The coronavirus hasn’t dulled the Columbus battle rap scene

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Before Lucius Jones stepped in as promoter of the Shotz Fired Battle Rap League in July 2019, the league was a relatively unknown gem in the local hip-hop community, celebrated mostly by those diehard backers who believed strongly in its greater potential.

But since connecting with longtime Shotz Fired owner AR Green, Jones has helped carve out a platform for the city’s top battle rappers, expanding the league locally as the art form has grown in popularity.

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The reopening of Mesker Zoo offers much needed adventure post-quarantine

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As the Mesker Zoo Park & Botanic Garden reopened Monday, Kateryna Krasin said she couldn't wait to take her 10-month old daughter to see their favorite animals on display.

After the zoo closed due to the novel coronavirus, Krasin and other local families were relegated to Google searches and virtual tours online to get their exotic animal fix. But with Mesker staff welcoming back locals for the first time since March, dozens of families joined Krasin as she roamed through the zoo's grounds.

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Angela Davis speaks to overflow crowd at USI's Nelson Mandela dedication

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Maybe one lecture cannot change the world, as renowned social activist Angela Davis noted Wednesday night at the University of Southern Indiana.

But judging by the resounding applause from the packed house at USI's 2020 Nelson Mandela Social Justice Day, the keynote speaker's appearance was a memorable one. 

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Movie Review: 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker'

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Die hard fans of the intergalactic western understood the pressure going into “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” For many, the ninth and final film of the series would dictate the legacy of the beloved space opera. The movie would need to fully encapsulate the avidity and emotion from past films, while standing out on its own. And with director J.J. Abrams taking the reins again for the franchise-closer, his intentions were to do just that.

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Twice as many Evansville children get Christmas toys from Salvation Army this year

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Carolyne Burton was one of many parents able to provide Christmas for their children with support from The Salvation Army. 

The community-based organization distributed toys to nearly 2,200 children Tuesday and Wednesday as part of the ToyTown Christmas drive, which was a 212 percent increase from last year.

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UE student establishes panel series to push for cultural awareness in Evansville

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Summer El-Khodary, a first generation immigrant student at the University of Evansville, said she's often felt segregated from other students attending the predominantly white institution.

The long-time Tri-State resident, El-Khodary said she has witnessed other minorities have similar experiences.

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Holiday Shop gives EVSC students chance to shop for family, friends

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Fifth-grader Lauren Brece and her friends did their best to curb their excitement as they sat outside Stringtown Elementary's Holiday Shop's doors.

But as they passed through the entrance, glancing around the room's extensive gift display, they couldn't help but convey their feelings of anticipation during the school's weeklong annual program. The event, put on by Parent-Teacher Association members, allows the kids to pick out gifts to give family and friends.

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