Stanly News Journal Vol. 146, Issue 29

Stanly NewS Journal

Visiting the neighbors

NASA’s Orion spacecraft captures the moon and the Earth in one frame as the rst humans to y to the moon in more than 50 years approached on Monday. All three bodies — the spacecraft, a waxing crescent moon and a crescent Earth, tiny compared to the moon — are illuminated by the sun, o to the right, more than 93 million miles away.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump complains NATO “wasn’t there when we needed them” after meeting

President Donald Trump repeated his complaint about NATO after a private meeting with the alliance’s Secretary- General Mark Rutte on Wednesday. Trump has been angry with the military alliance because member countries ignored his call to help reopen a vital shipping waterway during the war with Iran. Iran e ectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, sending gas prices soaring. Trump had suggested the U.S. may consider leaving the trans-Atlantic alliance over the issue. Rutte — who has a good working relationship with Trump — had been expected to try to smooth things over. But afterward, Trump issued a social media post saying, “NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM.”

Appeals court

rebu s Anthropic in latest round of its Pentagon dispute

A federal appeals court on Wednesday refused to block the Pentagon from blacklisting arti cial intelligence laboratory Anthropic in a decision that di ered from the conclusions reached in another judge’s ruling on the same issues.

The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., rejected Anthropic’s request for an order that would shield the company from the fallout stemming from a dispute over how the Pentagon could deploy its AI technology. The ruling followed another judge’s order that forced the Trump administration to remove a label tainting the company as a national security risk.

Rear-end collision sparks 6-vehicle crash in Locust

One was hospitalized after the crash at a Locust intersection

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

LOCUST — A six-vehicle

crash at a busy Locust intersection Monday afternoon sent one driver to the hospital with serious injuries, according to authorities.

O cers with the Locust Police Department responded at approximately 4:26 p.m. to a multivehicle collision at the stoplight intersection of West Main Street (N.C. 24/27) and Red Bridge Boulevard. According to a crash update released Wednesday morning by the department, the incident began when a box truck driven by Joshua Chrispin of Gastonia was traveling westbound on West Main Street

and rear-ended a blue Buick passenger car that was stopped at a red light.

The impact triggered a chain-reaction crash involving

four additional vehicles, bringing the total number involved to six. Authorities estimated total damage to the vehicles at approximately $50,000.

“The Locust Police Department is thankful there were not more serious injuries as a result of this crash, and we wish the injured driver a full and quick recovery.” Locust Police Department

The driver of the blue passenger car was transported to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Main with serious injuries, including facial lacerations, a possible concussion and a broken leg. O cials said the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

No other injuries were reported at the scene.

“The Locust Police Department is thankful there were not more serious injuries as a result of this crash, and we wish the injured driver a full and quick recovery,” the department said in a statement. “We would also point out this type of crash has occurred in many

A woman is accused of disclosing Delta Force secrets amid sexual harassment allegations

By Allen G. Breed and Gary D. Robertson The Associated Press

RALEIGH — A North Carolina Army veteran has been charged with sharing classied information about an elite commando unit with a journalist, which one o cial said put “our nation, our war ghters, and our allies at risk.”

Courtney Williams, 40, of Wagram in Scotland County,

is accused of violating federal law, as well as multiple nondisclosure agreements by sharing details of her work with a “special military unit” at Fort Bragg.

“Anyone divulging information they vowed to protect to a reporter for publication is reckless, self-serving and damages our nation’s security,” Reid Davis, the FBI special agent in charge in North Carolina, said in a U.S. Justice Department news release. Williams “swore an oath to safeguard our nation’s secrets as an employee supporting a

“This is a vindictive act of retaliation, plain and simple.”

Seth Harp, author of “The

Former Norwood police chief charged with rape of teen

William Chad Green is facing a felony charge

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — A former Norwood police chief was arrested on April 5 and charged with second-degree forcible rape involving a 16-year-old, according to court records.

William Chad Green, 51, of Oakboro, is accused of engaging in intercourse with the teenager on or around April 4, according to an arrest warrant issued on April 5. The warrant alleges the act was “by force and against the person’s will, or with someone who is mentally incapacitated or physically helpless” and that “the defendant knew or should have known that the victim was mentally incapacitated or physically helpless.”

Green was taken into custody the same day the warrant was issued and booked into the Stanly County Jail. Records show he was initially held

without bond before a judge later set a $500,000 secured bond. As part of his conditions of release, Green has been ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim.

Court documents identify the victim as a 16-year-old girl. Green is scheduled to appear in court on April 13.

The Stanly County Sheri ’s O ce has not released additional details about the investigation.

Town o cials con rmed Green previously served with

April 3

• Mark Anthony Whitley, 61, was arrested for simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance, felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Kenneth Douglas Drye, 67, was arrested for seconddegree trespass.

April 4

• Tracy Kathleen Furr, 55, was arrested for driving while impaired, larceny by

use of an anti-inventory device and misdemeanor larceny.

• Cindy Gabriela Herrera Roque, 23, was arrested for driving while impaired, reckless driving with wanton disregard, no operator’s license, misdemeanor child abuse and driving left of center.

• Charlie Dewayne Owens, 42, was arrested for simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance.

• Brandon John Aguilar, 30,

the Norwood Police Department from September 2008 to May 2010. He later returned as police chief, serving from August 2014 to June 2015.

Green, who also worked with multiple law enforcement agencies in North Carolina, including the Oakboro Police Department, now faces a felony charge stemming from the alleged assault. This investigation is ongoing; no further information has been released at this time.

was arrested for soliciting prostitution (second or subsequent o ense).

April 5

• Emiliano Nicola Duran, 27, was arrested for driving while impaired, speeding, reckless driving to endanger and expired registration card/tag.

• Phong Se Moua, 35, was arrested for injury to personal property.

• William Chad Green, 51, was arrested for seconddegree forcible rape.

Homeland Baptist Church Revival

A four-day revival runs Sunday, April 12 through Wednesday, April 15, with guest preacher Pastor Robbie Pugh of Prattville, Alabama. Services feature special singing and choir music nightly; Sunday services are at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., with 7 p.m. services Monday through Wednesday.

Homeland Baptist Church 1224 West Oakwood Ave. • Albemarle

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

April 12

Stanly County Concert Association — Salisbury Symphony Brass 4 p.m.

The Salisbury Symphony Brass quintet performs “Brass Favorites: from Renaissance to Modern and Pops to Gospel” as part of the Stanly County Concert Association season. Single tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students.

Stanly County Agri-Civic Center 26032 Newt Road Albemarle

April 14

Stanly Arts Guild High School Art Shows — Opening

The Stanly Arts Guild opens its annual High School Art Shows, featuring work from students enrolled in Stanly County public and private high school art classes. Individual school shows run one to two weeks each, continuing through May 30. Stanly Arts Guild and Gifts 330-C N. Second St. Albemarle

April 16

Big Lick Bluegrass Festival

The 22nd annual Big Lick Bluegrass Festival runs Thursday through Saturday, featuring the Lonesome River Band, the Grascals, the Seldom Scene, Authentic Unlimited and other acts. Three-day passes are $110; single-day tickets range from $25 to $45.

Big Lick Festival Park 640 S. Oak Ridge Road Oakboro

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Show me the money — the Trump tax cuts benefit the middle class

Put di erently, eliminating tax on overtime reduces the number of hours each day that hourly workers are laboring not for themselves or their families but for the government.

DEMOCRATS KEEP attacking President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) as a tax cut for the rich. But the data show that the average family gained roughly $2,000 on their lower tax bill for this year. Every Democrat in Congress voted no, even as they complain of a “middle-class a ordability crisis.” Maybe that’s because to rich and famous limousine liberal Democrats, $2,000 is peanuts. But not for the rest of us.

The goal of the Trump tax cut was simple: Strengthen the economy with lower tax rates, and let working and retired Americans keep more of what they earn. The early evidence con rms this is exactly what has happened. Initial IRS data show that almost half of lers have already taken advantage of the bill’s middle-income tax provisions.

Income taxes have become such an ingrained part of American life that many workers barely notice how much is snatched from their paychecks: payroll taxes, federal income taxes, state income taxes, etc. We see the net amount and forget that the gross amount is what we actually earned. Because less is now taken out, the Trump tax cut functions like a pay raise.

So who is getting a pay raise from the OBBBA? Three major provisions were deliberately crafted to help working-class and middle-class Americans keep more of their hard-earned dollars.

First, the law eliminated income tax on tipped wages, subject to certain caps. For millions of waiters, waitresses, bartenders, baristas, barbers, hairstylists, DoorDash drivers, tour guides, casino dealers and counter sta at casual restaurants, this means a substantial share of their income is no longer taxed. In some of these occupations, tips make up more than half of total earnings, so the impact is enormous. These workers may lead rich and ful lling lives, but none of them qualify as Trump’s “rich friends.”

Second, the bill eliminated federal income tax on overtime pay, again with income limits. This provision frees hourly workers from being taxed when they put in extra hours. Put di erently, eliminating tax on overtime reduces the number of hours each day that hourly workers are laboring not for themselves or their families but for the government. Given how many Americans are paid hourly, this provision overwhelmingly bene ts people who are not wealthy.

Third, the tax bill reduces the tax rate you pay. This incentivizes more work because the reward for getting a job and working more hours is more money.

Through March 25, more than 85 million individual tax returns had been led. Of those, 37.5 million — 44% — saw an immediate reduction in their tax bill.

The bill also created a forward-looking

bene t for children: Trump Accounts. These accounts help young Americans begin investing early, giving them a head start on saving for education, starting a business or building long-term nancial security. Children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, are eligible for a $1,000 federal contribution, and early tax data shows strong enthusiasm. Roughly 2.6 million returns established Trump Accounts for more than 4 million children, and nearly 1 million quali ed for the federal contribution.

When we take account of all these tax bene ts, what we nd is that far from being “tax cuts for the rich,” the OBBBA’s tax provisions actually reduced the tax bill paid by the middle class by roughly 14%. Meanwhile, the share of federal income taxes paid by the richest 10% rose from 70% to 77%, and the top 1% share rose from 38% to 40%.

If the rich are now paying a larger share of the tax pie, how is the Trump tax cut “a giveaway to the rich”? Maybe the left calls the Trump tax cut “One Big Ugly Tax Bill” because they want every one of us — not just the rich — to pay more taxes.

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)

California’s think-alike Dems cancel debate over ‘lack of diversity’

Father absence predicts these outcomes better than race or income alone.

THE UNIVERSITY of Southern California

canceled its gubernatorial debate 24 hours before it was to start. Why? The six candidates who quali ed under polling and fundraising metrics were — gasp! — all white. Democrat candidates of color immediately accused USC of excluding “candidates of color.”

