Massive Amazon cloud outage resolved after disrupting internet use worldwide
A problem at Amazon’s cloud computing service disrupted internet use around the world. The outage on Monday took down a broad range of online services, including social media, gaming, food delivery, streaming and nancial platforms. Amazon said the outage was resolved as of Monday evening. The all-day disruption and the ensuing exasperation it caused served as the latest reminder that 21st- century society is increasingly dependent on just a handful of companies for much of its internet technology, which seems to work reliably until it suddenly breaks down.
U.S. appeals court says Trump can take command of Oregon National Guard troops
Portland, Ore.
A U.S. appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump can take command of 200 Oregon National Guard troops.
A panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 Monday to put on hold an order that kept Trump from taking command of the troops. Oregon Attorney General Dan Ray eld, a Democrat, said he would ask for a broader panel of the appeals to reconsider the decision.
Comey’s lawyers say case against him driven by Trump’s “personal animus,” must be thrown out
Washington, D.C.
Lawyers for former FBI Director James Comey are urging a judge to dismiss the case against him. In court papers Monday, they called it a vindictive prosecution motivated by “personal animus” and orchestrated by a White House determined to seek retribution against a perceived foe of President Donald Trump. The lawyers separately called for the indictment’s dismissal because of what they said was the illegitimate appointment of the U.S. attorney who led the case days after being hastily named to the job by Trump. The double-barrel attack on the indictment, which accuses Comey of lying to Congress ve years ago, represents the opening salvo in what is expected to be a protracted court ght ahead of a trial currently set for Jan. 5.
Albemarle City Council hears from candidates for vacant council seat
Six candidates gave a presentation to councilmembers
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle City Council’s process for lling its District 4 seat vacancy is continuing to play out. On Monday night, coun-
cilmembers listened to presentations from six candidates who have each expressed interest in the open position for a term which expires Dec. 7, 2026.
Former District 4 representative Chris Whitley submitted his resignation in August so he could assist with providing care to a family member experiencing health issues. The council soon began accepting con dential letters
“It’s a very good group.”
Councilmember Benton Dry
of interest from District 4 residents seeking potential appointment to Whitley’s empty seat. James Fleming opened Monday night’s series of six presentations, noting that he has remained attentive to
Stanly County Concert Band plans fall show
The Agri-Civic Center wil host the band Nov. 6
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Concert Band has announced its fall concert performance scheduled for Nov. 6 at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center in Albemarle.
There is no cost for admission for the upcoming show, “A Tapestry of Sound and Emotions,” which is set to begin at 7 p.m. Since 2012, the SCCB has become the county’s premier instrumental ensemble as it
aims to bene t the cultural life of the region through free or low-cost performances as educational experiences.
“Mark your calendar for this unique concert that will take you on a musical and emotional journey through sound,” the SCCB said in a statement. “Music, often regarded as a universal language, possesses the unique ability to express a wide array of feelings and emotions through diverse sounds and rhythms. This concert will feature selections designed to elicit meaningful connections and evoke cherished memories for every member of the audience.”
developments within the city.
“I’m very proud of what’s going on in Albemarle at the moment,” Fleming said. “I continue to volunteer for the rec department. I do a lot of umpire refereeing and in the school systems as well. But when I look at Albemarle, I see Envision Albemarle. I know you have the comprehensive land program meetings
THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR STANLY NEWS JOURNAL
COURTESY STARLA WHITLEY
WEDNESDAY OCT. 22
THURSDAY
23
FRIDAY OCT. 24
SATURDAY OCT. 25
SUNDAY OCT. 26
Tillery Christian Academy in Norwood
proud to announce the students who received honor roll during the rst quarter of the 2025-2026 school year.
Kindergarten
Amelia Allred, Clyde Brewer, Elijah Shankle, Leeland King, Milah McKethan, Oaklyn Hathock and Sydney Ellenburg.
Bryson Webb, Everleigh Gi ord, Harmony Brown, Hayden Tarlton, Justice Diveley, Kayleigh Colson, Rachel Chang, Gigi Oliver, Saint Montenegro and JohnKarter Montenegro.
Third grade
Aiden Tarlton, Grace Swaringen, Lucy Parry, Richard Huang, Owen Peralta and Reed Burleson
Fourth grade
David Archer Cotoni, Grayson Blalock, Jacob Sorensen, Katherine Sharpe, Kenzie Williamson, Laurel Reeves, Mason Lowder and Merrick Cox.
Fifth grade
Austin Hill, Briana Gaddy, Dalton Keely, Ellie Morton, Elly Parry, John Sharpe, Madison Nordan, Mason Hall, Micah Williamson, Sawyer Allen and Zayla Trull.
Sixth grade
Charly Burleson, Florence Par and Cora Parry.
Seventh and eighth grade
Amberlyn Bowers, Anna Sharpe, Kiah Thomas, and Lestat Rodriguez.
Sale will be inside Fellowship Hall, rain or shine
Oct. 30
Oct. 31
Items: Dishes, Pocket Books, Lamps, Kitchen Items, Shoes, Comforters, Toddler Toys, Books, DVD’s; All New Items, clothes of all sizes
There will be baked goods to buy. Something For Everyone!
Proceeds going toward missions
Nov. 1
ages.
Loping Crow Distillery 24030 Endy Road Albemarle
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
COLUMN | SHERI FEW
Are government schools redeemable?
The Founding Fathers identi ed no constitutional role for government in education.
THE MOOD OF THE NATION survey, published in February 2025, found that 73% of adult respondents are dissatis ed with the quality of public education in the U.S. It is the highest dissatisfaction rate since the survey began in 2001.
Government schools have failed most students by every key measure. Across ve metrics, including suicide, major depression, suicidal thoughts, mental distress and days in poor mental health, young people su ering has increased substantially since 2011. Moreover, one-quarter of individuals who identify as transgender are between the ages of 13 and 17.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) shows no signi cant improvement in outcomes over the last 40 years.
The 2024 NAEP scores provide shocking evidence of utter academic failure in America’s government schools, showing that 45% of high school seniors scored “below basic” in math, and 33% of seniors tested “below basic” in reading.
