Stanly News Journal Vol. 146, Issue 13

Stanly NewS Journal

Top of the world

The United States’ Elizabeth Lemley holds her gold medal after winning the women’s freestyle skiing moguls nals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, on Wednesday

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Judge blocks Pentagon from punishing Kelly for call to resist unlawful orders

A federal judge has blocked the Pentagon from punishing Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a former U.S. Navy pilot, for participating in a video that called on troops to resist unlawful orders. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled Thursday that Pentagon o cials have violated Kelly’s First Amendment free speech rights. Kelly, who represents Arizona, sued in federal court to block his Jan. 5 censure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In November, Kelly and ve other Democratic lawmakers appeared on a video in which they urged troops to uphold the Constitution and not to follow unlawful military directives from the Trump administration.

House GOP pushes for stricter proof-of-citizenship requirement for voters

House Republicans approved legislation that would impose strict new voter ID requirements ahead of the midterm elections. The bill passed Wednesday is a priority of President Donald Trump priority aimed at safeguarding ballot access. But it faces blowback in the Senate. Called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE America, Act, the legislation requires Americans to present proof of citizenship when they register to vote and to show a valid photo identi cation before they cast ballots.

Early voting opens for Stanly County primary election

The period runs through Feb. 28

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — In-per-

son early voting for the primary election began Thursday morning in Stanly County, giving voters more than two weeks to cast ballots before March 3.

Early voting is taking place at the Stanly County Commons, located at 1000 N. First St. in Albemarle.

The site is open weekdays through Feb. 27 from 8 a.m.

to 7:30 p.m., as well as Feb. 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is Feb. 17; in-person requests for sick and disabled absentee ballots begin Feb. 18 and end March 2.

Stanly County voters will see several local races on their primary ballots, depending on party a liation, with registered Republicans selecting nominees in three Stanly County Board of Commissioners district races.

In District 1, incumbent Mike Barbee and Lane Furr are running for the GOP nomination to face Democrat Bret Mathew in November.

For District 2, Bill Sorenson — a current member of the Stanly school board — is set to face Shaun Morgan for the seat now held by Vice Chairman Bill Lawhon.

Pfei er introduces physician assistant class of 2028

The program is housed at the Center for Health Sciences

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — Pfei er University announced its physician assistant class of 2028 on Wednesday in a press release, honoring a group of 28 students enrolled in the university’s master’s program.

The full-time program is housed at Pfei er’s Center for Health Sciences in downtown Albemarle. The curriculum includes 116 credit hours divided between classroom instruction and clinical training.

“This class re ects the academic strength, depth of character, clinical readiness and

commitment to service that de nes Pfei er’s Physician Assistant Program,” said Christopher Boe, dean of the graduate school. “We are proud to welcome these students and look forward to supporting them as they prepare to serve patients in and around the community.”

According to university data, students in the class of 2028 enter the program with an average of 3,125 hours of direct patient care experience. Many previously worked as medical assistants, emergency medical technicians, certi ed nursing assistants, scribes, phlebotomists, patient care technicians and athletic trainers.

The cohort also averaged

“We are proud to welcome these students and look forward to supporting them as they prepare to serve patients in and around the community.”

Christopher Boe, dean of the graduate school

Commissioner incumbent Trent Hatley and James Cagle are listed on the ballot for District 4.

Democratic voters will choose a nominee for the

In a social media statement, Lawhon, who will appear as the GOP’s at-large nominee in November, endorsed Morgan’s candidacy for District 2: “Shaun Morgan will make a good commissioner. He understands what it takes to make a payroll and run a pro table business.”

The case remains an active investigation

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle Police Department is actively searching for an unknown suspect in connection to a bank robbery reported on Tuesday afternoon. According to police, o cers were dispatched at approximately 3:13 p.m. to First Citizens Bank in the 300 block of North First Street after receiving a report of a robbery in progress. Investigators said the suspect entered the bank, demanded money and claimed to have a weapon, though no weapon was displayed during the incident. The individual ed the scene on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. No injuries were reported. Police are currently unaware of the suspect’s identity but said the individual was

CRIME LOG

Feb. 2

The Albemarle Police Department has opened an investigation into a bank robbery.

captured on surveillance footage. A photo of the suspect has been released by the department as the investigation remains ongoing. O cers continued searching the area into the late afternoon as the situation re-

• Kevin Demetrius McKinney, 29, was arrested for negligent child abuse in icting serious physical injury and intentional child abuse in icting serious physical injury.

• Sommer Nicole McKinney, 22, was arrested for intentional child abuse in icting serious bodily injury and negligent child abuse in icting serious physical injury.

Feb. 3

• Jessica Liane Couick, 38, was arrested for second-degree trespass.

• Amber Michelle Smith, 34, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• John David Austin, 34, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to heed a light or siren.

• Harold Davis Gaddy, 36, was arrested for simple assault.

Feb. 4

• Chinedu David Ngwu, 41, was arrested for possession of a rearm by a felon and possession with intent to sell/ deliver marijuana.

mains an active investigation. Anyone who recognizes the individual pictured or has information related to the case is urged to call 911 immediately. Tips may also be provided directly to the Albemarle Police Department.

• Dennis Roger Williamson, 62, was arrested for failure to report a new address as a sex o ender and failure to register as a sex o ender.

• Alfonsa Junior Bryant, 41, was arrested for larceny after breaking and entering and felony breaking and entering.

• Colleen Inez Kelly, 44, was arrested for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, simple assault, resisting a public o cer, assault on a government o cial and communicating threats.

Feb. 5

• Dustin Nicholas Jolly, 39, was arrested for death by distribution, selling/delivering a Schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance, manufacturing, selling, delivering or possessing with intent a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine, obtaining property by false pretenses and felony possession of stolen goods.

• Christopher Lamont McRae, 33, was arrested for assault by strangulation, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and misdemeanor larceny.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County:

Feb.

16

Stanly County Commissioners’ Meeting

6-7 p.m.

The public is encouraged to attend this regular meeting. It will take place in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room of the Stanly Commons. 1000 N. 1st St. Albemarle

Feb. 18

Chair Yoga

3-3:30 p.m.

A gentle, adult yoga class geared toward those with coordination issues or di culties standing for long periods without support. No experience or mat is needed for this free class. Main Library Albemarle

Feb.

24

Great Scots! They Came to North Carolina 7 p.m.

The Stanly County Historical Society continues its lecture series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with a presentation by historian and author Randell Jones.

Central UMC Fellowship Center 172 N. 2nd St. Albemarle

Feb. 27

Believe National Talent Competition 3-10 p.m.

The 2026 Regional Tour of the annual dance competition will be in Albemarle for one day only. For more information, call 844-737-3737 or email info@ believetalent.com.

Stanley County Agri-Civic Center 26032 Newt Road Albemarle

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end,

publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

A punch to the heart

I’m 16 rounds into a title ght right now, and I’m feeling strong.

THE DIFFERENCE between having a girlfriend and having a wife is the di erence between boxing amateur and ghting professionally. It’s the same sport, but, if you’re ghting pro, the ghts last longer, there’s a bigger chance of getting hurt, and there’s money involved.

That probably doesn’t make you feel better about being married, but it should.

The aim of every real American male is to be a tough guy, and nothing is tougher than going 45 year-long rounds with the same woman. I’m 16 rounds into a title ght right now, and I’m feeling strong.

As the ght wears on, the two of you realize you’re not so much ghting each other as you are ghting everyone and everything else, and you gotta stay up on your toes, and you have to defend yourself at all times, and you’re probably gonna bleed.

Some of the commandments for a good career as a pro boxer are equally useful for the married battler. Don’t drink too much. No drugs. Don’t smoke. Eat right. Don’t stay up too late. Leave the house early every morning and start running. If you make any money, try to save some.

It’s also true that in football, if you get hurt, they take you o the eld and send someone else in to nish the job. They don’t do this in boxing — or in marriage. Well, sometimes in marriage another guy comes in to nish the job, but that means you’ve lost.

In between marital rounds us Valentine’s Day, when you go to your corner, collapse on your stool, get a drink of cold water and, if you’re lucky, you get your shoulders rubbed a little bit. Your corner is where your trainer tells you important things.

“Stay with him,” the corner says. “Stay close.”

“You’re blowing it,” famed boxing trainer Angelo Dundee once said to boxing champ Sugar Ray Leonard between rounds. Leonard went out for the next round and picked up the pace.

So this Valentine’s Day, listen to that voice. Are you blowing it? If you are, go back out and pick up the pace.

I’m writing this 10 days before Valentine’s Day. Ten days is 10 minutes when you’re training.

I’ve got a card on the way. Pros don’t buy their Valentine’s

Day cards in the drug store. That’s for amateurs. Pros buy their cards online, and we buy cards that pop up when you open them, so our wives see the two dogs from “Lady and the Tramp” sucking on the same piece of spaghetti. Sometimes, the cards light up or play music. You throw that punch in the early rounds; everyone knows you’re serious.

As for the present, I’m on the ropes.

I couldn’t nd anything online, and it’s getting too late to order now.

I can’t get her perfume. She only wears one kind, and she’s got half a jug left from the last time I bought her some.

Clothes are out of the question. Women’s clothing sizes are a ball of confusion.

I have stood in a clothing store, pointed to a woman I’d never seen before, and said to the saleslady, “See that woman over there? The one in the yellow shirt? My wife’s about that size.”

Sure. Except your wife is a little bustier than the lady in the yellow shirt, and the lady in the yellow shirt has her mother’s thighs, and your wife does yoga.

In other words, I’m blowing it.

I’m standing there, in the center of the ring with my hands at waist level, sticking my chin out, waiting for the knockout blow to come whistling in from nowhere.

What I got left is the annual Valentine’s Day event at the Sunday farmer’s market in our town. Goat milk soap. Vegan moisturizing products. What I call “rock on a wire” jewelry, which they make by punching a hole in a polished rock and running a wire through the hole. If it’s a long wire, it’s a necklace. If it’s a short wire, it’s a bracelet.

I’ll be ne. I’m always strong in the last few rounds. There’s always the mall.

One last piece of marital boxing advice.

The hardest punch you’ll take isn’t when she tells you that she tells you she doesn’t like the present you gave her. The hardest punch you’ll take is when you watch her struggle not to say she doesn’t like the present you gave her.

That punch will cut you.

Marc Dion’s latest book, a collection of his best columns, is called “Mean Old Liberal.”(Copyright 2026 Creators.Com)

Dow 50,000: A supply-side miracle

We are worth roughly as much as the rest of the world combined, even though we only have 5% of the world’s population.

WHEN I FIRST arrived in Washington in 1982, the Dow Jones hit a low of 800. You may not believe that, so feel free to look it up.

If anyone had predicted that in a little more than four decades the Dow would surpass 50,000, they might have been admitted into a mental institution. But U.S. stocks have grown 60-fold (not counting in ation). Even accounting for in ation, the Dow is up about 12-fold.

We have lived through the greatest period of wealth creation in perhaps the history of the world.

No other nation has come even close in modern times. Consider that American publicly traded companies are now worth more than $70 trillion.

