Ben Black, the quarterback from North Smithfield, has been named the 2025 CALL/TIMES All-Area Football MVP. His recognition comes at a poignant time, marking two years since a ski trip went wrong—a personal milestone that adds depth to this honor.

In August, a CDC employee lived through a shooting at the CDC headquarters. Looking back on the event as part of a year-end review, they share how the incident shaped their perspective—revealing what truly affected them beyond the gunfire.