Chatham News & Record Vol. 148, Issue 43

VOLUME 148 ISSUE 43 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM

THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Got the Grinch! The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office had an elaborate float in the Pittsboro Christmas Parade on Sunday, complete with the Grinch locked away in a jail cell to keep Whoville safe. For more photos, turn to page A3.

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

the

Chatham Schools building practices BRIEF this week to better implement AI in classrooms Chatham County deputy shot in Pittsboro hostage situation Pittsboro A Chatham County Sheriff’s Office deputy was shot and injured Tuesday afternoon during a hostage situation involving a barricaded person inside a residence on Pittsboro Goldston Road near U.S. Highway 421. The deputy was transported for medical treatment. No details about their condition had been released at press time. The sheriff’s office said there was no active threat to the community, though the investigation is ongoing. Goldston Road was closed in both directions during the incident.

Gary Leonard and Del Turner were reelected as board chair and vice chair By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record PITTSBORO — Chatham County Schools is working to position itself strongly for

the growing use of AI in the classroom. In face of the growing impact and development of AI, the Chatham County Schools Board of Education was presented with the district’s current work and stance surrounding AI at its Dec. 15 meeting. The current stance of the district seems to be working to-

A new ballpark will be built for the college summer team By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

COURTESY REGGIE ALLRED

Fans attend a Randolph Ropin’ Roosters game last season.

COLLEGIATE SUMMER baseball is coming to Chatham County. The Old North State League, a summer wood-bat baseball league for college athletes, an-

As gerrymandering battles sweep country, supporters say partisan dominance ‘fair’ “I think that it’s going to lead to more civil tension and possibly more violence in our country.” Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.)

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“This is just technology,” said board member David Hamm. “I remember teaching first grade and digital clocks were just coming out, and we were telling our students that they still needed to learn to read the face of a clock. We’re learning, but this is nothing new.” See SCHOOLS, page A3

ONSL baseball team coming to Siler City

U.S. Army names 2 Iowa National Guard members killed in attack in Syria Washington, D.C. The two Iowa National Guard members killed in a weekend attack that the U.S. military blamed on the Islamic State group in Syria have been identified. The U.S. Army named them Monday as 25-year-old Sgt. Edgar Brian TorresTovar and 29-year-old Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff in their honor. A civilian working as a U.S. interpreter was also killed in the attack Saturday, and three other Iowa National Guard were wounded. A Syrian official says the assailant had joined Syria’s internal security forces as a base security guard two months ago and recently was reassigned amid suspicions that he might be affiliated with IS. The gunman was killed.

ward teaching students how to best utilize AI as a tool in the modern world instead of shrinking away from its use. “AI is everywhere, but digital learning is not focused on technology,” said Chief Technology and School Accountability Officer Mark Samberg. “Technology is the tool, not necessarily the task.”

Both sides embrace gerrymandering when it’s convenient for them By David A. Lieb The Associated Press WHEN INDIANA adopted new U.S. House districts four years ago, Republican legislative leaders lauded them as “fair maps” that reflected the state’s communities. But when Gov. Mike Braun recently tried to redraw the lines to help Republicans gain more power, he implored lawmakers to “vote for fair maps.” What changed? The definition of “fair.” As states undertake mid-de-

cade redistricting instigated by President Donald Trump, Republicans and Democrats are using a tit-for-tat definition of fairness to justify districts that split communities in an attempt to send politically lopsided delegations to Congress. It is fair, they argue, because other states have done the same. And it is necessary, they claim, to maintain a partisan balance in the House of Representatives that resembles the national political divide. This new vision for drawing congressional maps is creating a winner-take-all scenario that treats the House, traditionally a more diverse patchwork See BATTLES, page A7

nounced it will relocate the Randolph Ropin’ Roosters to Siler City for the 2026 season. The team will be owned and operated by Chatham County Baseball LLC, a privately owned company headed by ONSL President and CEO Alec Allred and ONSL CIO Reggie Allred. Randolph went 10-23 and finished fourth in the Mountain division in its inaugural season See BASEBALL, page A10

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

THURSDAY

12.18.25 #121

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 16, 2025 Media Contact: Kara Lusk | 919-542-8258| kara.lusk@chathamcountync.gov

Chatham County names 2025 Employee of the Year

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North State Media LLC 303 West Raleigh Street Siler City, North Carolina 27344 Copyright 2025 Trip Hoffend Publisher Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson Local News Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Dan Reeves Features Editor Asheebo Rojas Sports Reporter Ryan Henkel Reporter PJ Ward-Brown Photographer BUSINESS David Guy Advertising Manager Chatham News & Record (USPS #101160) is published weekly, 52 weeks a year, by North State Media LLC 303 West Raleigh Street Siler City, NC 27344 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Chatham News & Record PO Box 290 Siler City, NC 27344 CONTACT US For a vacation hold or to report a delivery problem: 919-663-3232 To place a classified or display ad: 919-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042 To submit a news tip or correction: 919-663-3232; news@chathamnewsrecord.com

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CRIME LOG Dec. 8 • Billy Joe Phillips, 36, of Bear Creek, was arrested for possession of firearm by felon. • Kristin Gray Poe, 40, of Goldsboro, was arrested for possession of schedule II controlled substances, simple possession of schedule III controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia. • Ebony Nicole Harris, 47, of Siler City, was arrested for communicating threats, simple assault and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

THE CHATHAM County Board of Commissioners recognized Brenton Hart as the county’s 2025 Employee of the Year during its Dec. 15 meeting. Hart, a policy and legislative analyst in the County Manager’s Office, was nominated for his work on several projects, including the Chatham County Information Hub, the county’s Digital Inclusion Plan, revisions to the Board of Commissioners Advisory Committee Policy, data analysis for the Aging Master Plan and the Pittsboro Redevelopment Initiative. His nomination also noted his involvement in tasks ranging from researching procedures for disinterring graves and erecting commemorative historical markers to best practices for community gardens. “Brenton embodies the very best of public service, bringing together exceptional competence, humility, and a genuine commitment to serving others,” said County Manager Bryan Thompson. “In just three years with the organization, he has made a meaningful impact by giving back to the community in which he was raised.” County staff submitted

Dec. 19 3-8 p.m.

COURTESY CHATHAM COUNTY

The Associated Press SALISBURY — Eleven firefighters and two other people were injured in a house fire explosion on Laurel Street in Salisbury, officials said. Salisbury Fire Chief Bob Parnell said firefighters did not have life-threatening injuries but were getting treated for contusions, concussions and smoke inhalation follow-

Hart’s nomination also stated that he is Opportunity to shop for local involved in everything from researching the handmade items. Live music, foodprocedure and beverages available graves to proper for disinterring onsite. erecting commemorative historical markers to best practices for collaborative The Plant community gardens. 220 Lorax Lane

Pittsboro Brenton Hart, third from left, stands with members of the Chatham County of Commissioners being “Brenton embodies theBoard very best of public service,after bringing together exceptional competence, humility, and a named county’s 2025 Employee of the onThompson, Monday. Chatham County Manager. “In just three years genuinethe commitment to serving others,” saidYear Bryan From left, Vice Chair Franklin Gomez Flores, Commissioner with the organization, he has made a meaningful impact by giving back to the community in which he was Katie Kenlan, Hart, Commissioner Karen Howard, Chair raised. A true beacon and for the future of public service, Brenton’s dedication and character make him richly Amanda Robertson Commissioner David Delaney.

Dec. 20

deserving of the Employee of the Year award. We are extremely proud of his accomplishments and look Annual Storytelling forward to all he will continue to achieve.”

nominations for the award, 11 a.m. to noon and the County Workforce DevelChatham staff were asked“In to submit nominations for 2025 Employee of the Year. The Workforce just three years with opment Committee selected Headlined by storyteller Development Committee received many qualified nominees. Hart from among numerous the organization, he Donald Davis, this event is nominees. expected to sell out. Tickets has made a meaningful “We are incredibly fortunate he sets a powerful for “Through his hard work,to have Brenton as part of our organization, are and $10 each and proceeds example go impact by giving back unwavering commitment, and Julie his colleagues every day,” said Eckenrode, Director, Chatham County Human Resources. “Through his to CORA food bank. genuine passion for serving to the community in 500 Market St. others, Brenton truly embodies the spirit of Chatham Coun- which he was raised.” Pittsboro ty and the values we strive to Bryan Thompson, uphold in service to our community,” said Julie Eckenrode, county manager director of Chatham County Human Resources. Chatham County has recogYoga at BFP nized outstanding employees through the award since 2008.

Dec. 23 6-7 p.m.

11 firefighters injured in Salisbury after explosion during house fire None of the injuries were considered life-threatening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up Hart was nominated for his exceptional in Chatham County:

leadership, innovation, and collaboration in the development and implementation of a number of different projects and initiatives including the Chatham County Information Hub, the County’s Digital Inclusion Plan, the revision to the Board of Commissioners Advisory Committee Policy, the data Last Minute Christmas analysis work on the Aging Master Plan, and Mart at The Plant the Pittsboro Redevelopment Initiative.

Chatham News & Record staff

Chatham News & Record

happening

PITTSBORO, NC — During its meeting on December 15, 2025, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners proudly presented the 2025 Employee of the Year award to Brenton Hart, Policy and Legislative Analyst in the County Manager’s Office, in recognition of his outstanding service to the community.

Policy analyst Brenton Hart was recognized by the county commissioners

“Join the conversation”

CHATHAM

Chatham County Recognizes 2025 Employee of the Year

“It was enough force that the outside walls blew out, the roof came up and went back down.” Bob Parnell, Salisbury fire chief ing the fire Monday evening. Two other people were taken to the hospital, but Parnell said he didn’t know their conditions and couldn’t confirm whether they were in the house at the time of the fire. The Salisbury Fire De-

partment responded to the single-family home around 5 p.m. and found it engulfed in flames, some four minutes after the call was dispatched. Eleven of the 22 firefighters at the scene went inside the house to search for occupants and “get water on that fire,” which preceded the explosion, Panell said at a news conference. “It was enough force that the outside walls blew out, the roof came up and went back down,” Parnell said. An investigation of the fire and explosion is continuing, but a gas leak is suspected.

• Anthony Joseph Hassell, 33, of Goldston, was arrested for purchasing firearm in violation of domestic order.

Yoga class for all fitness levels. Bring your own mat. Free to attend; suggested donation of $15. Front Porch, Bynum General Store 950 Bynum Road Bynum

Dec. 26 Live Music at The Plant 5-8 p.m. Featuring musician Ryan Melquist, also known as Qwister, playing a variety of genres. No cover charge, tips encouraged. The Plant 220 Lorax Lane Pittsboro

Dec. 27 Bluegrass Jam Circle

Dec. 9

10 a.m. to noon

• Trent Alexander Phillips, 39, of Goldston, was arrested for domestic violence protective order violation.

This free acoustic jam session is open to musicians and singers of all ages and skill levels. There is no admission fee, and the public is welcome to attend.

• Maggi Elizabeth Brady, 36, of Bear Creek, was arrested for domestic violence protective order violation.

Front Porch, Bynum General Store 950 Bynum Road Bynum

Dec. 10 • Wade Hampton Farrish, 72, of Siler City, was arrested for domestic violence order violation, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, assault on a female, felony assault on individual with disability and breaking and entering to terrorize. • Brian Andrew Mock, 45, of Chapel Hill, was arrested for manufacturing marijuana, maintaining vehicle/dwelling/ place for controlled substances and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. Dec. 11 • Dominique Kyjuana Parker, 40, of Siler City, was arrested for misdemeanor child abuse, second degree trespass and harassing phone call. Dec. 12 • Keith Arrington Moore, 55, of Chapel Hill, was arrested for contributing to delinquency of juvenile and resisting arrest. • Adrian J. Jones, 24, of Pittsboro, was arrested for possession of marijuana up to ½ oz, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and no liability insurance.

WSOC VIA AP

Thirteen people were injured in an explosion at a house in Salisbury on Monday.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

Parading

SCHOOLS from page A1 AI is prevalent not just with students, but teachers too, as Samberg stated that other studies have shown that three in 10 teachers use AI weekly, stating that it saves six weeks a year in workload, helps with translation and even tutoring. The school system already has two AI tools available to teachers: MagicSchool and Google Gemini, which are both purpose-built for K-12, and in addition, high schoolers are also allowed to utilize other AI tools similar to ChatGPT after hours. However, the district is also aware of the potential risks of using AI, such as lessening the impact of critical thinking and also the potential risks with the information it provides. “AI can very confidently lie to you and make stuff up, it has environmental impacts, allegedly poses some potential mental health issues,” Samberg said. “So it’s now about how do we teach students to get ahead of this and to recognize this?” When asked about potential data and privacy concerns too, Samberg reinforced that the current tools they are using are already vetted in that regard. “When we talk about Google Gemini, we’re using the educational version, which is covered under the Google Workspace for education terms and conditions, which means that they do not mine that data as part of that license agreement,” Samberg said. Director of Digital Learning and Libraries Kira Berggren also reiterated that individual teachers will set the expectations for in what ways and how much digital learning will take place in the classrooms. Additional AI support that the district is providing for its teachers includes an AI Pedagogies living document, which is a strategically aligned guide for teachers, an AI implementation timeline and also the

The annual Pittsboro Christmas Parade featured floats from local groups and businesses, marching bands and more on Sunday afternoon along East and West streets in downtown.

return of medic and technology advisory committees. “This is what we’re providing for our educators so that they can continue to model and support ethical use of AI as well as modeling AI literacy for their students in the classroom,” Berggren said. The district will also be utilizing a district-wide professional development program, which is funded through a Department of Education grant, focused on AI teaching, that will be flexible, asynchronous and reward teachers with microcredentials for implementing AI in the classroom. “In the past, this has been either a summer experience or during a PD day, but we wanted to do something a little bit different this year and find a way to recognize that every teacher is at a different place with this and that we want to protect teaching time as much as possible,” Samberg said. “It is very important not only for our students and teachers to learn how to use AI, but also for them to recognize when they’re being presented things that have been generatively created,” said board member Ana Carlson. The board also approved a contract with Owens Roofing for the Siler City Elementary School project. “It’s time for new roofing,” said Director of New Construction and Maintenance Randy Drumheller. The contract is for just over $1.6 million, which was the lowest total of the six bids received, and includes a pair of alternates as well for additional improvements/upgrades. “It’s good to be ahead of the game,” Hamm said. In addition, both Gary Lenoard and Del Turner were reelected as board chair and vice chair respectively for another year. “I appreciate that very much,” Leonard said. “Thank y’all for your confidence. You’re an awfully good board to work with.” The Chatham County Schools Board of Education will next meet Jan. 12.

