Ja’Nya Anae Williams has been named Queen Suzanne Simonne’ LXVIII for the 2026 Mardi Gras season. Hailing from Breaux Bridge, she is supported by her devoted family—led by her mother, stepfather, and grandparents—reflecting the festival’s spirit of togetherness and celebration.
From her mother’s union activism to her father’s small business, Marcy Kaptur’s life story underscores why residents in Ohio’s district continue to place their faith in her. Immigrant roots, community planning experience, and a deep connection to local needs shape her enduring appeal.
Born on December 20, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland, Patricia Wiley lived a life marked by dedication to her roots in Bluemont, Virginia. She passed away at 82 on December 15, 2025, and will be fondly remembered by those who knew her.
We tend to assume turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie have always dominated the Thanksgiving feast. Yet a closer look at earlier generations’ tables reveals a more diverse menu, including dishes that might surprise us today—like oysters.
In “Miami Road,” Kirshenbaum revisits the bonds formed in Benton Harbor’s Twin Cities region. The new book underlines how every family—complete with unusual uncles, surprising histories, and hometown pride—shapes the local narrative.
Greater St. James AME Church commemorates one hundred years since its founding, with a special appearance by the original architect’s great-grandson. Photos, courtesy of Juan Castille, capture the moment as the local community joins together to celebrate a milestone of faith and tradition.
Sunday Gravy, an Italian restaurant with decades of history, is grappling with the harsh realities of tariffs and inflation. Owner Sol Bashirian says the restaurant is “barely breaking even,” illustrating how broader economic factors can profoundly affect a cherished family business.
Babe Ruth’s grandson, raised in New Hampshire, recalls recognizing the all-time great’s influence only as he grew older. Today, he preserves and shares the legend for new generations of baseball fans.
The Blake family will convene for the 56th time at Odon Park on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. This annual reunion at noon has become a well-loved event that keeps relatives connected across generations.
