Together with residents and partners, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) aims to help forge resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America—great places to live, work, visit, do business, and raise families. 

LISC invites applications for the NFL Foundation’s Grassroots Program, which provides nonprofit, neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance with the goal of improving the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields. Nationwide, the program has committed more than $63 million to support 437 fields in over 100 cities—all areas where NFL teams have a home base. Fields are newly built or significantly renovated, with improvements that include irrigation systems, lights, bleachers, scoreboards, goal posts, and turf.

The program provides grants of up to $250,000 for capital improvement projects to community-based organizations, middle schools, or high schools serving a neighborhood consisting of low- and moderate-income families and individuals. Applicants must have been in existence for at least three years, have at least one-full time staff member who will manage and oversee the project, and have a proven history in real estate development and recreation programming.

Strong preference will be given to those proposals that (1) seek to upgrade existing facilities that are in poor condition or otherwise underutilized; (2) demonstrate active use of the fields; (3) attract matching funding that exceeds the minimum required match of 1:1; (4) involve local partnerships with nonprofit community partners (e.g., USA Football, Parks and Recreation Departments, YMCA branches, etc.) to promote youth sports safety and community programming on the fields; (5) provide for continuing maintenance and field safety; and (6) involve youth football programs that are currently registered and compliant with USA Football’s Football Development Model education program.

To be eligible, projects must be sponsored by nonprofit community-based organizations registered as exempt from Federal Income Tax under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 501(c)(3) or middle or high schools. In addition, all organizations applying for funds must be located specifically and exclusively within NFL target markets and serve low- to moderate-income areas within those markets.

For complete program guidelines and application instructions, see the Local Initiatives Support Corporation website.

A team of 14 American youth runners heads to Italy this summer for the ninth World Youth Skyrunning Championships, led by coaches with deep Vermont roots.

The team’s Head Coach is Ryan Kerrigan, a former Green Mountain Valley School and University of Vermont Nordic skier who now calls Maiella, Italy, home. He’s also on the executive council of the International Skyrunning Federation.

Joining him is his father and Assistant Coach John Kerrigan, who resides in South Duxbury, a short distance from Harwood Union High School, where he taught and coached running, track and field and Nordic skiing for decades before retiring in 2024. 

The Kerrigans launched the U.S. Youth Skyrunning team in 2017, introducing runners from Vermont and around the country to the competition that takes place on mountainous courses in Europe. 

This year’s events take place Aug. 1-3, in Fonte Cerreto, Italy. 

The 14-member U.S. roster includes one Vermont runner and several with Vermont ties: Ezra Merill-Triplett of Montpelier; Brooke Greenberg, who moved to Utah in 2024 after running with the Harwood Middle School Cross Country team; and Lincoln Gage of Idaho, a former Harwood Cross Country team member, 2020-22, according to John Kerrigan. 

The youth skyrunning athletes range in age from 15 to 23 and they compete across four age groups. Five team members hail from Colorado. Other states represented include California, Idaho, Maine, and Wyoming, Kerrigan said.  

The athletes compete in two events: the short, steep Vertical Kilometer and the Skyrace, which includes the vertical 1,000 meters plus another 10–20 km along high alpine ridges. 

The youth world championships involve races over 2,000 meters above sea level and are usually on courses well above treeline, Kerrigan explained. 

“It literally looks like the runners have dropped from the sky. Hence the 

name ‘Skyrunning,’” he said. “In many places in the U.S., one can see mountains. In certain areas of the country, we are lucky enough to live in them. Youth runners who have mountains right out their back door have been most successful [at skyurunning].”

He said he hopes the sport will gain in popularity as it becomes better known, particularly among youth runners growing up in regions mountainous regions across the country from Alaska to New England. 

“We know there are youth runners living in the Sierras, Wasatch, Rockies, Chugiak, Black Hills, the Green and the White Mountains who know nothing of Skyrunning,” he said. “With a greater presence of a variety of youth mountain runners from the U.S. we will continue to grow our youth program.”

The Kerrigans shared remarks from race organiser Cristiano Carpente, who commented that hosting the World Skyrunning Championship races is a “great pleasure and real source of pride.”

The events take place in the Gran Sasso region of the Apennine mountains of central Italy. “As inhabitants and lovers of the Gran Sasso, ‘our’ mountain, and not only, as the most iconic of the Apennine chain, we are privileged to host young skyrunners from across the world,” Carpente said. “Our city, L’Aquila, has the pleasure to offer the best of our attractions: nature, history, culture and, last but not least, obviously our cuisine.”

The Kerrigans began the U.S. Youth Skyrunning program and entered a team of eight athletes for what was the second world championship competition held in Andorra in 2017. “The small group of Vermonters finished fourth as a team, with two of the Vermonters obtaining podium finishes,” John Kerrigan recalled. 