Shelled Pecans for Sale Sponsored by

The Dig and Dream Garden Club in Siler City

$12.00/bag Pick up at: Chatham News and Record Office 303 W. Raleigh St. • Siler City, NC

PHOTOS BY GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

THE CONVERSATION Trip Hoffend, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

Bubbles and candles As the sun began to set, men on a bridge opened fire.

THEY WERE BLOWING bubbles on the beach. That’s the report of one mother who attended the Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach with her baby. It’s easy to imagine the bubbles drifting in the salt air and catching the afternoon sunlight. As the sun began to set, men on a bridge opened fire. The story of human cruelty is as old as the story of humans. Why do we kill one another? Sacred texts and traditions forbid murder: Thou shalt not kill. But the evil urge to kill for one’s god is as old as religion. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 164 BCE. Led by a rural priest, a guerrilla army of Jews overthrew the tyrannical Seleucid Empire, which had repressed their religious and civil rights. The modern menorah represents the golden lamp in the Temple that miraculously burned for eight consecutive nights with only enough oil for one night. Hanukkah traditions have evolved and differ from country to country. Bubbles on a beach are a lovely adaptation, especially in Australia, a country that, after Israel, has the largest per capita Holocaust survivor population in the world. A bubble with its fragile beauty seems a fitting metaphor for life itself.

Candles are still essential to Hanukkah. They represent the light shining in the darkness and therefore the goodness in the world, especially when the evil seems far greater and stronger. There is a blessing pronounced only on the first night of Hanukkah when the first candle is lit: “Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, Ruler of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion.” It is winter here in the northern hemisphere. This Sunday marks the winter solstice, or longest night of the year. It’s freezing cold, and the sun seems to set at lunchtime. Why is it that I notice the lack of light and warmth more readily than their presence? Perhaps the same could be said of goodness. Our Jewish siblings need our support. We can reach out with kindness and concern, which might not seem like much. Yet ordinary expressions of care can perhaps light and warm these dark days, like a candle in the dark, or bring joy, like a bubble on the breeze. There is no joy, however small, that is unremarkable. Andrew Taylor-Troutman’s newest book is “This Is the Day.” He serves as pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church as well as a writer, pizza maker, coffee drinker and student of joy.

COLUMN | BOB WACHS

Literature, little folks, Mama some of keys of Christmas Sometimes the realization I am a bona fide senior citizen just doesn’t feel right in my little head, and I think that’s the age my mama should be.

THERE ARE NUMEROUS benefits to grandparent-hood. You get to love on babies — while they remain babies. You get to see how the next generation is turning out and, if your own youngsters were a handful at times, you get to say to the grandchildren’s parents things like, “I’m glad you’ve got one just like you were.” You’re glad to see them come and sometimes glad to see them go. For a period of time you can do no wrong and your grandchildren think you hung the moon. When they’re nice and clean, you get to enjoy the nice clean baby smells, and when one of the baby smells smells bad, you can hand them off to their parents and say, “Here. You do it” … unless they’re not there and you’re the babysitter. And babies teach you lessons and serve as reminders … as in why, for instance, God intended for moms and dads to have their children when they (the parents) are young. But lately I’ve discovered or remembered something else grand about grandchildren, namely that you get to read all sorts of really outstanding literature to the little folks and in the process your memory gets jogged. From time to time, the five young princesses who make up the biggest chunk of my grands, took a shine to a growing collection of books with which they and I have spent many a fine moment together. They don’t do that quite as much as they once did mainly because they’re getting older and are turning into pretty good readers. Yet we have read and sometimes reread classics. Among them are such offerings as “Barnyard Dance,” “If You Gave a Pig a Party,” “Rustie Gets Dirty” and maybe our mostest favorite — “Llama Llama Red Pajama.” That particular offering is about a young llama whose mama

reads him a bedtime story, tucks him in in his upstairs bed and then goes downstairs to wash dishes and such. Somewhere along the line, Baby Llama wants a drink of water and then gets all bent out of shape when his mama doesn’t come right away. Before it’s all over he’s gone from whimpering to yowling that he “wants his mama.” I know how he feels. I want mine, too. Maybe it’s because Christmas is around the corner and I remember what Mama did in anticipation and celebration of that event. Maybe it’s because I’m old enough now to allow Uncle Sam to give me back some of the money he “borrowed” from me, interest-free I might add, through my 65-plus years and still going of employment. Sometimes the realization I am a bona fide senior citizen just doesn’t feel right in my little head, and I think that’s the age my mama should be. Maybe it’s lots of things. Maybe I just miss her and wish she — and the other parents in my lives — could see and meet the new generation. I think they’d like them. Whatever it is, this Christmas marks another in a growing number of Christmases when I’ll visit with my Mama only in my thoughts and remember the decorations and the shoe boxes of candy and nuts and fruits she put under the tree and the food and the music on the stereo while she did all the preparation. If you’ve still got yours — your mama, that is — tell her you love her … and let her see the grandchildren. Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.

BE IN TOUCH

Letters to the editor may be sent to letters@nsjonline.com or mailed to 1201 Edwards Mill Rd., Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27607. Letters must be signed; include the writer’s phone number, city and state; and be no longer than 300 words. Letters may be edited for style, length or clarity when necessary. Ideas for op-eds should be sent to opinion@nsjonline.com. Contact a writer or columnist: connect@northstatejournal.com

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

COLUMN | GREG BLACKIE

COLUMN | JAN HUTTON

Must I confess?

You’d think all the years of my adulting practice, therapy, and reading spiritually profound books would have put me right. I’ve accepted (mostly) that this human is who she is.

MUST I CONFESS? Uh-huh. Well, OK. I’ve had a lifelong desire to serve as a bridge builder. Teaching conflict transformation to other humans. Nifty, eh? But, whoops, yours truly is also very emotionally reactive. Sad to say, my inclinations tend toward burning down bridges rather than laying them across chasms of differences. Not so nifty, eh? Bridge building is really hard. Blessed with such emotional reactivity, you can imagine how I respond when triggered by differences of opinion and opposing beliefs of others. It’s not pretty. Where the heck did my inclination to torch bridges originate? Me!! My brain, that is. My lil’ ol’ human brain, and to be honest, yours too. Parts of my brain are inherited from my prehistoric predecessors. They had dinosaurs to contend with and always needed to be on high alert for anything that seemed threatening. (Laying the blame elsewhere makes me feel so much better.) Our eons-old, brain-based instinct to survive (resident in you, you, and you) quite frequently perceives even relatively small differences with others as taking the form of scaly, huge predators out to get us. How can poor me survive when those large scaly monsters are threatening? I’m provoked and ignited when feeling threatened, even if only by words, not ferocious scaly dinosaurs. That little, still-resident, prehistoric part of my brain becomes activated, and you better get the heck out of my way! I mean now!

Ms. Bridge-builder (in my dreams, anyway), is human enough that my behavioral values can, poof, disappear into thin air when someone activates my judgment or anger. “Predator, predator! Fight!” Incredibly embarrassing. You’d think all the years of my adulting practice, therapy and reading spiritually profound books would have put me right. I’ve accepted (mostly) that this human is who she is. Still choosing commitment to human connection, even though my bridge-building merit badge seems sorely lacking. More Brownie than Girl Scout in this lifetime? Nothing like my childhood favorite, Diet Dr Pepper, and some intensely flavorful dark chocolate to ground and help me open my eyes. Conflict transformation just ain’t my bag in this lifetime. But take hope, spreading showers of gratitude is. I mean, who knew? And, huzzahs, in place of my much-desired bridge-building merit badge, the universe gifted me, instead, with tons (yes, tons!) of gratitude confetti. Confetti? Yep, sharing (pretty indiscriminately) “thanks” and “thank yous” for just about anything with all you humans on my daily path. An easy-peasy passport to acknowledging that you, you and you, are all seen. (I like being seen and acknowledged. Don’t you?) Well, how ’bout that? No actual failure on my part with the bridge building template, due to my reactive personality. Nope, my path took an unexpected turn toward disseminating (as often as possible) wholesale gratitude to our collective parade of humans. I like it. Thanks, universe. Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

Flashback to 2009: Obamacare creates a mess for others to clean up Not a single Republican in the House or Senate voted for it.

THE AFFORDABLE CARE Act passed upon a mountain of lies about “bending the cost curve” and phony cost estimates. Not a single Republican in the House or Senate voted for it. The subsidies Obamacare shoveled to insurance companies — that enriched them greatly — are set to expire exactly as the Democrat designers planned. This will cause premiums to skyrocket. Right on cue, Democrats label the failed Obamacare promises a “Republican health care crisis.” In 2019, right before President Barack Obama signed the bill, I wrote the following column in which I predicted he would be long out of office when the true bill came due, leaving others to clean up the mess. Here are excerpts: Americans overwhelmingly like their health care and their health insurance. While Americans reject Obamacare, the president and Congress insist on driving it through. Most Americans, up to 85%, already have health insurance and are satisfied with it. Lacking health insurance is different from lacking health “care” which, by law, emergency rooms must supply. Millions go without health insurance by choice and not due to lack of resources. Deduct from the number without insurance those who have access to it via entitlement programs, those temporarily without it while between jobs, those here illegally and those who could go on their parents’ insurance plans by paying affordable amounts, and you’re down to 10 million to 15 million people without health insurance for longer than a year. This represents 5% of Americans. To address this, the president and the Democrats propose a complete government takeover of health care. It will, at minimum, force all Americans to purchase health insurance or pay fines or worse. It will force nearly all employers to provide health insurance or pay fines. It will tell health insurers that they must accept applicants with preexisting illnesses and restrict their ability to “discriminate” based on factors like sex and age. Incredibly, the president and Congress tell us that our economic recovery hinges on “health care reform” and that they can achieve it providing millions of people with health insurance estimated to cost a trillion dollars in the first decade while simultaneously reducing the deficit. Good luck with that. “Health care reform” achieves its

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deficit-reducing magic by collecting taxes in the early years building up money while paying out very little. Only after the first four years does money go out. It also forces states to pick up part of the tab. So, voila, it reduces the deficit — at least in the first decade. Then what? The Congressional Budget Office, in cost estimates full of caveats, conditions and on-theone-hands, says that it could/might/may reduce the deficit in the second and third decades too. A poll commissioned by Investor’s Business Daily found that 65% (of doctors) “oppose” Obamacare and that 45% would consider taking early retirement or leaving their practice if the bill went through. Given the broad opposition of most Americans, most doctors and seniors in fear of cuts in Medicare, one must ask why do it? First, Democrats now in control of all three branches of government have convinced themselves they face a political price if they fail. Second, while a large majority of Republicans and most independents oppose these “reforms,” Democrats overwhelmingly support them. They consider health care and health insurance a right — never mind the Constitution or the price tag — and think “the rich” should bear the costs. Third, many believe in good faith that this is the “right thing to do.” This breathtakingly ignores the mountain of evidence that government command-and-control health care reduces quality, reduces innovation and inevitably leads to rationing. The president of the Canadian Medical Association says Canada’s system, a single-payer kind, the model favored by Obama, is “imploding.” She calls for more competition. Critics of America’s health care system say that citizens in other countries enjoy longer life expectancies. But after adjusting for homicides, increased infant mortality due to teen pregnancies and low birth weights, obesity, traffic fatalities and other behavioral factors, the discrepancy disappears. When the Obamacare bill comes due when the deficit explodes and the costs are “controlled” through government-directed rationing supporters, including Obama, will long have departed Washington, leaving others to deal with the mess. This is where we are today. Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host.

President Barack Obama signs the Affordable Care Act in the East Room of the White House in March 2010.

Green New Scam causing America’s energy crisis OUR COUNTRY IS facing an energy crisis. No, not because of new demand from data centers or AI. Instead, it’s because utilities in nearly every state, due to government imposed “renewable” mandates, self-imposed mandates and the supercharging of the Green New Scam under the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act,” have been shutting down vital coal resources and building out almost exclusively intermittent and costly resources like solar, wind and battery storage. President Donald Trump understands this, and that is why on day one of his administration he declared an Energy Emergency. Then, a few months later, the president signed a trio of executive orders designed to keep our “beautiful, clean coal” burning and providing the reliable, baseload and affordable electricity Americans have benefitted from for generations. Those orders have been used to keep coal generation online that was slated to shut down in Michigan and will potentially keep two units operating that were scheduled to shut down in Colorado this December. In Arizona, however, the Cholla Power Plant in Navajo County was shuttered by the utility just weeks after Trump explicitly called out the plant for saving in a press conference. Unlike states with green mandates, Arizona essentially has none. Instead, our utilities, like many around the country, have self-imposed commitments to go “Net Zero” by 2050. To meet that target, they have planned to shut down all coal generation in the state by 2032 and plan to build out almost exclusively solar, wind and battery storage to meet an expected explosive growth in demand, at a cost of tens of billions of dollars. So it is no surprise that like much of the rest of the country, Arizona is facing an energy crisis. Taking a look at our largest regulated utilities (APS, TEP and UNS) and the largest nonprofit utility, SRP, future plans paint an alarming picture. Combined, over the next 15 years, these utilities expect to see demand increase from 19,200 MW to 28,000 MW. For reference, 1,000 MW of electricity is enough to power roughly 250,000 homes. To meet that growth in demand, however, Arizonans will only get a net increase of 989 MW of reliable generation (coal, natural gas, and nuclear) compared to 22,543 MW (or nearly 23 times as much) of intermittent solar, wind and battery storage. But what about all of the new natural gas coming into the state? The vast majority of it will be eaten up just to replace existing coal resources, not to bring additional affordable energy to the grid. For example, the SRP board recently voted to approve the conversion of their Springerville coal plant to natural gas by 2030, which follows an earlier vote to convert another of their coal plants, Coronado, to natural gas by 2029. This coal conversion trap leaves ratepayers with the same amount of energy as before, eating up new natural gas capacity without the benefit of more electricity. So while the Arizona utilities plan to collectively build an additional 4,538 MW of natural gas capacity over the next 15 years, at the same time they will be removing 3,549 MW (all of what is left on the grid today) of coal. And there are no plans for more nuclear capacity anytime soon. Instead, to meet their voluntary climate commitments, utilities plan to saddle ratepayers with the cost and resultant blackouts of the green new scam. It’s no surprise then that Arizona’s largest regulated utilities, APS and TEP, are seeking double-digit rate hikes next year. It’s not just Arizona. Excel customers in Colorado (with a 100% clean energy commitment) and in Minnesota (also with a 100% clean energy commitment) are facing nearly double-digit rate hikes. The day before Thanksgiving, PPL customers in Rhode Island (with a state mandate of 100% renewable by 2033) found out they may see rate hikes next year. Dominion (which has a Net Zero by 2050 commitment) wanted to raise rates for customers in Virginia by 15%. Just last month, regulators approved a 9% increase. Importantly, these rate increases are to recover costs for expenses incurred years ago, meaning they are clearly to cover the costs of the energy “transition” supercharged under the Biden administration, not from increased demand from data centers and AI. It’s the same story around the country. Electricity rates are rising. Reliability is crumbling. We know the cause. For generations, we’ve been able to provide reliable energy at an affordable cost. The only variable that has changed has been what we are choosing to build. Then it was reliable, dispatchable power. Now it is intermittent sources that we know cost more and that we know cause blackouts, all to meet absurd goals of going 100% renewable — something that no utility, state or country has been able to achieve. And we know the result when they try. This crisis can be avoided. Trump has laid out the plan to unleash American Energy. Now it’s time for utilities to drop their costly green new scam commitments and go back to building reliable and affordable power that generations to come will benefit from. Greg Blackie, deputy director of policy at the Arizona Free Enterprise Club. This column was first published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE / AP PHOTO

