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Chicago

Chicago’s Free Summer Meal Program Serves Its Final Plates This Week

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As the summer winds down, so does a program that has quietly been a lifeline for many Chicago families. The Chicago Housing Authority’s (CHA) free summer meal program, which began in mid-June, will serve its final breakfasts and lunches of the season this Friday.

Spread across 25 sites in the South and West Sides, the initiative has provided children and teenagers with access to nutritious meals during the weeks when Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) cafeterias were closed. Partnering with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the CHA has aimed to bridge a gap that often leaves families stretched during summer months.

“This program gives families the stability they need when school meals aren’t an option,” the agency said in a statement.

Story Highlights – Read Box

  • Last day: Friday

  • Coverage: 25 sites across South and West Sides

  • Partnership: CHA and Greater Chicago Food Depository

  • Meal times: Breakfast 8:30–10:30 a.m., Lunch 12:30–2:30 p.m.

  • Capacity: Average 25 kids per meal, up to 50 at some sites

  • Next return: Summer 2026

  • School year start: Aug. 18 – CPS offers free breakfast and lunch to all students

The format is simple but effective: breakfast is served from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Meals are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. According to CHA figures, each site serves an average of 25 children at each meal, though some locations see as many as 50.

For parents juggling work, childcare, and tight budgets, these meals have eased the strain. “It’s been a relief,” said one South Side parent as she picked up lunch with her two children earlier this week. “In the summer, every little bit helps.”

The CHA confirmed that the program will return next summer. In the meantime, the new CPS school year will begin on Aug. 18, with free breakfast and lunch available to all students during the academic year.

Remaining Meal Sites Through Friday:

Altgeld
13032 S. Greenwood
742 E. 133rd Place
13046 S. Evans
13136 S. Langley

Bridgeport
3122 S. Green

Cabrini Row House
523 W. Locust

Dearborn
2931 S. Federal #105
2701 S. Federal #105

Hilliard Homes
2030 S. State St. (community room)

Horner
1815 W. Monroe (social room)

Horner/Major Adams
125 N. Hoyne

Jane Addams Family R/C
1254 S. Loomis (multi-purpose room)

Lake Parc Place
3983 S. Lake Park (social room)
3939 S. Lake Park (social room)

Lawndale
2533 South California, 2nd floor

Lowden
246A W. 95th Street

SSSE-Giles
3555 S. Giles

Trumbull
10606 S. Oglesby
10616 S. Bensley

Washington Park
713 E. 45th Street
627 E. 40th Street

Wentworth
248 W. 38th Place #268
3737 S. Wells

As the program wraps up for the season, its impact lingers in the neighborhoods it served — not only in the meals provided, but in the sense of reassurance it offered families. For many, the free breakfasts and lunches have been more than just food; they’ve been a reminder that community support exists beyond the school year. With its return promised next summer, the CHA’s initiative stands as a steady fixture in the city’s efforts to ensure no child goes hungry when classrooms close.

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Seattle Startup Opens Access to Elite Investment Portfolios

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A Seattle-area startup is setting out to bridge a long-standing gap between retail investors and the kind of sophisticated investment strategies that were once the preserve of hedge funds and ultra-wealthy clients.

Story Highlights – Read Box

  • Founded: Early 2025, Seattle area

  • Founders: Shashank Chiranewala (CEO) & Mitren Chinoy (CTO)

  • Platform: Marketplace for curated, thematic investment portfolios

  • Providers: Independent research firms (e.g., Citrini Research)

  • Features: Automated replication, rebalancing, potential tax benefits

  • Brokerage Integration: Interactive Brokers

  • Assets Managed: $35 million+

  • Funding Raised: $452,000 from angel investors

  • Employees: 5

  • Customer Base: Family offices, hedge funds, others

Founded earlier this year, Plutus offers a marketplace where users can browse a selection of curated, thematic portfolios developed by independent research providers. Once a portfolio is chosen, investors can replicate it automatically within their own brokerage accounts, removing the need for manual execution.

The idea came from co-founder and CEO Shashank Chiranewala, who has a background as an investment banker and as a program manager at Microsoft and Meta. He said the inspiration was partly personal frustration.

“Without multimillion-dollar minimums, access to truly sophisticated strategies just isn’t there for most people,” Chiranewala explained.

At the same time, he observed that there was no shortage of expertise — independent research firms were creating advanced portfolios for institutional clients — but they lacked the tools to connect with the broader investing public.

“Executing complex portfolios manually is a Herculean software engineering effort,” he added, noting that this technological gap has been one of the main barriers to entry for retail investors.

Plutus acts as an advisory marketplace between individuals and providers such as Citrini Research, offering strategies that can include AI and technology-focused portfolios or global clean energy plays. Unlike passive ETFs or mutual funds, these portfolios are designed for automated rebalancing and potential tax advantages.