Mind you, their platforms — on housing, crime, homelessness, taxes, etc. — are virtually indistinguishable. Is there a di erence between a black, Hispanic or Asian American candidate who wants to raise taxes on the rich versus a white candidate who wants to do the same thing? Is there a di erence between a black, Hispanic or Asian American candidate who trashes President Donald Trump versus a white candidate who does it?

The Democrats’ obsession with race ignores the overwhelming evidence that race is a nonfactor in contemporary America. The left-wing Brookings Institution’s new report, “Interracial Cooperation in the United States,” found that 90% of respondents called race a nonfactor in their business decisions and 83% said likewise when it came to choosing friends. But California Democratic gubernatorial candidates believe voters want candidates who look like them.

But when minority politicians stray from the issues deemed important by the left, watch out below. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), in 2019, said, “We don’t need any more black faces that don’t want to be a black voice. We don’t need any more brown faces that don’t want to be a brown voice.” So much for President Barack Obama’s 2016 Howard University commencement address, where

he said, “There’s no one way to be black.”

When I ran in California’s 2021 gubernatorial recall election, Los Angeles Times columnist Erika D. Smith, a black woman, called me “the black face of white supremacy,” presumably for believing racism is no longer a major issue; for opposing race-based policies; for supporting lower taxes and less regulation; and for embracing strong families and personal responsibility. I say “presumably” because she declined my invitation to come on my radio show to explain the slur she used.

As for race being no longer a major issue, this requires quali cation. It very much still is for the left. The Los Angeles Times’ Smith called the election of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass “a big deal” because Bass is black and female, a rst for the city. Bass wrote, “Representation matters.” Had I been elected governor, I would have been the rst black governor in state history. But for Smith, it was not a big deal.

A few years ago, a leaked audio clip captured three Hispanic Los Angeles City Council members and a Hispanic labor leader making vile remarks about the black adopted son of a gay white Los Angeles council member. One called the child “a little monkey” who needed a “beatdown.” They made antisemitic and homophobic comments while plotting ways to redistrict the city to dilute black political power in favor of more political power for Hispanics. It sounded like a KKK meeting.

As usual, these Democrats, as well as the Democrat gubernatorial candidates, say nothing about America’s most consequential domestic issue: the epidemic of children born

without a father in the home married to the mother. This breakdown, particularly acute in the black community, drives poverty, school failure and crime far more powerfully than the racial grievances these politicians complain about.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show roughly 70% of black children are born to unmarried mothers, compared to about 54% for Hispanics, 27% for non-Hispanic whites and 12% for Asians. Overall, 40% of U.S. births in 2023 were outside of marriage.

Children raised without a married father in the home are far more likely to live in poverty. They face signi cantly higher risks of dropping out of high school and committing crime. Father absence predicts these outcomes better than race or income alone. Yet Democrats, who control most urban policies, rarely talk about broken or nonexistent family structure.

Democrats have run major urban school districts for generations. On the National Assessment of Educational Progress, black eighth graders consistently post pro ciency rates in the low teens for both math and reading. The Democratic Party opposes school choice while the politicians place their own children in private schools.

But Democrats focus their energy on matters like debates that lack minority candidates, even though they think the same as white candidates. The children caught in the “diversity” cross re deserve far better.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

IN MEMORY

BRADY KENNETH BRATTON

NOV. 7, 1935 – APRIL 1, 2026

Brady Kenneth Bratton, 90, of Midland, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, peacefully at home.

Brady was born on November 7, 1935, in Stanly County to the late Dorman Cornelius “DC” Bratton and the late Teenie Page Bratton. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nell Joyce Bratton, and twin brother, Grady Bratton.

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

Brady was a graduate of Stan eld High School. He proudly served in the United States Army. He worked and retired as a nish carpenter with Squires and Niblock Homes. Over the years, he enjoyed gol ng, gardening, woodworking, landscaping, and sightseeing. He loved all types of animals and was fond of rearms and old tractors and trucks.

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.

Dwight Farmer

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

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

Survivors include two nephews, Darin Bratton of Stan eld and Greg (April) Bratton of Stan eld; one great-nephew; three great-nieces; and several other extended family members, including Starr (Mark) Page of Stan eld, Kathy (John) McCoy of Stan eld, and Tonie (Tina) Hinson of Midland.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Hartsell Funeral Home’s Jack Hartsell Memorial Chapel in Midland, o ciated by Rick McManus. Burial with military honors will follow at Mill Grove Church Cemetery, Midland.

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.

The family would like to express their sincerest thanks for the love and care given to Brady by his caregiver, Denise.

In lieu of owers, memorial donations may be made to your local humane society or hospice.

Jim Whittaker, rst American to climb Everest, dead at 97

Beyond Everest, he became a Kennedy ally and advocate for climbing freedom

James Roseboro

The Associated Press

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

“When you live on the edge, you can see a little farther.”

Jim Whittaker

John B. Kluttz

ments came in 1981, when he led 10 handicapped climbers up 14,410-foot Mount Rainier. For them, he said later, “that was Mount Everest.”

Doris Jones Coleman

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.

HURLEY JOE BOWERS

OCT. 17, 1945 – APRIL 6, 2026

Hurley Joe Bowers, 80, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

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.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Fairview Memorial Park. There will be no formal visitation.

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.

Hurley was born on October 17, 1945, in Stanly County to the late Carlie and Edith Bowers.

He is lovingly survived by his children, Cale Bowers (Paula) and Amanda Grizzard (Eddie); his grandchildren, Caleigh Bowers, Moriah Grizzard and Rachel Grizzard; one greatgrandchild, Rayleigh; and his sister, Monica Laton (Kenny).

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.

Hurley was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words carried weight. He appreciated the simple pleasures in life and found his greatest joy in spending time with his family. He was a Master Mason with Lodge #703, a devoted patriot, an avid fan of SEC football and Duke Blue Devils. He also had a special love for his dog, “Bama,” and enjoyed his lifelong interest in rearms.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Carroll and Martha Hudson for the care and compassion shown to Hurley during his declining health.

HEATH “JERRY” JOHNSON

FEB. 7, 1949 – APRIL 7, 2026

Heath “Jerry” Johnson, 77, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Sweet Home Baptist Church, o ciated by Pastor Preston Young. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. There will be no formal visitation.

Born February 7, 1949, in Union County, Jerry was the son of the late Wade and Myrtle Johnson. He was also preceded in death by his rst wife, Linda Johnson, and his second wife, Patsy Johnson.

Jerry will be lovingly remembered by his special Lady Friend, Linda Law. Those also left to cherish his memory are children, Kevin Johnson (Leigh Ann) and Angela Johnson; his stepchildren, Kyle Manus (Ashley) and Mary Cress (Brad); his grandchildren, Logan Johnson, Luke Johnson, and Joelie Liberty (Zack); his step-grandchildren, Ruby, Lilly, Clay and Ty.

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

Jerry was a kind and straightforward man who loved the simple pleasures of life. He loved attending church at Mt. Zion and New Mt. Tabor and had recently returned to his home church, Sweet Home Baptist Church. He enjoyed shing, gardening, and spending time with his faithful dog, “Dottie”. He also enjoyed visiting with his many friends at the local cafés, including Pines, Winks, Log Cabin and Marli’s. A hard worker by nature, Jerry always liked to stay busy, and he especially enjoyed a good chocolate banana split.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the sta of Levine Cancer Institute and Tillery Compassionate Care for the care and support shown to Jerry during his declining health.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N. 1st Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.

SEATTLE — Jim Whittaker, who in 1963 became the rst American to reach the top of Mount Everest, has died. He was 97.

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

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

how big you are but how tight you are wound that counts.”

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

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.

Whittaker’s 1963 ascent to the summit of Mount Everest came 10 years after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay rst scaled the peak.

Whittaker died Tuesday at his home in Port Townsend, Wash., according to a statement from his family.

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.

His Mount Everest feat made the once-shy, rangy climber an instant celebrity, in demand for public appearances and expected to lend his support to good causes.

Whittaker’s career on the mountain slopes began when he took on Washington’s Olympic Mountains as a Boy Scout, and he once re ected that the beauty and danger of his sport sharpened the senses.

“You’re in nature, participating in God’s creation. ... It’s such a high, such a spiritual thing,” Whittaker said in a 1981 interview.

“I think it’s good to participate in that and to face life,” he added. “When you live on the edge, you can see a little farther.”

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.

Whittaker scaled Mount Rainier more than 100 times but did not take its familiar anks for granted. The caprices of the weather, even on a comparatively modest mountain, “can turn a good climber into a beginner” in a matter of hours, he once noted.

And after years of risk on the world’s most dizzying pinnacles, Whittaker said in a 1980 interview that he hoped to “die in my sleep with the television on.”

And it gained him entree into the world of celebrities, including the inner circles of the Kennedy clan. He became a close friend of Robert Kennedy, with whom he climbed a 14,000-foot Canadian peak named Mount Kennedy after the 1968 presidential contender’s assassination.

Whittaker, who had been state chairman for Kennedy’s campaign, was devastated by his death.

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.

“(Bobby Kennedy was) one of the grittiest little guys you’ve ever seen,” the 6-foot-5 Whittaker once remarked. “It’s not

The risks are part of the game.

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!

In recent years, Whittaker was one of many climbers who resisted the idea of requiring climbers to wear electronic locators in some circumstances. Such a proposal was made for climbers on Oregon’s Mount Hood, where more than 35 climbers had died since the early 1980s.

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.

“The mountains are fair, but they really don’t care,” Whittaker noted in 1987. His achievements on the remote, snowy slopes of Mount Everest and nearby K2, the world’s second-tallest peak, assured him a niche in the record books. He shared world-class climber status with his identical twin, Lou, who led the rst American expedition to scale Mount Everest’s north face.

Whittaker told The Associated Press in 2007 that it was ne for individual climbers to wear the devices, but imposing the requirement would take a lot away from the mystique of climbing.

Lou Whittaker died in 2024 at age 95.

But Jim Whittaker himself said one of his proudest mo-

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.

“If you take all of the risk out of life, you lose a lot. You’re removing a personal liberty from somebody who wants to go and explore without having a safety net,” Whittaker said by cellphone from Idaho, where he was on a climbing trip. “You want to go into the wild and enjoy nature and not be followed.”

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.

Craig Reedie, Olympic politics veteran who led World Anti-Doping Agency during Russian doping scandal, dead at 84

He championed clean sport despite a con ict with the IOC over Russia

Darrick Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

By Graham Dunbar

The Associated Press

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.

of Olympic knowledge and experience which he shared willingly and to great e ect,” Coe wrote in a social media post on Monday.

