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This comedy of errors — and terrors — is told in “SOL,” the latest novel from author Michael DiVitto Kelly (billed as “DiVitto Kelly”), which will be published next week by World Castle Publishing, headquartered in Pensacola, Fla. 4 BARBARA JOHNS wasn’t just a participant in the Civil Rights Movement, she triggered it. Barbara made her mark before Rosa Parks boarded a bus, before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. marched, and before the Greensboro Four sat at the lunch counter. 5 Writer/director Charlie Polinger makes quite a splash, no pun intended, with his feature debut “THE PLAGUE,” a chilling drama that’s not so much a coming-of-age parable as a “coming-ofrage” one. 7 Starting the new year with an old friend seems fitting... SALVINO has
been, and remains, what is, to me, one of the Triad’s premier establishments.
8 Last October, Durham became the fourth North Carolina city to pass an ordinance making it illegal for landlords to collect rent on units with UNSAFE LIVING CONDITIONS. A month later, Greensboro District 5 Representative Tammi Thurm proposed similar legislation. 11 Fortuna Enterprises is excited to announce its second annual Latte Art Throwdown: BREWMANIA. This wrestling-inspired coffee event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, at their Greensboro location, located at 4215 Tudor Lane. 12 Greensboro Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce the 2026-‘27 Bank of Oak Ridge MASTERWORKS SERIES to be held at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts.
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Cursed with a thirst: Local author puts spin on vampire mythology
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ll Sol Hirsch wants to do is enjoy a few drinks, relax on the beach, watch baseball, and spend time with his devoted (if long-suffering) Mark Burger wife, Myrna. A 66-year-old native of Queens, N.Y., the Contributor retired delicatessen owner has relocated to Miami Beach to spend his remaining days having fun in the sun. But, on a trip to visit Myrna’s relatives in Bucharest, Romania, he had a brief encounter with a vampire bat and now finds himself craving human blood. Suddenly, getting a tan is a lethal proposition, because any exposure to the sun will reduce him to ashes. Attempting to conceal his condition from those around him, Sol is desperate for a way to possibly reverse the curse and return to human form. This comedy of errors — and terrors — is told in “Sol,” the latest novel from author Michael DiVitto Kelly (billed as “DiVitto Kelly”), which will be published next week by World Castle Publishing, headquartered in Pensacola, Fla. It’s Kelly’s fourth novel, following “Globster” (2019), “Summer of the Shark” (2020), and “Finley” (2022) — all of which combine horror and humor, as well as incorporating other personal elements of Kelly’s life. It’s not so much a matter of writing what he knows, he said. “I think it’s more ‘write what you like.’” Kelly, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, later lived in New Jersey and South Florida before relocating to WinstonSalem, where he previously worked as the recreation center supervisor at the Old Town Neighborhood Center, where he inaugurated the “Old Town Film Series,” in which he screened films — often encompassing a similar theme or setting — for free every week. He’d previously done a similar series when he worked for the Broward County Library System in South Florida. The inspiration for writing “Sol” was simple: “I had watched a great vampire WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
film from the 1980s — “Fright Night” — and started thinking that all vampires are portrayed as suave and debonair characters, and I thought if I ever wrote a vampire story, the main character would be the complete opposite. Even if it’s horror, I need to add humor. “Sol is a retired deli guy from Queens, N.Y., who’s short, stocky, and balding. Of course, he’s a die-hard Mets fan. I used to live in New Jersey from 1980 to 1996 before moving to Florida. I remember watching the Mets and Yankees, and I thought 1979 would be a great setting, as the Mets were terrible. I had them [Sol and Myrna] retire to Miami Beach before moving to Florida. Jerry Seinfeld has a great joke that tristate residents retired to Miami Beach because it was the law.” Other semi-autobiographical elements found their way into the pages. “I definitely incorporated things that I enjoy in ‘Sol’: baseball, Jewish delis, South Florida, Cuban food, traveling, and vampire films. My wife and I went on our honeymoon to Miami Beach back in 1995. Our first meal was at Rascal House, the premier Jewish deli in the area. We used to go there all the time. I incorporated that into the story. I also loved dining at Jewish delis in New York City.” Having also written short stories, “‘Sol’ was originally a novelette, which can be between 7,500 and 17,500 words,” Kelly said. “But I reread it and realized there was room to turn it into a full-length novel. I added new characters, expanded others, created more scenes, and added more detail. With a short story, you keep the story short and pithy. With a novel, you’re able to add much more.” Unlike Stephen King, Kelly’s novels tend not to be connected by a recurring setting (the town of Castle Rock) or character. “The story doesn’t have anything to do with my other novels, although it inspired me to continue writing period pieces,” he said. “I’m over 17,000 words into my next novel, ‘The Alley,’ a creature-
feature novel set in 1981, smack-dab in the Everglades. I used to work for the Seminole Tribe in Florida, where I managed the Hollywood Reservation library and was, later, editor of their newspaper. I’m weaving those experiences into the story. I’m finding that writing stories from the pre-cellphone era
is more enjoyable. I’m an ‘80s kid, so I like that decade too. Another short story I’m thinking of expanding is a werewolf tale set in 1982 in New Jersey.” Although he and his family have called Winston-Salem home for the last several years, he hasn’t used it as a setting for one of his stories, but that could easily change down the road. “When we were still living in hot and humid Florida, I wrote a short story that takes place in North Carolina. I was thinking I would love to move to the Tar Heel State … and here we are! We love Winston-Salem. Great art scene, great neighborhood. I’m digging the seasons again. I can’t handle the heat 24-7, 365 days a year.” For more information, visit the official DiVitto Kelly website: https://www.divittowrites.com/. ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2026, Mark Burger.
