VOLUME 146 ISSUE 78 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 | STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM
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Stanly NewS Journal THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
WHAT’S HAPPENING Clancy’s lawyer now questions whether she killed her 3 children Plymouth, Mass. Lindsay Clancy’s lawyer is arguing that there wasn’t enough evidence to prove she killed her three children. It’s a striking turn after a lengthy trial that focused more on her mental state than on whether she took their lives. At a hearing Tuesday, attorney Kevin Reddington said the “entire case is based on speculation” and that there isn’t enough evidence that Clancy killed the children. Prosecutor Shanan Buckingham called his argument “laughable.” The hearing marked the first time Clancy was in court since her closely watched trial ended Sept. 4 with a deadlocked jury. During the trial, Reddington didn’t dispute that Clancy killed the children, instead seeking to persuade a jury to find her not criminally responsible because of a rare condition called postpartum psychosis.
U.S. job openings slipped to 7.1M in August, labor market remains sturdy U.S. employers posted fewer job openings in August, but the American labor market remains resilient in the face of higher energy costs caused by the fighting with Iran. The Labor Department reported Tuesday that U.S. job openings slid to 7.08 million from a revised 7.34 million in July. Openings came in below the 7.2 million that forecasters had expected. The department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) also showed that layoffs fell and the number of people quitting their jobs — a sign of confidence in their prospects — was little changed in August.
Smart ring maker Oura puts off initial public offering due to market “uncertainty” Smart ring maker Oura says it is postponing a planned initial public offering due to market “uncertainty.” On Tuesday, Oura said it’s delaying the IPO “despite strong demand.” Oura customers use the ring to monitor their health, including sleep patterns and fitness activity. The company gets the bulk of its revenue from ring sales, with the rest coming from subscriptions. The IPO market had a solid start to the year but tailed off in the third quarter, according to research firm Renaissance Capital.
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ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO
America online The U.S. government has a new website, America.gov, that’s designed to simplify Americans’ access to information and services scattered across hundreds different of agency sites. Starting next year, Americans will be able to use the site to get a passport, apply for a job with the federal government, enroll in Medicare and more. Above, President Donald Trump poses while surrounded by Cabinet members during a ceremony promoting the launch of the website at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on Tuesday in Washington, D.C.
Carlie C’s IGA signs lease agreement in Albemarle The grocery store will open at the former Harris Teeter site By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Albemarle will soon have a new grocery store, with Carlie C’s IGA offi-
cially signing a lease last week to move into the former Harris Teeter location on North First Street. The city announced Thursday that the family-owned grocery chain plans to open a 32,000-square-foot store at First Street Station Shopping Center by Nov. 4. Carlie C’s IGA is a Caroli-
na-owned and operated supermarket company with locations across North Carolina and South Carolina. “We’re pleased to welcome Carlie C’s IGA to Albemarle,” Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael said. “Our community has made it clear that it wants a variety of retail options. City council and city staff listened See CARLIE C’S, page A2
Commissioners approve applications for water, transportation grants “They gave out no money at all this spring, so they told us to reapply for the fall.” Clinton Hinson, Utilities director
Funds would support backup water feed, senior rides By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Stanly County commissioners recently voted to seek funding for a second water supply connection in western Stanly County, as well as for transportation services for residents 65 and older. On Sept. 8, the board unanimously approved separate res-
olutions authorizing applications for the West Stanly Water Feed project and a grant to support rides to medical appointments and aging services. Both proposals depend on the county receiving funding. Utilities Director Clinton Hinson said the county plans to reapply this fall for money through the state’s Viable Utilities Fund and State Revolving Fund. Its application in the spring round did not result in an award after the state cut funding, he said. See GRANTS, page A4
Now Serving Cabarrus, Stanly & Montgomery Counties LOCATIONS
• Albemarle-West/ Coble Ave. • Albemarle-East/ Anderson Rd. • North Oakboro/ Red Cross Rd. • South Oakboro/ Rocky River Rd. • Mt. Pleasant • Biscoe • Locust
and got to work. We look forward to seeing this store and others become part of our growing local economy.” Founded in February 1961, Carlie C’s is the largest independently owned, family-operated grocer in the Carolinas with 33 locations. “We are delighted to have this opportunity to serve the people of Albemarle and the surrounding area,” Carlie C’s IGA President Elwyn Murray said. “We are grateful for the support of the city council and look forward to becoming an integral part of the
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inside SpaceX launched its Starship rocket to orbit on Monday, a major milestone for the largest flying object ever created. Turn to page A5 for more.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 30, 2026
WEDNESDAY
9.30.26 #149
Giggle for God: America’s witty STANLY happening church signs aim to inspire, attract drivers and passersby Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County.
The signs extend an old Reformation tradition into a uniquely American highway landscape
“Join the conversation” North State Journal (USPS 518620) (ISSN 2471-1365) Trip Hoffend Publisher Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers Cory Lavalette Senior Editor Jordan Golson Local News Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Dan Reeves Features Editor Lauren Rose Design Editor Jesse Deal Reporter Stan Gilliland Photographer ADVERTISING Kateland Treece Advertising Representative Published Wednesday and Sunday as part of North State Journal 1548 NC 24-27 BYP W Albemarle NC 28001 TO SUBSCRIBE OR PLACE LEGAL NOTICE: 704-982-2121 STANLYNEWSJOURNAL.COM Annual Subscription Price: $100.00 Periodicals Postage Paid at Albemarle, N.C. and at additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: North State Journal 1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh NC 27607
Oct. 3
By Giovanna Dell’orto The Associated Press
Shrine Club Extravaganza
WOODBURY, Minn. — “Forecast: God reigns and the Son shines.” In mid-September, the large electronic sign of a Lutheran church flashed this message by a thoroughfare between growing subdivisions and cornfields in a Twin Cities suburb. The messages on Resurrection Lutheran Church’s sign range from witty to practical to profound. It’s an effort to inspire and attract drivers and passersby that’s uniquely popular in churches across America, the quintessential land of open roads and advertisements. “This is about people saying, ‘this makes a difference to me,’ and … sensing they’re loved by God,” said Heather Hultgren, who’s in charge of Resurrection’s daily sign changes. There’s nothing unusual about posting writings to church doors — that’s how tradition says the Protestant Reformation got started in 16th-century Germany. But for the last few decades, U.S. pastors have gotten creative, aiming to brighten a commuter’s day, spur a reflection while chauffeuring to football practice, and maybe persuade a lapsed Christian or two that it’s not all fire and brimstone inside. “It’s a way to bring something lighter in the world,”
Noon to 4 p.m. The Stanly County Shrine Club will hold its annual Extravaganza fundraiser, with raffle drawings benefiting the club’s charitable work.
GIOVANNA DELL’ORTO / AP PHOTO
A driver waves while passing in front of Resurrection Lutheran Church and its church sign, featuring a seasonal pun, in Woodbury, Minnesota, on Sunday. said the Rev. Karna Moskalik of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, in the historic river town of Stillwater, Minnesota. Moskalik likes “invitational” signs, like the classic — “CH - - CH What’s missing? U R!” Some humorous messages that get social-media shoutouts across the U.S. originated with “the sign guy,” Our Savior’s pastor in the early 2000s. He published a collection entitled, “If there were no Lutherans, would there still be green Jell-O?” At Madison Avenue Baptist Church in New York City, a weather pun during the latest brutal heatwave caught many eyes — “Lord, whatever you’re baking, it’s done.” Elizabeth Pustinger said people stop to ask about the historic church’s sign as she’s manually changing it weekly, and sometimes later attend
services. “It’s a very powerful ministry,” adds the Rev. Susan Sparks, whose favorite sign is the dark warning to drivers, “Honk if you love Jesus, text if you want to meet him.” Laughter can help process tragedy or serve as a wedge to probe big questions — that’s why Jewish and Christian scriptures have humorous passages, said Rolf Jacobson, professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. “God’s business is turning mourning into gladness, Good Friday into Easter Sunday,” he said. So chuckle away next time you speed past a church sign. But spare a thought for the sweaty person of God who invented this perennial favorite: “Too hot to keep changing sign. Sin bad. Jesus good. Details inside.”
Farm Bureau Livestock Arena at Stanly County Agri Civic Center 26130 Newt Road Albemarle
Uwharrie Brewing Firehouse 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk 9 a.m. Runners and walkers will take to downtown Albemarle for the second annual Firehouse 5K and 1-mile fun run, honoring the Albemarle Fire Department and kicking off Fire Prevention Week. Postrace activities include fire safety demonstrations, face painting and free ice cream, with proceeds supporting smoke detector and fire extinguisher programs. Uwharrie Brewing 121 N. 3rd St. Albemarle
Oct. 6-10 Friends of the Stanly County Public Library Fall Book Sale 4-7 p.m. The Friends of the Stanly County Public Library will open its fall book sale with a members-only preview night. The sale continues to the public Wednesday through Friday. and wraps up Saturday with a fill-a bag-for-$1 special.