In their groundbreaking report, “Are Government Schools Redeemable?” U.S. Parents Involved in Education concludes that government schools are not redeemable. At least not any time soon, even with a concerted e ort. Importantly, the USPIE report o ers recommendations for those determined to nd a way to rescue government schools.
The ve focus areas outlined in the report represent key issues keeping schools from succeeding: government involvement; teachers and colleges of education; teacher certi cation; standards and assessments; and teacher unions.
The Founding Fathers identi ed no constitutional role for government in education; however, in the 1840s, Horace Mann advocated universal government schools, embracing the notion that it could reduce, and perhaps even erase, human failings and compensate for biological aws.
Gradually, Mann’s vision of taxpayer-funded, government-run schools caught on. In 1867, Andrew Johnson established a national education department, and every president since has signed into law education-related policies and programs.
COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE
Yet despite ballooning federal intervention and funding, achievement in government schools is a national embarrassment.
For more than 50 years, government schools have been dumbing down teacher preparation. Teachers in training are being stripped of successful teaching methods and indoctrinated with techniques that impede learning and condition children into political activism.
Moreover, for decades, colleges have been pushing the oppressed/oppressor model, inculcating Marxist, feminist, racist and LGBTQ critical theories. Academic success is now less about merit and more about “equity.” It is evident that the colleges of education and the current installed base of teachers do not know how to e ectively teach reading, writing or math.
To teach in government-run schools, teachers must meet state certi cation requirements. Certi cation is integral to teaching colleges and is impacted by the faulty models adopted by these institutions. Indoctrination in critical theory, leftist activism and LGBTQ ideology, rather than proven teaching methods, is now what is certi ed. Teacher certi cation demands that quali ed professionals be indoctrinated in the ine ective teaching practices taught by colleges of education.
Formal standards by grade did not come to America until the 1980s. But after the release of the report “A Nation at Risk,” many asserted that grade-level standards with aligned assessments could keep students on track. Yet for centuries, if not a millennium, parents and educators intuited the phases of child development and tailored their teaching around reasoned expectations.
Standards and their correlated assessments are inappropriate, ine ective and stand in the way of actual student achievement.
The National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) count for 70% of government schoolteachers, or 3.2 million. Teacher unions rally in support of LGBTQ policies, hiding student gender issues from parents, protecting trans-identifying teachers and other policies o ensive to many parents.
The policies and practices of the unions are
the very policies and practices that prevent government schools from improving student achievement in reading, writing and math.
That’s why we strongly recommend the following actions: Parents should remove their children from government schools and seek alternatives that are free from government funding. The government should be removed from education to the degree possible and increase the child tax credit for parents whose children do not attend government schools. Local leaders can help by supporting home education and making donations to private schools for scholarships.
Churches can start schools, provide scholarships and support home educator co-ops.
As more families exit government schools, legislators should make government school funding re ect their enrollment. This model subjects government schools to free-market competition and reduces taxes for all citizens.
Parents are well-positioned to hold schools accountable. As they make choices, the better systems will accumulate enrollments and garner income, while the failing ones will see reductions.
Most importantly, parents are the rst and best educators of their children. This is not just a slogan, not just a throw-away campaign line. It is a fundamental law. Elected o cials must embrace this truth, resist the temptation to govern education, and return control to parents who are the only people properly positioned to hold educators and the education system accountable.
Sheri Few is the founder and president of United States Parents Involved in Education (USPIE), whose mission is to end the U.S. Department of Education and all federal education mandates. This column was rst published by Daily Caller News Foundation.
Trump defies conventional wisdom ... so far
Whether it was a maneuver straight out of Michael Corleone’s playbook, the gesture appears to have worked.
“WHAT ALL THE WISE MEN promised has not happened, and what all the damned fools said would happen has come to pass.” That was the mordant comment of Lord Melbourne, Queen Victoria’s rst prime minister, on the failure of a liberal reform to achieve the results promised with great assurance by the articulate liberal eminences of the day.
With two centuries of foresight, he might just as well have been describing President Donald Trump’s triumph, celebrated “in a state of ecstasy” in Israel’s Knesset, as he secured the release of hostages held by Hamas for two years and won support from multiple Muslim nations for his 20-point peace plan between Israel and Hamas.
Or as The Free Press’ Matthew Continetti put it, “Trump has done more to advance peace in the Middle East than the State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern A airs could hope to achieve in a million years.”
Certainly, more than anyone has accomplished since Israel’s victories in the Six-Day War of 1967 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973, the era when it became accepted wisdom that Arab and Muslim nations would recognize Israel’s legitimacy only after it reached some form of agreement with Palestinian leaders on the creation of a Palestinian state.
The conventional wisdom was that pressure must always be exerted on Israel, the leaders and voters of which had obvious qualms about relinquishing any supervision over armed and hostile neighbors within shooting range of their geographically tiny country.
The 1990s saw a test of that conventional wisdom, with Israel accepting the Oslo framework, and Bill Clinton, in his nal days as president, using his very considerable skills to get Israel to agree to a generous settlement, only to have it shot down at the last minute by Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat.
The Second Intifada that followed, and the Hamas terrorists’ takeover of Gaza after Israel relinquished it in 2005, ended any signi cant support for a “two-state” agreement by Israeli voters. But peddlers of the conventional wisdom ignored Israelis’ characteristic bluntness and persisted in taking seriously Arab states’ ritualistic a rmations of support for a Palestinian state.
Trump chose a di erent path. Rather than pressuring Israel to make concessions or pleading with the Palestinians to accept them, he pursued, and secured, direct agreements between Israel and other Arab nations. During his rst term, his team, led by his son-in-law Jared Kushner, forged the Abraham Accords by capitalizing on the Gulf states’ ambitions for economic growth and regional stability.
Trump moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem,
recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and withdrew from former President Barack Obama’s Iran nuclear deal. In his second term — unlike former President Joe Biden, who repeatedly sought to restrain Israel’s response to Hamas — Trump backed Israel’s military o ensives and followed through on his 12-day war that crippled Iran’s nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow.
Pressure on Hamas’ hosts in Qatar, home to a major U.S. air base, escalated after Israel launched missiles on Sept. 9 to assassinate Hamas leaders there. Trump publicly disapproved of the strike and, during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s White House visit on Sept. 29, even urged him to call Qatar’s ruler and apologize.
