Latest news with #Hometown
Chicago Tribune
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Chicago Tribune
Homewood officer back in the police chase as departments race for Special Olympics
Homewood police Officer Ken Norbut has a new appreciation when he watches NASCAR drivers on TV. Norbut, who recently joined the force in Homewood after 25 years in Chicago Ridge, has driven in just two auto races in his lifetime. The 51-year-old competed in the Illinois Special Olympics Five-O race at Grundy County Speedway in Morris the past two years representing the Chicago Ridge department. So, when NASCAR stars such as Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin and the others race around the tracks for hours during an afternoon or evening event, Norbut has a keen admiration for them. 'One hundred percent I do,' Norbut said. 'Those guys, man. We only do 25 laps. It is tiring. When that adrenaline wears off and you are sore the next day because you are getting rocked and rolled in the car, it's something else. 'You do appreciate the NASCAR drivers. They are athletes themselves.' Norbut is planning on getting rocked and rolled again for a third time – this time representing the Homewood department. This year's running of the Five-O is back at the Grundy County track. It gets rolling after the gates open at 4 p.m. Saturday in Morris. As of Friday, Norbut was among the top 10 in donations collected for Special Olympics in connection with the race, joining Hometown's Nate Haubenreiser, Midlothian's Adam Thibo, Orland Hills' James Molloy, Crestwood's David Alexander, retired Chicago Ridge member Jake Cholke and Chicago Ridge's Jon Hill. Last year's event raised $190,000, and donations for this year's race are being collected at Cholke is the defending champion of the race. In 2024, he won a close battle over state police officer Howard Hanson. 'I was going to do everything I had to do on that last lap,' Cholke said in a news release issued by the speedway. 'I saw him (Hanson) out there and I had to run him up high.' The race is made up of police personnel around the state driving Ford Crown Victorias. Norbut drove a 2003 Crown Vic in his first two years of racing, but this year, he has a 2010 model with the No. 13 on it. His daughter, Zoe Monroe, picked the number. 'I know that 13 is unlucky but I asked her to pick it and she picked No. 13 because she is a Taylor Swift fan and she said Taylor Swift's favorite number is 13. So, I'm going with it,' Norbut said. The old car is not gone, It is staying in the family. Norbut's brother, Chicago Ridge officer Hank Dropkowski, will take that car and race at the track in Morris so it's possible the two brothers could be trading some paint. In 2023, Norbut finished 14th out of 18 competitors and was knocked out of the race after 22 laps with engine woes. In 2024 he was able to complete the race, finishing in 8th place. Norbut said it didn't take much convincing to allow his new bosses in Homewood to let him represent the force in his third race at Grundy. So the 2010 No. 13 car will be making its racing debut. 'Crown Vic racing is huge around the country because it's supposed to be this affordable car,' he said. 'But it's still expensive. But it's still good as opposed to other expensive cars out there.' He said he doesn't mind the expense of maintaining a car that he competes with just once a year. Norbut is a proponent of Special Olympics Illinois, which offers competition in a plethora of sports for athletes of various abilities. 'I was involved with Special Olympics for the Cop on Top, the Torch Run and Polar Plunge,' Norbut said of three of the biggest fundraisers police are involved in for Special Olympics. 'This race is something else to be a part of in giving back to the community. 'With the Special Olympics athletes, I wanted to do something more. You know what? Let's go out and do it. It looked fun.' As it turned out, it was fun indeed. 'It's good camaraderie,' Norbut said. 'The other police come out. The athletes come on the track with us and we get to meet them. It's a great day. 'It was like a no-brainer for me. Get in a car and raise some money.'