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Barbara Johns replaces Robert E. Lee
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all of Fame baseball player Johnny Bench once told me that you’re never too old to have heroes. One of mine is Barbara Johns, and I’m proud to say that as of last month, a bronze sculpture of her stands in the U.S. Capitol, replacing a statue of Confederate general Robert E. Jim Longworth Lee, and representing the state of Virginia. Barbara Johns wasn’t just a parLongworth ticipant in the Civil Rights Moveat Large ment, she triggered it. Barbara made her mark before Rosa Parks boarded a bus, before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. marched, and before the Greensboro Four sat at the lunch counter. Barbara led a national movement for equality, and she did it at the ripe old age of 16. In 1951, Barbara Johns was a junior at Moton High, an all-Black school in the Prince Edward County Virginia town of Farmville. She was an exemplary student who enjoyed English, history, French, and music, and was a member of the debate team. Barbara was mature beyond her years and had a sense of social justice that was inspired by her uncle, The Rev. Vernon Johns, who, at the time, was pastor of Dexter Ave. Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala. (he would be succeeded in that role by Dr. King in 1952). Built in 1939, Moton was a small brick structure designed to hold 180 students, but by 1951, over 450 children were crammed into the school. Not only was the building overcrowded, it was also woefully inadequate for learning. There was no library, no cafeteria, no gym, and no science lab. To alleviate the overflow of students, the Prince Edward school board had several tar paper shacks erected adjacent to the main building. On rainy days, water poured through the leaky roofs, and on cold days, students had to make do with a small stove. The stove was riddled with holes, and hot coals would often pop out onto the floor. By contrast, just down the road stood the all-white high school, which had the best of everything. In those days, the concept of separate but equal was a cruel joke. Schools were separated by race for sure, but they were sure as hell not equal. Fittingly, the base of the new statue is engraved with this quote from young Ms. Johns, “Are we going to just accept these conditions, or are we going to do something about it?” Well, Barbara did something about it. More on that in a moment. I began researching the Moton school saga nearly 30 years ago. Barbara had passed away by then, but I connected with some of her family and friends and was able to get a copy of Barbara’s unfinished manuscript soon after it was discovered in 1999. In it, Barbara wrote
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of the long walks she would take in the woods, contemplating the conditions of her school and of her dreams for a better one. “‘I imagined that a great storm came through and blew down the main building and splattered the shacks to splinters, and out of this wreckage was a magnificent building, and the students were joyous. Then the reality would set in, and I would acknowledge that nothing magical was going to produce a new school.’ I prayed to God, ‘Please let us have a new place where we won’t have to keep our coats on all day to stay warm. God, please help us. We are your children, too.’” Barbara then wrote about a defining incident that convinced her to take action. “One morning I was rushing around helping my brother and sister get down the hill to catch the bus, but I had forgot my lunch. I ran back up the hill to retrieve it, but in the meantime the bus had left. Later, the white school bus drove by. It was half empty and would have to drive past my school to get to the white school, but they wouldn’t let me ride with them. Right then and there I decided something had to be done about this inequality.” The action Barbara took would help trigger a
national movement to provide an equal education for all students. On April 23, 1951, she enacted a carefully devised plan. First, she got the school principal out of the building on a ruse, then she enlisted the aid of seven other students to deliver bogus notes to every teacher, advising them to have their students assemble in the auditorium. Barbara then addressed the student body and convinced them to stage a walkout. On the second day of the strike, Johns and a large group of students marched to the superintendent’s office, where Barbara asked why Black students couldn’t just attend school with whites. The superintendent said that integration was against Virginia law, but promised that a new school was in the works for the Moton students. He lied about the new school. Even worse, he punished the protesting students by taking all of their buses out of commission. The strike lasted for two weeks, during which time Barbara received death threats. Barbara wrote to the NAACP and asked for help. Soon after, two attorneys arrived in Farmville to meet with Barbara and other student leaders. Eventually, their case was folded into Brown v. Board of Education, and by 1959, Prince Edward County schools were ordered to desegregate. But the racist county school board refused to comply, and they got around the law by closing all of their public schools, then opened a make-shift private academy just for the white students to attend. Black students in the area became known as The Lost Generation because they were without a school for five years. Finally, in 1964, all public schools in Farmville were reopened when the Supreme Court ruled that Prince Edward’s racist scheme violated the 14th Amendment by denying Black students equal protection under the law. Still, it would be another 20 years before the county’s schools were fully integrated. Nevertheless, the state of public education had changed forever, and, in large part, we all have a 16-year-old girl to thank for it. Barbara Johns was a visionary and an activist, and if there was a Mt. Rushmore of Civil Rights leaders, she would be on it. For now, we’ll settle for having her likeness in the nation’s Capitol. (The original Moton school has since been restored and today serves as a museum and a venue for community events. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.motonmuseum.org). ! JIM LONGWORTH is the host of Triad Today, airing on Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. on ABC45 (cable channel 7) and Sundays at 11 a.m. on WMYV (cable channel 15) and streaming on WFMY+.
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‘The Plague’: Strife in the water BY MARK BURGER
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riter/director Charlie Polinger makes quite a splash, no pun intended, with his feature debut “The Plague,” a chilling drama that’s not so much a coming-of-age parable as a “coming-of-rage” one. It’s an impressive piece of work all around, as Polinger displays real talent behind the camera, creating an increasingly oppressive atmosphere while coaxing exceptional performances from his young cast. The setting is a water polo camp in 2003, where young Ben (Everett Blunck) is enrolled. A shy, withdrawn boy, Ben is confused and hurt by his parents’ recent divorce, the result of his mother’s extramarital affair, and wants nothing more than to belong and is tentatively taking steps to become friends with his new teammates, who are already a tight-knit group. The lone exception is Eli (newcomer Kenny Rasmussen), who is treated as an outcast because he has broken out in a mysterious rash that the other boys cruelly refer to as “The Plague.” They’ve even concocted their own urban legend that anyone who comes into physical contact will be similarly afflicted. Feeling a kinship with Eli, Ben makes overtures to befriend him, which will have severe consequences. When Ben himself comes down with a rash, he becomes apoplectic, although it’s not entirely clear whether it’s real, a figment of his imagination, or perhaps a physical manifestation of his paranoia. The other boys begin to treat him as an outcast, and their actions go far beyond trading insults or towel-snapping in the locker room. In an era where bullying is a legitimate cultural concern, “The Plague” offers a harrowing dramatization of the theme. It’s not a lecture but a persuasive cautionary tale, told in entirely credible terms. The acting on display is utterly believable, with Blunck and Rasmussen offering differing takes on how they’ve been affected — and, indeed, afflicted — by the thoughtless actions of those WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
around them, particularly those committed by Jake (newcomer Kayo Martin), the principal troublemaker whose penchant for abuse always seems to go unpunished … at least for a while. The only adult character of any consequence is Joel Edgerton’s sympathetic coach, “Daddy Wags,” who, in one of the film’s few moments of levity, offers the disillusioned Ben a pep talk that is light on the pep. When he first read Polinger’s script, Edgerton considered optioning it for himself to direct. Instead, he came aboard as a producer, lending his name to the project so that Polinger could obtain funding and make his directorial bow. As it turned out, it’s a happy collaboration in every sense of the term, even if “The Plague” is not a film one would normally associate with the word “happy.” There are inevitable comparisons to Peter Brook’s “Lord of the Flies” (1963), based on William Golding’s classic 1954 novel, as well as William Friedkin’s “Bug” (2006), based on the 1996 play by screenwriter Tracy Letts. But it’s plainly evident that Polinger has been influenced by Stanley Kubrick, particularly “The Shining “(1980), with touches of “Full Metal Jacket”(1987) tossed in for good measure. More than once, a character is shown in close-up for an inordinate amount of time, the mounting madness reflected in the eyes while remaining perfectly still. There’s a distinct chill to the almost dream-like proceedings, as Polinger assuredly ratchets up the suspense. Like Kubrick, Polinger creates a confined, insular setting that grows more threatening as events progress. On the surface, everything appears normal, but there’s discord, suspicion, and pent-up aggression simmering just beneath the surface. Both Steven Breckon’s cinematography and Johan Lenox’s pounding score further enhance the intensity to an almost unbearable degree. The Plague is not a film to be taken lightly, and it’s not merely a psychological thriller but a very timely exploration of intolerance and its potentially devastating consequences. It’s a hard film to shake, which is testament to its power. !
