This week marks National Work Zone Awareness Week, for which NCDOT is the national host organization this year. Preliminary data shows nearly 7,000 work zone crashes occurred in North Carolina in 2024, resulting in 47 deaths. This year’s theme is “Respect the zone so we all get home.” Above, construction equipment lines a work zone on U.S. 64 west near Asheboro earlier this week.
Federal report on Lumbee Tribe recognition path expected
Pembroke
Members of the Lumbee Tribe are awaiting the release of a Department of the Interior report that could light a path for federal recognition as a tribal nation. President Donald Trump issued a memo in January directing the department to create a plan to “assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full Federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms, including the right to receive full Federal benefits.” The deadline for the plan is this week. The Lumbee have had a difficult time convincing the federal government, Congress and some recognized tribes that their claims to Native ancestry are legitimate.
Student loans in default to be referred to debt collection Washington, D.C. The Education Department will begin collection next month on roughly 5.3 million student loan borrowers who are in default, including the garnishing of wages for potentially millions of borrowers, officials said Monday. Beginning May 5, the department will start involuntary collection through the Treasury Department’s offset program, which withholds payments from the government, including tax refunds, federal salaries and other benefits, from people with past-due debts to the government. After a 30-day notice, the department will also begin garnishing wages for borrowers in default.
$2.00
The board voted to implement an all-way stop and a no-parking zone
By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record
PITTSBORO — Safety improvements were the main point of discussion at the Town of Pittsboro Board of Commis-
sioners’ most recent meeting.
At its April 14 meeting, the board first approved two changes related to Pittsboro Elementary School Road.
The first change was the implementation of an all-way stop at the intersection of Farrell Street and Pittsboro Elementary School Road. Currently, there are only stop signs from traffic from Farrell Street.
“We clearly value safety, especially when it’s near a school or a public recreation facility,” said assistant town manager Kent Jackson. “Recently, we visited the site to observe some of the conditions. The primary limitation is the approach from Highway 87. It really has a challenging sightline
See PITTSBORO, page A3
“We clearly value safety.” Kent Jackson, Pittsboro assistant town manager
Three justices live in the Maryland county at issue in the parental rights case
By Mark Sherman The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court’s conservative majority on Tuesday signaled support for the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using storybooks with LGBTQ characters.
The court seemed likely to find that the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, D.C., could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material. The case is one of three religious rights cases at the court this term. The justices have repeatedly endorsed claims of religious discrimination in recent years.
Like Bragg, Fort Benning takes back an old name but honors a new soldier
“What sets him apart was his unwavering dedication to his soldiers, his understanding of the soldiers’ needs.”
Maj. Gen. Colin Tuley, commander of Fort Benning, on Fred Benning
The base joins Fort Bragg in having a new namesake
By Charlotte Kramon and Russ Bynum The Associated Press
FORT BENNING — The Army officially restored the name Fort Benning to its storied training post in Georgia, only this time to honor an 18-year-old corporal who fought in World War I rather than a Confederate general. A ceremony to make the name change official was held Wednesday at the base just outside Columbus.
The school district introduced the storybooks in 2022, with such titles as “Prince and Knight” and “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” as part of an effort to better reflect the district’s diversity.
Roughly 70,000 soldiers, civilian workers and military family members are stationed at Fort Benning, which trains infantry troops and tank crews and is home to the elite Army Ranger School. It’s the second time in less than two years that Fort Benning commanders have been tasked with swapping out the post’s name on everything from signs marking gates, streets, police cars and buildings to official stationery and websites. That will cost around $653,000, according to Fort Benning officials.
Parents initially were allowed to opt their children out of the lessons for religious and other reasons, but the school board reversed course a year later, prompting protests and eventually a lawsuit.
See BOOKS, page A7
The suspect, 22, is being held without bond
Chatham News & Record staff
A 22-YEAR-OLD Carrboro man is being held without bond after allegedly kidnapping and trafficking a juvenile victim from Chatham County.
Edwin Silva-Badillo was arrested on April 16 and charged with three counts of felony kidnapping and three counts of felony human trafficking of a child victim, according to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office and court documents from his first appearance in court last week.
Silva-Badillo has a previous conviction for indecent liberties with a child dating back to 2022, when he was 19 and the victim was 13. As a result, he is a registered sex offender and is on probation.
he picked up the juvenile and transported her to his apartment in Carrboro. Court documents indicate the alleged crimes occurred on multiple dates between March 29 and April 12.
The Carrboro Police Department executed a search warrant at Silva-Badillo’s apartment and is conducting a parallel investigation.
This marks the second human trafficking case involving an underage victim in Chatham County in recent months.