Is China catching up? Yes, but they’ve got a lot of work to do despite having four times more people than we do. The market cap of all Chinese companies is estimated at roughly $11 trillion. The market cap of all European Union countries is roughly $16 trillion. Japan’s companies are worth $7 trillion.

We are worth roughly as much as the rest of the world combined, even though we only have 5% of the world’s population. That should get you out of your chair shouting “USA, USA, USA!”

This wealth spurt didn’t happen by accident. It’s the triumph of good economic policy — including the steep decline in tax rates and tame in ation bookended by two of our greatest pro-business presidents, Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump. Rewind to 1981 when Reagan came into o ce: In ation was running at about 12%, the top income tax rate was 70%, the corporate rate was 46%, the estate tax was 70%, and the capital gains rate was 28%. The economy was in a state of collapse.

Today, in ation is roughly 3%, the top income tax rate is 39.6%, the corporate rate is down to 21%, the estate tax is 40%, and capital gains taxes are taxed at 23.4%.

Supply-siders like Steve Forbes, Arthur La er and Larry Kudlow should take a bow. They were right about lowering tax rates and in ation igniting growth and prosperity. The income redistributionists were wrong that the rich would pay much less taxes. They pay more. The top 1% now pay roughly 40% of the income tax.

That’s the good news. The bad news is that so many Democrats haven’t learned the lesson that lower tax rates create more prosperity. By the way, the evidence also shows that even with these lower tax rates, the richest 1% pay a higher share of the tax burden than ever before.

The city in the U.S. with the highest combined federal/ state/local income tax rate is New York City. The new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, was elected promising that millionaires and billionaires would pay more taxes to close a $10 billion de cit.

California is our most populous state. The liberal Democrats want to put a rst-in-the-nation wealth tax on the ballot that has already created an exodus of millionaires and billionaires out of the state.

Meanwhile, back in Washington, D.C., Trump is predicting the Dow will reach 100,000 by the time he leaves o ce. That’s a bit of a moonshot, for sure, but the last four decades prove supply-side miracles can come true.

Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity, which advocates for education freedom for all children. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

obituaries

obituaries

James Austin Henson

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Sept. 1, 1936 – Feb. 9, 2026

Dwight Farmer

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

Cathey Vanhoy Wilson

May 29, 1946 – Feb. 10, 2026

James Austin Henson, 89, of Albemarle, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Spring Arbor Assisted Living in Albemarle.

Barbara Jean Taylor Drye, 86, of Oakboro, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at her home.

Barbara was born April 17, 1936 in North Carolina to the late Robert Lee Taylor and the late Eva Belle Watts Taylor. She was also preceded in death by husband of 61 years, Keith Furr Drye, and brothers, Robert Lee Taylor, Jr. and George Kenneth Taylor.

Born in Rutherford County, North Carolina, Jim was the son of the late Justice James Henson and Ina Holland Henson.

Survivors include children, Debbie (Mike) Williams of Albemarle, Teresa (Tom) Curry of Oakboro, Douglas (Tammy) Drye of Oakboro; grandchildren, Melissa (Don) Parrish of Albemarle, Samantha (Destiny) Smith of Oakboro, Bradley Smith of Oakboro, Jonathan Stover of Peachland, and Jessie Stover of Lylesville; sisterin-law, Beatrice Goodman; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cats, Bo and Gar eld.

Barbara was a member of Oakboro Baptist Church for over 60 years. She worked over 30 years at Stanly Knitting Mills. After just two years of retirement, she began managing the Oakboro Senior Center and did that for 18 years until this past week. Barbara was known for her good cooking and always taking care of others. She also loved going on day long shopping trips - she could out walk and out shop people half her age. She kept her mind and body active through gardening, word searches, and various other hobbies.

Jim attended Mars Hill College and North Carolina State University, where he graduated with honors in 1959, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles. Following his graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army serving at Fort Jackson and Germany. Jim spent the majority of his professional career with Collins & Aikman Corporation in Albemarle. Jim was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Albemarle, where he valued fellowship and service.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Hoyle Henson; two sons, Je Henson (Linn) of Greenville, North Carolina, and Jonathan Henson (Ginan) of Moorpark, California; ve grandchildren; and one brother, Ron Henson of West Palm Beach, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, February 13, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Albemarle with Rev. Dr. Kendall Cameron o ciating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11 AM at First Baptist Church of Albemarle prior to the service

Donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Albemarle, St Judes Children’s Research Hospital, or Tillery Compassionate Care.

Dwight Britten Farmer Sr., 83, of Norwood died Sunday morning, January 15, 2023 at Forrest Oakes.

Cathey Vanhoy Wilson, 79, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Atrium Health Stanly.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Faith Freewill Baptist Church, with Rev. Gene Mullis and Rev. Andrew Ball o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.

Dwight was born January 24, 1939 in Stanly County to the late Walter Virgil and Martha Adkins Farmer. He was a 1957 graduate of Norwood High School and was a United States Army Veteran. He was a member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church where he had served as church treasurer and choir member. He began his career with the Stanly County Sheri ’s Department moving to the Norwood Police Department and retiring as Chief of Police with the Town of Norwood after many years of service.

Dwight was an avid gardener, bird watcher and Carolina fan.

Born May 29, 1946, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Cathey was the daughter of the late Dee Lester Vanhoy and Elizabeth Duke Vanhoy. She devoted her life to her family and her faith, serving faithfully as a homemaker and standing beside her husband, Rev. Sam Wilson, in his ministry. She was a devoted member of Faith Freewill Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife Hilda Whitley Farmer; one son D. Britten Farmer Jr. (Mary) of McLeansville, NC; one daughter Sharon Farmer Lowe (David) of Norwood; one sister Geraldine Dennis of Troy; two grandchildren, Dwight Britten “Dee” Farmer III and Whitley Rose Hui Lowe.

He was preceded in death by his son Alex, brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, sisters, Nancy, Cornelia Annabell, Glennie Mae, and Betty. Memorials may be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, Cemetery or Choir Fund c/o Pam Smith 36071 Rocky River Springs Road, Norwood, NC 28128.

Cathey was lovingly remembered by her family as a “glitter girl,” delighting in all things that sparkled and brought joy. She was a generous giver who would gladly give the shirt o her back to anyone in need. Caring, trustworthy, and gentle in spirit, she carried an innocence of heart that re ected her deep faith. Her favorite Bible story was that of David, a story she held close throughout her life. She especially enjoyed making bracelets, a hobby she loved even when it left her home a little messy — a small price for the joy it brought her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Sam Wilson, and her brother, Anthony L. Vanhoy. She is survived by her sister, Juanita Vanhoy Osteen of Albemarle; her nephew, Robert Osteen (Kathy) of Albemarle; her niece, Toni Thompson (Gary) of Mt. Gilead; along with a number of nieces, nephews, and greatnieces and great-nephews who will cherish her memory.

Cathey’s life was a quiet testimony of faith, kindness, and love, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in SCJ at obits@stanlyjournal.com

James Roseboro

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

Clara “Joy” Maner Lee

Nov. 16, 1941 – Feb. 6, 2026

James Arthur Roseboro, 55, of Albemarle, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Anson Health and Rehab.

Clara “Joy” Maner Lee, 84, of Norwood left her earthly home, Friday, February 6, 2026, with her beloved son, Walt, by her side.

Mr. Roseboro was born on June 23, 1967 to the late Robert and Delena Shipp Roseboro. He graduated from South Stanly High School and was employed by Triangle Brick. He enjoyed watching football and basketball, especially the Carolina TarHeels and Miami.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM, Saturday, February 28, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Norwood. Rev. Angela Burris will o ciate. The family will receive friends from 10:00AM to11:00AM, Saturday, in the church fellowship hall just before the service.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Barbara Lee Roseboro, Dorothy Brown, Verna Roseboro, Henrietta Ingram, and Harold Roseboro.

Joy was born in Pulaski, Virginia on November 16, 1941, to Claude and Ella Mae Halsey Maner. Her birthplace of Pulaski was forever close to her heart.

As a young child, Joy and her parents moved to Norwood, North Carolina. Making lifelong friends, Joy graduated from Norwood High School with her class of 1960. These classmates and all graduates of Norwood High were important to Joy as she arranged many reunions and special gatherings with them as long as her health provided.

He is survived by his sisters: Helen (James) Roseboro Edwards of Albemarle, Mary Roseboro of Washington DC, and Marion Morrison of Albemarle; brothers: Thomas D. Roseboro of Charlotte, Robert Roseboro (Patricia) of Norwood, and Van Horne; a special friend of over 40 years, Michelle McLendon of the home; special nieces: Nybrea Montague, Knya Little, and Laquanza Crump; special nephews: Robert Jr., Desmond Roseboro, and Marcus Lilly; and God daughter, Daphne Johnson; and special friends, Vetrella Johnson and Ben McLendon.

Joy worked for Bank of Stanly/ Uwharrie Bank for over 25 years. Upon retirement, she maintained close relationships with all the people she had grown to love.

She was a lifelong member of Norwood First United Methodist Church where she was active in all phases of worship and fellowship of her Lord. A highlight was being a devoted member of the Chancel Choir for over 40 years.

Joy was a beloved neighbor to all of the Norwood community. She spent many hours visiting others while also carrying along her basket of assorted socks to give as tokens of her love. She would often dress in festive costumes to celebrate holidays which brought smiles to all! She also worked tirelessly to make sure that all veterans of Norwood and its greater community were recognized for their service.

Darrick Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

She was preceded in death by her beloved companion of 45 years, Raymond Skidmore.

She is survived by her son, Walt Lee and his wife, Hillary of Key West, Fl; grandchildren, Gabby and Lily Lee; daughters of love, Jenny Skidmore Curlee (Vondell) and Ellen Skidmore Wood (Bob); grandchildren of love, Anna, Ross, Rob, Katie and Claire; sister Donna Maner Hargett ( Jim) of Covington, GA.

Darrick Vashon Baldwin, age 50, entered eternal rest, Sunday, January 8, 2023, Albemarle, North Carolina. Born January 7, 1973, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Darrick was the son of Eddie James Baldwin Sr. and the late Phyllis Blue Baldwin. Darrick enjoyed life, always kept things lively and enjoyed making others smile. His presence is no longer in our midst, but his memory will forever live in our hearts.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Trinity Place for their dedicated care and to all of Norwood for their unwavering love, support and compassion over the years.

He was educated in the Stanly County public schools and attended Albemarle Senior High School, Albemarle.

He was a great conversationalist and loved meeting people. Darrick never met a stranger and always showed love and compassion for his fellowman. He also loved his dog, Rocky.

Memorials may be made to: First United Methodist Church, P.O.Box 948, Norwood, NC 28128 and Norwood VFW Post 6183, P.O. Box 472, Norwood, NC 28128.

He is survived by his father, Eddie J. Baldwin Sr.; sisters: Crystal (Eric) Jackson, LaFondra (Stoney) Medley, and Morgan Baldwin; brothers: Eddie Baldwin Jr., Anton Baldwin, and Lamont Baldwin; a host of other relatives and friends. A limb has fallen from our family tree. We will not grieve Darrick’s death; we will celebrate his life. We give thanksgiving for the many shared memories.

