Stanly News Journal Vol. 146, Issue 49

Stanly NewS Journal

Gathering storm

Lightning crackles through a cloud, looking southwest over Badin Lake on the evening of June 13.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Stranded ships begin transiting Strait of Hormuz

Maritime data company Lloyd’s List Intelligence says major shipowners have begun moving vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. For the rst time in 110 days, ships owned by major companies are transiting the strait after e ectively being marooned there since February. The strait is a critical passageway for the world’s oil and natural gas. Its closure has created a historic energy crisis. Tankers controlled by major ship owners Grimaldi Group, Cosco, Knutsen and NYK have passed through the strait. Lloyd’s List estimated that 550 merchant ships will need to prepare to exit the Persian Gulf, including 160 tankers, 200 bulk carriers, 60 container ships and 10 vehicle carriers.

U.S. gas prices fall below $4 for 1st time since March, still 25% higher than last year

U.S. gas prices are just barely below an average of $4 per gallon nationwide Thursday, shortly after President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and waives U.S.-backed sanctions on the country. Gas prices are at $3.99 on average in the U.S., according to AAA. A gallon of gas has hovered above $4 per gallon since March. But uctuations in gas prices remain across the country. In California, gas prices are averaging $5.64 per gallon, while in North Carolina it’s $3.61 per gallon.

Albemarle drone show photos wanted for America 250 contest

Winners will receive America 250 merchandise

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Stanly

County’s rst drone show drew an estimated 6,000 people to City Lake Park on June 5, and organizers are now asking attendees to submit photographs from the event.

The America 250 NC Stanly County Committee has opened a community photo contest commemorating the Lights of Liberty Drone Show. Residents and visitors who attended the event are invited to submit their best images to america250stanlyco@gmail.com.

All winners will receive special America 250 merchandise. More information will be

Albemarle City Council lls board, commission seats

Several vacancies remain for volunteer members

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle City Council appointed several residents to volunteer boards and commissions Monday night while leaving multiple vacancies to be lled at future meetings.

The council rst reviewed appointments to the ve-member Wall of Fame Board, whose members serve three-year terms and are limited to two terms.

The terms of Louisa Hartsell, Courtney Brown and Bob Johnston expire June 30. Hart-

sell and Johnston were previously reappointed to second terms on June 1, but Brown did not seek another term.

“We need to come up with somebody from District 3 to go in that one,” Mayor Ronnie Michael said.

The council then lled three positions on the Planning and Zoning Board, which consists of nine regular members and three alternates. The board also had three additional vacancies, all for alternate positions.

Chair Calvin Holbrooks, Vice Chair Julie Curtis and Leslie Phillips have terms expiring June 30. Curtis was previously reappointed to a

“We need to come up with somebody from District 3 to go in that one.”

posted at stanlycountyamerica250.org and on the committee’s Facebook page, where a recording of the full show is available for viewing.

The event, one of the centerpiece programs in the county’s celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, featured 250 illuminated drones synchronized with narration and music. The aircraft also formed a series of images recognizing local landmarks, history and military service.

One portion depicted the Battle of Colson’s Mill, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in what is now Norwood. Other formations highlighted the county’s lakes, farmland and natural scenery, as well as a series of patriotic images.

Bain Jones Jr., chairman

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE

Lights of Liberty at Albemarle’s City Lake Park on June 5 was the county’s rst drone show.

“Join

SENIOR NUTRITION MEALS | WEEK OF JUNE 22

Stanly County residents 60 and older can enjoy nutritionally balanced lunches at ve locations Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to noon. First-time participants must register by calling 704-986-3773. Meals must be eaten on-site — no takeout is available. Donations are welcomed but not required. Sites also o er social activities including bingo, Bible study, crafts and music. Locations are the Niven Center in Albemarle, community centers in New London and Norwood, the Old Boy Scout Hut in Oakboro and the Locust Community Building.

CRIME LOG

June 8

• Walter Mack Ford, 52, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, aiding and abetting driving on a revoked license and driving or allowing a motor vehicle with no registration, and other charges.

• Noah Wade McCowan, 27, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Javeon Jones, 18, was arrested for attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, second-degree kidnapping and felony conspiracy.

June 9

• William James Caldwell, 59, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny and misdemeanor conspiracy.

• Chuvalo Barringer, 56, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill in icting serious injury.

• Alijah Jami Hamilton, 21, was arrested for eeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana; and felony possession of marijuana, and other charges.

• Stephanie Nicole Preslar, 40, was arrested for simple assault and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

June 10

• Jadasia Mone Richardson, 24, was arrested for assault and battery, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and injury to personal property.

• Brandy Nicole Childers, 36, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny.

• Je ery Edward Furr, 59, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Christopher Reyes-Rivera, 24, was arrested for driving while impaired, reckless driving to endanger and driving on a revoked license.

• James Jermaine Little, 35, was arrested for assault causing physical injury to a law enforcement o cer, assault on a government o cial or employee and communicating threats, and other charges.

June 11

• Randy Eugene Harkey, 58, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia; and maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substances.

• James Doyle Dye, 48, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, assault with a deadly weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia.

June 12

• Patrick Dean Blakey, 36, was arrested for assault by strangulation, assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Jessica Ann Pierce, 38, was arrested for felony larceny and indecent exposure.

• Leo Thomas Liles, 42, was arrested for injury to real property, misuse of the 911 system and resisting a public o cer.

• Clyde Dale Dennis, 28, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny, misdemeanor conspiracy and defrauding an innkeeper.

• Brandon Lee Johnson, 29, was arrested for assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Kayla Brooke Pope, 24, was arrested for obtaining property by false pretense of $100,000 or more, food stamp fraud and defrauding an innkeeper, and other charges.

June 13

• Isaiah William Blaylock-Sanchez, 20, was arrested for driving while impaired, driving after consuming alcohol while under age 21 and driving on a revoked license, and other charges.

• Jacob Scott Kiker, 25, was arrested for driving while impaired, reckless driving with wanton disregard and open container after consuming alcohol, and other charges.

• Erik D’Shane Whitaker, 27, was arrested for assault on a female, misdemeanor stalking and misdemeanor larceny.

June 14

• William Patrick Holcomb, 33, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Charles Dwight Dunn, 60, was arrested for driving while impaired and felony possession of cocaine.

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

June 21

Make Music Day Stanly County

1 p.m.

The third annual Make Music Day brings free performances, workshops and hands-on music activities to more than a dozen venues across Albemarle, Locust and Norwood, running through 9 p.m. Activities include bucket drumming, ukulele, harmonica and banjo workshops, an instrument petting zoo, organ concerts and 24-plus performers on multiple stages.

Multiple venues countywide Market Station, 501 W. Main St., Albemarle (main hub); also Locust City Hall, First Presbyterian Church Albemarle, Grace Baptist Church and others

June 25

Thursdays at the Station — The Mod 60’s 7:30 p.m.

The Mod 60’s perform classic hits from the 1960s as part of Albemarle Parks and Recreation’s free outdoor Thursdays at the Station summer concert series. Attendees should bring chairs.

Market Station 501 W. Main St. Albemarle

June 27

City of Locust Summer Concert — The Tams with Fireworks

7 p.m.

The City of Locust opens its 2026 Summer Concert Series with classic beach and R&B group The Tams, followed by a reworks nale presented in celebration of Stanly County’s America 250 commemoration. Food and drink vendors, craft vendors and children’s activities will be on-site; attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and yard games. The event runs through 10 p.m.

Locust Town Center 186 Ray Kennedy Drive Locust

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

Self-reliance

And I stood

I DON’T FIX THINGS.

I’m a man. I don’t x things.

I pay people to x things, is what I do.

In general, the people I pay to x things do not x the thing on the rst try.

Being unable to x things on the rst try doesn’t hurt your xing-things career, though.

Nearly everyone I’ve ever had to call back to x the same thing twice has arrived in a $50,000 pickup truck.

Also, I’ve learned that the xing-things trade is the true American melting pot. Every guy I hire to x things is about 50 years old and white. He always shows up with a 25-year-old Hispanic helper who doesn’t speak English very well.

“The problem with hiring Americans is drugs and alcohol,” said one 50-year-old xer as we chatted after the job was over and his helper was out in the truck.

He told me the same thing when he came back for the third time.

You can’t get anyone to come to your house and x your weed whacker, so when mine stopped working, I had to enter the cave of the xer, which meant I drove to a dilapidated shed where a white guy in his 50s xes small engines. His $50,000 pickup truck was parked next to the shed.

“I don’t mess around with the electric ones,” he said.

This simple statement was intended to let me know that not only am I unable to

x things, but my ownership of an electric weed whacker means I’m a girl. I got in the SUV I bought used for $16,000 and drove away.

The reason I don’t x things is my father didn’t x things. We were not the kind of father-son duo who spent time out in the garage fooling around with an old car. My parents bought their cars used, drove them until they stopped running, then had them towed to the kind of used car dealership with a sign out front that says, “BUY HERE. PAY HERE.” Car salesmen looked at my parents the way the farmer looks at the cow; sometimes we were milked, and sometimes we were butchered.

As America tries to return to “traditional values,” a movement led by many people who never experienced those values, guys like me are a target.

“You probably don’t even know how to change a tire,” the new traditionalist hoots at guys like me. “You don’t even get your hands dirty.”

I do know how to change a tire, even if it doesn’t come up much, and I’ve o ered to keep a bucket of dirt on my desk so I can plunge my hands into it on short breaks from writing.

After being dismissed by the small engine repair guy, I gritted my teeth like an 1875 Kansas homesteader.

“I’m going to try and x the weed whacker,” I told my wife.

“Just buy a new one,” she said. “They’re not very expensive.”

We have tools in the house. I know their

names too. Screwdrivers. Wrenches. A hammer. Pliers. I’m semiretired. She went to work that Tuesday, and I went out in the garage and I got the tools out. I looked at the weed whacker. I took a piece o that let me look into its guts.

There wasn’t anything wrong with the electrical parts, which was good because all I know about electricity is that it can kill you. I spent nearly 40 years as a reporter. I’ve written stories about nearly every kind of death, including mishaps with heavy equipment, electrical deaths, guys who fell o trash trucks and construction guys who died when the trench caved in. This does not encourage me to experiment with things I don’t really understand.

When I looked at the mechanical part of the weed whacker, the part that actually wacks the weeds, I could see what was wrong. I xed it with a screwdriver and a pair of needle-nosed pliers.

“I think I xed the weed whacker,” I told my wife that night.

“Did you try it?” she asked.

