Category Archives: general

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Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City looks to recruit docents

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The Historic Park Inn Hotel in Mason City is currently seeking docent “storytellers” to join their team.

According to a recent press release, the hotel is looking for individuals passionate about sharing its rich history with visitors.

If you have a knack for engaging storytelling and an interest in historic preservation, this could be a great opportunity to get involved.

Volunteering as a docent will allow you to help bring the past to life and contribute to the community’s cultural heritage.

For more information on how to become a docent at the Historic Park Inn Hotel, please contact their visitor services.
https://globegazette.com/news/local/article_5e4b1451-2f2a-4a86-823f-5c4977eb8533.html

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FIRST ON amNY: New Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal to endorse Dan Goldman in NY-10 Democratic primary

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Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal is set to endorse Rep. Dan Goldman in the upcoming Democratic primary for New York’s 10th Congressional District. This endorsement backs the incumbent as he seeks a second term in office.

Goldman faces a challenge from former city Comptroller Brad Lander in what is shaping up to be a closely watched contest. The 10th Congressional District includes Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn.

Goldman officially launched his re-election campaign on Tuesday, marking the start of this competitive race. amNewYork has learned about Hoylman-Sigal’s endorsement, which is expected to bolster Goldman’s campaign efforts.
https://politicsny.com/2026/01/07/first-on-amny-new-manhattan-borough-president-brad-hoylman-sigal-to-endorse-dan-goldman-in-ny-10-democratic-primary/

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Matt Cardona Confirms Cancellation Of Independent Dates Following WWE Return

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Matt Cardona recently addressed the status of his remaining independent bookings following his full-fledged return to WWE. Speaking on Notsam Wrestling, Cardona confirmed that he will not be able to fulfill the extensive schedule he had planned through the coming months.

Cardona, who spent the last several years reinventing himself as the “Indie God,” noted that the sheer volume of his commitments made it impossible to balance them with his new WWE contract.

“I was booked until the summer,” Cardona said. “If I took every indie date that I agreed to, I wouldn’t be able to be in WWE. It’s as simple as that. It’s not like I had like one or two. I’m literally booked every weekend until the summer.”

He also clarified that he has taken steps to ensure promoters were not left in a difficult position due to his sudden departure. “Any promoter who gave me a deposit, they’ve already been taken care of. And everybody understood.”

Cardona’s transition back to WWE began on the January 2, 2026, episode of SmackDown in Buffalo, New York. He appeared as a surprise opponent for Kit Wilson, initially teasing his old Zack Ryder gimmick before being officially introduced as Matt Cardona.

He picked up a victory in his return match after planting Wilson with the Rough Ryder. Following the appearance, it was confirmed that SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis had signed Cardona to an exclusive contract with the blue brand.

As he moves forward with WWE, Cardona is already vacating titles held on the independent circuit.

If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit Notsam Wrestling with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can listen to the full interview with Matt Cardona on the Notsam Wrestling YouTube channel or your favorite podcast platform.
https://wrestlingnews.co/wwe-news/matt-cardona-confirms-cancellation-independent-dates-following-wwe-return/

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What to Know About the Vaccines Cut From C.D.C. Recommendations

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Federal health officials have made significant changes to the immunization schedule for American children this week.

These updates affect the recommended vaccinations and aim to improve protection against several diseases.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to review the new schedule carefully to ensure children receive the appropriate vaccines at the right times.

Stay informed about the specific diseases included in the updated immunization recommendations to help keep your family healthy.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/06/well/cdc-vaccine-schedule-recommendations.html

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Grand Forks County Commission discuss new position and funding sources for Youth Assessment Center

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**Grand Forks County Approves New Position for Regional Youth Assessment Center Amid Funding Discussions**

Grand Forks County commissioners on Tuesday approved the addition of a new full-time staff position for the Regional Youth Assessment Center (YAC). The move was part of the county’s 2026 budget and aims to address the state’s request for more full-time personnel at the facility. However, the topic sparked discussion regarding whether other entities that utilize the YAC should contribute financially to support the center.

The vote held on Monday focused on approving an employee status form related to the new position. Commissioner Terry Bjerke expressed concerns about the decision, primarily due to the department’s high expenditures compared to its revenue. He noted that expenses run approximately $2 million while revenue is just over $600,000.

“As far as I’m concerned, if they want to hire another person there to take care of all this, I’m more than willing to take the check from the state to pay for it,” Bjerke said. “I don’t think it should come from the county taxpayers.”

