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USA Today
14-07-2025
- USA Today
Cool escapes: Top indoor activities, attractions for hot summer days
There are plenty of attractions across the US that offer fun indoor activities on a hot day – Photo courtesy of Sarah Miller / Color Factory With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasting above normal temperatures for much of the United States and, particularly, the Northeast this summer, people are adjusting their vacation and travel plans to include more indoor activities and attractions. Madison Pietrowski of GetYourGuide, an online marketplace for travel activities, can attest to this trend. 'During NYC's heat dome in June, 100% of the top 10 most-booked experiences for these days were at indoor attractions or on the water, with the majority being indoors," she says. "It's clear that both New Yorkers and visitors were desperate to escape the heat, either through air-conditioned tours or breezy cruises.' Advertisement Thankfully, there are numerous things to do inside that will keep you cool and entertained. To help kickstart your planning, here are a few indoor activities and attractions worth checking out this summer, to include several 10BEST Readers' Choice award winners. Make a splash at an indoor water park Among indoor activities, an indoor water park always makes a splash with kiddos – Photo courtesy of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions One of the most popular things to do on a hot day is splash around at an indoor water park. Playing in the wave pools, water slides, lazy rivers, and splash pads of these indoor water wonderlands is a fun way to beat the heat. For instance, the water parks at Kalahari Resorts feature uphill water coasters, surfing simulators, a virtual reality water slide, and an exclusive water play area for young visitors. At time of publication, park locations include Round Rock, Texas; Sandusky, Ohio; Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. Stroll the galleries at a museum The Children's Museum of Indianapolis offers many things to do inside on a hot day – Photo courtesy of The Children's Museum of Indianapolis Museums provide an interesting way to escape the high temps. Maybe it's teaching the kids about dinosaurs, or perhaps it's taking a deep dive into presidential history. In New York, a top-trending indoor activity on GetYourGuide is the MoMA Before-Hours Tour with Art Expert. Advertisement 'Our MoMA Before-Hours Tour is an amazing way to escape New York City's summer heat while soaking in iconic culture,' Pietrowski says. 'Visitors get a rare experience to explore the museum galleries before the crowds rush in for the day with an expert art historian guide. It's an ideal blend of comfort and culture, especially on hot days when travelers are looking to stay cool without missing out.' Explore underwater wonders at an aquarium This award-winning aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, boasts more than 1.5 miles of immersive galleries – Photo courtesy of Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium When it comes to indoor attractions, aquariums rank high on the list. You can spend time sitting in the dark, watching schools of fish, sharks, turtles, and other marine life swim away the hours. One of the best spots for doing just that is the award-winning Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. Here you can see more than 35,000 animals representing more than 800 species. Galleries range from a three-story saltwater aquarium that highlights the Great Barrier Reef to a sunken shipwreck teeming with marine life to a murky swamp filled with nocturnal animals. Indulge in retail therapy at an indoor mall Aside from shopping, this Florida mall offers many indoor attractions, such as an art collection – Photo courtesy of Aventura Mall Indoor malls are ideal for escaping hot weather. They offer something for every age and interest. For example, Florida's award-winning Aventura Mall — the state's largest mall — is home to more than 300 retailers, over 50 restaurants, and an extensive art collection. Try your luck at a casino Hitting a casino is a sure bet among indoor activities — just make sure you quit while you're ahead – Photo courtesy of Yaamava' Resort & Casino When you're looking for some adults-only indoor activities, check out the action at a local casino. Maybe you like to try the slots, or perhaps you prefer one of the table games like blackjack or craps. Or it could be the action of a high-stakes game in a private room. Whatever your game, a great casino to check out is the Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel in Highland, California. This casino has over 7,000 slot machines and more than 150 table games, plus five high-limit games where you can test your skills. Do you have what it takes to beat Lady Luck? Take a spin around an indoor skating rink There's nothing cooler hanging at an indoor ice skating rink when temperatures outside are soaring – Photo courtesy of Galleria Dallas