The startup generates revenue by taking a share of subscription fees, which are set by each portfolio provider. For brokerage integration, Plutus has partnered with Interactive Brokers — a choice Chiranewala said was based on the firm’s global market reach and competitive interest rates.

Currently, Plutus is serving a small but diverse customer base, which includes family offices, hedge funds, and other investors. According to the company, its software is already managing more than $35 million in assets.

Earlier this year, Chiranewala and his co-founder Mitren Chinoy — a former senior software engineer at Snowflake and Microsoft — sold their previous venture, Formloge, for an undisclosed amount. Chinoy now serves as Plutus’s CTO, leading the technical development of the platform.

The company, which employs five people, recently secured $452,000 in funding from angel investors, money it says will help expand both its technology and marketplace offerings in the coming months.

Plutus is entering a competitive fintech landscape with a proposition that blends institutional-grade strategies and retail accessibility. By combining curated research, automated execution, and brokerage integration, the startup aims to lower the barriers that have historically kept advanced portfolio management out of reach for most investors. With millions already under management, fresh funding in hand, and a focus on scaling, Plutus is positioning itself as a potential bridge between Wall Street’s sophistication and Main Street’s ambitions.

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Hozier Ignites Outside Lands with Powerful Music and Fierce Call for Justice

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Irish singer-songwriter Hozier took to the stage on the final night of Outside Lands 2025, delivering a deeply moving performance that honored the festival’s rock heritage while also delivering a powerful call for peace and justice. His set stood out amid a weekend largely dominated by rap, pop, and electronic music, reminding fans of the festival’s earlier days when guitar-driven acts were the main attraction.

Story Highlights:

  • Hozier closes Outside Lands 2025 with a nearly two-hour performance blending rock, soul, blues, and activism.

  • Delivers a passionate call for peace, including a free Palestine, and support for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights.

  • Performs a wide range of songs, from early hits to new chart-toppers and deep cuts.

  • Ends with a memorable encore and fireworks during “Take Me to Church.”

  • Other artists at the festival also used their platforms to make political statements.

  • Hozier’s closing performance was marked by sincerity and a strong connection with the San Francisco audience.

Dressed casually in a brown suede jacket paired with loose slacks and with his long hair tied back, Hozier approached the stage on Sunday, August 10, with a quiet intensity that immediately captured the audience’s attention. From the outset, there was a strong sense of gratitude in his demeanor as he acknowledged the setting and the crowd.

“It’s such a gift to be back doing Outside Lands,” he said early on. Reflecting on his previous visit to San Francisco, he added, “I was here a few years back now, down the other side of the hill, and I was taken by the fog rolling in — it’s such a beautiful sight. It’s a beautiful city you have here.”

Hozier’s set was an expansive journey through his musical catalog. He opened with the haunting two-part composition “De Selby,” a track that set a contemplative tone. The mood soon shifted as he launched into more upbeat, high-energy songs such as “Jackie and Wilson” and “Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene,” which had the audience fully engaged.

Throughout the nearly two-hour set, Hozier blended rock, soul, and blues, showcasing his versatility. Newer hits like 2024’s “Too Sweet” sparked enthusiastic sing-alongs, while deeper album cuts such as “I, Carrion (Icarian)” and “Would That I” highlighted his ability to move seamlessly between gritty blues and gospel-infused grace.

At a pivotal moment in his performance, Hozier took the opportunity to speak to the crowd beyond music. Introducing his 2018 protest anthem “Nina Cried Power,” he urged the audience to take action on pressing global issues.

“As we’ve been traveling over the last nearly two years,” he said, “I’ve been inviting people, encouraging people, asking people to use their empathy, their human compassion, their honesty to use their right to vote to support peace and safety and security for everybody in the Middle East.”

He went on to specify his hope for “seeing a Palestine that’s free from occupation,” making it clear that his message extended beyond the stage. Hozier also voiced support for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights, drawing a parallel to the struggles of the Irish Troubles as he prepared to perform a duet with American singer Amanda Brown.

Midway through the show, Hozier checked in with the crowd, asking, “You still with us?” The question was met with cheers and applause, encouraging him to continue with the tender ballad “Like Real People Do.” Later, before launching into “From Eden,” he smiled and said, “You put a smile on my face. Thank you, Outside Lands.”

As the night wore on, Hozier surprised fans with an intimate encore on a smaller B-stage, performing “Cherry Wine” and “Unknown/Nth” in a quiet, reflective setting. He then returned to the main stage to close with the defiant “Nina Cried Power” followed by the stirring “Work Song.”

The climax of the evening came with a soaring rendition of his breakthrough 2014 hit, “Take Me to Church,” accompanied by a dramatic fireworks display that lit up the San Francisco night sky.