“No,” I told her. “I’m scared to. If I xed it, it’ll be the rst time in my life I ever xed anything. I gotta lot of ego tied up in that thing.”

I took the weed whacker out in the yard the next day. It started. It wacked weeds. I’d xed it.

And I stood alone on the prairie.

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

America at 250: The roots of America’s greatness

This language from elected o cials is shocking — even scandalous — to modern ears, but it was commonplace at the time of America’s birth.

IF YOU WANT TO FIND out why our country has been so successful, you should study the people who built it.

America is about to turn 250 years old. It should be easy to celebrate America. Aside from the healthy patriotic pride anyone should feel, we are the greatest country in the history of the world. We enjoy freedoms most people could only dream about. We have the strongest military in the history of the world. We have the most dynamic economy. We put men on the moon.

For those born after the end of the Cold War, it’s easy to take this for granted. It can feel like America has always been dominant. It hasn’t. Especially because public schools don’t teach it, we need to look at the roots of America’s greatness. That’s easy to discover if you read the words of the Founding Fathers. They weren’t shy about what — or rather who — deserved the credit.

“We have appointed a continental Fast,” former President John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail Adams on June 17, 1775. This was during the Second Continental Congress. “Millions will be upon their Knees at once before their great Creator, imploring his Forgiveness and Blessing, his Smiles on American Councils and Arms.”

Government o cials calling for God’s help happened repeatedly during the American Revolution. In March 1775,

Connecticut Gov. Jonathan Trumbull issued a proclamation for “a day of public fasting and prayer” in order “that God would graciously pour out His Holy Spirit on us ... and make this land a mountain of holiness and habitation of righteousness forever.”

He set that day of prayer for April 19, 1775. History bu s may recognize this as when “the shot heard ’round the world” was red at the Battle of Lexington and Concord.

This language from elected o cials is shocking — even scandalous — to modern ears, but it was commonplace at the time of America’s birth. While the colonists didn’t share a common denomination, most shared a common Christian faith.

On March 16, 1776, William Livingston successfully proposed that the Continental Congress declare a day of fasting and prayer. The Founding Fathers sought a time “that we may, with united hearts, confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and, by a sincere repentance and amendment of life, appease his righteous displeasure, and, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, obtain his pardon and forgiveness.”

Further, “it is recommended to Christians of all denominations to assemble for public worship.”

The Founding Fathers believed God answered these prayers. Toward the end

of the war, Gen. Benedict Arnold agreed to betray Gen. George Washington and West Point. After the plot was improbably foiled, Washington credited God.

“The Providential train of circumstances which led to it a ords the most convincing proof that the liberties of America are the object of Divine protection,” he wrote about the incident.

This devotion wasn’t limited to wartime, as “The American Story: The Beginnings” by David and Tim Barton details. In 1787, as the Constitutional Convention threatened to fall apart, Benjamin Franklin urged those assembled to pray.

“How has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings?” Franklin asked. He continued, “The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth — that God governs in the a airs of men.”

Also, “We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that ‘except the Lord build the House they labor in vain that build it.’ I rmly believe this.”

Today, many Americans don’t. It’s led to what we’ll examine next week — the threats to America’s greatness.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

COLUMN | MARC DION

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

alone on the prairie.

IN MEMORY

BRIAN HAHN

MARCH 21, 1964 –JUNE 14, 2026

On June 14, 2026, surrounded by his family, Brian entered his Heavenly home with the peace of his steadfast faith in Jesus Christ in his heart.

Barbara Jean (Taylor) Drye

April 17, 1936 ~ January 14, 2023

He was born in Minnesota on March 21, 1964 to Norman and Lorna Hahn. His primary occupation was in construction and he relocated to di erent places throughout the country. With those moves, Faith, Family and a church community were very important to him.

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.

WAYNE DOUGLAS CLEMONS JR.

JAN. 2, 1974 –JUNE 13, 2026

Early in the morning of June 13 2026, Wayne Douglas Clemons Jr. passed away at home. Surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Dwight Farmer

January 24, 1939 ~ January 15, 2023

Left to cherish his memories are his loving and caring wife Gretchen of 35 years, his two sons Grant (Sarah) and Cameron (Karli). He was a ectionately known as “G” to the lights of his life, grandboys Taylor, Coleman, Lukah, and Henry. He is also survived by his parents Norman and Lorna, his sister Lynne (Mark), brother Je (Ashley) and numerous extended family members.

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.

Son of the late Wayne Douglas Clemons and Ernestine Clemons, Doug was born in Fort Myers Florida on January 2nd 1974 and Lived in Clewiston, Florida for much of his life.

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

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.

The family would like to thank the wonderful sta at Tillery Compassionate Care for their grace and support. The family would also like to thank all who were Brothers and Sisters in Christ throughout Brian’s life, helping to strengthen his faith and his relationship with Jesus.

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.

VERONICA LYN HARVEY

DEC. 2, 1975 –JUNE 12, 2026

Veronica Lyn Harvey, 50, of Albemarle, passed away unexpectedly on Friday evening, June 12, 2026, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

James Roseboro

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.

June 23, 1967 ~ January 10, 2023

It was there he loved and cherished his wife of thirty years, Kimberly Brooke Clemons and their three children, Dustin Tyler Clemons (Savannah), Wesley Aaron Clemons (Bre), and Cody Alan Clemons. Doug also has two wonderful sisters, Amy Clemons and Teresa Edens that survive him.

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

Doug lived by a few simple rules in life. Primary of which was the K.I.S.S. principle, or Keep It Simple Stupid. He believed the best things that you would nd in life were the simplest, a quiet morning on the lake shing with his sons, a warm crackling bon re in the evening with his wife, the calming sounds of the backyard after a long day at work.

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

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Randall by the River, 48144 Randall’s Church Rd. Norwood NC 28128. Pastor Hanna Barlow will o ciate. The family will receive friends in fellowship hall following the service. We are celebrating Brian’s life, so feel free to wear joyful, bright attire.

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.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 North First St, Albemarle NC 28001 or to Randall by the River, PO Box 13, Norwood NC 28128.

LINDA HOYLE HENSON

OCT. 25, 1941 –JUNE 12, 2026

Linda Hoyle Henson, 84, of Albemarle, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Spring Arbor Assisted Living in Albemarle.

John B. Kluttz

Born in Rutherford County, North Carolina, Linda was the daughter of the late Arthur Columbus Hoyle and Estelle Sane Hoyle.

Doris Jones Coleman

Veronica was born on Dec. 2, 1975, in Ohio, and was raised by her parents, Hank and Grace Landon.

March 23, 1935 - January 9, 2023

She is survived by her children, Alan Wayne Harvey, Jade Elizabeth Harvey, and Anthony Samuel Walker; her parents; her brother, Chad Downing (Tammie); her granddaughter, Gracie; and many other family members and friends who will cherish her memory and miss her deeply.

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.

In addition to her brother, Samuel David Downing, Veronica was preceded in death by loved ones who welcomed her into eternal rest.

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.

In the times life became di cult he had a chief rule for dealing with adversity. Whether dealing with people or natural forces he would always either “Blind them with Brilliance or Ba e them with Bull”

Hartsell Funeral Home is holding the memorial service for Doug at 10am on June 20th at the Le er Memorial Chapel at their Albemarle location.

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.

The Clemons family welcome any and all stories of Doug that family and friends remember fondly. Those wishing to make a written statement for the family to read may online at www.hartsellfh. com Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Clemons family.

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.

Veronica was known for her generous heart and sel ess spirit. She was the kind of person who would give the shirt o her back to help someone in need and consistently placed the needs of others before her own. She faced life’s challenges with determination and resilience, never giving up in the face of adversity. In recent years, Veronica turned her life in a positive direction and found lasting comfort and strength through her faith.

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.

Linda attended college at UNC Greensboro, Pfei er College, and UNC Charlotte earning a Masters of Education.  She spent most of her career at East Albemarle Elementary School as a teacher in 2nd and 3rd grades. Linda’s passion for education continued after retirement as an adult literacy tutor. Beyond the classroom, she was a passionate world traveler who saw the globe as an extension of her teaching. Traveling to Asia, Europe, and throughout North America with her late husband, Jim.

October 11, 1944 - January 10, 2023

Linda was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Albemarle, where she served as a Deacon and on various church committees.

Linda’s true joy lay in her roles as mother, grandmother, and hostess. She had an unmatched gift for making everyone feel at home.

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 lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 1506 Highway 24/27 West, Albemarle, NC 28001.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the prayers, love, and support shown during this di cult time. Veronica’s memory will forever be treasured by those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

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

Doris married Rev. Dr. Ted Coleman in 1966 and had two daughters Amy and Laura. Doris raised Amy and Laura in North Augusta, SC.

Linda Henson is survived by her two sons, Je Henson (Linn) of Greenville, North Carolina, and Jonathan Henson (Ginan) of Moorpark, California and ve grandchildren. Linda was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, who passed away earlier this year.

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.

A memorial service will be held at 9:30 AM on Monday, June 22, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Albemarle with Rev. Dr. Kendall Cameron o ciating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM until 9:30 AM at First Baptist Church of Albemarle prior to the service Donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Albemarle, St Judes Children’s Research Hospital, or Tillery Compassionate Care.

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.

Gene Shalit, longtime ‘Today’ show movie critic with bushy hair and massive mustache, dead at 100

His wit and intelligence transformed television lm criticism over four decades

By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Gene Shalit, a movie critic and arts reporter for the “Today” show over four decades who was known for his pu y hair, oversized handlebar mustache and a ection for groan-inducing puns, has died. He was 100.

Shalit’s family announced the death Friday to NBC News, saying in a statement that he “passed away peacefully today after 100 years of an amazing life.”

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

Shalit joined “Today” as a contributor in 1970 and became arts editor in 1973, later settling in for his segment, “Critic’s Corner.” When he left the show in 2010, he was one of the last high-pro le lm critics on a major network.

“What resonated above his unusual appearance was his in-

credible wit, his remarkable intelligence. But he didn’t pound you over the head with it. He amused you. He enlightened and amused whatever subject he was on,” Guy Ludwig, Shalit’s producer for more than 20 years, wrote in an essay of his time.

It was no coincidence that Chicago critics Roger Ebert and

Darrick Baldwin

January 7, 1973 ~ January 8, 2023

Gene Siskel’s local “thumbsup, thumbs-down” movie-review program, “Sneak Previews,” went national on PBS in the late 1970s and that “Today” show’s ABC rival, “Good Morning America,” hired Joel Siegel to be its movie critic in 1981.

