BRAVE MAG

If you're missing down-to-earth fun that's free and has a small-town feel, then this weekend is for you. Get off the couch and enjoy a variety of events for all ages, from free street fests to interesting talks to Mother's Day-themed shenanigans. This weekend is all about fostering connections and having fun in Lake and Sumter counties.

Kids' night out in Wildwood

If you love a mom with kids at home, treat her to a night out on May 8. Leave the kids with vetted chaperones for a fun-filled evening while you enjoy a well-deserved break. Children can enjoy crafts, games and more. Dinner will be provided from 5 to 9 p.m. at Wildwood Community Center, 6500 Powell Road, Wildwood. Cost: $10 per child (financial assistance available to those who qualify). Ages: 5-12 can attend. Register by calling 352-461-0134.

Free block parties offer all-ages fun

Discover Leesburgbrings the energy to Towne Square in downtown Leesburg with an evening full of live music, food trucks and local artisans and merch vendors from 5:30 to 9 p.m. May 8 at Towne Square, 510 W. Main St. Details: Email specialevents@leesburg.gov or look for updates onFacebook.com

Over in Groveland, theSecond Friday Block Partyis a family-friendly gathering at Lake David Park, 450 S. Lake Ave. This outdoor event also features food trucks, vendors, and entertainment but set against a scenic lakeside backdrop. The block party runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 8. Details: Call 352-429-2141.

Art in the Alley in Mount Dora

If you’re looking for a more tucked-away experience,Art In The Alleyoffers a "stroll and shop" evening in downtown Mount Dora's Royellou Lane, between Third and Fourth avenues. The local favorite for art lovers runs from 6 to 9 p.m. May 8, and features a variety of unique vendors. Details:ci.mount-dora.fl.us.

Local history talk at Trout Lake Nature Center

The Trout Lake Nature Center will host aFriday Night Naturalistprogram from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on May 8, featuring local historianMike Cross. The presentation traces the evolution of Eustis from a 19th-century frontier settlement into a citrus-based economy, with steamboats crossing Lake Eustis serving as vital links for travel and trade.

Cross will also explore the land’s past as part of the Haselton dairy farm prior to the Nature Center’s founding in 1988 and examine how early families shaped the region. He'll also delve into Hicks Ditch and other waterways that supported agriculture while altering the natural landscape. The Nature Center is located at 520 E. County Road 44, Eustis. The class is free, but parking is $5 a vehicle. Details: 352-357-7536.

Party back in time Motown-style

TheMotown Magic Dance Partyis taking over the dance floor atThe Waterfront Inn, 1105 Lake Shore Drive, The Villages. Hosted by a Diana Ross tribute artist, the night features nonstop Motown classics and soul hits from the golden era. The party kicks off at 6 p.m. on May 8. General admission is $30, and tickets must be purchased in advance throughEventbrite.comas none will be sold at the door.

Charity Car Show & Mini Fire Muster

Get ready for a day of community fun and classic machinery at theCharity Car Show & Mini Fire Musteron May 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hosted by theEustis Elks Lodge No. 1578and the Florida Antique Bucket Brigade, the event takes place at 2540 Dora Ave., Tavares. Admission is free for spectators, while participants can enter a vehicle in the car show for a $10 fee. Attendees are also encouraged to bring donations for the Lake County Food Pantry or visit the Big Red Bus, which will be on-site for blood donations.

The event offers a variety of activities for all ages, including a DJ, food for purchase, and People's & Entrants' Choice awards. Families will especially enjoy the dedicated kids' activities area featuring fire apparatus displays where children can touch a truck, crank a siren, ring the bell, and even play with a hose from a 1870 pumper. All proceeds from the event benefit the Children’s Burn Foundation. For more information, you can contact the organizers through theMount Dora Historical Society.

Braver Angels promotes healthy discourse

If you’ve ever felt like your social media feed is just one giant, exhausting shouting match, you aren't alone — but there’s a nonpartisan Clermont group, the local chapter ofBraver Angels, essentially the bridge-builders of the modern era — aiming to hit the "mute" button on the drama and turn up the volume on real conversation.

This Saturday morning, May 9, at the Cagan Crossings Community Library from 10:30 a.m. to noon, the world of "crowdsourced democracy" invites all, with speakers Aminta Quintero-Jackson and Sadie Holzmeyer. They’ll be sharing tools likePol.is, a digital space designed to highlight common ground while making it impossible for trolls to derail the discussion.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone who wants to see more civility in the community, head over to16729 Cagan Oaksfor this free event. If you want to dive deeper or have a few questions before you go, you can reach out to the organizer, Aminta Quintero-Jackson, at JamintaQ@proton.me or to Sadie Holzmeyer at sadie.holzmeyer@digitaldemocracyproject.org.

Moms on Main in Clermont

TheMoms on Maincelebrates our favorite leading ladies in Historic Downtown Clermont.

