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Indianapolis Star
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Son's legacy to continue with Butler professor's special needs sports camps
The annual football clinic at Butler University for participants with special needs was different this year for Anne Wilson. It was the first time since the Butler chemistry professor founded the program in 2013 that her son, Miles Cruz, wasn't there. Cruz, who used a wheelchair, was nonverbal and lived with cerebral palsy, died on Feb. 25 from complications from the flu and pneumonia. He was 23. Wilson didn't know what emotions were going to hit when she attended the clinic in April. 'In many ways it's bittersweet,' said Wilson. She knew it was going to be hard, but she also saw it as a way to honor Cruz, his legacy and the family's legacy, too. At the clinic, Butler Coach Joe Cheshire brought the participants and families together on the field to start the day. He introduced Wilson and spoke kindly of Cruz. He presented her with a jersey with Cruz's name that was signed by the football team. And he dedicated this year's clinic to playing for Cruz. It may have been subtle to others, but Cruz's smile was big to those who knew him. It would break out when he saw Hinkle Fieldhouse because he loved going to basketball games. And he would laugh his 'heh-heh-heh' chuckle when he would play pranks on his younger brother, Malcolm. 'He's a goofball,' said Wilson when describing him in 2024. He's 'nonverbal but expressive,' she said. When Malcolm, an upcoming senior at North Central High School, was 4, Wilson took him to the Little Dribblers basketball camp at Butler. While Malcolm ran speedily around, another mom spoke with Wilson, asking if she had other children. Wilson said she and her husband, Wil Cruz, also had an older son, but he wasn't in the basketball camps because he had special needs and used a wheelchair. She mused that it would be great if instead of 100 kids like in this camp, they could have 25 kids with varying levels of special needs gather for an all-abilities clinic. Wilson didn't know she was speaking with Tracy Stevens, wife of then Butler basketball coach, Brad Stevens. He now is the general manager of the Boston Celtics. Brad Stevens 'was like, 'Oh, yeah, we can do that,' ' says Wilson. 'So that's how it got started.' He offered to run the clinic if Wilson would get the participants. They were off. In 2013, the special needs basketball camp began. Men's basketball players volunteered their time alongside Stevens and the special athletes. A call to the Indiana University physical therapy department brought more volunteers. Since that first basketball clinic, Wilson and various Butler sports staff have created football, dance and cheer, baseball and Wiffle ball clinics for special needs athletes. The participants get to have fun and compete; the Butler athletes fulfil their NCAA service requirements. Physical therapy students get hands-on experience. Everyone learns about people with differing abilities. And Cruz, who was social and joyful, got to play sports like his athletic younger brother. 'I have all these parents who now think I'm some sort of superhero status, and that's not it at all,' says Wilson. 'I just asked people, and they said yes. And I'm going to keep asking people to do things until somebody tells me no!' she adds. Wilson and her family will carry on with Miles no longer at their side, but always in their heart. The legacy of bringing sporting opportunities to those with challenges is now the family legacy. Wilson says that working for inclusion is more important now than ever.