CARLIE C’S from page A1
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Give us a call Mon-Fri 8am-5pm to schedule transportation.
(704) 986-3790
community. Our stated purpose is to ‘Love and Bless the Communities we Serve’ and we are very excited about the opportunity to do that in Albemarle.” The Albemarle City Council voted unanimously Aug. 24 to approve a performance-based business development grant designed to help recruit Carlie C’s to the city. Harris Teeter permanently closed its store at the location June 11. During that meeting, Murray told council members the company hopes to offer a hometown grocery experience, emphasizing fresh-cut meat, daily bakery items, hot Southern deli food and locally sourced produce. He said the company’s meat departments and deli-bakeries help distinguish it from larger competitors, while its customer service model is intended to provide a more familiar, personal experience. Murray also estimated Carlie C’s prices would generally be lower than those at Food Lion and Harris Teeter but higher than Walmart. The Albemarle location is also expected to offer grocery delivery, a service city officials
Stanly County Public Library 133 East Main St. Albemarle
COURTESY CARLIE C’S IGA
Carlie C’s IGA has 33 grocery store locations throughout the Carolinas. said could particularly benefit seniors and residents who face transportation or mobility challenges. “When Harris Teeter announced its departure, our goal wasn’t just to fill the space, it was to serve the best interests of the Albemarle community and the businesses that have invested here,” said Mark Metzger and Scott McNeilly of Water Oak Partners. “We’re thrilled to welcome Carlie C’s, and grateful to the mayor, city council and the city’s economic development team for helping make it happen.”
Under the economic development incentive agreement, Carlie C’s may receive up to $25,000 annually from the city for 10 years. Payments will be made only after the company’s compliance with performance requirements is verified. The funds may be used for building and equipment upgrades planned for the store. Carlie C’s expects the Albemarle location to employ approximately 60 people, including 25 full-time employees. Prospective employees can apply online at carliecs.com/careers.
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(704) 984-8837 Phyllis Kimrey & Adrian Lash
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 30, 2026
THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES
COLUMN | LARRY ELDER
Trump bans media from the White House — this is why he’s angry
His bitterness is more than justified.
WHY DID PRESIDENT Donald Trump ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House? The better question is: What took so long? But Trump made his point. The man is angry at the blatantly biased and Trump-despising legacy media. He blames them for his poor poll numbers. His bitterness is more than justified. The economy is far better than reported. The Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow model currently estimates third-quarter growth at an annualized rate of approximately 5.1%, up from an earlier estimate of 4.4%. And even at today’s elevated gasoline prices, the cost of gas as a percentage of income remains far smaller than during earlier price shocks. Inflation is lower than the Biden average. The official poverty rate is the lowest on record. The stock market has been up, and 401(k)s are fatter. A recent survey of CEOs finds confidence in the economy higher than it’s been in years — with 73% expecting hiring to remain the same or to be increased. Crime is down. The deportation of criminal illegal aliens, argues the Trump administration, is likely a contributing factor. The administration says its military campaign has pushed Iran further away from developing a nuclear weapon. Military recruitment is up. DEI is in retreat. NATO allies are finally upping defense spending as a percentage of their GDP, after former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama unsuccessfully urged it to do so. There’s a lot of good news. This stands in stark contrast with the breathless drum-beating coverage of the Russia-Trump collusion hoax, the first and biggest media-clamped weight on Trump’s ankle. And
when the hoax unraveled — and the bad actors were exposed — the media was far less interested. Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee funded the opposition research that produced the discredited Steele dossier. Obama was later briefed on intelligence alleging that Clinton had approved a plan to tie Trump to Russia and divert attention from her email controversy. The Washington Post, not exactly pro-Trump, in 2017, wrote: “The Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee helped fund research that resulted in a now-famous dossier containing allegations about Trump’s connections to Russia and possible coordination between his campaign and the Kremlin, people familiar with the matter said.” The collusion probe began before the dossier, but the dossier later gave the investigation a lot of fuel, particularly for the Carter Page FISA surveillance applications. According to documents released by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, preelection intelligence reports emphasized Russia’s efforts to disrupt the election and undermine confidence in the democratic process without concluding that Moscow’s objective was to elect Trump. After Trump’s unexpected victory, however, Obama ordered a new assessment. This time it concluded Putin had developed a preference for Trump and wanted him to win. The Media Research Center said 92% of the evaluative coverage of Trump 2.0 during his first 100 days by ABC’s “World News Tonight,” the “CBS Evening News” and “NBC Nightly News” was negative. And much of this was after Trump
closed the southern border, when for years the Biden administration claimed it was closed. During the Biden administration when more than 2.75 million people had entered the country illegally during the 12 months ending September 2022, a December 2022 Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll of registered voters asked, “How many border crossings by illegal immigrants do you think are occurring each year?” Fifty-five percent estimated 500,000 or fewer, and the largest group of voters believed annual illegal border crossings numbered between 100,000 and 250,000. Ill-informed? It never ends. Nicolle Wallace, an MS NOW host, last week played an excerpt of Vice President JD Vance imploring voters to keep the Republican congressional majorities. Wallace, laughing, then said, “What I love is, like, give us two more years of rounding and — rounding up and shooting Americans in the streets, stealing all of your money and destroying the economy. Nobody wants that.” It boggles the mind how much time the media spend on the inconsequential — such as Trump attaching his name to the Kennedy Center — compared with how little they spend examining how close Iran came to producing enough weapons-grade uranium for a nuclear bomb. Words fail. Trump fumes. Understandably so. His ban may not survive a court challenge. But the record of overwhelmingly negative media coverage remains open for all to see. Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com).
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
What El-Sayed won’t say about Iran tells Michigan everything
El-Sayed also believes, at best, that Western nations are as evil or worse than jihadists.
DURING A RECENT town hall, a University of Michigan student named Iman Dashti confronted the Democratic Party’s Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed regarding his habitual whitewashing and rationalization of Islamic terrorism. Dashti, who says his family is a victim of the Iranian regime’s theocratic persecution, pressed the candidate numerous times to denounce one of the world’s most odious tyrannies. Did El-Sayed regret not speaking out against the tyrannical clerics of Iran? Would he now renounce those who held vigils supporting the mass murderer Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? Would he “unequivocally” condemn the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps — a group that’s not only tortured, imprisoned and killed tens of thousands of Iranian civilians in the past year but is responsible for the murder of hundreds of Americans? The answer was no, no and no. El-Sayed wouldn’t. Rather, the candidate offered a platitudinous word salad on how the United States should avoid becoming “the world’s policeman” and how we can still stand “in solidarity with freedom and democracy movements.” Dashti didn’t ask El-Sayed about regime change in Iran. He asked the candidate to offer a condemnation of some of the most odious characters in the world. El-Sayed simply couldn’t do it. And it is important to ask why. There’s nothing inherently wrong with arguing that the U.S. shouldn’t be the world’s
policeman. But we already know that El-Sayed has no qualms demanding that Americans act like the police. Otherwise, why would he demand the Trump administration arrest the elected prime minister of our ally Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, at the behest of an international “court” helmed by activists from France, Benin and Slovenia? And El-Sayed’s refusal to speak on the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, killed in a joint American-Israeli air strike, had absolutely nothing to do with an aversion to the U.S. meddling abroad. We know this from leaked audio in which the candidate instructed his staff not to comment on the death of the medieval Islamic Twelver radical who led his nation in chants of “Death to America” because “there are a lot of people in Dearborn who are sad today.” Judging from the preponderance of evidence, El-Sayed was almost surely sad himself. El-Sayed says he opposes foreign entanglements. But while he not only wants to cut off U.S. aid to Israel but also stop any sales of military equipment, even defensive ones, he supports military aid to Ukraine. The Senate candidate maintains the difference is that, unlike the Jewish state, Ukraine was attacked by Russia, who had broken “international law.” Which means that El-Sayed doesn’t consider the murder of more than 1,200 Israeli men, women and children against “international law.” Nor does he consider the launching of more than 350 ballistic missiles at Israel by Iran — nearly two years before Operation Epic Fury was initiated — a belligerent act of war.