Hozier was not alone in using the festival platform to voice political views. Earlier in the weekend, rapper Doechii and indie rocker Bakar publicly expressed support for Palestine. Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams took a more subtle approach, making a pointed comment about the Trump administration during her set.

Although the crowd had thinned somewhat by Sunday night, Hozier’s sincere delivery and magnetic stage presence transformed the festival’s closing moments into a reverent and memorable experience. It was a final act that blended melody, meaning, and a genuine love for live music.

“I want to thank you, San Francisco,” Hozier said as he wrapped up his set, “for the kindness and compassion you have shown me in this city.”

Hozier’s performance at Outside Lands 2025 was more than just a concert—it was a heartfelt statement blending artistry with activism. In a weekend filled with diverse musical styles and voices, his return to the stage reminded audiences of the power of music to inspire reflection and change. By weaving together soulful melodies and urgent calls for justice, Hozier closed the festival not only with unforgettable songs but also with a message that resonated far beyond the music. His deep connection with the San Francisco crowd underscored the enduring importance of live music as a space for both celebration and meaningful dialogue.

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UK Swelters as Heatwave Scorches Central and Southern England

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The UK is gearing up for its fourth heatwave of the summer as temperatures rise sharply across central and southern England. The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued amber and yellow heat health alerts from Monday afternoon until Wednesday evening, warning that the soaring heat could affect vulnerable groups and the wider population. Driven by high pressure and warm air flowing up from Europe, parts of England could see temperatures peak around 34°C, while Scotland and Northern Ireland remain cooler. Authorities urge people to take precautions as the heatwave unfolds.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Amber and yellow heat alerts in place across England until Wednesday evening.

  • Central and southern England could see highs of 34°C (93°F).

  • Heat driven by high pressure and southerly airflow from Europe.

  • Nîmes, France, set a new August temperature record of 41.8°C (107.2°F).

  • London around 30°C; Scotland and Northern Ireland in low 20s°C.

UK Faces Fourth Heatwave of the Summer

Amber and yellow heat health alerts issued as temperatures push into the mid-30s°C

The United Kingdom is bracing for yet another spell of scorching weather, as forecasters warn of the fourth heatwave to hit the country this summer. Authorities have placed large parts of England under amber and yellow heat health alerts, warning that the extreme conditions could affect both vulnerable groups and the wider population.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have confirmed that the alerts will remain in force from 12:00 BST on Monday until 18:00 BST on Wednesday. The measures come as parts of Europe, including France and Spain, endure searing temperatures that are now drifting northward.

“Central and Southern England Could See 34°C”

While many areas across England and Wales are forecast to sit in the mid to high 20s°C, central and southern England will bear the brunt of the heat. Temperatures there are expected to peak at around 34°C (93°F) on Tuesday. London will hover near 30°C (86°F), while Scotland and Northern Ireland remain relatively cooler, in the low 20s°C.

“High Pressure and Southerly Winds Driving the Heat”

Meteorologists say the hot spell is the result of a high-pressure system combined with a warm southerly airflow, funnelling heat from continental Europe into the UK. France has already seen records broken — on Sunday, the city of Nîmes hit 41.8°C (107.2°F), its highest-ever temperature for August.

Heat Health Alerts: A System Still in Its First Year

The UK’s heat health alert system, introduced in June 2023, was designed to improve communication during periods of extreme weather and help prevent illness. Operated jointly by the UKHSA and the Met Office, the system uses four colour-coded levels:

  • Green: No warning

  • Yellow: Vulnerable people may be affected

  • Amber: Whole population could be impacted

  • Red: Significant danger to life

“Some Areas Could Meet the Official Heatwave Definition”

A heatwave in the UK is officially declared when a location records at least three consecutive days with maximum daily temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave threshold for that area. Forecasters suggest some southern and central regions could meet this standard before the week’s end.

Staying Cool: Public Health Advice

Authorities are urging residents to take practical steps to protect themselves during the hottest hours of the day. Recommendations include:

  • Applying sunscreen every two hours.

  • Wearing sunglasses and a hat or head covering.

  • Drinking plenty of water and eating snacks to maintain energy levels.

  • Seeking shade and resting if feeling overheated.

  • Wearing loose, long-sleeved clothing to stay cool and protect from the sun.

  • Avoiding direct sunlight between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., when conditions are most intense.

As the UK moves deeper into another round of intense summer heat, officials are urging vigilance, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with health conditions. While the latest heatwave may ease by midweek, forecasters caution that the season is far from over — and with climate patterns shifting, extreme temperatures could become an increasingly familiar headline.

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Reggae Legends Unite for Higher Education and Jamaica’s Music Future

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If not for a determined nun named Sister Mary Ignatius Davies, the world might never have danced to the rhythms of reggae. As director of the music program at what was once called the Alpha Boys’ School in Kingston, Jamaica, Davies was more than a teacher — she was a mentor to generations of young musicians.