In 2018, a 12-member team with athletes from multiple states including Vermont, Colorado and Alaska, traveled to Italy for the world championships where they again finished in fourth place. California runner Sophia Sanchez captured a gold medal for her finishes in both events, and Alaska runner Mikey Connolly won a bronze in the Vertical Kilometer. 

This year’s roster has 14 runners. “The crew that we have selected for the 2025 team is the most experienced and talented ever,” Head Coach Ryan Kerrigan said. 

The runners and their categories are: 

• Youth A Girls: Josephine Smeets, Arizona; Elliott Gielty, Armed Forces/Portugal; Brooke Greenberg, Utah. 

• Youth A Boys: Eston Sutherland- Colorado & Spain.

• Youth B Girls: Ia Reistad, Colorado, and Sidney McIntosh, California. 

• Youth B Boys: Breckett Cote, Maine; Magnus McKisic, Colorado; Lincoln Gage, Idaho; and Bommer Weisman, Wyoming. 

• Youth C Girls: Rio Townsend, Colorado.

• Youth C Boys: Ezra Merrill Triplett, Vermont; Tupelo Bordeau-Missouri/Italy 

• U-23 Boys: Benjamin Townsend, Colorado.

John Kerrigan shared comments from 16-year-old team member Magnus McKisic from Colorado Springs: 

“When I first started running, I thought I was looking for something. But once I began running in the mountains, I realized I wasn’t really looking for anything. I just wanted to run without limits. No distractions, just nature, movement, air, and elevation. It’s about being part of the terrain, part of the climb, up there surrounded by peaks. Skyrunning takes that feeling even further. I challenge myself on the mountains, constantly adapting. Every ascent, every ridgeline, every technical descent is a chance to test myself against the terrain and see what I’ve got. And now, I get to take that to the next level in Italy. I’m so excited to represent Team USA at the 2025 Youth Skyrunning World Championships!” 

So far the U.S. team is operating with the support of fundraising and family contributions. “Unlike the fully funded European athletes, the individuals representing the USA have to rely on financial help from family and community members,” John Kerrigan said. 

The team has a GoFundMe online fundraising site to and is grateful for support from individuals in the communities sending runners to Italy this summer, he added. 

Learn more about Skyrunning online at the International Skyrunning Federation website and more about the 2025 Youth World Championships here including links to their social media accounts.

On May 28, 2025, Mayor Eddie Melton proudly announced the recipients of the 2025 Love Your Block mini-grant program. This program is designed to support local grassroots organizations dedicated to transforming Gary’s neighborhoods through creative, resident-led projects. The City of Gary received over 60 applications and selected 21 winning proposals that embody the spirit of community pride, beautification, and civic collaboration.

Starting in June 2025, approximately $100,000 in mini-grants will be awarded to support these 21 neighborhood projects, with $80,000 contributed by the City of Gary, and $20,000 provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

“These projects show what’s possible when neighborhoods lead—and the city listens,” stated Mayor Melton, “I’m proud to support these visionary residents who are revitalizing and beautifying Gary, one block at a time.”

The Love Your Block program, powered by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins, brings city leaders and residents together to build stronger neighborhoods, one block at a time. Love Your Block grants fund resident-led revitalization efforts across the country, turning vacant lots into vibrant gardens, repairing public spaces, and clearing debris to create cleaner, safer communities. A 2021 Urban Institute study found that Love Your Block programs improve social cohesion, civic participation, and trust in local government.

In Gary, the winning projects reflect alignment with city priorities including public safety, youth engagement, and sustainable neighborhood beautification. From Glen Park to Black Oak and Midtown, these grantees are reshaping the landscape and the spirit of the city.

Selected Projects Include:

• Dump Away and Have a Great Day Dumpster Program (Midtown): Hosting community dumpster events to reduce blight and promote responsible waste disposal.
• Operation R.E.C.O.N. (Midtown): Clearing overgrowth and engaging youth in environmental care and skill-building.
• Pyramid Drive Beautification Project (Midtown): Murals on a privacy wall that honor 40 years of community excellence.
• Mystical Farm Agri-hood Elevation Project (Midtown): Transforming a community garden into a full “agri-hood” with sustainable amenities.
• Glen Park Changers – 3724 Broadway (Glen Park): Creating a public plaza with astroturf, stage, and bold neighborhood signage.
• Midtown Changers – 17th & Washington (Midtown): Developing a welcoming gateway with flower beds, a stage, and community sign.
• RPG Basketball Court Revitalization (Midtown): Renovating a neighborhood court with fresh blacktop and new equipment.
• RPG Park Expansion Project (Midtown): Youth-led construction and repair of local recreational space.
• Phoenix Project #2 (Glen Park): Building the first community park for children and families in the area.
• Greater Gary Gateway (Midtown): Public art honoring Gary icons with murals and carved benches along Broadway.
• The Butterfly Block (Black Oak): Converting vacant lots into healing spaces with literacy stations, tire art, and outdoor stages.
• GPTC Public Art and Placemaking (Midtown & Glen Park): Colorful murals at transit stops that inspire civic pride.
• Van Buren Connection Community Garden (Glen Park): A 2,000 square foot garden project bringing neighbors together to grow food and unity.
• C3 Commons + Green Space (Midtown): A community sanctuary with art, native gardens, and gathering zones.
• Promise of Tomorrow Sunflower Field (Midtown): Transforming vacant lots into sunflower fields promoting hope and regeneration.
• Neighborhood Revive Drive (Black Oak): Beautifying parks and teaching children sustainable gardening.
• Polished in the Park (Glen Park): Summer-long park cleanups, mural painting, and community festivals.
• Midtowners United (Midtown): Multi-site beautification with planters, safety signage, and lighting.
• Bright Future Urban Agriculture Project (Glen Park): Creating gardens and a chicken coop for healthy food access.
• Bright Future Basketball Court (Midtown): Renovating a court into a vibrant hub for play and connection.
• Junedale Little League Field Revitalization (Glen Park): Restoring a historic ballfield into a dynamic youth sports center.

“I have had the privilege of working closely with these incredible grassroots leaders during the Love Your Block process,” stated Kianna Grant, Director of Constituent Services. “They bring a depth of vision and understanding to each of their neighborhood projects. We’re honored to support their work and see how it transforms our city.”

Residents are encouraged to volunteer to support one of these projects by visiting the City of Gary’s volunteer hub at: https://lakeshorepublicmedia.galaxydigital.com/agency/detail/?agency_id=170332

For more information on the Love Your Block initiative, visit gary.gov/loveyourblock or email [email protected].  

CHARLESTOWN, NH— Roger Chester Dearborn, 85, passed away on May 27, 2025, one day shy of his 86th birthday. Born May 28, 1939 to Antoinette (Lizotte) and Roland Dearborn, he was a lifelong Claremont and Charlestown, NH, resident who spent his final years under excellent care from the staff at Sullivan County Nursing Home in Unity, NH.

Roger graduated from Stevens High School in Claremont in 1957, after which he was employed at several of the area’s major manufacturers for approximately 30 years before transitioning to the service and retail industries. He married Linda (Kenyon) on July 21, 1973, in Claremont, NH, where they resided until moving to Charlestown to enjoy retirement.

Roger particularly enjoyed outdoor activities and sports, and was an avid supporter of community organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Youth Sports that his children and grandchildren participated in. He would often volunteer to help in activities such as park clean-ups and fundraisers to support those groups. He was also a huge fan of New England sports teams, especially the New England Patriots, and never missed a game during the Patriots’ Super Bowl runs.

He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Joyce; and sons Brian and James. Surviving members of his family include his loving wife of 51-plus years, Linda; sons Jason and Jeffrey; and grandchildren Dana, Dillon, and Kiera.

A gravesite service will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery in Claremont on June 5 at 1 PM.

Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743. To view an online memorial or send a private message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.

CLOVIS, Calif. (AP) — California’s high school track-and-field state championships kicked off Friday in the sweltering heat to a relatively quiet atmosphere despite controversy leading up to the meet over the participation of a transgender athlete.

The meet is the testing ground for a new participation and medaling policy for competitions that include transgender athletes.

The California Interscholastic Federation let an additional student compete and potentially offer an extra medal in three events in which a trans athlete is competing. The athlete, high school junior AB Hernandez, is the second seed in the triple jump and is also participating in the long jump and high jump.

A small protest of fewer than 10 people, including parents, gathered outside the stadium to oppose Hernandez’s participation. Some of them wore “Save Girls’ Sports” T-shirts.

It was quiet inside the stadium before the long jump and high jump events began. But once Hernandez started her events, a couple isolated protests occurred. At one point, as she was attempting a high jump, someone in the stands yelled an insult. An aircraft circled above the stadium for more than an hour during the events, carrying a banner that read, “No Boys in Girls’ Sports!”

It may be the first effort by a high school sports governing body to expand participation when trans athletes are participating, and it reflects efforts to find a middle ground in the debate over trans girls’ participation in youth sports.

“The CIF values all of our student-athletes and we will continue to uphold our mission of providing students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete while complying with California law,” the group said in a statement after announcing its rule change.

State law allows trans students to compete on sex-segregated sports teams consistent with their gender identity.

President Donald Trump threatened this week to pull federal funding from California unless it bars trans female athletes from competing on girls teams. The U.S. Department of Justice also said it would investigate the state federation and the district that includes Hernandez’s high school to determine whether they violated federal sex discrimination law by allowing trans girls to compete in girls sports.