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CPP & Beacon Communities Announce Acquisition of Brewery Square Apartments in New Haven, Connecticut
Former brewery turned apartment community to undergo historic rehabilitation, preserving affordability and enhancing resident experience Brewery Square Apartments NEW HAVEN, Conn., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CPP (Community Preservation Partners), a mission-driven affordable housing preservation developer, and Beacon Communities, one of the nation's leading affordable housing development and management companies, have announced the acquisition and planned rehabilitation of Brewery Square Apartments in New Haven, Connecticut. This is the second community for CPP in the Fair Haven neighborhood, following the recent completion of nearby Fairbank Apartments. Located at 1 Brewery Square along the Quinnipiac River, Brewery Square is a two-building, 104-unit apartment community originally constructed in 1896 as a brewery and later converted to housing in the early 1980s. With this acquisition, the team will extend affordability protections and implement significant renovations while preserving the historic character of the property. 'This acquisition allows us to increase and deepen affordability while also extending the life of a property that is deeply cherished by the community,' said John Fraser, Vice President of Development at CPP. 'We are proud to protect the historic fabric of this neighborhood while delivering modern upgrades that respond directly to resident needs.' The total development investment of approximately $43 million includes extensive renovations estimated at $112,342 per unit. Planned upgrades include all-new stainless-steel appliances, updated bathrooms, quartz countertops, new windows, refinished floors, and the installation of advanced security systems. The site will also feature enhanced landscaping, cobblestone walkways, and the adaptive reuse of the historic gatehouse into a secure indoor bike storage area — an amenity specifically requested by residents. Additionally, the renovations are expected to improve the property's energy performance by more than 15%, enhancing efficiency and reducing utility costs. "Brewery Square serves as a model for high-quality, architecturally interesting, mixed-income housing,' said Sarah Miller, Fair Haven Alder. 'We look forward to CPP and Beacon building upon and extending this legacy, preserving both affordability and quality for another generation." The renovation will transition 84 of the 104 units into the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, with affordability levels ranging from 30% to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), averaging just below 60%. The property's existing HAP contract, currently set to expire in 2034, will be extended by an additional 20 years, ensuring long-term affordability. Brewery Square is made up of two continuous buildings and features a unit mix of two efficiency units, 41 one-bedroom units, 55 two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units. The property offers ample parking with 151 total spaces split between a 107-space front lot and a 44-space rear lot. Occupancy has consistently exceeded 95%, and residents have played a key role in shaping planned improvements, particularly those that preserve the community's historic charm and enhance daily living. 'The adaptive reuse of Brewery Square Apartments will modernize and expand affordable housing options In New Haven, while breathing new life into a piece of the City's history,' said Dara Kovel, CEO, Beacon Communities. 'We're honored to bring our exceptional property management to a new community of New Haven residents. Thank you to our partners at Community Preservation Partners, who share our commitment to creating quality housing that will remain affordable for generations to come.' Brewery Square marks the fifth property for Beacon Communities in New Haven. The company currently manages Ninth Square Apartments, Edith Johnson Towers and Monterey Place, and started construction last year on The Atwater at Ninth Square, which is expected to be completed in 2026. The project leverages LIHTC 4% tax credits and tax-exempt bonds. Financing partners include NewPoint as the construction and permanent lender, KeyBank as the tax credit and EBL investor, Eversource as the state historic tax credit investor, and JPMorgan Chase as the federal historic tax credit investor. Heritage Consulting has been retained to ensure all work complies with National Park Service historic guidelines. About Community Preservation PartnersIn 2004, Community Preservation Partners was established by their parent company, WNC & Associates, a national investor in affordable housing and community renewal initiatives. Since then, CPP has successfully acquired, developed, and