Sandy Gail Poplin Hicks

John B. Kluttz

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

Feb. 14, 1962 – Feb. 10, 2026

Sandy Gail Poplin Hicks, 63, of Concord, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis, NC after a long illness. She was born February 14, 1962, in Stanly County, NC to the late Robert Dell Polpin and Mary Elizabeth Vanhoy Poplin Harwood. In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her stepfather, Tim Riley Harwood, and her twin brother, Randy Dell Poplin.

John grew up in the Millingport community where he drove a school bus and worked at the local gas station during his High School years. He graduated from Millingport High in 1954 and entered into service with the US Airforce immediately afterward. Upon return from the service, he and his high school sweetheart Julie were married in 1956. He graduated from Nashville Auto Diesel College later in 1959 and began his career as a diesel mechanic at Mitchell Distributing Company, moving his growing family to Charlotte where they lived until their retirement.

Sandy is survived by her Husband David K Hicks of Concord; son, Randall Wayne Almond (Brandy) of Laurel Hill, FL; daughter, Jessica Marie Almond Ledbetter (Jon) of Albemarle, NC; stepdaughters, Karen Markovic of Concord, NC and Shelby Tyner (Casey) of Midland, NC; grandchildren, Ethan Gulledge, Emma Boger, Logan Boger (Caroline), Jahala her little Toodles, Billie Almond, Rayne Almond and Reagan Almond. Step grandchildren, Makenzie Tyner, Wesly Markovic, Jatelyn, Peyton, and Jayce Ledbetter; step great grandson, Ayden Ledbetter; great grandson, Theodore Boger; brother, Robert Wayne Poplin (Tammy); sister, Lisa Harwood Hatley (Chad), and many nieces and nephews; aunt, Frances Vanhoy Smith who was always like a mother her; cousins, Kimberly and Patricia Scott who were like sisters.

When John purchased his rst Model A Ford at the age of 17, he said that he took the car to the community mechanic when he had a small problem.The mechanic told him that if he was going to keep the car, he needed to learn to work on it. This is when John’s passion for Model A Fords began and how he spent his happiest days with his best friends from around the globe for the rest of his life!

At age 50, after years as a Detroit Diesel Mechanic he and Julie decided to take the plunge and open a full Model A Restoration Shop. They thrived at their shop in Cornelius, NC until their retirement in 1998 when they moved back to Cabarrus County. John once again set up shop in his back yard garage where he attracted a loyal group of friends who visited almost daily. While on the farm in Gold Hill, John also began a lifelong love with Alis Chalmers tractors after he restored his Dad’s tractor and began amassing his collection of tractors as well.

Best friends, Amy Cooper, Carol Howard, Debbie Thomas, and Sharon Lentz Sandy is also survived by her service dog Sport whom she loved so dearly. Sandy loved her church and church family at Community Church of Mt. Pleasant and Troy Brewer Ministries. Sandy hoped to be remembered for her Covered Blessings to help the homeless and for Speci c Prayer List on FaceBook where she has a large Biblical Wine or Oil jar replica that held all the people and prayers she prayed for. She always loved teaching children and loved all animals.

John restored many cars of his own and had the crowning achievement of winning the most prestigious award from MARC, The Henry for a restoration that garnered top points. He was also presented with the Ken Brady Service Awardthe highest award given to members at the national level.

There will a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:30 am at Community Church of Mt. Pleasant 400 N. Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124 conducted by Pastor David Snow and Robert Wayne Poplin. Carolina Cremation is honored to serve the Hicks family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.

This is what John’s Model A Community had to say upon learning of his death: He was an active member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church where he loved serving as greeter on Sunday mornings. He also belonged to the United Methodist Men. John is survived by his wife Julie Ussery Kluttz, for 66 years of the home. He is also survived by a son John David Kluttz (Kim) of Oakboro, NC; two daughters, Sally Simerson of Denver, CO and Betsy Tusa (John) of Lafayette, CO; three grandchildren, Bonnie Kluttz Sammons (Ben) of Rich eld, NC John Alexander McKinnon (Sarah) of Asheville, NC and Seth William McKinnon (Amanda) of Germany; ve great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Meredith, Grant, Victoria and Ronan. John is also preceded in death by his parents, J.S. Kluttz and Mary Wyatt Clayton Kluttz; a large and loving group of brothers and sisters, Jack Methias Kluttz, Annie Lou Kluttz Honeycutt, Jake Nelson Kluttz, Julius Kluttz, Mary Patricia Phillips and a grandson, Kevin Fowler Kluttz.

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

Doris Elaine Jones Coleman, 78, went home into God’s presence on January 10 after a sudden illness and a valiant week-long ght in ICU. Doris was born on October 11, 1944, in the mountains of Marion, NC while her father was away ghting in the US Navy during World War II. Raymond Jones was so proud to return after the war and meet his little girl! Doris grew up in Durham, NC and graduated from Durham High School. She furthered her studies at Watts Hospital School of Nursing in Durham and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1966.

Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC. Doris was an incredible neonatal intensive care nurse for most of her career, and this was her passion. The Augusta Chronicle did a feature on her in 1985. She was a clinical nurse manager in Augusta, Georgia at University Hospital NICU and worked there for 20 years. During this time, Doris mentored young nurses and assisted in saving the lives of so many babies. She also worked for Pediatrician Dr. William A. Wilkes in Augusta for several years prior to her NICU career. Doris retired from the mother/baby area at Atrium Stanly in 2007 after over 40 years of nursing.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ stanlynewsjournal.com

Doris was a gentle and sweet spirit and loved her Lord. She never met a stranger, and she always left you feeling uplifted after talking with her. She would often claim that she had “adopted” friends into her immediate family, and honestly, she never made a distinction between the two. Positivity radiated from her like sunlight. She was sel ess, funny, smart, and sentimental. During her lifetime she was an active member of First Baptist Church of Durham, First Baptist Church of Augusta, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Augusta, and Palestine United Methodist Church in Albemarle. She especially loved helping at church with older adults, youth, and children.

She was especially talented at sewing from a young age and made gifts for friends, Christmas ornaments, Halloween Costumes, doll clothes, pageant dresses, prom dresses, coats, tote bags, scarves, out ts for Amy and Laura, and Christening gowns for each of her grandchildren.

Doris was preceded in death by her father Arthur Raymond Jones, her mother Mary Ellen Cameron Jones, and her sister Maryanne Jones Brantley. Survivors include her two precious daughters: Amy Cameron Coleman (partner Dr. Edward Neal Chernault) of Albemarle, NC, and Laura Lindahl Coleman Oliverio (husband David) of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Cameron David Oliverio, Stephanie Jae Dejak, Luca Beatty Oliverio, Coleman John Dejak, Carson Joseph Oliverio, Ryan Nicholas Dejak, and Jadon Richard Oliverio; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.

MAE RUTH HOWELL

NOV. 25, 1932 – FEB. 8, 2026

Mae Ruth Howell, 93, of Albemarle, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday morning, February 8, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Cottonville AME Zion Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Ms. Howell was born on November 25, 1932, in Stanly County to the late Charlie and Lucy Crump Howell. She attended Lakeview Elementary School and graduated from Norwood High School in 1951. Following high school, she attended Wood Morgan Beauty School, where she earned her degree in cosmetology. In addition to her work as a hairdresser, she worked in several small businesses throughout Stanly County, including Bert Cleaners, Almo Cleaners, Five Points Cleaners, American E rd Mill and Wiscassett Mills.

Mae Ruth had a deep love for plants and owers and enjoyed caring for them when her health allowed. She loved music and could play the piano by reading notes, often saying with a smile, “Every piano needed to be tuned up.” She was known for her thoughtful and loving spirit. As her daughter shared, “My mother loved me unconditionally, and her grandson Rod she loved wholeheartedly.” She held a deep love for her family, treating cousins as brothers and sisters, and extended that same warmth to neighborhood children, often making cupcakes for those who came to visit her before her health declined.

Above all, Mae Ruth loved the Lord with all her heart and soul and spoke rmly and faithfully about her Savior throughout her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Patsy Florecia Howell, and her grandson, Roddrick Howell, both of the home.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Clarence A. Howell.

Her home was a place of love, music, laughter and care for everyone who entered. Though she will be deeply missed, her family is grateful for the many years of love and lessons she gave so freely.

“Let not your heart be troubled… in my Father’s house are many mansions.” — John 14:1.

LEWIS RODNEY LEE

DEC. 2, 1941 – FEB. 10, 2026

Lewis Rodney Lee 84 died Tuesday Morning, February 10, 2026 at his home.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026 in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Jon Fergurson will o ciate.

Rodney was born December 2, 1941, in Stanly County to the late Grover Cauley Lee and Clara Hudson Lee Tucker. He was a 1960 graduate of Norwood High School and was a member of Memorial Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Darrell Lee.

He is survived by his sister-in-law Brenda Hatley Lee of Locust and two nephews, David Lee of Southern Pines and Benji Lee and wife Tonya of Oakboro.

The family would like to thank Rodney’s caretakers: Carla Gramlin, Craven Morton, and Tonya Lee.

Memorials may be made to Memorial Baptist Church, 873 Pee Dee Ave., Norwood, NC 28128 or Gentiva Hospice, 1024 Albemarle Road, #904, Troy, NC 27371.

MARY GIBSON

AUG. 3, 1949 – FEB. 8, 2026

Mary Stirewalt Gibson 76 of Norwood died Sunday Morning, February 8, 2026 at Atrium-Stanly.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel of Norwood. Pastor Gary Bragg will o ciate and interment will follow in the Norwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mary was born August 3, 1949 in Stanly County to the late Cli ord and Mattie Harward Stirewalt. She was a graduate of North Stanly High School and was a member of Mt. Pleasant Church of God where she had taught the children’s Sunday school class. She was a retired Certi ed Nursing Assistant/ Med Tech.

She is survived by her husband Lonnie W. Gibson of the home. One brother, David Stirewalt (Ruby) of Millingport, four sisters, Sherry Stirewalt Parker of Salem, Virginia, Janet Stirewalt E rd (Joe) of Millingport, Martha Stirewalt Thornton (David) of Lakeside and Ginger Stirewalt Harris (Tim) of Millingport. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother Thomas Glenn Stirewalt and a sister Sylvia Stirewalt Baucom.

Brad Arnold, lead singer of 2000s rock band 3 Doors Down, dead at 47

He died after a battle with kidney cancer

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Brad Arnold, the lead singer of the Grammy-nominated rock band

3 Doors Down, died Saturday, months after he announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer. He was 47.

The band said in a statement that Arnold “passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer.”

3 Doors Down formed in Mississippi in 1995 and four years later received a Grammy nomination for the breakout hit “Kryptonite.” Arnold wrote the song in math class when he was 15 years old, according to the band statement.

Their debut album, “The Bet-

“He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer.”

3 Doors Down statement

ter Life,” sold over 6 million copies. A second Grammy nomination came in 2003, for the song “When I’m Gone.”

The band said Arnold “helped rede ne mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners.”

3 Doors Down released six albums, most recently “Us And The Night” in 2016. Singles included “Loser,” “Duck and Run” and “Be Like That,” which ap-

peared on the soundtrack for the 2001 lm “American Pie 2.”