Olympics with its own country name, ag and anthem.

GENEVA — Craig Reedie, the former World Anti-Doping Agency president whose position on the Russian doping scandal a decade ago brought him into con ict with the IOC where he was a vice president, has died. He was 84.

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 International Olympic Committee con rmed his death on Monday without stating the cause.

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.

Reedie played key roles in London’s unexpected win in bidding to host the 2012 Olympics and in getting his own sport badminton onto the Olympic program for the 1992 Barcelona Games.

“Craig was my mentor, wise counsel, passionate advisor, and great friend,” said Sebastian Coe, who worked alongside Reedie in bidding for and organizing the London Summer Games.

“He was the distinguished elder statesman with a reservoir

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.

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.

Reedie’s standing in Olympic politics helped to elevate him to lead the global anti-doping watchdog in 2013, when the presidential nomination was e ectively the turn of the IOC to decide.

Current IOC president Kirsty Coventry said Monday that Reedie’s contribution “to the Olympic Games, to clean sport and to the development of athletes worldwide will endure for generations to come.”

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.

Three years later, the lead-in to the Rio de Janeiro Summer Games was dominated by the scandal of learning the scale of Russia’s state-backed doping program at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.

The push by Reedie’s WADA to remove the entire Russian team from Rio was ercely resisted by the IOC and its president Thomas Bach. Both men sat on the IOC’s 15-member executive board that ultimately decided to let governing bodies of Olympic sports decide their entry policy for Russian athletes.

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.

The public pressure put on Reedie by in uential Olympic gures continued for months until he and Bach met to clear the air. Since Rio, no Russian team has competed at an

“He was a steadfast guardian of integrity, guiding the global sporting community through some of its most challenging moments with dignity and resolve,” Coventry added in an IOC statement.

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.

Coe described Reedie, a Scotsman who was knighted in 2006, as the “epitome of a gentleman.”

“He was equal parts opinionated, wise, canny, and, most of all, loyal to those who legitimately wanted to serve sport,” the World Athletics president said. “He certainly did not suffer fools gladly, was authentic, and would speak his mind.”

Reedie was elected as an IOC member in 1994 and became an honorary member in 2021.

The IOC said its ag would y at half-sta for three days at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

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.

The fossil likely lost its shell before fossilizing, obscuring its true identity

By Jill Lawless The Associated Press

LONDON — A 300-million-year-old tentacled sea creature has lost its crown as the world’s oldest octopus after scientists found evidence that it’s not an octopus at all.

Newly published research concludes that fossilized remains listed by Guinness World Records as the earliest known octopus belong instead to a relative of a nautilus, a cephalopod with both tentacles and a shell.

University of Reading zoologist Thomas Clements, the lead researcher behind the new ndings, said the fossil, Pohlsepia mazonensis, has long been the subject of scienti c debate.

“It’s a very di cult fossil to interpret,” he said. “To look at it, it kind of just looks like a white mush.

“If you look at it and you are a cephalopod researcher and you’re interested in everything octopus, it does supercially look a lot like a deep-water octopus.”

The creature, a blob about the size of a human hand, was found in the Mazon Creek area of Illinois, about 50 miles southwest of Chicago, that is rich in fossils from a period before dinosaurs walked the Earth.

Its identi cation by paleontologists as an octopus in 2000 upended ideas about the evolution of the eight-tentacled cephalopods, suggesting they emerged much earlier than previously thought. The next oldest-known octopus fossil is only about 90 million years old.

“It’s a huge gap,” Clements said. “And so that big gap got researchers sort of questioning, ‘Is this thing actually an octopus?”

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Special Military Unit of the Army, but she allegedly betrayed that oath by sharing classi ed information with a media outlet and putting our nation, our warghters, and our allies at risk,” Roman Rozhavsky, an assistant director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, said in the statement.

Williams, who is speci cally charged with violating a provision of the Espionage Act, made an initial appearance Wednesday in Raleigh federal court, where a magistrate judge unsealed the case against her, initially led late last week, according to online court records. She was ordered held by the U.S. Marshals Service pending hearings set for early next week. Court records didn’t immediately name Williams’ lawyer. A man who answered a phone and identi ed himself as a family member of Williams declined to comment on the charges Wednesday.

Although the reporter and

“This has too many teeth, so it can’t be an octopus.”

Thomas

Clements, University of Reading

To solve the mystery of the “weird blob,” Clements and his team used a synchrotron — which uses fast-moving electrons to create beams of light brighter than the sun — to look inside the fossil rock. They found a ribbon of teeth known as a radula that is common to all mollusks, including nautiluses and octopuses. Each row had 11 teeth. Octopuses have either seven or nine.

“This has too many teeth, so it can’t be an octopus,” Clements said. “And that’s how we realize that the world’s oldest octopus is actually a fossil nautilus, not an octopus.”

The teeth matched those of a fossil nautiloid called Paleocadmus pohli that had been found in the same area. Clements said the mistaken identi cation may have happened because the creature decomposed and lost its telltale shell before it was fossilized, complicating identi cation.

As a result of the ndings published this week in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, Guinness World Records said it will no longer list Pohlsepia mazonensis as the earliest known octopus. Managing Editor Adam Millward said the scientists had made “a fascinating discovery.”

“We will be resting the original ‘oldest octopus fossil’ title and look forward to reviewing this new evidence,” he said.

Pohlsepia mazonensis is named for its discoverer James Pohl and is in the collection of the Field Museum in Chicago.

unit are not named in the court lings, dates and details match an article and book about the Army’s secretive Delta Force written by Seth Harp. Williams was the focus of a 2025 Politico article with the headline: “My Life Became a Living Hell: One Woman’s Career in Delta Force, the Army’s Most Elite Unit.” It coincided with the release of Harp’s book, “The Fort Bragg Cartel,” which alleges sexual harassment and discrimination. In a statement published by

WRAL-TV, Harp called Williams “a brave whistleblower and truth-teller.”

“Former Delta Force operators disclose ‘national defense information’ on podcasts and YouTube shows every day, but the government is going after Courtney for the sole reason that she exposed sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the unit,” Harp’s statement read. “This is a vindictive act of retaliation, plain and simple.”

According to an FBI a da-

Paul Mayer, manager of the museum’s collection of fossil invertebrates, said he was “a little surprised” by its new classi cation as a nautiloid but noted that “people have been questioning whether it was an octopus ever since the original paper was rst published in 2000.”

He said new technologies for scienti c investigation had brought renewed interest in the Mazon Creek fossils.

“[That] is great for our collections and hopefully new discoveries will be made and new stories will be revealed,” Mayer said.

Clements said the museum should not be disappointed by the new evidence, which means it now has “the oldest soft tissue nautilus in the world.

“The Field Museum have a small collection of these ancient nautiluses, which I think as a cephalopod worker is probably the best thing ever,” he said.

vit attached to the complaint, Williams was cleared as a defense contractor in April 2010 and then became a Department of Defense employee in November 2010.

She performed duties within the special military unit as an operational support technician responsible for “Tactics, Techniques and Procedures” used in preparation for and during “sensitive missions,” Special Agent Jocelyn Fox wrote in the a davit.

According to Fox, Williams’ access to classi ed information was suspended “based on an internal investigation.” Fox said Williams was debriefed in September 2015 and signed a nondisclosure agreement.

The government alleges that Williams had been in contact with the unnamed journalist between 2022 and 2025.

“During this period, Williams and the Journalist had over 10 hours of telephone calls and exchanged more than 180 messages,” the news release said.

Fox cited a text between the two she said occurred on or

about the day the book and article were published.

“Other than a few factual errors, I would de nitely have been concerned with the amount of classi ed information being disclosed,” Williams’ text read, according to the afdavit. “I thought things I was telling you so you could have a better general understanding of how the (SMU) was set up or operated would not be published and it feels like an entire TTP (Tactics, Techniques and Procedures) was sent out in my name giving them a chance to legally persecute me.”

Fox also cited an alleged exchange between Williams and her mother.

“‘I might actually get arrested, and I don’t even get a free copy of the book,’” the a davit read. “When her mother asked why she may be arrested, Williams responded ‘for disclosing classi ed information.’”

Fox wrote that the investigation so far has identi ed at least 10 batches of documents gathered that Williams intended to provide to the journalist.

Blue gains spread across rural and urban districts nationwide

By Scott Bauer, Je Amy and Jonathan J. Cooper The Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. — The bluntest assessment of Republican failures during this week’s elections in Wisconsin came from one of their own.

“We got our butts kicked,” said U.S. Rep. Tom Ti any, who is running for governor.

He was referring to Democratic victories in campaigns for the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the mayor’s o ce in Waukesha, a conservative suburb outside Milwaukee. But some Republicans were also rattled by a special election in Georgia, where their candidate to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress won by a much slimmer margin than the party enjoyed in the past.

Taken together, the swings from red to blue added more data points to an increasingly clear picture of Democratic momentum heading into the November midterms, when control of the U.S. House, the U.S. Senate and state governments around the country are up for grabs.

“In rural, urban, red, blue, Democrats have overperformed everywhere,” said Jared Leopold, a Democratic consultant whose clients include Keisha Lance Bottoms, a candidate for Georgia governor. “That is a signi cant canary in the coal mine about what November of ’26 is going to look like.”

Some Republicans insisted there was no need to panic, and their fundraising remains stronger than Democrats’. Stephen Lawson, a Georgia strategist, said “the sky is not falling.”

But he also said his party is running behind where it has been in the past, and Republicans need to be “looking at these results carefully.”

“A red alarm for Republicans”

Special elections can be notoriously unreliable as political benchmarks, but Democrats have consistently demonstrated surprising strength. They ipped a Texas state Senate district. They won a Florida state House seat in a district that includes President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.

Then they gained ground on Tuesday in the race to replace Greene, who resigned from Congress in January after a falling out with Trump.

Clay Fuller, the Republican candidate, prevailed by 12 percentage points. Two years ago, Greene won by 29 percentage points and Trump carried the district by almost 37 percentage points. “That’s a red alarm for Republicans,” said Democratic strategist Meredith Brasher. Fuller defeated Shawn Harris, who plans to challenge him again in November.

Jackie Harling, the district’s Republican chairwoman, said she believed that Greene’s resignation energized Democrats, while her party is su ering from “election fatigue.”

“Marjorie Taylor Greene was like a freight train that you couldn’t stop, and when she pulled out, it gave Democrats hope and it gave them a shot

at winning something they believed was unwinnable,” Harling said.