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

obituaries

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Calvin “Marty” Martin Wilson Oct. 10, 1954 – Dec. 8, 2025 Calvin “Marty” Martin Wilson, 71, of Bennett passed away on Monday, December 8th, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Marty was born in Chatham

St., his Pittsboro, NCTeresa 27312 |W. 919-542-3057 | www.donaldsonfunerals.com Griffin; sisters, County on October 10th, 1954, to396 West Graves and her husband Ricky the late John Hoover and Nancy of Siler City, and Carolyn Wilson Elaine Pritchard Wilson. He is of Burlington; nieces & nephew, preceded in death by his parents Hillary Graves, Nicole Wilson, and and his brothers, Greg and John Cliff Graves and his wife, Tiffany; Wilson. and his two great nieces, Norah & Marty was a 1972 graduate of Edith Graves. Jordan Matthews High School. A funeral service will be He was the owner/operator of held on Saturday, December Wilson’s Auto Body Shop. He was 13th, 2025, at 3 pm, at Bear a member of Bear Creek Baptist Creek Baptist Church. There Church where he was a deacon. will be a visitation from 2-3 pm In his spare time, he enjoyed at the church, and other times going fishing and working on and at the home of Teresa & Ricky seeing old classic cars. His main Graves. Burial will follow in the joy in life was spending time and church cemetery. Services will making memories with his family be officiated by Reverend Bob and friends. Wachs. Left to cherish Marty’s Smith & Buckner Funeral memory are his wife of 7 years, Home will be assisting the Wilson Sarah Henderson Wilson of the family. home; his sons, Corey Wilson, Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and Online condolences can be Adam Wilson, Joshua Riggs, and death notices to be published in Chatham News & Record at made at www.smithbucknerfh. Joel Riggs; his daughter, Jessica obits@chathamnewsrecord.com com Ward; his granddaughter, Jackie

Rob Reiner, son of a comedy giant who became one in turn, dies at 78 His movies are some of the most beloved in Hollywood By Jake Coyle The Associated Press ROB REINER, the son of a comedy giant who became one himself as one of the preeminent filmmakers of his generation with movies such as “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally …” and “This Is Spinal Tap,” has died. He was 78. Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, were found dead Sunday at their home in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. A law enforcement official briefed on the investigation confirmed their identities but could not publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The Los Angeles Fire Department said it responded to a medical aid request shortly after 3:30 p.m., and authorities arrested their couples’ son Nick, who faces murder charges. Reiner grew up thinking his father, Carl Reiner, didn’t understand him or find him funny. But the younger Reiner would in many ways follow in his father’s footsteps, working both in front and behind the camera, in comedies that stretched from broad sketch work to accomplished dramedies. “My father thought, ‘Oh, my God, this poor kid is worried about being in the shadow of a famous father,’” Reiner told “60 Minutes” in October, recalling the temptation to change his name. “And he says, ‘What do you want to change your name to?’ And I said, ‘Carl.’ I just wanted to be like him.” After starting out as a writer for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” Reiner’s breakthrough came when he was, at age 23, cast in Norman Lear’s “All in the Family” as Archie Bunker’s liberal son-in-law, Michael “Meathead” Stivic. But by the 1980s, Reiner began as a feature film director, churning out some of the most beloved films of that, or any, era. His first film, the largely improvised 1984 cult classic “This Is Spinal Tap,” remains the quintessential mockumentary. After the 1985 John Cusack summer comedy, “The Sure Thing,” Reiner made “Stand By Me” (1986), “The Princess Bride” (1987) and “When Harry Met Sally …” (1989), a four-year stretch that resulted in a trio of American classics, all of them among the most often quoted movies of the 20th century. A legacy on, off screen For the next four decades, Reiner, a warm and gregarious presence on screen and an outspoken liberal advocate off it, remained a constant fixture in Hollywood. The pro-

considered adapting Goldman’s book. It ultimately fell to Reiner (from Goldman’s own script) to capture the unique comic tone of “The Princess Bride.” But only once he had Goldman’s blessing. “At the door he greeted me and he said, ‘This is my baby. I want this on my tombstone. This is my favorite thing I’ve ever written in my life. What are you going to do with it?’” Reiner recalled in a Television Academy interview. “And we sat down with him and started going through what I thought should be done with the film.” Though only a modest success in theaters, the movie — starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, André the Giant and Robin Wright — would grow in stature over the years, leading to countless impressions of Inigo Montoya’s vow of revenge and the risky nature of land wars in Asia. “When Harry Met Sally ...”

CHRIS PIZZELLO / INVISION / AP

Carl Reiner, left, and his son Rob Reiner pose together following their hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in April 2017 in Los Angeles. duction company he co-founded, Castle Rock Entertainment, launched an enviable string of hits, including “Seinfeld” and “The Shawshank Redemption.” By the turn of the century, its success rate had fallen considerably, but Reiner revived it, and this fall released the long-in-coming sequel “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.” All the while, Reiner was one of the film industry’s most passionate Democrat activists, regularly hosting fundraisers and campaigning for liberal issues. He was co-founder of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which challenged in court California’s ban on samesex marriage, Proposition 8. He also chaired the campaign for Prop 10, a California initiative to fund early childhood development services with a tax on tobacco products. And Reiner was an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump. “Beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people — and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action,” former President Barack Obama said in a statement. Politics ran in the family too. Reiner’s father opposed the Communist hunt of McCarthyism in the 1950s, and his mother, Estelle Reiner, a singer and actor, protested the Vietnam War. “If you’re a nepo baby, doors

“Beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people.” Barack Obama

will open,” Reiner told the Guardian in 2024. “But you have to deliver. If you don’t deliver, the door will close just as fast as it opened.” “All in the Family” to “Stand By Me” Robert Reiner was born in the Bronx on March 6, 1947. As a young man, he quickly set out to follow his father into entertainment. He studied at the University of California, Los Angeles film school and, in the 1960s, began appearing in small parts in various television shows. But when Lear saw Reiner as a key cast member in “All in the Family,” it came as a surprise to the elder Reiner. “Norman says to my dad, ‘You know, this kid is really funny.’ And I think my dad said, ‘What? That kid? That kid? He’s sullen. He sits quiet. He doesn’t, you know, he’s not funny.’ He didn’t think I was anyway,” Reiner told “60 Minutes.”

On “All in the Family,” Reiner served as a pivotal foil to Carroll O’Connor’s bigoted, conservative Archie Bunker. Reiner was seven times nominated for an Emmy for his performance on the show, winning in 1974 and 1978. In Lear, Reiner also found a mentor. He called him “a second father.” “It wasn’t just that he hired me for ‘All in the Family,’” Reiner told “American Masters” in 2005. “It was that I saw, in how he conducted his life, that there was room to be an activist as well. That you could use your celebrity, your good fortune, to help make some change.” Lear also helped launch Reiner as a filmmaker. He put $7.5 million of his own money to help finance “Stand By Me,” Reiner’s adaptation of the Stephen King novella “The Body.” The movie, about four boys who go looking for the dead body of a missing boy, became a coming-of-age classic, made breakthroughs of its young cast (particularly River Phoenix) and even earned the praise of King. “Rest in peace, Rob,” King said Monday on X. “You always stood by me.” With his stock rising, Reiner devoted himself to adapting William Goldman’s 1973’s “The Princess Bride,” a book Reiner had loved since his father gave him a copy as a gift. Everyone from François Truffaut to Robert Redford had

Reiner was married to Penny Marshall, the actor and filmmaker, for 10 years beginning in 1971. Like Reiner, Marshall experienced sitcom fame, with “Laverne & Shirley,” but found a more lasting legacy behind the camera. After their divorce, Reiner, at a lunch with Nora Ephron, suggested a comedy about dating. In writing what became “When Harry Met Sally …” Ephron and Reiner charted a relationship between a man and a woman (played in the film by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan) over the course of 12 years. Along the way, the movie’s ending changed, as did some of the film’s indelible moments. The famous line, “I’ll have what she’s having,” said after witnessing Ryan’s fake orgasm at Katz’s Delicatessen, was a suggestion by Crystal — delivered by none other than Reiner’s mother, Estelle. The movie’s happy ending also had some real-life basis. Reiner met Singer, a photographer, on the set of “When Harry Met Sally …” and in 1989, they were wed. They had three children together: Nick, Jake and Romy. Reiner’s subsequent films included another King adaptation, “Misery” (1990) and a pair of Aaron Sorkin-penned dramas: the military courtroom tale “A Few Good Men” (1992) and 1995’s “The American President.” By the late ’90s, Reiner’s films (1996’s “Ghosts of Mississippi,” 2007’s “The Bucket List”) no longer had the same success rate. But he remained a frequent actor, often memorably enlivening films like “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993) and “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013). In 2023, he directed the documentary “Albert Brooks: Defending My Life.” In an interview earlier this year with Seth Rogen, Reiner suggested everything in his career boiled down to one thing. “All I’ve ever done is say, ‘Is this something that is an extension of me?’ For ‘Stand by Me,’ I didn’t know if it was going to be successful or not. All I thought was, ‘I like this because I know what it feels like.’”

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

Bestselling British writer Joanna Trollope dies at 82 She wrote dozens of contemporary novels over decades of work The Associated Press LONDON — British writer Joanna Trollope, whose bestselling novels charted domestic and romantic travails in well-heeled rural England, has died, her family said Friday. She was 82. Trollope’s daughters, Antonia and Louise, said the writer died peacefully at her home in Oxfordshire, southern England, on Thursday. Trollope wrote almost two dozen contemporary novels, including “The Rector’s Wife,” “Marrying the Mistress,” “Other People’s Children” and “Next of Kin.” They were often dubbed “Aga sagas,” after the old-fashioned Aga ovens found in affluent country homes. Trollope disliked the term, noting that her books tackled uncomfortable subjects including infidelity, marital breakdown and the challenges of parenting. “That was a very unfortunate phrase, and I think it’s done me a lot of damage,” she once said. “It was so patronizing to the readers, too.” Trollope’s most recent novel, “Mum & Dad,” examined the

LEWIS WHYLD / PA VIA AP

Joanna Trollope announces the shortlist for the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2012. “sandwich generation” of middle-aged people looking after both children and elderly parents. Trollope also published 10 historical novels under the pseudonym Caroline Harvey. Trollope, a distant relative of Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope, was born in Minchinhampton in the west of England in 1943. She studied English at Oxford University, then worked in Britain’s Foreign Office and as a teacher before becoming a full-time writer in 1980. She became a household name after “The Rector’s Wife” was adapted for television in 1991. Trollope’s novel “Parson

Harding’s Daughter” won a novel of the year award from the Romantic Novelists’ Association in 1980. In 2010, the association gave her a lifetime achievement award for services to romance. In 2019, she was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, or CBE, by Queen Elizabeth II. Her literary agent, James Gill, called Trollope “one of our most cherished, acclaimed and widely enjoyed novelists. “Joanna will be mourned by her children, grandchildren, family, her countless friends and — of course — her readers,” Gill said.

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BATTLES from page A1

All is “fair” in redistricting

of politicians, like the Senate, where members reflect a state’s majority party. The result could be reduced power for minority communities, less attention to certain issues and fewer distinct voices heard in Washington. Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky fears that unconstrained gerrymandering would put the United States on a perilous path if Democrats in states such as Texas and Republicans in states like California feel shut out of electoral politics. “I think that it’s going to lead to more civil tension and possibly more violence in our country,” he said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Although Indiana state senators rejected a new map backed by Trump and Braun that could have helped Republicans win all nine of the state’s congressional seats, districts have already been redrawn in Texas, California, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio. Other states could consider changes before the 2026 midterms that will determine control of Congress. “It’s a fundamental undermining of a key democratic condition,” said Wayne Fields, a retired English professor from Washington University in St. Louis who is an expert on political rhetoric. “The House is supposed to represent the people,” Fields added. “We gain an awful lot by having particular parts of the population heard.”