While promoting their 5th album, “Time of My Life,” Arnold said he considered himself lucky to have carved out a career in the music business.

“If you do something as long as we’ve done it, you can’t help but get better at it, you know?” Arnold told The Associated Press in 2011.

In 2017, 3 Doors Down performed at the rst inauguration concert of President Donald Trump. Arnold announced his cancer diagnosis last May, saying clear cell renal carcinoma had metastasized to his lungs. The band was forced to cancel a summer tour.

“His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on,” the band said.

On December 2, 2025, the Stanly County Board of Elections met in the Partnership Meeting Room at the Stanly Commons, Albemarle, North Carolina and unanimously adopted the following resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Stanly County Board of

attend this meeting and observe the count. The results of the absentee ballot count will not be announced before 7:30 p.m. on that day.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Stanly County Board of Elections that: The Stanly County Board of Elections shall meet as allowed by

The skeleton racer wasdisquali ed for a helmet honoring athletes killed in war

By Graham Dunbar

The Associated Press

MILAN — Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych pushed at the limits of the International Olympic Committee’s rules on freedom of expression, and the global sports body pushed back. That created an emotional and historic moment of Winter Games lore.

Heraskevych insisted on wearing a helmet in competition with the images of Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed during Russia’s nearly 4-year-old full-scale invasion of their country. By refusing to back down, he was disquali ed from his Olympic event Thursday.

He de ed a last-minute plea by IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who was in tears after their early morning meeting at the sliding center in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Although disqualied from the competition, Heraskevych was not expelled from the Olympics, unlike previous athletes who staged prominent protests.

A look at the Olympic rules and previous protests:

Heraskevych and the Olympic rules

Heraskevych had freely worn his preferred helmet on training runs, and the IOC told him he could bring it to media areas on race days.

For the actual race, however, he refused to wear an approved helmet that complied with IOC rules designed to keep the eld of competition clean of political messages. Heraskevych also refused proposed IOC compromises of wearing a black armband or displaying the helmet once he was o the course.

Political neutrality is a foundational principle of the Olympic Charter, a 108-page document of 61 articles that e ectively serves as the constitution of the IOC and the Olympic Games.

Rule 50 states: “No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.”

In addition, Rule 40 states that athletes comply with “conditions of participation established by the IOC,” including where and how free expression can be displayed.

“It is not at all about the message,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams said at a daily news conference dominated by the helmet issue. “It is simply about the sanctity of the eld of play.”

Sports law expert Antoine

Duval told The Associated Press it was “a huge move” for the IOC to cite Rule 40 on free expression and not the one on political propaganda.

“That is demanding that athletes are like absolute robots,” said Duval of the Asser Institute in the Netherlands, suggesting future Olympians could face scrutiny over their tattoos.

Heraskevych’s Olympic history

Heraskevych, 27, is at his third Winter Games and the second under the shadow of Russia’s war in Ukraine, which began Feb. 24, 2022 — four days after the end of the Beijing Winter Games.

On Feb. 11 of that year, Heraskevych completed his races in China and held a small sign for the TV cameras in the blue

and yellow colors of his national ag with the slogan, “No War in Ukraine.”

The IOC took no action against him, deciding this was “a general call for peace” and not an explicitly political statement. He returned to the Olympics this year, with no end to the war in sight, and he again tried to state his views.

Neutral politics, protecting athletes

The IOC says its athlete expression rules were drafted after consulting with o cially recognized athlete groups, including some from countries where they face political interference.

“We cannot have athletes having pressure put on them by their political masters to make messaging during the competi-

Mark Adams, IOC spokesman

tion,” Adams said.

The risks of the competition being overshadowed by political statements could be even greater at the larger Summer Games like those in 2028 in Los Angeles, when the IOC wants 206 national Olympic teams, plus a refugee team, to take part.

“Think of the Middle East, think of Africa, think of South America, if everyone is allowed to express themselves in that way beyond a black armband,” Adams said “You can see where that would lead to a chaotic situation.”

The IOC says its athlete expression rules were drafted after consulting with o cially recognized athlete groups, including some from countries where they face political interference.

“We cannot have athletes having pressure put on them by their political masters to make messaging during the competition,” Adams said.

A regular concern at Summer Games in recent years has been the issue of some athletes seeming to be pulled from competition to avoid facing an opponent from Israel.

The last major review of protest guidelines was overseen by Coventry while she was an IOC athlete representative ahead of the Tokyo Olympics held in 2021.

Stricter rules were in place but eased just weeks before those

Games, in which women’s soccer teams took a knee before the rst whistle to support racial justice. Other incidents by athletes

Heraskevych’s case has been compared to U.S. gure skater Maxim Naumov, who made an emotional tribute in Milan this week. After his skate, he displayed a photo of himself as a child with his parents, who were killed in January 2025 when American Airlines Flight 5342 struck a military helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., and fell into the icy Potomac River.

Adams said Naumov’s display was “a spontaneous show of emotion” after his event.

At the Paris Olympics 18 months ago, Afghan refugee Manizha Talash competed in the breaking competition wearing a cape with the slogan, “Free Afghan Women.” She was disquali ed by the World DanceSport Federation.

Also in Paris, the opening ceremony saw a memorial gesture in which Algerian athletes tossed red roses from their boat into the Seine at the spot where in 1961 dozens of protesters died in a police crackdown.

Perhaps the most famous demonstration came at the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City when U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos stood atop the medal podium after the 200 meters race. With their feet bare and their heads bowed, the two Black Americans each raised a gloved st to protest racial injustice. They were expelled from the Games but allowed to keep their medals.

Russia’s impending return

The helmet issue has put Ukraine back in the Olympic news at what could be the last games before Russia returns to the IOC fold. Russian athletes and teams have faced varying restrictions on competing — without their national identity of ag, anthem and colors — at each Olympics in the past decade because of doping scandals and the war.

The IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee in October 2023 for breaking the Olympic Charter by incorporating sports councils in four regions of Ukraine that Moscow illegally annexed. The legal dispute is under review, and the IOC advised sports governing bodies in December to look at restoring Russian youth teams to international competitions with their full identity. Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi has urged the IOC not to make concessions before the war ends.

2 Israelis charged with using classi ed military information to place bets

A civilian and military reservist allegedly used insider knowledge to win $150,000 on Polymarket

The Associated Press

TEL AVIV — Two Israelis have been charged with using classi ed military information to place bets on how future events will unfold, Israeli authorities said Thursday, accusing the individuals of “serious security o enses.”

A joint statement by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, domestic security service Shin Bet and police said that a civilian and a reservist are suspected of placing bets on the U.S.-based prediction market Polymarket on future military operations based on information that the reservist had access to.

Israel’s Attorney General’s Ofce decided to prosecute the two individuals following a joint investigation by police, military intelligence and other security agencies that resulted in several arrests. The two face charges including bribery and obstruction of justice.

Authorities o ered no details on the identity of the two individuals or the reservist’s rank or

position in the Israeli military but warned that such actions posed a “real security risk” for the military and the Israeli state. Israel’s public broadcaster Kan had reported earlier that the bets were placed in June ahead of Israel’s war with Iran and that the winnings were roughly $150,000.

Israel’s military and security services “view the acts attributed to the defendants very seriously and will act resolutely to thwart and bring to justice any person involved in the activity of using classi ed information illegally,” the statement said.

The accused will remain in

custody until the end of legal proceedings against them, the Prosecutor’s O ce said. Prediction markets are comprised of typically yes-or-no questions called event contracts, with the prices connected to what traders are willing to pay, which theoretically indicates the perceived

Studies test whether gene-editing can x high cholesterol; for now, take your medicine

Early trials show a single infusion can cut LDL in half

By Lauran Neergaard

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Scientists are testing an entirely new way to ght heart disease: a gene-editing treatment that might o er a one-time x for high cholesterol. It’s very early stage research, tried in only a few dozen people so far. But gene-editing approaches being developed by two companies show hints that switching o certain genes could dramatically lower artery-clogging cholesterol, raising hopes of one day being able to prevent heart attacks without having to take pills.

“People want a x, not a bandage,” said Dr. Luke La n, a preventive cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic. After co-authoring a promising study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, he said he was ooded with queries about how to participate in the next clinical trial.

Everyone needs a certain amount of cholesterol. But too much, especially a “bad” kind called LDL cholesterol, builds plaque in the artery walls and is a main driver of heart attacks and strokes. Cardiovascular disease is the nation’s — and world’s — leading killer.

Millions take cholesterol-lowering medicines such as statins, the cornerstone of treatment. But many still struggle to lower their cholesterol enough, and sticking with the drugs for life is di cult, with some quitting because of side e ects.

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180 hours of physician assistant shadowing experience prior to admission.

Students range in age from 22 to 31, with an average age of 25. The class is composed of 72% women and 28% men, including six rst-generation college students.

One member of the cohort is a Pfei er graduate.

Twenty-three of the 28 students are North Carolina residents. Others come from California, Florida, Illinois and Michigan. Twenty students

Why genes matter for cholesterol

While your diet contributes, your liver produces the cholesterol your body needs, according to the American Heart Association, and genes play a role in how it’s managed. Some people inherit genes that trigger very high cholesterol. Others have cholesterol that’s naturally extremely low over their lifetime and seldom develop heart disease.

Years ago, Dr. Kiran Musunuru, a cardiologist now at the University of Pennsylvania, reported some of those lucky people harbor a mutation that turns o a gene named ANGPTL3, lowering their levels of both LDL cholesterol and another bad fat, triglycerides.

Separately, geneticists at UT Southwestern Medical Center found still other people’s extremely low LDL was due to loss of function of another gene named PCSK9.

“It’s a natural experiment in what would happen if we actually changed the gene,” said the Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Steven Nissen, who with La n oversaw an ANGPTL3 study funded by Swiss-based CRISPR Therapeutics.

What early gene-editing studies can and can’t show

Today there are injected medicines that block proteins produced by the PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 genes in the liver, thus helping the body clear away cholesterol. The new research uses CRISPR, the Nobel Prize-winning gene-editing tool, to try switching o one of those genes in people at high risk from uncontrolled cholesterol.

earned undergraduate degrees from North Carolina institutions, including UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, UNC Charlotte, East Carolina and UNC Wilmington. “I chose Pfei er University’s Physician Assistant program for its strong community and excellence in PA education, and I look forward to expanding my clinical knowledge as I grow to become a capable and compassionate provider for my future patients,” said Caylee Clayton, a Norwood resident and recent UNC Chapel Hill graduate.

In one study, 15 adults received a single infusion of tiny particles that carried the CRISPR tool to the liver, switching o the ANGPTL3 gene inside that organ’s cells. Within two weeks, those getting the highest dose saw their LDL and triglyceride levels both drop by half, La n and Nissen reported in November.

Boston’s Verve Therapeutics, a subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, earlier reported that its PCSK9-targeted editing infusion cut LDL cholesterol by a similar amount in a small study. Both companies’ initial studies were done in Australia, the U.K. and other countries. A Lilly spokesperson said U.S. study sites are opening. Nissen said a next-step study of CRISPR Therapeutics’ approach should start later this year, with sites yet to be announced. Each com-

The program begins with a didactic phase covering medical sciences, pharmacology, physical diagnosis and clinical medicine.