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.

cool.” He said the oddball title of “The Men Who Stare at Goats” was “heard to bleat.”

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.

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.

He began reviewing on the air the year of “Patton” and “Love Story” and ended his run with a critique of “Shrek Forever After,” of which he noted that the “bellow fellow is now a mellow fellow.” One highlight of this tenure was his descent into a t of giggles while interviewing Carol Channing.

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.

“Shalit was instrumental in changing the balance of critical power in America. When he began his ‘Today’ tenure, newspapers and magazines were the primary sources for movie reviews. That’s where cinematic opinion was sparked and shaped,” The Plain Dealer wrote in 2010, calling Shalit “Daniel Boone in a bow tie and Groucho glasses.”

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.

He liked “De ance” starring Daniel Craig and Jude Law, calling it “a vivid dramatization of one of history’s titanic turning points.” But he called “Brokeback Mountain “wildly overpraised, but not by me” and drew condemnation from GLAAD for calling Jake Gyllenhaal’s character, Jack, a “sexual predator.” Shalit apologized. He called “Frozen” “very

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.

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.

ing 10 years from now, John Belushi?” Shalit asked. “‘Fiddler on the Roof’” Belushi replied. He was born in New York and grew up in Morristown, New Jersey, starting his grammar school’s rst newspaper before writing a humor column for the newspaper while a student at Morristown High School. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1949.

He called a remake of “King Kong” so “gargantuan that I must create new words to describe it: fabularious … a brilliantological humongousness of marvelosity.” His take on Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple”: “It should be against the law not to see it.”

In a 1981 interview with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, Belushi said Shalit’s hair looked like “an ant farm on re.” Nevertheless, he peppered his guest with so many questions about their daily life that it felt like therapy. He asked both comedians what their last meals would be. “What do you want to be do -

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.

In 1987, he edited a book called “Laughing Matters: A Celebration of American Humor,” saying he wanted to introduce and reintroduce such old and new masters of American humor as Mark Twain, James Thurber and Russell Baker. Shalit was regularly mocked on “Saturday Night Live” by cast member Horatio Sanz, who would appear on the Weekend Update desk dressed as Shalit and go on an extended, barely coherent rants that punned the title of every movie he reviewed. Shalit also made cameos on “Sesame Street,” “Family Guy” and “Spongebob Squarepants.” He is survived by a daughter, Willa Shalit.

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.

RICHARD DREW / AP PHOTO

Film critic Gene Shalit, pictured in May 2006 during a toast with “Today” show cast and crew at the end of Katie Couric’s nal show in New York, died last week at 100.

CONTEST from page A1

of the America 250 NC Stanly County Committee, thanked those who helped organize and support the event.

“Seeing thousands of people come together to celebrate our shared story was truly extraordinary,” Jones said. “Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, or supported this event. Your enthusiasm and community spirit made it a night we will remember for years to come.”

Activities began with Albemarle’s Food Truck Friday, which included food vendors and a performance by Heart Breaker. A free shuttle transported visitors from Market Station in downtown Albemarle to City Lake Park, providing additional parking access for the large crowd.

Uwharrie Bank served as the lead sponsor.

“Thank you, Uwharrie Bank, for your incredible support,” the committee said in a statement. “The Lights of Liberty Drone Show simply would not have been possible without your partnership. Your commitment to celebrating our community and our nation helped create

“Seeing thousands of people come together to celebrate our shared story was truly extraordinary.”

Bain Jones Jr., America 250 NC Stanly County Committee chairman

an unforgettable night at City Lake Park. We are grateful for all you do!” Other America 250 events scheduled in Stanly County this year include patriotic music programs Sunday in Albemarle and an America 250 Celebra-

tion on June 27 in Locust featuring The Tams and reworks.

Oakboro will also hold its 68th annual Fourth of July celebration, followed by a July 18 program in Norwood to mark the 246th anniversary of the Battle of Colson’s Mill.

By Lindsay Whitehurst The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court ruled Thursday against a broad federal ban on gun ownership by marijuana users, the latest in a line of rearm cases from a court that has expanded gun rights.

The justices decided unanimously in favor of Ali Danial Hemani, a Texas man who argued that a law barring guns from anyone who uses illegal drugs violates the Second Amendment.

Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that his opinion narrowly limits the government’s power to take guns away from drug users who are not considered dangerous. Hemani was not charged with any other crimes or of using the weapon under the in uence.

The decision is a loss for President Donald Trump’s Republican administration, which had defended the 1968 law despite arguing against other gun restrictions. The measure was also used in a case against Hunter Biden, who was convicted in Wilmington, Delaware, of buying a gun while addicted to cocaine in 2018. He was later pardoned by his father, then-President Joe Biden, a Democrat. Someone addicted to a drug could potentially still be prosecuted after Thursday’s decision.

“We do not address e orts to ban addicts, or those presently intoxicated, from possessing a rearm,” Gorsuch wrote. Prosecutors could charge a marijuana user if they had evidence the person was dangerous, he said.

But there are millions of people who now use marijuana, which is broadly legal in about half the states and has gained widespread use for health purposes.

“Whatever one thinks of these developments, the federal

government has not just tolerated them; it helped fuel them,” Gorsuch wrote. “All of which leaves it awkwardly positioned to suggest that the millions of Americans who now regularly use marijuana are categorically and unusually dangerous.”

Recreational use remains illegal on a federal level even after the Trump administration reclassi ed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug in April.

The case made for some unusual political alliances.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the National Ri e Association supported Hemani’s case, as did cannabis legalization groups such as NORML. On the other side were gun safety groups including Everytown that usually oppose the administration on Second Amendment issues.

The ACLU applauded the ruling, saying that nearly half of Americans have reported using marijuana.

“The court has sent a strong message that the government cannot criminalize the conduct of large numbers of people by making categorical and unfounded assumptions about whether they are dangerous,” said Cecillia Wang, legal director at the ACLU.

It is rare to see standalone criminal charges led against people accused solely of owning guns and using drugs. The charge is more often led against people also accused of other crimes.

The opinion is the latest in a series of rearm cases to reach the Supreme Court since its landmark ruling expanding gun rights in 2022 led to a wave of challenges around the country.

Since then, the high court has upheld a law aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence and strict regulations on ghost gun kits but has struck down a ban on bump stocks, an accessory that enables rapid re. The justices are also considering a second rearm case this term over strict regulations on carrying guns in Hawaii.

FDA panel considers rst-of-its-kind u vaccine using mRNA technology

The vaccine’s faster production could help if the u virus mutates unexpectedly

By Lauran Neergaard and Matthew Perrone The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — U.S. health advisers are debating a new kind of u vaccine Thursday, the rst made with the same mRNA technology that was key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moderna is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval of its new shot, dubbed mFlusiva, as an option for people 50 and older. The FDA advisory committee meeting is a step toward a nal decision ahead of the winter u season. Tens of thousands of Americans die from in uenza every year, and older adults are among the most vulnerable. There are various types of u vaccines already available in the U.S., including three speci cally recommended for people 65 and older. But vaccines made with the Nobel Prize-winning mRNA technology are faster to manufacture than other types — something experts say might help if the shape-shifting u virus mutates in a way that requires suddenly brewing new doses to match.

In a study of 40,000 people age 50 and older, Moderna’s mRNA vaccine reduced u cases by about 27% com-

pared to those given another routinely used vaccine brand. Ahead of the meeting, FDA published a favorable review of that data and reported no safety concerns.

Moderna is seeking full approval for the vaccine’s use in the 50- to 64-year-old population — along with authorization for use in those 65 and older while it conducts additional testing.

Earlier this year, Moderna’s data was at the center of a highly unusual public dispute as a then-top FDA o cial blocked the company’s application for its rst-of-its-kind shot.

The embattled vaccine chief at the time, Dr. Vinay Prasad, said the company should have compared its shot to a highdose u vaccine recommended for seniors rather than a standard-dose brand. It was a sign of FDA’s heightened vaccine scrutiny under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Moderna challenged that decision, noting that FDA sta had approved that main study’s design and citing a separate, smaller study comparing the mRNA shot with a high-dose vaccine for seniors. Days after the spat, the FDA accepted Moderna’s application.

The expert panel also will assess that smaller study, which found Moderna’s shot generated u- ghting antibodies similarly to a high-dose senior shot. The FDA’s initial review noted the new vaccine lacks data on very frail older adults and those with weak immune systems.

COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE

The review creates uncertainty among NATO allies about America’s long-term commitment

By Lorne Cook The Associated Press

BRUSSELS — U.S. Defense

Secretary Pete Hegseth lashed out at NATO allies on Thursday, announcing a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe whose outcome will depend on how fast the Europeans take responsibility for their own security.

The threat of a review was yet another surprise for European allies and Canada as they learn to deal with an increasingly unpredictable ally. U.S. o cials and senior military ofcers had promised to coordinate closely with the Europeans as America draws down.

Just weeks ago, the Trump administration said that it would no longer provide as much military support should any NATO member come under attack, leaving them scrambling to nd equipment to plug any gaps.

In recent months, U.S. President Donald Trump and the Pentagon have sent con icting signals about whether America is reducing or increasing its military footprint in Europe, as well as threatening to annex Greenland, a semiautonomous island that is part of ally Denmark.

“This will be a real review. It will be designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly toward Europe leading, stepping up to take primary responsibility for the defense of Europe,” Hegseth told his NATO counterparts. “It’s a review that some countries will fail and others will pass with ying colors.”

Public dressing down over base use, gender, migration

In a ery speech at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Hegseth also lambasted European allies for failing to provide U.S. forces access to bases in Europe to launch attacks on Iran, calling it “shameful.”

“These allies, they put America’s sons and daughters, our sons and daughters, at risk by denying them the predictable access, basing and overight that never should have been in question at all,” he said. The review would also assess whether the U.S. has full access and over ight “when we need it.”

While defense ministers and military o cers sat in silence, Hegseth railed against migration and gender equality pol-

icies in Europe, in remarks reminiscent to those of Vice President JD Vance in February last year that angered many Europeans.

“Instead of tanks and ghters and air defenses, the focus has been on gender equity and climate change and defense austerity. Europe’s borders ew wide open, welfare states expanded, defense budgets cratered, along with Europe’s belief in itself and its civilization,”

Hegseth said.

Hegseth’s comments largely mischaracterized European policies today. On defense, European allies and Canada have launched an unprecedented effort to boost defense spending and expand their armed forces. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted on Thursday that they spent $90 billion more

on defense last year, a 20% increase over 2024. And while Europe accepted large numbers of migrants and asylum seekers more than a decade ago, most countries have tightened their borders since.