It makes sense. The first instinct of El-Sayed, who once protested an appearance by reformed terrorists who had converted to Christianity, when a would-be Hezbollah terrorist attempted to slaughter a school filled with 4- and 5-year-old Jewish children was “hurt people hurt people.” It is no surprise that this Senate candidate would invite Hasan Piker, the man who hasn’t run across an Islamic terrorist group or murderous communist he didn’t feel compelled to defend, to campaign with him. These days, El-Sayed keeps referring to Piker as a “Twitch streamer in California” to gaslight journalists who ask him about the relationship. But if Piker was an irrelevant out-of-state social media personality, why did El-Sayed feel compelled to campaign on numerous occasions? Occam’s razor tells us that El-Sayed feels a connection, even holds similar views, to a man who believes the U.S. deserved 9/11. El-Sayed also believes, at best, that Western nations are as evil or worse than jihadists. That moral equivalence was on display in a now-deleted 2021 tweet commemorating 9/11. “Today, I mourn the 3K lives, 6K injuries, & infrastructural devastation in NYC perpetuated ignorantly in the name of my faith,” El-Sayed tweeted before adding, “Tomorrow, I’ll mourn ~1M lives, millions of injuries, & infrastructural devastation in 3 countries, perpetuated ignorantly in the name of my country.” It is clear from that comment that El-Sayed believes we are far worse than the Islamist extremists of the Middle East. In a healthier era, any one of these relationships would have sunk a candidacy. At this point, Michigan voters are well aware of El-Sayed’s radicalism, and yet he looks poised to become our first Islamist senator. David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 30, 2026
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Trump administration lowers fuel economy requirements The rule prioritizes affordability for consumers By Alexa St. John and Anne D’Innocenzio The Associated Press DETROIT — The Trump administration on Monday released new fuel economy standards that relax regulatory requirements for automakers to control pollution from gasoline-powered cars and light trucks. The new rules were released shortly after President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices soaring. The change furthers Trump’s promise to revoke policies that encouraged or created incentives for the production of electric vehicles and, ultimately, will expose Americans to more planet-warming pollution from vehicles. Mileage standards, known as Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, requirements, have been implemented since the 1970s energy crisis and set out how far new vehicles need to travel on a gallon of gasoline. Over time, automakers have gradually improved their vehicles’ average efficiency. The Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that the finalized standards would correspond to a combined industry fleetwide average of roughly 34.9 miles per gallon for passenger cars and light trucks in the 2031 model year. That’s up from 30.1 miles per gallon for model year 2024 but down from a projected 50.4 miles per gallon in 2031 under rules put in place by the Biden administration. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we have finally ended the illegal mandate that forced automakers to produce more expensive electric vehicles that American families didn’t want,” Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said in a statement touting vehicle affordability. NHTSA had projected last December that the new standards would hover at roughly 34.5 miles per gallon. The news comes amid ongoing tensions as the war in Iran persists, with Trump refusing a deal with Iran to open the Strait as recently as Saturday, impacting the world’s oil supply. Environmental groups concerned over rollback
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GRANTS from page A1 “We got word a week or so ago that they cut the funding for the spring,” Hinson told commissioners. “They gave out no money at all this spring, so they told us to reapply for the fall.” The West Stanly project would connect the existing Millingport booster station to the western part of the county, providing a second feed for the ar-
ea’s water supply and giving the county another route to deliver water. Hinson estimated the project’s cost at $8.9 million and said up to $5 million is available through the funding opportunity. The county will submit the same application it prepared for the spring round, this time seeking fall funding. In a separate presentation, Senior Services Director Pamela Sullivan requested approv-
News of the revised standards immediately drew rebukes from environmentalists. The DOT said Monday that the rule would cut yearly oil consumption in 2050 by about 1.3 billion barrels as compared to yearly oil consumption in 2024. But when the 2024 standards went into effect, NHTSA estimated they would save 14 billion gallons of gasoline from being burned by 2050. The agency also said that while new fuel-efficient vehicles cost more up front, savings on gasoline over the lifetime of the car or truck would more than make up for that. Environmental groups estimate now, without stricter standards, cars could produce 22,111 more tons of carbon dioxide per year than under the Biden-era rules in 2035. The rule also translates to
al to apply for $60,000 through the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s 5310 Capital Purchase of Service Grant for fiscal 2028. “Transportation is one of the most significant barriers for seniors when they’re facing and trying to maintain their independence and health,” Sullivan said. The grant would support transportation for Stanly County residents 65 and older. Sulli-
EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO
President Donald Trump speaks during an event on fuel economy standards in the Oval Office of the White House in December 2025.
Automakers and industry groups have said the new rules will increase Americans’ access to the full range of gasoline vehicles they need and can afford. “NHTSA made the right call to better align fuel economy standards with the law and current market conditions,” John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents the domestic auto industry, said in a statement. He said the previous standards “effectively required a switchover to electric vehicles that was out of step with market realities and customer demand. Today’s final rule is an appropriate course correction.” “What the industry needs is long-term regulatory stability that includes balanced, durable and achievable fuel economy standards that continue to reduce emissions and
improve fuel economy,” Bozzella added. “This is the formula for preserving consumer vehicle choice and keeping the U.S. auto industry globally competitive.” A spokesperson for Ford Motor Company, maker of the top-selling pickup truck, the F-150, said: “We appreciate Secretary Duffy and the Administration’s work to align regulations with market realities. As we evaluate the final rule’s full impact on our business, we’ll continue working with the Administration to build a strong American auto industry.” A General Motors spokesperson said in a statement the company supports the goals of the rule “and its intention to better align fuel economy standards with market realities.” Stellantis also welcomed the changes. “These standards will allow us to offer our customers the freedom to choose from a range of vehicles and powertrains that meet their needs, from brands they love and trust,” a Stellantis spokesperson said in a statement. Trump wrote on his Truth Social media account Saturday that the less stringent mileage requirements would “take the waste out of building cars in America” and save families “thousands on a new, beautiful and safe car,” while boosting auto production in the U.S. The DOT reiterated Monday that the changes will cut the average cost of a new vehicle by $1,300, and save Americans $138 billion over the next five years. Americans, however, are spending more on gas as Washington’s war with Iran disrupts the global flow of fuel; gasoline prices averaged $4.47 on Monday, according to the AAA motor club, up from $3.13 a year ago. The rising cost of oil weighed on U.S. stocks to start the week. “Trump is tanking sensible mile per gallon standards at the worst possible time for consumers, who are getting hit with sky-high prices at the pump,” the Center for Biological Diversity’s Becker said. “Consumers will pay the price for these reckless rollbacks while Trump’s Big Oil and Big Auto buddies reap the short-term profits.” Experts have also said that less stringent rules do not necessarily translate to more consumer purchases of new vehicles that may have more safety features. The average new car in America sold for $50,089 in August, crossing over the $50,000 line for the first time since last December, according to Kelley Blue Book data.
van said Senior Services would combine the money with its existing Home and Community Care Block Grant funding to help older adults get to medical appointments and access aging services. “Combining the $60,000 grant with our existing HCCBG funding, we can help guarantee our older adults have reliable access to medical appointments and vital aging services,” Sullivan said.
At Sullivan’s request, commissioners held a public hearing on the transportation grant. They then unanimously approved the application and an accompanying program resolution, authorizing Senior Services to seek the money. The Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.