Students then complete supervised clinical rotations in areas including family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health and orthopedics.

The Center for Health Sciences, which opened in 2020, includes simulation spaces designed to replicate intensive care, surgical and emergency settings, along with a cadav-

pany is pursuing several gene targets. While people with naturally nonfunctioning ANGPTL3 or PCSK9 have no apparent bad consequences, longer studies of the gene-editing approach in far more people are needed, said Penn’s Musunuru, who co-founded Verve. He said some participants in an earlier Verve study have been tracked for two years, their cholesterol still lowered.

Gene editing is considered permanent. If edited liver cells reproduce, their progeny contain the altered genes, and Musunuru said the edits have lasted a lifetime in mice.

There are major safety questions to be answered, cautioned Dr. Joseph Wu of Stanford University, who wasn’t involved in either study. CRISPR-based therapies for any disease haven’t been used enough to know

probability of an event occurring. Their use has skyrocketed in recent years, but despite some eye-catching windfalls, traders still lose money everyday. In the U.S., the trades are categorized di erently than traditional forms of gambling, raising questions about transparency and risk.

long-term safety — and the particles carrying the gene-editing tool can irritate or in ame the liver, he said. Another unknown is whether gene-editing hits only the intended target.

That’s why for now, studies largely target people at very high risk.

What to do now for better heart health

Whether gene editing eventually pans out, the American Heart Association lists eight key factors for better heart health that everyone should work on now.

Some involve lifestyle. Eat a heart-healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats like those found in nuts. Saturated fats can increase cholesterol while healthier diets can lower LDL levels and raise levels of HDL, the so-called good cholesterol.

Also, be physically active, as exercise can increase good HDL and help lower triglycerides.

Maintain a healthy weight. If you smoke, quit. And get enough sleep.

On the medical side, control your blood pressure — levels measuring less than 120 over 80 are optimal. Diabetes also harms the heart so control your blood sugar.

As for cholesterol, keeping levels of that “bad” LDL kind at 100 is considered ne for healthy people. But once people develop high cholesterol or heart disease, guidelines recommend lowering it to at least 70, even lower for those at very high risk.

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, statin pills like Lipitor, Crestor or their cheap generic equivalents block some of the liver’s production of cholesterol and are highly e ective at lowering LDL. There are a few other pill options for people who need additional help or can’t take statins, as well as some injected medicines.

GOP lawmakers both critical, cordial with Charlotte leaders after high-pro le crime

Republican legislators grilled Charlotte o cials over recent rail stabbings

By Gary D. Robertson

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — North Carolina Republican lawmakers pressed Charlotte-area leaders on Monday about crime- ghting e orts following recent light-rail stabbings in the Democratic-led city, with a committee head citing failures in carrying out criminal justice functions.

The August fatal stabbing death of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, followed in December by a nonfatal stabbing on the same Charlotte rail system, are among the chief reasons for GOP critiques of area law enforcement. The suspect in each stabbing faces charges in state and federal court.

GOP Rep. Brenden Jones, co-chairman of the state House oversight committee that took testimony from several ocials, attributed Zarutska’s killing to broad “incompetence.”

Zarutska had “come to America for a better life. She didn’t get that experience,” Jones said. “Her life was cut short not by one individual but by a system that allowed a career criminal to roam your streets.”

Decarlos Brown Jr., the man accused in Zarutska’s death, had more than a dozen prior criminal arrests before the most recent charge, and concerns had been raised about his mental health. Republican lawmakers, as well as President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, blamed Democratic leaders in Charlotte and statewide for soft-on-crime policies they allege allowed Brown to stay out of custody.

Jones kept to a similar theme, accusing the leaders in Charlotte — with a population of more than 940,000 — and surrounding Mecklen-

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Stanly commissioners at-large seat, where Kristin Beck and Gwendolyn Harris each are seeking the nomination to face Lawhon and Libertarian nominee Melvin B. Poole in the general election.

At the state level, Republicans do not have a contested primary in N.C. House District 67. The seat is held by Rep. Cody Huneycutt, who was elected in 2024 and led for reelection without Republican opposition, advancing directly to the November general election.

Democratic voters will choose their District 67 nom-

burg County of prioritizing liberal-leaning policy choices over keeping people safe.

“Her blood is on your hands,” he added.

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, who was among those testifying Monday, wrote soon after Zarutska’s death that it was a “tragic failure by the courts and magistrates.” She and others have since highlighted additional safety measures for the light rail system.

Most of the committee’s vitriol was targeted at the Mecklenburg County sheri , who operates the local jail.

Despite the harsh opening attack by Jones, committee members were cordial in their questioning of Lyles, new Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson and Mecklenburg District Attorney Spencer Meriweather.

During testimony, Meriweather suggested the need for more assistant prosecutors, earlier mental health interventions and combating more onerous crimes by juveniles.

Patterson also outlined additional measures aimed at further reducing violent crime, building on last year’s declines.

The meeting “really lets me know that the General Assembly cares about Charlotte and they want to work with us to make our city safer,” Patterson told reporters.

Still, in a news release after the meeting, a pair of Democrats on the committee accused the panel of engaging in “cynical partisan theatre to paint Charlotte in a negative light.”

Zarutska’s death has already resulted in a new state law that bars cashless bail for certain violent crimes and many repeat o enders. It also seeks to ensure more defendants undergo mental health evaluations.

Democratic Gov. Josh Stein last week issued an executive order designed in part to address mental health treatment for people whom police con-

inee between Jocelyn Torres and Roddrick Howell. Republican voters will also decide the N.C. Court of Appeals Judge Seat 1 race between Michael C. Byrne and Matt Smith, while Democratic voters will choose between James Weldon Whalen and Christine Marie Walczyk for N.C. Court of Appeals Judge Seat 3. At the federal level, the 8th Congressional District is represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Harris, who was elected in 2024 and has secured his party’s nomination for November. Democratic voters will choose their nominee among Kevin Clark, Colby Watson and Jesse Oppenheim.

front and who are incarcerated.

Sheri Garry McFadden has clashed for years with lawmakers who accused him for failing to cooperate with immigration agents seeking to apprehend defendants in his jail. A recent state law has now made it mandatory for sheri s to honor detainers, who are requests by ICE to hold an arrested immigrant so agents can take custody of them.

A federal immigration crackdown that started in November in Charlotte and spread elsewhere in North Carolina resulted in hundreds of arrests over several days. At the time, the Department of Homeland Security said about 1,400 detainers across North Carolina had not been honored since 2020.

McFadden said Monday that his jail o cials “have always followed the law in notifying ICE” but it’s up to agents to decide “what they do after that noti cation.” But Jones said later that data “indicates the sheri ’s not doing his job in Mecklenburg County.”

Brown has been jailed due to the charges. A federal court ordered last month that he undergo a psychiatric examination to determine whether his legal case can proceed. A similar exam was ordered in state court months ago. Brown’s lawyers for the federal case declined comment. His state court lawyer didn’t respond to emails.

The suspect in the second light-rail attack — identi ed in federal records as Oscar Gerardo Solorzano-Garcia and in state court as Oscar Solarzano — is from Central America and had been transported out the country twice since 2018 — having been convicted of illegal reentry into the U.S., according to an FBI a davit.

Solarzano is also jailed, and an attorney representing him in state court didn’t respond to emails. There is no lawyer listed in his federal case.

For the U.S. Senate primary, Republican voters will choose between Richard Dansie, Donald M. (Don) Brown, Michael Whatley, Elizabeth A. Temple, Michele Morrow and Thomas Johnson. Democratic voters will select from Daryl Farrow, Justin E. Dues, Roy Cooper, Robert Colon, Marcus W. Williams and Orrick Quick.

Voters must cast ballots in the party primary corresponding with their registration, with una liated voters choosing only one of the two party ballots. Residents who miss the early voting window may still vote March 3, at their assigned precinct.

STANLY SPORTS

South Stanly boys escape Gray Stone with road win

It marked the Rowdy Rebel Bulls’ second conference victory

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — Snapping a three-game losing streak, the South Stanly boys’ basketball team used a dominant third quarter to defeat Gray Stone 47- 40 in Misenheimer on Tuesday.

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls improved to 8-14 overall and 2-7 in Yadkin Valley Conference play, while the Knights dropped to 1-22 and 0-9. The teams entered the matchup in fth and sixth place in their league standings, respectively.

South Stanly built an early seven-point advantage before Gray Stone answered with a 17-10 run to even the score at 27-27 by halftime.

The game turned decisively in the third quarter as South Stan-

ly’s defense limited the Knights to just one point in the period, allowing the Bulls to create separation and take a 10-point lead into the nal frame.

Gray Stone made onenal push, trimming the de cit to 43- 40 with two minutes remaining. However, the Knights were unable to complete the comeback as they failed to score again. South Stanly added four late points to secure the win.

Although the Bulls’ 47 points marked their lowest scoring to-

tal in a victory this season, it was enough to hand Gray Stone its 11th consecutive loss. Both teams closed out their regular-season schedules against North Rowan, with Gray Stone traveling to face the Cavaliers on Thursday and South Stanly hosting North Rowan on Friday.

North Stanly 64, Albemarle 41

The North Stanly Comets (21-2, 8-1 YVC) held onto rst place in the conference Tuesday by defeating the third-place Albemarle Bulldogs (9-13, 6-4 YVC) by 23 points in New London. Albemarle has closed out its schedule with four more wins than it had in the past two seasons combined. Fighting to stay

ahead of second-place North Rowan, North Stanly traveled to Monroe on Thursday to play its regular-season nale against fourth-place Union Academy.

Forest Hills 82, West Stanly 38

With nine losses in their past 10 games, the West Stanly Colts (7-14, 2-8 RRC) su ered a 44-point loss at Forest Hills (17-6, 10-1 RRC) on Monday in a battle between the top team and sixth-place team in the Rocky River Conference.

The Colts, who have seen their win total decline in each of the past three seasons, hosted second-place Parkwood on Wednesday before closing out their schedule Friday at home against third-place Mount Pleasant.

Pfei er women hold o Methodist in home victory

The Falcons are 2-2 this month

By Jesse Deal

Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — The Pfei er women’s basketball team improved its conference position on Wednesday night, defeating Methodist 59-53 in Merner Gym.

With the win, the Falcons (12-9, 9-5 USA South) moved back into fourth place in the USA South Athletic Confer-

ence standings, trailing Southern Virginia, Brevard and N.C. Wesleyan. Methodist fell to 8-14 overall and 7-8 in league play.

Pfei er is aiming for its rst winning season in eight years and its rst conference championship in 19 years. With ve regular-season games remaining, the Falcons remain on track to secure a winning record.

Last season, Pfei er nished 11-13 overall with a fth-place 8-8 conference tally.

On Wednesday, sophomore guard Ava Hairston was once again Pfei er’s standout play-

er with 16 points, ve rebounds and six steals. Junior guard Lettie Michael added 12 points and four rebounds, while Kaleig Gunter contributed nine points and a team-high six rebounds.