Indiana’s delegation in the U.S. House consists of seven Republicans and two Democrats — one representing Indianapolis and the other a suburban Chicago district in the state’s northwestern corner. Dueling definitions of fairness were on display at the Indiana Capitol as lawmakers considered a Trump-backed redistricting plan that would have split Indianapolis among four Republican-leaning districts and merged the Chicago suburbs with rural Republican areas. Opponents walked the halls in protest, carrying signs such as “I stand for fair maps!” Ethan Hatcher, a talk radio host who said he votes for Republicans and Libertarians, denounced the redistricting plan as “a blatant power grab” that “compromises the principles of our Founding Fathers” by fracturing Democratic strongholds to dilute the voices of urban voters. “It’s a calculated assault on fair representation,” Hatcher told a state Senate committee. But others asserted it would be fair for Indiana Republicans to hold all of those House seats because Trump won the “solidly Republican state” by nearly three-fifths of the vote. “Our current 7-2 congressional delegation doesn’t fully capture that strength,” resident Tracy Kissel said at a committee hearing. “We can create fairer, more competitive districts that align with how Hoosiers vote.” When senators defeated a map designed to deliver a 9-0 congressional delegation for Republicans, Braun bemoaned that they had missed an “opportunity to protect Hoosiers with fair maps.”

Redistricting is diluting community representation Under the Constitution, the Senate has two members from each state. The House has 435 seats divided among states based on population, with each state guaranteed at least one representative. In the current Congress, California has the most at 52, followed by Texas with 38. Because senators are elected statewide, they are almost always political pairs of one party or another. Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are the only states now with both a Democrat and Republican in the Senate. Maine and Vermont each have one independent and one senator affiliated with a political party. By contrast, most states elect a mixture of Democrats and Republicans to the House. That is because House districts, with an average of 761,000 residents, based on the 2020 census, are more likely to reflect the varying partisan preferences of urban or rural voters, as well as different racial, ethnic and economic groups. This year’s redistricting is diminishing those locally unique districts. In California, voters in several rural counties that backed Trump were separated from similar rural areas and attached to a reshaped congressional district containing liberal coastal communities. In Missouri, Democratic-leaning voters in Kansas City were split from one main congressional district into three, with each revised district stretching deep into rural Republican areas. Some residents complained their voices are getting drowned out. But Govs. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) and Mike Kehoe, (R-Mo.) defended the gerrymandering as a means of countering other states and amplifying the voices of those aligned with the state’s majority.

Disrupting an equilibrium By some national measurements, the U.S. House already is politically fair. The 220-215 majority that Republicans won over Democrats in the 2024 elections almost perfectly aligns with the share of the vote the two parties received in districts across the country, according to an Associated Press analysis. But that overall balance belies an imbalance that exists in many states. Even before this year’s redistricting, the number of states with congressional districts tilted toward one party or another was higher than at any point in at least a decade, the AP analysis found. The partisan divisions have contributed to a “cutthroat political environment” that “drives the parties to extreme measures,” said Kent Syler, a political science professor at Middle Tennessee State University. He noted that Republicans hold 88% of congressional seats in Tennessee, and Democrats have an equivalent in Maryland. “Fairer redistricting would give people more of a feeling that they have a voice,” Syler said. Rebekah Caruthers, who leads the Fair Elections Center, a nonprofit voting rights group, said there should be compact districts that allow communities of interest to elect the representatives of their choice, regardless of how that affects the national political balance. Gerrymandering districts to be dominated by a single party results in “an unfair disenfranchisement” of some voters, she said. “Ultimately, this isn’t going to be good for democracy,” Caruthers said. “We need some type of détente.”

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Protesters are seen through a window in the Senate Chamber during dissuasion before a vote to redistrict Indiana’s congressional map last Thursday at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

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NOTICE TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS Tax Listing Notice All persons owning real, personal and business property on January 1, 2026, have the duty to list property that is subject to Chatham County property taxation. Certain personal property must be listed every year. Real estate listing is not required unless buildings or other improvements having a value in excess of $100 have been acquired, begun, erected, damaged, or destroyed in the year prior to January 1, 2026. Listing Period Begins - January 1, 2026 Listing Period Ends - January 31, 2026 For Business Listings only, requests for an extension must be received in writing by January 31, 2026. Extensions will only be granted until April 15, 2026. Listing Assistance is available at: Chatham County Tax Department 12 East Street, Pittsboro NC 27312 Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Except Holidays WHAT TO LIST? You are required to list un-licensed vehicles, trailers with multi-year registrations, mobile homes not designated as real property, all types of water craft, aircraft, and items used in a business. Business Property also includes items used for farming, a trade or profession, or furnishings or appliances you provide to a tenant. Except for trailers with multi-year registration, exempted from listing are licensed vehicles, mobile homes (considered real estate,) and household items used for your own residence. Forms may be picked up at the office or obtained from our website at https://www.chathamcountync. gov You may list in person. Bring all detailed information necessary to identify your property and its value. If forms were mailed to you, please bring them with you. Listing by mail is permitted. Listings must bear a U.S. Postal Service postmark on or before January 31, 2026. Penalties apply to late listings. If you have not received your listing forms by January 20, you should make satisfactory arrangements with this office so that you may make a timely listing. Persons who fail to comply are subject to listing penalties and other penalties which are prescribed by N.C. General Statutes. PROPERTY TAX RELIEF: Persons at least 65 years of age or persons that are permanently and totally disabled whose income does not exceed the maximum, may apply for a tax reduction or tax deferment on their permanent residence. The maximum income to qualify for the 2026 tax reduction is $38,800, the maximum income to qualify for 2025 tax deferment is $58,200. If you meet the qualifications your taxes could be significantly lowered. Please contact our office or visit our website for more details on this program and to obtain an application. PROPERTY TAX RELIEF FOR DISABLED VETERANS: This program excludes the first forty-five thousand dollars ($45,000) of the appraised value of a permanent residence owned and occupied by a North Carolina Resident, who is an Honorably Discharged 100% Disabled Veteran, or the unmarried surviving spouse of an Honorable Discharged 100% Disabled Veteran. Please contact our office or visit our website for more details about this program. Chatham County Tax Department P O Box 908, Pittsboro NC 27312 (919) 542-8250

NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS COUNTY OF CHATHAM File Number 25E000652-180 THE UNDERSIGNED, having qualified on the 1st day of December 2025, as Executor of the ESTATE OF GRANT FRANKLIN KOHER, Deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 5th of March, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 4th day of December, 2025. Blanche Guay Koher EXECUTOR ESTATE OF GRANT FRANKLIN KOHER c/o Shirley Diefenbach, Attorney Walker Lambe, PLLC Post Office Box 51549 Durham, North Carolina 27717

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION 25E000484-180 Having qualified as Co-Executors of the Estate of Kathy Thompson Whaley of Chatham County, NC, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before February 27, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. Ellen Thompson Jones, Co-Executor Rachel Elizabeth Whaley, Co-Executor Janice A. Walston, Attorney PO Box 279 Wilson, NC 27894-0279

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY __________________________________________ ______________________________ HAVING QUALIFIED as Administrator of the Estate of Chad Eric Sexton late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of March, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 2nd day of December, 2025. Yvonne Sexton Goldston, Administrator Of the Estate of Chad Eric Sexton 1102 N. Hampton Street Siler City, North Carolina 27344 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY __________________________________________ ______________________________

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

This the 20th day of November, 2025.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified on the 20th day of November 2024, as Executor of the Estate of Scobie I. Arnott, Sr., deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of March 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 18th day of December 2025.

John Riley Culberson, Co-Executor of the Estate of James Thomas Cotner 902 Mt. Vernon Hickory Mountain Road Siler City, North Carolina 27344 Ricky Gordon Culberson, Co-Executor of the Estate of James Thomas Cotner 140 Lay N Low Way Goldston, North Carolina 27252 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

Roger W. Arnott, Executor of the Estate of Scobie I. Arnott, Sr.

NOTICE

4011 University Drive, Suite 300 Durham, North Carolina 27707

NORTH CAROLINA

THE CHATHAM NEWS: 12/18; 12/25; 1/1/2026; 1/8/2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY __________________________________________ ______________________________

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of MATTHEW T. FLYER AKA MATTHEW THOMAS FLYER, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before March 19, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 18th day of December, 2025. Lynn Marie Flyer Executor of the Estate of Matthew T. Flyer aka Matthew Thomas Flyer 177 Pine View Acres P.O. Box 535 Goldstone, NC 27252 Leigh Anne Kasia Wyatt Early Harris Wheeler LLP 1912 Eastchester Drive, Ste 400 High Point, NC 27265 336-884-4444 Publication dates: December 18, 25, 2025; January 1 and 8, 2026.

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY 25E000603-180 ALL persons having claims against Eric Charles Youmans, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Feb 27 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 27th day of November, 2025. CHE BOYD YOUMANS, EXECUTOR C/O Howard Stallings Law Firm PO Box 12347 Raleigh, NC 27605 N27, 4, 11 and 18

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY 25E000628-180 ALL persons having claims against Gisela Hilda Hecken, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Mar 04 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 4th day of December, 2025. Margit H. Iwanowicz, Executor C/O Howard Stallings Law Firm PO Box 12347 Raleigh, NC 27605 D4, 11, 18 and 25

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JERRY WILLIS MOODY FILE NO. 25E000339-180 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Jerry Willis Moody, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before March 18, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 18th day of December 2025. Scarlett M. Blue, Executor 148 Morrison Bridge Rd Vass, NC 28394 The Chatham News December 18, 25, January 1 and 8, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#24E001626-180 The undersigned, DEREK RILE GREEN, having qualified on the 20TH Day of OCTOBER 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of ANN BLANKENSHIP GREEN, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 4th Day OF MARCH 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 4th DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. DEREK RILE GREEN, EXECUTOR 4551 STALEY SNOW CAMP RD. STALEY, NC 27355 Run dates: D4,D11,18,25p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

c/o Gwendolyn C. Brooks, Kennon Craver, PLLC

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Mary L. D. Wilkinson, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to Ellen L. W. Proctor, Executor of the Estate of Mary L. D. Wilkinson, c/o Patrick E. Bradshaw, Attorney for the Estate, at Bradshaw Robinson Slawter & Rainer LLP, PO Box 607, Pittsboro, NC 27312, on or before the 11th day of March, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 11th day of December, 2025. Ellen L. W. Proctor Executor of the Estate of Mary L. D. Wilkinson Patrick E. Bradshaw Bradshaw Robinson Slawter & Rainer LLP PO Box 607 Pittsboro, NC 27312 (For Publication: 12/11, 12/18 and 12/25/2025 and 1/1/2026)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

HAVING QUALIFIED as Co-Executors of the Estate of James Thomas Cotner late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 27th day of February, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Harry F. Knepp, Jr. late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 27th day of February, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 20th day of November, 2025. Erin Knepp Warrick, Executor of the Estate of Harry F. Knepp, Jr. 149 Pike Drive NW Pikeville, North Carolina 27863 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Billy Hugh Elkins, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned at her address, P. O. Box 266, Goldston, North Carolina, 27252, on or before the 4th day of March, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This 26th day of November, 2025. Rebecca L. Elkins P. O. Box 266 Goldston, North Carolina 27252 GUNN & MESSICK, PLLC P. O. Box 880 Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312-0880 December 4, 11, 18, 25

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JENNIFER GODFREY SCOTT 25E000648-180 ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against Jennifer Godfrey Scott, deceased of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before March 12, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. This 11th day of December, 2025. Amber Paige Bonde, Administrator, c/o The Walls Law Firm, 5511 Capital Center Dr., Ste 180 Raleigh, NC 27606. Chatham News & Record: December 11, 18, 25 2025; January 1, 2026.

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000644-180 The undersigned, LESLIE LEIGH LAFOSSE, having qualified on the 24TH Day of NOVEMBER 2025 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of BETTY OLIVE FARLESS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 4th Day OF MARCH 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 4th DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. LESLIE LEIGH LAFOSSE, ADMINISTRATOR 6923 WILLIAMS COUNTRY ROAD STALEY, NC 27355 Run dates: D4,D11,18,25p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000651-180 The undersigned ROBIN ZENICK, having qualified on the 26TH Day of NOVEMBER 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of BEVERLY A. WHITBECK, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 11th Day OF MARCH 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 11th DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. ROBIN ZENICK, EXECUTOR 725 S. CLARKSON ST. DENVER, CO 80209 Run dates: D11,18,25,J1p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000653-180 The undersigned TATANISHEA AMINA BRANTLEY, having qualified on the 26TH Day of NOVEMBER 2025 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of DALLAS IRVIN JACOBS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 11th Day OF MARCH 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 11th DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. TATANISHEA AMINA BRANTLEY, ADMINISTRATOR 302 LACE CAROL LANE ELGIN, SC 29045 Run dates: D11,18,25,J1p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25000649-180 The undersigned, LORETTA WHITEHEAD BATCHELOR, having qualified on the 26TH Day of NOVEMBER 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of DIANE B. WHITEHEAD aka BARBARA DIANE BOWERS WHITEHEAD, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 4th Day OF MARCH 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 4th DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. LORETTA WHITEHEAD BATCHELOR, EXECUTOR 2465 ROSSER ROAD BEAR CREEK, NC 27207 Run dates: D4,D11,18,25p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#09E000257-180 The undersigned SHIRLENE THOMAS, having qualified on the 10TH Day of DECEMBER 2025 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of JAMES ERNEST THOMAS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 18th Day OF MARCH 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 18th DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. SHIRLENE THOMAS, ADMINISTRATOR 3800 OLD US #1 NEW HILL, NC 27562 Mail to: ARLENE RAINEY 209 TREVOR RIDGE DR. HOLLY SPRINGS, NC 27540 Run dates: D18,25,J1,8p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000629-180 The undersigned REBA THOMAS, having qualified on the 25TH Day of NOVEMBER 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of LOUISE HARTON STULTZ, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 11th Day OF MARCH 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 11th DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. REBA THOMAS, EXECUTOR 2459 WALTER BRIGHT RD. SANFORD, NC 27330 Run dates: D11,18,25,J1p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000659-180 The undersigned DELTABLUE LEFLEUR CHEVALIER, having qualified on the 2ND Day of DECEMBER 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of RICHARD MINTER NORWOOD, III, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 11th Day OF MARCH 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 11th DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. DELTABLUE LEFLEUR CHAVALIER, EXECUTOR 91 WELDON DRIVE NORTH CHAPEL HILL, NC 27516 Run dates: D11,18,25,J1p