From the 1950s onward, her classroom produced a steady stream of talent. Many of her students went on to shape reggae and ska, including members of The Skatalites, Bob Marley and the Wailers, and dancehall pioneer Yellowman. When Sister Ignatius passed away in 2003, her influence did not end. The Alpha Boys’ School evolved into today’s Alpha School of Music, still guiding young Jamaican musicians toward professional careers.

Now, that legacy is at the heart of Higher Education, a richly layered all-star recording led by Boston’s reggae collective, the Naya Rockers. The project unites 10 major figures in reggae, among them Stephen Marley and Fishbone’s Angelo Moore, to celebrate the power of education — whether learned in a classroom or through life experience. A majority of the proceeds will go directly to Alpha.

Story Highlights

  • Historic Roots: Alpha nurtured legendary talents like The Skatalites, Bob Marley and the Wailers, and Yellowman.

  • The Album: Higher Education features Stephen Marley, Angelo Moore, Sister Nancy, Queen Omega, Clinton Fearon, and more.

  • Recording Process: Instrumentals recorded in Iceland; vocals added by artists across the globe.

  • Purpose: Supports Alpha School of Music’s modern facilities and programs.

  • Song Themes: Youth mentorship, unity, wisdom, and cultural heritage.

  • Production Hub: Final mixing at Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston by Stephen Stewart.

The idea was born far from Jamaica. Flóki Studios in Iceland approached the Naya Rockers with a proposal: create music tied to a philanthropic mission. Founder and drummer Nathan Sabanayagam recalls thinking it might be “a crazy idea,” yet the vision took shape quickly.

“We told each artist that signed on to make their track about education and life lessons, something that is meaningful,” Sabanayagam explained.

The approach was unconventional. The rhythm sections were tracked in Iceland, with each vocalist adding their performance later from different locations.

Stephen Stewart, a veteran Jamaican engineer and producer who has worked with the Marleys, mixed the record at Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston while virtually guiding the Iceland sessions.

“Nathan has the patience of Job,” Stewart said with a laugh, recalling the slow but steady process of assembling the record.

The recording team featured Rhode Island keyboardist Cameron Greenlee, a former touring member of The Skatalites, and guitarist Andy Bassford, a fixture of the reggae scene known for both subtlety and explosive energy.

The songs themselves reflect varied interpretations of the education theme. Sister Nancy urges listeners to “Teach the Youth.” Angelo Moore, joined by famed Jamaican harmony group The Tamlins, offers an ode to “Brotherhood.” Trinidadian roots artist Queen Omega delivers “Words of Wisdom” with what Sabanayagam described as “a real gospel energy.”

One track in particular highlights a cultural bridge: the album’s title song features Stephen Marley alongside Ivan Neville of New Orleans’ storied Neville family. Co-producer and Naya Rockers bassist Nate Edgar points to a deep connection between the two musical traditions.

“New Orleans is often considered part of the Caribbean,” Edgar noted. “New Orleans music has influenced Jamaican music for many decades and vice versa, especially through the Neville family.”

Stewart agreed, adding:

“Everyone really brought in their own flavor. It’s like having a meal with many different spices sprinkled on top of it.”

For Sabanayagam, the project is personal. Born to parents from the Philippines and Sri Lanka, he grew up in Pennsylvania and discovered reggae through friends at school. His early path led him to a chemistry degree and a corporate consulting job, but music eventually pulled him away.

Learning directly from legendary drummers such as Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace and Sly Dunbar in Jamaica, Sabanayagam built the Naya Rockers over the past decade into a sought-after backing band for touring Jamaican artists in the Northeast.

One of those artists, Clinton Fearon — a singer-songwriter first known for his work with The Gladiators — opens Higher Education with the warm invitation “Come With Us.” Fearon will join the Naya Rockers for shows in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire; Pembroke, Massachusetts; and Kingstown, Rhode Island, this September.

Meanwhile, Alpha School of Music continues to evolve. Recent upgrades include a computer lab for teaching modern music production to the next generation of Jamaican artists. For Stewart, the school’s importance is undeniable.

“The name ‘Alpha’ plays a very important part in our music history,” he said. “It was where many of the members of the Jamaican industry were able to grow musically. It is the base of our music history and style.”

For the contributors to Higher Education — which also includes dub innovator Mad Professor and rising reggae artist Hector “Roots” Lewis — supporting Alpha means ensuring that future musicians have the same opportunities that reggae’s pioneers once received.

In the end, Higher Education is more than a reggae compilation — it is a bridge between generations, geographies, and genres, rooted in the belief that music and mentorship go hand in hand. By channeling its proceeds to the Alpha School of Music, the project honors the institution that shaped reggae’s earliest legends while investing in its future voices. For Sabanayagam, Stewart, and the artists involved, it is proof that the lessons learned on stage and in the classroom can resonate far beyond Kingston, carrying the sound of Jamaica into the world for decades to come.