Graduate forward Nyree Bell chipped in eight points and three assists.

Pfei er led by three after the rst quarter and extended its advantage to 36-27 by halftime. The Falcons limited the Monarchs to eight points in the third quarter, building a double-digit cushion before Methodist mounted a late rally. The Mon-

archs outscored Pfei er 18-10 in the fourth quarter to pull within six by the nal buzzer. Methodist’s Jad Richardson led all players with 22 points and seven rebounds.

The win followed a pivotal 70 -63 home loss to N.C. Wesleyan on Monday that dropped Pfei er below the Battling Bishops in the standings. The Falcons are 2-2 in February. Pfei er currently ranks sixth among the conference’s teams in scoring o ense and third in scoring defense. Hairston leads the Falcons at 14.2 points per

game, followed by junior guard Miya Horton (12.6), Michael (10) and Bell (8.2).

Hairston’s scoring average ranks fth in the conference, while Horton leads the league in steals at 4.3 per game. On the glass, junior guard Lola CabanissAli (6.1 rebounds per game) and Bell (5.7) pace the Falcons.

Pfei er will travel to Salem on Saturday before hosting William Peace on Tuesday. Brevard and Southern Virginia are still on the regular-season schedule before the USA South Tournament begins on Feb. 24.

Pfei er coach Vontreece Hayes speaks to her players during a timeout.

Mavericks leaving no doubt Flagg center of team’s future after trading away Davis

The rookie star is the key piece of Dallas’ rebuilding e ort

By Schuyler Dixon

The Associated Press

DALLAS — Cooper Flagg is in the midst of an unprecedented run for an NBA teenager just as the Dallas Mavericks are rmly declaring their rookie No. 1 pick the future face of the franchise.

The day was coming regardless. It arrived with Dallas trading Anthony Davis, the 10-time All-Star who joined the Mavs in a deal that cost them generational superstar Luka Doncic and sent their fans into a funk from which they’re still recovering.

“We have an unbelievable player in Cooper Flagg,” co-interim general manager Michael Finley, a former Mavericks player, said during the announcement of a three-team trade involving nine players and ve draft picks that are all going to Dallas.

“When you have that type of draft capital, it gives yourself the ability to go out and put the proper pieces around him to make our team, like I keep stressing, a championship contender.”

The Mavericks got Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and Marvin Bagley III along with two rst-round picks and three second-rounders from Washington for Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum. Malaki Branham also was part of the deal for Dallas, which then traded him to Charlotte for Tyus Jones.

“It’s tough. Those are guys I came in here my rst year, they were all amazing guys to be around on and o the court,” Flagg said. “I wish them all the best. And I’m just blessed to be here. Whoever’s out there on the court with me, and the rest of

the guys, just looking forward to continuing to try to get better and compete at a really high level.”

Flagg set an NBA record for a teenager with four consecutive games with at least 30 points, ending the run with 32 points in a 135-123 loss to the San Antonio Spurs last Thursday night. The run started with the 19-year-old setting a league scoring record for a teen with 49 points against Charlotte. Flagg followed that with 34 points against Houston and 36 against Boston.

The Mavericks lost all four games during Flagg’s surge and were on a season-worst seven-game losing streak through last weekend, which helps explain why the Mavericks moved on from the oft-injured Davis,

currently sidelined by a hand injury, and chose another retooling of the roster over the chance to see Davis, Flagg and star guard Kyrie Irving on the court together.

“I think, as a fan, you probably would want to see AD, Kyrie, and Cooper on the court,” said Finley, who shares the interim GM title with Matt Riccardi. “But we had an opportunity to do something to give us the ultimate exibility in the future. We just felt that this was an opportunity to take advantage of that situation.”

When the Mavericks converted a 1.8% chance in the draft lottery for the right to select Flagg last summer, there was hope that the fog of losing Doncic would clear.

Instead, Davis’ injury woes returned amid a slow start by the team this season

The Mavericks red general manager Nico Harrison in November.

Now they’ve moved on from their centerpiece in that deal, but Irving is the biggest remaining piece from the team that he and Doncic led to the NBA Finals less than two years ago.

Finley indicated the Mavs still have a vision of Flagg and Irving — both one-and-done No. 1 overall picks from Duke — sharing the court at some point.

“We’ve both spoken to Kyrie at di erent points,” Finley said, referring to Riccardi. “Kyrie has the ultimate respect for Cooper. He loves the kid’s work ethic. He loves the kid’s love for the

game. And I think Kyrie’s embracing the role as a mentor to Cooper. So it’s going to be amazing to have a chance to see those guys on the court and playing together.”

Coach Jason Kidd, the point guard for the franchise’s only championship team in 2011, believes Flagg has the makings of a franchise leader and the perseverance to work toward that rst postseason chance.

“The bigger the stage, the bigger the light, the better game he has,” Kidd said. “He wants to win. The 49 (points), the 36, they all have L’s behind it. He wants the change that. He wants to win. I think the great ones learn how to change those L’s into W’s, and he’s going to be one of those.”

Jurgensen, strong-armed QB whose personality made him beloved football gure, dead at 91

The Hall of Fame quarterback was a two-way star at Duke

By Barry Wilner and Stephen Whyno

The Associated Press

SONNY JURGENSEN, the Hall of Fame quarterback whose strong arm, keen wit and a able personality made him one of the most beloved gures in Washington football history, has died. He was 91. Jurgensen’s family said he died of natural causes in Naples, Florida, after a brief stay in hospice care.

“We are enormously proud of his amazing life and accomplishments on the eld, marked not only by a golden arm but also a fearless spirit and intellect that earned him a place among the legends in Canton,” his family said in a statement. “He lived with deep appreciation for the teammates, colleagues and friends he met along the way. While he has taken his nal snap, his legacy will remain an indelible part of the city he loved and the family he built.”

Jurgensen arrived in Washington in 1964 in a surprise quarterback swap that sent Norm Snead to the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the next 11 seasons, Jurgensen rewrote the team’s record books.

He topped 3,000 yards in a season ve times, including twice with Philadelphia, in an era before rules changes opened up NFL o enses. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and remains the only Washington player to wear the No. 9 jersey in a game.

“Sonny Jurgensen is, and always will be, one of the de ning legends of Washington football,” said controlling owner

“Sonny Jurgensen is, and always will be, one of the de ning legends of Washington football.”

Josh Harris, Washington Commanders owner

Josh Harris, who grew up a fan.

“For me, Sonny was the embodiment of what it means to don the burgundy and gold: tough, smart and endlessly devoted to this franchise and its fans.”

Jurgensen’s four-plus decades of association with the franchise in Washington as a quarterback and then as a broadcaster made him a one-name celebrity in the nation’s capital.

He was the one and only Sonny, contrary but loyal: the everyman red-headed football player with the out-of-shape belly who

kept a connection with fans but could also pull out a cigar and hobnob with the team owner.

Notorious for breaking curfew, Jurgensen was also known for ignoring coaches and joking about his less-than-ideal physique. He more than compensated with his pinpoint passing from the pocket, helping make the then-Redskins exciting and competitive again, leading the team to more victories in his rst three seasons than the club had won in its previous six.

“All I ask of my blockers is 4 seconds,” he once said. “I try to stay on my feet and not be forced out of the pocket. I beat people by throwing, not running.”

Jurgensen played through numerous injuries and even won over the notoriously tough Vince Lombardi, who coached Washington to its rst winning season in more than a decade in 1969. Lombardi said of Jur-

gensen, “He is the best I have seen.”

“Few players could rival Sonny Jurgensen’s genuine love of the game that continued long after his playing days,” Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said. “Watching Sonny throw a football was like watching a master craftsman create a work of art.”

Jurgensen nished his career with 2,433 completions for 32,224 yards and a 57.1 completion percentage. He threw 255 touchdown passes, 189 interceptions and had a career rating of 82.6. He made the Pro Bowl ve times, led the NFL in passing yards ve times and will always be in the record books for an untoppable 99-yard touchdown pass to Gerry Allen in 1968.

Washingtonians too young to remember Jurgensen as a player came to adore him for his astute observations as part of the radio broadcast.

Jurgensen wouldn’t hesitate

Washington’s Sonny Jurgensen was one of the best quarterbacks of the early NFL.

to question decisions and performances he didn’t like, especially when it came to quarterbacks. He often pined for the days when quarterbacks were allowed to call their own plays.

Born Christian Adolph Jurgensen III in Wilmington on Aug, 23, 1934, Jurgensen was a two-way star at Duke and was drafted in the fourth round by the Eagles in 1957. He sat behind Norm Van Brocklin until 1961, when he took over the starting job and threw for 3,723 yards, 32 touchdown and 24 interceptions — all league highs. Three years later he found himself on the way to Washington on April 1, 1964.

“Someone came in and said, ‘You were traded to the Redskins,’ ” Jurgensen said in a 2007 interview. “I said ‘No, it’s April Fools’ Day, you’re kidding.’ He said, ‘No, I’m not kidding. I just heard it on the radio.’

“So I was shocked.”

Connor Zilisch pulls through Turn 1 during last year’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Texas.

Teen sensation Zilisch most hyped NASCAR rookie since possibly Gordon

Charlotte

By Jenna Fryer

The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — As sleet

pelted Bowman Gray Stadium during NASCAR’s preseason warm-up race, multiple drivers complained about poor visibility and the wet track conditions.

One of them — the youngest driver in the eld — hit the button on his radio and grumbled it was time to get back to racing no matter the conditions.

“We’re professional race car drivers — it’s our job to go gure it out,” 19-year-old Connor Zilisch radioed to his team.

The teenager is the most hyped rookie to join the top-level Cup Series in decades.

“I would have to say Je Gordon, honestly,” AJ Allmendinger said of the four-time NASCAR champion who was 20 in his rst Cup Series season in 1992. “There was Joey (Logano) and the whole ‘Sliced Bread’ thing, but I think straight-up hype? Connor is the deal and has already delivered. He’s jumping in everything and performing at very high levels.”

Zilisch will make his Daytona 500 debut on Feb. 15 — four years after attending the race for the very rst time. He was fairly new to racing at the time, had very few connections and sat in the grandstands with tickets as a regular fan as Austin Cindric won as a rookie.

“I think it’s very cool that people think that highly of me, when you are getting compared to Kyle Busch and Joey Logano, there’s nothing to complain about — they have ve Cup championships between them,” Zilisch told The Associated Press. “If I can have a career half as good as either of them, I think that would be a successful career. But I’ve got a lot of time to get to their level. I mean, four years ago I was in the grandstands for the Daytona 500, and to think I’m now going to be in the race is just crazy.”

Not as crazy as it may seem considering the resume of the Charlotte native.

Zilisch started go-karting ve or six years ago and irted brie y with pursuing a career

a NASCAR

“Four years ago I was in the grandstands for the Daytona 500 and to think I’m now going to be in the race is just crazy.”

Connor Zilisch

racing in Europe. That dedication has given him a maturity far behind his years that Justin Marks, owner of Trackhouse Racing, recognized immediately as he set a path to get Zilisch to the Cup Series.