“Slightly bluer side of purple”

Georgia has key races this year, including an open contest for the governor’s o ce. Sen. Jon Osso , a Democrat, is trying to defend his seat as well.

There’s reason to think that simmering discontent could boomerang on Republicans just two years after Trump harnessed voters’ anger with his comeback presidential campaign.

In November, Democrats defeated two Republican incumbents in statewide races for seats on the Public Service Commission, which regulates

utilities. Rising electricity rates have been a fault line in recent campaigns, especially as enormous data centers are built to power arti cial intelligence.

But Georgia Democratic Party Chair Charlie Bailey is trying to maintain modest expectations.

“We could cement ourselves, put ourselves, on the slightly bluer side of purple,” he said.

”We’re not going to overnight turn into Colorado.”

“A very clear sign of momentum”

Wisconsin holds statewide elections for Supreme Court seats, and liberals expanded their majority with a 20-percentage-point blowout victory on Tuesday.

Democrats saw gains in red, blue and purple counties when compared with another judicial race last year, which was also won by the liberal candidate.

“This to me was a very clear sign of momentum and enthusiasm for Democrats in the fall,” said Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Devin Remiker.

The state has its own open race for governor this year, and Democrats are hoping to take control of the state Legislature and oust Republican U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden.

“It’s time for us to put this thing in overdrive,” said Mandela Barnes, a Democratic former lieutenant governor who is running for governor.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, another Democratic candidate for governor, said it’s clear that “people are

really upset with the Republican Party and their brand right now.”

“But that doesn’t mean that they’re automatically going to come over to the Democrats,” Crowley said. “And that’s why we have to continue to focus on the issues and speak to the values of all the voters here in the state of Wisconsin.”

“A lot of anxiety”

Ti any, the Republican candidate for governor in Wisconsin, cautioned against reading too much into Tuesday’s results.

He said “every election is unique,” and he wasn’t making any changes to his campaign. He said the key to winning will be to “paint that clear contrast of how we are going to help everyday Wisconsinites.”

But Democrats seemed to be making inroads, including in Waukesha. The city is located outside of Milwaukee in the Republican stronghold of Waukesha County.

Democrat Alicia Halvensleben, president of the city’s Common Council, defeated Republican Scott Allen, one of the most conservative members of the state Assembly.

She said Trump came up “a lot” when she was campaigning, although she thinks her victory came down to local issues and how the state legislature wasn’t addressing them.

“There’s so much uncertainty at the national level,” Halvensleben said. “I think that level of uncertainty is causing people a lot of anxiety, all the way down to the local level.”

Artemis II astronauts follow Apollo tradition of naming lunar features after loved ones

The rst lunar visit since 1972 saw Carroll Crater named on the moon

By Marcia Dunn

The Associated Press

HOUSTON — Lunar love knows no bounds.

Now hurtling home from the moon, the Artemis II astronauts took a poignant page from Apollo 8 earlier this week, proposing deeply personal names for a pair of lunar craters.

Commander Reid Wiseman and his crew asked permission to name one small, fresh crater after their capsule called Integrity and another after his late wife, Carroll. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen made the request right before Monday’s lunar y-around. Wiseman was too emotional to talk.

Carroll Wiseman, a neonatal nurse, died of cancer in 2020.

“Just for me personally, that was kind of the pinnacle moment of the mission for me,” Wiseman said from space Wednesday night.

During Apollo 8 in 1968, astronaut Jim Lovell bestowed his wife’s name upon a prominent lunar peak: Mount Marilyn. It was humanity’s rst trip to the moon, and she anxiously awaited his return back home in Houston.

The three Americans and one Canadian of Artemis II are the rst lunar visitors since Apollo 17 closed out that grand epoch in 1972, and their crater-naming request temporarily left ground controllers speechless.

“It was de nitely a very emotional moment. I don’t think

most of us knew it was coming,” NASA lunar scientist Ryan Watkins told The Associated Press on Wednesday from Johnson Space Center in Houston. “There was not a single dry eye.”

Mission Control’s lead scientist Kelsey Young worked with the Artemis II astronauts before launch, quietly helping them choose the two bright, relatively young craters, which they quickly spied once they were close enough to the moon through zoom lenses as well as their naked eyes. Wiseman said his crewmates came up with the idea and ap -

proached him about it while they were in quarantine a few days before lifto . His response: “Absolutely, I would love that, I think that’s just the best. And I said, ‘But I can’t give the speech, I can’t give the talk,’” he recalled during a crew news conference, saying he was too overwhelmed.

Proposed Carroll Crater is at the moon’s left limb on the boundary of the moon’s near and far sides, and occasionally visible from Earth. It’s rather shallow and approximately 3 miles across, according to Watkins. The slightly bigger Integrity crater is completely on the lunar far side.

Their request came shortly after they broke Apollo 13’s distance record for deep-space travelers. All four astronauts wept as they embraced in a group hug.

“We lost a loved one. Her name was Carroll, the spouse of Reid, the mother of Katie and Ellie,” Hansen radioed, his voice breaking. “It’s a bright spot on the moon, and we would like to call it Carroll.”

Mission Control fell silent for nearly a minute before replying: “Integrity and Carroll crater, loud and clear.”

The emotion-drenched scene was vastly di erent from the

“There was not a single dry eye.”

Ryan Watkins, NASA lunar scientist

1960s and 1970s Apollo moonshots in more ways than one. NASA’s Apollo all-male test pilots were for the most part all business and tear-free.

“This is no fault of Apollo,” Watkins said. “I think we’re seeing just a more human aspect.”

Once back on Earth later this week, the crew will submit the two proposed names to the International Astronomical Union.

Nearly a half-century passed between Apollo 8 and the union’s sign-o of Mount Marilyn in 2017. The IAU’s Ramasamy Venugopal promised a decision on Carroll and Integrity in about a month, the norm “for straightforward requests.”

There already are 81 astronaut-named lunar features on the group’s approved list, including Apollo 16’s Baby Ray and Gator, and Apollo 17’s Lara named for the lead female character in the 1965 lm “Doctor Zhivago.”

Some Apollo-era nicknames didn’t make the cut.

Apollo 17 commander Gene Cernan, the last astronaut to walk on the moon, dubbed a split boulder “Tracy’s Rock,” after his young daughter in 1972. And in 1969, Apollo 12 commander Pete Conrad nicknamed his touchdown spot “Pete’s Parking Lot.”

Era of political violence means higher costs for candidate security, new report says

Federal campaigns used to spend nothing on home security and have spent $1 million over the last decade

By Nicholas Riccardi

The Associated Press

SECURITY SPENDING for congressional and presidential campaigns has jumped vefold over the past decade as an increasingly hostile political environment has led to escalating threats against public o cials, ranging from doxing to assassination plots, according to a report released Thursday.

Federal political committees spent more than $40 million on expenses labeled as security during the 2023-24 campaign cycle, the most recent one for which data is publicly available, according to the report from the Public Service Alliance, a nonpartisan group that focuses on security for public o cials.

The report did not specify which candidates spent the most on security. The tally also did not count the escalating security costs of the federal government, which includes augmented Capitol Police services for members of Congress and heightened U.S. Secret Service protection for presidential candidates, as well as former and current presidents and their families.

It comes after a grim roll call of political violence over the past decade. That includes the 2017 shooting at a Republican congressional baseball team practice in Alexandria, Virginia; the 2022 hammer assault on the husband of Democratic then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in California; the 2024 assassination attempt on Republican then-candidate Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally; and the assassinations last year of a Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband and of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in Utah.

“This is not a good place to be as a country,” said Justin Sherman, the report’s author.

The report calculated security costs by looking at publicly available lings with the Federal Election Commission and tallied only the expenses that were explicitly marked for that purpose, even though other expenses may have a security component.

The total listed security spending represented a small fraction of the billions of dollars spent every two-year election cycle on presidential and congressional campaigns. But Sherman noted that the report totals are conservative and likely understate the nancial costs of security for political campaigns.

One of the biggest increases

“It’s a troubling time when the security spend is becoming a greater barrier for someone running for o ce.”

Justin

Sherman, Public Service Alliance

has been in the rapidly growing eld of digital security, which includes protecting against hackers and monitoring online threats. Spending went from $50,000 total in the 2015-16 election cycle to $900,000 in 2023-24.

Sherman noted one of the more disturbing ndings is campaigns spending nearly $1 million on home security during the past decade, after spending nothing in that category during the 2015-16 election cycle. That includes such expenses as contracts with response companies, window bars and surveillance cameras. That’s a re ection of the increased threats to public o cials at their homes.

Critics are increasingly likely to post the home addresses of elected o cials on social media, a practice known as doxing. Attacks like the one on Pelosi’s husband in San Francisco and on the Minnesota state lawmaker, Melissa Hortman, and her hus-

band occurred at their homes.

“It’s expected that, say, a GOTV event or a campaign rally is going to have metal detectors and security,” Sherman said. But targeting the homes of candidates and o ceholders is a new frontier.

He noted that members of Congress get money in their ofce budgets that can be used to pay for security, but people thinking of running for o ce now have to factor home security costs into their decision-making.

“It’s a troubling time when the security spend is becoming a greater barrier for someone running for o ce,” Sherman said.

Argentina approves Milei’s bill that eases protections for glaciers, despite environmental backlash

The reform could unlock $30 billion in mining investments over the next decade

The Associated Press

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina’s Congress on Thursday approved a controversial bill promoted by libertarian President Javier Milei that eases glacier protections to facilitate investments in mining for metals — a move environmental groups vow to challenge in courts.

The legislation — which was already approved by the Senate in February — was passed in the early morning with 137 votes in favor, 111 against and three abstentions.

According to mining sector estimates, the new regulatory framework could unlock over $30 billion in investments over the next decade. Approximately 70% of those funds are slated for new copper, gold and silver projects.

Milei is expected to sign the legislation in the coming days.

Environmental advocates are shifting to legal action to prevent the new law from taking e ect.

Groups including Greenpeace and the Environment and Natural Resources Foundations are organizing a public class-action lawsuit describing the bill’s passage as a awed process that dismissed public concerns over water safety.

“If they refuse to listen in Congress, they will be forced to listen in the courts,” the organizations said in a statement, urging citizens to join a

Demonstrators protest outside Congress as lawmakers debate the Javier Milei government’s proposal to reform the glacier protection law in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday.

“If they refuse to listen in Congress, they will be forced to listen in the courts.”

Greenpeace and environmental groups

lawsuit that argues the reform threatens water access and the fragile ecosystems surrounding glaciers.

Opposition lawmakers have labeled the legislation unconstitutional, contending that it rolls back essential environmental protections.