Chance Walters will be speaking at our AM (10:30) and special PM (6:30) service on April 27. Please join us for this special service!
Pastor James And Prophetess Pastor Callie Peoples
Pastor’s Aide Program at Fellowship House Of God 444 Stage Road
The investigation began April 12 when a concerned mother reported her child missing. Deputies later discovered the juvenile had been communicating with an unidentified adult male through social media. Further examination of the juvenile’s phone revealed conversations with Silva-Badillo.
In March, Ronny Jonahibel Suarez, 24, of Siler City, was charged with multiple felonies including human trafficking of a child victim and statutory rape related to his relationship with a 15-year-old girl who allegedly ran away with him for nine days in January.
Investigators determined that Silva-Badillo had made three separate trips from Carrboro to Siler City, during which
Silva-Badillo is currently being held at the Chatham County Detention Center without bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 7 in Chatham District Court.
The judge says the laws are unlikely to survive judicial scrutiny
By Mead Gruver The Associated Press
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Wyoming’s only abortion clinic is resuming abortions after a judge on Monday suspended two state laws.
One suspended law would require clinics providing surgical abortions to be licensed as outpatient surgical centers. The other would require women to get an ultrasound before a medication abortion.
Wyoming Health Access in Casper had stopped providing abortions Feb. 28, the day after Republican Gov. Mark Gordon signed the licensing requirement into effect.
The result: At least some women seeking abortions had to travel out of state. Now, women will once again be able to get abortions in central Wyoming while the two laws continue to be contested in court, Wellspring Health Access founder and president Julie Burkhart said Monday.
“We are immediately shouting it from the rooftop to make sure our patients know,” Burkhart said following the ruling.
“We are back to seeing patients the way we were on Feb. 27.”
An abortion opponent questioned the need to contest the laws if the clinic was safe.
“The abortion business here in Casper could prove that they are providing safe services by complying with laws. Would that not make their point?”
Ross Schriftman, president of Natrona County Right to Life, said in an email statement Monday.
Abortion has remained legal in Wyoming despite bans passed since 2022. The bans include the nation’s first
explicit ban on abortion pills.
A judge in Jackson blocked the bans then struck them down in November on the grounds that abortion is allowed by a 2012 state constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right of competent adults to make their own health care decisions.
The Wyoming Supreme Court heard arguments in that case Wednesday and is unlikely to rule for at least several weeks.
Meanwhile, the same people challenging the bans — Wellspring Health Access, the abortion access advocacy group Chelsea’s Fund, and four women, including two obstetricians — have sued to block Wyoming’s most recent two abortion laws.
The surgical center licensing requirement would require costly renovations to make Wellspring Health Access compliant, the clinic said in its lawsuit.
Gordon vetoed the requirement for an ultrasound at least 48 hours before a pill abortion, calling it onerous in cases of abuse, rape, or when a woman’s
and opportunities are there for accidents.”
In addition, the board also approved the creation of a no-parking zone on Pittsboro Elementary School Road between Farrell and Cotton streets.
“The school has a modest amount of off-street parking but not a substantial amount, and what is happening is that when there are events, especially at the Little League field, vehicles are parking on both sides of the street,” Jackson said.
According to Jackson, con-
cerns had been raised about children potentially running in between the cars parked along the street, and due to the tight and crowded parking situation there, it could be a potential danger.
“It will add to safety to prohibit parking,” Jackson said. “It’s clear that it seems needed.”
According to town manager Jonathan Franklin, the town — in conjunction with the school system — is looking into expanding the existing lot near the baseball field for parking.
The board also approved amendments to its Code of Ordinances to implement rules
health is at risk. State lawmakers voted to override the veto on March 5.
The ultrasound requirement did not significantly affect clinic operations but Wellspring Health Access also suspended offering pill abortions to avoid legal complications. The law stands to add to the cost and complications for women getting pill abortions.
Opponents call laws like Wyoming’s requirements “targeted restrictions on abortion providers” because they can regulate clinics and abortion access out of existence even if abortion remains legal.
In blocking the laws while the lawsuit proceeds, District Judge Thomas Campbell in Casper ruled that they too stand to violate the constitution.
Despite the new restrictions, Wellspring Health Access has remained open to consult with patients and provide hormone replacement therapy for transgender patients. The clinic opened in 2023, almost a year late after heavy damage from an arson attack.
and regulations related to the new skatepark.
The new amendments establish that the use of the park is at the risk of the user, requirements for using protective helmets and pads, hours of operation (sunrise to sunset), enforcement policy and other various rules and regulations of use.
“The intended purpose is to outline what our expectations are,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Katy Keller. “This is something that we looked at and were advised to do by our insurance agent.”
