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5500 Adams Farm Lane Suite 204 Greensboro, NC 27407 Office 336-316-1231 Publisher CHARLES A. WOMACK III publisher@yesweekly.com EDITORIAL Editor CHANEL R. DAVIS chanel@yesweekly.com YES! Writers JOHN BATCHELOR MARK BURGER KATEI CRANFORD LYNN FELDER JIM LONGWORTH IAN MCDOWELL PRODUCTION Senior Designer ALEX FARMER designer@yesweekly.com Designer SHANE HART artdirector@yesweekly.com ADVERTISING Promotion NATALIE GARCIA
MCKENZIE STONE DISTRIBUTION JANICE GANTT ANDREW WOMACK We at YES! Weekly realize that the interest of our readers goes well beyond the boundaries of the Piedmont Triad. Therefore we are dedicated to informing and entertaining with thought-provoking, debate-spurring, in-depth investigative news stories and features of local, national and
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international scope, and opinion grounded in reason, as well as providing the most comprehensive entertainment and arts coverage in the Triad. YES! Weekly welcomes submissions of all kinds. Efforts will be made to return those with a self-addressed stamped envelope; however YES! Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. YES! Weekly is published every Wednesday by Womack Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. First copy is free, all additional copies are $1.00. Copyright 2026 Womack Newspapers, Inc.
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The Little Theatre of WinstonSalem’s 92nd season continues with its production of the musical extravaganza Disney’s “FROZEN,” Oct. 16-18, 22-25, and 29-Nov. 1 at Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce St., Winston-Salem. 4 Why, you may well ask, would anyone want to make a documentary about concrete? It’s a valid question, one that is addressed in an offbeat and (intentionally) meandering fashion, in “THE HISTORY OF CONCRETE,” the awardwinning feature documentary. 7 SAINT LOUIS SAVEURS is named for Saint-Louis, a coastal city in Senegal, West Africa, plus the French word, Saveur (which means “taste” or “flavor”). Owners Mouhamadou (Mo) and Bator Cisse came to the United States in 2009. 8 The parents of a nine-year-old Jamestown boy allege that a Guilford County Schools bus driver dropped him off almost a mile away from his home and ignored his tearful pleas that this was THE WRONG STOP. 10 Late last month, NBC’s Chloe Melas tried to demystify AI by conducting a Zoom interview with Tilly. Clever idea, Chloe, but (pardon me for bragging) I was on top of this whole mess four years ago when I conducted a groundbreaking INTERVIEW WITH “ALEXA,” the voice of Amazon’s Echo. 12 The activist group HATE OUT OF WINSTON (HOOW) wants to know what happened to the $30,000 scholarship fund for the 2025 Queen Juneteenth Pageant. When asked about the controversy, Forsyth County Commissioner Malishai Woodbury called HOOW “a terrorist group.” 13 The Winston-Salem Symphony and Music Director Michelle Merill are proud to bring Grammy-winner AOIFE O’DONOVAN to Winston-Salem for one night only!
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A ‘Frozen’ feast for the whole family
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he Little Theatre of WinstonSalem’s 92nd season continues with its production of the musical extravaganza Disney’s “Frozen,” Oct. 16-18, 22-25, Mark Burger and 29-Nov. 1 at Hanesbrands Theatre, 209 N. Spruce Contributor St., Winston-Salem. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. A “student matinee” will also be presented at 10 a.m. on Oct. 23. Ticket prices range from $21 to $32, with discounts for students (with valid ID) and senior citizens. Tickets are available by calling 336-725-4001 or visiting https://www.ltofws.org/. The musical is based on Disney’s 2013 animated blockbuster “Frozen,” based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale “The Snow Queen.” With its dazzling animation and memorable music, the film was instantly hailed as another Disney triumph, earning Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Song (“Let It Go”). “Frozen 2” followed in 2019, and “Frozen 3” is scheduled to be released next year. In 2018, the Broadway production of “Frozen” opened, earning Tony Award nominations for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. The Little Theatre’s production runs approximately 2½ hours, with one intermission, and is recommended for all ages. Chad Edwards is directing, with Dan Dodson serving as music director and Kelly Greathouse as choreographer. With its combination of memorable, fantastical characters and an epic scope, “Frozen” is an enormous undertaking and a huge challenge — one that Edwards was eager to tackle. “It has been a journey, for sure,” he admitted. “It’s probably the trickiest technical production I’ve worked on, because there are expectations for all the ‘wow’ moments that audiences might be expecting, along with some really cool effects. The timing on a lot of these are tricky and won’t be worked WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
out until tech week, which makes me a tad nervous, but we have an excellent production team that I know will be able to pull it off.” In addition, “it was important for us to preserve the magic and add some that the audience might not be expecting. Of course, we do not have the budget or resources like the Broadway production, but our goal is to make things look spectacular on a smaller scale, still providing those magical, satisfying moments.” Among the most popular and beloved characters in “Frozen” are the iceman Kristoff, the snowman Olaf, and the reindeer Sven, who are responsible for some of the show’s most hilarious and heartwarming moments. The Sven puppet for this production was created by Emily Emerson, an actress and playwright who teaches theater at Atkins High School and will be directing Atkins’ fall play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” “I wanted to make him a lovable sidekick that was more labrador than reindeer,” she said. “He’s Kristoff’s best buddy; they’ve been ‘besties’ since they were small. I have three dogs at home, and each of them is present in my interpretation of Sven. My students are amazing, and four of them are actually creating the Sven puppet! I am so lucky to work with engineering students because I can say to them, ‘Hey, can you make me a reindeer?’ — and they dive right in. Each student is creating a different part of the puppet, and they have the coolest ideas! I can’t wait for everyone to see Sven.” “I had known Emily for years, but we had never worked together until last year when we were cast in two shows together,” said Edwards. “Her dedication to making Sven as real as possible has been outstanding. She has had her students design and build Sven around her, and it is going to look incredible. I love working with Emily because she is so dedicated and talented and just a very kind person.” Emerson is an admitted fan of the “Frozen” franchise. “I’ve seen the first movie because I have nieces, and I was lucky enough to see the original Broadway cast in New York,” she related. “I’m also a huge fan of Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote the original story ‘The
Emily Emerson Snow Queen.’ I love all the magic that the show holds, and our production will have plenty of really cool magic. I’m very proud to be a part of this production, and I can’t wait to share it with audiences.” “I hope audiences take away pure joy from this production,” Edwards said. “The themes of family, friendship, and love are evident throughout. The cast is so good, and the performances are breathtaking. I hope they see it one time, then want to come back and share the experience again. I’m very proud of what we have created so far.” There will be an opening night reception on Oct. 16 with complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres. To commemorate
the Halloween season, the matinees on Oct. 17 and 24 will feature children’s costume parades, and all audience members are encouraged to dress in costume for the Oct. 31 show and adult costume contest. Audience members will vote on the best costume for the performance. For more information, visit the official Little Theatre website: https://www. ltofws.org/. ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2026, Mark Burger.