It does not augur well for a summit of NATO leaders in Turkey on July 7-8.

Rare, short visit to NATO

It was a rare visit to NATO by Hegseth, his rst this year after skipping a meeting in February. The Pentagon chief did not stay long on Thursday either, leaving well before this gathering was over and hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was due to press allies for more weapons for his country.

Speaking to reporters at

Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense secretary

Brussels airport before ying home, Hegseth said, “It was great to hear country after country say, ‘We’re going to meet our target. We’re going to meet our target.’ There are still a few outliers, and we will be clear with them as we do this review.”

NATO’s supreme allied commander, an American, is working on backup plans to defend Europe after the U.S. signaled on June 3 that it would no longer supply an aircraft carrier and support ships, aerial refueling planes and dozens of ghter jets, among other military assets, in a crisis.

The Trump administration insists that it needs to be able to plan for two simultaneous con icts and wants more military resources at hand should it clash with China in the Indo-Paci c region. Under NATO’s collective security guarantee — Article 5 of its founding treaty — the 32 allies pledge that an attack on one of them will be considered an attack on all. It does not oblige them to provide military support, although many likely would.

In essence, the United States is scaling back how it might help should an ally trigger Article 5.

U.S. nuclear weapons will stay

The U.S. has by far NATO’s biggest armed forces. It does not intend to withdraw its nuclear weapons in Europe, which are key to NATO’s deterrence. To underscore that point, NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group issued its rst statement in 19 years after Thursday’s meeting.

In the statement, it “recalled that the strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance remain the supreme guarantee of Allied security and underpin NATO’s extended deterrence architecture.”

The ministers “agreed to continue enhancing NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission by modernizing NATO’s nuclear capabilities, strengthening its nuclear planning capacity, and adapting to achieve its security interests.”

Rutte played down the impact of the U.S. decision, saying that the NATO Force Model –the system for organizing what forces member countries will provide commanders in times of peace, crisis or con ict – is just “a planning tool,” and not a reection of what would actually happen.

“If war breaks out, we will all max out what we need to do to make sure we can ght the war,” Rutte told reporters. “In the planning phase, it is important to know what we can count on. What is in theory there.”

He said that some European countries “are already backlling a lot of those resources, in other cases, we are nearly there, and there is still areas where we need more work to do. So we are in a good place.”

VIRGINIA MAYO /

PHOTO

Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, fourth from right, greets U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, front second left, during a group photo of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Thursday.

Cargo ship’s chief engineer charged in 2024 Francis Scott Key bridge collapse in Baltimore

The improper fuel pump lacked automatic restart capability, causing a fatal second power loss

The Associated Press

BALTIMORE — Prosecutors have led a criminal charge against the chief engineer of a cargo ship involved in the deadly 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, accusing him of failing to notify the U.S. Coast Guard of hazardous conditions on the ship.

Karthikeyan Deenadayalan was charged in U.S. District Court in Maryland on Monday with one count of violating the federal Port and Waterways Safety Act. Deenadayalan’s attorneys did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment.

Prosecutors also led notice of a “deferred prosecution agreement” with the court, but did not provide details about the terms of that deal. Deferred prosecution agreements are typically used when a defendant has agreed to meet certain conditions — such as providing testimony, or paying restitution — in exchange for the charges against them being dropped.

Prosecutors say in court documents that Deenadayalan was the chief engineer of the container ship when it was in the Port of Baltimore in the days be -

fore the deadly bridge collision, and that Deenadayalan willfully failed to notify the U.S. Coast Guard that an improper fuel pump without a backup system was being used to power two of the ship’s generators.

The Dali, bound for Sri Lanka, lost power twice in a four-minute span as it moved to sea from the Port of Baltimore, causing it to crash into the Key Bridge in the early hours of March 26, 2024. Investigators say a loose wire in a switchboard likely caused the rst

power loss that led to its steering failure.

But after regaining power, the ship found itself in trouble again, prosecutors say, because the fuel pump used on the two generators was not designed to automatically restart after the rst blackout. That caused a second blackout to occur, and the vessel crashed into a supporting column of the bridge, killing six construction workers who had been lling potholes on the structure. The toll bridge rst opened in 1977 and

With sledgehammer and shovel, volunteers raced to save passengers in Texas plane crash

Motorists risked their lives helping rescue passengers from the burning jet

By Gene Johnson, Amy Taxin and Hallie Golden The Associated Press

THE BUSINESS jet barreled cockeyed down the dark highway, knocking down one light pole after another, an orange glow of sparks trailing it.

From a distance, Ivan Franco thought it must be a car. But as he approached in his tow truck, he saw it was a plane — broken in half, its fuselage resting on its side, bright re beginning to rise above. He stopped and ri ed through the rescue kit his company keeps in the truck, grabbing a sledgehammer as well as three re extinguishers, which he handed o to police o cers.

“At that moment, you don’t think much about what to do, because I knew the plane could explode since it was on re,” Franco told The Associated Press in Spanish. “My idea was to try to break the windows because the pilots hadn’t come out yet.”

Franco was one of several motorists who happened across the crash in Laredo, Texas, late Tuesday night and rushed to help — putting their own lives in danger to help those on board escape as smoke lled the cabin. Passersby helped save lives

Police were also on the scene quickly, and their teamwork with the good Samaritans undoubtedly saved lives, o cials said.

“The o cers and the good Samaritans that went to the scene, our re ghters that responded — I do also want to commend each and every one of them,” Laredo Police Chief Mike Rodriguez said during a news conference Wednesday. He said he asked his sta to track down all the civilians who helped.

The Cessna Citation Latitude twin jet departed Tuesday evening from the Mexican resort city of San José del Cabo and was bound for Austin, Texas, the FAA said in a state-

ment. The plane was operated by NetJets, a company owned by Warren Bu ett’s Berkshire Hathaway that lets people buy part ownership in private jets.

NetJets said in a statement that it was cooperating with authorities.

The crash occurred after its pilots reported mechanical problems while requesting an emergency landing at a nearby airport. The fuselage came to rest across a concrete barrier, while its tail broke o and fell to a lower section of roadway.

One person was killed: Joshua Baer, a leader in Texas’ technology and startup sectors. Three teenage passengers and two pilots survived, as did a person in a truck struck by the plane as it crashed. Authorities have not released more detail about the passengers’ connections to one another.

Investigators combed through wreckage Wednesday for clues to the cause.

It was the third signi cant aviation accident in as many days in the U.S. A B-52 crashed Monday during a test ight at Edwards Air Force Base in California and killed all eight people aboard, while on Sunday, 12 people were killed when a plane on a skydiving outing in Missouri crashed.

“It looked like part of a movie”

Among the motorists who stopped in Laredo was Zayra Garza, an esthetician who was driving her co-workers home when she saw the wreckage. She recorded video as her husband ran to help.

“It looked like part of a movie. I was in shock,” Garza said. Most worrisome was the re: “I was concerned that it could have just exploded at any time.”

Garza saw people leave their cars to try to smash the cockpit glass. Her video shows the aircraft’s door popping open slightly from inside as a voice cries “Help! Help! Help!” The rescuers strain to lift the door farther open as the three teenagers dart out, followed quickly by one pilot and then by another.

Franco, a 23-year-old from Laredo, frantically swung the sledgehammer through heavy smoke. Others struck at the window with a shovel and tools from their own vehicles.

Cockpit windows are designed not to shatter

They accomplished little more than spiderwebbing the cockpit window with small cracks: Airplane windshields have multiple layers of glass and

diately inform the U.S. Coast Guard of a hazardous condition, obstructing the National Transportation Safety Board and making false statements.

A trial in the case against the ship’s operator and the technical superintendent has been scheduled for October 2027.

After the indictment, Synergy Marine expressed disappointment and accused the U.S. Justice Department of turning an accident into a crime. Nair’s lawyer, David Gerger, had a similar response, saying in May that his client “thinks about this accident every day, but he certainly did not cause it.”

In April, a $2.25 billion settlement was announced between the state of Maryland, Synergy Marine and Grace Ocean Private Limited, the Singapore-based ship owner. Grace Ocean hasn’t been charged with any crimes related to the collapse.

is traveled by millions of cars every day.

The Singapore-based ship operator and another employee were indicted on criminal charges in May, accused of relying on the improper pump and then lying about it to investigators. Synergy Marine Pte Ltd. and Chennai, India-based Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd. and the ship’s former technical superintendent Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, 47, are charged with conspiracy, misconduct causing death, failing to imme -

Earlier this month, a federal judge agreed to postpone a civil trial over the collapse after a urry of last-minute settlements resolved most of the remaining claims, including deals resolving all pending claims over the deaths of six construction workers.

Virtually all of the unresolved claims are alleging economic losses by businesses and local governments. None of the remaining parties were asking to start the trial as scheduled this week.

are designed to remain structurally sound even if the outer layer shatters. The windows must be able to withstand a bird strike at cruising speed and hold up to extreme pressure differences at high altitudes.

“They are basically bulletproof,” said retired airline pilot John Cox, who is CEO of Safety Operating Systems.

Police o cers tried to remove the nal person inside — Baer — as the smoke grew thicker. O cers doubled over coughing after turning away from the smoke.

Eventually re ghters with oxygen masks were able to get inside.

Fire ghters also removed a dog from the plane that was suffering from smoke inhalation. The dog was turned over to animal control and was expected to survive, said Jose Baeza, an investigator with the Laredo Police Department. Five o cers were treated for smoke inhalation; the ve people who survived the crash were also released from a hospital.

As the plane crashed on the northbound lanes of the high-

“You’re in constant fear. You don’t know what situation you’re in.”

Ivan Franco, Laredo motorist

way, its wing hit a truck traveling southbound. The driver of that vehicle also survived, Baeza said.

There has been an outpouring of support on social media for those who stopped to help, heralding their bravery and sel essness.

Laredo Mayor Victor Treviño called it “nothing short of a miracle that this tragedy did not become a mass fatality event,” thanks in part to the late hour when the crash occurred and the quick action of rst responders.

Franco said that as he tried to help, all he could think of was getting people out of the plane. But to do it, he had to conquer another feeling.

“You’re in constant fear,” he said. “You don’t know what situation you’re in.”

ZAYRA GARZA VIA AP

Several people attempt to pull passengers out of a burning plane after it crashed on a highway June 16 in Laredo, Texas.

BILLY CALZADA / THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS VIA AP

Joshua Baer, the founder and CEO of Capital Factory, poses for a photo at the Force Con event, May 29, 2022, in San Antonio.