an extra 90 tons a year of deadly soot particles and 4,870 additional tons a year of smog components such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds emitted into the air in coming years, experts say. Transportation already accounts for much of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions that warm the planet; 28% as of the last estimate in 2022. It “ignores the feasibility of clean technology and the millions of fuel-efficient cars already on the road,” Dan Becker, director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s Safe Climate Transport Campaign, said of the rule. Since taking office, Trump has also pulled back auto tailpipe emissions rules, repealed fines for automakers that do not meet federal mileage standards and terminated consumer credits of up to $7,500 for EV purchases. The president has repeatedly pledged to end what he calls an EV “mandate,” referring to former President Joe Biden’s target that half of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030. No federal policy has mandated auto companies to sell EVs. According to data from Cox Automotive, EVs accounted for 5.7% of total new-vehicle sales in August, down from 7.4% for all of 2025. Katherine García, director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign, vowed the environmental group would fight the rule. “Less fuel-efficient cars mean more gas burned, spending more at the pump, and dirtier air in our communities,” Garcia wrote in a statement. State of auto industry
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 30, 2026
SpaceX’s enormous Starship launches into orbit, delivers payload for first time The successful deployment of advanced satellites advances the path to lunar certification By Marcia Dunn The Associated Press SPACEX LAUNCHED its enormous Starship into orbit for the first time Monday and successfully delivered the most advanced Starlinks yet, but cut the flight short to ensure safety. The spacecraft reentered over the Pacific and splashed down north of Hawaii three hours after blasting off from Texas. The company had been aiming for a 10-hour flight, spanning six full laps around Earth, to prove its readiness for NASA’s Artemis moon program. Starship tipped over and erupted in flames upon splashdown, a dramatic (and intentional) end to the mission. Founder Elon Musk’s Starship almost didn’t make it to orbit when one of its engines shut down too soon. But with everything else working well and the bad engine no longer needed, flight controllers decided after several tense minutes to proceed as planned. “Starship is orbital,” Mission Control announced to cheers. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman congratulated SpaceX on reaching orbit and “managing every step in a safe, responsible and especially inspirational way.” Rocket carries 26 of Musk’s most advanced Starlink satellites Musk’s showpiece rocket — the biggest and most powerful ever built — carried 26 of the latest Starlink satellites to join the 11,000 older models already providing internet service. They popped out of the spacecraft one by one, drawing more cheers from the SpaceX crowds looking on from the
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Starship takes off for its first orbital flight from Starbase, Texas on Monday morning. launch site at Starbase, Texas. The decision to end the flight early came soon afterward. No reason was provided. It was Starship’s 14th full-scale launch from Texas’ southern tip in three years. The earlier test flights ventured no farther than the Indian Ocean halfway around the world, often crashing in flames and briefly skimming space. This time, SpaceX was intent on circling the globe from an altitude of 170 miles — not just once but six times over almost 10 hours, ending with a Pacific splashdown near Chile. While Starship achieved the proper orbit zipping along at 17,500 mph, flight controllers opted to play it safe and bring it back several hours sooner, after just a couple laps. The first-stage booster was never meant to return to the
Starbase launch site either, instead dropping into the Gulf of Mexico within minutes of the morning liftoff. SpaceX wants to ensure that everything works before flying Starship back to Starbase. If the spacecraft breaks apart over land and rains debris onto people, “our popularity would diminish very rapidly,” Musk said at a business summit earlier this month. “That’s why we’re being extremely cautious here.” Depending on the findings from Monday’s orbital debut, the next Starship could return to the launch pad with giant mechanical arms grabbing the hovering spacecraft. If the catch works — Musk gives it even or slightly better odds — then SpaceX will refly the spacecraft by year’s end or early next year. The 407-foot rocket was designed from the start to be ful-
ly reusable — a key to lowering launch costs. SpaceX managed to salvage the last Starship from the Indian Ocean in July. Engineers modified the newly launched Starship’s heat shield based on hands-on inspections from the recovered spacecraft, which is being tugged back to Starbase. SpaceX wants Starship certified for orbital flight SpaceX is pressing hard to certify Starship for orbital flight, a vital step toward moon and Mars travel. NASA’s Artemis III mission is coming up as soon as next summer, a triple-launch docking exercise in orbit around Earth between an Orion capsule full of astronauts and competing lunar landers. Jeff Bezos’ Blue Moon will blast off first, then Orion —
which will close in for a linkup — then Musk’s Starship for a docking with Orion once Blue Moon is unleashed. The next mission — Artemis IV slated for no sooner than 2028 — would have astronauts landing on the moon in either Blue Moon or Starship, whichever is ready first. Subsequent moonshots will alternate between the two billionaires’ landers. Musk originally developed Starship for Mars, intending to launch scores of them with the red planet’s first settlers. For now, he plans to focus on the moon and use Starship to haul satellites into orbit by the truckload, phasing out the company’s frailer Falcon 9 rocket within several years. A second Starship launch site is nearing completion at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center and a third is planned for Louisiana.
Maritime experts travel to Nantucket to investigate shipwreck remains exposed by nor’easter The newly exposed wreckage lay directly beneath the beach
“Given where it was and where it emerged, it means that everyone who was driving onto the beach this summer was just directly over this. I just think it is so funny and so cool.”
By Leah Willingham The Associated Press BOSTON — A maritime expert planned to visit a Nantucket beach Monday to inspect weathered wooden beams exposed by the weekend’s powerful nor’easter, possibly the remnants of a 19th-century shipwreck buried beneath the island’s southern shore. The Egan Maritime Institute said its exhibits and collections manager would survey the site and send a report to state underwater archaeologists, who then will work with the institute to determine which vessel the wreckage came from. The splintered timbers, fastened together by rusted iron, emerged near an area where remains believed to be from the Warren Sawyer, a wooden schooner lost in 1884, have been found before. Officials from Egan, a nonprofit that operates the Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, cautioned Monday that the newly exposed wreckage has not been identified with certainty. The slow-moving nor’easter battered the Northeast coastline over the weekend with heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous surf, flooding low-lying communities from New Jersey to New England and knocking out power to more than 100,000 customers at times Sunday. The storm also raised concerns about coastal erosion as waves crashed into beaches and seawalls. The Warren Sawyer ran aground on Dec. 22, 1884,
Jason Graziadei, Nantucket Current editor
JASON GRAZIADEI / NANTUCKET CURRENT VIA AP
Shipwreck remains exposed by a powerful nor’easter washed up on the southern shore of Nantucket, Massachusetts, last week. Maritime experts were working to determine the identity of the vessel. while carrying 1,115 bales of cotton and 28 tons of scrap iron from New Orleans to Boston, according to the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources. Its captain and seven-member crew were ultimately rescued. The schooner remained intact on the island’s Miacomet Beach for two weeks, allowing islanders to save 700 bales of cotton using skids and teams of oxen. Then, on Jan. 6, 1885, another storm tore the ship apart, scattering pieces of its hull, remaining cargo and cordage across
more than half a mile of beach. More than a century later, remains believed to be from the ship have continued to emerge from the sand. Jason Graziadei, who has lived on the island for two decades and is editor of the online news site the Nantucket Current, said he went out to the beach Saturday amid heavy winds with his 8-year-old son after he got a tip about possible wreckage on the island’s south shore. He and his son found the wooden beams on a drive-on
beach by the town’s wastewater facility that everyone calls the “Sewer Beds.” He said they had to park their car and walk down to the beach because erosion from the storm had formed a steep drop-off. The location made the discovery even more remarkable to him: It was directly beneath a route beachgoers had been driving all summer. “Given where it was and where it emerged, it means that everyone who was driving onto the beach this summer was just directly over this,” Graziadei
said. “I just think it is so funny and so cool.” Graziadei said his son was excited by the discovery and began asking what had happened to the people aboard the ship and why it had run aground. The two could walk right up to the exposed wreckage. “It’s amazing to think from, you know, over 100 years old that it’s still there,” Graziadei said. State archaeologists inspected a roughly 42-foot section of hull exposed on Miacomet Beach in late 2022 and concluded it was likely part of the Warren Sawyer. A roughly 15-foot-square section of the lower stern appeared nearby in February 2023, but shifting sands buried it again before state archaeologists could return to document it. Nantucket is one of the areas known as the “graveyards of the Atlantic,” with more than 750 wrecks estimated in the surrounding waters. The institute urged visitors not to disturb the newly exposed wreckage. Massachusetts law prohibits removing, damaging or displacing underwater archaeological resources.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 30, 2026
OBITUARIES
Betty Crump Hinson Jan. 11, 1935 – Sept. 28, 2026 Betty Crump Hinson, 91, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Woodhaven Court with her loving family by her side. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Norwood First Baptist Church with Pastor Todd McSwain officiating. Burial will follow at Norview Gardens. The family will receive friends Thursday morning at the church from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m., prior to the service. Betty was born January 11, 1935, in Stanly County to the late Bill and Louise Crump. She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Carolyn McLaurin (Bobby Tucker); grandsons, Charles McLaurin and Christopher McLaurin; and brother, Dub Crump. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herman Boone Hinson, who passed away in 2015; and her brothers, Edgar Crump,
Wayne Crump, and Bid Crump. Betty was a devoted mother and grandmother whose greatest happiness came from spending time with those she loved. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and was always ready for a good yard sale, never knowing what special treasure she might find. She had a tender heart for animals and especially cherished the companionship of her beloved dogs throughout the years. Trips to the beach held a special place in Betty’s heart. She loved walking along the shore searching for seashells and enjoying the beauty and peacefulness of the coast. She also appreciated life’s little treats, including a good hot dog, and found joy in familiar traditions, treasured outings, and time spent with family. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Woodhaven Court and Via Health Partners Hospice and Palliative Care, as well as Vicki Drye, Connie Almond, and Carol Coley, for the kindness, compassion, love, and support shown to Betty and her family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Via Health Partners, 7600 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226. Betty will be remembered for her love of family, her caring heart, and her ability to find happiness in life’s simple moments. From afternoons spent searching for a yard-sale treasure to days at the beach gathering seashells, she leaves behind countless cherished memories. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.