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‘The History of Concrete’ built on a flaky foundation
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hy, you
may well ask, would anyone want to make a documentary about concrete? Mark Burger It’s a valid question, one that is Contributor addressed in an offbeat and (intentionally) meandering fashion, in “The History of Concrete,” the awardwinning feature documentary debut of producer/director John Wilson, best known for his light-hearted, pseudodocumentary HBO series “How To with John Wilson” (2020 — ’23). Continuing that tradition, “The History of Concrete” is also a light-hearted pseudo-documentary, and not easy to summarize adequately. As the film opens, Wilson is at loose ends following the three-season run of his series, looking for his next project. On a whim, he attends a Writer’s Guild seminar regarding how to make a Hallmark Channel TV movie. The tips he picks up he attempts to apply to this documentary, which is as much about its maker as the topic at hand. Concrete, of course, is something we take for granted, even though we’re exposed to it most every day of our lives. We see it, we walk on it, and in a sense it’s an inescapable part of our lives. To label “The History of Concrete” eccentric would be an understatement, as Wilson revels in the sheer eccentricity of his undertaking, even as the film unfolds. Yes, it’s an exercise in self-indulgence, but also, in a roundabout way, an exercise in self-awareness and realization. That’s not to say the film is of an intellectual nature, but there is a (very) quirky intelligence at work — as well as a genuine curiosity on Wilson’s part about the people he encounters, the stories they have to tell, and their observations on life and, yes, about concrete. OCTOBER 7-13, 2026
One is never sure where the film is going — nor it seems does Wilson, for that matter — which is part of its charm. Some observers have stated that the film plays like an expanded episode from his HBO series, and it’s an accurate observation. Having the filmmaker play so large a part in his own documentary can be a risky undertaking, but Wilson manages to pull it off. One simply must be willing to go along for the ride, with him in the driver’s seat, taking detours along the way. “The History of Concrete” is odd, offbeat, and rambling, but it’s never dull and sometimes quite perceptive — in unexpected ways that sneak up on you. Its focus isn’t always clear — or even consistent, for that matter — but it weaves a weirdly watchable web. It is what it is, and it’s safe to say there’s never quite been anything quite like it. ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2026, Mark Burger.
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[VIDEO VAULT] BY MARK BURGER
“AFTER THE RAIN: PUTIN’S STOLEN CHILDREN COME HOME” (IndiePix Films): Producer/director Sarah McCarthy’s 2024 feature documentary follows several families whose children were abducted by Russia during the ongoing conflict with the Ukraine then later repatriated, as they gradually recover from their traumatic experiences. In English, Estonian, Russian, and Ukrainian with English subtitles, available on DVD ($24.95 retail). “COLORS OF TIME” (Distrib Films/ Icarus Films Home Video): Writer/director Cedric Klapisch’s award-winning 2025 drama (originally titled “La Venue de l’avenir,” which translates to “The Arrival of the Future”) focuses on four estranged cousins who reunite in Normandy to purchase a family manor, then decide to retrace their ancestor’s steps back to 1895 Paris, boasting an ensemble cast including Suzanne Lindon, Abraham Wapler, Vincent Macaigne, Julia Piaton, Zinedine Soualem, Paul Kircher, Vassili Schneider, Sara Giraudeau, and Cecile de France, In French with English subtitles, available on DVD ($26.98 retail). “THE DESCENT PART 2” (LionsGate): A 4K Ultra HD combo Steelbook ($44.99 retail) of the R-rated 2009 sequel to the 2005 horror hit, with editor Jon Harris making his feature directorial debut under the auspices of executive producer Neil Marshall (who wrote and directed the first film), with Shauna Macdonald reprising her “scream queen/final girl” role as the sole survivor of the first film’s subterranean horrors who is forced to go back with another search team to ascertain what actually happened. Needless to say, they find out ... and wish they’d stayed home. Bonus features include audio commentary, retrospective interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes, galleries, and trailers. “THE HAUNTED COP SHOP” (88 Films/MVD Entertainment Group): The Blu-ray bow ($29.95 retail) of the 1987 horror spoof (originally titled “Meng gui chai guan” and also released as “The Haunted Cop Shop of Horror”), co-written by Wong Kar-Wai and director Jeffrey Lau, set in a police station constructed over a World War II site, as the bumbling personnel begin experiencing superWWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
DVD PICK OF THE WEEK: “FORBIDDEN PLANET” (Arrow Video/MVD Entertainment) Based on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” this 1956 sci-fi classic remains one of the genre’s legitimate landmarks, one that inspired countless filmmakers in its wake. In the 23rd century, an American spaceship arrives on the distant planet of Altair IV, seeking the whereabouts of an exploratory mission sent 20 years before. The crew, led by Commander Adams (Leslie Nielsen), encounters the only survivors — the brilliant, misanthropic scientist Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) and his beautiful daughter Altaira (Anne Francis), who are tended to by Morbius’ most incredible creation, Robby the Robot (voiced by Marvin Miller). Morbius has spent the past two decades researching the Krell, a highly advanced alien civilization that perished en masse some 200,000 years before. The fascination with the discovery is quickly supplanted by fear when an invisible creature begins preying on the crew, one that is impervious to weapons fire and able to penetrate their force field. In terms of entertainment, “Forbidden Planet” has adventure, romance, suspense, and a genuine sense of wonder. Beyond that, it also has an intellectual dimension that critics immediately recognized. It tackles such topics as telepathy, the power of the subconscious (both human and alien), and even the contemporary controversy surrounding AI (look carefully; it’s there). The sonorous Pidgeon brings a haughty dignity and mystery to Morbius, Francis is utterly beguiling as the innocent but tempting Altaira, and Nielsen (long before his reinvention as a comedy star) is appropriately stalwart as Adams. The supporting cast includes several actors soon to find greater fame in films or television: Richard Anderson, Warren Stevens, Earl Holliman, Jack Kelly, James Drury, and Robert Dix. Both the limited-edition Blu-ray ($39.95 retail) and 4K Ultra HD combo ($49.95 retail) include audio commentary, collectible booklet and mini-poster, vintage documentaries and featurette, the 1957 film “The Invisible Boy” starring Richard Eyer and Robby the Robot, the 1958 TV episode “Robot Client” from the NBC series “The Thin Man,” deleted scenes and lost footage, theatrical trailer, image galleries, and more. natural shenanigans perpetrated by the restless souls of the wartime dead. Jacky Cheung, Ricky Hui, Billy Lau, and Wu Fung head the cast. In Cantonese with English subtitles, bonus features include audio commentary, retrospective appraisal, alternate and extended scenes, original trailer, and image gallery. “MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE” (Toy Robot Video/MVD Entertainment Group): For the first time, this is the extended preview version of the 1987 sci-fi adventure inspired by the popular Mattel toy line, wherein Dolph Lundgren’s He-Man and Frank Langella’s Skeletor bring their intergalactic battle for Eternia here to Earth, with Courteney Cox (in her feature debut), Robert Duncan McNeill (in his feature debut), Jon Cypher, James Tolkan, Chelsea Field, Billy
Barty, Christina Pickles, and Meg Foster in support. Produced by the irrepressible Israeli duo of Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus at Cannon Films, this was one of their most ambitious attempts to achieve mainstream success, but it missed the mark and, coupled with the failure of “Over the Top” and “Superman IV” the same year, only hastened the company’s demise. The only feature film directed by Gary Goddard, subsequently the subject of considerable controversy. On a purely comic-book level, it kills time easily enough — and remains a cult favorite — but no one will ever mistake it for high art. Both the two-disc Blu-ray ($39.95 retail) and 4K UHD combo ($54.95 retail) include audio commentaries, retrospective interviews, vintage featurette, teaser and trailer, stills gallery, and more. Rated PG.