The event features a variety of local boutiques and shops offering special Mother's Day deals, making it an ideal time to "stroll and shop" while making memories with family.  Takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 9 at The Art Walk on Montrose St. Attendees are encouraged to check in at The Art Walk on Montrose Street (located near Teamont) to kick off their day.

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If you're in the area and up early, head to Clermont’s Waterfront Park for theGirlz on Fire Triathlon & 5Kat7:30 a.m., which could be a high-energy "morning start" for any athletic moms before they head downtown for the big shopping event. Details:clermontdowntown.com

Mother-Daughter Floral Workshop in Tavares

Enjoy the blossoming of precious new memories with the woman who raised you (or is like a mother to you). The Legacy in Tavares is hosting aMother-Daughter Floral Workshopfrom 4 to 7 p.m. on May 9. For $100, you’ll get hands-on as you design and create either one large showstopper or two mini bouquets with expert guidance from Roots & Floral. The evening also includes light refreshments and a professional portrait by Bonnie Whicher Photography to capture the magic. Want to bring the whole crew? You can add another "little bud" for just $10 so they can craft their own mini bouquet, too. Spots are limited at 311 N. Joanna Ave. Details: booking@thelegacytavares.com.

Sunflower Festival at Amber Brooke Farms

TheAmber Brooke Farms Sunflower Festivalis returning to Eustis for two back-to-back weekends of golden fields and farm-fresh excitement. Located at 36111 N. County Road 44A, Eustis, the farm transforms into a floral wonderland from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from May 9 through May 17.

Attendees can navigate a massive sunflower maze, snap the perfect selfie at "berry sweet" photo ops, or cool off with candy and foam cannon shows. Expect live music, free face painting for the kids, and even a farm-animal petting zoo.

When you get hungry, you can indulge in all-you-can-eat sweet corn or head out to the fields to pick your own blueberries and fresh-cut flowers. For those looking for even more adventure, the farm offers add-ons like gemstone mining and a gel blaster range. Since the farm is a cashless facility with specific pet policies, it is a good idea to reach out to the Amber Brooke Farms team at amberbrookefarms.com/eustis with any specific questions.

A look ahead

IceHouse stages comedy with wit and heart

The IceHouse Theatre invites you to a weekend of high-stakes hilarity with "Theatre People, Or the Angel Next Door," running May 15 to June 7. Based on Ferenc Molnar’s classic farce, this witty comedy follows Broadway playwrighting duo Charlotte and Arthur Sanders as they attempt to launch a new play at a scenic Rhode Island mansion.

When their young counterparts' romantic dreams are crushed by a scandalous liaison involving their leading lady, the team must cook up an elaborate, fast-paced ruse to save the production — and their own livelihoods.

This production is brought to life by a crack ensemble led by Virginia Parker, with James Morrison and John Crosby sharing the role of the befuddled Arthur. They are joined by Ryan Smith, Aspen Thompson, Will Booker, and veteran Ava Tunstall. Directed by Darlin Barry (who also handles sound design), the creative team includes scenic designer Buddy Fales, lighting designers Diego Ford and Philip Lupo, and Ava Tunstall on costumes. Catch the fun at 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora; for tickets, call 352-383-4616 or email info@icehousetheatre.com.

Virginia Samuels Cares Day in Leesburg

A local nonprofit raises funds at a fun, free community event for people starting over, and in honor of Stroke and Mental Health Awareness Month. Named aftera local humanitarian,Virginia Samuels Cares Daywill feature vendors, entertainment, giveaways, health screenings and more from 4 to 7 p.m. on May 16 at the Leesburg Resource Center. General admission is free, but you can get info and reserve booths ateventbrite.com.

Foghat and Nazareth rock Mount Dora

The Mount Dora Music Hall hosts a night of 1970s classic rock on May 15. The evening kicks off at 8 p.m., withNazarethset to perform their legendary hits such as "Love Hurts" and "Hair of the Dog." Following them,Foghatwill perform their signature blues-rock anthems, including the crowd-favorite "Slow Ride." The venue is located at 520 N. Baker St., Mount Dora. Details: 352-735-7183 or visitmountdora.gov.

City of Leesburg Memorial Day Program

Promoted as a "solemn and meaningful morning of remembrance" event,Leesburg's Memorial Day Programwill be held at 10 a.m. on May 23 at Veterans Memorial Park. According to the Leesburg Special Events folks, the event will be held "in honor of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation and marks the 250th anniversary of America. "This gathering is a time for reflection, gratitude and unity within our community," the city officials added. The event will feature Tunnels to Towers Ambassador, John Manning, ceremonial tributes and a patriotic musical performance by the King Guys Band. Details: Call 352-365-0053 or emailspecialevents@leesburgflorida.gov

Memorial Vietnam Traveling Wall in Clermont

See a substantial, heart-rending piece of history in a major tribute event viewing theMemorial Traveling Wallheld May 24-26, at the Clermont Highlander Building & Pavilion Complex, 330 Third St., Clermont. Details:southlakechamber-fl.com

'Golf and Remembrance' at Harbor Hills

Harbor Hills Country Club, located at 6538 Harbor Hills Blvd., Lady Lake, hosts itsMemorial Day Tribute & Cookouton May 25. The day begins with an 8 a.m. shotgun golf start, followed by a formal tribute ceremony at 12:15 p.m. and a community cookout at 12:45 p.m.. For event registration, visitharborhills.comor call 352-753-7000.