Whether it was genuine remorse or a maneuver straight out of Michael Corleone’s playbook, the gesture appears to have worked. The Qataris soon pressed Hamas to accept the rst stage of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, the release of all surviving Israeli hostages, after Trump rea rmed, in the Knesset and afterward, that he would fully back Israeli retaliation should Hamas break the deal.
Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren wrote that Trump “knows the language of strength.” He seems to appreciate and admire Israel’s strength and is willing to capitalize on the weakness of the country’s enemy, Hamas, and the terrorist group’s enabler, Qatar.
Here, I think, is something that separates Trump from the conventional wisdom and, by a wider margin, from those here and abroad who have been demonstrating in favor of Hamas and the Palestinians. Those who called for a
cease re for two years are conspicuously not joining in the celebrations for the cease re now in place.
The demonstrators and the purveyors of the two-state solution tend to side with what they consider the oppressed over those they consider the oppressors. They consider any skepticism about the moral worth of the weaker party as “punching down.” The demonstrators chant that Israel is committing genocide. The conventional wisdom says Israel, with all its advantages, must make concessions.
Trump, and the large majority of Americans over 30 who have favored Israel over the Palestinians for many years, admire self-su ciency, competence, inventiveness and success. The U.S. and Israel have their faults. But overall and from a historical perspective, they have been glorious successes.
An example, in the spotlight this week, is the American Israeli economic historian Joel Mokyr, recipient of the Nobel economics prize. His writings, which I can claim only to have sampled, argue that mankind’s sudden rise above subsistence economies was the product not just of technological advances but also of habits of mind that have produced self-su ciency, competence and creativity.
Which you can argue were characteristics of the diplomacy that experienced observers dismissed as amateurish and slapdash, and whose further course remains uncertain. In any case, its success so far has transformed Trump’s lust for his own Nobel Prize from the comic to the conceivable.
Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner.
President Donald Trump talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, on Oct. 13 in Jerusalem.
SAUL LOEB / AP PHOTO
Badin Hardaway Pow Wow
SHOW from page A1
The band consists of community members, local music teachers, and Pfei er University faculty and students. Pfei er supports the ensemble by providing rehearsal space, the use of larger band instruments and an extensive music library.
Along with the university, the SCCB is supported by Uwharrie Bank, The Stanly County Concert Association,
The Stanly County Arts Council and The North Carolina Arts Council.
The SCCB has o ered a preview of the setlist it will perform at the fall concert next month, demonstrating that the group will soon perform a variety of styles from the concert band repertoire.
The group will play “In Motion,” an original band work commissioned by the University of South Florida Concert Band
featuring woodwind ostinatos and rhythmic mallet percussion gures.
Other tracks include the ode to the Cherokee tribe, “Hymn to the Great Spirit,” as commissioned by Carolyn Smith and the Western North Carolina All-District Band, along with a medley of songs from the “Wicked” Broadway production.
“Groovitude” is inspired by funk and disco artists like Earth, Wind and Fire, while
“Fearless” is a high-energy song commissioned by the Union County Bandmasters Association for its All-County Honors Band.
Other tracks will be performed as tributes.
“Spring Will Come Again” was composed by the East Central High School Band from Hurley, Mississippi, in memory of Jordan Anthony Wells, while “Whispers from Beyond” was created by composer Rossano
Galante in memory of Cheryl Williams-Jaeneke.
Following its November concert, the SCCB will return again in the month afterward for an annual holiday performance.
On Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., the band will play a Christmas concert at Albemarle’s Central United Methodist Church. All attendees are encouraged to bring a food item for the Stanly Community Christian Ministries Food Pantry.
Last year, Hunter Biden was convicted under the same drug law
By Lindsay Whitehurst
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court said on Monday that it will consider whether people who regularly smoke marijuana can legally own guns, the latest rearm case to come before the court since its 2022 decision expanding gun rights.
President Donald Trump’s administration asked the jus -
tices to revive a case against a Texas man charged with a felony because he allegedly had a gun in his home and acknowledged being a regular pot user.
The Justice Department appealed after a lower court largely struck down a law that bars people who use any illegal drugs from having guns.
Last year, a jury convicted Hunter Biden of violating the law, among other charges. His father, then-President Joe Biden, later pardoned him.
Arguments probably will take place early in 2026, with a decision likely by early summer.
The Republican administration favors Second Amendment rights, but government attorneys argued that this ban is a justi able restriction. They asked the court to reinstate a case against Ali Danial Hemani. His lawyers got the felony charge tossed out after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the blanket ban is unconstitutional under the Supreme Court’s expanded view of gun rights. The appellate judges found it could still be used against people accused of being high and armed at the same time, though.
Hemani’s attorneys argue the broadly written law puts millions of people at risk of technical violations since at least 20% of Americans have tried pot, according to government health data. About half of states legalized recreational marijuana, but it’s still illegal under federal law.
The Justice Department argues the law is valid when used against regular drug users because they pose a serious public safety risk. The government said the FBI found Hemani’s gun and cocaine in a search of his home as they probed travel and communications allegedly
from page A1
linked to Iran. The gun charge was the only one led, however, and his lawyers said the other allegations were irrelevant and were mentioned only to make him seem more dangerous.
The case marks another ashpoint in the application of the Supreme Court’s new test for rearm restrictions. The conservative majority found in 2022 that the Second Amendment generally gives people the right to carry guns in public for self-defense and any rearm restrictions must have a strong grounding in the nation’s history.
The landmark 2022 ruling led to a cascade of challenges to rearm laws around the country, though the justices have since upheld a di erent federal law intended to protect victims of domestic violence by barring guns from people under restraining orders.
COUNCIL
OBITUARIES
PAMELA KIMEL THOMPSON
JAN. 10, 1944 – OCT. 12, 2025
Pamela Anne Kimel Thompson, 81, of Monroe, passed away on October 12, 2025, at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, with Father Benjamin Roberts o ciating. The family will receive friends earlier that morning from 10-10:30 a.m. at Davis Chapel, prior to the service hour.
