🗞️ Kernersville woman charged with attempted murder of two women and teen

🗞️ A family project: Kernersville duo brings a groundbreaking tractor back to life

🗞️ Feeling down? A therapist says these small daily habits can help you feel better about yourself

🗞️ Family, Friends and Fans Mourn Kyle Busch as Doctors Warn of Sepsis Risks

A woman from Kernersville has been arrested and charged with attempting to murder two women and a teenager in what police describe as a targeted attack. The suspect is in custody as investigators work to piece together the motive and circumstances. The community is awaiting further details as the case heads to court.¹

A father and son from Kernersville, North Carolina, have restored a piece of agricultural history. Terry and Zack Smith brought a 1959 Ford 971 tractor back to its former glory.

The tractor was built in Highland Park, Michigan, and its 62-horsepower diesel engine was powerful for its time. But the real innovation was under the hood.

This Ford 971 featured the world's first independent powershift transmission, called the Select-O-Speed. It allowed farmers to change gears without stopping, offering 10 forward speeds and 2 in reverse.

Farm broadcaster Max Armstrong highlighted the Smiths' work, noting their deep knowledge of Ford tractors. He pointed out that the tractor's unique transmission let operators shift on the go using a lever under the steering wheel.

When the Ford 971 hit the market, American farming was changing fast. Large farms were getting bigger, and new chemicals and seeds were boosting crop yields.

At the same time, fewer people were available to work the fields as many moved to cities. The Ford 971's power takeoff, or PTO, helped farmers do more with less labor.

This feature let them run equipment like mowers and balers directly from the tractor's engine. Early versions of the Select-O-Speed had some mechanical issues due to its complex design.

But by the time Ford stopped making the 971 in 1962, those problems were fixed. The technology quickly became standard across the industry.

John Deere and other manufacturers developed their own PTO systems, building on Ford's pioneering work. Armstrong said the Ford 971 was ahead of its time.

One safety feature that stands out on the Smiths' restored tractor is a protective cap over the PTO shaft. Armstrong is curious if other companies used a similar design.

He is asking anyone who knows about other tractors with a PTO cap to email him at [email protected].²

A psychotherapist has shared a list of simple, practical steps that can help people build their self-esteem. Dr.Barton Goldsmith, a practicing therapist, suggests that small, achievable actions can make a big difference in how people feel about themselves. He emphasizes that these are tools to try one at a time rather than all at once.

One of the first things people can do is organize their desk. While a cluttered workspace might not be a sign of a sick mind, keeping it tidy can prevent small moments of panic when searching for important documents.

It also provides a quick sense of accomplishment. Learning a new computer program is another suggestion.

Mastering even the basics of a new piece of software can be empowering. This kind of mental exercise builds brain cells, boosts positive feelings, and may help keep the mind sharp as people age.

For those who are handy around the house, fixing something can be a great self-esteem booster. Saving money by doing a repair yourself is common, but the real benefit might be the personal satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

Organizing photos is another way to feel good. Whether you sort digital files or physical albums, looking back at your history helps you see how far you've come and how you've changed over the years.

Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple but powerful practice. Writing down five things you're thankful for each day can shift your mindset.

Doing this right before bed is especially effective, as those positive feelings can carry over into your sleep. Dr.Goldsmith also encourages people to see the world as a friendly place. Making friends with life, so to speak, allows you to engage with it more fully and enjoy the process.

It's also important to focus on the positive. Research suggests that a large majority of the thousands of thoughts we have each day are negative.

Learning to spot those downer moments and replace them with positive images is a skill that can make daily life much more pleasant. Support from others is crucial.

If friends, family, or coworkers don't provide the emotional support you need, joining or forming a support group can be a great alternative. These groups existed long before formal therapy.

Feeling loved is one of the most powerful self-esteem boosters. This doesn't have to come from a romantic partner.

Unconditional love from anyone you admire can make a profound difference. Finally, getting into good physical shape is a cornerstone of confidence.

When you're healthy, you can achieve more. When you're not, just getting by can be a struggle.

Exercise is described as the easiest, most accessible, and cheapest form of antidepressant available. Dr. Goldsmith advises against trying to do all ten things at once. Instead, he recommends spending a few days working on one suggestion that resonates with you before adding another.³

The sudden death of NASCAR champion Kyle Busch is drawing fresh attention to the dangers of pneumonia and the warning signs of sepsis. Busch, who was 41, passed away after pneumonia quickly turned into sepsis, a severe and often rapid response to infection.

His family confirmed that the condition escalated faster than anyone expected. Dr. Daniel Feinstein, who directs sepsis care at Novant Health, explained that doctors now treat sepsis with the same urgency as heart attacks or strokes. He said the key is catching it early because time makes a huge difference in treatment.

Over the last decade, hospitals have started treating sepsis as a full-blown medical emergency for that reason. Older adults and young children face the highest risk from sepsis.

But Busch's case stood out as unusual, and it has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR world. NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell remembered Busch as someone whose impact went far beyond his racing victories.

He said there was a lot more to Busch that fans may not have known. Medical experts say the warning signs of sepsis include trouble breathing, confusion, fever, extreme pain, and a racing heart.

Feinstein stressed that acting fast is critical. When medical teams can get to a patient quickly, they can make a big difference in the outcome.

As racetracks across the country honor Busch's memory, doctors hope the attention will also teach the public about the risks of pneumonia and sepsis. Feinstein noted that situations like this naturally raise awareness and concern about serious infections and how fast they can turn dangerous.⁴