Chris Spatola, basketball analyst and son-in-law of retired Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, dead at 47 A former Army player and military veteran, he later broadcast for ESPN and SiriusXM The Associated Press DURHAM — Chris Spatola, a college basketball analyst and son-in-law of retired Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, has died. He was 47. The Krzyzewski family announced Spatola’s death in a statement released by the school last Tuesday night. No cause of death was announced. “There are no words to adequately express our heartbreak over the loss of our beloved Chris Spatola,” the family said. “Chris served our country, was a devoted husband and father, and was such an important part of our family. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, thoughts, and prayers we have received during this incredibly difficult time. We respectfully ask for privacy as our entire family, particularly Jamie and her three beautiful children, grieve and process this unimaginable loss.” Spatola was a two-time all-Patriot League player during his four-year career at Army from 1998-2002. He later earned commendation medals from time as a captain, including from his deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He had worked on Krzyzewski’s Duke staff from 2007-12, which included the 2010 NCAA cham-
COURTESY
Chris Spatola pionship with current head coach Jon Scheyer as leading scorer. Spatola eventually shifted to broadcasting, notably with ESPN and SiriusXM. Both media outlets released statements Tuesday night about Spatola’s passing. ESPN called him “thoughtful, prepared and passionate about the sport,” while SiriusXM called him “an exceptional teammate and host — intelligent, authentic and passionate.” The Duke and Army programs posted social-media statements honoring Spatola on Wednesday morning. “With Chris, it was never about him, it was only about the game, the players, the coaches, and the fans,” ESPN analyst and former Duke player Jay Bilas said in a statement posted to Instagram. “Heartbroken beyond words to lose such a great friend, yet grateful beyond words to have known him.”
GLADYS CHRISTINE HUGGINS COPE
MARY ELVENE DICK BILES
NOV. 29, 1944 – SEPT. 26, 2026
MAY 11, 1943 – SEPT. 24, 2026
Gladys Christine Huggins Cope, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 29, 1944, in Apopka, Florida, Gladys was the daughter of the late Phillip Samuel Huggins and Alvie Lee Hayes. Gladys enjoyed a successful career in the banking industry that spanned approximately 25 years. Throughout her career, she served in several positions, including as a personal banker, and took great pride in helping and serving others. She later retired from First Charter Bank after many years of dedicated service. Following her retirement, Gladys devoted much of her time to caring for her grandchildren. Affectionately known to them as “Gran E G,” she treasured every moment she spent with them. Her grandchildren were truly the joy of her life, and being their “Gran E G” was one of her greatest blessings. The special bond she shared with them brought her immeasurable happiness and created memories they will carry with them always. Gladys had a caring and generous heart and was always thinking of others before herself. She had a special way of making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and as though they were part of her own family. Family meant everything to Gladys, and she valued the bonds she shared with those she loved above all else. Gladys was also blessed with a wonderful church family who adored her and surrounded her with tremendous love and respect. The kindness, fellowship, and genuine affection they showed her meant so much to Gladys and her family. She treasured those relationships and the special place her church family held in her life. In addition to her parents, Gladys was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sonny Cope; her brothers, C.J. Huggins, Bobby Huggins, Bill Huggins, and Jimmy Huggins; and her granddaughter, Bailey Cope. Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Tim Cope (Teresa); her daughters, Shari Wallace (Chris) and Shayne McPherson (Preston); her grandchildren, Jessica Gosnell (Tim), Heather Ramirez (Josh), Jennifer Cope, Rachel Svistun (Dimitry), Zoe Ennis, and Kolby Ennis; and her great-grandchildren, Avery Gosnell, Ira Svistun, and Gracie Gosnell. She also leaves behind many other loving family members and friends who will cherish her memory. A memorial service celebrating Gladys’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Mt. Pleasant, 8535 Lee Street, Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124, officiated by Reverend Chris Wallace. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 PM, one hour prior to the service, at the church. The family would like to express their special gratitude to Gladys’s nurses, Heather and Tiffany, for the compassionate and diligent care they provided to her. Their kindness, dedication, and support will always be deeply appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to VIA Health Partners, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226. Davis Chapel-Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care is serving the Cope family.
Mary Elvene Dick Biles, 83, of Norwood died peacefully Thursday evening, September 24, 2026 surrounded by her family at Trinity Place. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 2:30 PM Edwards Funeral Home Chapel in Norwood. Rev. Mark Little will officiate.The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Elvene was born May 11, 1943 in Stanly County to the late Henry Theodore and Anice Clarann Burris Dick. She was a 1961 graduate of Endy High School and a member of the former Calvary Baptist Church where she had served as Church Secretary, WMU Director and the Choir. She and her husband Bobby were members of the gospel group “The Testimonians” who sang and witnessed their faith to people all over the east coast of the United States. She was preceded in death by her husband Bobby Darrell Biles in 2019. Four brothers, Reece Dick, Thomas Dick, Cecil Dick and Truette Dick and sister Violet Melinda Kelley. She is survived by her daughter Mechelle Biles Springer and husband Jeff. Son, Bobby Joe Biles (Susie). Sister,Betty Jean Dick Scott. Seven Grandchildren and Six Great-grandchildren. Memorials may be to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 N. First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.
LEWIS WINFRED JAMES JUNE 19, 1937 – SEPT. 24, 2026 Lewis Winfred James, 89, of Albemarle, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026. His funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, in the Stanly Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Delane Burris officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Park with Masonic graveside rites conducted by Albemarle Lodge #703 A.F. & A.M., led by Past Grand Master Dwight MacLauchlin “Mack” Sigmon. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Born June 19, 1937, in Union County, NC, Lewis was the son of the late Lonnie Winfred James and Lila Mae Newsome James. He worked in stock control with Purina Mills in Charlotte and Statesville and was a member of Poplin’s Grove Baptist Church. He also served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve. Lewis devoted much of his life to Masonry and its affiliated organizations. A Master Mason for 63 years, he was a longtime member of Albemarle Lodge #703 A.F. & A.M., where he faithfully served as Treasurer for more than 30 years. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Albemarle Chapter #71, where he had served as Worthy Patron. Lewis was also a member of the Oasis Shrine Clown Unit for more than 50 years, bringing laughter and joy to others through his many years of service. Above all, Lewis was devoted to his family and to the people around him. His family remembers him as an amazing, caring and compassionate man who was honest, trustworthy and faithful. His generosity knew few bounds, and he was the kind of person who would quite literally give someone the shirt off his back. Lewis and Brenda also shared a love of square dancing and were members of the Stanly Squares square dancing club for 18 years. Generous with his time and always willing to help others, Lewis lived his life in service to his family, his community and the organizations he loved. He and his wife, Brenda Kay Kimmer James, shared 67 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, Lewis is survived by his son, Jeffrey Dale James of Gastonia. He was preceded in death by his sister’s Carol Shank and Brenda Foster. The family wishes to express their thanks to Hospice of Cabarrus for their loving care of Lewis and to Jane Huneycutt who also cared for Lewis during this time. Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle is serving the James family.
NANCY MARIE JACKSON APRIL 9, 1973 – SEPT. 23, 2026 Nancy Marie Bryant Jackson, 53, of Albemarle, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Nancy was born April 9, 1973, in Lexington, Virginia, to the late Ollie and Betty Bryant. She is lovingly survived by her husband of 34 years, Darryl Alan Jackson. Those also left to cherish her memory include her children, Douglas Jackson (Katherine) and Alysha Jackson; and her granddaughter, Jessica. In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her brother, Ollie Dean Bryant, Jr., and her sister, Laurie Traywick. Nancy was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother whose caring and nurturing nature was evident in the way she loved and looked after those around her. She had a strong, independent spirit and enjoyed expressing her creativity through crafts. Nancy had a special gift for caring for plants and seemed able to make just about anything grow. She also loved traveling, especially trips to the mountains, and found great enjoyment in spending time outdoors. Whether tending to her plants, working on a craft, enjoying the beauty of the mountains, or simply spending time with those she loved, Nancy found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the many acts of kindness shown during Nancy’s recent illness. The messages, phone calls, prayers, love, and support have been a source of great comfort and are deeply appreciated. Nancy will be remembered for her nurturing heart, independent spirit, and the love she so freely gave to her family. Just as she had a gift for nurturing things and helping them grow, the love she planted in the lives of those around her will continue to flourish. Her memory will remain a treasured part of her family’s lives and will be carried with them always.