Another thing that the ordi-
Carthage
Speaker: Pastor T. Petway
Bishop Willie Gilmore and Pastor Faye Gilmore Saturday, April 26 at 3 p.m.
We will be glad to have you come and be with us in service and lift up the name of Jesus! Please come and bring someone with you!
If you can’t come at this time, maybe you can come and be with us another time. Thank you
Prophetess Pastor Callie Peoples 984-368-2942
Pastor James Peoples 984-270-3011
nance does is forbid the use of roller skates and skateboards on any sidewalk, public street, public parking lot, pedestrian walkway and any other place where pedestrians gather.
Finally, the board authorized town staff to apply for the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant for Knight Farm Park improvements.
“The existing amenities that are out there now are really catered to the smaller age groups and what we really want to prioritize for all of our parks especially, is being able to have something for everyone who attends no matter
your age or ability,” Keller said. Some of the things that Keller stated the town is looking into were picnic tables (solar seating), a mini multipurpose court, putting greens, a foosball and ping pong table, shelter structures, outdoor exercise equipment, a multipurpose field, additional greenway connections and an amphitheater. The grant is a 50/50 match, so if the full $500,000 was awarded, the town would be responsible for $250,000. The Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners will next meet May 12.
Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
I helped to raise money for the preservation efforts of the Haw River Assembly, which benefits everyone.
EARTH DAY is officially April 22, but by the time you read this column, it’s not too late to mark the occasion and make a positive difference. This Saturday, April 26, the Haw River Assembly hosts a family-friendly event at the Plant in Pittsboro from 1-5 p.m. The following day, Emily Sutton, the Haw Riverkeeper, will speak at my church, Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian, on April 27, at 9:15 and 11 a.m. She leads the fight against river pollution on behalf of over 1 million people in the Haw River Watershed. I’m reminded of Barry Lopez’s quote, “To put your hands in a river is to feel the chords that bind the earth together.”
The notion of sacred chords that bind also reminds me of other religious teachings. Versions of the Golden Rule are found in dozens of religions and philosophies across the world, and I appreciate the formulation by Wendell Berry: “Do unto those downstream as you would have those upstream do unto
you.” We forget that our actions impact the health and well-being of neighbors hundreds of miles away. That’s why community events are important and life-giving.
A couple of weeks ago, I ran in the Haw River Island Ramble, a 6K race around the island park in Saxapahaw. I was under no illusions of finishing first; in fact, the winner lapped me! But I helped to raise money for the preservation efforts of the Haw River Assembly, which benefits everyone.
I also found an incredible community among the race participants and spectators. A diverse crowd, including cheering grandparents and giggling babies, gathered at the finish line. There were “fur babies” barking their approval and wagging their tails with enough force to shake their entire bodies. Was it my imagination, or were the songbirds also singing their approval? Deep, enduring connections bind us together.
Long ago and far away, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth and I was in my third year as a college freshman, I won the coveted title of “Best Sleeper” in my dorm.
MUCH OF SOCIETY’S drive today centers on the notion “the bigger, the better.”
That’s true, I suppose, if you’re looking for a room to hold 100 people and, so far, you’ve only found an 8-by-10 shed.
But more and more, I’m being reminded that while sometimes it takes just a bit more to make things better and that, at the same time, less can be more.
As a nation and a people, we’ve gotten into the mindset that you need to get really big or bigger than the next guy to be successful. Moderation or even abstinence just doesn’t figure into our lifestyles very much.
The reasons for that mindset, I think, are many.
For starters, think back, if you can and will, to when fast-food hamburger joints were coming onto the scene — quite a big difference from today’s offerings.
For one thing, then the burgers were only 15 cents and the fries a dime. Of course, the minimum wage was $1.25 and gas was 20 cents. But beyond that, appetites — both physical and emotional — didn’t seem all that big, certainly not as big as they have come to be today. The burger we got then was about four bites worth, pretty much the size that’s available in what most of today’s chains call a “kid’s meal.”
At some point in the fast-food world, it became a good thing, even the best thing, to “super-size” your lunch, and competition was on. Catchy slogans and radio jingles, “combo deals” and similar factors contributed to the notion that we needed more food.
So instead of a reasonably sized lunch, we began to consume half a cow on a bun, a bag of potatoes and four gallons
of sugar water we call tea or a six-pack of soft drinks. With that, in time, came obese folks — you can’t say “fat” anymore, even though I have personally been there and could easily slide down that slippery slope if left unattended. The results were especially noticeable among youngsters.
Other benefits to over-consumption were diabetes, high blood pressure and a host of other health concerns.