[ WEEKLY ARTS ROUNDUP]
ALL THINGS NEW AT THE HIGH POINT ARTS COUNCIL
SUBMITTED BY THE ARTS COUNCIL OF GREATER GREENSBORO Some seasons shift quietly, while others open in a rush of possibility. As a new year begins in High Point, the arts community is stepping into the latter. The recent renovation of Centennial Station reflects that energy, offering a space where history and the future meet. Within these walls is the High Point Arts Council, now entering a new chapter under the leadership of Executive Director Catena Bergevin. With more than twenty-five years of nonprofit experience, Catena brings both steadiness and a clear sense of purpose as the organization looks ahead. When asked what feels most new and why it matters for the community, she shared: “HPAC not only has a new look, with the recent renovation of Centennial Station, but a renewed commitment to our creative community, both in High Point and the Triad. As a local arts agency, it is our responsibility to support, nurture, and invest in art that is happening all around us. Our goal is to become more accessible, sustainable, and impactful, and that means building partnerships. Our new Creative Space Access Grant Program provides venue space for creatives by removing financial barriers, fostering innovation, and building community engagement.” In this moment of renewal, both the
Catena Bergevin High Point Arts Council and The ACGG are leaning into collaboration, recognizing that stronger connections across communities expand opportunity, visibility, and impact for artists throughout the region. “I see an incredible opportunity to be a national model of how two local arts councils, working collaboratively together and with city offices, will elevate our creative economy.” With change comes hope, and Catena speaks to how the arts are essential hope bringers: “Artists have always been our guiding light; the arts provide a path forward even in troubling times. At HPAC, we say FOR THE LOVE OF ART, do what you can, support a local artist, buy a ticket, attend a concert, enroll your kids, subscribe to newsletters, learn a craft, make a donation, write to your legislators.... these investments do make a difference. Your voice matters.... I feel a real determination in the air, and that will change the future.” ! JANUARY 7-13, 2026
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[KING CROSSWORD] FAMILY EXPANSION
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It turns litmus paper blue Strip a disguise from “— Baby” (#1 U2 album of 1991) Arrive like the tide Savage Less dull Rural lumberjack resting after chopping? Lounged around Dreamcast producer Get as clear profit 100-yr. period Heap (up) Trough for toting bricks Extended cloth used for messy cold-weather meals? Hostile force Down food Purple spring blooms Wide-shoe letters Spool Gets firm Produced a napped surface on Chart showing the highs and lows of actress Ellen’s career? LP replacers KGB’s milieu “— all over!” Asian dress Alex of “The Godfather” Unit of work Orioles great Ripken Gp. for Qatar Sea in 75-Across “Now I see!”
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Matchstick—removing game 68 Suffix with señor 69 Item pinned on to support a Russian poet’s election to office? 72 Sarge, e.g. 73 Abbr. for a handy-andy 74 Mil. missions 75 Qatar locale 76 Lovers’ deity 77 Still 78 Revise 80 Prepare to give a ring? 81 Horse father 82 Beijing-to-Shanghai dir. 83 Shot fluids 84 “— see it ...” 86 One of the Skywalkers dressed up as St. Nick? 89 Kind of pear 93 With skill 94 Fir’s cousin 95 “Ender’s Game” star Butterfield 98 Unmoving machine part 99 Troop gp. 100 They negate deles 101 Afghan-wrapped football? 106 “Help!” 107 Guthrie at Woodstock 108 B-to-F string 109 Thai tongue 110 “Think of — a loan” 112 Foot lever 114 Clean a jack-o’-lantern with a Hoover? 120 More weighty 121 Alicia of ballet 122 Choose
123 Aden citizens 124 French edict site of 1598 125 Nail coater
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Wall St. opportunist Singer Rawls Dutch airline Home to edelweiss Probable Architect Jones Alien craft Writer Anaïs Not be joking “Get Happy” songwriter Highland terrier, briefly Saloon barrel Figured out the value of Stations Hair hider Linda in 1998 headlines “Rabbit, Run” novelist John 18 — Mae (loan provider) 19 Graham or Lorne 24 Sister of Bert Bobbsey 28 Big name in shortening 30 Weedkillers 31 Singly 32 James Fenimore Cooper novel, with “The” 34 Grow wealthy 35 “I — Male War Bride” 36 History unit 37 Suffix of enzymes 39 Monogram in civil rights 44 Grab quickly 45 Departure 46 Most prickly 47 Trio less one 49 Crustacean such as a wood louse
50 Kudos 53 Features of cloudless days 54 Cuts, as pie 55 Far-off distance 59 Jewish mysticism 60 “McQ” actor Gulager 61 Speed skater Dan 65 Of a heart chamber 66 Shout of joy 70 State east of Colo. 71 Nuclear trial prohibition 79 Catch cold 80 Tartan skirt sporter 84 First Constitution section 85 Risen people 87 Galileo’s gp. 88 Inclined (to) 90 Petition, e.g. 91 History unit 92 Light refrain 95 Disinterest 96 “No —!” (“Uh—uh!”) 97 Glistening 99 Hall-of-Fame footballer Mel 100 Flower organ 102 Dry, white Italian wine 103 Strips for breakfast 104 Currency unit of Laos 105 Musical exercise 111 Lab safety org.? 113 Major racket 114 U—Haul rental 115 Capitalize on 116 Cal. dozen 117 — Jong-un 118 Suffix with chlor— 119 “— Blu Dipinto di Blu” (1958 hit)
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Chow Down with John Batchelor at Salvino
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BY JOHN BATCHELOR