rehabilitated more than 15,000 affordable multifamily and senior housing units nationwide. From the very beginning, they've done things differently. As more than a consultant or an investor, CPP is a true partner in every sense. By joining leading nonprofits and strategic partners, they can provide essential social services to residents, support neighborhood initiatives and transform multifamily affordable housing communities. Creativity, Performance, and Purpose are their core values and embody everything they do. Together they define A Different Way to Home for their excellent employees, partners, and communities. To learn more, visit: About Beacon Communities Beacon Communities LLC is an owner, developer, and manager of affordable and mixed-income housing across the northeast, with nearly 19,000 apartments in eleven states. Beacon's developments include new construction, historic adaptive reuse, public housing redevelopment and the preservation of existing housing. The organization's driving passion is to create and manage well-designed, healthy homes that improve lives and enhance neighborhoods. Learn more at MEDIA CONTACTSIDEA HALLAndy VernierAndy@ Liberty Square GroupEmma Balagueremma@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio

Associated Press
03-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
New EPA PFAS Standards Aim to Reduce Exposure—But Impact Will Vary by Community
New national PFAS limits mark progress, but Legal Claim Assistant warns that many communities face delays in cleanup and support. 'The EPA's rules are vital, but millions were exposed long before they existed—legal guidance is still essential.'— Sarah Miller, Legal Assistant at Legal Claim Assistant MIAMI, FLORIDA, FL, UNITED STATES, June 3, 2025 / / -- In a landmark move, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized national drinking water standards for six PFAS compounds in April 2024. The regulations mark the first enforceable federal limits for these so-called 'forever chemicals,' and communities across the country are now grappling with what these changes mean in practice. Legal Claim Assistant is tracking the rollout and its implications, especially for individuals already facing health concerns after prolonged PFAS exposure. While the new guidelines represent a major policy shift, advocates caution that implementation timelines, funding challenges, and regional disparities may limit the short-term impact for some communities. 'The new EPA rules are a critical step forward, but real change will depend on how quickly and thoroughly states and utilities act,' says Sarah Miller, Legal Assistant at Legal Claim Assistant. 'For many residents, the damage from years of exposure has already occurred.' What the New Guidelines Include The EPA now limits two well-known PFAS chemicals—PFOA and PFOS—to 4 parts per trillion (ppt) in drinking water. Four additional PFAS compounds are regulated using a Hazard Index, which accounts for cumulative health risks from combined exposure. Water utilities will have until 2029 to comply with these standards, with some early deadlines beginning in 2027 for monitoring and public reporting. The rule is expected to affect thousands of water systems, particularly those near military bases, industrial facilities, and airports where firefighting foam has historically been used. What It Means for Affected Residents Communities with long-standing PFAS contamination may finally see federal support for testing and remediation. However, individuals with serious health diagnoses potentially linked to PFAS—such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, or thyroid disorders—may still face uncertain futures. 'Even with these new limits, people who were exposed years ago may already be dealing with the consequences,' Miller adds. 'Understanding your rights and legal options remains critical.' Legal Claim Assistant offers resources and legal referral services to help affected residents navigate the complex intersection of public health, environmental regulation, and liability law. Federal vs. Local Response While the EPA has set nationwide limits, the implementation will still rely heavily on state and local coordination. Funding challenges, infrastructure limitations, and ongoing litigation could delay cleanup efforts in certain areas. Legal experts note that the EPA's action may also influence current and future lawsuits by providing a federally recognized threshold for harmful PFAS exposure. About Legal Claim Assistant Legal Claim Assistant is a referral platform that connects individuals exposed to environmental hazards with experienced law firms across the United States. The organization provides informational support, free case evaluations, and guidance to help people understand their legal rights. 📞 Contact: Legal Claim Assistant [email protected] Nicky de Man Legal Claim Assistant Inc +1 888-651-1065 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.