Now, please don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting we completely boycott the Golden Arches or your favorite local dive. Rather, I’m using that part of our society to make the point (hopefully) that we don’t have to have the most of anything to be a complete and happy human being.
Long ago and far away, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth and I was in my third year as a college freshman, I won the coveted title of “Best Sleeper” in my dorm. It was generally accepted among my peers that I could sleep through anything — my alarm clock, my roommate’s, a hurricane, most of my classes, pretty much anything. The problem with that is, of course, that if you sleep late, you’re going to miss a lot of stuff, especially and including your classes.
Today, I’m still a pretty good sleeper, but I’m finding that less really can be more. Maybe it’s mental — that I don’t want to sleep away what’s left. Maybe it’s emotional — what’s left is and can be pretty good. Maybe it’s physical, that it really doesn’t take as much as it once did. Maybe it’s all three. Maybe it’s something else I don’t even recognize.
All I know is that now, instead of a short six-hour nap in the middle of the day, I can get along pretty well after a brief “power nap.”
As Sutton, our fearless Riverkeeper, says, “There is much that needs to be addressed right now.” Under her leadership, the Haw River Assembly has filed lawsuits against polluters in Burlington and Greensboro to stop the discharge of PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals,” into our drinking water. These toxins have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer. These are not partisan issues but values that we can all support.
So let’s all be our brother’s and our sister’s keepers and obey the Golden Rule. I hope to see you out this weekend or, if not, perhaps along one of the walking trails that run along the beautiful Haw.
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.
Case in point: Some time ago, it fell my lot to conduct a couple of memorial services on a Sunday afternoon at two different locations some miles apart. Timing was not an issue since all involved had come to an agreement about the time of all the proceedings. What was going on for me, however, was that I was a bit pooped after Sunday morning services, which always takes energy and such out of me.
Follow that up with enough lunch to meet the need, and by the time I finished the first service and traveled to the site of the second, my eyelids were heavier than they had been. When I showed up at the second site, no one else had arrived since I got there early, which in and of itself is a different animal than normal.
There followed a brief internal discussion between me and myself about how to make things better. After some more conversation and finding a patch of woods, I parked under a large oak and surrendered, hoping the internal alarm would not fail to go off. Fortunately, I awoke before it was time to start.
Amazing what a 10-minute snooze (less) can do to refresh body and soul (more) so we can go on with what it is that lies before us.
I recommend we eat less so we can be more, that we learn some of the admonition in The Book to “be content with what we have,” and in so doing, take on the Army advertising slogan of yesteryear and “be all you can be.”
Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.
From one turtle lover to another, I opened my car window, stuck my head out in the pouring rain, shouting “thank you” several times over.
I WAS DRIVING BACK to my North Carolina home at dusk in unrepentant rainfall.
Excuse me? Unrepentant?
Ever heard of Hurricane Helene? (If not, where the hell have you been?) Yes, Helene was unrepentant in her devastating encompass of North Carolina. My little college town was considerably east of the worst damage in the mountains, but Helene was still intent on leaving her calling card in Chapel Hill. Buckets, buckets and even more buckets of that wet stuff, plunging down. What, in heaven‘s name, motivated me to drive in this madness? It was my vanity’s fault! (Vanity, are you paying attention?) I was desperate for a haircut.
Geez, in Helene?
Vanity can be a driving little sucker …
An outcome of my untoward vanity was that the rural road leading to my neighborhood might be flooded. I was already deep into worry about abandoning my car by the side of the road and walking home. No fan favorite, here, of wet, cold feet … (Well, are you?)
Suddenly, a car pulled out of a driveway right in front of me and, whoa, came to an abrupt halt. I panicked. Just panicked. My car slipped and slid, trying to stop. No, no, please, not in the ditch!
I skidded to a halt, fortunately, minus any ditch-dunking. The driver who’d triggered this fear-inducing stop opened his window and waved me around him on the sopping wet two-lane road.
Scared and furious. My heart pounding to beat the band. I was also fast-composing a script in my mind, replete with searing judgments about the insensitive driver in front of me. Jeez, doesn’t he know we’re in a hurricane? (Just like I knew I was in a hurricane, but was driving anyway ... hmmm.)
COLUMN | KIRA WALSH
Slowly, I began to pull around his car. Suddenly, I saw the reason for his abrupt and, in my mind, completely unsafe stop in the midst of Hurricane Helene. A beautiful box turtle was slowly inching across the road. The driver, who I’d begun cutting to smithereens in my mind, had scrunched to a stop to avoid hitting the little crawler.
He exited his car in the pouring wetness, wearing no rain gear, picked up the critter and moved it to the other side of the road. So much for my quickly jelling judgmental script. It just went poof. From one turtle lover to another, I opened my car window, stuck my head out in the pouring rain, shouting “thank you” several times over. Felt much better for doing so.