Born on January 10, 1944, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, Pamela was the daughter of the late Horace Mims Kimel and Ruth Ella Ashburn Kimel. She was a retired Registered Nurse, having devoted more than 40 years to caring for others with skill, compassion, and dedication. She earned her nursing degree from Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem and later received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Purdue University.
In addition to her clinical work, Pamela also taught nursing at Salem College in Louisville, Kentucky, for three years, where she shared her knowledge and passion for patient care with the next generation of nurses.
Pamela was a long-time member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and a woman of deep curiosity and joy. She loved to travel and treasured her adventures in Italy, Sweden, Russia, Scotland, England, and Hawaii. Through the Friendship Force, she and her husband welcomed families from Belgium and South Korea into their home, forming friendships that spanned the globe.
Her family remembers her as vivacious, loving, caring, and inquisitive—a bright and happy presence in every room. She was an avid reader who could often be found leaving the library with an armful of books, and she found beauty and meaning in the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe. Above all, Pamela was practical, kind, and deeply devoted to her family.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Carl Vincent Thompson; her daughter, Dee Anna Nunn of Willow Spring, NC; her brother, Sam Kimel and wife Linda of Rockford, IL; her sister, Marti Smith of Bolivia, NC; granddaughter Caitlin McClure of Warner Robins, GA; and two great-grandchildren, Aubrey McCleod of Bonaire, GA, and Alanna English of Willow Spring, NC.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Horace Mims “Jim” Kimel, Jr.
CLAUDE SMITH BROOME
DEC. 25, 1929 – OCT. 14, 2025
Claude Smith Broome, 95 years old, passed away on October 14, 2025. He was born on Christmas Day 1929 in Union County, N.C He was the son of the late Claude C. Broome and Lillian Ross Broome.
Claude was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Doris Medlin Broome, brothers Worth and Larry, and sisters Polly Short and Louise Moore. He is survived by his son, Phillip Perry (Susan), grandsons, Phillip Gabriel (Laurie), Christopher Perry (Amy), a great-grandson, Lofton Broome, and great-granddaughters, Ashton Broome and Brynn Purcell. Claude also leaves an extensive family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Claude had a career as a quality control manager at Springs Industries for more than 42 years and retired in 1990. He was also active in Bethlehem United Methodist Church and served in several capacities, including Sunday school teacher. He had also been a Boy Scout leader.
Never was there a kinder, more considerate person. He had friends far and wide. He enjoyed farming and, in earlier years, raised cattle and grew peaches on family land near and dear to him in Roughedge, NC. He was quick to defend and slow to judge. He was devoted to his wife, Doris, and spent many hours gardening with her.
The funeral service will be at Davis Chapel | Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Monroe on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Chris Baucom o ciating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service.
Claude and Doris’s Ashes will be scattered together in a private family ceremony on a later date. In lieu of owers, the family asks memorials to be made to Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Union, 700 W Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110. Davis Chapel-Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Monroe is serving the Broome family.
CARL EDWARD HARKEY
SEPT. 19, 1932 – OCT. 15, 2025
Carl Edward Harkey, 93, was born in Albemarle on September 19, 1932. He passed away in the loving care of Spring Arbor of Albemarle on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
Carl was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Myrtle Harkey, his brothers Fred Gaines Harkey, Jr. and Walter Harkey, Sr., and his sister Elizabeth Harkey Biedrycki. He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Harkey Walser.
Carl served in the US Army in Germany from January 1953 to January 1955.
A graveside service will take place at the (old) Norwood Cemetery, 406 N. Kendall St., at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 20th, 2025.
Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the Harkey family.
SAM J. HOPKINS
DEC. 31, 1941 – OCT. 16, 2025
Sam J. Hopkins, 83, of Midland, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
Born on December 31, 1941, in Stanly County, he was the son of the late Sam Allen Hopkins and Raymell Atrea Harvell, and was lovingly raised by his grandparents. He was the father of 3 sons.
Sam is survived by his devoted wife of over 50 years, Mary Hartsell Hopkins.
A man of deep faith, Sam found great joy in preaching the gospel and serving in church ministry. His life was a re ection of his love for God and his commitment to helping others grow in their faith. In his spare time, Sam enjoyed working around his home and garden, always nding ful llment in caring for the place and people he loved most.
Sam’s legacy of faith, hard work, and devotion to family will be cherished by all who knew him.
The family will receive friends from 2:30-3:15 p.m., Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Clear Creek Baptist Church, 9015 Ferguson Road, Charlotte, NC 28227. The funeral service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at the church, o ciated by Rev. Homer Murdock.
In lieu of owers, memorial donations may be made to Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Hopkins family.
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@northstatejournal.com
Ace Frehley, Kiss’ lead guitarist, dead at 74
He feuded on and o with his bandmates over the decades
By Hannah Schoenbaum and Andrew Dalton The Associated Press
ACE FREHLEY, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss, who captivated audiences with his elaborate galactic makeup and smoking guitar, died last Thursday. He was 74.
Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall, according to his agent.
Family members said in a statement that they are “completely devastated and heartbroken” but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.
Kiss, whose hits included “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” was known for its theatrical stage shows, with re and fake blood spewing from the mouths of band members dressed in body armor, platform boots, wigs and signature black-and-white face paint.
Kiss’ original lineup included Frehley, singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, tongue-wagging bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss. Frehley’s is the rst death among the four founding members.
Band members took on the personas of comic book-style characters — Frehley was known as “Space Ace” and “The Spaceman.” The New York-born entertainer and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer often experimented with pyrotechnics, making his guitars glow, emit smoke and shoot rockets from the headstock.
“We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” Simmons and Stanley said in a joint statement. “He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.”
Born Paul Daniel Frehley, he grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at age 13. Before joining Kiss, he played in local bands around New York City and was a roadie for Jimi Hendrix at age 18.
Kiss was especially popular in the mid-1970s, selling tens of millions of albums and licensing its iconic look to become a marketing marvel. “Beth” was its biggest commercial hit in the U.S., peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1976.
As the Kennedy Center’s new chairman, President Donald Trump named Kiss as one of this year’s honorees. In 2024, the band sold their catalog, brand name and intellectual property to Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment Group in a deal estimated to be more than $300 million.