Notice to Creditors ALL Persons firm and corporation having claims against Patsy Louise Wolfe Truelove, deceased of Chatham County, N.C. 24E001659-180, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before March 19, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 18th day of December, 2025. Ralston Lane Truelove, Executor, C/O Horsley Law Firm, P.A. 5720 Six Forks Rd., Ste. 101, Raleigh, NC 27609, 919-847-3880.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000588-180 The undersigned TERRY WALLACE, having qualified on the 24TH Day of OCTOBER 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JOHN ROMIE WOMBLE, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 18th Day OF MARCH 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 18th DAY OF DECEMBER 2025. TERRY WALLACE, EXECUTOR 866 JUNO ROAD BROADWAY, NC 27505 Run dates: D18,25,J1,8p

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

NASCAR settles federal antitrust case, gives all teams the permanent charters they wanted The surprise settlement came after days of brutal testimony By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Michael Jordan and NASCAR chairman Jim France stood side by side on the steps of a federal courthouse as if they were old friends following a stunning settlement last Thursday of a bruising antitrust case in which the Basketball Hall of Famer was the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit accusing the top racing series in the United States of being a monopolistic bully. The duo was flanked by three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and Curtis Polk, the co-owners of 23XI Racing with Jordan, Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins and more than a dozen lawyers as they celebrated the end to an eight-day trial that ultimately led NASCAR to cave and grant all its teams the permanent charters they wanted. “Like two competitors, obviously we tried to get as much done in each other’s favor,” Jordan said, towering over the 81-year-old France. “I’ve said this from Day 1: The only way this sport is going to grow is we have to find some synergy between the two entities. I think we’ve gotten to that point, unfortunately it took 16 months to get here, but I think level heads have gotten us to this point where we can actually work together and grow this sport. I am very proud about that, and I think Jim feels the same.” France concurred. “I do feel the same, and we can get back to focusing on what we really love, and that’s racing, and we spent a lot of time not really focused on that so much as we needed to be,” France said. “I feel like we made a very good decision here together, and we have a big opportunity to continue growing the sport.” A charter is the equivalent of

JENNA FRYER / AP PHOTO

Michael Jordan, left, shakes hands with NASCAR attorney Lawrence Buterman as NASCAR chairman Jim France, center, looks away outside the federal courthouse in Charlotte last Thursday. the franchise model used in other sports, and in NASCAR it guarantees 36 teams a spot in every top-level Cup Series race and a fixed portion of the revenue stream. The system was implemented in 2016, and teams have argued for over two years that the charters needed to be made permanent — they had been revokable by NASCAR — and the revenue sharing had to change. NASCAR, founded and privately owned by the Florida-based France family, never considered making the charters permanent. Instead, after two-plus years of bitter negotiations, NASCAR in September 2024 presented a “take-it-or-leave-it” final offer that gave teams until end of that day to sign the 112-page document. 23XI and Front Row refused and sued, while 13 other organizations signed. But testimony in court revealed many did so “with a gun to our head” because the threat of losing the charters would have put them out of business.

Jordan testified early in the trial that as a new team owner to NASCAR — 23XI launched in 2021 — he felt he had the strength to challenge NASCAR. Eight days of testimony went badly for NASCAR, which when it began to present its case seemed focused more on mitigating damages than it did on proving it did not violate antitrust laws. Although terms of the settlement were not released — NASCAR was in the process of scheduling a call last Thursday with all teams to discuss the revenue-sharing model moving forward — both Jordan and NASCAR said that charters will now be permanent for all teams. 23XI and Front Row will receive their combined six charters back for 2026. An economist previously testified that NASCAR owes 23XI and Front Row $364.7 million in damages, and that NASCAR shorted 36 chartered teams $1.06 billion from 2021-24. “Today’s a good day,” Jordan said from the front-row seat he’s occupied since the trial began

Dec. 1 as he waited for the settlement announcement. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell, who had presided over two days of failed settlement talks before the trial began, echoed the sentiment. Bell told the jury that sometimes parties at trial have to see how the evidence unfolds to come to the wisdom of a settlement. “I wish we could’ve done this a few months ago,” Bell said in court. “I believe this is great for NASCAR. Great for the future of NASCAR. Great for the entity of NASCAR. Great for the teams and ultimately great for the fans.” The settlement came after two days of testimony by France and last Wednesday night’s public release of a letter from Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris calling for NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps to be removed. The discovery process revealed internal NASCAR communications in which Phelps called Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress a “redneck” and other derogatory names; Bass Pro

BASEBALL from page A1 last summer. The team played at Craven Stadium behind Ramseur Elementary. Reggie Allred pointed to Chatham County’s growth and the freedom of not playing on school property as reasons to move the team. The Siler City Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proposal on Nov. 17 to allow the team to lease and use the Paul Braxton sports fields, the site of the former American Legion field, for the baseball team’s ballpark. The facility, set to open in May, will feature a concrete grandstand, a beer garden, dedicated space for food trucks, new dugouts, a modern press box, upgraded infield and playing surface, and more fan amenities. The ballpark is expected to cost more than $200,000. The Town of Siler City has committed $125,000 in capital improvements, such as the fencing. Construction and the team’s search for sponsors will begin after Jan. 1. Reggie Allred said the plan is to host events other than baseball at the facility too, even before the inaugural baseball season. “We’re definitely excited about the baseball side of things because that’s in our wheelhouse,” Reggie Allred said. “But we’re excited about just having a place for the public to go to watch movies, have concerts, you know, have stuff going on all the time over there.” Discussions between the town and the team’s ownership began in late summer. North Carolina selected Siler City into its Main Street Program as a Downtown Associate Community in July. The DAC program helps revitalize downtowns through economic development strategies. Siler City will receive two years of downtown technical assistance services valued at $30,000. “We drew on our current

sponsors Childress’ teams, as well as some others, and Morris is an ardent NASCAR supporter. Childress gave fiery testimony earlier this week over his reluctance to sign the charter agreement because it was unfair to the teams, which have been bleeding money and begged NASCAR for concessions. Letters from Hall of Fame team owners Joe Gibbs, Rick Hendrick, Jack Roush and Roger Penske were introduced in which they pleaded with France for charters to become permanent; France testified he was not moved by the men he considers good friends. Hendrick and Penske, who were both scheduled to testify Friday, expressed gratitude that a settlement had been reached. Penske called it “tremendous news” and said it cleared the way to continue growing the series. “Millions of loyal NASCAR fans and thousands of hardworking people rely on our industry, and today’s resolution allows all of us to focus on what truly matters — the future of our sport,” Hendrick said. “This moment presents an important opportunity to strengthen our relationships and recommit ourselves to building a collaborative and prosperous future for all stakeholders. I’m incredibly optimistic about what’s ahead.” The settlement came abruptly on the ninth day of the trial. Bell opened expecting to hear motions, but both sides asked for a private conference in chambers. When they emerged, Bell ordered an hourlong break for the two sides to confer. That turned into two hours, all parties returned to the courtroom and Kessler announced an agreement had been reached. “What all parties have always agreed on is a deep love for the sport and a desire to see it fulfill its full potential,” NASCAR and the plaintiffs said in a joint statement. “This is a landmark moment, one that ensures NASCAR’s foundation is stronger, its future is brighter and its possibilities are greater.”

strategic plan of promoting economic vitality and built on that concept from start to finish,” Assistant Town Manager Kimberly Pickard said in a statement. I believe in this project and the positive impact it will have on our downtown area. This partnership could not have come at a better time, as we have just become a Main Street Community.” The ONSL recently completed a similar project in Oak Island, transforming Bill Smith Park into a sports entertainment venue to host the Oak Island Loggerheads baseball team, baseball tournaments and other events. The new Siler City baseball team held a name-the-team contest on Facebook. Participants had until Sunday to submit name ideas. The team will hold fan voting on the following names until Sunday at 11:59 p.m: Chatham Wild Hares, Chatham Millers, Chatham Yardbirds, Chatham Cluckers, Chatham Fowl Tips and Chatham Hot Wings. The official team name will be announced live on all team social media platforms on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. The arrival of the ONSL is the return of organized summer wood-bat baseball to Siler City. Generations of local players once competed for the historic Siler City Millers decades ago. Although ONSL rosters feature players from different states and countries, the teams try to get as many local players as possible. Players must be playing in college or high school seniors that are committed to a college program. Former Chatham Charter standout Aidan Allred played for the Ropin’ Roosters last season. The Siler City team is set to play its first home game on May 29 at 7 p.m. against the Raleigh Red Oaks. The league will still used Craven Stadium to host legacy games during the season.

CHATHAM SPORTS

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Northwood’s Josiah Brown (1) puts up a 3 in this season’s first Battle of Pittsboro.

Northwood boys, Seaforth girls claim first Pittsboro battle Katie Leonard notched 19 points in the first half By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record Boys: Northwood 66, Seaforth 31 PITTSBORO — Northwood rode a hot shooting night to rout its rival Seaforth 66-31 Friday. The Chargers shot 40% from beyond the arc and finished the night with five players who scored in double figures. “These guys are just so un-

selfish,” Northwood coach Matt Brown said. Senior guard Cam Fowler, who scored 10 points, and junior guard Josiah Brown, who scored 11, each hit two 3s in the first quarter to help Northwood take an 18-9 advantage by the end of the period. Then senior forward Bakari Watkins came alive in the second quarter with nine of his 11 points. At the same time, Northwood held Seaforth to five second quarter points as the Hawks only took six shots in the period. The Chargers led 36-14 at halftime.

“Momentum and energy,” Watkins said. “Once we got that momentum from defense, it just made everything easy on offense.” Junior guard Grant Locklear scored nine of his team-high 12 points in the fourth quarter. He shot 5 for 6 from the field. Graves, in his second game back with the Chargers, finished the night with 10 points. Northwood improved to 4-3 with the win, and Seaforth fell to 3-4. While the Hawks have lost consecutive games for the first time this year, the Chargers have won back-to-back games for the first time this

season. Northwood is now 7-0 over Seaforth all time. Girls: Seaforth 43, Northwood 36 Seaforth senior Katie Leonard scored 19 first half points to lead the Hawks over Northwood 43-36 Friday. Leonard was a bright spot in a poor shooting night for both teams, scoring seven of Seaforth’s 11 first quarter points. “The girls on the court are supporting her,” Seaforth coach Kimberly Brower said. “She’s doing good with that, leading the girls on the court

“These guys are just so unselfish.” Matt Brown and getting them involved. They do good setting her up, setting picks for her and letting her get that shot off.” She shot 3 for 5 from 3 in the first half and scored 12 points in the second quarter to give Seaforth a 26-9 lead at halftime. Northwood couldn’t buy a basket in the first half as it shot 3 for 28. The Chargers took 12 shots in the second quarter and missed all except Parker Maness’ buzzer-beating 3. “Defense was the key,” Brower said. “I told them we were going to press in the first quarter, and See BASKETBALL, page B3

Carolina Hornets win NTBA Winter Nationals title A travel team of local coaches and players finished the season 26-0 By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record COURTESY COACHZBASKETBALL.COM

Mike Zeillmann, left, poses with his NC Attack team.

Seaforth hires Zeillmann as girls’ basketball coach The longtime Triangle basketball figure will replace Charles Byrd By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record SEAFORTH HIRED Mike Zeillmann, a longtime trainer and figure in the Triangle basketball space, as its varsity girls’ basketball coach. Zeillmann, also known as Coach Z, officially earned the head coach title Monday. He’s the program’s second leader of girls’ basketball after Charles Byrd, who started the program in 2021 and made three

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WNBA players have been trained by Mike Zeillmann regional final appearances (including a state title appearance in 2023), stepped down before the start of the season. Prior to earning the Seaforth job, Zeillmann last coached high school basketball at Cary Academy, where he led the varsity girls from 2012-16. His 2012-13 team

went undefeated in conference play and reached the state semifinals of the NCISAA 3A playoffs. He also won conference coach of the year honors for that season. Zeillmann coached the Durham Academy varsity boys in the 2000-01 season and the Jordan ninth grade boys in 1992-93. He served as an assistant with the Northern Durham varsity boys from 2006-08, the Durham Academy varsity boys from 1995-2000, the Jordan varsity boys in the 1993-94 season and the Greensboro Day See SEAFORTH, page B2

A LOCAL GIRLS’ basketball team’s first go under the Nike Jr. EYBL title couldn’t have gone better. The Carolina Hornets 13U team, the Jr. EYBL iteration of the Carolina Magic, closed out the fall and winter season by winning the 2025 National Travel Basketball Association Winter National championship in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Dec. 7. The Hornets, coached by Siler City natives Ryan and Jarred Siler and consisting of

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tournament wins for the Hornets this season players from and nearby Chatham County, defeated Charlotte Dream Elite 52-49 in the seventh grade championship game. The team finished the tournament 4-0, including pool play. In its first fall and winter season with Carolina Hornets United organization, the 13U team coached by the Siler brothers won all six tournaments and finished 26-0. The Carolina Magic joined the Carolina Hornets in August.

COURTESY RYAN SILER

The Carolina Hornets pose with medals after winning their final tournament of the season.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

WINTER SPORTS ROUNDUP

Wrestling teams fall short of conference foes By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

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Boys’ basketball Uwharrie Charter snapped Chatham Charter’s five-game winning streak by beating the Knights 55-40 on Dec. 11. Following back-to-back wins over North Moore and Ascend Leadership, Chatham Central lost its conference opener to North Stokes 76-72 on Friday. Seaforth fell to Southeast Alamance 74-64 on Dec. 9 as senior Davian Edwards led the Stallions with 30 points. After Levi Haygood’s team-high 17 points led Woods Charter over River Mill 62-32 on Dec. 9, the Wolves fell to Wake Prep Academy 61-42 on Friday. Jordan-Matthews defeated Phoenix Academy 95-79 on Dec. 11, picking up consecutive wins for the first time this season. Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference) Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Northwood (4-3, 0-0); 2. Uwharrie Charter (3-3, 0-0); 3. North Moore (2-3, 0-0); 4. Southwestern Randolph (2-4, 0-0); 5. Jordan-Matthews (2-4, 0-0); 6. Eastern Randolph (0-4, 0-0) Central Tar Heel 1A: 1. Woods Charter (4-3, 1-0); 2. River Mill (1-10, 1-1); T3. Central Carolina Academy (0-5, 0-1); T3. Ascend Leadership (2-7, 0-0); T3. Chatham Charter (7-4, 0-0); T3. Clover Garden (1-5, 0-0); T3. Southern Wake Academy (6-3, 0-0) Greater Triad 1A/2A: T1. Bishop McGuinness (6-1, 1-0); T1. South Stokes (6-0, 1-0); T1. North Stokes (2-4, 1-0); 4. College Prep and Leadership (2-6, 1-1); T5. Winston-Salem Prep (1-5, 0-1); T5. South Davidson (0-5, 0-1); T5. Chatham Central (6-3, 0-1) Big Seven 4A/5A: 1. Durham School of the Arts (4-4, 0-0); 2. South Granville (3-3, 0-0); 3. Seaforth (3-4, 0-0); 4. Cedar Ridge (1-5, 0-0); 5. J.F.