DONALD “RAY” BARBEE AUG. 10, 1936 – SEPT. 22, 2026 Donald “Ray” Barbee, 90, of Locust, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at home, surrounded by his family. Ray was born August 10, 1936 in Cabarrus County, North Carolina to the late Grady Julius and Ada Catherine Barbee. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Bill Barbee, Aubrey “Short” Barbee, Herman Barbee, Sr. and sister Patricia Smith. He was self-employed as a commercial garage door installer for many years. Upon retirement, he enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Loretta Barbee, daughter Susan Curlee (Edward) of Locust, and son Danny Barbee (Melinda) of Locust. Also grandchildren Dylan Barbee, Sarah Curlee, and Hannah Ward, as well as many great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm, Sunday, September 27, 2026 at St. Stephens Wesleyan Church. The funeral service will be on Sunday at 4:30 pm at St. Stephens Wesleyan Church in Concord officiated by Rev Gary Morris. Burial will follow at the St. Stephens Wesleyan Church Cemetery at 7601 Brusharbor Road, Concord. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephens Wesleyan Church Building Fund, 7601 Brusharbor Road, Concord NC 28025. Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Barbee family.
STANLY SPORTS
COURTESY DAWN LUCAS PHOTOGRAPHY
North Stanly’s Russell Hinson sends a kickoff downfield during a game earlier this season.
Undefeated North Stanly set to visit Albemarle The Comets are aiming to improve to 5-0 By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal ALBEMARLE — Week 7 of the high school football season has all four Stanly County teams back in action, highlighted by an intracounty matchup between two local rivals. It comes after a difficult weekend for the county’s teams, which went winless on the field with three losses and one victory by opponent forfeit. With conference play now underway, each squad will look to gain momentum as the season approaches its second half.
37
Points scored by North Stanly against Albemarle in 2025
North Stanly at Albemarle Undefeated North Stanly will be chasing its fifth win of the season as it makes the short trip to Albemarle on Friday for a Yadkin Valley Conference battle. Last week, the Comets (4-0, 1-0 YVC) were scheduled to host Thomas Jefferson Clas-
sical Academy for homecoming in New London. After the Gryphons canceled their season and forfeited their remaining games, North Stanly moved its homecoming matchup to the Oct. 9 game against South Stanly. Over in Albemarle, the Bulldogs (2-3) came up empty in a 14-0 home loss to Mountain Island Charter, marking their lowest offensive output of the season. They will now open YVC play as they host a Comets team that defeated them 37-0 last season. North Stanly’s current start mirrors its 10-2 campaign of a season ago, when the Comets won their first six games. Albemarle, meanwhile, also
entered last year’s matchup with North Stanly at 2-3. The two teams finished first and fifth in the conference, respectively.
West Stanly 38-17 last season in Wadesboro.
Anson at West Stanly
The South Stanly Rowdy Rebel Bulls (1-4, 1-1 YVC) are two games into conference play following a 36-21 home loss to Union Academy. South Stanly will travel to Spencer for its third YVC matchup to face North Rowan (4-1, 2-0 YVC), which is coming off a 63-point win over Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy. The Bulls were 3-2 through five games last season before winning five straight, including a state playoff victory.
Returning from a bye, the West Stanly Colts (2-3) suffered a 43-15 road loss to Eastern Randolph over the weekend. The 43 points were the most West Stanly has allowed this season, while the defeat extended its losing streak to two games following a Sept. 4 win over Albemarle. The Colts will now open Rocky River Conference play at home in Red Cross against Anson. The Bearcats defeated
South Stanly at North Rowan
West Stanly drops road matchup at Eastern Randolph The Colts lost 43-15 in their final nonconference game
West Stanly’s offense has been held to fewer than 16 points three times this season.
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal RED CROSS — West Stanly’s football team closed out its nonconference schedule with a 43-15 road loss to Eastern Randolph on Friday in Ramseur. Falling behind early, the Colts (2-3) never recovered as the Wildcats (3-3) built a 23-7 halftime lead before adding 13 more points in the third quarter. Eastern Randolph went ahead 16-0 in the second quarter before West Stanly cut the deficit to 16-7. The Wildcats answered with another touchdown before halftime and then scored twice more in the third quarter to stretch the margin to 36-7 entering the final period. West Stanly added a safety and a touchdown in the fourth quarter to trim the deficit, but Eastern Randolph closed the scoring with a pick-six that pushed the final margin to 28 points. For the Colts, junior quarterback Brody Clontz completed 16 of 31 passes for 107 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Freshman Eli Goldman also saw action under center, completing 3 of 5 passes for 34 yards with an interception. The Colts struggled to es-
COURTESY LESLIE GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY
tablish their running game, finishing with 60 yards on 23 carries. Junior running back Holden Pope led the team with 26 yards on nine attempts, while Clontz added 18 yards and a rushing touchdown on seven carries. Seven West Stanly players recorded at least one reception. Junior wide receiver Javier Padilla led the group with six catches for 64 yards, while
senior Zayden Thomas finished with four receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown. West Stanly’s offense finished with three interceptions and was unable to generate enough sustained production to keep pace with a Wildcats attack that scored in all four quarters. Defensively, junior Mason Jackson and senior Barrett Barbee combined for 15 tack-
les. Barbee also recorded two tackles for loss. The 43 points were the most West Stanly has surrendered in a game this season. The loss also extended the Colts’ losing streak to two games following their Sept. 4 victory over Albemarle. West Stanly will now turn its attention to Rocky River Conference play, opening the league schedule at home
in Red Cross against Anson. The Colts went winless in conference play last season and are seeking their first RRC victory since a 33-20 road win over Piedmont on Oct. 4, 2024. With the nonconference portion of the schedule complete, West Stanly will try to reverse its recent slide as it enters the portion of the season that will determine its positioning in the RRC standings.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 30, 2026
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SIDELINE REPORT ESPORTS
11-year-old Japanese player Kurihara wins esports gold medal at Asian Games Nagoya, Japan Yuki Kurihara of Japan has won a gold medal in esports at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The 11-year-old is believed to be the youngest ever gold-medal winner in the games, which date from 1951. He says eel is his favorite training food, and he found his niche in his sport when he was in kindergarten. He defeated Kang Dongshin of South Korea 10-2 on Saturday in the final of the Puyo Puyo Champions puzzle game. He also defeated Tanarak Wongkitikun of Thailand in the semifinals 10-1.
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NCAA FOOTBALL
Simmons’ 5-sack day marred by celebration that mimicked urinating on field Knoxville, Tenn. Texas Longhorns edge rusher Colin Simmons tied the program record with five sacks in a 20-17 win over Tennessee. He also made another highlight that was going viral by halftime. He sacked Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon in the second quarter, then started celebrating in a way that drew an immediate flag. The official announced the unsportsmanlike penalty for “simulating” using the restroom. Simmons has 28 sacks in 33 career games at Texas.
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MLB
Verlander leaves final start of 21-year career as daughter sprints to mound for hug Detroit Justin Verlander received an unexpected farewell during his MLB finale. His 7-year-old daughter, Genevieve, joined Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch on the mound during the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wearing a Tigers jersey with her dad’s name, she hugged Verlander. The 43-year-old pitcher, a 10-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young Award winner, left the field holding his daughter’s hand to a standing ovation. Verlander allowed two runs and five hits in 51⁄3 innings. His career ends with 3,560 strikeouts.
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WNBA
Wilson wins AP WNBA Player of the Year for 3rd straight year; Reese top defensive player New York A’ja Wilson won the WNBA Player of the Year honors for the third straight year, receiving 15 of the 17 first-place votes. She topped Olivia Miles of Minnesota as well as Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell of Indiana, who all had stellar seasons. It’s the fourth time that Wilson has won the award, the most all time since the awards were first given in 2016. Angel Reese won Defensive Player of the Year. Cheryl Reeve wins Coach of the Year for third time. Minnesota’s Olivia Miles was unanimous Rookie of the Year.