The salary for the newly added YAC position was not included in the meeting’s agenda documents. Commissioner Cynthia Pic highlighted that denying the employee status form would be challenging since the position had already been approved in the 2026 budget.

“A majority of the adolescents that are served in our Youth Assessment Center are citizens from Grand Forks County,” Pic remarked.

County Administrator Tom Ford shared that Robin Spain, YAC administrator, has already hired someone to fill the new role. The vote to approve the status change passed 4-1, with Bjerke cast as the sole dissenting vote. Other commissioners expressed openness to discussing potential negotiations for increased funding from the state or other YAC partners.

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**Sheriff’s Office Building Update: Repairs Underway, Leasing Concerns Raised**

In related business, Director of Facilities Bill Gerszewski and Sheriff Andy Schneider provided an update on the new sheriff’s office building, including pending repairs that remain outstanding from the building contractor, Heartland Acres Development.

“Some of them have been met. Of 19 items that I had, we are solid with six completed,” Gerszewski said.

Most of the remaining fixes, according to Gerszewski and Schneider, involve larger or more complex problems, such as a roof leak. Schneider noted that the contractor has been maintaining more routine upkeep effectively.

Schneider also voiced uncertainty about the sheriff’s office’s ability to request maintenance on certain issues, given that the county is currently leasing the facility.

“We can make a request for certain things to be changed, but if they weren’t part of a [request for proposal] or if they’re not really impacting overall business, can we really request that at this time?” he explained.

Commissioner Bjerke suggested that the county discuss the duration of the lease with Heartland Acres, warning that leasing for longer than necessary could be “money going down the drain.”

According to the lease agreement, the rent for the building is $519,000 annually, with an additional $12,000 per year allocated for maintenance. The lease also includes an option to purchase the building as soon as five years after the agreement took effect.

Schneider commented on the purchase option, expressing a preference to spend more time operating in the new facility before considering buying it.

“I’d like to at least see two years out of the place before we’re talking about buying it. That’s just me personally,” he said.

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**Additional Commission Updates**

[Content Continues]
https://www.grandforksherald.com/news/grand-forks-county-commission-discuss-new-position-and-funding-sources-for-youth-assessment-center

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Will Ohio State lose Jeremiah Smith to the transfer portal? The Buckeyes’ star reveal the answer

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State’s wide receiver room is facing significant changes this offseason, but the team’s most important player is stepping up to ease the minds of the fan base.

The Buckeyes are set to lose four wide receivers. Carnell Tate is headed to the NFL Draft, while Mylan Graham, Bryson Rodgers, and Quincy Porter have all entered the transfer portal in search of new opportunities.

These departures have understandably caused concern among fans. It’s easy to worry that players who initially committed to Ohio State because of Brian Hartline’s presence in Columbus might be reconsidering their futures now that he has moved to South Florida.

Jeremiah Smith, however, understands these concerns and felt it was necessary to address them directly. On social media, he assured fans, “Not going nowhere.” This statement offers a much-needed sense of relief.

While the Buckeyes might be losing players they viewed as part of their future, the most important wide receiver for the team’s immediate success remains committed—at least until he potentially moves on to the NFL in about a year.

With Smith staying put, Ohio State fans can breathe a little easier as the program navigates this period of transition.
https://www.cleveland.com/osu/2026/01/will-ohio-state-lose-jeremiah-smith-to-the-transfer-portal-the-buckeyes-star-reveal-the-answer.html

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Andy Reid Shares Update On Patrick Mahomes Rehab

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The Kansas City Chiefs’ season has come to an end, and attention now shifts fully to the offseason. Free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft—where the Chiefs hold the 9th overall pick—will dominate conversations in the coming months. However, one topic that may overshadow all offseason buzz is the ongoing status of Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes suffered a significant injury last month during Kansas City’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, tearing both his ACL and LCL. He underwent successful surgery shortly after the injury, but questions remain about whether he will be ready to start the 2026 season this September.

When asked about a timeline for Mahomes’ return over the weekend, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy declined to provide specifics. However, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid offered an update during a Monday interview wrapping up the season.

According to Nate Taylor of ESPN, Reid stated:

> “He’s doing great for just being 3 weeks out. He’ll go ahead and most likely stay up here (in KC) rehabbing. He has a lot of trust in (Julie Frymyer). He’s been in there grinding.”

### Mahomes ‘Doing Great’ Given the Injury

This positive update is certainly encouraging news for Chiefs fans, many of whom feared the worst given the severity of the injury. ACL tears typically require a recovery timeline of 9 to 12 months. On the optimistic end, this timeline would have the former Texas Tech standout ready to take the field by Week 1 or Week 2 of the 2026 season.