SEAFORTH from page B1 School junior varsity boys (while coaching eighth grade) in 1991-92. In 1994, Zeillmann founded Coach Z Basketball Training to develop skills for basketball players in the Triangle. He has trained nine players who have played in the WNBA and four who have played in the

Game winning streak for Chatham Charter’s boys snapped by Uwharrie Charter

PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Northwood’s Connor Willingmyre grabs hold of his opponent in a dual on Dec. 10. Webb (1-6, 0-0); 6. Orange (0-5, 0-0); 7. Carrboro (0-6, 0-0) Power Rankings (week of Dec. 8): 1. Northwood; 2. Chatham Charter; 3. Seaforth; 4. Woods Charter; 5. Jordan-Matthews; 6. Chatham Central Last week’s rankings: 1. Chatham Charter; 2. Northwood; 3. Seaforth; 4. Woods Charter; 5. Jordan-Matthews; 6. Chatham Central

Charter; 6. Chatham Charter Last week’s rankings: 1. Seaforth; 2. Northwood; 3. Jordan-Matthews; 4. Chatham Central; 5. Woods Charter; 6. Chatham Charter

Despite a career-high 32 points from senior Katie Leonard, Seaforth fell to defending state champions Southeast Alamance 65-49 on Dec. 9. Chatham Central followed consecutive wins over North Moore and Ascend Leadership with a 64-27 conference-opening loss to North Stokes on Friday. Northwood lost to Western Alamance 59-52 on Saturday, dropping its second straight game by less than 10 points. Jordan-Matthews fell to Phoenix Academy 63-23 on Dec. 11. Chatham Charter lost to Uwharrie Charter 56-22 on Dec. 11 despite 17 points from sophomore Peyton York. Woods Charter fell to Wake Prep 62-22 on Friday.

Conference standings as of Sunday (overall, conference) Four Rivers 3A/4A: 1. Uwharrie Charter (7-1, 0-0); 2. Southwestern Randolph (4-1, 0-0); 3. Northwood (4-4, 0-0); 4. Jordan-Matthews (1-6, 0-0); 5. North Moore (0-4, 0-0); 6. Eastern Randolph (0-4, 0-0) Central Tar Heel 1A: 1. Woods Charter (5-4, 1-0); 2. River Mill (1-10, 1-1); T3. Central Carolina Academy (0-5, 0-1); T3. Ascend Leadership (0-6, 0-0); T3. Chatham Charter (3-8, 0-0); T3. Clover Garden School (1-4, 0-0); T3. Southern Wake Academy (2-2, 0-0) Greater Triad 1A/2A: T1. College Prep and Leadership (60, 2-0); T1. North Stokes (3-3, 1-0); T3. South Stokes (4-6, 0-1); T3. South Davidson (0-5, 0-1); T3. Chatham Central (5-3, 0-1); 6. Bishop McGuinness (6-1, 0-0) Big Seven 4A/5A: 1. Seaforth (5-1, 0-0); 2. Orange (22, 0-0); 3. Durham School of the Arts (4-4, 0-0); 4. Carrboro (3-4, 0-0); 5. South Granville (2-3, 0-0); 6. Cedar Ridge (2-5, 0-0); 7. J.F. Webb (2-5, 0-0) Power Rankings (week of Dec. 8): 1. Seaforth; 2. Northwood; 3. Jordan-Matthews; 4. Chatham Central; 5. Woods

Boys: Seaforth went 2-2 at the Baddest Cat on the Mat team duals Saturday, defeating Triton (60-11) and Westover (48-25) while losing to Hoke County (67-9) and South View (48-34). Chatham Central fell to South Stokes 48-27 on Dec. 10. Northwood fell to Southwestern Randolph 45-35 on Dec. 10. Uwharrie Charter, the defending dual team state champions, defeated Jordan-Matthews 84-0 on Dec. 10. Top individual performances: Jordan-Matthews’ Daniel Carter finished second in the 285-pound division at the King of the Mat tournament Saturday. Girls: Forfeits helped Jordan-Matthews beat Uwharrie Charter 36-11 on Dec. 10. Northwood defeated Southwestern Randolph 24-6 by way of forfeits. Top individual performances: Jordan-Matthews’ Johanna Carter won the 132-pound division

NBA. More than 20 of Zeillmann’s trainees have played professionally overseas, and 90 (61 women and 29 men) have played college basketball. From 1999-2003, Zeillmann implemented a skill development plan for the Duke women’s basketball team, including ACC Player of the Year winners Georgia Schweitzer, Alana Beard and Lindsey Harding.

Zeillmann founded NC Attack, a travel basketball team for eighth through 12th grade girls, in 2013. Serving as the head coach, Zeillmann has coached more than 40 collegiate players and won five national level tournaments. Seaforth senior Katie Leonard and former Hawks Peyton Collins and Jocelyn Gesner have played for NC Attack.

Seaforth has seen immense success in its short history. The Hawks have won a share of the conference title (Mid-Carolina 1A/2A) for the past four seasons, losing one regular season conference game in their existence. The program produced Gabby White, a former four-star recruit and espnW’s 94th-best player in the class of 2025, who now plays at Virginia. The pro-

Girls’ basketball

Wrestling

at the Queen of the Mat tournament Saturday. She was down 15-2 in the final period before notching a late pin. Jordan-Matthews’ Edith Vargas finished second in the 152-pound division at the Queen of the Mat tournament on Saturday. Seaforth’s Sarah Tanner finished fourth in the 132-pound bracket at the Rumble in the Jungle on Friday. Swimming Seaforth competed against Orange and Durham School of the Arts in a conference meet on Dec. 10. Here are the first-place finishes by Seaforth swimmers: Boys: Charles Mitler, Eli Shepherd, Quinn Hepburn, Colton Roberts (200 medley relay, 1 minute, 57.79 seconds); Stuart Vaughn (200 free, 2:20.28); Charles Mitler (200 individual medley, 2:07.43); Colton Roberts (500 free, 5:05.37); Aden George, Quinn Hepburn, Stuart Vaughn, Charles Mitler (200 free relay, 1:47.26); Charles Mitler (100 backstroke, 57.20); Colton Roberts (100 breaststroke, 1:09.15) Girls: Natalie Hinde (200 free, 2:21.92); Alexandra Smith (500 free, 7:31.98) Indoor Track Local first-place finishers at the Eastern Alamance Polar Bear meet on Dec. 11: Ezra Roebuck (Northwood, boys 300, 36.66); Juan Sanchez (Northwood, boys 500, 1:10.31); Sam Bacheler (Northwood, boys 1,600, 5:01.25); Shiloh Teta (Northwood, girls 1,000, 3:35.83)

gram has sent other players to college, including Hannah Ajayi (Guilford College) and Leonard, who will play at Cornell next season. As of Monday, Seaforth boasts a 5-1 record with its only loss coming to defending state champion Southeast Alamance. The Hawks opened Big Seven 4A/5A conference play at Carrboro Wednesday.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

Local teams to compete in holiday basketball tournaments Northwood will host the Charger Classic this weekend By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record IT’S TIME FOR some holiday hoops. Local high school teams will play in holiday tournaments over the next two weeks, ramping up the competition ahead of the winter break. Northwood is hosting the First Bank Charger Classic from Friday to Monday. Admission is $10 for each full day. No passes will be accepted except for the NCCA Coaches Card. This year’s tournament will feature eight boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams with games played at Pollard Middle School and Northwood High School. The girls will tip off with East Chapel Hill taking on Charlottesville (Virginia) on Friday at 3 p.m. at Pollard Middle followed by Hillside facing off against Cary at 6:30 p.m. also at Pollard Middle. The winner of those two games will play each

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local teams will play in the SportsTone.net Christmas Invitational other in the semifinal round on Saturday at Northwood at 3 p.m. At Northwood, Felton Grove and North Moore will tip off at 3 p.m. followed by Northwood taking on Riverside at 6:30 p.m. Winners from those games will also play each other in the semifinal at Northwood at 6 p.m. The boys’ first round Friday will feature Lexington (S.C.) against Charlotte Christian at 5 p.m. at Northwood, and the winner of that game will play the victor between Cardinal Gibbons and Charlottesville (Va.), which tips off at 8 p.m. at Pollard Middle. The semifinal will take place at Northwood Saturday at 4:30 p.m. The other semifinal matchup

will be the winners of Franklinton against Hillside (5 p.m. at Pollard) and Felton Grove against Northwood (8 p.m. at Northwood). The winners will tip off at Northwood Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Northwood will host both championships Monday with the girls tipping off at 6 p.m. and the boys closing out the event at 7:30 p.m. Local teams will also play in the Sportstone Christmas Invitational at Asheboro High School from Dec. 27-30. In the girls’ bracket, Chatham Charter will take on Southwestern Randolph at 4 p.m. on Dec. 27 followed by Jordan-Matthews facing off against Asheboro at 7 p.m. The winners and losers of that game will play each other on Dec. 29. On the boys’ side, Jordan-Matthews will take on Eastern Guilford at 2:30 p.m., and Chatham Charter will play Trinity at 5:30 p.m. The championships will take place on Dec. 30 with the girls tipping off at 7 p.m. and the boys following at 8:30 p.m.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Katie Leonard

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth, girls’ basketball Seaforth senior Katie Leonard earns athlete of the week honors for the week of Dec. 8. Leonard stuffed the scoring column last week, notching a career-high 32 points in a loss to Southeast Alamance on Dec. 9 and 21 points in a win over Northwood Friday. Against the Chargers, Leonard scored 19 points in the first half. In her final high school season, Leonard has stepped up as Seaforth’s offensive engine. She’ll take her talents to Cornell University next year.

BASKETBALL from page B1

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Jordan-Matthews’ Zaeon Auguste (0) drives against Chatham Central defenders. The Jets will play in the SportsTone.net Christmas Invitational.

we’re going to make sure that we stay on top of them.” Seaforth’s offensive struggles and a combined eight points from sophomore Noelle Whitaker and senior Mikaylah Glover in the third helped Northwood close the gap. Northwood trailed 3319 entering the fourth quarter. Senior Alyia Roberts got hot, knocking down two 3s and scoring 10 fourth quarter points to lead the Chargers within single digits of Seaforth. But as Leonard put the

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Hawks ahead in the first half, Lariah Rodgers kept them ahead in the second half. Rodgers scored seven of her 11 points in the last two quarters. “I told her when she goes in and attacks the basket, make sure she puts her body on a player to get that foul,” Brower said. “She’s very aggressive.” Annika Johansson also helped Seaforth ice the win with a late fourth quarter 3, which was her only made field goal of the night. Seaforth improved to 5-1, while Northwood fell to 4-3.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

Rivers emotional after nearly leading Colts to win in return: ‘There is doubt, and it’s real’ The former Wolfpack quarterback returned to the NFL after five years of retirement The Associated Press SEATTLE — Philip Rivers fought back tears as he considered what message it would send to his sons, or the young men he has coached, that he nearly led the Indianapolis Colts to victory at age 44. “There is doubt, and it’s real,” Rivers said, choking up briefly. “The guaranteed safe bet is to go home or to not go for it, and the other one is, ‘Shoot, let’s see what happens.’ I hope in that sense that can be a positive to some young boys, or young people.” Rivers ended a nearly five-year retirement to start Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks and played efficient football for the desperate Colts, who turned to the future Hall of Famer after Daniel Jones was lost for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. He threw a touchdown pass in the first half, played mostly mistake-free and moved the Colts into position for Blake Grupe’s 60-yard field goal with 47 seconds left. But Jason Myers responded with a 56-yarder that gave the Seahawks an 18-16 victory. It was a remarkable day for a grandfather who’s spent the past few years coaching high school football in his native Alabama. Rivers took a few hard hits from the Seahawks’ stout defense, and he even enjoyed them. “I never minded that part of it,” Rivers said. “My wife always tells me I’m crazy because there’s been times in the last three or four years I said, ‘I wish I could just throw one and get hit — hard.’” This wasn’t a novelty act, as it may have seemed when the Colts signed the Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist to their practice squad less than a week ago. Coach Shane Steichen’s Colts, who began the

STEPHEN BRASHEAR / AP PHOTO

Colts quarterback Philip Rivers celebrates a touchdown, his first in five years.

“The guaranteed safe bet is to go home or to not go for it, and the other one is, ‘Shoot, let’s see what happens.’ ” Philip Rivers season 7-1 but are trying to stop a second-half collapse, knew what they were getting out of the veteran. Rivers finished 18 of 27 for 120 yards with a touchdown and an interception, with the pick coming on his final pass as he tried to force the ball down the field in the closing seconds. “I was just thankful — grateful — that I was out there,” Riv-

ers said. “And it was a blast — it was a blast — but obviously the emotions now are disappointment. This isn’t about me. We have a team scrapping like crazy to try and stay alive and get into the postseason.” The Colts (8-6) have dropped four straight and five of six, and they are outside the AFC playoff picture with three games left. They trail both Jacksonville and Houston in the AFC South. Steichen called a conservative game, relying on running the ball and controlling the clock. Rivers threw mostly short passes to the outside, checkdowns and screens. “He went out there and gave us a chance to win it,” Steichen said. Rivers took two sacks, and he showed his age on the first one. He stumbled while evad-

ing pressure from Boye Mafe, got up, then fell again. Rivers pumped his right fist and let out a roar after throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to Josh Downs with 1:33 remaining in the first half to put the Colts up 13-3. It was Rivers’ first touchdown pass since he threw a 27-yarder to Jack Doyle in the Colts’ 27-24 loss to Buffalo in a wild-card playoff game on Jan. 9, 2021. He also became the fifth player in NFL history to throw a touchdown pass at age 44 or older, joining Tom Brady, George Blanda, Steve DeBerg and Vinny Testaverde. “It’s been 1,800 days since I’ve thrown a touchdown — or interception for that matter. So we have both those (boxes) checked,” Rivers said. Rivers was chosen last month

as one of 26 semifinalists for the Hall of Fame’s class of 2026 but will now have his eligibility delayed. A player must be out of the league for at least five years before his candidacy can be considered. The earliest Rivers can be a candidate is for the class of 2031. He ranks among the top 10 in NFL history in wins, attempts, completions, yards passing, touchdown passes and 300-yard games. Since his retirement, he’s been coaching at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, where the team held a watch party on Sunday. Rivers’ players were on his mind as he returned to the NFL. “Maybe it will inspire or teach not to run or be scared of what may or may not happen,” Rivers said.