tarting the new year with an old friend seems fitting. I have been a fan of Salvino for decades. The restaurant’s founders, Debbie and Sal Bruno, began to explore retirement in 2019. When word of their decision began to circulate, Tom and Mary Speaker, longtime customers, began the process of buying the restaurant. Tom had been a chef before working with a restaurant service vendor. He trained professionally at New England Culinary Institute. Following the premise, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he arranged to spend several months in the kitchen with Sal, learning his recipes. Now, Mary manages the front of the house; her professional background is marketing and customer service. The Speakers have been in the restaurant business one way or another for about 35 years. My meals here in December have been imminently enjoyable. There is one simple, core element of the food here: it just tastes so good. Combine that with solid value — to some extent, a function of a choice of salad or soup included in the entrée price — as well as a high-quality wine list of easily recognizable selections at reasonable prices. Mushroom and Ribeye Soup has been a featured winter special. The earthy flavor of mushrooms predominates until you pick up a bite of tender, lean beef, which extends depth of flavor significantly. It’s hearty and rich, just right for a winter night. Pasta Fagioli is an Italian classic, constructed with small pasta cylinders and white beans along with tomatoes, onions, and carrots, plus a little rosemary, in chicken broth, made in-house. Comfort food, also well-suited for the season. The House Salad uses mixed lettuces plus a couple of tomato slices. I tried the blue cheese dressing and found it to be one of the tastiest in the Triad — pleasantly mellow. The Caesar is a standard preparation, also noteworthy for the quality and flavor of the dressing. Bread (no extra charge) earns commendation, a point I rarely make in commentaries about Triad restaurants. It is served hot, pleasantly crusty-brown, with herbed olive oil or butter. Such inclusions almost obviate an WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
Scallops alla Soave
Caesar Salad
Petto Di Pollo Saltimbocca
appetizer course. But several choices are nevertheless available, all inviting. In order to meet professional obligations for sampling, my wife and I tried Gnocchi alla Gorgonzola. What a treat. Housemade spinach and potato gnocchi are baked in a gorgonzola cream sauce, yielding one of the richest, most enjoyable preludes I have had in quite some time. The Speakers have maintained (and probably expanded) Salvino’s following. I could not get a reservation until late one night, so, aware that this kitchen handles a lot of takeout, we ordered two fowl entrées and took them home. (Most chicken dishes travel well, here and elsewhere, and they are often even better if they have had a little time to blend.) The kitchen begins accepting takeout orders at 3 p.m. Pollo Piccata is another Italian standard. Thick breast meat is sauteed with butter and capers, simmered in a lemon and white wine sauce. Lemon and capers are pretty strong flavors in their own right, and they can dominate. This kitchen, however, gets the balance just right. The chicken is tender, its natural flavor in the forefront, supported by the rest of the preparation, not overpowered by it. Petto Di Pollo Saltimbocca is more elaborate. Breast meat is sauteed with fresh sage in a white wine demi-glace, topped with prosciutto di Parma and mozzarella cheese, creating layers of complexity in both texture and flavor. The sauce begs for bread. (Soaking is preferable to licking the plate, in this case, a reasonable alternative.) This is
served over creamed spinach — fresh and rewarding in its own right. I have often remarked that eschewing meat does not necessarily entail giving up flavor. The Mushroom Ravioli here is a case in point. Ravioli — about three inches in diameter — are filled with mushrooms, cooked in a deeply flavored porcini mushroom demiglace with fresh sage, scattered with lots of fresh, sliced mushrooms. One of the seafoods here ranks among my all-time favorites. In Scallops alla Soave, sea scallops are seared to a light brown crust, then simmered gently in a lemon, butter, and white wine sauce. Again, balance is the key. The delicate flavor of the scallops stands in the forefront, well-served by the sauce. This comes with creamed spinach pasta, which on another occasion would make me happy as an entrée itself. Halibut Mediterranean puts a lot of things together, successfully. The firm white fish is simmered in white wine and that homemade chicken broth, scattered with kalamata olives, a bit of marinara sauce, plus caramelized onions and capers. This is plated over angel hair pasta, which does a wonderful job of soaking up the sauce. Cotoletta Di Vitello Sorrentino layers a veal cutlet with sliced eggplant, covered with prosciutto di Parma and a layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, surrounded by marinara sauce and finished in a white wine demi-glace. Rich, complex, deeply flavored, and downright delightful. Spaghetti with tomato sauce is served
on the side of most entrées. Neither my wife nor I could handle dessert. We were well-satisfied about halfway through each meal, and we ate leftovers with gusto each night following one of our meals here. Caroline Konopko is front house manager and helps to oversee the servers, support staff, and the bar. She has been with the restaurant for over six years. Locke Dean is head chef and back of the house manager; he oversees all the logistics for the kitchen. Salvino has been, and remains, what is, to me, one of the Triad’s premier establishments. ! JOHN BATCHELOR has been writing about eating and drinking since 1981. Over a thousand of his articles have been published. He is also author of two travel/cookbooks: Chefs of the Coast: Restaurants and Recipes from the North Carolina Coast, and Chefs of the Mountains: Restaurants and Recipes from Western North Carolina. Contact him at john.e.batchelor@gmail.com or see his blog, johnbatchelordiningandtravel.blogspot.com.