STEPHANIE SCARBROUGH / AP PHOTO

The U.S. District Courthouse is Baltimore is where Karthikeyan Deenadayalan was charged in the accident that led to the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in 2024.

Federal regulators back Trump’s plan to speed power to energy-hungry AI data centers

power plants coming online

By Matthew Daly and Marc Levy

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

Federal regulators on Thursday agreed to let large energy users connect more quickly to the nation’s ine cient and electric transmission system to accommodate surging demand from power-hungry arti cial intelligence data centers.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright had urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to act in an e ort to help the United States better compete with China for superiority in the fast-growing AI sector. Tech companies and data center developers have welcomed the chances for faster connections to the country’s power supply.

But utilities, states and regional grid operators worried that the Republican administration’s plan would remove their authority to manage the process. Clean energy advocates want the agency to advance, rather than undermine, state-level e orts to require the use of renewable energies.

The commission’s actions come as a backlash grows against data centers over fears about rising electricity prices and concerns about the massive amounts of energy and water they use, polluting communities across the country and straining water resources and the electric grid.

FERC members voted unanimously to direct that AI data centers and other large power users are “able to connect to the transmission system in a timely and orderly manner.”

Laura Swett, an appointee of

second term, while Phillips was reappointed to her rst full term after completing a partial term. Holbrooks is completing his second term and is not eligible for reappointment.

Michael recommended John Crawford, Brayan Corona-Macedo and William Leake for positions on the board.

“John Crawford has previously been on our Historic Resources Commission and is no longer eligible due to term limits,” Michael said. “He is eligible for planning and zoning, and that would be one of my recommendations.”

Councilmember Dexter Townsend supported placing Leake in a regular position rather than an alternate seat.

“I would like to place Mr. William Leake in the primary seat on the planning board,” Townsend said. “He has previous experience with the Harrisburg Planning and Zoning Board.”

The council approved Leake as a regular member and appointed Corona-Macedo and Crawford as alternates.

For the nine-member Historic Resources Commission,

President Donald Trump who leads the commission, called the vote a historic action to push the country’s electricity market into the future while also protecting ratepayers from shouldering the costs of connecting big power users to the grid.

Data centers would pay the full cost of any grid upgrades needed for their connection, under the commission order. But that order can do little to address the tightening energy supplies that are driving up electricity bills in some areas and raising warnings of blackouts as the construction of data centers outpaces the speed of new power plants coming online to serve them.

The vote comes eight months after Wright asked the independent agency to take more control over ensuring that the vast network of massive computing warehouses needed to power AI are connected quickly to high-voltage transmission lines.

Tech giants are scrambling to nd enough power for their data centers and report that, in some places, it will take years to connect to the electric grid.

Besides power bottlenecks, the tech industry is running into widespread opposition from communities Residents do not want to live next to or near a data center, citing fears about rising electricity prices, pollution and water consumption. There have been protests over losing open space, farmland or rural character.

More than 4,000 data centers now operate in the U.S., according to one estimate, with an additional 3,000 planned or under construction, including some that consume more energy than a small city. Such facilities have ballooned in size to accommodate the demands of AI.

Trump has tried to de ect public concerns about AI, see-

ing the fast-evolving technology as crucial for the U.S. to attract foreign investment and maintain its economic and military prowess. Trump signed an executive order this month that establishes a framework for the federal government to vet the national security risks of the most advanced AI systems for up to a month before their public release.

In December, FERC took an earlier step to help data center operators get electricity quickly, voting to allow tech companies to e ectively plug a data center directly into a power plant.

Companies such as xAI, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, OpenAI and Amazon have signed Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, in which they agreed to build or buy new sources of power generation for their data centers and cover the expense of infrastructure upgrades. They also committed to making backup generation available to prevent blackouts in times of emergency, and to hire locally for their data center build out.

Data from the Electric Power Research Institute shows that data centers now account for about 5% of U.S. electricity demand, but could triple by 2035. In Virginia, data centers account more than 25% of overall demand and could rise to more than 40% by 2030.

Tech companies have continued to raise their spending on data centers, but there is evidence that construction is lagging.

A J.P. Morgan report last month said that, based on satellite images, over 60% of data center capacity planned for completion in 2027 hasn’t begun construction, and another 7% is delayed. It said the culprits are typically related to permitting and delays in getting gas turbines, transformers and skilled labor.

the council appointed Ronald Perine and Jayda Contreas. Crawford and Tim Johnson are completing their second terms and are ineligible for reappointment. Vice Chair Stephen Trudeau was previously reappointed to a second term. Leake was also appointed to the ve-member Tree Commission. Cindy Burris and Martha Hughes, whose terms expire June 30, were reappointed earlier this month.

“We need a second member, but we can leave it open to an-

other meeting,” Michael said of the remaining vacancy.

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board also has two openings. Julie Curtis did not seek reappointment to her District 2 seat, and the District 3 position remains vacant.

P. Devae Moore, David Salyers and Janet Ekis were previously reappointed to second terms in at-large positions.

The Albemarle City Council will hold its next regular meeting on July 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

Construction of data centers outpaces the speed of new

COUNCIL from page A1

COURTESY CITY OF ALBEMARLE

The Albemarle City Council appointed members to volunteer boards and commissions Monday night.

JENNY KANE / AP PHOTO

Fans, part of a cooling system, are visible on the roof of a data center April 27 in Hillsboro, Oregon.

STANLY SPORTS

on June 13 in Cincinnati,

Lowder returns to Reds’ rotation after monthlong injury absence

The Albemarle native has recovered from a shoulder injury

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Former North Stanly standout Rhett Lowder returned to the Cincinnati Reds’ starting rotation this month after a right shoulder injury sidelined him since early May. The 24-year-old Albemarle native delivered an encourag-

ing outing last weekend against the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing one run on ve hits and two walks over 52⁄3 innings in Cincinnati. Lowder struck out six and received a no-decision.

The outing marked an improvement from his June 7 return at St. Louis, fresh o the 15-day injured list, when he walked ve batters, hit another and racked up 70 pitches in three scoreless innings.

Against Arizona on June 13, the right-hander showed better command, throwing 62 of his 96

pitches for strikes and generating 15 swings and misses.

“It was good to get back out there and have free rein,” Lowder said. “I was anticipating them trying to wait me out and get me in the zone, but the rst couple of guys came out swinging. I had to change that plan. That felt good to do. We saw what they were trying to do and ipped it to do what we wanted.”

Arizona’s Corbin Carroll struck early with a rst-inning home run, but Lowder recovered after the early mistake and kept the Diamondbacks o the

“It was good to get back out there and have free reign.”

scoreboard for the remainder of his outing.

“To get him out close to 100 pitches, that was really good,” Reds manager Terry Francona said. “To have him feel good, that’s even more important.”

Lowder, the seventh overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Wake Forest, was scheduled to start Friday on the road against the New York Yankees. He had a strong major league debut in 2024, when he posted a 1.17 ERA across six starts as a rookie. Oblique and forearm injuries kept Lowder out for the entire 2025 season, but he earned a rotation spot during spring training this year.

He opened the season 3-1 with a 3.18 ERA through six starts.

However, his momentum stalled in May when he surrendered eight earned runs and was pulled in the second inning at Pittsburgh, then exited his following start in Chicago with shoulder discomfort. Through 10 starts this season, Lowder is 3-3 with a 4.60 ERA, 37 strikeouts and 25 walks in 47 innings.

Wampus Cats look to regain early-season rhythm

Uwharrie has a losing record in June

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Uwharrie Wampus Cats are aiming to bounce back as they approach the midpoint of their fourth summer campaign.

Albemarle’s college wood-bat team opened the season strongly as a founding member of the Blue Ridge League, but a ve-game losing streak has dropped Uwharrie below .500 in conference play at 6-7.

The Cats have the second-most league victories, but their .462 winning percentage ranks fth among the league’s eight teams. Uwharrie trails the Carolina Disco Turkeys (12-2), Queen City Corndogs (4-1), Joanna Hornets (4 -3) and Spartanburg County Peaches (3-3).

The skid began with an 8-4 road loss to Queen City on June 8. Uwharrie then fell 8-6 to the Davie Crocketts at Don Montgomery Park on June 12 before losing 7-3 and 14-0 at home to Carolina and Queen City, respectively, the following nights. Uwharrie’s o ense bounced back Wednesday, but

a six-game

the Cats came up one run short in a 13-12 home loss to the Disco Turkeys. Uwharrie was scheduled to host the Greensboro Ducks in a nonconference game Thursday and the Carolina White Sox in another

nonconference matchup Friday.

The Cats return to Blue Ridge League action Saturday with a road game against

Rhett Lowder 5

Consecutive losses for the Uwharrie Wampus Cats since June 8

of Waxhaw, returned after hitting above .300 for the Cats last summer. Through 10 games this season, McKinney is batting .478 and has established a team record with hits in eight consecutive at-bats.

Uwharrie’s home schedule currently runs through July 25, when the Cats are set to host Davie at Don Montgomery Park. The top two teams in the Blue Ridge League standings will meet in a best-of-three championship series in late July. That leaves Uwharrie time to make up ground in the standings — the Cats nished 13-14 -1 last summer before competing in the inaugural Blue Ridge Invitational Tournament.

KAREEM ELGAZZAR / AP PHOTO

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder delivers during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks

Ohio.

COURTESY UWHARRIE WAMPUS CATS

Uwharrie wrapped up

homestand at Don Montgomery Park in Albemarle.

Judge dismisses lawsuit by 31 former NC State athletes alleging abuse by ex-head trainer

Dismissal came due to procedural reasons, but players plan to appeal

By Aaron Beard

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — A state judge has dismissed a lawsuit led by 31 former NC State male athletes alleging sexual abuse under the guise of treatment and harassment by the Wolfpack’s former director of sports medicine.

In orders led Tuesday, Wake County Superior Court Judge Bryan Collins dismissed claims against Robert M. Murphy Jr., as well as multiple NC State athletics o cials tied to their oversight rules, citing procedural reasons.

The lawsuit was led in February in state court in a case that began with a federal lawsuit from a single athlete led in 2022. That complaint alleged years of misconduct by Murphy, including improper touching of the genitals during massages and intrusive observation while collecting urine samples during drug testing.

Collins granted the motion seeking a dismissal from Murphy’s attorneys, ruling that the statute of limitations had expired in claims dating back as early as 2013.