From hoops to oysters: Inside the second acts of WNBA stars Even all-stars and Hall of Famers need a second post-playing career

“In the real world, you can put in a ton of work and do a lot right and not get anywhere.”

By Claire Savage and Brittany Peterson The Associated Press AFTER SEVEN DAYS of wind, the morning is finally calm enough on New York’s East Moriches Bay for Sue Wicks to jetty her boat to check on her oysters. Hundreds of cages pop out at odd angles from their lines, and a few float away. The retired WNBA star and Hall of Famer admits that the aquaculture farm she started at age 50 can be anxiety-inducing and compares it to her time playing basketball. “Some days you’re like, ‘Why am I doing this?’ You’re injured, you’re hurt, you are losing, things are going bad. And then the next day you go back and do it again because you love it,” she said. Wicks, 59, has worked as a commentator, college basketball coach and at a fitness start-up since retiring from the WNBA in 2002, and says she feels lucky to again find a career “that works for my soul.” But the reality is that even a successful run as one of the world’s best basketball players didn’t earn her enough to fully retire. Although the WNBA is bringing in more than ever from sponsors and ticket sales, many players still find themselves financially unsteady when the final whistle blows. For 2009 second overall draft pick and 2015 WNBA All-Star Marissa Coleman, the main difference between post-playing careers between WNBA and NBA players is that “most NBA guys are sitting on tens, sometimes hundreds of million dol-

Devereaux Peters, former Minnesota Lynx forward

YUKI IWAMURA / AP PHOTO

Retired WNBA star and Hall of Famer Sue Wicks throws an anchor from her boat in Moriches Bay in New York. lars.” And for those who are financially savvy, working after the game is “more so curing boredom versus a necessity.” “Most women athletes across the board have to find a career after basketball out of necessity,” Coleman said. When former Minnesota Lynx forward Devereaux Peters transitioned from basketball to real estate development in 2019, she said the hardest lesson was learning that work-

ing hard in her new career may not be enough to yield results quickly, or at all. After a tough game during her playing days, she could “go in the gym and shoot and work on my shot. And you’re going to see a result if you’re putting in the work.” “That is not necessarily true in the real world,” said the 36-year-old. “You can put in a ton of work and do a lot right and not get anywhere.” The shift away from basket-

ball also came as a financial shock: “That transition was a little bit difficult in that I had to cut back significantly,” she said. “There was a lot of learning very quickly” given the “big gap in what I was making then and what I make now.” For 38-year-old Coleman, the next phase of her career also unfolded far outside the paint. Alongside former teammate Alana Beard, Coleman franchised a Mellow Mushroom — a psy-

chedelic-themed pizza chain — in Roanoke, Virginia. She also chaired a campaign to legalize sports betting in Maryland and now leads strategy and growth for the VIP team at fantasy sports platform Underdog, with the aim of carving space for more women and people of color to access the industry. “I knew from a very early age entrepreneurship and business were something that I was really, really passionate about,” Coleman said. She added that she feels grateful to her parents for emphasizing the importance of education and long-term career planning. Thanks to their wisdom, she made sure to seek out mentors and explore industries that interested her throughout her basketball career. “I knew I didn’t want to be one of those players that retired, and it was like, ‘Oh gosh, what now?’” Coleman said. Many former athletes land in sports-related roles, such as coaching or sports broadcasting. But not all are surefooted in finding their next calling. Despite her own post-WNBA success, Peters says players could use more guidance to help them understand how to plan, save and prepare for the future. “The general lifespan of a basketball player is not long,” she said. “You have to be prepared to not be here tomorrow or the next year.”

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

SIDELINE REPORT NCAA FOOTBALL

4th-and-goal score leads No. 22 Navy to 17-16 win over Army Baltimore Navy beat Army for a second straight season. Blake Horvath threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Eli Heidenreich with 6:32 remaining — on fourth-and-goal — and the 22nd-ranked Midshipmen rallied for a 17-16 win. Horvath turned the ball over twice, and his fumble near the goal line nearly spoiled Navy’s key drive. But Heidenreich fell on the ball, and Horvath found him when Navy gambled and went for it on fourth down.

NFL

NFL seeking practice squad officials, wants to base postseason assignments on performance The NFL is seeking to create a practice squad of officials and wants postseason assignments to be based on performance rather than seniority. Those were among the key points league executive Troy Vincent emphasized to owners. The league and the NFL Referees Association have been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement since the summer of 2024. The current CBA expires on May 31, 2026. So far, discussions with the game officials’ union have been unsuccessful, according to a memo that was sent to teams.

TRACK & FIELD

Owing between $10M and $50M, Grand Slam Track files for bankruptcy; Johnson vows to press on Grand Slam Track, the league fronted by sprint great Michael Johnson that offered six-figure prize money for top runners, has filed for bankruptcy after canceling its final event and failing to pay athletes and vendors. Johnson boasted a $30 million bankroll at the outset, but in its Chapter 11 filing, the league said it had less than $50,000 cash on hand, between 200 and 999 creditors and owes between $10 million and $50 million. “I refuse to give up on the mission of Grand Slam Track,” Johnson said.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Indiana’s Daley likely to miss playoffs after celebration injury Bloomington, Ind. Defensive end Stephen Daley is expected to miss the College Football Playoff after getting injured during No. 1 Indiana’s Big Ten championship celebration. A social media video showed Daley appearing to land awkwardly on his right leg while high-fiving fans moments after the Hoosiers completed a 13-10 victory over Ohio State to capture their first Big Ten title since 1967. Daley had 38 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 51⁄2 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass breakup this season, earning all-Big Ten honorable mention honors.

EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ / AP PHOTO

Heisman Trophy finalists, from left, Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin pose with the trophy.

Mendoza wins Heisman Trophy as college football’s top player The IU quarterback won by more than 900 points By Everett Merrill The Associated Press NEW YORK — Fernando Mendoza, the enthusiastic quarterback of No. 1 Indiana, won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first Hoosier to win college football’s most prestigious award since its inception in 1935. Mendoza claimed 2,362 points, including 643 first-place votes. He beat Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia (1,435 points), Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (719 points) and Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (432 points). Mendoza’s Heisman win was emphatic. He finished first in all six Heisman regions, the first to do so since Caleb Williams in 2022. He was named on 95.16% of all ballots, tying him with Marcus Mariota in 2014 for the second highest in the award’s history, and he received 84.6% of total possible points, which is the seventh highest in Heisman history. “I haven’t seen the numbers yet,” said Mendoza, “but it’s such an honor to be mentioned with these guys (Pavia, Love

and Sayin). It’s really a credit to our team. It’s a team award.” Mendoza guided the Hoosiers to their first No. 1 ranking and the top seed in the 12-team College Football bracket, throwing for 2,980 yards and a national-best 33 touchdown passes while also running for six scores. Indiana, the last unbeaten team in major college football, will play a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. Mendoza, the Hoosiers’ first-year starter after transferring from California, is the triggerman for an offense that surpassed program records for touchdowns and points set during last season’s surprise run to the CFP. A redshirt junior, the once lightly recruited Miami native is the second Heisman finalist in school history, joining 1989 runner-up Anthony Thompson. Mendoza is the seventh Indiana player to earn a top-10 finish in Heisman balloting, and it marks another first in program history — having back-to-back players in the top 10. Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke was ninth last year. With his teammates chanting “HeismanDoza” as he addressed the media, he said there felt like a realistic chance of winning the Heisman when

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Heisman winners out of the last nine who transferred before their award-winning season the Hoosiers routed then No. 19 Illinois 63-10 on Sept. 20. “At that point my boys (teammates) said we might make it to New York (for the award ceremony),” he said. “It was lighthearted at the time, but that’s when it started. “ Quarterbacks have won the Heisman four of the last five years. Mendoza is the 43rd quarterback to win the Heisman and the second winner of Latin American descent to claim the trophy. Stanford’s Jim Plunkett was the first in 1970. “Although I grew up in America, my four grandparents are all from Cuba,” he said. “I had the opportunity to go there, and that was important to me. I credit the love to my grandparents and the Hispanic community.” The Heisman Trophy presentation came after a number of accolades were already awarded. Mendoza picked

up the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien awards Friday night, while Love won the Doak Walker Award. Mendoza is the seventh transfer to win the award in the last nine years. Pavia finished second with 189 first-place votes. He threw for a school-record 3,192 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Commodores, who were pushing for a CFP berth all the way to the bracket announcement. He is the first Heisman finalist in Vanderbilt history. The last running back to win the Heisman was Alabama’s Derrick Henry in 2015. Love put himself in the mix with an outstanding season for Notre Dame. He finished with 46 first-place votes. The junior from St. Louis was fourth in the Bowl Subdivision in yards rushing (1,372), fifth in per-game average (114.3) and third with 18 rushing touchdowns for the Fighting Irish, who missed out on a CFP bid and opted not to play in a bowl game. Sayin led the Buckeyes to a No. 1 ranking for most of the season, throwing for 3,329 yards while tying for second in the country with 31 touchdown passes ahead of their CFP quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31.

Clark, Bueckers, Reese bring youth movement to USA Basketball camp The women’s national team holds camp at Duke

“I think we really bring out the best of each other. I think that’s what USA Basketball does.”

By Doug Feinberg The Associated Press DURHAM — There’s a youth movement at USA Basketball camp with young WNBA players Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese making their debuts with the national team. They’ve been competing against each other in college and the WNBA over the past few years, and Bueckers was happy to have them as teammates again. Many of the young players had competed together for the U.S. on American youth teams. They’ll get their first taste of the senior national team in a camp at Duke this weekend. “It’s great competing with them for a change instead of against them, and I think we really bring out the best of each other,” Bueckers said. “I think that’s what USA Basketball does. Just so many amazing athletes and women coming together for one common goal. I think that’s always brought out the best of each other. It’s really fun to be able to share the court and be on the same side for a change.” Bueckers gave the group the nickname “Young and Turnt” — a phrase used by youth players in the past to describe their

Paige Bueckers

MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO

Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, left, shoots against the Washington Mystics. high energy and excitement playing with USA Basketball. The trio, along with other senior national newcomers Cameron Brink, Aliyah Boston and JuJu Watkins, are the future of USA Basketball with veterans Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird retired and other longtime fixtures in the lineup nearing the end of their careers. The U.S. has won eight straight Olympic gold medals and four consecutive world championships. Olympic veterans Kahleah Copper, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum will also be at the three-day camp. “Obviously there’s some vets and there’s the older class who have already came in and won

gold medals, and they have that experience,” Bueckers said. “So as a younger group, you want to ask them questions, soak it up, be a sponge. Like, get their experience and then grow in our experience as well.” The average age of the 17 players at the camp is just over 25. Bueckers said having so many young players who have been together brings a comfort level. “There’s a familiarity of competing with and against each other,” she said. “We kind of know each other, and it’s more comfortable that way, too. We’re all coming in and we’re having the same expec-

tations of just wanting to go in there and compete and have fun and bring our vibes in and just be us.” Bird, who is now the managing director for USA Basketball, said this camp will hopefully give the new players a look at international basketball at its highest level. “Really have it be a tone setter,” said Bird, who helped the U.S. win five Olympic gold medals as a player. “What is it to wear USA on your chest? What is it to be on this team? Whether it’s a World Cup qualifier we’ll get to in March or hopefully the gold-medal game of a big competition, you have to set the tone on Day 1.” Though many invites went out for the camp, Bird said past Olympians such as A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Napheesa Collier had other commitments. “There’s a lot of moving parts, that’s always how it is for USA Basketball,” Bird said. “For the young players, it’s a great opportunity to get their first feel and first taste.”

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

entertainment Affable comedy acting legend Dick Van Dyke turns 100 years old Last year, the performer became the oldest recipient of a Daytime Emmy Award The Associated Press COMEDY ICON Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday, hitting the century mark some six decades after he sang and danced with Julie Andrews in “Mary Poppins” and starred in his self-titled sitcom. “The funniest thing is, it’s not enough,” Van Dyke said in an interview with ABC News at his Malibu, California home. “A hundred years is not enough. You want to live more, which I plan to.” As part of the celebration of Van Dyke’s birthday last weekend, theaters around the country are showing a new documentary about his life, “Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration.” Van Dyke became one of the biggest actors of his era

ANN JOHANSSON / AP PHOTO

Dick Van Dyke poses with chimney sweeps during arrivals to the 40th anniversary and repremiere of Mary Poppins at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles in 2004. with “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” which ran from 196166 on CBS; appeared with Andrews as a chimney sweep with a Cockney accent in the 1964 Disney classic “Mary Poppins” and, in his 70s, played a physician-sleuth on “Diagnosis: Murder.”

Also, a Broadway star, Van Dyke won a Tony Award for “Bye Bye Birdie” to go with a Grammy and four Primetime Emmys. In 1963, he starred in the film version of “Bye Bye Birdie.” Just last year, he became the oldest winner of a Daytime Emmy, for a guest role on the soap “Days of Our Lives.” In the 1970s, he found sobriety after battling alcoholism and spoke out about it at a time when that was uncommon to do. Now that he has hit triple digits, Van Dyke said he’s gotten some perspective on how he used to play older characters. “You know, I played old men a lot, and I always played them as angry and cantankerous,” he told ABC News. “It’s not really that way. I don’t know any other 100-year-olds, but I can speak for myself.” He recently imparted wisdom about reaching the century mark in his book, “100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life.”