In two years of racing sports cars and various NASCAR series, he’s won at almost every level. In 2024 he was part of the class-winning team that scored back-to-back victories at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and then the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the next year returned to the Rolex as teammates with Australian V8 Super Cars champions Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen.

McLaughlin is now an IndyCar winner for Team Penske and van Gisbergen, who made the Cup Series playo s as a rookie last year, will be Zilisch’s teammate at Trackhouse this year.

“He’s just very mature, but there’s de nitely times when you talk to him and you realize, ‘Oh yeah, you’re 18.’ Like, he’s young, but when he’s on track, he’s very smart and understands how to go about it in a respectful way,” McLaughlin said. “He’s

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kanija Colson

South Stanly, girls’ basketball

Kanija Colson is a junior center/power forward on the South Stanly girls’ basketball team. She’s also a middle hitter on the Rowdy Rebel Bulls’ volleyball team and runs track at South Stanly.

The Rowdy Rebel Bulls went 2-2 last week, but Colson had a week for the ages. In an overtime win over Union Academy, she led the team in scoring with 14 points and also pulled down 23 rebounds.

got raw speed, he’s got no fear because he’s young, but at the same time, dudes like that are very temperamental.

“You hope a guy like that has the right environment, and it looks like a good environment for him with Trackhouse.”

Zilisch won a series-high 10 races last year in NASCAR’s second-tier national series but was denied the title in the winner-take-all nale when Jesse Love beat him head to head. That format has been scrapped for 2026, but Zilisch said, after mourning the title loss for a week or so, he’s moved on and accepted Love has a trophy he never will.

The focus is fully on 2026, which is in full swing already. He was part of the second-place nishing team in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the car owned by NASCAR chairman Jim France.

He’ll race this season as teammates to van Gisbergen — and he and the New Zealander should be next to unbeatable on road courses — as well as Ross Chastain, who is eager to help the teen. Zilisch replaced Daniel Suarez in the Trackhouse lineup.

“I want Connor to succeed. If he succeeds, it’s good for me,” Chastain said. “If I can’t win, a Trackhouse win is really good. De nitely want that for Connor, want that for me and want that for Shane. I’m the one clapping the loudest when they’re winning. I want to be right there competing with them and winning races.”

In a loss to Albemarle, she scored 26 of South’s 29 points, adding eight rebounds, three steals and eight blocks. Against North, she had nine points and 13 rebounds, and she closed the week with a team-high 17 points in a win over Gray Stone Day.

She’s among the leaders in North Carolina Class 2A in rebounding, free throws made and double-doubles, and is second in the Yadkin Valley Conference in scoring.

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of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please

This the 31st day of January, 2026. JODY L. HOPPER EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES DEAN HOPPER MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 206 E. North St. Albemarle, NC 28001 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Please run Notice: January 31, February 7, 14 and 21, 2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION STANLY COUNTY BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000652-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Jimmie Lewis Hathcock a/k/a Jimmy Lewis Hathcock, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Jimmie Lewis Hathcock a/k/a Jimmy Lewis Hathcock to present them to the undersigned on or before May 8, 2026, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This 3rd day of February, 2026. Avery Todd Hathcock 17811 McKee Rd. Charlotte, NC 28278 Executor (GS 28A-14-1)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000021-830 Having quali ed as Administratrix of the Estate of Phillip Curt Howell, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before May 1st, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This the 28th day of January, 2026.

MORGAN H. BOWERS

ADMINISTRATRIX FOR THE ESTATE OF PHILLIP CURT HOWELL MARK T. LOWDER

ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Publish: February 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2026

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk

25E000664-830 Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of JILL S. TURNER, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before May 1, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 31st day of January, 2026.

MARK T. LOWDER EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF JILL S. TURNER

MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284

206 E. North St. Albemarle, NC 28001 Telephone (704) 982-8558

Please run Notice: January 31, February 7, 14 and 21, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 25E000420-830 Having quali ed as Public Administrator of the Estate of RONALD TERRY STILL, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before May 1, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 31st day of January, 2026.

MARK T. LOWDER PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD TERRY STILL

MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 206 E. North St. Albemarle, NC 28001 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Please run Notice: January 31, February 7, 14 and 21, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 22E000377-830 Having quali ed as Public Administrator of the Estate of James Lloyd Little, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before May 15th, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This the 5th day of February, 2026.

MARK T. LOWDER PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE OF JAMES LLOYD LITTLE

MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone (704) 982-8558

Publish: February 15, 22, and March 1, and 8, 2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 26E000043-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having duly quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Bobby Allen E rd, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, rms, or corporations having claims against said decedent, or his estate, to present the same to the undersigned Administrator, duly itemized and veri ed on or before the 8th day of May, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Administrator.

This the 4th day of February, 2026.

Je rey Richard E rd Administrator of the Estate of Bobby Allen E rd 613 Pope Street Norwood, NC 28128

PUBLISH: February 8, 15, 22, March 1, 2026

James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Estate P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002-1162

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK 26E000016-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having duly quali ed as Executrix of the Estate of Vann L. Perry, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, rms, or corporations having claims against said decedent, or her estate, to present the same to the undersigned Executrix, duly itemized and veri ed on or before the 1st day of May, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said decedent are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Executrix. This the 28th day of January, 2026. Susan F. Furr Executrix of the Estate of Vann L. Perry 44851 Gold Branch Road Rich eld, NC 28137 PUBLISH: February 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026. James A. Phillips, Jr. Attorney for the Estate P.O. Box 1162 117 W. North Street Albemarle, NC 28002-1162

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK

25E000555-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having duly quali ed as Executrix of the estate of Julia Mae Huneycutt Evans, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, is hereby notifying all persons, rms, or corporations having claims against said decedent, or her estate, to present the same to the undersigned Executrix, duly itemized and veri ed on or before the 25th

AND JEWELL WHITLEY BARBEE Respondents ) NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY Pursuant to an order of the Honorable Ginger D.F. E rd, Clerk of Superior Court of Stanly County, North Carolina, entered on the 15th day of

Get the love part right: It’s about knowing each other, sacri ce, sticking around on bad days

Sharing what love really means ahead of Valentine’s Day

By Laurie Kellman and Almaz Abedje

The Associated Press

LONDON — Love and bacon

hovered in the air of the Smalley house one sunny morning when Annie, 7, came to breakfast.

A “baconaholic,” according to her father, Annie spied the last remaining strips of the intoxicating salty meat on a plate. She could easily have inhaled them all. But incoming was Annie’s sister, Murphy, 16, another bacon devotee. Annie paused and decided to o er one strip of crispy goodness to her sister. “Dad,” she declared, ““I just laid down my life for Murphy.”

Perhaps, Greg Smalley reminded his daughter, the pig had sacri ced more. But what struck him was the choice. The sisters had a history of generosity toward each other, but Annie had given up something important — a massive understatement for any bacon lover — for Murphy’s delight. “Love,” Smalley said by email, “is built on small, daily sacri ces that quietly say, ‘You matter.’”

In doing so, Annie arguably had gotten the love part right — a universal goal that’s been sought and debated across borders, politics and religions for as long as people have been writing things down.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day 2026, with the card and chocolate industries eager to help, loving someone well — a romantic partner, a parent, a child, a pet and especially yourself — can seem as perplexing as ever. It depends on what you want, and don’t, as well as what others want from you — now and in ve minutes, relentlessly.

Love stinks, love bites, love hurts: What history says about loving well

Across traditions and philosophies, love is generally de ned as an ongoing moral choice that requires truthfulness and accountability. What it’s not, those texts widely say: controlling, unconditional or abusive.

Aristotle wrote that to love, a person “wishes and does what is good, or seems to, for the sake of his friend.” St. Thomas Aquinas taught that, “to love is to will the good of the other.” The Old Testament includes a famous directive, translated roughly: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

“Love,” wrote the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, “can be de ned as a wish that others be happy.”

It’s all pretty lofty-sounding, so The Associated Press asked people around the world how they got love part right in real, contemporary life. Here’s what they said.

Las Vegas: Knowing each other well enough to give the right gifts

“Personally, I love gift-giving,” said Ally Fernandez of Las Vegas, a seamstress. “I make a lot of my items, and I love making something special and like custom to my person, and I do that for pretty much everybody.”

For her husband, Fernandez said she did “some really cool,

Colombia’s Ambassador in the United States Daniel García-Peña, right, hands out owers from Colombia to pedestrians outside the Longworth House O ce Building ahead of Valentine’s Day, as a symbol of the close partnership between Colombia and the United States, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

patchwork...It’s just so unexpected when you get something that’s handmade like that.”

Her husband, meanwhile, has paid close enough attention to know she loves surprises. One recent date night, he took her to Area15, an immersive entertainment experience in Las Vegas.

“You walk through it ... and you can interact with all the things around you,” she said. “I love things like that, like just things that are di erent and artsy.”

Budapest, Hungary: Su ering through Sephora with your makeup -loving lover

Back home in Budapest, Hungary, there are no Sephora stores. But there are multiples in Paris. So on a recent visit to the French capital, Lili Henzel, 25, couldn’t stay away from the cosmetics giant — and her husband, Bulcsu Alkay, 23, went along for the ride. Again. And again.

“Yesterday, we went to Sephora for ve times,” Henzel said in an interview. “It’s not fun for him, obviously, so I appreciate that a lot.”

Alkay took it with good hu-

mor. “I guess it’s my second home, I would say,” he said. Turning to his wife, he empathized. “Because you have so much at Sephora and we don’t have it at home.”

They displayed admirable honesty, appreciation and clear communication.

“I love makeup, so we had to buy a lot of it,” Henzel explained.

“I’m not really interested in that kind of shopping,” Alkay said.

Replied Henzel: “Thanks again for that.”

Los Angeles: Spending enough time together to know when your person, or pet, feels down

Luis Mitre of Los Angeles says that “love is the most wonderful thing.” He tries to express how he feels to people, but his dogs seem to know automatically.

That might be because he takes them wherever he goes, even on travel. “They sense when you’re sad, when you’re happy, even when people don’t,” said Mitre, who also lives in Las Vegas, where he spoke to the AP. “I think they show their love in unexpected ways every single day.”

“Communication

Anke Verbeek

Colmar, France: Rooting for each other every day

Claudia Verdun and Francarlos Betancourt, French visitors to Rome’s romantic Trevi Fountain, took a quick sel e and kissed — then talked about love.

“For me, it is a daily test,” Verdun said. “Little attentions, respect, care for the other, to believe in the other pushing, for the best for him. I think that is important.”

Added Betancourt, love is “to help each other with some things, to always be together, starting with your di erences — you have to love each other.

Beijing: Accepting yourself

Yi Yi, a Beijing resident, thinks “no relationship is closer than that with oneself.”

“I think for many people, the most important is that you should really love yourself, fully accept yourself and accept your own vulnerability and shortcomings,” Yi said. “I think these are the most important aspects of love for oneself.”

Brussels: Choosing to keep talking

“What we do,” said Joel Stimp g, 18, who visited Paris from Madrid, “is that we always have good communication and when we’re having a bad day, we always have a little moment to talk and discuss the relationship.”

Anke Verbeek, 40, and Jari Jacobs, 39, from Brussels, Belgium, “have di cult jobs.”