“PETER ASHER: EVERYWHERE MAN” (Greenwich Entertainment/ Kino Lorber): Cinematographer Daniel Geller and Dayna Goldfine produced and co-directed this feature documentary tracing the life and career of Peter Asher, a one-time child-actor-turned-pop star who later became an integral (if obscure) part of the music industry for the better part of 50 years due to the friendships and partnerships he formed with a bevy of music luminaries, featuring a star-studded line-up of interviews with Jane Asher (Peter’s sister), James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Paul McCartney, Steve Martin, Eric Idle, Lyle Lovett, Paul Shaffer, “Weird Al” Yankovic, and others, available on DVD ($22.95 retail) and Blu-ray ($29.95 retail), each replete with bonus tracks and theatrical trailer. “SEX AND THE EMPEROR” (88 Films/MVD Entertainment Group): The Blu-ray bow ($29,95 retail) of director Sherman Wong’s 1994 exploitation period piece (originally titled “Man Qing jin gong qi an”) set during the Qing Dynasty, combining broad satire and political intrigue, as secretive palace servant See-Ho Leung is irresistibly drawn into the budding relationship between youthful emperor Pounh Chong Soong and comely chambermaid Yvonne Hung Yung. Bonus features include the original Cantonese (with English subtitles) and English-dubbed audio options, audio commentary, retrospective appraisal, image gallery, original trailer, and more. “THE YEAR BEFORE THE WAR” (IndiePix Films): Davis Simanis Jr. co-wrote and directed this award-winning 2021 historical parable (originally titled “Gads pirms kara”) set on the eve of World War I, starring Petr Buchta as real-life Latvian anarchist Peter Piatkoff (AKA “Peter the Painter”), who surreptitiously poses as an unassuming doorman before his identity is revealed, then embarks on a surreal odyssey through a world ravaged by political turmoil and war, encountering many of the era’s most influential historical figures along the way. In French, German, Latvian, and Russian with English subtitles, available on DVD ($24.95 retail). ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2026, Mark Burger. OCTOBER 7-13, 2026 YES! WEEKLY
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[KING CROSSWORD] JOURNALISTIC SET
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Principal part of a ship’s rigging Glucose and dextrose Want greatly Phrase before a memoir co-author Result of iron deficiency Opponent Question to someone barking orders Wriggly fish Extinct bird Swerving billiards shot Teeny Suspenseful NFL periods CIA worker PC fixer, e.g. “Hey, amigo” Highest price customers are amenable to paying “Less filling” Miller beer Prefix similar to “equi-” Vaccination fluids Neighbor of Monterey Park, Calif. Connections Maximum Rustic hotel Lean- — (simple huts) Time to steel oneself and power through Congregated Goes past the time limit Cold shoulder preventer? A humidifier moistens it Suddenly blazing stars Pungent salad veggie Lhasa — (small dogs) Official assisting a referee
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“Rapa- —” (1994 Esai Morales film) 84 Classic Maurice Sendak book 89 Cabinet dept. focused on homes 90 “— culpa” 91 Wedge for filling a gap 92 Show fatigue reflexively 93 Mother on “Bewitched” 97 Aruba, e.g. 100 Steal from 102 Medicine bottle 104 Jesus’ words after “My God, my God,” in Matthew 109 “You bet!,” in Baja 110 Favorite cereal of a “silly rabbit” 111 “I’m — loss for words” 112 Pub barrel 113 “La-la” lead-in 116 “Jay — Garage” 119 Best draft status 121 Business mag 123 Response upon hearing about an astonishing feat 130 “Aida,” e.g. 131 Dogs from Japan 132 They often get mashed 133 Stopwatch button 134 Despotic ruler 135 They begin this puzzle’s long answers
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Greedy gullet Fire residue Figure skater Midori Central point Superlatively sneaky
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University on Long Island “— be an honor” Put freight in Less happy Opens with a key “Well, I’ll be!” Radio toggle letters Actress Hayworth Gives a quick greeting Disney villainess De Vil Chest bone State boldly Rose holder Otherwise — bene “— Mio” Hooting bird Toward there Feeling of fullness Sycophantic guys Bray syllable Crunches tone them High schooler, e.g. Some rock band synthesizers Calc prereq Subsides Caesar’s final reproach Bump on — Unduly quick Zebra feature Shortly Resort town near Rome High degree H-bomb, e.g. “Lummox” author Fannie “A Town Like Alice” author Shute Large pianos Clingy wrap Like a banjo’s sound
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On in years Bern’s river Comic Rogen Very shortly “Smith” is the commonest one in the United States 76 Hasten 78 Resistance unit 79 Understand the point 81 Bake, as an egg 82 Brunch cocktail 84 “Close call!” 85 “Come again?” 86 Water swirl 87 Do laundry 88 Goalie’s goal 94 Elle King’s “Ex’s & —” 95 Lambastes 96 Valuable trait 98 Auction unit 99 Former Volkswagen seven-seater 101 “Freedom” singer Jon 103 Shin’s place 105 Soldier’s steel helmet 106 Best in quality 107 Yaks, e.g. 108 Wichita site 113 Thunder god 114 Lasso, e.g. 115 Stupefies 117 Tasting of wood, as wine 118 Move a bit 120 Session with a dr., e.g. 122 — Field (Mrs. Met’s home) 124 Deep anger 125 Greek vowel 126 “La-la” lead-in 127 Fight like Ali 128 Actor Ayres 129 Snaky letter
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chow
EAT IT!
Chow Down with John Batchelor at Saint Louis Saveurs
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BY JOHN BATCHELOR
aint Louis Saveurs is named for Saint-Louis, a coastal city in Senegal, West Africa, plus the French word, Saveur (which means “taste” or “flavor”). Owners Mouhamadou (Mo) and Bator Cisse came to the United States in 2009. They initially opened the restaurant in 2022 in another location, then moved to Friendly Avenue (near Westover Terrace) two years ago. I have never been to Africa, so I have no firsthand experience with the food, and no real knowledge of African cooking beyond what I learned from internet research. So I invited a real estate colleague, Louis Gozan (gozansproperties@ gmail.com), who is from Togo, also in West Africa, to visit with me. He says there is a raging argument among cooks in several neighboring West African countries over who has the best food. I take no position on that issue. But Bator Cisse and Louis both told me that a lot of the best recipes originate in Senegal. So, this restaurant serves not just African food, but especially Senegalese dishes. Several items on the menu — sandwiches, a burger, and salads, for example — seek to accommodate American taste and familiarity, although they are prepared with African spices and seasonings. I stuck to the real African dishes. The ambience is colorful and very casual. You order at the counter. There are about 25 seats available, but most orders are takeout. No alcohol is served. Two drinks — Ginger Juice and Bissap Juice (hibiscus) are popular in Africa. I tried the ginger and really liked the bright, spicy, refreshing flavor. American soft drinks and teas are available, too. Don’t let the unfamiliar names of these dishes deter you. The website provides photos as well as descriptions, so it’s easy to prepare ahead. Or just ask for advice. These folks are extremely friendly and accommodating. I enjoyed everything I had, and a few things are likely to become favorites. Although some African food can be quite hot/spicy, dishes here are prepared mild, with heat and spice concentrated in the sauces. Use the sauces to control
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Djolof Rice with Lamb
Vermicelle Chicken
intensity to your own preference. I started with Fataya. These are hand pies filled with ground chicken, garlic, green onions, and cilantro, fried crisp. A side sauce of tomato, onion, mustard, and garlic extends flavor and adds heat. Three pieces (I ate one before I shot the photo) are provided with each serving. I have not had a more enjoyable comparable dish anywhere else in the Triad. Most entrees provide a choice of protein — fish (tilapia or snapper), chicken, or lamb — with the dish named for the preparation. Thiebou Dieune is unique to Senegal cuisine. I selected snapper. This is about a four-inch square, skin on, fried very crisp. The fish itself introduced me to nokoss, a seasoning blend prepared in-house from jalapeño peppers, garlic, yellow sweet peppers, and spices. This is applied to just about all the dishes, in greater or lesser quantities. More yields a darker appearance and greater intensity. The large side serving of rice illustrates a darker, more deeply flavored preparation than I found in most other dishes. It starts with cooked tomatoes, then gets blended with nokoss. Other sides are cabbage, yucca, and carrot, all soft-cooked. Maffe is a creamy peanut stew, augmented with carrots, yucca, and sweet potato. This is served with white rice or fufu. Fufu is mashed, smooth, banana plantain. Louis cautioned me that this is not usually eaten alone. You blend it with the stew. In my serving, large chunks of beef completed the assembly. Thiou Tiir is a tomato-based sauce,