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San Diego Schools Crack Down on Student Cell Phones Under New Rules

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Students returning to campuses across the San Diego Unified School District this week are stepping into a new academic year — and a new set of rules for their mobile devices.

Beginning Monday, the first day of the 2025–2026 school year, the district’s mobile phone policy officially went into effect. The change comes after the Board of Education voted last month to approve guidelines they say are designed to “help minimize student distractions, elevate academic performance and prioritize students’ mental health and well-being.”

District officials note the policy was “developed in accordance with California’s Phone-Free School Act,” a law passed to encourage campuses to reduce device-related interruptions in learning environments. They also emphasize that the process included “significant input from students, parents, and educators” before the final rules were adopted.

📌 Story Highlights

  • In line with California’s Phone-Free School Act.

  • Applies to Transitional Kindergarten through 12th grade.

  • Phones off and out of sight during school hours.

  • Use allowed before/after school, on buses, and in extracurriculars.

  • High school students may use devices during lunch and passing periods.

  • Exceptions for emergencies, approved lessons, and special needs.

  • Step-by-step enforcement: verbal reminders, counselor referrals, parent contact, confiscation.

  • Repeat violations may lead to restrictions from school activities.

The district-wide rules apply to every grade level, from the youngest Transitional Kindergarten students to graduating seniors. Under the new guidelines, phones must be completely turned off and kept out of sight during regular instructional hours.

Students are still free to use their devices before the morning bell, after dismissal, while traveling on school buses, and during extracurricular programs. For high school students, there is an added window of flexibility — phones can be used during lunch breaks and between classes during passing periods.

Recognizing that some situations call for exceptions, the policy permits device use in emergencies, when authorized by teachers for instructional purposes, or when needed to accommodate special needs.

Enforcement, officials say, will not rely on immediate punishment but on what they describe as a “Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports + Restorative Justice Practices approach.” This begins with a verbal reminder, followed by a counselor referral if necessary. Continued violations may prompt parent contact, and ultimately, confiscation of the phone.

The district warns that persistent noncompliance could result in students being barred from attending certain school events and activities — a step administrators hope will not become necessary.

“Phones have a place in students’ lives, but not at the cost of focus, learning, and well-being,” one board member remarked during the vote last month. “This policy strikes that balance.”

As the new academic year unfolds, San Diego Unified’s mobile phone policy marks a clear shift toward reclaiming classroom focus and protecting student well-being. By blending strict rules with gradual, restorative enforcement, district leaders hope to reduce distractions without alienating students. Whether this approach fosters a healthier, more engaged learning environment will likely become clear in the months ahead, as educators, parents, and students adjust to the new rhythm of a phone-limited school day.

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Dallas Street Legend Keyboard Bob Passes Away at Seventy-Three

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In the heart of Dallas, few figures captured the city’s quirks quite like Robert Crawford, better known on the streets and in the clubs as “Keyboard Bob.” Friends say the one-of-a-kind character passed away peacefully on Sunday morning. He was 73.

Lisa Johnson Mitchell — director of the 2010 documentary His Name is Bob — confirmed his death in a Facebook post, noting that details for a celebration of life will be announced.

Story Highlights

  • Name: Robert Crawford, known as “Keyboard Bob”

  • Age: 73

  • Place: Dallas, Texas

  • Known for: Street jokes, unexpected appearances, carrying a keyboard

  • Documentary: His Name is Bob (2010)

  • Notable myth: Rumored $86 million inheritance

  • Death: Peaceful, Sunday morning, confirmed via Facebook

  • Memorial: Celebration of life details to be announced

Born in New Hampshire in the 1950s, Crawford’s life took him far from his roots — and into the cultural fabric of Dallas. He became a fixture in neighborhoods like Lower Greenville and Deep Ellum, a man of contrasts: diminutive in height yet towering in presence, mischievous yet unexpectedly gentle, crass in humor yet strangely sweet.

His trademark was unmistakable — a keyboard slung in tow, oversized hats and coats worn for days, and a glimmer in his eye when a joke was coming.

Neighbors recall that his first wave of notoriety came from simply showing up. On Lower Greenville, he appeared in restaurants, sidewalks, and street corners as if by instinct. By the 2010s, Deep Ellum became his stage. Traveling by DART, he would spend long hours in the district — sometimes stepping onto a rock club’s stage mid-performance, grinning and hoisting his keyboard in the air. The bands played on, and the crowds, recognizing him instantly, erupted in cheers.

At the end of those nights, Crawford often returned to the sidewalks of Elm Street, still cracking jokes, still hoping for a ride home. Friends say his circumstances were shaped by hardships early in life, including reported abuse that left lasting effects. He relied on the generosity of semi-strangers — not just for rides or food, but for the attention he clearly cherished.

