October 18, 2026
Staff Report
Final showing of ‘1776’ at South Jackson
A udiences have one final opportunity to experience the Tony Awardwinning musical “ 1776' as South Jackson Community Playhouse concludes its acclaimed production this weekend at the South Jackson Performing Arts Center.
Jack offers $600 bottle of whiskey
The Jack Daniel Distillery has announced the limited release of Jack Daniel’s Halo MK1 Tennessee Whiskey, a super-premium collaboration with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team featuring custom packaging and speciallycrafted Tennessee Whiskey that nods to the brands’ shared commitment to excellence. The bottle is the most premium and limited global release in Jack Daniel’s history, retailing at $599.99 USD.
Local students graduate Georgia
The University of Georgia welcomed its newest alumni on May 7-8. A total of 9,477 students - 6,537 spring undergraduates and 1,055 expected summer undergraduates along with 1,885 graduate students - met requirements to participate in the university’s spring Commencement.
Cumberlands reveal President’s List
In recognition of academic performance, the Office of Academic Affairs at University of the Cumberlands has named several local students to the President’s List for the spring 2026 semester.
Murphy makes Delta State President’s List
Olivia Murphy, of Tullahoma has been named to the Spring 2026 President’s List at Delta State University.
Local students graduate ETSU
For 2,061 members of East Tennessee State University’s Class of 2026, Commencement marked both a milestone and a beginning. It was a celebration of hard work, perseverance and the people and experiences that shaped each graduate’s journey.
Valdez named AEDC Test Support Chief
Although new to Arnold Engineering Development Complex, Lt. Col. Evan Valdez is familiar with its mission.
Free at Last
Free at Last
Call it Independence Day
As we approach our biggest holiday of the summer, be very aware of our next holiday and consciously avoid calling it “4th of July” or “July 4th”. Please call it what it is: “Independence Day”.
Dumb and Dumber
The D.C. blue reflection pool was a dumb idea; particularly, since the true purpose was to upstage the Obama Library, deflect from the Epstein fiasco and celebrate an anticipated victory in Iran. Even dumber was to expect that there are not kooks out there waiting to spoil someone’s tea party by sabotaging the pond – If indeed this is even true. After all the only way to know when Donald Trump is telling the truth is when his mouth is closed and his hands are tied behind his back. Deceit and bedlam.