“She works late. I work early,” said Verbeek. “So communication is key for being together, for doing things together and keep the relationship alive.”

Brazil: Fighting to stand up a healthy family

Rafael Almeida thinks love has to do with solid planning for the future.

“We have already married, and to have children was our big dream together, and we are planning to expand our family,” he said in Rome, on a visit from his home in Brazil.. “We are planning and ghting for that.”

But love is also the daily practice of showing “the respect and admiration we have for each other every day.”

Colorado Springs, Colorado: Making the bed just because it’s that important to her

Erin Smalley wanted the bed made. Her husband, Greg Smalley (Annie’s dad), didn’t see why when he’d just have to climb back under the covers in a few hours. Decades of marriage, several children and co-hosting a podcast did little to resolve this ongoing dispute. Until, that is, Greg watched Erin hobble around with a recent foot injury as she made the bed herself.

“I know it doesn’t make sense to you,” Erin explained, “But I really like our bed made. It makes me feel good.”

“I nally got it,” Greg Smalley, a vice president at Focus on the Family, a Colorado-based Christian nonpro t, wrote in his email. “I realized that this was an opportunity to sacri ce a little bit of my time in the morning for my wife.”

These days, he says, he makes the bed every day.

famous birthdays this week

John McEnroe hits 67, Yoko Ono celebrates 93, Smokey Robinson turns 86, Cindy Crawford is 60

The Associated Press

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

FEB. 15

Actor Claire Bloom is 95. Songwriter Brian Holland is 85. Jazz musician Henry Threadgill is 82. Composer John Adams is 79. Cartoonist Art Spiegelman is 78. Actor Jane Seymour is 75. Actor Lynn Whit eld is 73. “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening is 72.

FEB. 16

Businessman Carl Icahn is 90. Author Eckhart Tolle is 78. Actor William Katt is 75. Actor LeVar Burton is 69. Actor-rapper Ice-T is 68. Tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe is 67. Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis is 54.

FEB. 17

Actor Brenda Fricker is 81. Actor Rene Russo is 72. Actor Lou Diamond Phillips is 64. Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan is 63. Film director Michael Bay is 61. Media personality Paris Hilton is 45.

FEB. 18

Artist-singer Yoko Ono is 93. Singer Irma Thomas is 85. Actor Cybill Shepherd is 76. Actor John Travolta is 72. TV personality Vanna White is 69. Actor Matt Dillon is 62. Rapper-music executive Dr. Dre is 61. Actor Molly Ringwald is 58.

FEB. 19

Singer Smokey Robinson is 86. Rock musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) is 78. Author Amy Tan is 74. Actor Je Daniels is 71. Actor Ray Winstone is 69. Singer Seal is 63. Actor Benicio Del Toro is 59.

FEB. 20

Racing Hall of Famer Roger Penske is 89. Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Esposito is 84. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is 84. Film director Mike Leigh is 83. Actor Sandy Duncan is 80. Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is 63. Model Cindy Crawford is 60.

SCOTT ROTH / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Rapper-turned-actor Ice-T turns 68 on Monday.

FEB. 21

Film and music executive David Ge en is 83. Actor Tyne Daly is 80. Actor Anthony Daniels is 80. Actor William Petersen is 73. Actor Kelsey Grammer is 71. Country musician Mary Chapin Carpenter is 68.

Olympic art project in Milan Park invites public to ‘re ect’

on Games’ spirit

Students, teachers and local citizens helped create the art installation

By María Teresa Hernández

The Associated Press

MILAN— A project in Olympics host city Milan has invited parkgoers to re ect on the values of sport — both guratively and literally.

“Together to Re ect” was conceived as a collective artwork that takes shape as slender stakes topped with mirrors, on which people write their thoughts about sports and the Games.

Anthony Cardamone was scrolling through Instagram when the initiative caught his eye. That prompted him to head to a corner of the public park known by its Italian acronym BAM with his wife and 7-year-old daughter on Sunday.

It was the only day scheduled for people to write their messages.

“For me, sport is about being

Actor Keaton honored by theater as Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Man of the Year

Je

By Michael Casey ad Leah Willingham

The Associated Press

BOSTON — Actor Michael Keaton jousted with an Oscar statue and made burgers last Friday night as he was roasted before receiving the 2026 Man of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals.

The theater group, which dates to 1844 and claims to be the world’s third oldest still operating, presented Keaton with his Pudding Pot award during the evening celebration. Afterward, he attended a performance of Hasty Pudding’s 177th production, “Salooney Tunes.”

Hasty Pudding Theatricals gives out its Man and Woman of the Year awards to people who have made lasting and impressive contributions to the world of entertainment.

Keaton, an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning actor, is known for roles in such lms as “Batman,” “Birdman,” “Beetlejuice” and “Spotlight.” More recently, he starred in and directed the short lm “Sweetwater” and starred in and was executive producer on the eight-part Hulu miniseries “Dopesick.”

“I thought your performance in ‘Birdman’ was subpar.”

Keaton

Micheal

The ceremony opened with Keaton donning a Batman costume and chasing after an Oscar statue — a nod to the fact he never won one, though he was nominated in 2015 for “Birdman.” Keaton then jousted with the gure before stabbing it after the statue told him, “I thought your performance in ‘Birdman’ was subpar.”

He later was dressed up as a McDonald’s worker, a reference to his role-playing Ray Kroc in a movie about the making of the fast-food megachain. Armed with a spatula, he served a single customer who increasingly demanded bigger and bigger burgers while Keaton tried his best.

“You didn’t think I could do this. Make a huge burger for the guy,” Keaton said. Keaton then received his Pudding Pot. After spending the day on campus, he praised Harvard students.

Afterward he took questions from reporters and recalled his time working with Catherine O’Hara, the Canadian-born comic actor and “SCTV” alum who died last

week. Keaton starred alongside O’Hara in “Beetlejuice” and “The Paper,” along with the small movie “Game 6,” in which she played the ex-wife of Keaton’s character.

“I was just always a giant fan like everyone else,” Keaton said while recalling the early days of her career. “What was great about Catherine’s career to me was ... inside the comedy world, she was already kind of a goddess. ... She wasn’t really famous or anything, but we all knew how brilliant she was and how great she was and what a nice woman she was. And so then it started to take o for her.”

Keaton also recalled how much he came to admire Kroc in the making of the movie and made sure Kroc understood they would not “sugarcoat” or “soften” his portrayal.

Keaton added that for all Kroc’s faults, “He was an unbelievably hard worker. That was the thing I hung on to, that determination.”

Last week’s event came days after the Justice Department released a huge trove of records surrounding Je rey Epstein, a longtime donor to the organization. The documents provided new details about the amount of money Epstein had given to Hasty Pudding roughly between 2013 and 2019, regularly donating $50,000 each year to secure top-tier donor status.

“The idea is that, for a moment, the written thoughts and the person expressing it overlap. So, your re ection and your message become one.”

Chiara Vico, NABA professor

together, it’s about sharing and measuring your own abilities,” said Cardamone, whose daughter wrote the word “brave” on one of the dozens of mirrored owers.

“This activity helps her understand why sport is important and how beautiful it can be,” he added.

The project was developed by BAM and NABA, Milan’s academy of ne arts.

“When people think about the Olympics, they often think only about sports, but the Games are not just about the athletes and

Re

the medals,” said Francesca Colombo, BAM’s cultural general director. “They are about values and this is where culture is so powerful; because through art — music, dance, ballet — it can transmit these values.” Roberta Massaccesi, a sports enthusiast who happened to be strolling through BAM when she

spotted the mirrors, said her son asked to participate. He made a drawing expressing that sports are good for everyone.

“We just went to a hockey match, and it was the rst time for me and him to join an Olympic event,” Massaccessi said. “It was amazing!” Students from NABA were

among volunteers at the exhibition. Professor Chiara Vico said the mirrors enable people to see their face as they share their thoughts.

“The idea is that, for a moment, the written thoughts and the person expressing it overlap,” Vico said. “So, your re ection and your message become one.”

this week in history

King Tut’s tomb unsealed, Pluto discovered, John Glenn rst to orbit Earth

FEB. 15

1879: President Rutherford B. Hayes signed legislation allowing female attorneys to argue cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.

1898: The battleship USS Maine mysteriously exploded in Havana Harbor, killing more than 260 crew members and pushing the United States closer to war with Spain.

1933: President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt in Miami that mortally wounded Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak.

FEB. 16

1862: The Civil War Battle of Fort Donelson in Tennessee ended with the surrender of about 12,000 Confederate soldiers, a Union victory that earned Gen. Ulysses S. Grant the nickname “Unconditional Surrender Grant.”

1923: The burial chamber of King Tutankhamen’s recently discovered tomb was unsealed in Egypt by English archaeologist Howard Carter.

1959: Fidel Castro was sworn in as premier of Cuba, six weeks after dictator Fulgencio Batista was overthrown and ed into exile.

FEB. 17

1801: The U.S. House of Representatives broke an electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, electing Je erson president and making Burr vice president.

1864: During the Civil War, the Union ship USS Housatonic was rammed and sunk in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, by the Confederate hand-cranked submarine HL Hunley in the rst naval attack of its kind; the Hunley also sank.

FEB. 18

1885: Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” was published in the U.S.

1930: The dwarf planet Pluto was discovered by American

This sarcophagus is among the many treasures excavated from the tomb of King Tutankhamen near Cairo, Egypt, which was unsealed by English archaeologist Howard Carter on Feb. 16, 1923.

On Feb. 16, 1959, Fidel Castro was sworn in as Cuba’s premier, six weeks after the overthrow and exile of dictator Fulgencio Batista.

astronomer Clyde Tombaugh.

1970: The “Chicago Seven” defendants were found not guilty of conspiring to incite riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention; ve were convicted of violating the Anti-Riot Act of 1968 (those convictions were later reversed).

FEB. 19

1473: Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Torun, Poland.

1878: Inventor Thomas Edison received a patent for the phonograph.

1942: During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, authorizing the internment of about 125,000 people of Japanese ancestry, including U.S.-born citizens.

1945: Operation Detachment began as U.S. Marines landed on Iwo Jima, launching a monthlong battle to wrest control of the island from Japanese forces.

FEB. 20

1792: President George Washington signed legislation establishing the United States Post O ce Department, pre-

decessor to today’s U.S. Postal Service.

1907: President Theodore Roosevelt signed an immigration law barring the entry of individuals deemed mentally unt, including those labeled at the time as “idiots,” “imbeciles,” “feeble-minded persons,” “epileptics” and “insane persons.”

1962: Astronaut John Glenn became the rst American to orbit the Earth, circling the globe three times aboard Project Mercury’s Friendship 7 spacecraft in a ight lasting 4 hours and 55 minutes before splashing down safely in the Atlantic Ocean.

FEB. 21

1848: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published “The Communist Manifesto” in London.

1885: President Chester A. Arthur dedicated the Washington Monument.

1916: The Battle of Verdun, the longest engagement of World War I, began in northeastern France.

1965: Civil rights leader Malcolm X, 39, was assassinated at Harlem’s Audubon Ballroom in New York. Three Nation of Islam members were convicted; two were exonerated in 2021 after new evidence emerged.