Collins also dismissed claims against multiple athletics ocials such as former athletic director Debbie Yow and current AD Boo Corrigan on jurisdictional grounds. His ruling stated any complaint should go through the North Carolina Industrial Commission — a state agency that deals with workplace matters with NC State as a public university — rather than civil court.

Jared Hammett, a Ra-

leigh-based attorney representing Murphy, issued a statement to The Associated Press describing his client as “someone who dedicated his life to working with athletes” while referring to a “rush to judgment” that can impact “real people’s lives.”

“The truth is nothing happened but a man’s career being ruined for money,” Hammett said. “As a lawyer I am just glad that we have been able to help another person who needed support and found himself needing that defense.”

Durham-based attorney Kerry Sutton, who has represented players going back to the original case, said the athletes plan to appeal.

“This dismissal has noth-

ing at all to do with Mr. Murphy’s sexual abuse of these 31 former student-athletes,” Sutton said in a statement to the AP. “It was decided based only on questions of legal procedure. We plan to appeal this outcome and in coming days will be adding new claims against NCSU for men who have recently come forward.”

All but two of the 31 athletes are “John Doe” plainti s to protect anonymity, while two former men’s soccer players are named.

One is Benjamin Locke, who led the original complaint in August 2022. The other is one of two athletes who led their own federal lawsuits in February 2023 and April 2023. The AP

typically doesn’t identify those who say they have been sexually assaulted or abused unless the person has spoken publicly about it, which Locke has done. Sutton, who has represented plainti s in each lawsuit, led to dismiss those pending Title IX lawsuits before moving the case to state-level jurisdiction in September 2025. Murphy, at NC State from 2012-22, was among nine defendants originally named individually. Others were school o cials accused of negligence in oversight roles, saying concerns about Murphy’s conduct reached senior levels of the athletic department but the school’s response was insu cient.

Sutton and co-counsel

Robert O. Jenkins led in April to dismiss former NC State chancellor Randy Woodson as a defendant.

“NC State does not condone sexual misconduct of any kind,” the school said in a statement Tuesday evening. “The health and safety of our students and student-athletes is paramount to the university and our athletic programs.

“We agree with the court’s analysis and the decision that the law supports dismissal of the plainti s’ claims in this case. We recognize the immense courage it takes for someone to come forward, and our hearts go out to any student or student-athlete who has been impacted by distressing experiences.”

New York City celebrates Knicks’ rst NBA title in 53 years

The team won in San Antonio, triggering a riotous night back east

By Michael R. Sisak and Shelby Lum

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — It was bedlam on Broadway as the city celebrated the Knicks rst NBA championship in 53 years.

Outside Madison Square Garden, a crowd watching on a big screen roared as the Knicks rallied from a 16-point de cit to beat the Spurs in San Antonio in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Soon after, tens of thousands of people lled the streets and the rowdiest among them were clashing with police, smashing windshields, scaling sca olding, light poles and a statue, climbing into and atop school buses in Times Square and trying to hitch a ride on a moving re truck.

As the clock ticked to thenal buzzer on Saturday night, anxiety that had dominated the game’s rst three quarters gave way to euphoria. An orange-and-blue-tinted fever dream that started with the Knicks’ rst playo game two months ago ended in the third title in their 80-year history.

Fireworks boomed over Brooklyn and Central Park. Fans ocked to Times Square and ran through the streets. Outside the Garden, they sang the team’s anthem: “Go New York, Go New York, Go!” Police o cers and ambulance workers shouted “Let’s go Knicks” over loudspeakers in Brooklyn. Strangers shook hands and hugged. In the Lincoln Tunnel, where people were riding buses back from the World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, drivers honked their horns in celebration.

“I’m so overwhelmed. I’m so happy,” said Mathieu Ogno, of Long Island, who fought back tears as he soaked in the victory at a team-sanctioned watch party at Wollman Rink in Central Park.

Ogno wore the jersey of

Knicks captain Jalen Brunson, whose 45 points propelled the Knicks to victory and him to the NBA Finals MVP. Brunson’s gritty determination and chip- on-his-shoulder style have made him a fan favorite, embodying New York’s working-class ethos. The Knicks’ championship — 19,392 days since their last — capped an extraordinary postseason for a franchise that hadn’t been to the NBA Finals since losing to the Spurs in 1999.

Since April 23, the team has won 15 of 16 games, with its lone loss coming Monday in Game 3. Their last title, in 1973, was also won on the road in a Game 5. Their rst, in 1970, was won at home in a Game 7 thriller.

Neither was celebrated with a parade.

“I’m happy to see my Knicks nally make it over the hump,” said Shawn Muoneke, 26. “I’ve seen them knock on the door. They were knocking on the door the past few years. But theynally made it over the hump, and I’m so happy to see it and I’m so happy I’m in the city to experience it.”

Muoneke, born a year after the Knicks’ last trip to the NBA Finals, started rooting for them when he was 10. He drove from Maryland to be in the city for Game 5 at the team’s Central Park watch party.

“I saw the ups, the downs and I watched the team come back up, and I was so happy to see

“I’m so overwhelmed. I’m so happy.”

Mathieu Ogno, Knicks fan from Long Island

them nally reach the highest echelon of stardom as a team,” Muoneke said.

After the Knicks’ win, he said, the vibes in the city “are the highest they’ve ever been.”

President Donald Trump, a longtime Knicks fan who attended Game 3 at the Garden with Dolan, congratulated the team in a post on his Truth Social platform.

“What a year it has been but,

even more so, what incredible playo wins we have all witnessed, especially the last four — Maybe the greatest in the history of basketball,” Trump wrote. With Brunson’s clutch performance, he added, “a superstar was born.”

After several dozen arrests throughout the playo s and violence after Games 3 and 4 in New York that left o cers injured and a teen in a coma, police girded for unrest as Saturday bled into Sunday.

“As we celebrate, be responsible, look out for one another, stay safe, be smart, and make this a night that re ects the very best of our city,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on social media. “Let’s go Knicks.”

KARA DURRETTE / AP PHOTO

ANDRES KUDACKI / AP PHOTO

New York Knicks fans celebrate their victory in the NBA Finals.

Flags y above at the Reynolds Coliseum on the campus of NC State.

The Stanly Warriors

The Stanly Warriors — David Banks, Wesley Barnes, Isaiah Bennett, Shiren Brewer, Owen Cochrane, William Hearne, Kristian Little and Colby Yow — competed in the basketball competition at the Special Olympics of North Carolina’s annual Summer Games in the Raleigh area earlier this month, and they stormed to rst place, bringing gold medals back to Stanly County.

A’s slugger Kurtz happy to take free pass to help team

Pitchers are cautious with the second-year Wake Forest product

By Mark Anderson

The Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Not many second-year players receive this kind of respect from opposing pitchers, but it doesn’t take long to realize Athletics rst baseman Nick Kurtz is already one of baseball’s top sluggers.

And thus the Barry Bonds treatment, or at least something close to it, when pitchers don’t give Kurtz much to hit, willing to live with having him walk to rst than jog around the bases.

His 64 walks through last week led the major leagues and were one more than he had in the 117 games last season when he was the unanimous AL Rookie of the Year. Pitchers also have intentionally walked Kurtz eight times, second only to the nine by Houston’s Yordan Alvarez, the AL home run leader.

And the power is still there for Kurtz, who has 15 home runs this season. While not on pace to match the 36 he hit last year, his 49 RBIs lead the majors as does his .438 on-base percentage.

Most impressively, Kurtz earlier this season tied Mark McGwire’s 30-year-old club record

of 48 consecutive games reaching base.

“He’s the most advanced hitter at this age that I’ve been around,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said of the 23-year- old slugger. “He never goes to search for hits. He waits for pitches that

he feels good about swinging at. Knowing the strike zone as well as he does is pretty remarkable.” This approach by opposing pitchers isn’t new to Kurtz, who began to watch other teams use similar strategies when he starred at Wake Forest.

“I think that’s where I started learning how to do it and just taking the walks,” Kurtz said. “It’s not always easy because you always want to stay aggressive when you do get that pitch. If you’re not aggressive, you will miss it.”

Kurtz is among the talented young players the A’s are showcasing for their planned move to Las Vegas in 2028. They are at Las Vegas Ballpark, home to the organization’s Triple-A a liate, this week and took two of three against Milwaukee with their 4-3 win on Wednesday night. Colorado visits for a three-game series beginning Friday.

Kurtz gave Las Vegas fans plenty to look forward to by hitting two homers in Monday’s 15-14, 12-inning loss to the Brewers and then hit another one the following night in a 7-5 victory.

Kurtz also walked at least once in each game in the series and four times overall. He has reached base that way in eight of nine games this month.

“You never see it, somebody his age doing what he’s doing,”

A’s catcher Shea Langeliers said.

“Unbelievably rare. Just to be able to watch him do his thing and not really even blossom. It was kind of who he already was when he got to the league, so it’s really cool. Obviously, we’re really lucky to be his teammates and not calling pitches against him.”

It didn’t take long for Kurtz to shoot through the Athletics’ system.

They drafted him fourth overall in June 2024, and by the following year, he played 20 games in Las Vegas and then was promoted to the A’s, where he hasn’t looked back.

“You always want to stay aggressive when you do get that pitch. If you’re not aggressive, you will miss it.”

Nick Kurtz

Kurtz not only met but likely exceeded expectations.

His true breakout game occurred last July 25 at Houston when he went 6 for 6 with four homers, eight RBIs, six runs and a record-tying 19 total bases.

There were discussions about whether it was the greatest performance in MLB history. That is until Shohei Ohtani homered three times, had 12 total bases and from the mound struck out 10 over six shutout innings in an NL Championship Series game.

Kurtz doesn’t have the spotlight on him like the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar — what MLB player does? — and playing most of his home games in a Triple-A park in West Sacramento, California, doesn’t generate much exposure.

But other pitchers are more than aware of him, and Kurtz will continue to try to make the most of his opportunities whenever they come. The best outcome often is simply taking the walk to rst.

“I’m totally ne if you want to pitch around me,” Kurtz said. “You still got other guys in the lineup who can do a whole of hitting, so it makes it really easy for me to just take my walks and score some runs.”

CAROLINE BREHMAN / AP PHOTO

The Athletics’ Nick Kurtz rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run.