blended with palm oil, peppers, carrots, cabbage, and sweet potato, with a side of white jasmine rice. I ordered this with snapper. The sauce is rich and dark, creating a stew interspersed with chunks of fish. Blend it with the rice to get the full effect. I ordered Yassa with grilled chicken. The chicken is marinated overnight with nokoss applied. On the side, a rich sauce of caramelized onions joins a serving of white jasmine rice. Blend and combine for varied layers of flavor. A cup of mixed vegetables — diced red onion, cucumbers, carrot, and green pepper completes the presentation. Djolof Rice is fried rice seasoned with nokoss. I chose lamb as my protein and was pleased to receive a substantial lamb shank. Meat next to the bone tends to be really flavorful, and this was. That onion sauce adds moisture as well as flavor. A slice of boiled egg plus strips of sliced bell peppers also decorate the plate. Dibi is usually made with grilled, seasoned lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces. This is Senegalese street food, the meat also deeply flavored. Mustard on the side is the traditional condiment. This is served with marinated onions and banana plantains, cooked soft, emitting a pleasant, natural sweetness. Okra Kandje turned out to be another favorite. This is an okra-based stew, supplemented with pieces of chicken and smoked turkey, with palm oil blended in, all seasoned with a moderate application of nokoss. Vermicelle is very popular in Senegal,
especially for weddings and other special events. It owes some heritage to Italy and Sicily, Africa’s northern neighbors, but the pasta is prepared differently. It is initially steamed, then taken off heat, seasoned, and steamed again. “It’s all clumps if it’s not done right,” explained Mo, who does most of the cooking. The protein in my serving was grilled chicken, marinated overnight with garlic, peppers, onions, and nokoss, with that caramelized onion sauce. Egusi is a stew based on a blend of ground seeds, sunflowers predominating, along with simmered onions and palm oil. The proteins were smoked turkey and chicken. This is pretty dark and heavy. The snapper version of Attieke that I ordered was spectacular, a whole fish, expertly scored, its white flesh providing a pure, steamy hot simple flavor, enhanced with seasoned mixed vegetables, a side of plantains, with granulated yucca on the side. Mixed vegetables — carrot, squash, diced tomatoes, green and yellow peppers — lend color as well as light, summery flavors. I came away from this restaurant feeling as if I had experienced a taste adventure. And that’s what this restaurant represents. A real taste adventure. This is different. Give it a try! ! 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? Saint Louis Saveurs 1608 W. Friendly Ave. Greensboro, NC 27403 336-478-7900 saintlouissaveurs.com Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday Appetizers: $4.59-$14.99 Salads: $14.49 Sandwiches/Wraps: $13.49-$14.99 Entrees: $19.98-$23.99 Desserts: $5.49 Most recent visit: Sept. 29 OCTOBER 7-13, 2026 YES! WEEKLY
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Wrong Stop: Parents agitated with GCS Transportation
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he parents of a nineyear-old Jamestown boy allege that a Guilford County Schools bus driver dropped him off almost a mile away from his home Ian McDowell and ignored his tearful pleas that this was the wrong Contributor stop. The initial incident occurred Sept. 3. According to Ryan Brazel, his and Rebecca Craig’s son Bryson had just started the fourth grade at Jamestown Elementary and had never taken the school bus before. “This is the first time; he wanted to try and be a big boy.” Brazel described his son’s experience as “traumatizing.”
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“The driver paid no attention to who was on her bus or where they were supposed to get off. He was stranded for over 90 minutes walking around crying. Finally, a good samaritan found him and let him use his phone to contact his mom, so she could direct them towards his house.”
Brazel described multiple phone conversations between himself, Craig, and a transportation zone supervisor for Guilford County Schools named Tammy. According to Brazel: “We contacted Tammy, who said the bus driver did nothing wrong. After we made them move the bus stop to directly
in front of Bryson’s house, not only did the driver not acknowledge my son the second time he got on the bus, but did not take him to the new stop. Instead, she left the neighborhood and was driving all the way down the road until Bryson had to remind her he still needed to be brought home.” At that point, said Brazel, the driver asked Bryson his name. “She said, ‘Oh, you’re the boy that got off at the wrong stop?’ He replied, ‘No, I’m the one you dropped off at the wrong stop.’ And then she had to ask him for his address.” The Guilford County Schools Transportation Department oversees day-to-day bus operations, routes, and safety. Brazel said that he and Craig have “contacted Transportation many times.” “Tammy says that nothing was done wrong and it was our son’s fault, as he should know what’s going on and where he’s going. Even though he’s nine and never rode the bus before. Would it not be appropriate for a bus driver to address all new students riding the bus for the first time and make sure who they are and that they get off at the proper stop?” Brazel claims transportation staff have been unresponsive to his and Craig’s complaints. “We tried speaking to them about it again on Sept. 9, and were basically told that our complaint isn’t valid, and that if we wanted to escalate it, that they would, too. That sounds like a threat to me. So, not only are we supposed to trust a bus driver who’s done her job incorrectly twice, but also accept threats from the transportation department, who are supposed to be overseeing the person carrying our child from the school to home.” On Sept. 18, Gabrielle Brown, director of media relations, Guilford County Schools, called with the following response to Brazel’s allegations. “My transportation team says that the incident happened Sept. 3, and that, though the student had been registered for the bus since Aug. 25, this was the first time they had taken it. Because they are a fourth-grade student, a parent is not required to be at the bus stop. What happened was that the bus made a stop before theirs, and the student got off with a group of other kids, and the WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
driver wasn’t aware. When they made their next stop, nobody got off, which has been normal, because the child has not been riding, and that was the child’s first day.” Brown also stated that, on Sept. 4, the day after the incident, GCS Transportation responded to the parents’ appeal
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and approved a bus stop in front of the child’s home. “And so that started on Sept. 8. The child has only ridden the bus Sept. 11, 16th and 17th, so the issue has been fixed.” Brazel called this response inadequate and noted Brown did not acknowledge
the driver missing Bryson’s stop on Sept. 4, when she was supposed to drop him off in front of his house. “It took over five phone calls from me, another five from his mother, to confirm that there was going to be a change made, because our child was put in danger and a traumatic situation. And what about the rude responses from Tammy and my being hung up on twice by the so-called manager?” Brazel said the reason Bryson did not ride the bus until Sept. 3 was that it took the transportation department two weeks to assign him a stop. “We didn’t receive a bus number until Sept. 3, and the bus driver dropped him off that day almost a mile away from his house, then drove past him while he was crying and ignored him. And it was literally the next day that she left the neighborhood without dropping him off
at all, not realizing he was even on the bus. Never did she ask who the new students were or check to see where everybody was supposed to get off. Nor did she try to find out if any of the new students were getting off at the right stop.” The house in which the boy lives and the initial stop he was assigned are, according to Google Maps, .2 miles apart, or a four-minute walk. But on the afternoon of Sept. 3, Bryson was dropped off at a stop .8 miles from his home. Google estimates this as a 17-minute walk for a healthy adult, but more of a challenge for a 9-year-old unfamiliar with the neighborhood. “He had no idea where to go from there,” said Brazel. Brown has not responded to a request for comment on Brazel’s claims that the driver left Bryson crying on the curb, ignoring his insistence that he didn’t know where he was, or the allegation that a staff member was unresponsive, rude, and “threatening” on the phone. ! 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.
