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johntae smith

Big Stars, Big BBQ: What to Expect at Stagecoach 2026

March 5, 2026

The 2026 Stagecoach Country Music Festival will feature a sizzling lineup of celebrity chefs and music stars who will cook up tasty treats for fans. The event, held from April 24 to 26 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, will see Guy Fieri hosting his own stage and a tent full of barbecue stands. Fans

education

Sowela Boosts Surgical Skills with Big Lab Upgrade

March 3, 2026

Sowela’s Technical Community College‑Morgan Smith campus has spent $350, 000 on new surgical technology and sterile processing labs. The investment creates more space for hands‑on learning, giving students a chance to practice in settings that look like real hospitals. The surgical technology

politics

Unexpected Allies in a Legal Storm

February 28, 2026

The United States and Albania have found themselves oddly linked by the same man: Jack Smith. In 2020, Smith, then chief prosecutor at a special court in The Hague, announced charges against Hashim Thaci, a former Kosovar leader and close ally of U. S. President Donald Trump during his first term. T

sports

Cap Space Countdown: 2026 NFL Money Moves

February 28, 2026

The National Football League has set the salary cap for its 2026 season at a record $301. 2 million, up $22 million from the previous year. This marks another jump in a series of increases that began over $200 million in 2022, rising to $224. 8 million in 2023 and $255. 4 million in 2024. Teams wit

education

School Plan Sparks Debate: One Elementary School to Close

February 27, 2026

Southington’s school board has set a new course for the town’s education system, choosing to close one elementary school as part of a larger construction project. The decision came after a detailed presentation at the board’s February meeting, where experts outlined options for building updates and

sports

Softball Returns to the 2029 University Games in North Carolina

February 27, 2026

The sport of softball has been officially added to the 2029 International University Games program, a major event that follows only the Summer Olympics in size. The decision was announced after a meeting between leaders of the World Baseball Softball Confederation and the International University Sp

politics

Medina Eyes New Buyers for City Lot

February 27, 2026

The city of Medina plans to open up a 410‑East Smith Road lot for public bids, according to the finance committee. The property was bought in 2012 and has been used mainly for storing city sanitation supplies, though a fire once damaged some buildings. The site sits behind the Sweets and Geeks shop

politics

Military Ties to Scouting: A Shift in Strategy

February 26, 2026

The Pentagon is reconsidering a long‑standing partnership with Scouting America after a series of controversial proposals. For years, the U. S. military has supported Scout troops on bases and offered special ranks to young Eagle Scouts who join the armed forces. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

business

Future of a Pork Giant in Sioux Falls

February 26, 2026

A big change is coming to downtown Sioux Falls. The city’s leaders and the head of Smithfield Foods said that the company will leave its old plant near Falls Park for a new, larger site in an industrial area up north. The current facility has been there since 1909 and was bought by Smithfield in 199

sports

Spartans Brace for Loud Battle at Purdue’s Home Court

February 26, 2026

The upcoming game against Purdue will see Michigan State traveling to a venue known for its intimidating atmosphere. The Spartans have struggled at this site, losing seven straight contests there and not tasting victory since 2014. Most players on the roster have never played at this arena, so th