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Florida A&M University's homecoming fashion show took place with a Wizard of Oz theme, spotlighting Black student creativity and style. Teen Vogue covered the event, framing it as a celebration of Black excellence on campus. The show highlighted the university's long-standing homecoming traditions and the role of HBCU culture in fashion and student life.

Emporia State University's theatre department staged a recent production of the musical Frozen that sold out all performances. Local coverage describes the run as reinforcing what it calls a 'high level of theatrical excellence' within the department. The sold-out audiences are being taken as a sign of the programme's growing reputation and the strength of its student performers and productions.

Celebrity chef Robert Irvine is drawing attention for what local outlet Erie News Now calls an excellent idea. Details of the proposal were not provided beyond the headline, but Irvine, known for his restaurant rescue shows and charity work, continues to be a popular figure in food media. Commenters appear receptive to whatever he has suggested.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have announced the 2026 winners of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, distributing $640,000 in prize money. The awards recognize scientists, journalists, and communicators for outstanding work making science accessible to the public, and are among the most prominent honors in the science communication field.

Harry Kane has won the men's Ballon d'Or, capping an outstanding season with Bayern Munich and the England national team. The England captain beat out football's biggest names for the sport's most prestigious individual award, a landmark achievement for the striker following his goalscoring form in the Bundesliga and his continued central role for England.

Ellen Sedlock of Pritchard's Lake Chevrolet has been named a rising star in the automotive retail industry. The recognition highlights her standing among a new generation of dealership professionals, and the story was carried by regional news outlet KIMT. Details about the awarding body and criteria were not provided.

The US Army Materiel Command has recognized 10 civilian and military personnel for driving workplace excellence. The honors highlight individuals credited with improving performance and operations across the command. The awards underline the Army's effort to reward both civilian employees and service members whose work strengthens readiness and organizational culture.