In 2010, Argentina passed a landmark law banning all mining activity on glaciers and within periglacial zones — areas of frozen ground that act as vital water regulators.

The most signi cant shift in the Milei administration’s reform is a narrowing of these protections. Under the new framework, only glaciers and landforms with “speci c hydrological functions” would be shielded, with each province responsible for making that determination.

Argentina is home to 16,968 glaciers distributed across the Andes Mountain Range and the South Atlantic Islands, covering a total surface area of 8,484 square kilometers.

Glaciology experts have warned that climate change is already causing glaciers to retreat at an accelerated pace. Scientists caution that weakening these protections could jeopardize water security in arid regions and deplete the reserves that sustain river ows.

CRASH from page A1

years past at this same loca-

tion. None of the involved drivers were Locust residents, and there is no evidence that area growth or speeding contributed to the crash. N.C. 24/27 through Locust has for many years been a roadway with a tra c average of 30,000 vehicles or more daily.”

Chrispin was cited for failure to reduce speed; other circumstances that may have contributed to the crash remain under investigation.

Emergency responders from multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including Midland Fire and Rescue and the West Stanly Fire Department.

“Our department also thanks the response and immense assistance of the Midland Fire and Rescue Department and the West Stanly Fire Department in this incident,” the Locust Police Department said.

In a statement issued shortly after the crash, Midland Fire o cials described the severity

of the incident and urged motorists to use caution in the area.

“Midland Fire units, with assistance of the West Stanly Fire Department, are on scene of a multi-vehicle accident

COURTESY MIDLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT

with extrication in front of the Walmart on N.C. 24/27 and Red Bridge Boulevard,” the department said. “Be cautious. Be sure to slow down. Be sure to be alert. Hold the phone calls and photos, please.”

STANLY SPORTS

Stanly schools honor state champion athletes at board meeting

Wrestling and indoor track standouts from across the county were recognized

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — A group of Stanly County student-athletes were recognized at April’s Stanly County Board of Education meeting for state championship achievements from the winter sports season.

Superintendent Jarrod Dennis opened the recognition by highlighting wrestlers who captured individual and team titles at the N.C. High School Athletic Association state championships, held in February at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro.

North Stanly’s Nash Mullis claimed the 215-pound title in the 3A classi cation, while South Stanly’s I’Key Holt won at 132 pounds and Noah Sapp captured the 165-pound cham-

Pfei er baseball takes rst place in USA South standings

The Falcons have won six games in a row

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

MISENHEIMER — After seven seasons in the USA South Athletic Conference without a championship, Pfei er’s baseball team is positioning itself for a potential breakthrough. Just past the midway point of league play, the Falcons (15 -13, 9-2 USA South) sit atop the conference standings, ahead of Greensboro and Methodist. The surge marks a signi cant turnaround for a program that nished 14-26 overall and 9-12 in conference play last season. Pfei er’s rise has extended beyond its standing in the league.

The Falcons are on track for their rst winning season in ve years, fueled by a recent six-game winning streak that followed a slow start. Pfei er opened the season with four consecutive losses and was four games below .500 just three weeks ago.

The Falcons’ momentum continued last week-

end with a three-game home sweep of Brevard (14-15, 3-9 USA South), highlighted by come -from-behind victories in all three contests.

Pfei er claimed the opener Friday with a 10-4 nish after trailing 3-2 in the third inning. The Falcons responded by scoring in four of the next ve innings to pull away.

In Saturday’s doubleheader, Pfei er rallied again for a 15-7 win in Game 1 and an 8-5 victory in Game 2. The Falcons erased a 4-1 de cit with a ve-run fth inning in the rst game, then overcame a 3-0 decit in the second with a six-run third inning. O ensively, Pfei er has relied on a balanced lineup, with six players batting .300 or better. Sophomore out elder Christian Bellantoni leads the team with 27 runs, while senior in elder Austin Wood has a team-high 40 hits. Senior in elder Jack Brandle has paced the o ense, leading the Falcons with a .391 batting average, ve home runs and 28 RBIs.

On the mound, sophomore James Eason (4-2) has recorded a team-best four wins along

pionship in the 1A/2A division.

West Stanly’s girls’ wrestling standouts — Cheyenne Bramhall, Felicity Hereim and Katelyn Kiker — were also recognized for their roles in the Colts’ 1A-4A individual team state championship. West Stanly rallied from third place entering the nal day to nish with 48 points, edging Rosewood by two to secure the program’s rst girls’ wrestling state title.

“As we do with academics, we also have excellent athlet-

ics here in Stanly County,” Dennis said. “We have some teams and individuals that really showed up for state competitions, winning rst place. We’re very impressed and proud of you. Thank you for all your accomplishments.” Board Chair Glenda Gibson echoed that praise, commending the athletes’ work ethic and achievements.

“For all of our athletes, keep up the good work,” Gibson said. “I know you work hard, so thank you. For everyone that we recognized tonight, you make Stanly County Schools proud.”

The board also honored state champions from the indoor track and eld season, which concluded in February at the JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem.

“As we do with academics, we also have excellent athletics here in Stanly County.” Superintendent Jarrod Dennis

North Stanly’s 4x200-meter relay team — Jamar Crute, Nathan Helms, Re’Cere Bruton and Kylan Dockery — captured the 3A state title with a time of 1:30.03. Teammate Justice Gramling added an individual championship in the 55-meter dash, winning in 6.45 seconds. “I want to shout out to our athletes who are state champions,” Board Member Bill Sorenson said. “That’s something special. It’s really a hard world for most people. We take it for granted because we don’t struggle, but you talk about building kids that can really sustain and overcome any kind of challenges or obstacles. Those state champions — especially when it’s wrestling and track — I’m just in awe of them.”

with 31 strikeouts. Freshman right-hander Cameron Cooper, a former North Stanly standout, has been the team’s most e cient pitcher with a 1.78 ERA. Cooper was recognized Mon-

as the USA

a

out six without issuing a

US players on World Cup roster bubble have soccer’s ultimate Fear Of Missing Out

There are 26 spots available and 12 players who are locks for the roster

By Ronald Blum

The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Now comes the wait, soccer’s ultimate FOMO.

American players across the United States and Europe will count down the eight weeks until coach Mauricio Pochettino picks his 26 World Cup players.

Those bypassed won’t get a phone call.

“It’s going to be painful,” Pochettino said. “In that process, always you create links, no, emotional links, but it’s going to be di cult to pick 26 from 35, 40 players.”

Twenty-four players were used during the 5-2 loss to Belgium and 2-0 defeat to Portugal in the last two friendlies before Pochettino announces his roster on May 26 at an event in New York. A total of 38 players have appeared in the last eight matches dating to September.

Twelve players appear to be locks if healthy: goalkeepers Matt Freese and Matt Turner; right back Sergiño Dest; central defenders Tim Ream and Chris Richards; left back Antonee Robinson; mid elders Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman; attackers Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah; and forward Folarin Balogun.

About two dozen others are possible: goalkeepers Chris Brady, Patrick Schulte and Jonathan Klinsmann; central de-

USA’s Max Arfsten reacts to losing against Portugal last week.

fenders Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson and Auston Trusty; outside backs Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman, Joe Scally and John Tolkin; mid elders Brenden Aaronson, Sebastian Berhalter, Johnny Cardoso, Diego Luna, Jack McGlynn, Aiden Morris, Gio Reyna, Cristian Roldan and Tanner Tessmann; and forwards Patrick Agyemang, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright and Alejandro Zendejas. Players will be concentrating on their club careers and as May 26 approaches will try not to dwell on their World Cup chances.

“It’s going to be painful.”

Team USA coach Mauricio Pochettino on making roster cuts

“Hopefully that time when with Celtic we’re playing (the Scottish) Cup nal. That’s the only thing I’ll be focusing on,” defender Trusty said.

Failure to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup and pro-visiting team crowds in the U.S. amped up anxiety among fans and

the former-player pundit class throughout the summer, but ending the year with a ve-game unbeaten streak boosted belief.

This month’s losses sent skepticism soaring.

“I think we’re heading in the right direction. I think obviously it’s hard to say that we’re where we want to be with results like this, but I think that we take a lot of positives away from the games that we played,” McKennie said. “We see that we can keep up. I think we just need to gure out how to be able to stay in the game if we don’t nish chances that we have early on.”

Rays eager to return to Tropicana Field for rst game since Hurricane Milton damaged roof

Tampa last played at the Trop in October 2024

By Rob Maaddi The Associated Press

A SELLOUT CROWD welcomed the Tampa Bay Rays back to renovated Tropicana Field last Monday for the rst time in 181⁄2 months.

The quirky stadium with the tilted roof and unique catwalks underwent major repairs after Hurricane Milton swept through downtown St. Petersburg on Oct. 9, 2024, and caused extensive damage.

High wind ripped sections of the original roof, allowing rain to fall into the stadium bowl for months. Water caused mold and damage to electrical,

sound and broadcast systems.

There was thought initially the Rays would never play another game at the only ballpark they had called home since the franchise’s debut in 1998. Instead, nearly $60 million was spent to replace the roof and rebuild the Trop.

While the Rays played their 2025 home games across the bay in Tampa at Steinbrenner Field — the spring training home of the New York Yankees — their stadium got a makeover.

The new roof was installed last August, and the nal panel was put in place Nov. 21. Luxury suites and the stadium video board were upgraded. The stadium has new arti cial turf, homeplate club seats, clubhouse carpet and lockers, and new ooring on the out eld deck.

“The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball.”

Rays pitcher Gri n Jax on playing home games at the Yankees’ Class A eld last season

“I think guys are excited, and rightfully so,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about the team’s return home. “Our organization has worked incredibly hard and the city and the county, to get it back up to speed. I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans. I think our guys are go-

ing to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”

It’ll be the 20th consecutive season the Rays have sold out their home opener, excluding 2020 when fans weren’t allowed inside the stadium because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m just really excited to get back in the Trop,” said reliever Gri n Jax, who joined the team last July. “I always enjoy going there as a visitor. It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. We’ve seen it a handful of times walking through and seeing pictures and stu . It looks great. It’ll be good to be back in our home.”

After spending a season playing in a minor league ball-

Pulisic hasn’t scored in a career-high eight straight national team games and also is scoreless in 12 matches for AC Milan since Dec. 28.

“He just needs one to go in, get back on that wave,” U.S. career scoring co-leader Clint Dempsey said. “Everybody goes through a little bit of a slump.”

Pochettino cautioned that U.S. players are not as good as some American fans think they are, pointing to the latest results.

“We are USA and we are competing against Belgium, Portugal,” he said. “I think for sure Belgium and Portugal have in the top 100 players few or some players playing in that top 100. I think we don’t have.”