Like the soaking-wet rescuer, I’m an ardent turtle mama. Such a turtle rescue mama that I’ve narrowly avoided being hit by a car in my own mania to save a turtle. In my craze of “gotta save that turtle,” I literally slam on the brakes and jump out of my car (generally, forgetting to look both ways for other cars). Barreling toward moving the turtle to the other side of the road.
Oh, as an FYI for possible future rescuers, frightened turtles often pee on the hands of their turtle saviors. I did say I love turtles, didn’t I?
Am I fixed yet? Did my psyche receive a powerful enough change stimulant to stop me from making instantaneous negative judgments of others? Who am I kidding? As a human, I’m always going to be a work in progress. This doesn’t mean I can’t continually try to up my game, even as the fallible person I am. Like all turtles I adore, I may move slowly, but I’m moving …
Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.
TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high‑quality jobs to Randolph County, with salaries averaging $62,000.
NORTH CAROLINA is at the forefront of the clean energy economy, emerging as a national leader in research, innovation and technology. Lawmakers’ bipartisan efforts to advance clean energy are a direct investment in the middle class, revitalizing communities statewide.
North Carolina’s strategic clean energy investments are not just strengthening the state’s economy; they are reshaping global supply chains and strengthening the nation’s position on the world stage. By reducing reliance on foreign energy and bringing manufacturing back to American soil, these investments are stimulating innovation, creating high-paying jobs and advancing the nation’s energy independence — all of which are key to long-term growth and competitiveness in the global market.
North Carolina’s south-central region is the epitome of this, with major investments from Sunlight Batteries and Toyota transforming the historically rural and lowincome communities.
With a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector innovation, North Carolina can now be a prime destination for both international and domestic investment, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy economy are widespread.
Our congressional district exemplifies how clean energy projects are no longer confined to urban tech hubs as they are revitalizing communities across the state. More than 62% of new clean energy jobs, 70% of new clean energy investments and nearly half of all projects in North Carolina are located in low-income communities. These investments are fostering job creation, strengthening supply chains and promoting long-term economic stability.
Toyota’s first North American battery plant (TBMNC) is taking shape in Liberty, marking a $13.9 billion investment in advanced manufacturing. TBMNC is projected to bring over 5,000 high-quality jobs to Randolph County, with salaries averaging $62,000 — more than 60% higher than the county’s current average wage. This is a major win for the American industry, strengthening domestic production and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.
In Alamance County, Sunlight Batteries USA — a tech company specializing in energy storage systems — seeks to transform Mebane with its $40 million investment in a lithium-ion production facility. Projected to create more than 200 jobs and contribute approximately $390 million to the state economy, the company reflects North Carolina’s broader commitment to American energy dominance and statewide economic prosperity. Nevertheless, the clean energy transition comes with its own set of challenges.
Wolfspeed, a silicon carbide chip manufacturing company, plans to invest $5 billion in Chatham County, which is projected to create 1,800 well-paying jobs
and transform a county that is 84% rural.
However, following the company’s massive stock drop, leadership changes and uncertainty surrounding federal incentives like the CHIPS Act, the future of Wolfspeed remains uncertain. Such setbacks underscore the importance of bipartisan efforts to provide long-term policy stability and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in clean energy manufacturing.
While market challenges have slowed some projects, several other new clean energy projects are on the horizon in the district, putting the state in a great position to remain a technology and energy epicenter. Most recently, Gov. Josh Stein announced Pennsylvania Transformer Technology, LLC’s (PTT) plan to expand its transformer manufacturing capacity in Hoke County. A leading domestic manufacturer of power and distribution transformers for innovative energy markets, PTT will advance clean American energy and economic growth.
Sadly, the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier future has long been hindered by its politicization, yet North Carolinians know economic growth and environmental progress can go hand in hand. The state’s investments in clean energy have yielded tangible benefits, from spurring innovation to new infrastructure to record-breaking job creation, proving we do not need to sacrifice the economy in the name of the environment.
Public opinion reflects this reality, with polling data from Clear Path Action finding that 62% of Republicans believe it is important that their congressional representative support clean energy policies. This widespread support aligns with North Carolina’s pro -growth, pro-business approach to energy, which prioritizes market- driven solutions and strategic investments that attract private-sector innovation. By leveraging tax incentives and fostering a competitive business climate, the state has positioned itself as a leader in the energy markets of the future. Ultimately proving that conservative principles and environmental progress can go hand in hand to bolster American energy independence.