WANNA go? Salvino 2917-D Battleground Ave. Greensboro, NC 27408 336-540-8663 salvinorestaurant.com Hours: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Appetizers: $16-$20 Entrée price includes salad or cup of soup Entrées: $24-$40 Desserts: $9 Most recent visit: Dec. 20 JANUARY 7-13, 2026
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Officials eye new ordinance for housing protections
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nance?” asked Thurm. “I would see this as a high-priority item to adopt ASAP, without waiting to see how it works out in Durham. I am aware of the article’s claim of future legal challenges, but I think it makes a statement that we need to make.” Thurm was referring to cauIan McDowell tions from the Durham City Attorney’s Office that the orLora Cubbage Irving Allen Tammi Thurm dinance might be challenged Contributor by the state legislature, and insect infestations, Ijames asked “I will read this ordinance and get back which has removed municipal council to attend a town hall with tenwith all of you today on legal thoughts,” restrictions on landlords. ants and issue a report on how code replied Cubbage. As of press time, she But the Durham ordinance is based on legislation. enforcement can be strengthened. has not responded to queries as to what ones passed by Charlotte in 2007, PinevOn Nov. 19, Thurm emailed Mayor-Elect “No one deserves to get sick without those thoughts are. ille in 2008, and Pittsboro in 2022, none Marikay Abuzuaiter and City Attorney heat in 13 degree weather, or be without In recent months, tenants and of which have been challenged by the Lora Cubbage a link to the Oct. 22 News & air conditioning when temperatures safe-housing advocates have urged state. After hearing almost three hours Observer article “Durham moves to strip soar over 90 degrees, no one deserves to Greensboro City Council to take action of public comment, Durham City Council negligent landlords of rent, arming tenget sick from mold that is painted over against what Minimum Housing Stanunanimously passed the amendment to ants with power.” instead of repaired, and no one deserves dards Commission (MHSC) Vice Chair its housing code. “Can we look at copying this ordito live in substandard housing when the Samuel Hawkins called “the apartment city has the authority to intervene. We are landlord cartel,” whom Hawkins accused asking you to use that authority.” of “inflating rents while tenants endure Terrell Dungee of Keep Gate City overfl owing sewage in mouldering units Beyond Amazing Housed called on the new council to be without functional heat.” VISIT: HighPointTheatre.com more responsive than their predecessors On Nov. 18, council removed the MHSC‘s for more information had been to such requests. duties to study rising rents and inspect FOR TICKETS CALL: 336-887-3001 “People are being taken advantage of apartments. Removing these duties was in our rental market. Right before this recommended by both Cubbage and the meeting, The District at West Market just Triad Real Estate and Building Industry 50TH displaced a 100-plus people because the Coalition (TREBIC), but opposed by ANNIVERSARY landlord did not keep it up to fire code.” multiple past and current commissioners, SEASON The District at West Market was as well as tenants and community orgaCirque FLIP condemned earlier that day after fire nizers. On Dec.16, Abuzuaiter dismissed Fabrique inspectors responding to complaints MHSC Chair Franklin Scott from the comBlizzard that the building was out without power mission over allegations of disrespect Feb. 21, 2026 discovered sparking and smoking wirtowards Assistant City Attorney Brent Noche ing. Approximately 180 residents were Ducharme. Scott and Hawkins called this Flamenca: ordered to vacate the premises. “retaliation” for their claims that past Searching Originally a Hilton Hotel, the 10-story city attorneys have attempted to silence for Goya 239-unit building at 830 W. Market St. commissioners calling for more punitive MATTHEW WHITAKER March 5, 2026 has been commercially owned offaction against commercial landlords. QUINTET Piff the Magic campus student housing for decades, At the Dec. 16 council meeting, multiple Dragon SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 @ 7:30PM although tenants have also included nontenants and community organizers called April 18, 2026 Blind since birth, Matthew Whitaker has performed at students. It was cited for numerous code for stronger penalties and protections. Kandace venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, violations in 2013. When Todd Pfalzgraf, “The last time we spoke to your predeSprings Lincoln Center and the Apollo Theater, where, at 10, of the Charlotte-based LLC Pfalzgraf cessors, we asked them to hear from the May 2, 2026 he was the opening performer for Stevie Wonder’s induction Communities, purchased the property for into the Apollo Theater’s Hall of Fame. He’s now an artist, community about code enforcement and Acts and dates subject to captivating audiences globally and appearing on notable $4.55 million in 2017, he told Triad Busithe need to do something,” said Maliyah change. For a full line up TV shows. He believes that music connects us all and that of events and up to date ness Journal that he intended extensive Ijames of Eviction Court Watch. “They every child should have access to music education. news, visit our website. renovations. Tenants allege those never didn’t listen.” Beyond music, he advocates for persons with disabilities and happened. After describing visiting apartments consults with companies to improve accessibility features. That’s the latest controversy involvwith backed-up sewage, black mould, ing Greensboro apartment complexes damaged floors and ceilings, and rodent
8 YES! WEEKLY
ast October, Durham became the fourth North Carolina city to pass an ordinance making it illegal for landlords to collect rent on units with unsafe living conditions. A month later, Greensboro District 5 Representative Tammi Thurm proposed similar
JANUARY 7-13, 2026
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The District at West Market was condemned earlier that day after fire inspectors responding to complaints that the building was out without power discovered sparking and smoking wiring.
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purchased by out-of-town or out-ofstate LLCs. Last July, sewage overflowed at Cottage Gardens at 307 Avalon Road, purchased in 2023 by Bryan De Bruin of VanRock Holdings in Greenville, S.C. In December 2023, Gastonia-based developer Srinivas Potluri purchased three East Greensboro apartment complexes and, according to tenants, stopped authorizing repairs, even when heat failed in the dead of winter. Recently-elected City Council AtLarge representative Irving Allen told YES! Weekly, he and several other new council members are discussing whether an ordinance similar to Durham’s could prevent such occurrences. “I’m hoping to speak to folks in Durham to see how this works, and what attention it drew from the state when it was implemented. It’s something I would support, barring new roadblocks from the state.” On Jan. 3, Thurm texted that she spoke to Cubbage about the Durham ordinance. Thurm quoted N.C. General Statute § 42-14.1, which states that no county or city “may enact, maintain, or enforce any ordinance or resolution which regulates the amount of rent to be charged for privately owned, single-family or multiple-unit residential or commercial rental property.” Thurm stated her belief that the Char-
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VOTED BEST BARBECUE RESTAURANT IN GUILFORD COUNTY
lotte, Pittsboro, and Pineville ordinances have not been challenged because those cities cannot enforce them. She asked if they have been successfully used in any court cases. According to “Durham needs a protective ordinance,” an Oct. 13 Indy Week op-ed by Milo Graber, they have. After citing how attorney Jack Holtzman used the Charlotte ordinance to successfully file a class-action lawsuit against “an out-of-state slumlord,” Graber wrote: “While the ordinance is not enforced directly by the municipalities, it is enforced by the courts after tenants and their lawyers raise it as a defense against eviction for nonpayment. Over the summer, the legislative analyst’s office in the General Assembly looked at the ordinance and said, ‘It appears that tenants can raise a violation of [the Charlotte ordinance] as a defense to eviction.’” Informed of this, Thurm responded: “Lora is working on an ordinance to ensure we’re not putting our residents that rent in a worse situation by telling them to withhold or control the rent that a landlord collects, which could possibly cause a tenant to be evicted. We are not rushing things through, but doing a thorough job ensuring we protect tenants.” ! IAN MCDOWELL is an award-winning author and journalist whose book “I Ain’t Resisting: the City of Greensboro and the Killing of Marcus Smith” was published in September of 2023 by Scuppernong Editions.