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NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000245-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of James Harold Little deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said James Harold Little to present them to the undersigned on or before September 1, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 31st day of May 2026. David Britt Orcutt 622 Arista Lane Wendell, North Carolina 27591 Executor

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000244-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executrix of the estate of Portia Ann Pettiford Morris deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Portia Ann Pettiford Morris to present them to the undersigned on or before September 1, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 31st day of May 2026. Constance Bianca Wells 6127 Ahoskie Drive Charlotte, NC 28215 Executrix

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000247-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of R. Donald Morris a/k/a Roy Donald Morris a/k/a Roy D. Morris deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said R. Donald Morris a/k/a Roy Donald Morris a/k/a Roy D. Morris to present them to the undersigned on or before September 8, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 7th day of June 2026. Steven D. Morris 36521 Old Salisbury Road New London, NC 28127 Executor

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000282-830

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Bonnie S. Mullis deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Bonnie S. Mullis to present them to the undersigned on or before September 23, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 21st day of June 2026 Jacob Scott Mullis 142 Poplar Street Locust, NC 28097 Executor

NOTICES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF STANLY

Having quali ed as Executrix of the Estate of JOHN WILMARTH HUNTER deceased, late of PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the Estate of said decedent to present them to the undersigned at the following address: Lori A. Hunter c/o Timothy R. Rodgers Resident Process Agent P.O. Box 741 Albemarle NC 28002 on or before September 21, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery to the extent provided by law. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the Estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 17th day of June, 2026 Lori A. Hunter Executrix of the Estate of John Wilmarth Hunter Timothy R. Rodgers, Attorney Rodgers Law O ce, PLLC P.O. Box 741 Albemarle NC 28002

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000207-830 Having quali ed as Public Administrator of the Estate of Claude Junior Huneycutt, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before September 7th, 2026, 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 June, 2026.

MARK T. LOWDER PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE ESTATE OF CLAUDE JUNIOR HUNEYCUTT

MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Publish: June 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Clerk Before the Clerk 26E000254-830 Having quali ed as Co-Executors of the Estate of Malcolm Monroe Lowder, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned or his attorney on or before September 21st, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 11th day of June, 2026.

MARK T. LOWDER DEAN A. LOWDER CO-EXECUTORS FOR THE ESTATE OF MALCOLM MONROE LOWDER

MARK T. LOWDER ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 Telephone (704) 982-8558 Publish: June 21, 28, 2026 and July 5, 12, 2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000039-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Co-Executors of the Estate of Nancy Burgess Carpenter deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Nancy Burgess Carpenter to present them to the undersigned on or before September 8, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 7th day of June 2026. Janie C. Carpenter 12449 NC 138 Hwy Norwood, NC 28128 Co-Executor Susan Carpenter Lorenz 310 Old Hickory Road Locust, NC 28097 Co-Executor

NOTICE

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Elizabeth Caron Lowder a/k/a Elizabeth Harward Lowder, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, the undersigned hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the Estate of said Decedent to present them to the undersigned, in care of the undersigned’s attorney, at the address below, on or before 15th day of September, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the Estate will please make immediate payment. This the 14th day of June, 2026. Jerry Harward Administrator of the Estate of Elizabeth Caron Lowder a/k/a Elizabeth Harward Lowder c/o

How Americans celebrated the bicentennial — with reworks, Freedom Train, Farrah

America’s bicentennial mixed o cial pageantry, commercial kitsch and cultural skepticism in unexpected ways

By Lou Kesten The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In 1976’s “Rocky,” heavyweight champion Apollo Creed arrives for the title ght dressed as George Washington, reenacting the crossing of the Delaware as models costumed as the Statue of Liberty lead the way.

After entering the ring, Apollo switches into an Uncle Sam costume. “I want you!” he roars as he points to Rocky Balboa, the far less amboyant palooka he’s chosen for this bicentennial bout in Philadelphia.

Then the two boxers pound the daylights out of each other.

It’s as accurate a representation of the American bicentennial vibe as has ever been put on lm — plenty of reworks but not much thought about how 200 years of independence led to this.

I was 13 years old in 1976. Kids my age — the tail end of the Baby Boom, or the vanguard of Generation X — grew up skeptical of the government. We had outlasted the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, with the occasional moment of joy — the moon landing, say — to break the gloom. The state of the union was intact, even if many Americans were still on edge.

My family lived in Newport News, Virginia, not far from the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg. So there was plenty of buzz surrounding the bicentennial. President Gerald Ford and his wife, Betty, took a carriage ride through Colonial Williamsburg, foreign leaders came to visit, and the living museum regularly staged reenactments of the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Ford and plenty of other dignitaries went to New York for what the president called “the greatest Fourth of July any of us will ever see.” Operation Sail was a oating parade of 16 tall ships and more than 100 smaller vessels from around the world — including, even, the Soviet Union. It was a boon for the beleaguered Big Apple, proving that “New Yorkers could get along, even during di cult times,” according to the Gotham Center for New York History.

All aboard the Freedom Train

For history bu s who couldn’t make the trip east, there was the American Freedom Train, a 26-car behemoth that toured all 48 contiguous states. It displayed two centuries of artifacts like George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, the original Louisiana Purchase, Judy Garland’s dress from “The Wizard of Oz” and a moon rock. Merle Haggard even released a song about it.

I had a nifty 3D poster of the Freedom Train on my bedroom wall. A di erent post-

er captured everyone’s eye later in 1976 — one featuring “Charlie’s Angels” star Farrah Fawcett-Majors. It’s patriotic in its own way. There’s Farrah, sporting big hair, a blinding white smile and a red swimsuit, posed in front of a red, white and blue blanket. The color scheme may not have been intentional, but it might as well be titled “All-American Girl” for its presentation of what much of society saw as one.

There were plenty of more deliberate anniversary collectibles out there. A quick search of eBay in 2026 digs up hundreds of collectible plates, glasses, beer mugs and bumper stickers. The government unleashed special quarters, stamps and license plates. And of course Madison Avenue jumped in, selling bicentennial cereal, candy, beer and soda. You could get a di erent 7-Up can for each of the 50 states.

Even the creator of the Pet Rock — the preposterous 1975 phenomenon that was, yes, a rock in a box — tried to get in on the act. That fad, alas, had run its course, and the Bicentennial Pet Rock opped. You’d have been better o buying a Pez dispenser with the head of Paul Revere or Betsy Ross.

Broadcast television — remember, we only had three networks — was more subdued. For kids, ABC’s beloved “Schoolhouse Rock!” spun o “America Rock.” But while that cartoon did include some history, it’s best remembered for the mournful civics lesson “I’m Just a Bill.”

More prominent was CBS News’ “Bicentennial Minute.”

Starting July 4, 1974, barely a month before President Richard Nixon resigned, it ran every night in primetime, presenting the news from 200 years ear-

lier. It was so unavoidable that sitcoms like “All in the Family” referred to it; “Saturday Night Live,” which debuted in 1975, paid tribute with a “Bisexual Minute.”

Still, all three networks pulled out the stops on July 4, 1976. Walter Cronkite led the pack with 16 hours of coverage on CBS, while “Bob Hope’s Bicentennial Star-Spangled Spectacular” (“the show that took 200 years to produce”) on NBC celebrated with Sammy Davis Jr., Captain & Tennille and Donny and Marie Osmond.

The bad news bearers

Certainly, not everyone was in the mood to celebrate. Richard Pryor released an in uential album titled “Bicentennial,” followed by an ethnic slur. The title track is a monologue from a 200-year-old slave; it ends with,

“I ain’t gonna never forget it.” In the same album’s ”Bicentennial Prayer,” Pryor proclaims, “We are celebrating 200 years of white folks kickin’ ass.” Popular music wasn’t in a particularly patriotic mood either. Elton John’s 1975 hit “Philadelphia Freedom” became a de facto anthem of sorts, even though it’s barely about Philadelphia and is more about individual independence.

Indeed, the prevailing pop attitude was: Let’s forget about this mess we’ve left behind and go to the disco. So the Billboard singles charts were topped by the likes of Johnnie Taylor’s “Disco Lady,” The Sylvers’ “Boogie Fever,” The Bee Gees’ “You Should Be Dancing” and KC and the Sunshine Band’s “(Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty.” On the album charts, California’s hippie culture was shaking

o its hangover with haunted LPs like the Eagles’ “Hotel California” and Jackson Browne’s “The Pretender.” Something else was breaking loose in New York, though, with aggressive debuts from the Ramones and Blondie. The Ramones’ logo included an eagle holding an olive branch and a baseball bat, and their repertoire included the future stadium anthem “Blitzkrieg Bop.” What could be more American?

Speaking of America’s pastime, I’d be remiss if I didn’t bring up the year’s funniest movie, “The Bad News Bears.” It’s baseball the way it was meant to be played — by a bunch of foul-mouthed juvenile delinquents coached by a surly, alcoholic has-been embodied by Walter Matthau. Double 50-year-old spoiler alert: Like Rocky, the Bears don’t win in the end. But they do have fun. The same can’t be said for the characters in most of 1976’s dramatic lms. Hollywood did its best to get a patriotic movie — the World War II epic “Midway” — in theaters in June, but it quickly zzled. The top box ofce draw on July 4th was “The Omen,” about an angelic-looking boy who turns out to be the Antichrist.

More prestigious lms continued to wrestle with the paranoia of the Nixon era. “All the President’s Men” dramatized The Washington Post’s investigation of the Watergate scandal. In “Taxi Driver,” a Vietnam War veteran plots to assassinate a presidential contender. In “Network,” a TV anchorman urges his viewers to open their windows and scream, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!” All three are undisputed classics. All three were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. All three lost to “Rocky.”

FILE / AP PHOTO

Actor and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone, left, poses with Eletha Finch, center, widow of actor Peter Finch, and actress Faye Dunaway at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles on March 28, 1977.

EDDIE ADAMS / AP PHOTO

Ships participate in Operation Sail between the Statue of Liberty and the World Trade Center to celebrate the U.S. bicentennial in New York on July 4, 1976.

famous birthdays this week

Cyndi Lauper turns 73, Glenn Danzig celebrates 71, Civil rights activist James Meredith hits 93

The Associated Press

JUNE 21

Musician Ray Davies (The Kinks) is 82. Actor Meredith Baxter is 79. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi is 79. Actor Michael Gross is 79. Author Ian McEwan is 78. Musician Nils Lofgren is 75. Actor Juliette Lewis is 53. Britain’s Prince William is 44.

JUNE 22

Actor Klaus Maria Brandauer is 83. Musician-producer Peter Asher (Peter and Gordon) is 82. Musician-producer Todd Rundgren is 78. Actor Meryl Streep is 77. Singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper is 73. Actor Bruce Campbell is 68. Environmental activist Erin Brockovich is 66.