As a North Carolinian in the 9th district, I have witnessed firsthand how clean energy investments have transformed our state. The future is bright. With artificial intelligence expanding at an unprecedented pace alongside President Donald Trump’s new $500 billion vision for advancing infrastructure, North Carolina has both the resources and the opportunity to be at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies. By embracing innovation and fostering an environment where economic growth and environmental stewardship move in unison, the state can continue to lead the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.
Kira Walsh is a volunteer with the American Conservation Coalition, based in Pittsboro.
DOING THE RIGHT THING isn’t easy when you have a would-be dictator and a squad of political terrorists threatening you.
That’s what these people really are, and they are frankly scary. They don’t care whether they destroy whoever and whatever stands in their way. I don’t blame the law firms or universities that have caved to the terror tactics. I don’t blame the federal employees who remain quiet in the hopes of keeping their jobs.
Until you’re in their shoes, how can you know what you would do?
But I stand in awe of those individuals and institutions with the courage to speak out, and the determination to preserve freedom and the rule of law.
This week, the kudos go to Harvard University, the law firms that are saying no to the Trump administration and the courageous federal judges who are insisting that the administration respect the rule of law. They just might save our Constitution.
I underestimated Donald Trump. Oh, I wrote mountains of columns when he was running, and in his first term, about the threat he posed to our democracy. It was bad. But this is worse.
I didn’t think he would try to destroy our colleges and universities. But that’s just what they are doing. The letter he sent to Harvard was beyond the pale.
To claim it was an effort to address antisemitism is an offense to Jews. They are using Jews as a pretext for a war against academic freedom, as an excuse to audit who gets in and who gets hired, and as a sword to second guess what is taught and who does the teaching.
Alan Garber, a Jew, is the president of Harvard University. I trust him to fight antisemitism more than anyone should trust Trump and the DOGE boys. I was a student at Harvard Law School and also a tenured professor there. I taught criminal law to first-year students. I introduced rape into the curriculum of the criminal law course — with a focus on the law’s racism and sexism. If Trump had his way, 30-plus years later, that would be prohibited.
My course on gender discrimination would have flatly violated the Trumpian ban on anything remotely smelling like DEI. My books — notably “Real Rape” and “Sex and Power” — could never be assigned and, if Trump had his way, would be banned. In the name of antisemitism? How dumb does he think we are?
What Trump is doing in the name of enforcing immigration law is itself a violation of the law. This week, two federal judges stood up to Trump.
On Wednesday, Judge Jeb Boasberg, who was first appointed to the bench by President George W. Bush, found probable cause to believe that the Trump administration was in criminal contempt for willfully ignoring his order not to deport migrants to El Salvador under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.
In doing so, he made clear that if the Trump Justice Department had no interest in pursuing contempt, he would appoint a prosecutor to do so. “The Constitution,” Boasberg wrote, “does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders — especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it.”
The day before, in Maryland, federal district Judge Paula Xinis sharply rebuked the Trump administration for doing nothing in the face of a Supreme Court order that it take steps to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland father who — because of what the administration had conceded was an “administrative error” — was illegally deported to El Salvador.
The most powerful man in the world — and the biggest bully — is taking the position that he is powerless to undo a mistake that threatens a man’s life. That dog don’t hunt. Xinis wouldn’t buy the administration’s BS and made clear that she intends to get to the bottom of it, demanding that the administration produce details of its efforts under oath and giving Abrego Garcia’s lawyers permission to depose as many as six Trump administration officials.
On the same day, Susman Godfrey, the law firm that represented Dominion Voting Systems in cases dealing with the false claims that the 2020 election was fraudulent, won a temporary restraining order against a Trump edict targeting the firm and its clients. Susman joined two other firms, WilmerHale and Perkins Coie, in suing the administration for what the judge called its unconstitutional “coercion.” Nine firms have cut deals with the administration.
The administration has made clear that it will expect more of these firms than pro bono work for veterans and against antisemitism. Hopefully, firms that have not been targeted yet will be moved to follow the example of Godfrey, WilmerHale and Perkins Coie in standing up to Trump.
If law firms are afraid to fight back, and Republican senators are afraid, as Sen. Lisa Murkowski admitted on Thursday, what hope do we have? Now is the time for courage, as the federal judiciary has shown. Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.
April 23, 2002 –April 16, 2025
Robert Tucker Grimes, 22, of Sanford went to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, at home surrounded by family.
Tucker was born April 23, 2002, in Lee County to Stephen Grimes and Jo Ann Murchison Carpenter. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, John F. Grimes, III.
