter of Massachusetts recently introduced Chewbacca, nicknamed Chewy, who they describe as a funny fella who loves everyone. “This adorable mutt is built like an oversized Shih Tzu and weighs 25 lbs. Since he was found as a stray and never claimed, we don't know much about his past.” Chewy has a personality as unique as his looks. "He is overly friendly with all, dogs included. He can come on a bit strong but in the kindest way. He wants everyone to be his friend!" states the Scituate Animal Shelter of Massachusetts, who is currently caring for Chewy until he finds his forever home.

Meet Chewbacca: The "Funny Fella" Looking For Love

San Antonio, TX

Here's what's going on around the Alamo City this weekend. Giddy up for the Tejano Conjunto Festival, running through Sunday at Rosedale Park on the West Side. Learn about native plants at the Briscoe Western Art Museum downtown, 5:30-8pm Friday. A $30 ticket includes a complimentary drink and a plant.

Things to do in San Antonio: Vintage crawl, baseball

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NewsBreak

Boston concerts, week of April 23: Judas Priest, Belle & Sebastian, The Black Crowes

Heavy metal legends Judas Priest and some other top acts are coming to Boston this week, including Belle & Sebastian, The Black Crowes, 10,000 Maniacs, Fastball...

Boston concerts, week of April 23: Judas Priest, Belle & Sebastian, The Black Crowes

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