The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) is bringing its signature celebration of impact back to New York City this fall—spotlighting leaders and organizations working to make cardiovascular care more equitable, more accessible, and more effective. The 16th Annual Spirit of the Heart Awards Program & Fundraiser is set for Saturday, October 3, 2026 (6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.) at Cipriani Wall Street in Manhattan.

For ABC, the evening is more than a high-profile awards program. It’s a cornerstone fundraising event that helps power the organization’s year-round work—supporting medical student scholarships, fellowships, education, and programs designed to strengthen the pipeline of diverse clinicians and researchers while improving outcomes in communities that carry a disproportionate burden of heart disease.

A fundraising night with long-term stakes

ABC leaders say the Spirit of the Heart Awards is built around a simple idea: celebrating progress while investing in the people who will drive the next wave of change.

Event co-chair Icilma Fergus, MD—Director of the Cardiovascular Disparities Center at Mount Sinai Medical Center and Board Chair of ABC—framed the night as a forward-looking commitment.

“This gathering is about more than one evening of celebration; it is about investing in the future of cardiovascular health for years to come,” Fergus said in the announcement. She added that the support generated through the event helps expand opportunities for aspiring clinicians, researchers, and leaders whose work can transform care and improve lives nationwide.

Honorary Chairperson: Samin K. Sharma, MD

ABC announced Samin K. Sharma, MD as the event’s Honorary Chairperson. Sharma serves as Chief of Clinical Cardiology, Director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Institute, and the Anandi Lal Sharma Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

In the release, ABC highlighted Sharma’s international reputation in interventional cardiology and physician education, noting that he has trained cardiovascular specialists from around the world while advancing the field through research, mentorship, and patient care.

“I am honored to serve as Honorary Chairperson for this important event,” Sharma said. “The Spirit of the Heart Awards Program reflects the power of partnership, philanthropy, and leadership to advance cardiovascular health.”

A full weekend of impact, including policy

The awards program is part of a broader weekend of programming. On Friday, October 2, ABC will host its Annual Policy Pulse Summit at Venable LLP in New York City, convening leaders to discuss policy issues shaping the future of cardiovascular health.

What to expect at the Spirit of the Heart Awards

ABC is positioning the evening as both a celebration and a community gathering—bringing together leaders from healthcare, philanthropy, industry, and advocacy.

The event will be co-emceed by:

• Sandra Bookman, award-winning journalist and anchor of Eyewitness News on ABC7/WABC-TV New York
• Thomas Cunningham IV, President and Chief Content Officer of BrandCunningham

The program is expected to include:

• Presentation of the Spirit of the Heart Awards
• Recognition of medical student scholarship recipients
• Special guest appearances
• A live auction
• Musical entertainment

Event co-chair Barbara Hutchinson, MD, PhD, President of Chesapeake Cardiac Care, emphasized the role of sustained collaboration in moving the needle on heart health.

“The Spirit of the Heart Awards Program is a reminder that lasting progress in cardiovascular health is achieved through vision, partnership, and sustained commitment,” Hutchinson said.

How to attend, sponsor, or support

ABC is directing attendees and supporters to its event site for tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and donations:

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• Event info / tickets / sponsorship / donations: https://abcardioevents.org

About the Association of Black Cardiologists

Founded on the belief that “every heart counts,” the Association of Black Cardiologists works to promote prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and to advance health equity by eliminating disparities. ABC’s membership is open to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or vocation. The organization’s work spans education, advocacy, research, patient and community outreach, and leadership development.

• Organization website: https://abcardio.org

Source and media contact

• Press release source (PRNewswire): https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/association-of-black-cardiologists-to-celebrate-legacy-and-leadership-at-16th-annual-spirit-of-the-heart-awards-302206000.html

Media Contact (from the release):

• Akeia Blue, VP of Communications
• 419395@email4pr.com
• 240-321-9227

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Consumers are being urged to check their refrigerators after a major recall involving nearly 1.6 million dozen shell eggs due to the potential presence of Salmonella Enteritidis, a bacterium that can cause serious foodborne illness.

The voluntary recall, announced by Midwest Poultry Services, L.P., affects white shell eggs and brown cage-free eggs produced at two Texas farms and distributed between June 6 and July 3, 2026. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the eggs were sold through grocery stores and foodservice distributors in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico.

What Brands Are Included?

The recalled eggs were sold under several familiar brand names, including:

• Kroger
• Simple Truth
• Brookshire’s
• Country Morning
• Sunups

Not every carton under these brands is affected. Consumers should look for:

• Plant Code: P-1950 or 0840962
• Julian Dates: 157 through 184
• Best By/Sell By Dates: July 20, 2026, through August 17, 2026

Why the Recall Matters

Salmonella can cause symptoms including:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Symptoms typically begin 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually last four to seven days. While many healthy adults recover without treatment, infections can become severe in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.

The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a multistate outbreak involving 98 confirmed illnesses across 17 states, resulting in 26 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported. Investigators say the recalled eggs are linked to part of the outbreak, although they do not account for every reported illness.

What Should You Do?

If you have eggs matching the recalled codes:

• Do not eat them.
• Return them to the store for a refund or dispose of them safely.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the carton.
• Clean and sanitize any refrigerator shelves, containers, or kitchen surfaces the eggs may have touched.

If you have already eaten the eggs and develop symptoms of Salmonella infection, contact your healthcare provider, especially if symptoms are severe or persist.

Are Arizona Consumers Affected?