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jonas Brothers Reveal How Upcoming Tour Is 'a Lot Different' Than Anything They've Done (Exclusive)
Jonas Brothers Reveal How Upcoming Tour Is 'a Lot Different' Than Anything They've Done (Exclusive) originally appeared on Parade. The Jonas Brothers are gearing up for the release of their Greetings From Your Hometown album and accompanying tour. Kevin, 37, Joe, 35, and Nick, 32, opened up about what fans can expect from this era of their careers while chatting exclusively with Parade amid their partnership with Mastercard in support of Stand Up To Cancer. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 'The album itself is a return to our roots,' Kevin begins, citing some of the 'inspirations' the brothers had growing up, including the Bee Gees. 'Being able to include those kinds of themes and inspirations in this music — you're definitely going to feel it and hear it. We even went back to our hometown and shot the album covers and walked through those streets.' Nick goes on to tell Parade that their forthcoming 20th anniversary tour is 'a lot different' than any show they've put on before. 'We're trying to tell a 20-year story in whatever it's going to end up being, 90 minutes or two hours. And that story is very personal to us and touches on a lot of different chapters in our journey,' the Jumanji actor says. 'So I think the focus for us is really on building something out that gives the audience a look into where we were at those different points in our life and where we were creatively and then where we are today. We really can't wait to get started.' As for why it was important for the two-time Grammy nominees to partner with Mastercard in support of Stand Up 2 Cancer, the siblings say that working with them was an absolute 'no-brainer,' as they've seen firsthand the toll that cancer takes on a family. 'We stand up for our father. He had colon cancer,' Kevin explains. 'Luckily he's in remission now. Anytime we can bring more awareness and show support for everyone that's been affected by cancer is something that we can absolutely not say no to. And for us to work with the team at Mastercard and especially Stand Up 2 Cancer is just incredible.' Joe adds: 'The core of this campaign is the people that are affected.' Through Aug. 22, Mastercard will donate one cent — up to $5 million — to Stand Up 2 Cancer when cardholders tap or order online with their Mastercard at qualifying restaurants and grocery stores. To kick off the collaboration, Mastercard gave Jonas Brothers superfans and their loved ones impacted by cancer the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being featured in the band's music video 'I Can't Lose,' which is also featured on their forthcoming Greetings From Your Hometown album. The song and accompanying music video officially drops Tuesday, July 15, and a special airing of the video will debut during tonight's 2025 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard on FOX following SU2C's Placard Moment. It will also be available on Mastercard's YouTube and Instagram channels. 'It's a big power ballad [and] power anthem to our fans, and I think will be an incredible thing to play live on this next tour,' Kevin says of 'I Can't Lose,' adding: 'I can't wait for people to hear it.' Fans and supporters can share how they stand up to cancer on their socials with the hashtag #StandUpWithMastercard. The Jonas Brothers' new album, Greetings From Your Hometown, is out Aug. 8. Related: The Jonas Brothers' Kids: Get to Know Nick, Joe and Kevin's Children Jonas Brothers Reveal How Upcoming Tour Is 'a Lot Different' Than Anything They've Done (Exclusive) first appeared on Parade on Jul 15, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beyoncé heads to Houston: Parking, bag policy, hot weather at RNG Stadium
She's coming home! Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is headed to her hometown of Houston to kick off her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour at NRG Stadium on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29. The H-Town stop comes after Beyoncé wrapped the international leg of her tour – first with a six-night stint in London, followed by three dazzling nights in Paris. Of course, Beyoncé first debuted her "Cowboy Carter" tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28 with a 39-song set list. Her shows have been filled with family, fashion, different music genres, and most notably country music and cultural commentary. Houston is Beyoncé's first Southern stop on her tour. Here's what to know as fans head to NRG Stadium for the sold-out shows. Just minutes from downtown, NRG Stadium is located at1 NRG Parkway, Houston, TX 77054. It is easily accessible by car or public transportation. The Houston Metro and its METRO Rail operate various routes near and around NRG Park. NRG Stadium events utilize Gate 9 on the corner of Kirby and Westridge. Doors of the stadium open at 5 p.m local time. Meanwhile, the show is set to kick off at 7 p.m., though Beyoncé's actual start-time has varied between the 7 p.m. and 8 ticket box office will open at 10 a.m. local time until Beyoncé takes the stage on June 28. On June 29, the office will be open starting at 12 p.m. local time until she hits the stage again. From the United States to Europe, Beyoncé and her fans have braved severe weather conditions, an evacuation, cold temperatures and rainy weather for her concerts. Fans should take note of the weather in their respective cities before putting on their chic cowboy-core attire. In Houston, fans can expect some rain and hot temperatures. It's important to stay hydrated before and during the nearly three-hour show. Forecasts predict high temperatures with a scorching 91 degrees Fahrenheit expected for the June 28 concert. There's a chance of scattered thunderstorms with temperatures expected to be in the high 80s for the June 29 show. The parking rate is $50 plus tax for each space at the gate. However, rates are subject to change without notice. According to the site, there is no in-and-out access and fans are required to pay electronically or with a card at the gates. Fans may also purchase parking ahead of the show at