Tucker was an honorary fireman at both Goldston Fire Department and Siler City Fire Department. He attended Goldston Methodist Church with his family. Tucker was an avid train lover and loved to sit and watch trains with his Poppie. He loved riding in his 1994 pickup, going camping and fishing, and riding his scooter around Siler City. He was a huge NC State fan and loved watching the games. He loved dogs and 18 wheelers as well. Tucker really enjoyed spending
Nov. 18, 1941 –April 19, 2025
Ned Steven Headen, 83, of Siler City, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Ned was born November 18, 1941, to the late Hallie Everett Headen and the late Edna Louise Phillips. In addition to his parents Ned was preceded in death by his brother, Dilton Headen. Ned was a member of Plainfield Friends Meeting where he sang in the church choir. He was a painter and a school bus driver, driving for both Bonlee school and Sage Academy. Ned was a retired member of the Silk Hope Fire Department for more than 30 years. He was also a past member of the Silk Hope Ruritan Club and
time with his family and coming down to Budd Tire and answering the phones.
Left to honor Tucker’s memory, he is survived by his mother, Jo Ann Murchison Carpenter and her husband, Keith; his father, Stephen Grimes and his wife, Marcia; his sister, Sophia Grimes; his brother, Daniel Grimes; his paternal grandmother, Cecilia Grimes Allen and her husband, Archie; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Sunny Murchison; his uncle, J.T. Grimes and his wife, Alysia; his aunt, Angie Tally and her husband, Dennis; and a host of cousins that he loved dearly.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, April 19th, 2025, at 3 pm, at Goldston Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 1 – 2:30 pm at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow in Goldston Memorial Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Reverend David King, Reverend Kerry Wood, and special speaker, J.T. Grimes.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Make A Wish Foundation https:// secure2.wish.org/site/ SPageServer?pagename=dfr_ landing&chid=100-000
The family wishes to thank Duke Palliative Care and Dr. Lee, Primary HealthChoice and Cassondra McClean, and Amedisys Hospice for their care and attention of Tucker.
Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Grimes family. Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com
a proud supporter of the Silk Hope Old Fashioned Farmers Day and Antique Collectibles. Ned was a scout master with the Boy Scouts of America, Silk Hope Troop 911 and Siler City Troop 924; and he was a Silver Beaver Award Recipient.
Ned is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gwen Hargrove Headen; sons, Steven Headen and John Will Headen and wife, Tisha; grandchildren, Jackson Headen, Avery Headen, Haley and Caleb Nixon, and Cole and Kaitlin Morris; great grandchildren, Phoebe Nixon and Ason Morris; sisters, Peggy Routh and Brenda Bare; brothers, Tommy and Joyce Headen and Mike and Vivian Headen; and many loving nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 11:00 am at Plainfield Friends Meeting, with Wayne Lamb and Josh Conrad officiating.
The family request memorials be made to Plainfield Friends Meeting care of Iris Terry 7400 Siler City Snow Camp Road, Siler City 27344 or to Amedisys Hospice 2975 Crouse Lane, Burlington NC 27215. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Headen family. Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com
April 16, 2025 –April 17, 2025
Ellie Faith Sipe, infant daughter of Jimmy Lee and Cambria Michelle Sipe passed away in her Daddy’s arms on Thursday, April 17th, 2025, at Randolph Health, and woke up in the arms of Jesus.
Ellie was born on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025. Left to cherish her memory are her parents, Jimmy and Cambria; her brothers, Carter and Easton Sipe; her maternal grandparents, Mitchell Hicks and his wife, Melissa of Sanford, and Laura Moore of Ramseur; her aunt, Sarah Hicks of Ramseur her
paternal grandparents, James Sipe of Bear Creek, and Sonia Craveiro of Sanford; her paternal great grandparents, James and Pat Sipe of Bear Creek; and her maternal great grandmother, Sue Tighe; and her paternal great grandmother, Mary Rodgers. Visitation will be held Monday, April 21st, 2025, from 5-7 pm, at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Sipe family. Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh. com
CHARLES WILLIAM WOLFE
MARCH 15, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our family member, Charles William Wolfe, age 71. Charles was the founder and owner of Wolfe Properties, Inc. He passed away at his home in Pittsboro, NC on March 15th, 2025. He was the son of the late Kemp and Sylvia Wolfe. He was predeceased by sister Linda and brother Russell. He was of Christian faith. He recently said, “Death will be my Greatest Adventure”. Please keep the family in your prayers.