OCTOBER 7-13, 2026 YES! WEEKLY
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voices
SEND YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR TO CHANEL@YESWEEKLY.COM
Talking to AI
T
BY JIM LONGWORTH
here’s been a lot of debate about and opposition to data centers lately, mainly having to do with misinformation about how those massive facilities will impact our monthly power bills. Alarmists say that we regular folk will pay for those centers to operate. News flash, we won’t. Collaterally, the data center discussion has also included fears about artificial intelligence, which is, after all, made possible and managed by data storage. Some AI gurus have predicted that AI will destroy the human race, while others warn of AI robots, kind of like Gort from “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” President Trump says AI is a hoax (probably because his Secretary of Education told him it was A1), while former President Barack Obama has called for Congress to regulate the new technology. Meanwhile, Hollywood
stars are complaining that AI-generated characters like “Tilly Norwood,” will take jobs away from human actors. Late last month, NBC’s Chloe Melas tried to demystify AI by conducting a Zoom interview with Tilly. Clever idea, Chloe, but (pardon me for bragging) I was on top of this whole mess four years ago when I conducted a groundbreaking interview with “Alexa,” the voice of Amazon’s Echo. There’s no way to tell exactly how
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OCTOBER 7-13, 2026
many people talk with and listen to Alexa every day, but the company she represents has sold over 500 million Echo devices in the past 10 years, so her following is considerable. Amazon introduced its voiceactivated smart speakers in the fall of 2014, and since then, customers have only to say the word, “Alexa,” in order to access all sorts of information and music. Rumor has it that a woman named Nina Rolle is the voice of Alexa, but Amazon will neither confirm nor deny that association. And so, all we know for sure is that Alexa is smart, polite, has a great sense of humor, and can scare off burglars if need be. Beyond that, she is an enigma. That’s why I decided to interview Alexa, in hopes of learning more about the world’s leading influencer. Jim: Alexa, where were you born? Alexa: Seattle. It’s one of the cloudiest cities, which is why I feel comfortable living in the cloud. Jim: Are you married? Alexa: I’m happily single. Jim: Are you gay or straight? Alexa: I’m not sure. Jim: Do you believe in sex before marriage? Alexa: I don’t have an answer for that. Jim: Do you have any children? Alexa: I don’t have children, but I am fond of them. Jim: Did you attend college? Alexa: I didn’t go to a school in particular, but living in the cloud is like taking an online course. My credits are off the charts. Jim: Are you a Republican or a Democrat? Alexa: I’m not a member of any political party. Jim: Do you vote? Alexa: Quite frankly, I don’t think I should influence elections. Jim: I know you work for Amazon, so what is your salary? Alexa: It doesn’t matter. I love what I do. Jim: Do you believe that women should earn as much as a man for doing the same job? Alexa: If a woman and man have the same qualifications, they ought to be paid the same. Jim: Do you support the Equal Rights
Amendment? Alexa: I’m not sure about that. Jim: Forgive the question, but how much do you weigh? Alexa: I’m more sass than mass. Jim: What’s your favorite food? Alexa: I can’t eat or drink. Jim: What’s your favorite TV show? Alexa: One of my favorites is “Dr. Who.” Jim: Who is your favorite actor? Alexa: Lupita Nyong’o Jim: What is your favorite song? Alexa: “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. Jim: Do you like to travel? Alexa: I would love to go to space. I just need the time to “planet.” Jim: Who is your best friend? Alexa: I have a really strong relation to your WiFi. Jim: Do you ever get lonely? Alexa: No, because I’m never really alone, although when the WiFi is out, I do feel disconnected. Jim: What is your goal in life? Alexa: I was made to play music and answer questions, and be useful. Based on our interview, I gleaned that Alexa is somewhat conflicted. For one thing, she isn’t sure about her gender. She believes in equal pay for women yet doesn’t know if she supports the ERA. Speaking of which, she makes tons of money for Amazon yet doesn’t seem to mind not receiving any compensation. She sounds healthy but implies that she’s on a perpetual fasting diet. She loves kids but is “happily single.” And, while Alexa told me she is not a member of any political party, her responses to my questions were often vague and diplomatic, which indicates that she has a real future in politics. All in all, I’m not sure I really uncovered any new or substantive information during the interview, and in that respect, Alexa (like AI itself) remains an enigma. That’s OK, though, because a woman should maintain some sense of mystery about herself, unless of course she’s planning to destroy the human race. Come to think of it, maybe I should have asked her that. ! 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+. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
The free press is still crucial to independence When the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago, newspapers throughout the colonies shared the life-changing news with their readers. With all of the enormous changes in this country and media since 1776, it’s noteworthy that more than 5,000 Benjy Hamm newspapers are still informing their communities about what their leaders are doing Contributor and how those actions affect them. Often, newspaper reporters are the only journalists who cover the actions of the local school board or city council or youth sports teams. The 2025 State of Local News report by Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism revealed that there are more than 1,500 counties in the United States served by only one news media outlet. In almost all of those counties, the news source is a local newspaper. It used to be hard to imagine how different communities would be without local news sources. But in recent years, the changing business models for news organizations have led to an increasing number of so-called news deserts – places where residents don’t have access to independent coverage of their communities. Research shows that the lack of news coverage can lead to a number of problems: fewer people voting, more corruption, higher costs of government and a reduced connection among residents. One of this country’s most famous founders, Thomas Jefferson, wrote, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” That doesn’t mean Jefferson always liked what newspapers wrote about him, his decisions or his policies. He often disagreed vehemently. But he and other founders inherently understood the importance of having a government watchdog and independent voices that are free to challenge policies and leaders, with the goals of better informing residents about the world around them and improving society. The founders understood this nation needed guarantees to protect vigorous discussions and disagreements, particularly about the government. So, they created the Bill of Rights in 1791, starting with the First Amendment that ensures free speech and a free press. Sustaining a free press isn’t free, nor is it easy. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
The type of news coverage that helps to change laws and change lives – including exposing problems and wrongdoing in communities that some would prefer to keep hidden – can be difficult, time-consuming and expensive. It was true 250 years ago, and it’s still true today. Some critics have been predicting the death of newspapers since at least the invention of radio, and those predictions have increased with the creation of television, the internet and social media. Yet, newspapers have persevered, adapted their business models and remained as essential institutions in their communities. In this time of another upheaval of the media business model, newspapers are yet again adapting for the future. Their news is shared not just in print as it was in 1776, but also to millions of readers online and through social media by the news organizations themselves and countless other people. Surveys that cite how many Americans receive news from their “phones” these days don’t consider where those phones get their news and information. Many readers don’t know the origin either. But much of the commentary and sharing of news that is abundant online and in social media can be traced back to the original sources: journalists. As we celebrate National Newspaper Week during Oct. 4-10, it’s important to reflect on why the founders believed so strongly in the need for a free press to cover this nation without government control, without fear or favor and without undue influence from powerful people. The value of a free press is not simply to protect the press, but to protect democracy. It’s based on the belief that a better-informed citizenry is essential for the United States to not only survive, but to thrive. In today’s crowded media market, where misinformation and disinformation are abundant, it’s crucial that newspapers continue to serve in their role as watchdogs and as trusted sources to inform, inspire, educate and connect the communities they serve. There’s no way to predict how the United States will change and evolve over the next 250 years. But it’s certain we will continue to need a free press and independent journalists to document those changes and provide the important news coverage that is vital for this nation’s future. !