Both scenarios would represent a win for Mahomes and the Chiefs’ medical staff. However, if complications arise during rehabilitation or if his body doesn’t heal as quickly as hoped, it’s possible Mahomes could miss more than half of the upcoming season.

A potential silver lining for the Chiefs is Mahomes’ position on the field. Compared to players who demand greater lower-body mobility—such as Green Bay Packers linebacker Micah Parsons, who also tore his ACL on the same weekend—Mahomes’ throwing position may allow for a less strenuous recovery process.

### Will the Chiefs Look for Another QB in the Offseason?

Few would seriously suggest that the Chiefs are looking to replace Mahomes anytime soon. However, his injury, combined with a recent knee injury to veteran backup Gardner Minshew, forced the team to rely on Chris Oladokun, who passed for just 235 yards across the final three games of the season.

Given this, the draft—especially the mid to late rounds—could be an opportunity for Kansas City to select a quarterback to serve as Mahomes’ backup for the coming years. Additionally, should there be setbacks in Mahomes’ rehab, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Chiefs pursue a seasoned, reliable backup quarterback in free agency to provide extra depth.

As the offseason progresses, Chiefs fans will be closely monitoring Mahomes’ recovery updates while keeping an eye on how the team plans to fortify its roster moving forward.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/andy-reid-update-patrick-mahomes-rehab/

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Maple Leafs Plans Could Take Drastic Turn Amid Tanev News

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The Toronto Maple Leafs are holding on for dear life in the Eastern Conference playoff race. In any other season, the Leafs would likely be well out of a playoff spot. But the unusually tight race in the Atlantic Division, and the Eastern Conference overall, has kept Toronto within striking distance of a postseason berth.

However, recent rumors suggesting Chris Tanev could be out for the remainder of the season may force the Maple Leafs into making drastic changes. The team is already down two regular blueliners—Tanev and Brandon Carlo. To make matters worse, Jake McCabe left Saturday night’s game against the New York Islanders in the third period, and there’s still no update on his potential injury. The situation is looking increasingly dire for Toronto’s defense corps, and management needs to figure out what comes next.

**Navigating Cap Space and LTIR Limitations**

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Maple Leafs may have some cap flexibility to work with. This stems from the possibility of moving Tanev and Dakota Joshua to LTIR (Long-Term Injured Reserve). However, it’s important to note the new rules for this season. Teams can allocate a maximum of $3.8 million to LTIR, based on last year’s average. In Toronto’s case, they could only utilize $3.8 million—or Tanev’s $4.5 million cap hit, whichever is lower. Meanwhile, Joshua’s full $3.25 million cap hit would count toward adding another player if he’s placed on LTIR.

If both players end up on LTIR, the Leafs would have a little over $7 million to play with. While that’s enough to land one quality player, it may not be sufficient to address all the team’s pressing needs.

**No More Exploiting the LTIR Loophole**

Here’s an important change: The Maple Leafs cannot exploit the LTIR loophole that got so much attention in previous years. Previously, teams could use LTIR to add players during the regular season and, with no cap limit in the playoffs, activate injured players for a postseason push—even if it meant exceeding the salary cap. The Florida Panthers (Matthew Tkachuk) and Edmonton Oilers (Evander Kane) were recent beneficiaries of this system.

This year, that loophole is closed. If Toronto places Tanev and/or Joshua on LTIR, the club cannot activate them for the postseason and go over the cap. The same cap limitations that apply during the regular season remain in effect for the playoffs. If the team opts to put both players on season-ending LTIR, they will be out until next season regardless of cap compliance.

**Injuries Could Force Toronto’s Hand**

This current rash of injuries could force GM Brad Treliving into making critical moves. If the Leafs are serious about staying competitive, they’ll need to add another defenseman and potentially a depth forward. While the forward situation isn’t as urgent, bolstering the blue line is absolutely essential.

There’s been chatter that Rasmus Andersson is high on Toronto’s trade radar. However, the Leafs may not have the assets the Calgary Flames are looking for in return. That may mean exploring other, less impressive, options on the trade market.

The bottom line? The Maple Leafs are in dire straits. Unless internal options significantly step up, the club will have to pull a major rabbit out of its hat to survive this wave of injuries and remain in playoff contention.
https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/maple-leafs-trade-plans-injuries/

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Eagles’ Nick Sirianni Facing Backlash Over Decision With Major Playoff Impact

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Philadelphia Eagles fans are expressing their frustration over a critical decision made by head coach Nick Sirianni during Week 18.