Frehley frequently feuded with Stanley and Simmons through the years. He left the band in 1982, missing the years when they took o the makeup and had mixed success. Stanley later said they nearly replaced Frehley with Eddie Van Halen, but Vinnie Vincent assumed the lead guitar role.
Frehley performed both as a solo artist and with his band, Frehley’s Comet.
But he rejoined Kiss in the mid-1990s for a triumphant reunion and restoration of their original style that came after bands including Nirvana, Weezer and the Melvins had expressed a ection for the band and paid them musical tributes. He would leave again in 2002. When the original four entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, a dispute scrapped plans for them to perform. Simmons and Stanley objected to Criss and Frehley being inducted instead of then-guitarist Tommy Thayer and then-drummer Eric Singer. Simmons told Rolling Stone magazine that year that Frehley and Criss “no longer deserve to wear the paint.”
“The makeup is earned,” he added. “Just being there at the beginning is not enough.”
Frehley and Kiss also had a huge in uence on the glammy style of 1980s so-called hair metal bands including Mötley Crüe and Poison.
“Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time,” Poison front man Bret Michaels said on Instagram.
Harder-edged bands like Metallica and Pantera were also fans, and even country superstar Garth Brooks joined the band members for a recording of their “Hard Luck Woman” on a 1994 compilation.
Frehley would appear occasionally with Kiss for shows in later years. A 2023 concert at Madison Square Garden was billed as the band’s last. While Stanley and Simmons said they would not tour again, they’ve been open to the possibility of more concerts, and they’ve stayed active promoting the group’s music and memorabilia.
“He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy.”
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley
Ace Frehley, lead guitarist for the hard-rock glam band Kiss, performs with a Les Paul guitar during a concert in 1977.
RICHARD DREW / AP PHOTO
STANLY SPORTS
Albemarle pulls past Union Academy with
Bulldogs running back Shoddy Pergee had four touchdowns
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — Bulldogs
running back Shoddy Pergee exploded for a 35-yard dash to the end zone with 3:29 left in the game to give Albemarle a 31-24 road win over Union Academy on Friday night. It was a breakout performance for the junior, who tallied four touchdowns, 266 yards and more than a dozen yards per carry as the Bulldogs (4 - 4, 2-3 Yadkin Valley Conference) pulled ahead of the Cardinals (3-5, 1- 4 YVC) in a tied contest. Earlier in the game, Pergee
late touchdown run
put his team on the board with a 10 -yard touchdown run that evened the score at 7-7 late in the rst quarter.
Albemarle soon built a 17-7 cushion behind a 34 -yard eld goal from junior Carlos Popoca and a 6 -yard touchdown run by Pergee. However, Union Academy closed the gap before halftime on a 40 -yard touchdown connection between Nico Mendoza and Gavin Short to make it 17-14.
In the third quarter, the Cardinals evened the score with a eld goal before Pergee struck again for the Bulldogs. This time, on defense at cornerback, he recovered a Cardinal fumble and ran it back 50 yards for a touchdown to put Albemarle up 24 -17 following the extra point.
South Stanly, Mountain Island Charter to square o in conference clash
The Bulls and Eagles are both 4-1 in league play
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — In a road-heavy slate, all but one Stanly County football team will be traveling to play this weekend.
Two local teams will attempt to stay tied for rst in their conference standings, one will aim to move up to .500 in league play and another will try to land its rst win since early September.
Mountain Island Charter at South Stanly
The Rowdy Rebel Bulls (6 -2, 4 -1 Yadkin Valley Conference)
posted their second straight shutout — and fourth of the sea-
son — by blanking Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy 49 - 0 in Mooresboro last weekend.
Returning home to host Mountain Island Charter, South Stanly will be battling a Raptors team (5-3, 4 -1 YVC) that has won four consecutive conference games and is tied with the Bulls, North Stanly and North Rowan in the YVC standings.
As winners of ve of their past six contests, the Bulls will attempt to keep both their offensive success and defensive efforts intact following an 89 - 0 scoring margin during the past two weeks.
North Stanly at Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy
After a 35-23 home victory over North Rowan, North Stanly will look for its eighth win of
Not going down without a ght, Union Academy tied the game with 7:37 left in the
the season as it travels to Huntersville to face Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy.
The matchup between the Comets (7-1, 4 -1 Yadkin Valley Conference) and winless Eagles (0 -8, 0 -5 YVC) is between the top and bottom teams in the YVC standings.
With three other YVC teams tied with the Comets’ 4 -1 conference record, every game over the next two weeks will be important in determining the conference champion at the end of the regular season.
Albemarle at North Rowan
Albemarle came away with a 31-24 win at Union Academy over the weekend, giving the Bulldogs (4 -4, 2-3 YVC) a second consecutive victory to help wash away some of the pain of their prior four-game losing streak. It also moved them up to fth place in the YVC standings.
Albemarle will now head to Spencer for a matchup against the North Rowan (4 - 4, 4 -1 YVC), which lost the rst three games of their 2025 season but have since climbed to the top of the conference.
The Cavaliers will be hoping to rebound after their 12-point loss at North Stanly, but they will now face a Bulldogs squad
fourth quarter when Mendoza found Lloyd Barnes in the back of the end zone. Mendoza had
160 yards for the Cardinals on 10-of-17 passing, while Barnes led all Cardinal pass catchers with 123 yards. Thankfully for the Bulldogs, Pergee’s fourth and nal touchdown strike marked the end of scoring for both teams as Albemarle’s defense stopped the Cardinals on their nal drive. His rushing e orts throughout the game served as the key factor of the night, with the Bulldogs being limited to just 18 yards from their other eight rushing attempts.
Albemarle junior quarterback Adam Jordan completed 4 of 15 passes for 101 yards, while sophomore wideout Naijay Hastings had a team-best 41 receiving yards.
The Bulldogs moved up to fth place in the YVC standings thanks to the back-to -back wins that ended a four-game losing streak. The Cardinals fell to sixth place.
Albemarle is set for another road game this coming weekend when it travels to face the North Rowan (4 - 4, 4 -1 YVC) in Spencer.
that looks to be reenergized following a rough patch and has averaged 36 points during back-to-back wins.