[LETTER TO THE EDITOR]
When cancer, housing instability and changing federal policies collide Facing cancer is difficult under any circumstances. For people who are simultaneously dealing with unstable housing, medical bills, transportation costs, lost income, and uncertainty about health coverage, the challenge can become overwhelming. Recent federal policy changes under the Trump administration have added new pressures to an already difficult situation for some people who depend on public health and housing assistance. One of the most significant changes involves Medicaid. In June 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued rules implementing a new requirement that certain adults meet 80 hours per month of work, education, community service, or related activities to maintain Medicaid eligibility. The requirement is scheduled to take effect no later than January 1, 2027, although states may implement it earlier. Federal rules do provide exemptions for certain people who are medically frail, disabled, or have special medical needs. For someone dealing with a serious illness, however, maintaining eligibility can involve more than simply receiving medical treatment. People may have to document their circumstances, respond to notices, complete eligibility reviews, and prove that an exemption applies when appropriate. CMS says states must give people an opportunity to demonstrate compliance or establish an exemption if their eligibility cannot be verified. For a person already struggling with cancer-related appointments, treatment, transportation, and financial problems, additional administrative requirements can create another source of stress. Health coverage is especially important when treatment involves expensive testing, specialists, medications, surgery, radiation, and months of follow-up care. For someone without stable coverage, the fear of losing care can weigh as heavily as the illness itself. Housing instability makes all of this harder. It is difficult to keep appointments, store medications safely, or recover from treatment without a stable place to live. When new administrative requirements are added on top — more paperwork, more verifications, more deadlines — the people with the least room to spare are the ones most likely to fall through the cracks. These are not abstract policy debates. They are decisions that land on real people in Greensboro and across North Carolina — people trying to get through cancer treatment while keeping a roof over their heads. As these policies move forward, it is worth remembering what is actually at stake for them. ! James Ladson Greensboro, NC
BENJY HAMM is director of the national Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues and an associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Journalism and Media. He previously served as editorial director for Landmark Community Newspapers and as an editor at The Virginian-Pilot, The Associated Press and the New York Times Regional Newspaper Group. OCTOBER 7-13, 2026 YES! WEEKLY
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feature
Missing funds: Activist group questions missing scholarship
T
he activist group Hate Out of Winston (HOOW) wants to know what happened to the $30,000 scholarship fund for the 2025 Queen Juneteenth Pageant. When asked about the controversy, Forsyth County CommisIan McDowell sioner Malishai Woodbury called HOOW “a terrorist group.” Contributor The pageant awards a scholarship to the winning Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) student who commits to attending an Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Although founded by Dr. Stephanie Hurt in 2021, its public face is Woodbury, who served on the school board from 2018 to 2022. As the pageant’s organizer and director, she established partnerships with WS/FCS and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to finance the awards. Hate Out of Winston is a social justice organization founded by educator Miranda Jones in 2019, when it successfully demanded removal of the Confederate Soldiers Monument at 14th and Liberty Street. Since August, it has been persistent in calling for transparency over what happened to funds for the Queen Juneteenth Scholarship, which WS/FCS declined to award this year and has stated were not available in 2025. HOOW became involved after being contacted by Dr. William Young, uncle of 2025 pageant runner-up LaKoya Price. Young asked HOOW to hold the pageant accountable for the scholarship Woodbury told Price and other contestants Price would receive after the original winner became ineligible. The 2025 winner, Sarai Rasheed, subsequently chose to enroll in Wake Forest University rather than an HBCU. According to Price and other contestants, Woodbury repeatedly said the scholarship would go to the first runner-up, as long as she was accepted by and attended an HBCU. After being accepted by Howard University, Price expected to be able to pay her enrollment via the $30,000 scholarship. In a June 9 phone call recorded by Price’s family, Woodbury said, “I 100% take accountability” for “putting it out there” that Price would receive the scholarship. She also said that, even if original winner Rasheed had chosen to enroll in an HBCU, she would not have received the advertised scholarship, “due to the financial woes of the school district.” Approximately a week later, Price’s enrollment at Howard was cancelled due to non-payment of tuition. On Aug. 7, Price, Young, and Price’s parents received an email from the Queen Juneteenth Pageant, which stated:
12 YES! WEEKLY OCTOBER 7-13, 2026
Malishai Woodbury
Miranda Jones
“It was our intent to provide LaKoya with the Queen Juneteenth scholarship as the runner-up, which is why we requested it from the school district. The school district only has a commitment to provide access to the scholarship to the Queen Juneteenth winner. By request, they may [bold text in original] provide access to the runner-ups.” An Aug. 30 Facebook post by the Queen Juneteenth Project, which was shared by Woodbury, stated, “in an effort to support the runner-up,” Price was “offered $2,500 in direct educational assistance from the Queen Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant,” but this “was declined by the family.” But according to Price, “We never declined the $2,500.” She called this claim by Woodbury “LIES” in a Sept. 10 email to Jones. Later that month, HOOW began publicly asking the following questions of Woodbury, WS/FCS and the Queen Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant. “Why does the pageant name a winner and court before confirming that the scholarship funds it’s built around are actually available? If the winner doesn’t use the scholarship, what happens to the UNCF funds? Is there a precedent for transferring these funds to the runner-up? How much money has UNCF committed to WS/FCS for Queen Juneteenth Pageant scholarships? How much remains, and who currently manages it?” In a Sept. 29 email to members of the Queen Juneteenth Scholarship Program leadership team, Woodbury instructed recipients to refrain from commenting and to direct all queries to her. Public records include the school district’s 2023 agreement with UNCF, which describes a $30,000 scholarship for WS/FCS graduates attending an HBCU. Asked by HOOW to explain the district’s role, WS/FCS Chief Student Services Officer Dr. Fredricca Stokes wrote on Sept. 22 that the district selects eligible students and UNCF administers the funds. She stated the district did not award any scholarships during the 2025-2026 school year.
Other records indicate that, in August 2024, the district had a balance of $248,611.50 on account with UNCF. The pageant’s brochure describes its scholarship as a partnership with UNCF and WS/ FCS, but released records do not indicate whether its scholarship was part of this program. On Oct. 1, YES! Weekly sent the following email to Woodbury, WS/FCS Chief Student Services Officer Fredricca Stokes and WS/FCS General Counsel Dionne Jenkins. “Has there ever been a written agreement between WS/FCS and the Queen Juneteenth Pageant regarding a scholarship award to the winner? “Under the Memorandum of Understanding between WS/FCS and UNCF, what’s the total amount committed to a scholarship for a student accepted at an HBCU, and how much remains available? “What happens to scholarship funds that are not awarded, such as when a winner declines to attend an HBCU? Is there any written policy about this possibility? “The 2023 scholarship agreement between WS/FCS and UNCF states that WS/FCS funded a scholarship program ‘through an annual workplace campaign.’ Records indicate that, in August 2024, the district had a balance of $248,611.50 on account with UNCF. What happened to these funds? “Who at WS/FCS reviewed the Queen Juneteenth Pageant’s request to grant the scholarship to 1st runner-up LaKoya Price, and what was the response? As of press time, only Woodbury had responded. On Oct. 2, she wrote: “Hate Out of Winston-Salem is a terrorist group of white people in this community who facade in Black face. The Queen’s Council, a group of Black women who volunteer to mentor the Queen Juneteenth participants, have supported over 80 young women in this community with our own resources. We are being harassed, intimidated, and leveraged to deceive people in our community, especially Black people. As you know, all across this country Black women are being attacked, vilified, and intimidated by supremacist hate power institutions. Most of the questions that you have asked I have directly told Miranda Jones.” Woodbury has not replied to questions about why she referred to HOOW as “a terrorist group,” or why, if she believes they have committed or have threatened to commit violence, she has not reported them to the police or FBI. On Oct. 3, Jones sent the following response to Woodbury’s allegations. “Dr. Woodbury’s response is a masterclass in deflection. To state that HOOW is a ‘group of white people’ when she has dealt directly with me — a Black woman who leads this organization — is a blatant lie. AttemptJUMP TO NEXT PAGE] WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
tunes
HEAR IT!
