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An Australian native, Sammy Johnson embraces his Maori and Polynesian roots to create positive and uplifting music. Blending together island reggae, soul and jazz vibes with heartfelt lyrics, Sammy's sound is exhilarating and intoxicating. A Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter and the Season 21 champion of American Idol, the 20-year-old Tongi first picked up a ukulele in the fifth grade, immersed in a deeply musical world filled with the traditional singing and dance of Pacific Island cultures. Living in the small town of Kahuku on the northern tip of Ohau, Tongi learned to sing from his father, who in turned had learned from his father before him. His mother secretly signed him up for American Idol, and after Tongi’s viral audition performance of James Blunt’s “Monsters” became one of Idol’s all time emotional highlights, he went on to win Season 21, making history as the first Pacific Islander to ever win the show. With a thriving fanbase which supports millions of global on-demand streams and social media followers and nationwide concert tours, Tongi now begins a new chapter of life and music. Teaming up with acclaimed songwriter/producer Johnny Reid, his 2024 single “Road to Hana” marks a creative transition leaning into his cultural heritage and musical roots – but also the man he’s become. Fusing breezy beach balladry and sunshine country with laid-back soul, gospel, and more, new music is in the works, as Tongi looks to spread a feel-good message of positivity to the horizon, and beyond. Born and raised in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica to singer Lorna Bennett and former calypso king Mike Ollivierre, Protoje blends hip hop, soul and jazz into his native sounds of reggae and dancehall. The musical prodigy, along with a collective of artists, began getting mainstream attention for their addictive melodies and conscious lyrical messages in a movement dubbed the “reggae revival.” Publications such as VOGUE, Rolling Stone and The FADER have declared him one of the brightest talents out of Jamaica. Visit: https://www.sdfair.com/events/2025/reggae-festival View the full schedule Sammy Johnson on Instagram and Facebook Iam Tongi on Instagram and Facebook Protoje on Instagram and Facebook

President Trump and Republicans made big inroads with Hispanic voters in Texas last year. Now, a newly approved redistricting plan will test whether those gains are locked in for good.

The contract applies to adjunct faculty in the university’s College of Arts and Sciences.

A new study projects biodiversity threats if global warming speeds up. Under the most extreme scenarios, about one in three species could be facing extinction by the end of the century.

On Midday Edition, we'll learn more about what wage theft is and how it is impacting employees.

Food and cooking play a big role in Juneteenth celebrations. The barbecues and fish fries woven into Black culture helped shape American cuisine.

Carlos Tavares is stepping down after nearly four years in the top spot of the automaker, which owns car brands like Jeep and Ram, amid an ongoing struggle with slumping sales.

House Republicans released the text of a continuing resolution that would fund the government through Sept. 30. Now, passing it in a narrowly divided chamber is the next hurdle.

This class will explore the range of techniques possible when using acrylics, with emphasis on saturated color and creativity. Students will be encouraged to paint freely and spontaneously. Materials: Paint: Fast-drying acrylics are recommended, although students may opt for the “open” (slow-drying) type if they prefer. Brand names include Liquitex, Golden, Utrecht, and Winsor & Newton. Colors: Cadmium Yellow Medium, Yellow Oxide or Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red Light, Naphthol Crimson, Phthalo Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Titanium White. Other useful colors: Brilliant Purple, Dioxazine Purple, Hookers Green Deep Hue Permanent. The first six colors and Titanium White are a must-have. Any other colors the student may have are encouraged. Brushes: Brights, #2, #4, #6. (Winsor & Newton University brand is good.); any bristle brush students may have. Supports: Small canvas panels, 5” x 7”, 6” x 8”, 8” x 8”, 8” x 10.” These can be purchased at Michaels (quite inexpensive and good quality). Other: Support for the panels (thick cardboard, etc.); disposable or covered palette; paper towels; finger sprayer; water container; roll of masking tape; selection of photo references (still life, flowers, landscape, and people in groups). Contact Stan for art store suggestions: stanaws@earthlink.net. Max students: 13 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

After 20 years of service, an NPR reporter's beloved minivan is on the fritz. But what is its best and highest calling now: Pass it on to another family or recycle it into parts?