The Guardian
04-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
The questions behind our social interactions
The unspoken subject of Sarah Miller's piece is empathy (People who don't ask me questions drive me crazy. Why are they like that?, 1 May). In autism studies, researchers have noticed a 'double empathy problem': two people who think and communicate very differently will both struggle to empathise. Ms Miller demonstrates this phenomenon inadvertently but perfectly. She mentions differences in male and female communication. And that some people have anxiety around asking questions or appearing to pry. She acknowledges that not all questions are well-intentioned, but not that the line between acceptable and unacceptable is subjective. She doesn't appear to have wondered if 'non-askers' dislike her questions or if that is why they don't reciprocate. Neurodivergence and cultural differences are considerations too. There are many reasons why some ask fewer questions than others. These are not bad conversationalists. There are many ways to connect, none right or wrong, but many incompatible. You don't have to click with everyone. But if you want to befriend non-askers, pay attention to how others like to communicate and join in. Do they tell jokes, exchange anecdotes, play games? If you want others to socialise like you, it's only fair you and address supplied I'd like to suggest that there might be a cultural element to question asking. As an American who has moved to the UK, question-based conversation was a cultural difference I struggled to understand and enjoy. When I first moved to London people would ask me so many questions and never share anything about themselves. I found it so boring to always be answering questions about myself to the point that I started making things up. When I complained about it to a friend they explained that in the UK it's not really the done thing to talk about yourself unless someone has asked. This felt very different from my American upbringing where it's considered rude to ask questions that might be perceived as prying. Instead there's an expectation that people will share what they want to share when they are ready to do so. After learning that, I started having much better MaleneySheffield Sarah Miller's article is very interesting. There is one answer by Estonian healers and witches to the question she poses: people who ask too many questions are simply frightened. A frightened person always has questions on their lips. There are whole nations who don't ask you questions, like Estonians. There is a KGB occupation time trauma, for example, as they asked far too many questions. As an Estonian in the UK, I have been asked questions relentlessly until I am sick. It was never me waiting, as Miller says, like 'a dog for a treat', but rather not having been taught as a child how to shoot a question back straight away. That only comes with age and wisdom. In my view, not asking back is about peacefulness within yourself and contentment, because we as humans should also dream together and not be constantly intense. More recently, now aged 52, I have started to ask questions back creatively, like who is your favourite composer, your favourite colour, and why, rather than where are you from and what do you do. Because I find that Allik-SchunemannLondon Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
So you think you don't like gin?
There's something I need to get off my chest, OK? Here goes: I have never liked gin. It feels good to admit that, because the assumption is that, being a drinks writer, I should adore any and all forms of inebriation. But I (shock!) have things I loathe just as any other person does, even when it comes to booze. I don't like cardio or jobsworths, either, and that will never change. I do, however, want to change the gin thing. I've abstained from the expansive world of gin with my philistine resistance to garnishes, tonic water and any glass that requires both hands to drink from. So, in a bid to get over my irrational fears, I put out a call for gin experts to prescribe me a failsafe drink. 'If someone says they don't like gin, I ask if it's just London dry gin that they don't like, which tends to be most people's association with the category,' says Alexander Watson, founder of Renais. 'I'd invite them to try something with a softer profile, because there's just so much variety nowadays. With this kind of gin, I'd recommend a dry martini with a twist of lemon, where the heat of the liquid is taken out a little by the temperature of the drink, and there's also a small bit of dilution.' As several gin advocates I've dated have pointed out, it might also be that I just don't like tonic, a point picked up by spirits writer and gin expert Sarah Miller: 'Try different mixers – soda water, lemonade, ginger ale, even cola. And if it's the juniper you don't like, go for less traditional gins that lean towards different flavours.' Damola Timeyin, co-founder of Spearhead Spirits, a premium African spirits company, agrees: 'I'm a sucker for anything sweet, so for me the perfect gin cocktail is a gimlet. We make a palm and pineapple gin that goes great in a gimlet, especially when garnished with a slice of grilled pineapple.' That's probably one to consider when summer finally returns, but what if you want something classic that's not a gin and tonic? 'A Tom Collins made with a good entry-level gin such as Martin Miller's or Hendricks is a good gateway drink,' Sarah Miller tells me. 'Gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and soda water.' No tonic water? Say no more. I head to the supermarket to gather the ingredients, the result froths in the glass and I feel the cold water of redemption rush over my palate. I need just the one hand to drink it, too (I use the other for crisps). Martin Miller's Gin £30 Waitrose, 40%. A good staple to have in your arsenal. Blended with Icelandic spring water, it's pure but earthy. Bayab African Grown Gin £35.93 (on offer) Master of Malt, 43%. A citrus-focused gin, with flavours from the baobab fruit complemented by African botanicals. Decem Light Spirit £29.95 Berry Bros & Rudd, 10%. If it's the high alcohol level you're avoiding, try this flavourful, traditionally styled blend. Renais Gin £48 Renais, 40%. Inspired by the terroir of Chablis and Burgundy, with a base of salvaged grapes, this is a softer blend. Subtle spice balances citrus and juniper.