Solemn services in The Villages

The Veterans Memorial Park of The VillagesOfficial Memorial Day Serviceon May 25 at 10 a.m. Located at 1000 Lake Shore Drive, Lady Lake, the popular community service includes a color guard, wreath-laying and a flag-raising ceremony. Call 352-205-0466 for program details.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial:10 things to do in Lake & Sumter this weekend and a look ahead

Stephen Colbertis revealing he sent a note of congratulations toByron Allenafter CBS announced that"The Late Show"will be replaced bythe producer's show "Comics Unleashed."

In an interviewwith The Hollywood Reporterpublished May 6, the late-night host reacted to news that"Comics Unleashed," a comedy talk showcreated by Allen, will take over the 11:35 p.m. time slot on CBS immediately after"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" endslater this month.

"God bless him. I know Byron. We got to know each other last year, actually. He's fascinating. You know his history with Carson?" Colbert told the outlet, referring to the fact that Allen became the youngest comic to perform on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" when he was 18.

"Anyway, when I found out, I wrote him the next morning and I said, 'Hey, congrats. I heard you got the time. Good for you. Wouldn't it be lovely if you could drop Mr. Carson a note?'" Colbert joked. Carson, who hosted "The Tonight Show" from 1962 to 1992, died in 2005.

But when The Hollywood Reporter asked Colbert how he feels about "The Late Show" not being replaced by a traditional late-night show, he said simply, "It's none of my business."

CBS revealsits replacement for Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show'

CBScanceled "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in July 2025, describing the move as a "financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night." In April, the network confirmed Colbert's time slot will be filled by "Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen." The show, which began in 2006, features a rotating series of comedians performing their material in a panel format. "Comics Unleashed" has already been airing on CBS after "The Late Show."

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CBS is leasing the time slot to Allen, who noted toThe Los Angeles Timeslast year the economics of "Comics Unleashed" are appealing to the network because he covers the production costs. "It's not cheaper," he told the Los Angeles Times. "It's zero." In April, Paramount TV Media chair George Cheeks told reporters CBS is still developing other late-night ideas, but the one-year deal with Allen allows the network "to go into immediate profitability in that slot,"according to Variety.

Colbert reveals 'white whale' guest, addresses unhappy 'Lord of the Rings' fans

Other topics covered in Colbert's Hollywood Reporter interview included the one guest he has wanted to have on "The Late Show" more than any other:Pope Leo XIV. "The pope is my white whale," he said, adding that he even wrote a letter to the pope asking him, "Would you please come on my show? We don't have to talk about politics."

Who is Byron Allen?High-powered producer to take over CBS late-night

Colbert also touched on a project he has lined up for after "The Late Show" ends:Writing a new film in the "Lord of the Rings" series. He is working on the script with his screenwriter son, as well as Philippa Boyens, who cowrote all the entries in both the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" trilogies.

The Hollywood Reporter asked Colbert to respond to "Lord of the Rings" devotees who are displeased by his hiring and feel he only got the job because he is a famous fan of the franchise.

"There's no value in me addressing that because all you can do as — I'll use a loaded term here — an artist is follow your heart and the craft that you have learned to try to turn this into something that is not fandom but drama," Colbert said. "And luckily, I don't have to do this alone. I have a great Sherpa in Philippa Boyens, who cares about it in the same way I do. And I will just say that every moment has been a joy so far."

Colbert is now in his final stretch of "Late Show" episodes, withthe finale scheduled to air on May 21. "Comics Unleashed" will immediately take over the slot on CBS beginning the next day. Colbert has not revealed details about his last show, but he has been going all-out in recent weeks with guests includingOprah Winfreyandformer President Barack Obama.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Stephen Colbert reacts to Byron Allen replacing 'The Late Show' on CBS

SEOUL, May 7 (Reuters) - South ‌Korea's former ‌Prime Minister Han ​Duck-soo was sentenced on Thursday to ‌15 ⁠years in prison over ⁠charges including his ​role ​in ​the brief ‌imposition of martial law in 2024, after a ‌court ​of ​appeals ​reduced his ‌earlier sentence of ​23 ​years.

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(Reporting by Heejin ​Kim ‌and Jack KimEditing ​by Ed ​Davies)