JUNE 23

Author Richard Bach is 90. Computer scientist Vint Cerf is 83. Actor Bryan Brown is 79. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is 78. Musician Glenn Danzig is 71. Actor Frances McDormand is 69. Actor Selma Blair is 54.

JUNE 24

Author Anita Desai is 89. Cin-

ematographer Vittorio Storaro is 86. Actor Michele Lee is 84. Actor-director Georg Stanford Brown is 83. Musician Mick Fleetwood is 79. Actor Peter Weller is 79. Musician Curt Smith (Tears for Fears) is 65. Singer Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star) is 60.

JUNE 25

Civil rights activist James Meredith is 93. Singer Carly Simon is 83. Actor-comedian Jimmie Walker is 79. Musician Tim Finn is 74. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is 72. Actor-writer-comedian Ricky Gervais is 65.

JUNE 26

Jazz musician-composer Dave Grusin is 92. Brazilian singer-songwriter and politician Gilberto Gil is 84. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer is 73. Musician Mick Jones (The Clash, Big Audio Dynamite) is 71. Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson is 56.

DUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ / AP PHOTO

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor turns 72 on Thursday.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Writer-producer-director J.J. Abrams is 60 on Saturday.

JUNE 27

Musician Bruce Johnston (The Beach Boys) is 84. Fashion designer Norma Kamali is 81. Fashion designer Vera Wang is 77. Actor Julia Du y is 75. Actor Isabelle Adjani is 71. Cinematographer Janusz Kamiński is 67. Writer-producer-director J.J. Abrams is 60.

Evans, Doucet chosen as Women’s Prize book awards winners

“I was writing the book that I wanted to read.”

By Jill Lawless The Associated Press

LONDON — American novelist Virginia Evans won the Women’s Prize for Fiction last Thursday with “The Correspondent,” a word-of-mouth bestseller that made her a literary star after seven unpublished novels.

Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet won the Women’s Prize for Non ction with “The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan.”

Both prizes come with a $40,000 purse and are open to female English-language writers from any country.

Evans wrote ction for two decades before writing “The Correspondent” during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was released quietly in 2025.

A story told through years’ worth of letters from retired lawyer Sybil Van Antwerp to friends, family and famous writers, it gradually climbed bestseller lists and became a book club favorite. A lm adaptation starring Jane Fonda is in the works.

Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who chaired the ction judging panel, said the novel “captured

our hearts” by “elevating an ordinary life in the most heartfelt of ways.”

Evans said she “developed a very thick skin for rejection and failure” during the years of writing without getting published.

“Why did I keep going? I didn’t know how not to, I guess,” she told The Associated Press.

“I was writing the book that I wanted to read,” she added.

“I guess the book that I was wanting to read was the book a lot of people were wanting to read.”

She said “The Correspondent” is in part a cry against the loss of handwritten letters — “the real tale of history” — in our digital age.

“If you want to know what happened somewhere, you need to read somebody saying to their mom, ‘This is what happened to me today,’” she said. “And so I feel a grief about that. There’s something I probably was reaching for when I was writing the book, which was the preservation of the memory of that.”

Doucet, the BBC’s chief in-

Jumpsuits, wigs, dance moves; young boys, teens keep Elvis’ legacy alive

The “king of rock and roll” died in 1977 at age 42

By Sophie Bates The Associated Press

TUPELO, Miss. — Nearly 50 years after Elvis Presley‘s death, a gaggle of exuberant young boys and teens shook up his hometown, intent on keeping the king’s legacy alive for a new generation.

Ranging in age from seven to 17, some in jeweled jumpsuits, they took the stage at the Tupelo Elvis Festival’s youth tribute artist competition last week. In contrast to their peers, who may never have heard of Elvis, the competitors have dedicated an enormous amount of time and energy to embodying the king’s singing voice, mannerisms and style. They are careful to specify they are Elvis tribute artists. Unlike impersonators, who pretend to be Elvis and sometimes present a characterized version of the king, tribute artists strive for authenticity. Some wore costumes created by B&K Enterprises Costume Co., a company licensed to recreate Elvis’ out ts and provide costumes for Elvis movies, musicals and TV shows.

“We’re not trying to be him,” said Tucker Gladden, 17, from Madison, Mississippi. “We want to recreate the experience as much as we can for people that maybe didn’t get to see Elvis in their lifetime.”

As for their fascination with a long-dead musician, several of the tribute artists credited the 2022 “Elvis” movie with sparking their interest. A couple said their admiration began after discovering they were dis-

tantly related to Elvis. Others said it was Elvis’ faith and charity that inspired them. Some said they had been performing Elvis songs since they were 3 years old.

For 16-year-old Ayden Maloy

ternational correspondent, pro les sta and guests of Kabul’s once-glamorous Inter-Continental Hotel — scarred but still standing — to provide a microcosm of Afghanistan’s turbulent recent history.

Labour Party politician Thangam Debbonaire, head of the non ction jury, called it “a perfect work of narrative non- ction” that is “informed by decades of excellent reporting.”

Doucet, who has been visiting Afghanistan as a journalist since the 1980s, said she wrote the book to provide a fuller picture than the “snapshot” of news coverage allows.

“My experience from decades of covering countries and people in the hardest of times is that people still have to get up every day and nd an everyday courage to get through the day,” she said. “And even in the darkest of places … people nd humor to bring light, they try to live with hope to bring some kind of relief, and they try to live with humanity.”

The sister prize for non ction was founded in 2024 to help redress a gender imbalance in publishing. In 2022, only 26.5% of non ction books reviewed in Britain’s newspapers were by women, and male writers dominated established non ction writing prizes.

from Logansport, Indiana, it was the way Elvis’ music helped him during a di cult time in his life and motivated him to begin performing as an Elvis tribute artist three years ago.

“I just broke down in tears because it healed me,” Maloy said. “I think Elvis is the healer.”

In an afternoon of dazzling out ts and daring dance moves, the performers got the audience clapping, singing and swaying along to their Elvis covers. Ultimately, RJ Hursey, a 14-year- old from Bloomington, Illinois, won the competition. Hursey, who inherited his love of Elvis from his grandfather, said he practices his tributes every day, and when he’s too sick to sing, he researches. He performs at nursing homes and assisted living facilities and hopes to someday star in a remake of an Elvis movie.

“It’s humbling,” Hursey said. “It makes you feel good because we know that he died thinking he’d be forgotten, and we’re just so glad he’s still around.”

While in Tupelo, the tribute artists also toured the Elvis Presley Birthplace, a sprawling complex that includes the home where Elvis was born and the church where he was rst exposed to Southern gospel music.

“It feels so surreal to pay tribute to Elvis in his hometown,” said 15-year-old Charles Session from Morrilton, Arkansas. “I hope that he’s looking down and smiling at all these young performers.”

ROGELIO V. SOLIS / AP PHOTO

Civil rights activist James Meredith turns 93 on Thursday.

SOPHIE BATES / AP PHOTO

Ayden Maloy, 16, performs at the Tupelo Elvis Festival’s youth tribute artists competition on June 4 in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Previous winners include Zadie Smith and Barbara Kingsolver

Virginia Evans

KIN CHEUNG / AP PHOTO

Virginia Evans, right, and Lyse Doucet winners of The Women’s Prize for ction and non ction, left, pose at the Women’s Prize Trust Summer Party & Awards Ceremony in London, Thursday, June 11, 2026.

TONY AVELAR/ AP PHOTO Basketball Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer turns 73 on Friday.

this week in history

Nazis invade Soviet Union, Custer’s Last Stand, Anne Frank’s diary published

The Associated Press

JUNE 21

1788: The United States Constitution went into e ect as New Hampshire became the required ninth state to ratify it.

1834: Cyrus Hall McCormick received a patent for his mechanical reaper.

1893: The rst Ferris Wheel opened to the public at the Chicago World’s Fair.

1964: Civil rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner were killed in Neshoba County, Mississippi.

JUNE 22

1815: Napoleon Bonaparte abdicated for a second time as emperor of the French.

1938: In a rematch that carried both geopolitical signi cance and symbolism for black Americans, Joe Louis knocked out Max Schmeling in 2 minutes, 4 seconds to retain the heavyweight title before 70,000 spectators at New York’s Yankee Stadium.

1941: Operation Barbarossa began as Nazi Germany launched its massive invasion of the Soviet Union, a campaign that ultimately proved pivotal to the Allied victory in World War II.

JUNE 23

1888: Abolitionist Frederick Douglass received one vote from the Kentucky delegation at the Republican National Convention in Chicago, becoming the rst black candidate to have his name placed in nomination for U.S. president.

1931: Aviators Wiley Post and Harold Gatty took o from Roosevelt Field in New York on an around-the-world ight that lasted eight days and 15 hours.

1956: Gamal Abdel Nasser was elected president of Egypt.

JUNE 24

1509: Henry VIII was crowned king of England, and his wife, Catherine of Aragon, was crowned queen consort.

1812: French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his Grande Armée began crossing the Niemen River, launching the invasion of Russia.

1983: The space shuttle Challenger, carrying America’s rst woman in space, Sally Ride, landed safely at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

JUNE 25

1876: The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand, began in Montana Territory. About 268 members of the 7th Cavalry Regiment were killed, including George Armstrong Custer and Mark Kellogg, the rst Associated Press reporter to die while covering a con ict.

1947: “The Diary of a Young Girl,” the journal of Anne Frank, was rst published. The book chronicled her family’s years in hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam during World War II.

1950: War broke out on the Korean Peninsula as communist forces from North Ko-

rea invaded South Korea. The con ict lasted more than three years and resulted in an estimated 4 million deaths, most of them civilians.

JUNE 26

1917: U.S. troops entered World War I as the rst soldiers of the American Expeditionary Force landed in Saint-Nazaire, France.

1963: President John F. Kennedy visited West Berlin and delivered his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech, expressing solidarity with the city’s residents.

2015: In its 5-4 ruling in the Obergefell v. Hodges case, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

JUNE 27

1844: Mormon leader Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois.

1957: Hurricane Audrey slammed into coastal Louisiana and Texas as a Category 4 storm, causing as many as 600 deaths.

1967: Barclays unveiled the world’s rst automated teller machine (ATM) in En eld, north of London.

AP PHOTO

The rst Ferris wheel, which carried 1,400 passengers at 250 feet tall, made its debut on June 21, 1893, at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

AP PHOTO

Astronaut Sally Ride sits in her jet at Kennedy Space Center on June 16, 1983, in Florida, just after she and four other crew members arrived to prepare for a scheduled launch three days later of the space shuttle Challenger. Ride was the rst American female to travel into space.