“He sure loved to be noticed,” Mitchell once said in describing him. “But he also loved to be a mystery.”

That mystery grew when he began asking people if they had “seen his movie.” The documentary His Name is Bob not only introduced his story to a wider audience but also gave rise to a persistent — and unverified — rumor that he was owed an $86 million inheritance from a distant uncle.

His humor was sharp, often aimed at friends themselves. One of his favorite lines came with a pause and a grin:

“How do you keep a [jerk] in suspense?” he’d ask, eyes locking onto his target.

Then, with perfect timing:

“I’ll tell you tomorrow.”

Crawford’s wit also surfaced in less likely places. In 2018, during a Deep Ellum public safety meeting called in response to summertime violence, then–Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall invited questions from the audience. Crawford’s hand shot up.

He wasn’t concerned about policing strategy. Instead, he told the chief that he had been “having too tough a time lately waving down bartenders to bring me a soda — preferably a Dr Pepper.”

Hall smiled and replied, “We’re working on it!” before quickly leaving the meeting.

The moment left the room buzzing. One attendee muttered in disbelief, “She only took one question, and it came from… Bob?”

To those who knew him, it could have been no one else.

Crawford’s life was stitched together by these small but memorable encounters — in bars, on sidewalks, in unexpected public moments. His presence was less about where he was going and more about the mark he left behind.

His name was Bob. And in Dallas, that was enough.

Crawford’s story was never about fame or fortune, though myths and rumors followed him. It was about a man who carved out a place in the city simply by showing up, day after day, with his humor, his quirks, and his ever-present keyboard. In a city that changes quickly, his presence was a constant — unpredictable, unforgettable, and entirely his own.

His name was Bob. And Dallas will remember.

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Las Vegas Turns Up the Heat with Anniversary Cocktails, Food Deals and Cultural Nights

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This month, visitors to the Strip can expect more than the usual dazzle of lights and sounds. From anniversary celebrations and seasonal drink menus to cultural events and hidden speakeasies, August in Las Vegas has lined up an extensive list of indulgences for every taste.

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood is marking its 25th anniversary with a citywide toast. The celebration begins at Blondies Sports Bar & Grill, where patrons can order $5 shots of Patron silver tequila.

At Cabo Wabo Cantina, the festivities come in the form of the $17.75 Miracle Mile Margarita, also made with Patron silver tequila. “It’s a fitting tribute to a venue that’s been part of the Vegas scene for decades,” said a Cabo Wabo staff member.

Elsewhere, Flights is pouring the same cocktail for $14, while Rosa Mexicano offers theirs at $18. For those wanting something more filling, Carnegie Pizza serves a two-slice combo with a Stella or White Claw for $25.

Story Highlights

  • Miracle Mile celebrates 25 years with discounted Patron shots and margarita specials

  • Peach Month cocktails at The Venetian’s Liam’s Den & Bubble Bar

  • Aug. 16 Rum Day brings specialty drinks at Cabo Wabo Cantina and Daylight Beach Club

  • Bollywood-themed Saffron Nights party for Indian & Pakistani Independence Day

  • Chayo Mexican Kitchen’s new happy hour with beer buckets and tequila specials

  • Off-menu pineapple caipirinha at Galpão Gaucho for summer only

  • Pop Punk Night at Caesars Palace’s Caspian’s Rock & Roe

  • New seasonal menu at Flight Club and cocktails at Rosina & Juliet lounges

  • $10 Social Hour cocktails at Hakkasan, Lavo, and Tao

  • Doberman Drawing Room’s luxury mixology in the Arts District

This month is also National Peach Month, and at Liam’s Den & Bubble Bar in The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort, the celebration is as visual as it is flavorful. Two standout cocktails lead the menu — the glitter-dusted Gold Elevator, made with vodka, white peach balsamic vinegar, peach, and Prosecco, and the Garden Party, which blends pinot gris, vodka, Crème de Fleur, peach, and lemon juice. Each is priced at $21.

Just days later comes National Rum Day on Aug. 16, when rum lovers are invited to sample Cabo Wabo Cantina’s Sammy’s Toasted Colada — a mix of Sammy’s Beach Bar rum, Coco Lopez, pineapple juice, and freshly toasted coconut.

For a poolside experience, Daylight Beach Club at Mandalay Bay will be serving pitchers of mojito for $90. “It’s meant to be shared, and it’s perfect for summer afternoons,” a staff member explained.

The same date also coincides with Indian and Pakistani Independence Day celebrations. At Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge at Resorts World Las Vegas, the Saffron Nights party begins at 10 p.m. Hosted by local Bollywood rapper Bohemia and his wife, Sunny, the event promises belly dancers, electric beats, henna tattoo artists, and themed photo booths — all at no charge for entry.