Weekly Specials
MON: $3 Domestic Bottles & All Burgers $10.99 TUE: 1/2 Price Wine | WED: $4 Draft THU: $8 Bud Light Pitchers & $3 Fireball
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photos [FACES & PLACES]
hot pour
BY NATALIE GARCIA
PRESENTS
[BARTENDER OF THE WEEK COMPILED BY NATALIE GARCIA] Check out videos on our Facebook!
NAME: Lafayette Barnes
First Friday at The Guitar Shop Off Elm Street
BAR: Muddle Cocktails in downtown Greensboro.
1.2.26 | Downtown Greensboro
AGE: 36 WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Southern California HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BARTENDING? A year and a half HOW DID YOU BECOME A BARTENDER? Kris Sunico (owner of Muddle and close friend of 10+ years) told me he was in need of a general manager for his bar and asked if I’d be interested in learning to bartend. I told him sure, and a year and a half later, here I am. I owe a major part of my bartending skill and success to Kris and Autumn McNeil. I appreciate y’all! WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT BARTENDING? Using the best quality ingredients to make a perfectly balanced cocktail and getting that reaction from a guest as if they just tasted the most delicious drink they’ve ever had. WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BARTENDING? Remembering six drink orders while still having a full conversation with the regulars sitting right in front of me. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO MAKE? Sidecar. It’s a cognac-based cocktail with lemon, simple syrup, and Cointreau. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DRINK TO DRINK? Paper plane. A very balanced bourbon-based cocktail made with lemon, Aperol, and Amaro Nonino. WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND AS AN AFTER-DINNER DRINK? Bee’s knees. An old-school cocktail made with gin, honey, and lemon.
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WHAT’S THE STRANGEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE HAD? A whiskey sour with no simple syrup. Because what even is that? WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE SEEN WHILE BARTENDING? Probably me having to kick out a guy for stealing and eating oranges out of my fruit garnish bowl. I mean, I would’ve given him an orange if he had just asked for it, but I made him leave because he stole it and lied about it while the peels were scattered all over the table he was sitting at. At least he left hydrated. WHAT’S THE WEIRDEST THING YOU’VE FOUND IN A BAR BATHROOM? I haven’t found anything weird in the bathroom, but someone did steal our nice glass hand soap dispenser and our tiny aloe vera plant from the bathroom. We still miss that plant to this day.
First Friday at the Marshall Muse Gallery 1.2.26 | Greensboro
WHAT’S THE BEST/BIGGEST TIP YOU’VE EVER GOTTEN? I’ve gotten some pretty big tips in my short stint as a bartender, but the best one came in the form of great advice from a fellow bartender. They said, “Bartending isn’t just about the cocktails. Drinks matter. Quality matters. But that’s not the job that we do. The job is reading the room. The job is making someone feel welcomed when they sit down. The job is identifying the regular that wants ‘the usual,’ as well as the firsttimer that may need a little guidance. The perfect drink won’t save bad service, but great service can save an average drink. People don’t come back for the recipes; they come back for how you made them feel.”
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feature
Get ready to bring your a-game for Fortuna’s 2026 Latte Art Throwdown: BrewMania
A
PRESS RELEASE
local business is bringing a different kind of competition to the Triad this week. Fortuna Enterprises is excited to announce its second annual Latte Art Throwdown: BrewMania. This wrestling-inspired coffee event will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, at their Greensboro location, located at 4215 Tudor Lane. All latte-art savvy baristas are invited to compete for their chance to walk home with the highly coveted first-place prize: $600 in cash, the BrewMania championship belt, a prize bundle worth $400, and some well-deserved bragging rights. Fortuna will be putting on this event with help from their title sponsors: La Cimbali, Homeland Creamery, Fortuna Coffee, Oatly, WhiteHall Products, Monin, 1883 Maison Routin, and Hollander Chocolate. Other brands with a hand in supporting the event are High Point University, Boylan Bottling Company, Weber Workshops, Slow Pour Supply, Bombora Coffee + Water Supplies, and GH Grinding & Brewing Solutions. This event is free to attend, with plenty for spectators to enjoy during the competition. All attendees are welcome to participate in raffles and giveaways throughout the night for a chance to win some of the $1,500 worth of swag, coffee gear, and other goods up for grabs. There will be free drinks, including beverages from Fortuna’s coffee bar and local breweries. The Taco Bros Food Truck will be in the parking lot serving up Mexican favorites and vegan options. Battle-ready baristas looking to compete in the latte art competition can register for $10 on Eventbrite to secure their spot as one of the 36 competitors. Competitor or not, everyone attending is encouraged to come in their best wrestling gear for a chance to win a $100 cash prize. “The BrewMania competition is more than just a showcase and test of skill. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
NCDOT TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING THE PROPOSAL TO REPLACE THE BRIDGE ON W. CLEMMONSVILLE ROAD OVER I-285/U.S. 52 IN FORSYTH COUNTY
STIP PROJECT NO. BR-0184 WINSTON-SALEM - The N.C. Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting to discuss the proposal to replace the bridge on W. Clemmonsville Road (S.R. 2747) over Interstate 285/U.S. 52 in Forsyth County. The purpose of this meeting is to provide interested citizens with information on the project and gather public input on the proposed design. Project details and maps can be found on the NCDOT project web page publicinput.com/clemmonsville-road-bridge . The information will be available at the meeting allowing for oneon-one discussions with NCDOT staff, but there will be no formal presentation.