The Irish Sun
04-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Inside the beautiful Art Deco hotel with New York-style rooms following £16million makeover
THE Queens Hotel Leeds is a newly renovated independent hotel in the very heart of Leeds. One of the centrepieces of the city, with its nouveau Advertisement 6 This hotel boasts a glamorous art deco-style interior Credit: Queens Hotel, Leeds 6 The Queens Hotel has a sleek and trendy bar Credit: Queens Hotel, Leeds Here's everything you need to know about the hotel, from how much rooms cost to what to eat at the restaurant. Where is the Queens Hotel? Found in the landmark location of Located inside Leeds station, it doesn't get more convenient. What is the hotel like? This 232-room Grade II listed hotel is built into the train station, making it the ideal crash pad for a brief city break. Advertisement Read more on hotel reviews Having just undergone a cool £16million refurbishment, the building has returned to its original Art Deco glory. What are the rooms like at the Queens Hotel? The stylish rooms have a If you're out exploring all day, pick the affordable cosy double room, which is snug but functional. Rooms range from the standard cosy double room, all the way to the Advertisement Most read in News Travel There's something for everyone, with an equal amount of comfort provided for each guest. Double rooms start from £125 per night, including breakfast. Inside Fraser Suites Edinburgh 6 Spacious rooms, large beds and crisp white linen Credit: Queens Hotel, Leeds What is there to eat and drink there? The hotel's Grand Pacific restaurant serves Asian-inspired cuisine such as lamb massaman Advertisement Wash it down with a cocktail from the bar- including the Singapore sling and the Toki high ball, made with Japanese whisky, maraschino cherry liqueur, peach and soda. Breakfast is a buffer option, serving a full English, croissants, juices and the most delicious triple chocolate muffin I've tasted. There's specials too, at an extra cost, including eggs Benedict, smoked salmon on sourdough and 6 The breakfast pancakes are a great way to start the day Credit: Queens Hotel, Leeds Advertisement What else is there to do at the hotel? You're super close to some of Leeds top restaurants, including Pizza Pilgrims and Indian eateries Tharavadu and the delightful Mowgli Street Food. Plus, the city's famous nightlife is on your doorstep as well as excellent shopping in Queens Arcade and Victoria quarter. Is the Queens Hotel family friendly? Yes, The Queens provides the perfect mixture of grown-up relaxation and kid-friendly fun. Children under 16 stay for free when sharing a room with a parent or guardian. Advertisement The central location of the hotel allows easy access to child-friendly attractions including The National Science Museum, the Royal Armouries and Tropical World. Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, the hotel offers a range of facilities for guests, and encourages you to get in contact to inquire for more detail. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. 6 The hotel is a great stop for families, with zoos and museums nearby Credit: Queens Hotel, Leeds Advertisement 6 The queens hotel stands proud in the heart of Leeds Credit: Queens Hotel, Leeds
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
ITV branded 'out of order' by 'disappointed' Capital's Summertime Ball viewers
Capital's Summertime Ball returned to ITV once again with Mariah Carey, Benson Boone and Will Smith all part of the star-studded line-up but ITV viewers were left unimpressed Capital's Summertime Ball 2025 viewers were left impressed with ITV's coverage of the concert. The annual gig returned to Wembley Stadium earlier this month and was broadcast to the nation on Sunday (June 22) afternoon. Mariah Carey, Will Smith, Jade, Benson Boone and Jessie J were just a few names on the star-studded line-up alongside the likes of JLS, McFly, Busted and UK's Eurovision entry Remember Monday. However, viewers watching at home were left fuming at the "missing" acts from the 90-minute long highlights show. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: "Why didn't they show Busted vs McFly but they showed Jessie J and Mariah Carey? Piss poor #CapitalSTB." Another added: "What's the point in summertime ball being on tv when they've missed off half the acts? McFly, Busted, Lola Young, Zara Larson, James Hype, Remember Monday all missing #summertimenall #CapitalSTB." A third person said: #CapitalSTB #itv1 why you not showing #Mcfly very disappointing they should of been shown its out of order." A fourth social media user said: "#capitalsummertimeball i was waiting to watch Mcfly on # itv but there not showing them why im annoyed with that." ITV has been showing highlights from the concert at Wembley Stadium each summer for the last few years. It usually comes a week or so after the event itself takes place. The programme was hosted once again by Capital Breakfast hosts Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby who spoke to some of the performers before they took to the stage to perform to the crowd. Speaking about his move from Radio 1 to Capital last year, Jordan said: ""Oh, honestly, they have been the best people to work for. "It was definitely the right decision. It's been just over 12 months and it has been the best year of my life. ""It's been so good, we've interviewed absolute megastars. "And what's lovely now is friends and family and people that have come over to Capital have said, 'Oh, you really suit the station. It's like you've been there for years.' "And that is the biggest compliment."