The recalled products were officially distributed in six states, and Arizona is not listed among the primary distribution states. However, because food products can move through wholesalers, travelers, or secondary retailers, Arizona consumers who recently purchased eggs while traveling—or who received eggs from family or friends in affected states—should still check the carton codes.

The Bottom Line

Food recalls are an important part of protecting public health. Taking a few moments to inspect the eggs in your refrigerator could help prevent a serious illness. If your carton matches the recalled plant codes and date range, don’t take the risk—return it or throw it away.

STM Daily News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Related Resources

• FDA Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts
• FDA Foodborne Illness Outbreak Investigations
• CDC: Salmonella Information
• FoodSafety.gov Consumer Resources

Last Updated on July 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff

For millions of Southern Californians, a visit to Six Flags Magic Mountain meant more than just riding roller coasters. It was a rite of passage—a place where families spent summer vacations, teenagers celebrated graduations, and thrill seekers chased ever-faster rides.

Now, one of the last remaining reminders of the park’s opening days is preparing to disappear.

According to KTLA, Los Angeles County has approved demolition permits for the former Laughing Dragon Restaurant, an iconic structure perched atop Samurai Summit that has overlooked Magic Mountain for more than five decades.

Although the building has been vacant since 2008, its demolition marks the end of another chapter in one of California’s most famous amusement parks.

A Restaurant with Deep Roots

When Magic Mountain welcomed its first guests in 1971, the building opened as the elegant Four Winds Steakhouse.

Unlike the quick-service restaurants common in today’s theme parks, Four Winds offered guests a sit-down dining experience high above the park, complete with sweeping views of the surrounding Santa Clarita Valley.

In 1988, after the opening of the park’s suspended roller coaster Ninja, the restaurant was renamed The Laughing Dragon, embracing the area’s Asian-inspired theme.

For years, it became a familiar landmark for guests making the climb to Samurai Summit.

Eventually, changing guest habits and the park’s evolving dining strategy led to the steakhouse’s closure in 2006. The building briefly operated as a Papa John’s Pizza location before closing permanently in 2008.

Since then, it has quietly watched generations of visitors pass by.

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More Than an Empty Building

To younger guests, the vacant structure may have seemed like little more than an abandoned restaurant.

To longtime visitors, however, it represented something much larger.

Magic Mountain has transformed dramatically since its opening more than 50 years ago. Wooden roller coasters gave way to towering steel giants. New technology replaced classic attractions. Entire themed areas evolved with each generation.

Yet the former Laughing Dragon remained—a silent reminder of what the park looked like during its earliest years.

For many fans, it was one of those familiar landmarks that helped connect today’s park with its past.

Samurai Summit Continues to Change

The demolition comes during a period of significant change for the Samurai Summit section of the park.

Nearby, Superman: Escape from Krypton closed in 2024 after decades of launching riders nearly 400 feet into the air. Meanwhile, Tatsu continues to dominate the skyline with one of the world’s most celebrated flying roller coasters.

Construction is also underway on Magic Mountain’s newest attraction—a Vekoma Thrill Glider Roller Coaster, expected to debut in 2027. While the park has not announced what will replace the Laughing Dragon site, many enthusiasts believe the area could become part of future expansion plans.

The Challenge of Preserving Theme Park History

Unlike museums or historic landmarks, amusement parks are constantly reinventing themselves.

Older attractions are removed to make room for larger, faster, and more technologically advanced experiences. Restaurants close as guest preferences change. Buildings that once bustled with activity can quickly become obsolete.

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From a business standpoint, redevelopment makes sense.

But every demolition also removes another tangible connection to the park’s history.

Many Disney attractions have been preserved through photographs, documentaries, and archives. Regional parks like Magic Mountain often receive far less historical attention, making the loss of original structures even more significant for longtime fans.

Looking Ahead

Magic Mountain has not revealed what, if anything, will replace the Laughing Dragon building.

Whether the site becomes part of a new attraction, additional guest amenities, or another expansion remains to be seen.

What is certain is that another piece of the park’s 1971 identity is about to disappear.

For those who grew up visiting Magic Mountain, it’s another reminder that while roller coasters continue to evolve, nostalgia often rides alongside progress.

Did You Know?

• 🎢 Magic Mountain opened on May 29, 1971.
• 🥩 The building originally housed the Four Winds Steakhouse.
• 🐉 It became The Laughing Dragon after Ninja opened in 1988.
• 🍕 It briefly served as a Papa John’s before closing permanently in 2008.
• 🏗️ The building sat vacant for nearly 18 years before demolition plans were approved.

STM Daily News Perspective

As someone who grew up in Southern California, I know that Magic Mountain wasn’t just another amusement park—it was part of the Southern California experience. While the biggest headlines usually focus on new roller coasters, it’s often the quieter stories, like the loss of a familiar restaurant overlooking the park, that resonate most with longtime visitors. Places like the Laughing Dragon became part of family traditions, first dates, school trips, and summer vacations. Its demolition is a reminder that every park evolves, but each change also closes another chapter of its history.

Join the Conversation

Have you ever eaten at the Four Winds or the Laughing Dragon? Do you have memories of visiting Magic Mountain in the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s, or early 2000s?

Share your favorite Magic Mountain memories in the comments below, and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for more stories celebrating Southern California history, attractions, and the places that shaped our communities.

Related Links

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• KTLA – Six Flags Magic Mountain files demolition plans
• Six Flags Magic Mountain Official Website
• History of Six Flags Magic Mountain