West Stanly at Parkwood
Five straight losses have wreaked havoc on both West Stanly’s season and its standing in the Rocky River Conference, where the Colts (1-7, 0-3 RRC) have dropped to the bottom of the pack.
Most recently, West Stanly lost 41-28 at Forest Hills as the Colts failed to come back from a 21-14 halftime de cit. A road game in Monroe against Parkwood (1-7, 0-3 RRC) is up next. The Wolfpack have lost their past seven games, giving West an opponent with aws to capitalize on. In last season’s meeting between the two schools, Parkwood came out on top with a 46-13 road win over the Colts in Oakboro.
Albemarle sophomore Jaymi Campbell, bottom, jumps on a Union Academy fumble during the Bulldogs’ win on Friday.
COURTESY STARLA WHITLEY
Albemarle running back Shoddy Pergee had all four of the Bulldogs’ touchdowns on Oct. 17.
COURTESY CALEB STEWART PHOTOGRAPHY
South Stanly’s Jasiah Holt runs to the end zone during the Bulls’ shutout win over North Stanly on Oct. 10.
Briscoe gets OT win at Talladega
The victory gives Joe Gibbs Racing two spots in the Cup Series championship nale
By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press
TALLADEGA, Ala. — Joe Gibbs Racing was facing an internal mutiny just a month ago when two of its championship-eligible drivers didn’t feel the team owner’s grandson was helping his teammates try to win the Cup title.
Ty Gibbs, grandson of team owner Joe Gibbs, raced both Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin hard early in the playo race at New Hampshire. Gibbs wasn’t eligible for the championship, Hamlin grew frustrated at being held up by his teammate, so he wrecked Gibbs out of his way.
Sunday, Ty Gibbs pushed Chase Briscoe in overtime to the win at Talladega Superspeedway to give JGR two spots in the Cup Series’ championship race.
Briscoe is in the winner-take-all nale alongside teammate Hamlin as Toyota claimed the rst two of the four berths with one race remaining to set the championship eld.
“Ty Gibbs, just incredible teammate there. I mean, I honestly would not have won that race without Ty,” Briscoe said. “This is an amazing team e ort. I can’t believe I won a superspeedway race. I haven’t done it at any level.”
“It’s such a competitive world. I’m kind of used to it in football. You get it,” Joe Gibbs said. “But over here, we got four teams, and the challenge is always trying to get them to work together. If you think about it, each driver has got their own career. They got their own sponsor, and it just becomes extremely competitive.
“So sometimes you wind up with issues like that. It’s part of part of sports. Guys are, you know, very competitive and want to make it happen. And so at di erent times, you may have issues that you got to deal with.”
Briscoe, who raced to his rst career superspeedway victory, is in his rst season driving for Gibbs.
He’s now going to race for
the Cup title for the rst time. “Ty was the whole reason I won the race, he was extremely committed to me,” Briscoe said. “When I made a move, Ty went with me. He was just really sel ess in the fact of he’s going for his rst career win and could have easily tried to make a move or done something di erent. But he just pushed me to the win and just an incredible team e ort.”
Briscoe was sixth on the restart — a two-lap sprint in overtime to the nish — and Hendrick Motorsports drivers William Byron and Kyle Larson split the front row and lined up side-by-side for the Chevrolet drivers to control the race.
Byron was getting help from behind from fellow Chevrolet driver Carson Hocevar, a driver for Hendrick aligned Spire Motorsports. Larson’s push was from Toyota driver Bubba Wallace, who did get Larson into the lead.
There are two open spots left in the championship eld to be determined next week in the nale of the third round of the playo s. Bell and Larson are above the elimination line but neither is all that comfortable.
The race went to overtime when Chris Buescher was leading with two laps to go and he was spun from behind by Byron, who was shoved into Buescher by Hocevar. Buescher spun across the front of the pack and slammed hard into an inside wall in a onecar crash that sent the race to overtime.
Todd Gilliland nished a career-best second and Gibbs was third. Wallace was fourth.
Elliott in early crash
Chase Elliott’s chances to advance into the nal four took a hit when NASCAR’s most popular driver was collected in the rst crash of the race.
Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion, was already below the cutline for elimination when he was caught in an early eight- car crash 52 laps into the race.
Elliott now goes to Martinsville Speedway in a mustwin situation to advance to the title - deciding nale at Phoenix for the rst time since 2022.
BUTCH DILL / AP PHOTO
Chase Briscoe (19) leads the pack to the nish line for the win during Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega.
State tournament play is here
Stanly News Journal sta
South Stanly volleyball, 9-14, 5-5 in Yadkin Valley 2A/3A
Last week’s scores: Lost 3-2 vs. North Stanly, Yadkin Valley Tournament Won 3-1 vs. Avery County, NCHSAA Class 2A state tournament
This week’s schedule: Oct. 21 vs. Community School of Davidson, NCHSAA Class 2A state tournament
TBD
The Bulls drew a No. 17 seed in the state championships and upset No. 16 Avery County in the rst round. That earned a date with the top seed.
South Stanly boys’ soccer, 2-12, 0-10 in Yadkin Valley 2A/3A
Last week’s scores: Lost 9-0 at Union Academy Lost 9-0 at Gray Stone Day
Upcoming schedule: Oct. 29 at Anson
The Bulls‘ losing streak has reached a dozen, the last three by matching 9 - 0 scores.
West Stanly volleyball, 21-3, 12-0 in Rocky River 4A/5A
Last week’s scores: Won 3-0 vs. Mount Pleasant,
Rocky River Tournament Won vs. Anson, 3-0, Rocky River Tournament
This week’s schedule: Oct. 21 vs. Bandys, NCHSAA Class 4A state tournament
The Colts won the conference tournament and earned a No. 2 seed in states. They enjoyed a rst-round bye and open play against No. 15.
West Stanly boys’ soccer, 9-10-1, 6-4-1 in Rocky River 4A/5A
Last week’s scores: Lost 4-0 vs. Monroe Won 3-0 vs. Forest Hills
This week’s schedule: Oct. 22 at Anson Oct. 27 at South Rowan
The Colts saw their four-game win streak snapped but bounced back with another shutout win.