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Some Williamson County residents concerned about incoming luxury outlet mall
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Plans for a 325,000 square foot luxury outlet mall at the intersection of Interstate 65 and Interstate 840 were announced in January. However, some residents, like Jason Cordova, said the plan shows how 'seemingly, the town is tone-deaf to the rural nature' of the area. PREVIOUS: 'It's a great opportunity': Luxury outlet mall could help fund Thompson's Station's first police department 'Find a grocery store,' Cordova said. 'Find something that the community can all benefit from.' The mall, called Nashville Premium Outlets, would include 75 retailers, restaurants and a hotel. Thompson's Station mayor Brian Stover previously told News 2 the mall would provide an opportunity to raise enough sales tax revenue to fund the town's first-ever police department. However, Cordova said the development is like 'trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.' '[What makes] this so maddening for we the people here in Thompson's Station is that the planning seems to talk about building new things…without putting the roads in first,' Cordova said. Williamson County native Jane Sadler took her concerns about the proposed mall to the Williamson County Commission this week. 'The day I heard the announcement, I cried,' Sadler told commissioners Monday. In an interview with News 2, Sadler also said she worries about the potential for an uptick in crime. Earlier this month, a fight led to a 'rushed mass exodus' at Opry Mills Mall. Separately, on Feb. 4, a robbery at The Mall at Green Hills led to a deadly shooting. 'I've lived in this area all my life. I watched Hickory Hollow be the Belle of the ball. It was a great mall. Everybody loved to go to it, and I've watched what it became,' Sadler said. 'And that's sad. I don't want that for my home.' News 2 reached out to Stover about residents' concerns. In an email to News 2, he said no development plans have been made yet. Stover said the mall's developer, Simon, is aware of the significant infrastructure upgrades needed. He added the town will make sure safety and security concerns are fully addressed. If the plan moves forward, construction for the mall could begin as early as 2026. ORIGINAL STORY: Luxury outlet mall coming to Williamson County Stover's full statement to News 2 can be read below: 'Simon is still in the due diligence phase for this project, and no development plans have been submitted to the Town of Thompson's Station. Town Staff has had high-level and preliminary meetings with Simon to provide firm guidance related to the Town's All Aboard Comprehensive Plans and our Land Development Ordinance, which set the Town's expectations and standards for development. Town Staff also facilitated an initial meeting with TDOT Staff to establish the scope of this project's required Traffic Impact Study. Thompson's Station has spent the past 5 years focused on updating, upgrading, and enhancing our land use, transportation, wastewater, growth, and development standards to ensure that any new development within the Town meets our high standards and reflects the character of this community. This long-term and community-based comprehensive planning process resulted in the All Aboard Plans, which were adopted in 2023. The All Aboard Plans were awarded the Outstanding Plan for a Small Jurisdiction by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association, reflecting the high quality of the plans resulting from the diligent work by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, the Planning Commission, and Town Staff in establishing the Town's comprehensive preservation, growth, and transportation policies. The Town's Major Thoroughfare Plan, which is part of the All Aboard Comprehensive Planning process, sets forth minimum upgrades required for Lewisburg Pike and the I-840 interchange required for this proposed development and any other development in the area. The Land Development Ordinance, which includes our zoning and development standards, was comprehensively updated in 2024 to increase the Town's standards for all new developments. The Town's development standards include some of the highest requirements anywhere in Tennessee. As the project developer, Simon is aware that significant transportation, wastewater, and infrastructure upgrades are required as part of their proposed development. Thompson's Station will hold Simon and any other developer in Town to the highest standards State law allows. Additionally, the Town, the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, and Simon will work closely together to ensure that safety and security concerns are fully addressed. As I noted when this project was first announced, I'm excited about this opportunity for the Town. I look forward to working with the developer to ensure that this project aligns with the character of Thompson's Station and our vision for the future.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