Chayo Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar at The Linq Promenade is adding more to the nightlife scene with a new happy hour. The menu features a bucket of six Coronitas or Modelitas for $12, $8 house margaritas, Mi Campo Scorpion tequila shots for $8, and Mi Campo tequila shots for $6.

Over at Galpão Gaucho in Fashion Show Las Vegas, guests in the know can ask for a pineapple caipirinha — a summer-only, off-menu cocktail made with fresh pineapple and cachaça.

The entertainment continues with Caspian’s Rock & Roe at Caesars Palace, which will host a Pop Punk Night on Aug. 12. A live pop-punk band will take the stage alongside a lineup of specialty cocktails.

For those looking for new flavors, Flight Club at The Grand Canal Shoppes has unveiled its summer menu. Diners can try braised short rib bao buns and mini al pastor tacos, paired with cocktails like the gin-based High Tea Sour, the rum-based Peachy Blinders, and a twist on the strawberry margarita called Fields Forever.

Mixology fans will also find fresh creations at Rosina Cocktail Lounge and Juliet Cocktail Room at The Venetian Resort. Juliet introduces the Chai’d and True, with Hendry’s vodka, Mr Black coffee liqueur, chai latte mix, and cream. Rosina offers the Trip to Wonderland, blending Don Fulano reposado tequila, Grand Marnier, pineapple, agave, Cointreau, and ancho reyes chiles.

Visitors can enjoy $10 cocktails during the new Social Hour at Hakkasan at MGM Grand (5–7 p.m. Sun.–Wed.), Lavo (8–10 p.m. Sun.–Thurs.), and Tao Asian Bistro (10–11:30 p.m. Thurs.–Sat.) — all paired with $10 small plates. Options include the Basil Gimlet, a fresh herbal twist on the classic, and the Hot Tropics, a spicy tequila blend with pineapple and jalapeño.

For those seeking a more discreet experience, the Doberman Drawing Room in the Arts District offers an intimate, upscale setting. Designed with a “beautifully bougie” atmosphere, the bar’s extensive cocktail book — crafted by world-renowned mixologist Juyoung Kang — encourages guests to linger, explore, and savor each drink.

From anniversary milestones and seasonal celebrations to hidden cocktail gems and cultural nights, August in Las Vegas offers a curated mix of experiences for every mood and taste. Whether it’s sipping a $5 Patron shot, uncovering an off-menu caipirinha, dancing at a Bollywood-themed party, or lingering over a masterfully crafted drink in the Arts District, the city proves once again that its appeal lies not only in its lights and casinos but in the endless ways it can surprise and indulge its visitors.

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Deadly Bronx River Parkway Crash Shuts Down Southbound Lanes Near Gun Hill Road

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A fatal multi-vehicle collision on the Bronx River Parkway early Monday left two young men dead and shut down a key stretch of the highway during the morning commute, according to police.

Story Highlights

  • Crash occurred around 12:30 a.m. near Gun Hill Road exit

  • Two men, aged 21 and 23, ejected from mopeds and killed

  • Collision involved two cars and two mopeds

  • One person taken into custody; no immediate charges filed

  • Southbound lanes closed below Exit 9 during morning rush hour

The NYPD said the crash happened at approximately 12:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes, just before the Gun Hill Road exit. Officers arriving on scene found the aftermath of a violent pileup involving two mopeds and two passenger vehicles.

According to officials, the two victims — aged 21 and 23 — had been riding separate mopeds when the collision occurred. Both were ejected onto the roadway.

“They were taken to local hospitals, where they were pronounced dead,” an NYPD spokesperson confirmed.

Authorities have not yet released the victims’ names, citing the need to first notify their families.

One individual at the scene was taken into police custody. However, investigators have not yet filed charges.

“We are still determining which vehicle that person was operating at the time of the crash,” police said.

By early morning, the southbound lanes below Exit 9 were fully shut down as investigators examined skid marks, vehicle debris, and damaged guardrails.

Commuters were forced to seek alternate routes, with the NYPD cautioning that the closure could extend well into the day.

“This is still very much an active investigation,” officials noted. “The exact cause of the collision has not been determined, and more details will be released as they become available.”

Police are asking anyone with information or dashcam footage to contact the NYPD’s Highway Patrol unit.

The deadly crash on the Bronx River Parkway has left families grieving and commuters facing major disruptions, while police work to piece together the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. With two young lives cut short and many unanswered questions, investigators are focusing on vehicle evidence, witness accounts, and roadway conditions to determine what went wrong in the early morning hours. Until then, the community remains on edge, awaiting clarity on a collision that turned an ordinary Monday commute into a scene of loss and investigation.