North Stanly volleyball, 17-10, 9-1 in Yadkin Valley
Last week’s scores: Won 3-2 vs. South Stanly, Yadkin Valley Tournament Won 3-2 vs. Gray Stone Day, Yadkin Valley Tournament
This week’s schedule: Oct. 21 vs. West Davidson, NCHSAA Class 3A state tournament
The Comets won the Yadkin Valley tournament and drew an 8-seed in the state tourney.
They drew a rst-round bye and open with the 9 -seed.
North Stanly boys’ soccer, 5-11-2, 2-6-2 in Yadkin Valley
Last week’s scores: Lost 7-3 vs. Albemarle
This week’s schedule: TBD
The Comets completed the regular season schedule and will wait on the postseason brackets to be unveiled.
Albemarle volleyball, 7-10, 2-8 in Yadkin Valley
Last week’s scores: Lost 3-0 at Swain County, NCHSAA Class 2A state tournament
Season complete
The Bulldogs drew a No. 21 seed in states and fell to No. 12 Swain to end their season.
Albemarle boys’ soccer, 9-9-1, 5-4-1 in Yadkin Valley
Last week’s scores: Won 7-3 at North Stanly
This week’s schedule: TBD
The Bulldogs reached .500 with a win over North Stanly in the regular season nale.
Yadkin Valley 2A/3A
North Stanly, 7-1, 4-1
South Stanly; 6-2, 4-1
North Rowan; 4-4, 4-1
Mountain Island, 5-3, 4-1 Albemarle; 4-4, 2-3
Thomas Je erson; 3-5, 1-4 Union; 3-5, 1-4
Bonnie Cone, 0-8, 0-5
Games last week (Oct. 17)
• North Stanly 35, North Rowan 23
• Albemarle 31, Union Academy 24
• Forest Hills 41, West Stanly 28
• South Stanly 49, Thomas Je erson 0
Rocky River 4A/5A
Mount Pleasant; 6-2, 3-0 Monroe; 4-3, 3-0
Forest Hills; 7-1, 2-1 Anson; 1-7, 1-2
West Stanly; 1-7, 0-3
Parkwood; 1-7, 0-3
Games this week (Oct. 24)
• Mountain Island at South Stanly
• Albemarle at North Rowan
• North Stanly at Bonnie Cone
• West Stanly at Parkwood
COURTESY STARLA WHITLEY
Albemarle’s Shoddy Pergee (14) burst onto the rushing leaders’ list this week.
FOR RENT
Let’s Work Together
• Instructor, Business Administration (9-month)
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We are eager to welcome individuals who are dedicated to our mission and committed to enhancing our community. Interested candidates are invited to browse our open full and part time positions via the website below to nd out how to apply for one of our job openings at SCC.
NOTICE AND INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS
Sealed
Albemarle Attention: Matt Smith
Asst. Finance Director P.O. Box 190
Albemarle, North Carolina 28002-0190
The envelope must be marked as follows: Sealed Bid for Central Avenue Substation Additions - Material Bid No.: 2026-01
Bid Opening: 2:30 PM, Friday, November 7, 2025 Speci cations may be obtained at the o ce of the City’s Engineer, Southeastern Consulting Engineers, Inc., P. O. Box 240436, Charlotte, North Carolina 28224, or by contacting Kevin Smorgala via email at: kevin@scepower.com.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the general
public that the City of Albemarle City Council will conduct a public hearing on Monday, November 3, 2025 at 6:30pm or shortly thereafter in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, located at 144 N Second St., Albemarle, N.C. 28001
The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment on the City’s intent to provide an economic development incentive grant pursuant to N.C.G.S. §158-7.1 through the City’s Albemarle Downtown Area Revitalization (ADAR) Program. The ADAR Program provides grant incentives to encourage reinvestment, in ll development, and building rehabilitation within Albemarle’s Downtown Municipal Service District (MSD). The proposed project involves the redevelopment and revitalization of property located at 410 Pee Dee Avenue within the Downtown MSD. The project will include eligible building improvements and renovations consistent with City zoning, design standards, and the goals of the ADAR Program to promote economic vitality and broaden the local tax base. Following the public hearing, the City Council may consider approval of the proposed ADAR grant agreement. All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing. Anyone wishing to speak for or against this action shall adhere to applicable City policies and statutes regarding open meetings. The City Council approved agenda can be found on the city’s website, www.albemarlenc. gov Please contact city sta with any questions or comments at (704)-9849419.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the general
public that the City of Albemarle City Council will conduct public hearing(s) concerning the item(s) listed below at the dates, times, and location provided herein: ROW Abandonment: At the request of adjacent property owner, AOC 202, LLC., a public hearing will be held to consider abandonment of a 16,400 +/- sq. ft. section of City of Albemarle right-of-way of Je eries St. The hearing(s) will be conducted in the City Council Chambers of City Hall, located at 144 N Second St., Albemarle, N.C. 28001 at the following time(s): Monday, November 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing. Anyone wishing to speak for or against this action shall adhere to applicable City policies and statutes regarding open meetings. The City Council approved agenda can be found on the city’s website, www.albemarlenc. gov. Applications and other relevant information for this case is kept on le at the City of Albemarle Planning and Development Services Department in City Hall, which is open between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please contact city sta with any questions or comments at (704)-984-9424. Publish: Wednesday, October 15, 2025; Wednesday, October 22, 2025; Wednesday, October 29, 2025; and Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY
In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 25-E-488
Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Clyde N. Overcash Sr., deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before December 30, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 1st day of October, 2025.