TENNIS
Wimbledon finalists Noskova, Muchova secure King Cup title for Czechia Shenzhen, China Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova teamed together to win the Billie Jean King Cup for Czechia. The sixth-ranked Noskova and the eighth-ranked Muchova each won their singles matches as Czechia beat Ukraine 2-0 in the final of the women’s tennis team event. Noskova sealed it by beating the seventh-ranked Elina Svitolina 6-3, 7-6 (5) after Muchova beat 47th-ranked Anhelina Kalinina 6-2, 6-3. The former Czech Republic earned its 12th title in the competition that was previously called Fed Cup. Only the United States has won more with a record 18 titles.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Larson passes Briscoe with 7 laps left to win for fourth time at Kansas Speedway The defending champion has a 26-point lead in the Chase standings By Dave Skretta The Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Kyle Larson has always found it easier to be the hunter than the hunted. He won’t have much choice in the matter now. The defending NASCAR Cup Series champion capped a dominant performance at Kansas Speedway on Sunday by passing Chase Briscoe with seven laps left and leading the rest of the way, leaving Larson to wheel his No. 5 Chevrolet into victory lane for a record-tying fourth time at the mile-and-a-half oval and with a padded lead in the Chase for the championship standings. Larson won each of the first two stages and broke his own record by leading 235 laps, allowing him to turn the slimmest of leads — a single point over Denny Hamlin at the start of the day — into a 26-point advantage heading to Las Vegas next weekend. “Such a good day,” Larson said. “I was going to be happy with second how the race went, but to get the lead, that’s a big deal.” Briscoe chased down Larson throughout the final stage, finally getting around him with 30 laps to go. But after briefly pulling away, the No. 19 Toyota began to get loose, and Briscoe brushed the wall. Larson closed in on the lead again, made a move on the low side and powered away, taking the checkered flag for the second time in three races. He also won at St. Louis, a victory that had ended a maddening 51-race winless drought. “I think it’s easier to be the hunter than the hunted,” Larson said. “With me out front, I’m just defending, trying to guess on what the fast lines are, and when he got in front of me
COLIN E. BRALEY / AP PHOTO
Kyle Larson celebrates in Victory Lane after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Kansas City. he started getting really loose.” So loose that Briscoe drifted all the way back to fourth. Austin Cindric wound up second and Hamlin finished third. “It was better for me being in second. It would tighten me up and allow me to be a little better,” Briscoe said, “and as soon as I got the lead I got really free again. Frustrating for sure.” Cindric spent much of the day stalking Larson but was never able to get his No. 2 Ford around him. He might have been the fastest car on the track at the end too, but Cindric was too far back to mount a challenge for the victory. “I wish I would have had at
least a shot at it. I thought we could join the fun at least,” Cindric said, “but proud of the effort.” It was a similar story — and a bittersweet day — for Hamlin, whose strong third-place run nevertheless cost him in the points race. The revamped Chase format offers a big reward for wins, and Larson was the one doing a celebratory burnout at the end. “Just didn’t quite have it today,” Hamlin said. “We could be really good in the long run. In the short run, the 5 was really good. The 2 was good. And we just couldn’t quite hold those guys off
“I think it’s easier to be the hunter than the hunted. With me out front, I’m just defending.” Kyle Larson or keep them close enough in the short run.” Persistent rain earlier in the weekend washed out practice and qualifying, leaving the starting lineup to be set by a combination of last week’s results at Bristol and owner points. That
James gone, but Lakers GM Pelinka, coach Redick excited about future Los Angeles will have a new look after a busy offseason
“I think Walker is a perfect fit for Luka and AR, just in terms of his rim protection and really being an anchor for our defense.” Lakers coach JJ Redick on Walker Kessler
By Greg Beacham The Associated Press EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — LeBron James has left the building, and that’s not the only big change facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming season. James’ departure was still on general manager Rob Pelinka’s mind when he held his start-of-the-season news conference with coach JJ Redick. The general manager also exuded optimism about his first discussions with the Lakers’ latest new owners, praised the continued additions to his front office and got excited about the major changes to their roster, headlined by the addition of center Walker Kessler. Pelinka began the afternoon by thanking James profusely for their eight years together, but he declined to go into any detail about the dissolution of the Lakers’ partnership with the top scorer in NBA history and the focal point of their franchise. James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on July 24. “We’re grateful for the LeBron era, and I think the communications with him this offseason were held diplomatically and professionally and honestly,” Pelinka said. “It was done amicably, professionally, gracefully, and we look at the whole thing with gratitude. It was a great era, and we’re grateful for it.” James’ eight seasons with the Lakers were the longest continuous stretch with a single team of his NBA career, and he won the franchise’s 17th championship in 2020 while returning
left Larson in the enviable spot of starting alongside Joey Logano on the front row and the fortunate position of having had so much success at Kansas that missing out on practice really didn’t matter. Larson’s fourth win tied Hamlin’s record for the track, and he’s been first or second in seven of the past 11 races there. “I feel like if we can just click it, we’re the most comfortable on these (mile-and-a-half tracks),” Larson said. “Man, what a day. I thought we’d have a good shot. I didn’t think we’d have a max points-type day, so I’m just thrilled.”
GREG BEACHAM / AP PHOTO
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, left, and head coach JJ Redick speak with reporters. it to consistent playoff success. When James left his son behind to move to Philadelphia, he pointedly did it on a two-year, $8 million deal — a steep discount that the Lakers never got. But if Pelinka and the Lakers feel any disappointment about the circumstances of James’ departure, the GM has no intention of revealing it publicly. Instead, the Lakers are moving on with a firm focus on maximizing the talents of NBA scoring champion Luka Doncic and fellow high-scoring guard Austin Reaves. “Luka is the world’s greatest offensive player, and for us
to have an opportunity to have that player in our building every night as a 26-year-old is special, and it requires us to do special things to build a team around it,” Pelinka said. “That’s what we started this summer, and we’re really, really happy with the way it’s looking so far.” The biggest move was the acquisition of Kessler, the 7-foot-2 center acquired from Utah for a host of first-round draft capital and then signed to a four-year, $130 million contract. Kessler fills Doncic’s longstanding desire for a center who can impact the game on both ends, both as a rim protector
and a rim-rocking lob finisher. “I think Walker is a perfect fit for Luka and AR, just in terms of his rim protection and really being an anchor for our defense,” Redick said. “That’s an area we’ve struggled with.” Redick is already working on the changes he’ll make with James’ departure and Kessler’s arrival. The Lakers have done copious defensive switching in recent years, but Redick understandably wants Kessler to spend his time protecting the rim. Redick also intends to go deeper into his bench on a consistent basis, because that bench has improved: “We’re go-
ing to play more guys this year. We’re just naturally deeper.” Those additions include Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Kevon Looney, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams, Matisse Thybulle and rookie Cameron Carr, who is already drawing rave reviews from the Lakers’ staff. When asked to speculate on the Lakers’ starting lineup, Redick was typically blunt and sarcastic: “I’m pretty confident in three of the spots. The other two spots will not be white guys.” Doncic, Reaves and Kessler are white, as is 15-year NBA veteran Redick. Even after being sold for the second time in two years, the Lakers are continuing to bolster their infrastructure with changes begun during Dodgers owner Mark Walter’s brief stewardship. Pelinka said he has added more than 15 people to his front office, investing heavily in scouting and development with the goal of becoming the NBA’s best in those categories. Pelinka also expressed a desire for continuity in the Lakers’ roster after years of wholesale upheaval in their desperate attempts to assemble a championship-caliber team around James as he entered his third NBA decade. “One of the things we really wanted to lean into was a team that lined up in age with Luka and AR,” Pelinka said. “We want this team to grow together, and I think we were very intentional to get younger and deeper. I think if you look at our roster, that thesis was consistent throughout.”