Many believe that this key choice negatively impacted the team’s playoff seeding, leading to widespread disappointment among the fan base.

As the Eagles prepare for the postseason, the controversy surrounding Sirianni’s call continues to be a hot topic of discussion.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/eagles-nick-sirianni-facing-backlash-over-decision-with-major-playoff-impact-11306285

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Miami Dolphins’ opponents for the 2026 season

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The Seattle Seahawks’ win over the San Francisco 49ers in the final week of the regular season simplified the formula to determine the one remaining opponent for the Miami Dolphins’ 2026 schedule. The Los Angeles Rams’ victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s late afternoon games means the Dolphins will visit the 49ers next season.

This outcome is due to the shift in the third-place finisher in the NFC West, with the Dolphins, as the AFC East’s No. 3 team, set to play that team on the road.

### Miami’s 2026 Opponents Overview

Miami is already scheduled to face their three divisional opponents—the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets—both home and away. Additionally, the Dolphins will host the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears at Hard Rock Stadium.

On the road, Miami will travel to face the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and, as noted, the San Francisco 49ers.

The NFL will release the full 2026 week-by-week schedule later this year.

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### Notes on Each Non-Division Game Next Season

**Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium**
Patrick Mahomes has played two games at Hard Rock Stadium, both six years ago. The first was in February 2020 during his first Super Bowl against the 49ers. The second, in December, was his only game against the Dolphins in South Florida. In that matchup, the AFC champion led 30-10 in the fourth quarter before easing off, eventually winning 33-27. The Dolphins have a five-game losing streak against the Chiefs and haven’t beaten them in Miami Gardens in 20 years.

**Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium**
Justin Herbert, selected sixth overall in the 2020 draft following Miami’s selection of Tua Tagovailoa, has averaged 26.8 points per game in his four career matchups against the Dolphins, including 29 points in a key game earlier this season. The Dolphins have scored an average of 27.3 points in those contests.

**Chicago Bears at Hard Rock Stadium**
Former Dolphins assistant Ben Johnson makes his first return to Hard Rock Stadium since working with Miami from 2012-18. The Dolphins initially took a 4-0 lead in the all-time series, highlighted by a legendary Monday Night Football victory over the then-undefeated Bears in 1985. However, the Bears won four of the next seven meetings. Miami currently holds a three-game winning streak.

**Detroit Lions at Hard Rock Stadium**
Another former Dolphins assistant and interim head coach returns to Miami Gardens for the first time since completing his six-year tenure in 2015. The Dolphins last defeated the Lions at home in a 49-21 season opener in 2002, which was also Ricky Williams’ Dolphins debut.

**Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium**
Joe Burrow will look to improve to 3-0 all-time against Miami, averaging 36 points per game in his matchups with the Dolphins.

**Denver Broncos at Empower Field***
Broncos head coach Sean Payton will have awaited this game for three years. His Broncos were famously dismantled for 70 points in Miami Gardens in 2023, the most recent meeting between these teams.

**Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium***
One of the rare series swings in the Dolphins’ favor since Don Shula’s departure in 1995. Miami trailed Oakland/Los Angeles 6-16-1 heading into the 1996 season but has dominated the past 20 years (15-5), evening the series at 21-21-1.

**Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field***
The Dolphins boasted an 8-0 record against Green Bay when Jimmy Johnson took over for Don Shula in 1996. Since then, Packers quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers—both Hall of Famers—have led Green Bay to seven wins in nine meetings.

**Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium***
Miami has played just one Brian Flores-defended game since his departure after 2021—a 16-10 Dolphins win in 2022, notably marked by four dropped Tua Tagovailoa passes by the Steelers.

**Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium***
Before their decline, the Colts arguably had their best performance of the season in the opener against Miami, a commanding 33-8 victory in Indiana.

**San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California***
One of the last moments the Dolphins felt a turnaround was a first-play 75-yard touchdown from Tua Tagovailoa to Trent Sherfield during their last trip to Santa Clara. However, the 49ers rebounded to rout Miami, who entered the game 8-3. Miami finished 9-8 and squeaked into the playoffs, where they lost to Buffalo 34-31.

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*Note: An asterisk (*) denotes a possibility that the game may be played internationally.*

Stay tuned for the official 2026 NFL schedule release later this year for more details.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/01/04/miami-dolphins-opponents-for-the-2026-season/