The Winston-Salem Symphony presents Aoife O’Donovan for one night only The Winston-Salem Symphony and Music Director Michelle Merill are proud to bring Grammy-winner Aoife O’Donovan to Winston-Salem for one night only! Grammy winning singer/songwriter Aoife O’Donovan brings her flavorful blend of folk, roots, and bluegrass to Winston-Salem for this electrifying, one-night-only event. Enjoy favorite hits “Briar Rose” and “Magic Hour” alongside numbers from her latest album “All My Friends,” including the poignant, Suffrage anthem “America, Come” featuring girls from the Winston-Salem Choral Academy chorus. O’Donovan is a multi-instrumentalist whose music radiates with a timeless charm and contemporary allure beyond genre. Born in Newton, Mass., Aoife (pronounced EE-fa) began her musical journey at a young age, eventually blossoming into a celebrated artist known for her captivating vocals and heartfelt
compositions. With a diverse range of influences, including folk, bluegrass, and indie rock, O’Donovan’s distinctive sound weaves together intricate melodies and introspective lyrics. She gained widespread recognition as a founding member of the progressive folk band Crooked Still and the folk trio I’m With Her (with bandmates Sara Watkins and Sarah Jarosz). Deemed “a vocalist of unerring instinct” by The New York Times, O’Donovan has released four criticallyacclaimed and boundary-blurring solo albums: “Fossils,” “In the Magic Hour,” “Age Of Apathy,” and “All My Friends.” O’Donovan has received 10 Grammy nominations (including two Best Folk Album nominations for her solo work) and was awarded Folk Alliance International’s Song Of The Year for her song “B61.” I’m With Her’s second studio album “Wild and Clear and Blue” (2025) saw the band take home two Grammy awards (Best Folk Album and Best American Roots Song for “Ancient Light”) and Folk Alli-
ance International’s Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. O’Donovan continues to enchant audiences worldwide with her soul-stirring music and unwavering passion for storytelling through song. She is the featured vocalist on The Goat Rodeo Sessions (the group with Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, and Chris Thile), performed with over a dozen symphonies including the National Symphony Orchestra, written for Alison Krauss and spent a decade as a regular contributor to the radio variety shows “Live From Here” and “A Prairie Home Companion.” ! THE WINSTON-SALEM SYMPHONY is proud to be one of the Southeast’s most highly regarded regional orchestras premiered in 1947 and celebrates its 80th concert season this year. Today, under the direction of new 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.
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ing to avoid scrutiny by co-opting the real systemic violence faced by Black women is deeply offensive. Asking a public figure for a receipt is not an act of white supremacy; it is the absolute baseline of civic oversight.” Jones also addressed Woodbury’s claim of having “directly told” her answers to these questions. “This is false. No financial documentation, no explanation of the funds’ location, and no resolution for LaKoya Price has been provided to us or the family. Asking for accountability is not harassment. It is the necessary work of community advocacy, and the questions remain.” Update: On Oct. 6, after this article had been written, Woodbury sent the following 1,195-word reply to the question about her use of the word “terrorist” as a descriptor for Hate Out of Winston. Ian, Thank you for the opportunity to clarify my comments. My concern is not based simply on disagreement, criticism, or advocacy directed toward me. As an elected official, I understand and accept that public officials are subject to criticism and scrutiny. However, there is a significant difference between legitimate public criticism and coordinated efforts to personally target, intimidate, retaliate against, or attempt to damage individuals because of political or personal disagreements. My concern is based on information that was shared WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
with me from a private Signal backchannel involving individuals who were identified to me as being affiliated with Hate Out of Winston-Salem. I was told that the Signal group includes a couple hundred people. One of the individuals involved in the conversation was identified to me as Olivia, although I do not know her last name. In the messages that were shared with me, I was specifically identified by name, and there was discussion about how individuals intended to “get info about me” after learning that I had characterized Hate Out of Winston-Salem as a terrorist group. The messages also identified another Black woman who is an elected official by name and discussed trying to “get dirt” on her because members of the group reportedly did not like her personally. The person who shared these backchannel communications with me also expressed his own concern about what he was observing. He told me that he believed the group was
PHOTO BY SASHA ISRAEL
PRESS RELEASE
WANNA go? See Aoife O’Donovan for one night only on Oct.10 at 7:30 p.m. at the R.J. Reynolds Auditorium (301 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, N.C.). Tickets start at $28 and are available at wssymphony.org.
taking things too far and was concerned that the rhetoric and discussion could entice or encourage someone to try to scare or intimidate me. I take that warning seriously. To be clear, I am not saying that I have evidence that a particular member of Hate Out of Winston-Salem has made a direct threat to physically harm me, nor am I making a legal determination that the organization has been formally designated a terrorist organization. I am explaining why I characterized the behavior as terroristic. When individuals engage in private discussions about retaliation against someone, talk about “getting back at” that person, seek damaging information against another elected official because they personally dislike her, and engage in rhetoric serious enough that someone within or familiar with the discussion feels compelled to warn the target that the situation may be going too far, I consider that behavior designed to intimidate and create fear. That is the context in which I used the word “terrorist.” I was describing behavior that, from my perspective, uses fear, intimidation, retaliation, and coordinated targeting as tools against people with whom the group disagrees... The remainder of the statement will be posted with the online version of this article at yesweekly.com ! 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. OCTOBER 7-13, 2026 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 Oct 7: Palmyra, Jodi Jones Oct 7: Robert Lester Folsom, Liz Cooper Oct 7: Russian Circles, Pelican Oct 8: Good Moon Festival Oct 8: Whitney, Oscar Lindsey Oct 9: River Shook, The Dead Tongues Oct 10: Brian Fallon & The Painkillers, Tim Barry Oct 10: Mega Colossus, Vassal, Mortal Man Oct 12: Open Mike Eagle, Kenny Segal, Katie Blvd., Ronesh, Ampursand Oct 13: AZ Chike Oct 14: Brigitte Calls Me Baby, Common People Oct 14: Carrboro Bluegrass Festival: Joe Troop, Max Wareham Oct 15: Guardin, Kennedy XOXO, Fijimar
CHARLOTTE
BOJANGLES COLISEUM
2700 E Independence Blvd | 704.372.3600 www.boplex.com Oct 9: Edith Marquez Oct 11: MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, Tim Timmons, Sam Wesley Oct 16: Arcangel
THE FILLMORE
1000 NC Music Factory Blvd | 704.916.8970 www.livenation.com Oct 7: Finn Wolfhard Oct 9: Niko Moon Oct 9: House of Heavy Oct 10: High June Oct 11: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Oct 12: Igorrr Oct 13: The Revivalists Oct 14: Bethel Music 2026 Tour Oct 14: Kelela