CLYDE N. OVERCASH, JR. EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF CLYDE N. OVERCASH, SR. MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 206 E. North St. Albemarle, NC 28001 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Please run Notice: October 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2025
Notice of Public Hearing
Notice is hereby given that the Town of Norwood Town Council will, on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 pm, hold a public hearing at the Town Hall located at 212 S. Main St., Norwood, NC, to consider the following requests: Annexation of 3.20 acres in 3 parcels: PINs 657503045168,657503034943, and 657503033901 Rezoning of 3.20 acres in 3 parcels: PINs 657503045168, 657503034943, and 657603033901
48482-3 Ingram Road New London, NC 28127 Co-Administrator
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000556-830
Having quali ed as Executrix of
Brandi Carlile, ‘A House of Dynamite,’ Demi Lovato, ‘Nobody Wants This’
A prequel series to Stephen King’s “It” lands on HBO Max
The Associated Press
KATHRYN BIGELOW’S nuclear fallout thriller “A House of Dynamite” and albums from Brandi Carlile and Demi Lovato are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: Season 2 of “Nobody Wants This” sees things get more serious between Adam Brody’s rabbi and Kristen Bell’s agnostic podcast host, Ninja Gaiden 4 asks gamers to ght their way through cyber soldiers and other malevolent creatures, and director Ben Stiller pays tribute to his comedian parents with “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost.”
MOVIES TO STREAM
An old genre — the hypothetical nuclear fallout thriller — returns in Bigelow’s “A House of Dynamite” (Friday on Netix), a minute-by-minute White House drama in which a mystery missile is bearing down on Chicago. The lm tells the 18-minute run-up to impact from three di erent perspectives, with an ensemble including Rebecca Ferguson, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos and Idris Elba, as the president. In my review, I wrote: “With riveting e ciency, Bigelow constructs a taut, real-time thriller that opens explosively but dissipates with each progressive iteration.”
In “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost,” Stiller pays tribute to his comedian parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, while re ecting on how their show business lives in uenced those of his own family. The lm, premiering Friday on Apple TV, is a distinctly family a air, that culls from the extensive archives of Meara and Stiller, who recorded as much in their private lives as they did in lm and television.
Howard’s “Eden” (now on Prime Video) is based on a true story about a group of disillusioned Europeans who in 1929 sought to create a utopia on an island in the Galápagos. It didn’t go so well. Howard’s lm struggled mightily at the box o ce despite a starry cast including Jude Law, Ana de Ar-
mas, Vanessa Kirby and Sydney Sweeney.
MUSIC TO STREAM
On Thursday, the contemporary R&B talent Miguel returns with his rst full-length in nearly a decade. The bilingual “Caos” (the Spanish word for “Chaos”) is the long-awaited follow-up to 2017’s “War & Leisure,” and marks a conceptual pivot for the musician. “To rebuild, I had to destroy myself. That is the core confrontation of ‘Caos,’” Miguel said in a press statement. “Through my personal evolution, I learned that transformation is violent. ‘Caos’ is the son-
ic iteration of me bending that violence into something universally felt.” Who is busier than Carlile? Just a few months ago, the musician known for melding folk, alt- country, rock and Americana partnered with the great Elton John for a charming collaborative album, “Who Believes In Angels?” Now, on Friday, she’s gearing up to release a new solo album, “Returning to Myself,” her rst since 2021’s “In These Silent Days.” If you need any recon rmation of her timeless talent, cue up “A War with Time,” written by Carlile and frequent Taylor Swift collaborator Aaron Dessner of The National. And on piano/back-
“To rebuild, I had to destroy myself. That is the core confrontation of ‘Caos.’”
ground vocals? That’s Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon.
It’s a “BRAT” autumn for Demi Lovato, whose ninth studio album, “It’s Not That Deep,” embraces club - dance rhythms in addictive pop songs. That’s a noted departure from her last two records, 2022’s “Holy Fvck” and 2023’s “Revamped,” which leaned more traditionally rock ’n’ roll. Both modes work for Lovato: give her space to belt with some edge, and she’ll fashion an earworm.
SERIES TO STREAM
As we get closer to Halloween, a number of new horror shows debut this month. Sam Cla in (“Daisy Jones & the Six”) stars in a new Prime Video mystery from bestselling author Harlan Coben. He plays a forensic psychiatrist who nds himself connecting the dots between a number of cold cases after his father’s death. “Harlan Coben’s Lazarus” is streaming now.
The delightful TV romance between Brody’s rabbi, Noah,
and Kristen Bell’s agnostic podcast host named Joanne carries on Thursday in Net ix’s “Nobody Wants This.” Season 2 picks up shortly after the rst season ended with the two characters attempting to blend their lives as they get more serious. Joanne is also still grappling with the idea of committing to Judaism because it’s a non-negotiable for Noah. In a world that seems to have just gotten more complex in the past year, investing in these two ctional characters’ relationship is a great distraction. Team Joah!
AMC continues to adapt and draw from the works of Anne Rice (known as the Immortal Universe) with “Anne Rice’s Talamasca: The Secret Order.” Debuting Sunday on AMC+, it’s about a secret society that tracks immortals like witches, vampires and the like.
A prequel series to the “It” lms called “It — Welcome to Derry” (thankfully not titled “Stephen King’s: It — Welcome to Derry” and therefore less of a tongue twister), arrives on HBO Max also on Sunday. Set in 1962, Taylour Paige and Jovan Adepo star as Charlotte and Leroy Hanlon, couple who moves to Derry, Maine, with their son and begin to recognize the town is pretty creepy.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines 2 puts you in the cape of a bloodsucker named Phyre who has been asleep for a century and has somehow woken up in Seattle. But you are not alone — a “vampire detective” named Fabian has infected your blood and will update you on grunge, that “Twilight” nonsense and 21st- century goth culture. That includes six competing vampire clans, some brutal, some sneaky and some just outright seductive. Take a bite on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.
If you don’t want to be a vampire for Halloween, why not try on Ninja Gaiden 4? In a near-future Tokyo, a prodigy named Yakumo must ght his way through cyber soldiers and other malevolent creatures as he tries to lift a curse from his neon- drenched city. He soon crosses paths with Ryu Hayabusa, the legendary hero of the previous Gaiden games. The swords are swinging on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.
EROS HOAGLAND / NETFLIX VIA AP
Kyle Allen stars in director Kathryn Bigelow’s latest thriller, “A House of Dynamite.”
JASIN BOLAND / VERTICAL ENTERTAINMENT VIA AP
Jude Law and Vanessa Kirby play Europeans seeking a new life in the Galapagos Islands in “Eden,” Ron Howard’s lm based a true story.
CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO
Adam Brody is back as the loveable rabbi in the second season of “Nobody Wants This.”