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez cautioned not to overanalyze the friendlies.

“I’ve been 10 years now in international football, and what you learn is that you should never assess teams in March,” he said. “The mindset is the players are some of them to try to be in the squad, others just not to get injured because they got important games with the clubs. I think what I’ve seen with the United States is a very well-worked teams.”

Pochettino pointed out his World Cup roster will have three weeks of training ahead of the Americans’ World Cup opener against Australia on June 12 and can work out issues such as getting caught up eld by counters and leaving opponents unmarked on corner kicks.

“I am more positive now than before because, seeing the team compete, we are not far away,” he said. “Is only details that we need to improve. When we match the opponent in the areas that we need to match, of course we are going to have the possibility to beat them.”

park, the Rays are looking forward to going back to big league amenities.

“It was di cult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. It’s just one of those things you have to make any adjustment you can and get ready to play because there is still baseball to be played that night. The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it. I was only there for two months. Shout out to all these guys who were there for an entire year because it was not ideal.”

Tropicana Field may not be home for the Rays for much longer. The Rays are under lease to play there through at least the 2028 season, but the team’s new ownership group is pursuing a new ballpark that would be built in Tampa, in the shadows of the Yankees’ spring training complex and across the street from Raymond James Stadium, home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Pioneering female NFL o cial sues league over her treatment, ring

Robin DeLorenzo is one of three women to o ciate in the NFL

By Larry Neumeister

Associated Press

The

NEW YORK — In a new law-

suit, one of the rst three women to o ciate an NFL game describes her three years at the pinnacle of her profession as a descent into the grip of a sexist institution unable to treat a woman as an equal.

Robin DeLorenzo cited gender-based scrutiny, humiliation and open hostility among the indignities she su ered from 2022 to 2025 as a league o cial.

The lawsuit in Manhattan federal court, led last Friday, sought reinstatement along with unspeci ed damages.

Brian McCarthy, an NFL spokesperson, said in an email that DeLorenzo was terminated after three seasons of documented underperformance.

“The allegations in this lawsuit are baseless, and we will vigorously defend against them in court,” he said.

A message seeking comment from the NFL Referees Association was not immediately returned.

In a 2023 interview with NFL.com, DeLorenzo described her thrill at progressing at her father’s urging through the ranks of o ciating at the high school and college levels until the NFL’s senior vice president of o ciating allowed her father to deliver the news to her that she had been promoted to the NFL.

“Once he gave me the news, my dad and I just stared at each other crying for about ve minutes,” she told NFL.com. “It was the most magical night.”

The lawsuit, though, suggested that the magic quickly ended when the longtime New Jersey resident reported for duty after being sent man-sized clothing to wear and being told to let her ponytail show out the hole in the back of her hat, apparently to make clear a woman was on the eld. It said repeated references to her hair eventually made her want to cut it o .

The lawsuit asserted that an NFL o cials’ crew chief told then-Pittsburgh Steelers’

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales listens to line judge Robin Delorenzo (134) explain a call during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

PHELAN M. EBENHACK / AP PHOTO

Line judge Robin DeLorenzo looks on during an NFL game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans in 2024.

“Once he gave me the news, my dad and I just stared at each other crying for about ve minutes. It was the most magical night.”

Robin DeLorenzo on getting promoted to the NFL

coach Mike Tomlin one day during training camp that she should be made to sing in front of everyone, like rookie football players, because she was a new o cial.

As a result, she said, she “put on an utterly humiliating singing performance” in front of the Steelers’ players, all the men on her o ciating crew and her boss, who she said had promised not to record her but did so anyway, according to the lawsuit.

In the following weeks, she was repeatedly shamed, harassed and subjected to profanity-laced trash talk by her crew chief, a man who had recently been accused of mistreating another female employee, the lawsuit said. By the end of the season, the crew chief would not even speak to her, it added.

In 2024, DeLorenzo was forced to attend “an alleged training opportunity,” over her union’s objection, that catered to lower-level college o cials learning the trade — something no male o cial had ever been required to do, the lawsuit said.

“It was a male power play

that served its purpose of humiliating plainti , shattering her con dence, and signi cantly hindering her NFL career,” the lawsuit said.

DeLorenzo was red on Feb. 18, 2025.

“She worked her way through two decades of o ciating — breaking barriers, making history, and outperforming expectations at every level — only to be met with hostility, retaliation, and systemic inequality the moment she stepped into a league that claims to champion opportunities for women,” the lawsuit said.

“Instead of supporting one of the only women on its o ciating sta , the NFL exposed her to unchecked harassment, denied her the resources given to men, manipulated her training and grading opportunities, and ultimately ended her career based on tainted evaluations created by the very people who discriminated against her,” it said.

The lawsuit said the harm to her career was irreversible and the emotional and reputational damage was immense.

South Stanly, softball

Lyric Rucker is a sophomore on the South Stanly softball team. The Rowdy Rebel Bulls are 15-1 and won three games last week. Rucker picked up the win in all three of them.

She held North Stanly to two hits in a complete game 11-1 win. She struck out eight in a complete game two-hit shutout of Crest. She fanned 11 in a complete game three-hitter against McMichael. Rucker also struck out seven against West Brunswick but lost a 1-0 pitchers’ duel. Rucker is second in NCHSAA (all classes) in wins and third in class 2A in ERA, fourth in strikeouts.

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NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that the Oakboro Board of Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on April 20, 2026, at 6:45 PM at the Oakboro Town Hall, located at 109 N. Main Street, Oakboro, NC. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss a rezoning request from RA to R20 for 8631 NC 205, Oakboro, NC, PIN #650301164454. The tax number for this property is 939. The property is located in the ETJ zoning. For questions, contact the Town of Oakboro at 704-485-3351 or townofoakboro@oakboro.gov.

Leslie Hatley-Murray Town Clerk Please publish Sunday, April 12 Sunday, April 19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned has quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of GENEVA GAY CANADAY GREENE, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina (Stanly County File Number (26E000144-830). This is to notify all persons, rms or corporations having claims against said decedent or her estate to present the same duly itemized and veri ed to the undersigned Administrator or his Attorney on or before the 29th day of June, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said decedent or to her estate are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Administrator or his attorney. This the 24th day of March, 2026.

Jimmy Darrell Greene Administrator Estate of Geneva Gay Canaday Greene 32378 Bethlehem Church Road Norwood, North Carolina 28128

CHARLES P. BROWN Brown & Senter, P.L.L.C. Post O ce Box 400 Albemarle, North Carolina 28002 Telephone: 704 982-2141 Fascimile: 704 982-0902

PUBLISH: March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 2026

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY DISTRICT COURT DIVISION Phillip Heath Starnes vs. Melanie S. Starnes

26CV000103-830 ATTENTION: Melanie S. Starnes

TAKE NOTICE that a COMPLAINT in the above-entitled civil action has been led against you at: Civil District Court at Stanly County Courthouse, Albemarle, NC. The Nature of the relief sought is as follows: Absolute Divorce You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than May 12, 2026; and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 24th day of March, 2026. Jeremy D. Gri n Attorney at Law PO Box 422 Locust, NC 28097

NOTICES

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION COUNTY OF STANLY. BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO:25E000141-830

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAYANTA KUMAR HALDAR Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Jayanta Kumar Haldar, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of the said Jayanta Kumar Haldar to present them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before the 6th day of July, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 5th day of April, 2026.

Executor: John Amirtharaj 801 Lafayette Drive Albemarle, NC 28001

Attorney for Estate: Connie E. Mosher 239 N. First Street Albemarle, NC 28001 704-983-0086

Dates of publication: April 5, April 12, April 19, April 26

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25CVS-

ARTHUR T. WALTERS and spouse, SUZETTE R. WALTERS, Plainti s, vs. TED W. DAVIS,Guardian, Ad Litem for All Persons, Firms and Corporations, As Well As For All Lien Creditors, Including But Not Limited To Any Defendants Herein Referenced (Male, Female or Fictitious Entity Such As A Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership And The Like) Who Or Which May Be Under A Disability At Law (Including Incompetency, Minority Or Corporate/ Company Suspension), As Well As All Persons En Ventre Sa Mere And All Persons, Firms or Corporations Who Or Which May Have Any Contingent, Leasehold Or Future Ownership or Lien Encumbrance Interest, Defendant. NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000147-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executrix of the estate of Betty Peterson Davenport deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Betty Peterson Davenport to present them to the undersigned on or before July 6, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 5th day of April 2026. Sabrina Davenport Pearson 831 N. 9th Street Albemarle, NC 28001 Executrix

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000631-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of Patricia Berry Wilson deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Patricia Berry Wilson to present them to the undersigned on or before July 6, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 5th day of April 2026. Karen Biddy 112 Family Faith Drive Locust, NC 28097 Executor

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Rich eld will hold a Public hearing on April 27 at 6:00 p.m. at Rich eld Town Hall, 137 Highway 49 North Rich eld, NC. 28137. The purpose of the hearing is to hear public comments regarding an application for a zoning amendment to the Rich eld Zoning map. The request is for a zoning change within the Town’s Extra Territorial jurisdiction The property is more described as 7 acres vacant land, property owners are Paul & Brooke Childress, PIN # 663203042907, Deed Book 1881, Page 1261. The property is located on US Highway

TO:ALL DEFENDANTS HEREINABOVE NAMED OR REFERENCED (EXCEPTING TED W. DAVIS, GUARDIAN AD LITEM : TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above entitled action.The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: To have the Court declare the owners of the land described in deeds recorded in Book 1649, page 1148,Stanly County Registry, to be the real property of Arthur T. Waltersand spouse, Suzette R. Walters,the Plainti s herein, on the basis of their ownership of said realty in accordance with the doctrine of “Adverse Possession” under “Color of Title” in order to “Quiet Title” thereto. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than July 7, 2026and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 25th day of March, 2026.

David A. Beaver Attorney for Plainti s Post O ce Box 1338 Albemarle, North Carolina 28002 Telephone: (704 982-4915 State Bar No. 007603 PublishApril 4/5; April 11/12; and April18/19; and April 25/26, 2026.

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE 25CVS-

DAVID D. FOREST and spouse, AMANDA W. FOREST, Plainti s, vs. TED W. DAVIS, Guardian, Ad Litem for All Persons, Firms and Corporations, As Well As For All Lien Creditors, Including But Not Limited To Any Defendants Herein Referenced (Male, Female or Fictitious Entity Such As A Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership And The Like) Who Or Which May Be Under A Disability At Law (Including Incompetency, Minority Or Corporate/Company Suspension), As Well As All Persons En Ventre Sa Mere And All Persons, Firms or Corporations Who Or Which May Have Any Contingent, Leasehold Or Future Ownership or Lien Encumbrance Interest Defendant.