5 notable Sophie Kinsella books; author died of cancer at age 55 The celebrated British writer died last week

By Hillel Italie The Associated Press SOPHIE KINSELLA, who has died at age 55, had a special talent for characters who persevered through the most embarrassing mishaps — often of their own making. Here are five novels that helped keep readers laughing, and relating, over the past 30 years. “The Tennis Party” (1995) Fellow writers could only envy Kinsella’s success, how early it came and how seemingly easy. As the author would remember, she was a 24-yearold financial journalist who, while commuting by train one day, thought to herself, “I want to have a go at this, I want to write a book.” Within two years, she was the bestselling author of “The Tennis Party,” under her real name, Madeleine Wickham. Released in the U.S. as “40 Love,” her debut novel centered on the misadventures of a weekend tennis party and introduced readers to her conversational touch about everything from love to money to ... tennis.

“They all have a lot of baggage,” the author explained on her website. “The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic” (2000) She published her first several books as Wickham before becoming a global brand as “Sophie Kinsella.” Spurred by this first “Shopaholic” novel, millions would cheer on the hopelessly indebted financial journalist Becky Bloomwood, who helps keep the economy turning with her “investments” in clothing, household and other products. “Can You Keep a Secret?” (2003) As Kinsella, the novelist had a mission to get her characters in trouble. Emma Corrigan has a proper job as a marketing assistant and a proper and “heartbreakingly handsome” boyfriend. She is also prone to panic and distraction, to going about in public with her blouse unbuttoned or unleashing a spurt of soda on a client’s shirt. And she has a few secrets she would like to hold on to, whether it’s pouring orange juice on the plant of a colleague who annoys her or how she sometimes holds back laughter while having sex — “just normal, everyday little secrets.”

“The Undomestic Goddess”(2005) Her alliteratively named characters were ever fish out of water, sometimes on the driest land. Samantha Sweeting is a London lawyer who can’t take it anymore, boards a train to the countryside and finds herself working as a housekeeper, for which she has no known skills. “I had so much fun charting Samantha’s comedy disasters in the kitchen, her battles with the ironing board, her gradual slowing down and relaxing and finding love,” the author writes on her website. “It’s a story of an uber-professional realizing there’s more to life than work and starting to appreciate the little things.” “Twenties Girl” (2009) Just your typical supernatural adventure in which 27-yearold Lara Lington is visited by the ghost of her flapper-great aunt Sadie and sent off to retrieve Sadie’s long-lost necklace. Subplots include Lara being dumped by her boyfriend and Lara wondering if she can succeed in business as a headhunter. She also lies a lot, to her parents. Yes, her work is going great. Yes, she loved their Christmas gift. No, she doesn’t just subsist on pizza and yogurt and vodka.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

this week in history

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“Nutcracker” premieres, Washington leads army to Valley Forge, Clinton impeached The Associated Press DEC. 18 1865: The 13th Amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery was declared in effect by Secretary of State William H. Seward. 1892: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception. 1916: The Battle of Verdun, World War I’s longest at 10 months, ended between French and German forces; it led to nearly 1 million casualties. DEC. 19

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1777: During the American Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington led his army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to camp for the winter. 1907: Two hundred thirty-nine workers died in an explosion at the Darr coal mine near Van Meter, Pennsylvania.

2001: Richard C. Reid, a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami, tried to ignite explosives hidden in his shoes but was subdued by flight attendants and fellow passengers.

1998: President Bill Clinton was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives for perjury and obstruction of justice. He was subsequently acquitted by the Senate. DEC. 20

DEC. 23

1803: The Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States. 1860: South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union by a vote of delegates at a secession convention, emboldening other Southern states to follow suit and helping to trigger the American Civil War. 1946: The classic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater in New York City.

been played in Springfield, Massachusetts.

DEC. 21

DEC. 22

1620: Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower went ashore at present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts, for the first time. 1864: During the Civil War, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman ended their “March to the Sea” by capturing Savannah, Georgia. 1891: The first basketball game, devised by James Naismith, is believed to have

1894: French army officer Alfred Dreyfus was convicted of treason in a court-martial that triggered worldwide charges of antisemitism. (Dreyfus was eventually vindicated.) 1944: During World War II’s Battle of the Bulge, U.S. Brig. Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe rejected a German surrender demand with a one-word reply: “Nuts!”

AP PHOTO

The holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart, premiered at the Globe Theatre in New York City on Dec. 20, 1946.

1913: The Federal Reserve System was created as President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act. 1948: Former Japanese Premier Hideki Tojo and six other Japanese World War II leaders were executed in Tokyo after being tried for war crimes. DEC. 24 1814: The United States and Britain signed the Treaty of Ghent, which would end the War of 1812 following ratification by both the British Parliament and the U.S. Senate. 1851: Fire devastated the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., destroying about 35,000 volumes. 1914: During World War I, impromptu Christmas truces began to take hold along parts of the Western Front, principally between British and German soldiers but also involving French troops.

‘Star Wars’ painting fetches $3.9M at auction The 1977 film is one of the highest grossing of all time By Audrey Mcavoy The Associated Press THE PAINTING THAT introduced “Star Wars” to the world nearly 50 years ago — and was reproduced in an iconic movie poster — sold at auction for $3.875 million. The acrylic and airbrush painting by the artist and movie poster designer Tom Jung first appeared in newspaper advertisements on May 13, 1977, a little less than two weeks before the space epic created by George Lucas opened. It also adorned billboards, magazine ads and theater programs. “For most of America, this was the first time they got a glimpse of the galaxy far, far away,” said Charles Epting, the director of pop culture and historical consignments at Heritage Auctions. “Star Wars” producer Gary Kurtz kept the original painting and hung it on his office wall before passing it down to his daughter. The Kurtz family later put the work up for sale at the Dallas headquarters of Heritage Auctions, where bidding started at $1 million. The sale set records for high-

“For most of America, this was the first time they got a glimpse of the galaxy far, far away.” Charles Epting, Heritage Auctions est selling piece of memorabilia from the film franchise, and in general, for any movie poster artwork, Epting said. The buyer, whose winning bid came in through the website, has chosen to keep his identity private. Prior to this, the highest price for franchise memorabilia was Darth Vader’s lightsaber, which sold at auction for $3.6 million. “Star Wars,” starring Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, is one of the highest-grossing movie franchises of all time since its 1977 debut. The original was followed by sequels and prequels, and spawned offshoot books, movies and other series. Its fans span the globe. One side of the painting shows Skywalker holding up a lightsaber behind Princess Leia. Darth Vader looms over them in the background. On the other, a team of X-wing starfighters is launching an attack. Han Solo and Skywalker

solutions

HERITAGE AUCTIONS VIA AP

The paining Tom Jung created to promote the 1977 movie “Star Wars” sold at auction for nearly $4 million. are depicted receiving medals. In the lower right-hand corner are R2-D2 and C-3PO, which were added at the last minute, Epting said. The droids are absent from the early reproductions of the painting and later appeared when the mov-

ie poster and the billboard were produced. “You can watch the evolution of this piece and how they were figuring out what was important to include, what are we going to represent, what’s going to draw people in,” Epting said.

The painting is not just film memorabilia but is also a cultural artifact and part of American history, Epting said. “Anyone who’s seen these movies or the marketing materials around it — you see this piece; your heart starts racing.”

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

famous birthdays this week Billie Eilish is 24, Jane Fonda turns 88, Samuel L. Jackson is 77, Eddie Vedder turns 61 THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week. DEC. 18 Chef Jacques Pépin is 90. Rock musician Keith Richards is 82. Filmmaker Alan Rudolph is 82. Filmmaker Steven Spielberg is 79. Filmmaker Gillian Armstrong is 75. Actor Brad Pitt is 62. Actor Katie Holmes is 47. Singer Christina Aguilera is 45. Singer Billie Eilish is 24. SCOTT A. GARFITT / INVISION / AP PHOTO

DEC. 19 Actor Tim Reid is 81. Singer Janie Fricke is 78. Actor Jennifer Beals is 62. Basketball Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis is 61. Actor Alyssa Milano is 53. Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp is 53. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal is 45.

Actor Brad Pitt arrives at the premiere of the film “F1: The Movie” in 2025, in London. He turns 62 on Thursday.

DEC. 20 Rock drummer Peter Criss (Kiss) is 80. Producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order”) is 79. Musician Alan Parsons is 77. Author Sandra Cisneros is 71. Rock singer Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes) is 59. Filmmaker Todd Phillips is 55. Actor Jonah Hill is 42. JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION / AP PHOTO

DEC. 21 Actor Jane Fonda is 88. Singer Carla Thomas is 83. Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is 81. Actor Samuel L. Jackson is 77. Film producer Jeffrey Katzenberg is 75. Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert is 71. Actor-comedian Ray Romano is 68. Actor Kiefer Sutherland is 59. DEC. 22 Actor Hector Elizondo is 89. Baseball Hall of Famer Steve Carlton is 81. Broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer is 80. Golf Hall of Famer Jan Stephenson is 74. Actor Ralph Fiennes is 63. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is 55. DEC. 23 Former

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Steven Spielberg arrives at the 50th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Francis Ford Coppola at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The director turns 79 on Thursday. to of Japan is 92. Actor-comedian Harry Shearer is 82. Retired U.S. Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark is 81. Actor Susan Lucci is 79. Football Hall of Famer Jack Ham is 77. Rock musician Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is 61. DEC. 24 Filmmaker Lee Daniels is 66. Basketball Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright is 64. Singer Ricky Martin is 54. Novelist and film producer Stephenie Meyer is 52. TV host Ryan Seacrest is 51.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, December 18, 2025

the stream

RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Walton Goggins, left, and Justin Theroux arrive at the premiere return for a second season of “Fallout” on Prime Video.

‘Emily in Paris,’ ‘Him,’ Peter Criss, iHeartRadio Jingle Ball, Riz Ahmed Hugh Bonneville narrates the endangered species documentary “Born to be Wild” The Associated Press MARLON WAYANS starring in the Jordan Peele-produced football thriller “Him” and the iHeartRadio Z100’s Jingle Ball 2025 featuring Conan Gray, Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll and Olivia Dean are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time this week: a second season of “Fallout” arrives on Prime Video, Season 5 of “Emily in Paris” drops on Netflix and Peter Criss — Kiss’ original drummer — will release a brand new, self-titled album. MOVIES TO STREAM The Peele-produced “Him” (Dec. 19 on Peacock) takes the hard knocks of the gridiron to bloody extremes. It stars Tyriq Withers as an up-and-coming quarterback whose mentorship with the veteran champ (Marlon Wayans) grows increasingly dark and surreal. In his review, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that “Him” has a decent point to make about quarterback hero worship, “the problem is that it has exactly one thing to say, which it does again and again.” In David Mackenzie’s “Relay,” Riz Ahmed plays a fixer who runs a covert service that brokers deals between corrupt companies and potential threats. To preserve anonymity, he uses a “relay” telephone service, usually for deaf or speech-impaired people, to disguise identities. This nifty thriller streams Friday on Netflix after a late-summer theatrical release. Co-starring Lily James and Sam Worthington. For a particularly seductive December, you can spend your holidays with Wong Kar-wai. The Criterion Channel is host-

GIULIA PARMIGIANI / NETFLIX VIA AP

UNIVERSAL PICTURES VIA AP

Left, Lily Collins stars in “Emily in Paris,” which is back for a fifth season on Netflix. Right, Marlon Wayans plays a veteran football champion in the Jordan Peele-produced “Him.”

“Him” has a decent point to make about quarterback hero worship, “the problem is that it has exactly one thing to say, which it does again and again.”

SERIES TO STREAM

Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer ing many of the Hong Kong filmmaker’s finest films, including “Chungking Express,” “Fallen Angels” and “In the Mood for Love,” as well as his first TV series, “Blossoms Shanghai.” A hit in China, the 30-part series is set amid the 1990s opening of the Chinese economy and the relaunch of the Shanghai Stock Exchange. New episodes debut every Monday. MUSIC TO STREAM Alex Warren. BigXthaPlug. Conan Gray. Ed Sheeran. Jelly Roll. Jessie Murph. The Kid LAROI. Laufey. Mgk. Monsta X. Myles Smith. Nelly. Oliv-

drummer and founding member who left and rejoined the group on a number of occasions — will release a brand new, self-titled album.

ia Dean. Ravyn Lenae. Reneé Rapp. Shinedown. Zara Larsson. What do all these popular artists have in common? They’re performing at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour! ABC’s iHeartRadio Z100’s Jingle Ball 2025 holiday special — made up of a few tour stops — will become available to stream on Hulu Thursday. It’s all the fun of a star-studded pop concert from the comfort of your couch. In 2023, glam rockers Kiss said its goodbyes for one final performance at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden. But that doesn’t mean their musical story ended there. On Friday, Peter Criss — Kiss’ original

A second season of “Fallout” is now streaming on Prime Video. Based on a hugely popular video game, it’s a postapocalyptic series set two centuries after a nuclear war destroyed modern civilization. In Season 2, Justin Theroux, Macaulay Culkin and Kumail Nanjiani join a cast that includes Ella Purnell and Walton Goggins. Emily, of “Emily in Paris,” is still living la dolce vita in Rome when Season 5 drops Thursday. The Darren Starr-created show follows the adventures of an American expat played by Lily Collins. A new documentary series called “Born to be Wild” fol-

lows six endangered baby animals that were orphaned or born as part of conservation programs. Narrated by Hugh Bonneville, it streams on Apple TV beginning Friday. VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY The video game business has wrapped up its big-release schedule for the holidays, so now is a good time to catch up on titles you may have missed — or started and didn’t have time to finish. It has been a solid year for role-playing games, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and The Outer Worlds 2 leading The Associated Press’ top 10 list. If you’re in the mood for a trip to Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Ghost of Yōtei both offer sprawling open-world journeys with RPG elements. Check out the rest of our top 10 for more ways to keep your game device of choice humming past New Year’s Day.