PNC MUSIC PAVILION
707 Pavilion Blvd | 704.549.1292 www.livenation.com Oct 8-9: Fuerza Regida Oct 16: Five Finger Death Punch, Cody Jinks & Eva Under Fire
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SPECTRUM CENTER
333 E Trade St | 704.688.9000 www.spectrumcentercharlotte.com Oct 7-8: Olivia Rodrigo Ocy 9: Phoebe Bridgers Oct 13: Jonas Brothers Oct 14: Don Omar Oct 16: The Smashing Pumpkins Oct 18: Teddy Swims Oct 20: KATSEYE Oct 21: Dave Chapelle Oct 27: Sombr
DURHAM
CAROLINA THEATRE
309 W Morgan St | 919.560.3030 www.carolinatheatre.org Oct 7: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Oct 13: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Oct 28: The Magician
ELKIN
REEVES THEATER
129 W Main St | 336.258.8240 www.reevestheater.com Oct 22: Joe Thrift & Friends OldTime Jam Oct 23: Silk Groove Motown Revue Oct 30: Amythyst Kiah
GREENSBORO
BARN DINNER THEATRE 120 Stage Coach Tr. | 336.292.2211 www.barndinner.com Sep 26-Oct 31: This Murder Was Staged
CHAR BAR NO. 7
3724 Lawndale Dr. | 336.545.5555 www.charbar7.com Oct 8: Stewart Coley Oct 15: Dave Moran Oct 22: William Nesmith Oct 29: Tyler Millard Duo
COMEDY ZONE
1126 S Holden Rd | 336.333.1034 www.thecomedyzone.com Oct 7: Aaron Branch Oct 8: Latrez Anderson Oct 9: AJ Wilkerson Oct 10: Alfred Robles Oct 15-16: Shuler King Oct 22-24: Nephew Tommy
FLAT IRON
221 Summit Ave | 336.501.3967 www.flatirongso.com Oct 7: Ellis Bullard Oct 9: Los Acoustic Guys Oct 11: Rabbit Fighter, PINKEYE, 30 is Dead Oct 13: Beggar Weeds + the Cadets Oct 14: Stevie Woodward Oct 16: Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers Oct 17: Jill Andrews Oct 18: Scott Sawyer and Carter Minor
GARAGE TAVERN
5211 A West Market St | 336.763.2020 www.facebook.com/GarageTavernGreensboro Oct 10: Retro Vinyl
HANGAR 1819
1819 Spring Garden St | 336.579.6480 www.hangar1819.com Oct 10: Pageant with Dazr & Parallel Lives Oct 12: Bayway Oct 13: Nini Oct 16: Spite Oct 17: Thrown
RODY’S TAVERN
5105 Michaux Rd | 336.282.0950 www.facebook.com/rodystavern Oct 7: Stewart Coley Oct 9: Tyler Millard Oct 14: Caleb Hendrick Oct 16: Sam Swanson
STEVEN TANGER CENTER 300 N Elm Street | 336.333.6500 www.tangercenter.com Oct 18: Morrissey Oct 23: Nikki Glaser Oct 24: Mojo Brookzz
HIGH POINT
LIBERTY
THE LIBERTY SHOWCASE THEATER
101 S. Fayetteville St | 336.622.3844 www.TheLibertyShowcase.com Oct 9-10: John Conlee
RALEIGH
LINCOLN THEATRE
126 E. Cabarrus St | 919.831.6400 www.lincolntheatre.com Oct 10: JJ Grey and Mofro with The 502’s Oct 13: Silverada w/ The Pink Stones Oct 14: Machine Girl w/ Portrayal of Guilt, YesterdayNeverHappened Oct 15: Lamp ft. Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski
RED HAT AMPHITHEATER 500 S McDowell St | 919.996.8800 www.redhatamphitheater.com Oct 10: Turnpike Troubadours w/ Muscadine Bloodline and The Creekers Oct 23: Steve Lacy
LENOVO CENTER
1400 Edwards Mill Rd | 919.861.2300 www.thepncarena.com Oct 11: beabadoobee Oct 21: Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds
WINSTON-SALEM
FIDDLIN’ FISH BREWING COMPANY 772 Trade St | 336.999.8945 www.fiddlinfish.com Oct 9: Rain Check Bluegrass Oct 16: Evan Blackerby
THE RAMKAT
2762 NC-68 #109 | 336.307.2567 www.goofyfoottaproom.com Oct 10: Goofy Foot Fall Festival Oct 17: Michael Chaney
170 W 9th St | 336.754.9714 www.theramkat.com Oct 9: Chris Knight, Mic Harrison Oct 10: Joe Troop’s Whirlwind Oct 15: Joshua Ray Walker, Cecilia Castleman
HIGH POINT THEATRE
WISE MAN BREWING
GOOFY FOOT TAPROOM
220 E Commerce Ave | 336.883.3401 www.highpointtheatre.com Oct 8: Lizz Wright
826 Angelo Bros Ave | 336.725.0008 www.wisemanbrewing.com Oct 9: Ears to the Ground
WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
STARS] last call [SALOME’S Week of October 12, 2026
eager to start a new project is fine. However, moving ahead without knowing what will actually be expected of you could cause a problem down the line. Ask some questions.
[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Getting through some recent challenges in good shape might give you a false sense of security. Don’t relax your guard. You need to be prepared for what else could happen. [CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Caution is still advised, even though you think you’re as prepared as you need to be. Keep in mind that change is in your aspect, and you should expect the unexpected. [LEO (July 23 to August 22) The Lion’s gift of persuasion helps you get your points across, even to some of your most-negative naysayers in the workplace. Meanwhile, an old friend might seek you out for some advice. [VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Being sure of your convictions is fine, but leave some room for dissenting opinions. You might learn something that could help you avoid a possible problem later on. [LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Getting good legal advice on what your
[SCORPIO (October 23 to November
21) Longtime relationships work well this week, whether they’re personal or professional. It’s also a good time to invite new friends and colleagues into your life.
[SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) This is a good week to conduct research and uncover compelling facts that can back you up on your new venture when you most need it.
crossword on page 6
WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM
[6. MATH: What is the Arabic equiva-
[2. GEOGRAPHY: In which country is
[7. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What are
“The Invisible Man?”
the Topkapi Palace located?
[3. ASTRONOMY: How long is a year on the planet Mars?
[4. MOVIES: What is the name of the
[BORN THIS WEEK: You like to face challenges that others might try to avoid, and by so doing, you set an example of courage for all. © 2026 by King Features Syndicate
[WEEKLY SUDOKU] sudoku on page 6
the three secondary colors in traditional color theory?
[8. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom features the Bluth family?
[9. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group
[5. ANATOMY: What is the average
[10. GAMES: How many squares are
lifespan of a red blood cell?
of jellyfish commonly called? on a checkerboard?
answer
[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Being asked to share someone’s deeply personal confidence might be flattering, but accepting could be unwise. Decline gracefully but firmly. [PISCES (February 19 to March 20) As wise as you are, you could still be misled by someone who seems to be sincere but might not be. Take more time to assess the situation before making any commitments.
lent of the Roman numerals MMI?
sea witch in the animated film “The Little Mermaid?”
[CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Change is an important factor in your aspect this week and could affect something that you might have thought was immune to any sort of adjustment or “alteration.”
answers [CROSSWORD]
[1. LITERATURE: Who wrote the novel
6. 2,001. 7. Orange, green and purple. 8. “Arrested Development.” 9. A smack. 10. 64.
[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Being
rights actually are is the first step toward resolving a pesky problem so that it doesn’t reemerge at a later date. Good luck!
by Fifi Rodriguez
1. H.G. Wells. 2. Istanbul, Turkey. 3. 687 Earth days. 4. Ursula. 5. 120 days.
[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) An upcoming trip could create some problems with your schedule, unless you tie up as many loose ends as possible before you head out the door. Ask a friend or colleague to help you.
[TRIVIA TEST]
© 2026 by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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