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION TO: ALL DEFENDANTS HEREINABOVE NAMED OR REFERENCED (EXCEPTING TED W. DAVIS, GUARDIAN AD LITEM): TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: To have the Court declare the owners of the land described in deeds recorded in Book 1660, page 230, 233, 418 and 422; and Book 1661, page 544 and Book 1667, page 51, Stanly County Registry, to be the real property of David D. Forest and spouse, Amanda W. Forest, the Plainti s herein, on the basis of their ownership of said realty in accordance with the doctrine of “Adverse Possession” under “Color of Title” in order to “Quiet Title” thereto. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than July 7, 2026 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 25th day of March, 2026.

David A. Beaver Attorney for Plainti s Post O ce Box 1338 Albemarle, North Carolina 28002 Telephone: (704) 982-4915 State Bar No. 007603 Publish April 4/5; April 11/12; and April18/19; and April 25/26 2026.

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION COUNTY OF STANLY. BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO:25E000056-830

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EUGENE CARRINGTON WALL Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Eugene Carrington Wall, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of the said Eugene Carrington Wall to present them to the undersigned or her attorney on or before the 6th day of July, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 5th day of April, 2026. Executor: Rebecca Wall PO Box 1038 Norwood, NC 28128 Attorney

Dates

NOTICE

May 21, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. In the event of earlier or

adjournment, notice to that e ect

be published in this same newspaper. Board of Equalization and Review Meeting Schedule Tuesday, April 28, 2026 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 21, 2026 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Please Run Notice 04/11/26, 04/15/26, 04/18/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the

One Tech Tip: New generation reviving old-school iPod for distraction-free listening

Secondhand iPod sales have jumped 48%

By Kelvin Chan The Associated Press

REMEMBER the iPod? It’s making a quiet comeback.

Four years after Apple killed o its digital music player, secondhand sales are surging. It’s fueled in part by young people interested not just in its retro looks but a desire to listen to music in a focused way and with playlists not determined by algorithms.

“There’s a growing trend, particularly among younger users, to mitigate the ease with which they can be distracted by smartphones, often driven by mental health and well-being concerns,” said Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight. “Having a dedicated music device, such as an iPod, is a good way to reduce your dependence on a smartphone and avoid being drawn into other activities, like doomscrolling through social media feeds, when you only really want to listen to music.”

If you’re interested in joining the iPod revival, here are some pointers.

How to get an iPod

You can’t buy a new iPod anymore, but it’s not too hard to get your hands on a used one. There are still a lot of them around because Apple sold 450 million over two decades.

There’s a thriving secondhand market, as evidenced by thousands of listings for used iPods on eBay. “Based on my discussions with people in the market, there has de nitely been renewed interest in refurbished iPods,” said Wood.

But watch out because eBay, strangely, also has thousands of listings for new iPods. On closer inspection, they’re from China-based sellers, and some buyers have left feedback complaining they received a used or refurbished device in counterfeit packaging.

Facebook Marketplace, peerto-peer reselling site Mercari and refurbished electronics platform Back Market also have plenty of listings. Back Market,

which operates in the U.S., Japan and more than a dozen European countries, said iPod sales last year jumped 48% from 2024.

There are also businesses dedicated to selling refurbished iPods.

And there’s a chance someone you know has one gathering dust in a drawer somewhere.

My 16-year-old daughter recently discovered her grandmother’s silver iPod Nano, complete with original charging cable and white earphones, in a guest room nightstand during a recent visit.

For support, there’s a vibrant online community of users swapping tips and sharing pictures of their devices, many with aftermarket modi cations like faceplates in nonoriginal colors.

Which iPod is it?

There’s not just one single style of iPod.

The original iPod, released in 2001, came with a scroll wheel that became a design signature. When the sixth generation was released, Apple started calling it the Classic.

It was followed by the smaller Mini and Nano versions, and the Shu e, which had no screen. Then came the Touch, which had a glass touch screen and ran on iOS to support mobile apps — basically an iPhone without the phone.

If you’re not sure which model you have, check Apple’s identi cation page.

Bringing it back to life

So you’ve found grandma’s old iPod, but does it work? The battery could be dead, so you will need a charging cable.

Later generations of the iPod Touch used Apple’s Lightning cable but all other models require a 30-pin charging cable, which has a distinctive wide, at plug. Apple doesn’t make these anymore, but replacements are available from aftermarket manufacturers.

If charging doesn’t revive it, the battery might need replacing. Or maybe there’s something else wrong, like a broken earphone jack or a damaged display. Apple still repairs iPods, but only for the two nal generations of the Touch.

You can send it to a repair

“Having a dedicated music device, such as an iPod, is a good way to reduce your dependence on a smartphone and avoid being drawn into other activities, like doomscrolling.”

Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight

service or x it yourself if you’re feeling handy. Repair website iFixit has detailed step-by-step repair guides for replacing various components. You’ll need to source spare parts yourself. IPod Touch owners should beware of software limitations.

The most recent version of Apple’s operating system that will work on the seventh generation iPod Touch — the last version ever sold — is iOS 15, and previous models are limited to even older versions. This is not an issue with other iPod variants because they don’t run iOS.

Adding music

Grandma’s silver iPod Nano appeared to be working ne, but I decided to start fresh by doing a factory reset to wipe the audio les left on it and restore the original settings. You’ll need a computer, either a Mac or Windows, to do this. Apple has a page that outlines the steps.

Those of you with Windows computers can use Apple’s iTunes program to manage your iPod and sync up your song library. To add digital music les from your computer, drag the les into iTunes and drop them in the iPod’s music library. To add a song that you’ve bought previously in iTunes, download it rst to your computer, right click on it and select “Add to Device.”

Apple discontinued iTunes for MacOS in 2019 so Mac computer users will have to use Apple Music, but it’s an equally easy process of dragging and dropping les.

Take note, Apple Music subscribers: You should be able to stream music on later generations of the iPod Touch. But for every other type of iPod, you’ll only be able to add and listen to music les ripped from a CD or purchased from a digital music platform.

Upgrading the software

Most iPods are pretty basic, in part because they’re limited by the device’s onboard rmware.

But part of the iPod’s appeal is that it’s easy for hobbyists to tinker with them, said Wood.

“There is de nitely a movement of people looking to take iPods and modify them for modern use,” he said.

One popular hack is replacing the iPod’s rmware with open-source software such as RockBox, which can be used “to upgrade an iPod to o er greater control and add features that Apple had not included or did not exist at the time,” Wood said.

This includes support for high-resolution lossless music les, the ability to manage music without iTunes, and tracking what you’ve been listening to so you can upload your playlist to a platform such as Last.fm, Wood said.

NOTICES NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE BEFORE THE CLERK 23SP000153-830 IN RE: FORECLOSURE OF A LIEN HELD BY GRANDVIEW PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INCFOR PAST DUE ASSESSMENTS UPON 2302 AMESBURY COURT ALBEMARLE, NORTH CAROLINA, AKA BEING ALL OF LOT 34 GRANDVIEW PHASE 1 AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 18, PAGE 106-107 OF THE STANLY COUNTY REGISTRY, WHICH IS TITLED TO: RAHIM SHAHEED BAPTISTE AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL ESTATE

OF A LIEN HELD BY

ASSOCIATION, INCFOR PAST DUE

UPON

LEXINGTON

ALBEMARLE, NORTH CAROLINA, AKA

OF

#80, PHASE I

Foreclosure of Lien led with the Clerk of Superior Court on August 4, 2022, le #22M000084-830. Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in that certain Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Grandview Property Owners Association, Inc, and recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Stanly County, North Carolina in Book 847, Page 210, and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness thereby secured and pursuant to the demand of the owner and holder of the indebtedness secured by said Lien, and pursuant to the Order of the Clerk of Superior Court for Stanly County, North Carolina, entered

in this foreclosure proceeding, Law Firm Carolinas, the appointed Trustee, will expose for sale at public auction on April 22, 2026, at 2:30 PM at the usual place of sale of the Stanly County Courthouse, Albemarle, North Carolina, the following described real property (including the house, if any and any other improvements thereon): Being all of Lot 34 Grandview Phase 1 as recorded in Map Book 18, Page 106-107 of the Stanly County Registry. Property address: 2302 Amesbury Court, Albemarle, NC 28001. Present Owner(s): Rahim Shaheed Baptiste. The sale will be made subject to all prior sales and releases and to all deeds of trust, liens, unpaid taxes, restrictions, easements, assessments, leases, and other matters of record, if any. Pursuant to N.C.G.S §45-21.10(b), any successful bidder will be required to deposit with Law Firm Carolinas, the Trustee, immediately upon

conclusion of the sale a cash deposit not to exceed the greater of Five Percent (5%) of the bid amount or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00). Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price in cash or certi ed check at the time Law Firm Carolinas, the Trustee, tenders to him a deed for the property

and (e). This sale will

Foreclosure of Lien led with the Clerk of Superior Court on June 22, 2020, le #20M000059-830. Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in that certain Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Grandview Property Owners Association, Inc, and recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Stanly County, North Carolina in Book 847, Page 210, and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness thereby secured and pursuant to the demand of the owner and holder of the indebtedness secured by said Lien, and pursuant to the Order of the Clerk of Superior Court for Stanly County, North Carolina, entered

GRANDVIEW PROPERTIES SUBDIVISION SHOWN ON A PLAT OF A MAP IN PLAT BOOK 18, PAGE 106 AND 109, OF THE STANLY COUNTY REGISTRY, WHICH IS TITLED TO: TIFFANY N. INGRAM AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE OF REAL ESTATE

in this foreclosure proceeding, Law Firm Carolinas, the appointed Trustee, will expose for sale at public auction on April 22, 2026, at 2:30 PM at the usual place of sale of the Stanly County Courthouse, Albemarle, North Carolina, the following described real property (including the house, if any and any other improvements thereon): Being all of Lot #80, Phase I of Grandview Properties Subdivision shown on a plat of a map in Plat Book 18, Page 106 and 109, of the Stanly County Registry. Property address: 606 Lexington Drive, Albemarle, NC 28001. Present Owner(s): Ms. Ti any N. Ingram. The sale will be made subject to all prior sales and releases and to all deeds of trust, liens, unpaid taxes, restrictions, easements, assessments, leases, and other matters of record, if any. Pursuant to N.C.G.S §45-21.10(b), any successful bidder will be required to deposit with Law Firm

Carolinas, the Trustee, immediately upon conclusion of the sale a cash deposit not to exceed the greater of Five Percent (5%) of the bid amount or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00). Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price in cash or certi ed check at the time Law Firm Carolinas, the Trustee, tenders to him a deed for the property or attempts to tender such deed, and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance of the purchase price so bid at the time, he shall remain liable on his bid as provided for in N.C.G.S §45-21.30(d) and (e).

famous birthdays this week

Ed O’Neill celebrates 80, Claire Danes turns 47, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is 79, Hayley Mills hits 80

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

APRIL 12

Musician Herbie Hancock is 86. Musician John Kay (Steppenwolf) is 82. Actor Ed O’Neill is 80. TV host David Letterman is 79. Author Scott Turow is 77.