Fans must follow the NFL clear-bag policy at NRG Stadium. Guests are allowed to bring bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12-by-6-by-12 inches. This includes clear backpacks, clear fanny packs and clear cinch bags. Attendees are also permitted to bring one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, but the logo can only be on one side. Additionally, small, non-clear bags that do not exceed 4.5-by-6.5 inches, with or without a handle or strap, are allowed. Medical bags or kits are acceptable and will be searched at the gate. Small cameras and cell phones are allowed if they are carried in loosely or in an approved clear bag. Non-professional cameras with non-removable lenses are permitted as long as the lens is less than three inches in length. See a full list of prohibited items The nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas on July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Beyonce hits Houston on tour: What to know about NRG Stadium
Eater
24-06-2025
- Business
- Eater
This Handsome, Pro-Level Traeger Grill Is $230 Off
Hear that? It's the sound of sizzling kitchen deals from the early Amazon Prime Day sale section; specifically, the hiss and sputter of a sausage on this classic Traeger pellet grill, which is already 32 percent off in anticipation of the retail behemoth's annual sale. For the uninitiated, Amazon Prime Day proper is July 8–11 this year, and will be overflowing with thousands of deals on everything from vacuums to tech gadgets to cookware and appliances. Amongst the welcome brouhaha of savings, your steadfast Eater commerce writers (hi!) has been sifting out the very best kitchen finds before, during, and after the big shopping bonanza. Given that grilling season is upon us, as evidenced by Henry Cavill's peak himbo-maxxing grill posts on Instagram, it's only fitting to kick off the event with a good 'ol Traeger grill. Traeger's pellet grills are beloved by grill aficionados for their ease of use, nostalgic silhouette, and ability to deliver wood-fired taste. The US company actually pioneered contemporary pellet grilling when it debuted its grills in the 1980s, and held a patent for decades on its signature wood pellet technology, which requires less maintenance than, say, tending the coals of a charcoal grill. Take this electric pellet grill, for example, which has a six-in-one design capable of grilling, smoking, roasting, braising, baking, and barbecuing at a max temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit. It can roast a veritable herd, accommodating up to eight chickens, seven racks of ribs, or a truly whopping 40 burgers. Normally, this workhorse would cost upwards of $730, but Amazon has let $230 fall off the price tag like the meat on the bone of those Korean sticky ribs at Hometown barbecue. So, for the grilling experts and novices alike, I say: Add to cart to make your own BBQ Brawl fantasies come true this summer. Save $230 and check out the Traeger grill sale on Amazon, and stay tuned for more early Amazon Prime Day deals . See More: Add to Cart Buy This Thing Eater at Home Shopping and Pantry Guides
Business Wire
12-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
OHSAA Extends Partnership with Hometown for Digital Ticketing
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Ohio High School Athletic Association and Hometown have announced an extension of their partnership that makes Hometown the official ticketing partner of the OHSAA through 2031. With its headquarters in Columbus, Hometown is an all-in-one digital platform for ticketing, fundraising and event management for over 700 OHSAA member schools. The renewed agreement reflects the success of Hometown's Box Office platform and marks a new chapter of innovation following Hometown's 2024 merger with fee-free fundraising platform Schoolfundr. Under the extended partnership, Hometown will continue to provide OHSAA and its 700+ member schools with a streamlined, full-service digital solution for ticketing and event management that reduces the need for cash handling, enhances transparency through real-time reporting, and simplifies game-day logistics for both school administrators and fans. 'OHSAA member schools deserve an event management and ticketing platform that makes their lives easier and supports their mission,' said Doug Ute, Executive Director of the OHSAA. 'Hometown has consistently delivered on that promise, and we are excited to continue our partnership with a company that not only understands our schools but is also committed to their success.' Hometown has supported millions of fans attending OHSAA postseason events since 2019 and continues to empower schools statewide to manage regular-season games on their own terms. Hometown's Ohio-based support team, robust analytics tools, and secure payments infrastructure have made it the platform of choice across the state. 'This partnership is about more than just tickets,' said Dennis Levene, Hometown Chief Revenue Officer. 'It's about delivering a comprehensive platform that empowers every school and student in Ohio to succeed, on the field and off. From online ticketing and fundraising to event promotion, secure payments and beautifully designed school websites, Hometown gives schools everything they need to elevate the experience for their communities and operate more efficiently from a single, trusted platform.' In late 2024, Hometown Ticketing merged with Schoolfundr, a fee-free, donor-first fundraising platform used by thousands of schools across the country. The combined company, Hometown, provides a unified experience that allows schools to manage ticketed events and fundraising campaigns in one place without added fees or administrative burden. In 2025, Hometown added Hometown Engage athletic websites to their product offering, which will be provided to OHSAA member schools at no-cost as part of the partnership. Together, Hometown and Schoolfundr power events, donations and communications for over 17,000 K-12 programs, colleges and community organizations nationwide. The extended partnership with the OHSAA marks another step in Hometown's commitment to delivering best-in-class tools for Ohio's student-athletes and school leaders.