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Colombian Senator’s Tragic Death Shakes Nation Amid Rising Political Violence

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Colombian politics has been shaken once again with the tragic death of Senator Miguel Uribe, a rising star and presidential hopeful, who succumbed to his injuries early Monday morning. Uribe, 39, had been fighting for his life since a brutal assassination attempt on June 7 during a campaign event in Bogota.

Story Highlights

  • Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe died early Monday after being shot during a campaign event in June.

  • The attack marks Colombia’s worst political violence incident in nearly 20 years.

  • Six suspects arrested; a teenage gunman claims he was hired by a local drug dealer.

  • Uribe was a vocal critic of President Gustavo Petro’s administration and a prominent right-wing leader.

  • Uribe’s family has a tragic history linked to cartel violence, with his mother killed in 1991 by the Medellin Cartel.

  • The government offers a substantial reward and international support is assisting in the investigation.

Known for his sharp criticism of the current government and a member of the right-wing opposition Democratic Center party, Uribe was shot in the head as he addressed supporters in his bid to secure his party’s nomination for the 2026 presidential elections. The hospital treating him confirmed that his condition worsened over the weekend due to complications from a hemorrhage in his central nervous system. He passed away at 1:56 a.m. local time.

His wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona, shared the heartbreaking news on social media with a message filled with grief and resilience. She wrote:
“I ask God to show me the way to learn to live without you.”
“Rest in peace, love of my life, I will take care of our children.”

The shooting has been described as the worst political violence outbreak in Colombia in nearly two decades, a grim reminder of the country’s turbulent past. The 1980s and 1990s were marred by cartel-related violence that claimed the lives of four presidential candidates in separate attacks, and this latest attack has revived fears of a return to such instability.

Santa Fe Foundation hospital in Bogota, where Uribe was treated and underwent several surgeries, became a site of constant vigil and hope for his supporters. The hospital reported that his condition deteriorated rapidly over the weekend before his eventual passing.

Former President Alvaro Uribe, who leads the Democratic Center party but is not related to the deceased senator, expressed profound sorrow and frustration on social media. He wrote:
“Evil destroys everything; they killed hope.”
“May Miguel’s fight be a light that illuminates Colombia’s right path.”

On the international front, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also conveyed his condolences and support. He stated:
“The United States stands in solidarity with his family, the Colombian people, both in mourning and demanding justice for those responsible.”

Investigations have moved swiftly since the attack. Authorities have arrested six suspects connected to the assassination attempt, including two men believed to have planned the shooting in Medellin. Among those detained is a 15-year-old boy accused of carrying out the shooting, who reportedly claimed he was hired by a local drug dealer. Police continue to pursue the so-called “intellectual authors” behind the crime.

Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez vowed a determined response to the tragedy. In a statement on social media, he said:
“We will not allow the violent to intimidate or silence political voices needed in our democracy.”

The Colombian government has also announced a 3 billion peso (approximately $740,000) reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. Investigative support is being provided by the United States, Britain, and the United Arab Emirates.

The death of Senator Uribe is especially poignant given his family’s fraught history. His mother, journalist Diana Turbay, was killed in 1991 during a failed rescue mission after being kidnapped by the Medellin Cartel, one of Colombia’s most infamous drug organizations led by Pablo Escobar.

Uribe’s own political trajectory was rapid and marked by vocal opposition to the leftist government of President Gustavo Petro. On the day he was shot, Uribe had released videos urging respect for the separation of powers and opposing a referendum on labor reforms proposed by Petro. He also criticized Petro’s restrictions on the oil sector, promising plans to boost investment and provide legal certainty for businesses.

At just 25, Uribe entered Bogota’s city council, frequently challenging then-mayor Petro’s policies on social programs and waste management. In the 2022 legislative elections, he was the lead Senate candidate for the Democratic Center party. Since the attack, his Senate seat has been draped with the Colombian flag as a tribute.

Adding to his political legacy, Uribe hailed from a prominent family: his maternal grandfather, Julio Cesar Turbay, was president of Colombia from 1978 to 1982, while his paternal grandfather, Rodrigo Uribe Echavarria, was a key figure in the Liberal Party, supporting the successful 1986 presidential campaign of Virgilio Barco.

Senator Uribe is survived by his wife, son, stepdaughters, father, and sister. As the nation mourns, the investigation continues, with hopes that justice will be served and political violence will not regain its former foothold in Colombia’s democracy.

The death of Senator Miguel Uribe marks a sorrowful chapter in Colombia’s political history, underscoring the persistent threat of violence that continues to challenge the nation’s democratic process. As investigations proceed and justice is sought, the hope remains that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for renewed efforts to protect political voices and ensure a safer future for Colombia’s leaders and citizens alike. The nation mourns the loss of a young leader whose promise was cut short but whose legacy may inspire the fight against intimidation and violence in the country’s fragile democracy.

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