Actor Andy Garcia is 70. Country musician Vince Gill is 69. Actor Claire Danes is 47.

APRIL 13

Singer Al Green is 80. Actor Ron Perlman is 76. Singer Peabo Bryson is 75. Bandleader-drummer Max Weinberg is 75. Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov is 63. Golf Hall of Famer Davis Love III is 62. Actor-comedian Caroline Rhea is 62. Actor Rick Schroder is 56.

APRIL 14

Former NYPD detective Frank Serpico is 90. Actor Julie Christie is 86. Rock musician Ritchie Blackmore is 81. Golf Hall of Famer Meg Mallon is 63. Baseball Hall of Famer Greg Maddux is 60. Actor Anthony Michael Hall is 58.

APRIL 15

Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Cooper is 70. Olympic track and eld gold medalist Evelyn Ashford is 69. Actor-screenwriter Emma Thompson is 67. Singer Samantha Fox is 60. Olympic swimming gold medalist Dara Torres is 59. Country singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton is 48.

APRIL 16

Singer Bobby Vinton is 91.

Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is 79. Football coach Bill Belichick is 74. Actor Ellen Barkin is 72. Singer Jimmy Osmond is 63. Actor Jon Cryer is 61. Actor-comedian Martin Lawrence is 61.

APRIL 17

Actor David Bradley is 84. Actor Clarke Peters is 74. Author Nick Hornby is 69. Actor Sean Bean is 67. Rock singer Maynard James Keenan (Tool) is 62. Actor Lela Rochon is 62. Actor Kimberly Elise is 59. Singer-songwriter Liz Phair is 59. Actor Jennifer Garner is 54. Singer Victoria Beckham is 52.

eld gold

Wednesday.

legend Herbie Hancock turns 86 on Sunday.

APRIL 18

Actor Hayley Mills is 80. Actor James Woods is 79. Actor Rick Moranis is 73. Actor Eric Roberts is 70. Actor Jane Leeves is 65. Ventriloquist-comedian Je Dunham is 64. Talk show host Conan O’Brien is 63.

Kanye West, known as Ye, watches an NBA game between the Wizards and the Lakers in 2022 in Los Angeles. The controversial rapper performed to 70,000 fans at SoFi Stadium on Friday night.

Ye attempts comeback with sold-out LA-area concert, support from Fugees’ Hill

He closed last Friday night’s show with his hit “Runaway”

By Ryan Pearson The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — The artist formerly and possibly again known as Kanye West reveled in support from one of his musical idols, Lauryn Hill, as he staged a sold-out Southern California concert meant to mark a comeback from years of controversy.

Eleven months after releasing a song titled “Heil Hitler” and just over two months after publishing an apology letter for his antisemitism, Ye let two decades of hits — and 70,000 screaming loyal fans — speak the loudest last Friday night at SoFi Stadium.

“I want to thank y’all for sticking by me all these years. Through the hard times, through the low times,” he told the crowd. “I love you for that.”

Hill joined Ye on a stage for the rst time for an energetic rendition of his 2004 hit “All Falls Down,” which originally sampled her voice. Ye left the stage as she performed “Lost Ones” and “Doo Wop (That Thing)” before rejoining for his 2021 “Doo Wop”-sampling song “Believe What I Say.” They hugged as she exited.

Travis Scott, CeeLo Green

NH governor’s detail rescues

‘Bob’s Burgers’ actor Eugene Mirman from ery crash

Gov. Kelly Ayotte herself secured a re extinguisher to assist

The Associated Press

BEDFORD, N.H. — “Bob’s Burgers” voice actor and comedian Eugene Mirman su ered serious injuries after crashing his car into a toll plaza and being pulled from the ery wreckage by a state trooper assigned to protect the governor of New Hampshire.

The crash happened just before noon last Tuesday when a northbound electric vehicle struck the Bedford Toll Plaza and caught re, New Hampshire State Police said. Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte and her security detail came upon the crash soon after, and a trooper and two others pulled Mirman from the burning car through a window, said State Police Col. Mark Hall. The governor, who left her vehicle and retrieved a re extinguisher, was not in any danger, he said.

“Eugene was in a very scary

“Without hesitation, they put themselves in danger to render aid to someone who was in need of it.”

N.H. State Police Col. Mark Hall

car accident,” Mirman’s agent Jay Glassner con rmed in a statement last Wednesday. “He wants to thank the bystanders, state police, rst responders and hospital sta who saved him. He is grateful to be on the mend. At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Eugene and his family as he focuses on recovering from his injuries.” Hall called the actions of the rescuers “heroic.”

“Without hesitation, they put themselves in danger to render aid to someone who was in need of it,” Hall said. State police identi ed the driver as Yevgeny Mirman, 51, of Massachusetts. Mirman, who was born in Moscow and grew up in Massachusetts, is known

for voicing musical middle child Gene Belcher in more than 300 episodes of the animated comedy “Bob’s Burgers” and its movie, in addition to roles on “Flight of the Conchords,” “Delocated” and “Archer.” He has built a loyal following with his o beat delivery, sharp observational humor and delightfully absurd storytelling. Mirman emerged from the Boston and New York comedy scenes in the early 2000s, developing a style that blends dry wit with surreal punchlines. A frequent presence on comedy stages and festivals, he is also known for inventive stand-up specials and recordings that lean into playful experimentation and unexpected comedic turns.

Ayotte said she and her husband were praying for the driver’s recovery.

“I want to thank the Trooper on my security detail and the bystanders who stepped up to help at the scene of the crash for their brave lifesaving e orts,” she said in a statement. The crash remains under investigation. No charges have been led.

“I want to thank y’all for sticking by me all these years. Through the hard times, through the low times. I love you for that.”

and Ye’s tween daughter North West also strapped on safety harnesses to join Ye high above the stadium oor atop a striking half-orb stage, which alternately depicted a moon, a rotating Earth and a smoking sphere throughout the two hours-plus livestreamed performance.

A loud singalong of “Heartless” midway through the more than 40-song Good Friday show seemed to boost Ye’s spirits: “That’s what 80,000 people sound like, ladies and gentlemen. … They said I’d never be back in the States. Two sold-out concerts, baby!”

The rst SoFi show last Wednesday, his rst major U.S. performance in nearly ve years, turned out to be more of a warm-up as Ye was tentative in his rapping and drew attention to technical mishaps.

Fans at that show said they separated the 48-year-old performer’s personal beliefs and public statements from

his music — and were ready to forgive after his January apology letter.

“You gotta back your family no matter what,” said Vince Da Prince, a rapper from Downey, California. “He’s a part of our fam since we were little kids.”

Added fan Yovani Contreras: “I don’t really bring into politics or the way someone’s personal opinion are. I’m into the music artistry. … Like, I just, to me, Ye is always gonna be Ye. Kanye is always gonna be Kanye.”

Luis Velasquez said he’d been a longtime fan and had been put o by controversies in recent years but felt the apology was sincere.

“Yeah, he did apologize,” he said. “He’s taking the medication I think is what he mentioned. … For me as a fan that’s, like, respect, right? Like I think that’s cool enough to bridge that gap.”

Ye released his latest album, “Bully,” under both the names Ye and Kanye West, at the end of March. He dominated hip-hop and pop charts in the 2000s and early 2010s, winning 24 Grammy Awards despite public outbursts and a polarizing personality. He lost nearly all his major business partnerships and many fans after a string of controversies in the last several years.

this week in history

Civil War begins, Titanic sinks, disaster at Bay of Pigs, Paul Revere rides

APRIL 12

1861: The Civil War began when Confederate forces opened re on Fort Sumter in South Carolina.

1954: Bill Haley and His Comets recorded “Rock Around the Clock,” later propelled into the mainstream by the 1955 lm “The Blackboard Jungle.”

1955: The Jonas Salk polio vaccine was declared safe and e ective after nearly a year of trials involving about 1.8 million U.S. children known as “polio pioneers.”

APRIL 13

1743: Thomas Je erson, the third president of the United States, was born in Shadwell in the Virginia Colony.

1964: Sidney Poitier became the rst black actor to win the Academy Award for best actor for his role in “Lilies of the Field.”

1997: Tiger Woods, 21, became the youngest golfer to win the Masters in Augusta, Georgia, nishing a record 12 strokes ahead of Tom Kite.

APRIL 14

1828: The rst edition of Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language was published.

1865: President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth during a performance of “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. Lincoln died the following morning.

APRIL 15

1912: The British liner RMS Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic and began sinking; more than 1,500 people died while about 710 survived.

1947: Jackie Robinson made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field, becoming the rst black player of the modern major leagues.

1955: Ray Kroc opened the rst franchised McDonald’s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois.

APRIL 16

1917: Vladimir Lenin returned to Russia from exile in Europe by train, taking command of the Russian Revolution that would overthrow the provisional government and pave the way for the Soviet Union.

1945: A Soviet submarine torpedoed the German transport ship MV Goya in the Baltic Sea, killing as many as 7,000 civilian refugees and wounded soldiers as the vessel sank within minutes.

1963: The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” defending civil rights protests and declaring, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

APRIL 17

1961: Some 1,400 CIAtrained Cuban exiles launched the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in a failed attempt to topple Fidel Castro. Cuban forces crushed the incursion within three days.

1964: Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock completed the

“Two things are in nite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.”

Albert Einstein

rst solo around-the-world ight by a woman, landing her single-engine Cessna in Columbus, Ohio, after a 29-day journey.

1975: Cambodia’s ve-year civil war ended as the capital, Phnom Penh, fell to the Khmer Rouge, whose brutal regime would claim an estimated 1.7 million lives before it was overthrown in 1979.

APRIL 18

1775: Paul Revere began his famous ride from Charlestown to Lexington, Massachusetts, warning colonists that British troops were approaching.

1906: The deadliest earthquake in U.S. history struck San Francisco, followed by res that swept the city. More than 3,000 people are believed to have died in the quake, estimated at magnitude 7.9.

1955: Physicist Albert Einstein died in Princeton, New Jersey, at age 76.