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 30, 2026
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By order for service by publication dated the 1st day of September, 2026, and filed on the 10th day of September, 2026, you are hereby notified that on June 18, 2026, Cody Gardinier filed a Petition for Legitimation in the Superior Court of Emanuel County, Georgia. You are required to file with the Clerk of the Superior Court of Emanuel County and serve upon Petitioner’s attorney, whose name and address are: Courtney Joiner Anderson, C. Joiner Anderson, Law, P.C., P.O. Box 1488, Lyons, GA 30436, an Answer to the Petition within sixty (60) days of the date of the Order for Publication. The Court has scheduled a hearing in this matter for November 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in the courtroom of the Honorable Robert S. Reeves, located at 25 S Main Street, Swainsboro, GA 30401. If you fail to answer or appear for hearing, judgment may be entered against you, and the Court may grant the relief requested in the Petition. This notice shall be published once a week for four consecutive weeks. This 16th day of September, 2026. Courtney Joiner Anderson Attorney for Petitioner Signed as Officer of the Court
NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned has qualified as Executor of the Estate of DELORES BURLESON KIMMER, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina (Stanly County File Number 26E000027-830). This is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said decedent or her estate to present the same duly itemized and verified to the undersigned Executor or her Attorney on or before the 9th day of December 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the decedent or to her estate are hereby requested to pay the said indebtedness to the undersigned Executor or her attorney. This the 4th day of September 2026. CRYSTAL MISENHEIMER EUDY Executor ESTATE OF DELORES BURLESON KIMMER 1911 Midwood Drive, Apt. 1 Albemarle, NC 28001 CHARLES P. BROWN BROWN & SENTER, P.L.L.C. PO Box 400 Albemarle, North Carolina 28002-0400 Telephone: 704 982-2141 Facsimile: 704 982-0902 PUBLISH: September 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2026
NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF STANLY 26E000213-830 In the Matter of the Estate Of Steven Chase Coleman NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Steven Chase Coleman deceased, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the said decedent to exhibit them to the Stanly County Clerk of Court on or before December 20, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to said estate are notified to make immediate payment. This the 16th day of September, 2026. Elana Coleman Administrator Brian P. Hayes Attorney Ferguson Hayes Hawkins, PLLC P. O. Box 444 Concord, NC 28026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator for the Estate of James Franklin Heglar, Jr, deceased, late of Stanly County, NC hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the said decedent to present to the undersigned on or before January 10, 2027 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to said estate are notified to make immediate payment. Mamie Hensley, Administrator for the Estate of James Franklin Heglar, Jr Estate File 26E000440-830, 37606 Old Country Road, Mt. Pleasant, NC 28124.
Notice of Public Hearing Notice is hereby given that the Town of Norwood Town Council will, on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 6:00 pm, hold a public hearing at the Town Hall located at 212 S. Main St., Norwood, NC, to consider the request for a text amendment to add Short Term Rentals (STR) to the town zoning ordinance. A copy is available to view at town hall. Persons interested in speaking for or against these requests will be heard.
NOTICE
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NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000411-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Co-Administrator of the Estate of Reinhart Koschatzky deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Reinhart Koschatzky to present them to the undersigned on or before December 9, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 9th day of September 2026. Renee Misenheimer 42615 Caudle Road Richfield, NC 28137 Co-Administrator Ryan Koschatzky 1017 Hornbuckle Ct. Wake Forest, NC 27587 Co-Administrator
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000394-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Administratrix of the Estate of Ricky Dale Lisenby deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Ricky Dale Lisenby to present them to the undersigned on or before December 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 23rd day of September 2026. Amanda Lisenby Cranford 6700 Kluttz Road Concord, NC 28025 Administratrix
PUBLIC HEARING The Town of Red Cross will hold a Public Hearing on Monday October 12, 2026 at the Town of Red Cross Town Hall at 7:00 PM. The purpose of this Public Hearing is to hear comments from the public, either for, or against, the adoption of an updated Subdivision Ordinance. Further information is available at the Red Cross Town Hall at 704-485-2002.
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000413-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Teressa Strawn Martin deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Teressa Strawn Martin to present them to the undersigned on or before December 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 23rd day of September 2026. Rachel Rhodes Perry 5927 Morris Woods Drive Stanfield, NC 28163 Executor
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 30, 2026
the stream
CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO
Wynonna Judd performs “Why Not Me” during the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards 2025 in Frisco, Texas.
Quavo album, ‘East of Eden’ series, ‘Minecraft Dungeons II’ Catherine Zeta-Jones stars in “Kill Jackie” on AMC+ The Associated Press THE LIMITED series adaptation of “East of Eden” and an album from Quavo are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma,” Wynonna Judd’s first album in a decade and “Minecraft Dungeons II.” MOVIES TO STREAM “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” (streaming Friday on Mubi) is Jane Schoenbrun’s anticipated follow-up to 2024’s “I Saw the TV Glow.” A standout at the Cannes Film Festival, the film stars Hannah Einbinder (“Hacks”) as a filmmaker eager to revive a slasher franchise with its original star (Gillian Anderson). In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr called it “a thoughtfully constructed fever dream that wears its high and low brow references on its sleeve — a bold and worthy vision that continues Schoenbrun’s exploration of transitioning using the cinematic and pop cultural tools at their disposal and reinventing them in their image.” Amir Bar-Lev’s “The Last First: Winter K2” (Apple TV, out Friday) chronicles the first team of mountaineers who attempted to make a winter ascent of K2 in 2001. The expedition of the world’s second-highest peak is undertaken at a time when temperatures just at the base camp can reach 50 below. MUSIC TO STREAM Summer has come and gone, but festival season is not quite over. Austin City Limits Festival will take place over two consecutive weekends in the Texas capital starting Friday. Fans outside the Lone Star State and far beyond can livestream the first weekend, Oct. 2-4, via Disney+ and Hulu. Choose Texas, y’all! Country star Judd returns with her first new album in a decade. “The Hard Truth” promises to deliver on just that. She cowrote most of the album,
IAN WEST / PA VIA AP
Florence Pugh arrives for a special screening of “East of Eden,” in London last Friday.
cades hiding in plain sight as an art dealer. Her cover blows up when she learns a crew of assassins have been hired to kill her. The eight-episode thriller, debuting Friday, is adapted from Aidan Truhen’s novel “The Price You Pay,” and comes from the creative team behind “Killing Eve.” In “Tip Toe,” Alan Cumming and David Morrissey play neighbors of 15 years whose easy rapport morphs into open hostility as rising bigotry seeps into their lives. It premieres Friday on Starz. Russell T. Davies (“Queer as Folk”) wrote all five episodes of the drama, which won rave reviews when it aired in the UK earlier this year. Just in time for spooky season, Tubi unwraps a horror anthology called “Bite Size Terror.” The series spotlights emerging writers and directors across body horror, dark comedy and the supernatural. Episodes include “Kachina” — about the deadly repercussions of an influencer hired to redecorate a home who disturbs a family’s sacred doll while on the job — and “The Deep End,” about a babysitter who realizes something’s wrong with a child after an underwater trick in the pool. All episodes drop Friday, making it perfect for Halloween-season binging. VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
“I’ve spent a lifetime singing about heartbreak, healing, faith, and survival, but I’ve never made a record like this one.” Wynonna Judd which was produced by her husband, Cactus Moser. “I’ve spent a lifetime singing about heartbreak, healing, faith, and survival, but I’ve never made a record like this one,” Judd wrote in her album announcement in July. “These songs tell the truth about where I’ve been, what I’ve lost, what I’ve overcome, and who I’ve become.” That they do. Grammy-nominated rapper Quavo will release a new album, “QRÖMELIFE,” also on Friday. Executive produced by Pharrell Williams (who has been quite busy these days following 2025’s Clipse record and forthcoming titles from John Legend and Pusha T), the MC is ready to introduce his latest chapter. And while it might sound counterintuitive, start with the ferocious “Backwards,” his collaboration with T.I. It’ll have you wanting to book a flight to Atlanta.
JEFF MOORE / PA VIA AP
Catherine Zeta-Jones attends the “Kill Jackie” premiere in central London last Thursday. SERIES TO STREAM Florence Pugh headlines Netflix’s seven-episode adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel “East of Eden,” playing the charming, morally slippery Cathy Ames. It’s written and executive produced by Zoe Kazan, granddaughter of Elia Kazan, who directed the famed 1955 film version that starred James Dean. This time, Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist play brothers Adam
and Charles Trask whose relationship is fractured when Ames enters their lives. Kazan says her version is a fuller telling of the story compared to her grandfather’s take, including a deeper dive into Pugh’s character. It premieres Thursday. Catherine Zeta-Jones stars in and executive produces the AMC+ series “Kill Jackie,” about a former international drug smuggler named Jackie Price, who spent two de-
The world of Minecraft has expanded well beyond computers, with books, Lego sets, all sorts of merchandise and even a hit movie. But developer Mojang is still in the video game business, and its latest spinoff is “Minecraft Dungeons II.” It takes the familiar blocky characters — and maybe a chicken or two — and drops them into an uncharted new dimension called the Sift. You can play solo or join forces with up to three friends to battle the mobs threatening to invade the Overworld. The quest begins on Xbox X/S, PlayStation 5, Switch and PC. As “Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve” begins, things are looking rough in Strangereal, Bandai Namco’s alternate-universe Earth. The Federation of Central Usea has been invaded by the Republic of Sotoa, but despite the rout, the FCU still has a few fighter jets at its disposal. It’s up to you and your wingmen to reclaim the skies over your homeland. The Ace Combat series has been delivering high-flying dogfighting action for 30 years now, and the latest chapter promises state-of-the-art graphics and exotic new weapons. Liftoff is Friday on Xbox X/S, PlayStation 5 and PC.
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Stanly News Journal for Wednesday, September 30, 2026
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