This is a celebration of connection, collaboration, and local culture,” said Reiko Piekarski, Fortuna’s director of coffee programs. “These opportunities foster engagement directly with baristas, business owners, enthusiasts, and coffee-curious individuals in a friendly and exciting competition environment. By participating and showing support, attendees help strengthen the local coffee community with growth, creativity, and sustainability with local businesses.”
EXPERIENCE
• Head-to-head latte art battles | First pour starts at 6:30 p.m. • Throwdown grand prize: $600 cash, prize bundle worth $400, and custom BrewMania championship belt • Throwdown second-place prize: $200 cash • Food from Taco Bros Food Truck • Free drinks for competitors and spectators • Costume contest with a $100 cash prize for dressing up in your best wrestling gear • Raffles, prizes, & giveaways — tons of chances to win! !
The meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 14 at Georgia Taylor Neighborhood Center, 1471 W. Clemmonsville Road, in Winston-Salem. People may also submit comments by phone at 984-205-6615 project code 2529, email clemmonsville-road-bridge@publicinput. com, or mail at the address shown below by Jan. 28, 2026. By Mail: Jeremy L. Keaton NCDOT Highway Division 9 – Bridge Program Manager 375 Silas Creek Parkway Winston-Salem, NC 27127 NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled people who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Tony Gallagher, Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598, 919707-6069 or magallagher@ncdot.gov as early as possible so arrangements can be made. Those who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon prior request by calling 1-800-4816494.
Aquellas personas no hablan inglés, o tienen limitaciones para leer, hablar o entender inglés, podrían recibir servicios de interpretación si los solicitan antes de la reunión llamando al 1-800-481-6494.
JANUARY 7-13, 2026
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tunes
HEAR IT!
The Greensboro Symphony announces 2026-‘27 Masterworks season PRESS RELEASE
Greensboro Symphony Orchestra is excited to announce the 2026-‘27 Bank of Oak Ridge Masterworks Series to be held at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. The six concert series includes familiar composers, bold sounds, and unforgettable moments. Expect immersive experiences, emotional highs, and music that moves you. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Renewals and season passes are now available and begin at $144 (plus taxes and fees). Symphony Opening Night! | Oct. 3 A high-energy season opener filled with rhythmic vitality, bold orchestral color, and sweeping drama. Four Seasons Reimagined | Nov. 7 A dynamic blend of Baroque brilliance and modern reinvention, offering fresh perspectives on classical favorites. The Planets + Star Wars | Jan. 30 A cinematic and cosmic experience featuring iconic film music alongside a monumental orchestral journey through the solar system.
12 YES! WEEKLY
JANUARY 7-13, 2026
Winston-Salem Symphony invites you to ‘A Night at Hogwarts’ PRESS RELEASE
Magical Mozart and Brahms | Feb. 27 An expressive program pairing Classical brilliance with Romantic depth and emotional power. Dvorák Cello Concerto | April 17 A richly lyrical evening featuring folkinspired color, impressionistic charm, and one of the most beloved concertos ever written. Beethoven’s Ninth | May 15 A powerful and uplifting season finale, culminating in the iconic “Ode to Joy” and a timeless message of unity and hope.
Internationally celebrated conductor, Christopher Dragon’s career began with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. In 2015, Dragon joined the Colorado Symphony, captivating audiences with his engaging performances. His leadership of the Wyoming Symphony garnered widespread acclaim. He is highly sought after as a guest conductor and has collaborated with a wide range of artists such as Renée Fleming, Joshua Bell, and Cynthia Erivo, as well as groups like the Wu-Tang Clan and Cypress Hill. GSO Principal Guest Conductor (and Greensboro’s own!), Chelsea Tipton holds a Master of Music degree in orchestral conducting from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from the Eastman School of Music. He participated in professional development programs such as the International Conducting Workshop and Festival, Conductors Retreat at Medomak, the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors in Hancock, Maine, and the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra Conductor’s Workshop with Markand Thakar. To see the full concert schedule and for information about how to purchase a season pass, please visit GreensboroSymphony.org or contact the GSO Box Office, open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 336-335-5456 x 224 or boxoffice@greensborosymphony. org. !
The Winston-Salem Symphony, led by Music Director Michelle Merrill, presents “A Night at Hogwarts,” an evening of music from all eight “Harry Potter” films, including the iconic score by John Williams. The performance will be held on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Reynolds Auditorium (301 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, NC). Tickets range from $29 to $96 and are $10 for children ages 12 and younger. Fantastic scores and snippets covering the full range of “Harry Potter” films, from composers John Williams, Nicholas Hooper, Patrick Doyle, and Alexandre Desplat. Magical fun for everyone! Enter to be a contestant in our onstage Tri-Wizard Cup Trivia Contest, enjoy butterbeer from Winston-Salem’s Tea & Toast truck, and give back to your community by bringing a pair (or more!) of new socks for Dobby’s Sock Drive. Proud to be one of the Southeast’s most highly regarded regional orchestras, the Winston-Salem Symphony premiered in 1947. Today, under the direction of Music Director Michelle Merrill, the Symphony fulfills its mission to “Bring Music to Life” by inspiring listeners of all ages throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad with various concerts, education programs, and community engagement initiatives each year. The Winston-Salem Symphony is supported by Season Presenting Sponsors Bell, Davis & Pitt and the North Carolina Arts Council; and Pops Sponsor Village Tavern. Subscriptions and single tickets can be purchased online at wssymphony. org or by calling tickets and guest Services at 336-464-0145. Donations can be made at symp.ws/donate. !