What the new participation and medaling policy will look like

The meet, which is taking place at a high school near Fresno, opened the girls triple jump, long jump and high jump to one additional athlete each who would have qualified had Hernandez not participated. Hernandez led in the long jump in the preliminaries Friday with a mark close to 20 feet (6 meters) to advance to the final Saturday. She also advanced in the high jump, clearing 5 feet, 5 inches (1.7 meters) with ease. She is scheduled to compete in the triple jump Friday night, where she’s expected to perform well.

Under the pilot policy, if a transgender athlete medals, their ranking would not displace a “biological female” student from medaling, the federation said.

The federation said the rule would open the field to more “biological female” athletes. One expert said the change may itself be discriminatory because it creates an extra spot for “biological female” athletes but not for other trans athletes.

The federation did not specify how they define “biological female” or how they would verify whether a competitor meets that definition.

Medical experts say gender is a spectrum, not a binary structure consisting of only males and females.

The two-day meet is expected to draw attention from a coalition of protesting parents and students. Critics have objected Hernandez’s participation and heckled her in qualifying events earlier this month. Leaders from the conservative California Family Council joined Republican state lawmakers Thursday for a press conference blasting the policy change and saying Hernandez shouldn’t be allowed to compete.

“If they have to create special exceptions and backdoor rule changes to placate frustrated athletes, that’s not equality, that’s a confession,” Sophia Lorey, the council’s outreach director, said in a statement. “Girls’ sports should be for girls, full stop.”

CIF Executive Director Ron Nocetti urged participants and bystanders to behave respectfully toward all student-athletes in a message shared in the championship program.

Nationwide debate over trans athletes’ participation

A recent AP-NORC poll found that about 7 in 10 U.S. adults think transgender female athletes should not be allowed to participate in girls and women’s sports at the high school, college or professional level. That view was shared by about 9 in 10 Republicans and roughly half of Democrats.

Hernandez told the publication Capital & Main earlier this month that she couldn’t worry about critics.

“I’m still a child, you’re an adult, and for you to act like a child shows how you are as a person,” she said.

She noted that she has lost some of her events, saying that disproved arguments that she can’t be beat.

Hernandez has a personal best of over 41 feet (12.5 meters) in the triple jump. That is more than 3 feet (1 meter) short of a national record set in 2019. She’s the fifth seed in the long jump but ranked much lower in the high jump.

California’s state championship stands out from that of other states because of the number of competitors athletes are up against to qualify.

More than 57,000 high schoolers participated in outdoor track and field in California during the 2023-2024 school year, according to a survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations. California had the second-largest number of high school outdoor track-and-field athletes, only behind Texas.

Of the 12 high school athletes who have set national records in the girls triple jump between 1984 and 2019, eight have been from California, according to the national sports governing body.

Olympians Marion Jones and Tara Davis-Woodhall previously set state championship records in the long jump in 1993 and 2017, respectively, both surpassing 22 feet (6.7 meters).

Davis Whitfield, the national federation’s chief operating officer, called a state championship “the pinnacle” for high school student-athletes.

“It’s certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience in some cases to participate in a state championship event,” he said.

Austin is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Austin on X: @sophieadanna

A local teen is trying to make youth sports more affordable for families.

Whether it’s a touchdown or the game-winning goal, 17-year-old Caroline Mohamadi believes sports should be available to all.

That’s why she started an organization called Play it FWD.

“Basically anything an athlete could need, we say, ‘Come bring it and we’ll distribute it,’” Mohamadi said.

The Sidwell Friends School junior hosts donation drives for gently used sporting goods and donates the equipment to organizations that give them to kids who can’t afford them.

“The equipment’s really expensive,” Mohamadi said.  “Being able to, you know, pay for training is really expensive. And I wanted to help with at least one of those things.”

Play it FWD started out small — as a school club. Now, Mohamadi works with about six other schools in the DMV and across the country, recruiting more students to collect donations.

So far, she’s collected 900 pieces of equipment valued at about $30,000.

Much of that equipment ends up at Leveling the Playing Field in Silver Spring.

“Our motto is getting kids off the sideline and giving them opportunities they might not have had,” Leveling the Playing Field Greater Washington Program Director Phillip Williams said.

Mohamadi interned there.

“When people do these collection drives or equipment drives and things like that, we appreciate it because it actually helps serve all these students in all these areas and all these participants of sports that we’re actually looking for,” Williams said.

Mohamadi is an athlete, herself. She has played field hockey since the fifth grade and says the skills she’s gotten on and off the field changed her life.

“I think that’s the biggest thing — is the way that a sport has helped shape my identity,” Mohamadi said. “I can now spread, you know, that feeling for people that may not have had access to do that before.”

Mohamadi will be very busy when school lets out. She hopes to plan two more drives this summer.