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YES! WEEKLY
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Submissions should be sent to artdirector@yesweekly.com by Friday at 5 p.m., prior to the week’s publication. Visit yesweekly.com and click on calendar to list your event online. HOME GROWN MUSIC SCENE | Compiled by Shane Hart
CARBORRO
CAT’S CRADLE
300 E Main St | 919.967.9053 www.catscradle.com Jan 10: Abbey Road LIVE! Jan 10: Turtle Smash Jan 12: Grace Lucia Jan 13: Fleshwater
14 YES! WEEKLY
CHARLOTTE
BOJANGLES COLISEUM
2700 E Independence Blvd | 704.372.3600 www.boplex.com Jan 16: Jason Isbell Jan 25: Winter Jam 2025
THE FILLMORE
1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970 www.livenation.com Jan 16: Del Water Gap Jan 17: Nothing More w/ Catch Your Breath, Archers and Doobie Jan 21: Don Broco Jan 24: Badfish — A Tribute
GREENSBORO
COMEDY ZONE
1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034 www.thecomedyzone.com Jan 8: Justin Stagner Jan 9-11: DeRay Davis Jan 15: Ray Lau Jan 16-18: Red Grant Jan 23-25: Don “DC” Curry Jan 28: Malik B
FLAT IRON
221 Summit Ave | 336.501.3967 www.flatirongso.com Jan 8: Horus Blue ft. Tyler Long, Jon Hallman, Chaisaray Schenck Jan 9: Lotete Ft. E’Lon JD, Melchi Kpade, John Daniel Ray, Johnathan Collin Greene Jan 11: Moving Boxes, Panes, Ali Forrest Jan 15: Tribute to Dylan & Cash — Rod Abernethy & David Burney Jan 16: An Evening with Fireside Collective Jan 17: Nathan James Hall, Lightnin’ Luke, Joshua Quimby Jan 18: The Cody Sisters Jan 19: Matt Pless Jan 20: Abigail Dowd, Possum Jenkins Jan 22: Everything Yes Jan 23: Emanuel Wynter, Kay Marion
GREENSBORO COLISEUM
1921 W Gate City Blvd | 336.373.7400 www.greensborocoliseum.com Jan 10-11: Monster Jam Freestyle Mania Jan 15: Manilow: The Last Greensboro Concert Jan 18: The Dream MLK Fest ft. YFN Lucci, YK Niece, Hunxho, Boston Richey and Belly Gang Kushington JANUARY 7-13, 2026
HANGAR 1819
1819 Spring Garden St | 336.579.6480 www.hangar1819.com Jan 9: Fake Happy — A Paramore Tribute
STEVEN TANGER CENTER 300 N Elm Street | 336.333.6500 www.tangercenter.com Jan 7-11: Les Miserables Jan 23: Wild Kratts LIVE!
THE IDIOT BOX COMEDY CLUB
503 N. Greene St | 336.274.2699 www.idiotboxers.com Jan 9-10: Kevin McCaffrey Jan 16-17: The Buttercups
JAMESTOWN
THE DECK
118 E Main St | 336.207.1999 www.facebook.com/TheDeckJamestow Jan 9: Bad Habits Jan 10: No Strings Attached Jan 16: The Dreamers Jan 17: Basement Legends Jan 23: Carolina Ambush Jan 24: Radio Revolver Jan 31: Stereo Doll
WINSTON-SALEM
THE RAMKAT
170 W 9th St | 336.754.9714 www.theramkat.com Jan 9: Duncan MacMillan, Bruthr Pudge Jan 10: Somewhat Petty: A Tribute to Tom Petty
WISE MAN BREWING
826 Angelo Bros Ave | 336.725.0008 www.wisemanbrewing.com Thursdays: Music Bingo Jan 9: Ears to the Ground Jan 10: Barefoot Modern Jan 16: Ashley Santiago & Jay Alexander Jan 17: Pure Fiyah Jan 23: Talking Heads Tribute Jan 24: Down the Mountain Day Show Jan 24: The Deluge
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STARS] last call [SALOME’S Week of January 12, 2026
[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) What
seems to be a great opportunity could cause even usually practical Taureans to ignore their inner caution cues. Best to move carefully to avoid falling into unseen traps.
[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Need a
holiday now that the seasonal festivities are behind you? Good idea! Plan to go to someplace wonderful. You’ll return refreshed and more than ready for a new challenge.
[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Prog-
ress continues to be made on that pesky workplace problem. Meanwhile, don’t assume that a personal situation will work itself out. Best to get more involved earlier rather than later.
[LEO (July 23 to August 22) Catnaps
are definitely recommended for LEOs and LEOnas who had been going at a hectic pace over the holidays. Adding relaxation time to your schedule helps restore your overdrawn energy reserves.
[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22)
Sure, some of the new friends you made during the holidays might move out of your life at some point. But at least one might show significant “staying power” with some encouragement.
[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)
Encourage family members to join you in supporting a relative who could be facing a difficult emotional challenge in the New Year.
crossword on page 6
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Lemon’s show in the sitcom “30 Rock?”
the festival of lights that’s celebrated in some European countries as the start of the holiday season?
[6. SCIENCE: What kind of substance
21) While a long-deferred decision might suddenly take on some urgency after news on a related matter, you still need to weigh all the factors carefully before deciding one way or the other.
[2. MOVIES: Which actor played folk
[7. FOOD & DRINK: What is the primary
[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) This is a good time to reassess the earlier plan you made for the New Year. Some elements you felt you could depend on to make it work might no longer carry this assurance.
advertising slogan “The Best a Man Can Get?”
[SCORPIO (October 23 to November
[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Forming a renewed connection with a former associate is only the first step toward working out your new plans. Be prepared for problems and deal with them as soon as they arise. [AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A romantic situation that was going smoothly not too long ago might take a new turn. Be honest about your feelings before you decide whether to follow it or take another path. [PISCES (February 19 to March 20) The wise PISCES (that’s you, of course) will make sure that everyone knows your plan to keep your options open and will listen to all sides of the situation before making any decisions. [BORN THIS WEEK: Your honest approach to life and living is always an inspiration for others who are fortunate enough to know you. © 2026 by King Features Syndicate
answers [CROSSWORD]
[1. GEOGRAPHY: What is the name of
[WEEKLY SUDOKU] sudoku on page 6
does Boyles’ law govern?
ingredient in the Italian dish calamari?
singer Pete Seeger in “A Complete Unknown”?
[3. SLOGANS: Which company uses the [4. HISTORY: What was the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention about?
[5. TELEVISION: What is the name of Liz
[8. LITERATURE: Which Shakespeare
play introduces the characters Beatrice and Benedick?
[9. MATH: What kind of number is pi (3.14)?
[10. MUSIC: What is the name of the house band on “The Tonight Show?”
answer 6. Gas. 7. Squid. 8. “Much Ado about Nothing.” 9. Irrational. 10. The Roots.
could inspire adventurous Lambs who are looking to make a major career or personal move. But as always, get all the facts before rushing into any sort of deal or commitment.
Showing your love and concern helps keep this person’s hopes up.
by Fifi Rodriguez
1. St. Lucia’s Day. 2. Edward Norton. 3. Gillette. 4. The first women’s rights convention in the United States. 5. “TGS with Tracy Jordan.”
[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Events
[TRIVIA TEST]
© 2026 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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