APRIL 16,
Fonnie Melissa Chrisco Joyner, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Central Carolina Hospital surrounded by family. A devoted mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, she lived a life full of love, kindness, and care for others. She was born in Moore County to the late Ernest Chrisco and Ollie Lassiter Chrisco. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son Johnny Ray Joyner and brothers Fred, Junior, James and Edward Chrisco. Mrs. Joyner worked many years in food service with the Lee County School System. She found her greatest joy in the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought endless light into her life. Her home was always a welcoming place, filled with the comforting smells of home-cooked meals. Fonnie is survived by her loving husband, Clarence who lovingly referred to her as “Dearie” and she referred to him as “Cupcake”; her children LaVerne Joyner, Shelia Joyner and George C. Joyner, II, all of Sanford; sisters Louise Francis of Indiana, Maggie Bristoe of Carthage, Ann Black (James) of East Bend and Emma Yow of Seagrove; daughter-in-law Diane Joyner; grandchildren Melissa Bray (Rob) of Carthage, Audra Edwards (Ryan) of Augusta, Jonathan Joyner (April) of Deep River, Skylar Donathan of Sanford and great-grandchildren Sarah Jane Bray of Carthage, Jeremiah Joyner-Staley of Pennsylvania, Skylaleigh Donathan of Sanford and Cynthia Moore (Chris) of Deep River
The Wake Forest grad finally turned pro at age 50
The Associated Press
BERWYN, Pa. — Jay Sigel, who was widely viewed as America’s best amateur since Bobby Jones, has died of pancreatic cancer, the U.S. Golf Association said Sunday.
The USGA said Sigel died Saturday at age 81. Along with his two U.S. Amateur titles and three U.S. Mid-Amateur victories, Sigel played in nine Walker Cup matches, twice serving as a playing captain.
Sigel was low amateur in the Masters three times, and once each at the U.S. Open and British Open during his sterling career.
His intention was to turn pro when he starred at Wake Forest on an Arnold Palmer scholarship. But his left hand went through a pane window on a swinging door that re-
Shoppe in Pittsboro. Bring a small group or a friend. Sponsored by Donaldson Funeral
quired 70 stitches. Sigel decided to remain amateur and started a successful insurance business.
“I always thought things happen for a reason,” Sigel once said. “The hand injury was the best thing to happen to me.”
He won his first U.S. Amateur in 1982, and the following year became the first player to win the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Mid-Amateur — for players at least 25 years old — in
the same season. He also captured some of the nation’s most prestigious titles, such as the Sunnehanna Amateur, the Northeast Amateur and the Porter Cup.
Sigel joined the PGA Tour Champions when he turned 50 and won eight times, though his legacy was amateur golf. He was on eight winning Walker Cup teams, and played as the captain in 1983 and 1985.
REAL ESTATE
LEARN ABOUT LAND - Chatham Land Experts, www.learnaboutland.com - 919362-6999. JY2,tfnc
RENT
30’ X 40’ SHOP BUILDING FOR RENT –Includes heat, water & electrical. Gravel parking area – Two 12ft high bay doors – Additional space available –Call 919-259-6182 for more information. 4tp
FOR RENT – 2BDR/2BA MOBILE HOME IN Bonlee Elementary and Chatham Central High School District – No Pets –Call 919-548-1332 and leave a message. A17,24p
POWELL SPRINGS APTS. Evergreen Construction introduces its newest independent living community for adults 55 years or older, 1 and 2 bedroom applications now being accepted. Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 919-533-6319 for more information, TDD #1-800-735-2962, Equal housing opportunity, Handicapped accessible. A2,tfnc
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS now for onebedroom apartments, adults 55 years or older. Water included, appliances furnished, on-site laundry, elevator, keyless entry. Section 8 accepted. No security deposit. Application fee $25 per adult. Call Braxton Manor, 919-6631877. Handicap accessible. Equal Housing Opportunity. J14,tfnc
RICKY ELLINGTON AUCTIONEERSEquipment, business, liquidation, estates, land, houses, antiques, personal property, coins, furniture, consignments, benefits, etc., NCAL #7706, 919-548-3684, 919663-3556, rickyellingtonauctions@ yahoo.com. Jy6,tfnc
CEMETRY PLOT FOR SALE – Located at Chatham Memorial Park, Section C in Siler City, NC.
Valued at $2,349.00. $600.00 or best offer. Please call 919-799-7170. 2tp
Dining Room Set w/China Cabinet,
several Curio Cabinets, Treadmill, Sofa and 2 end tables, 2 upright freezers, dishes, Bedroom Suite, 2 Recliners, etc. 919-799-8243.
HANDYMAN NEEDED! Gardening and small projects! Please call 919-548-2943. M27,4tp
RAINBOW WATER FILTERED VACUUMS, Alice Cox, Cox’s Distributing - Rainbow - Cell: 919-548-4314, Sales, Services, Supplies. Serving public for 35 years. Rada Cutlery is also available. A26,tfnc
JUNK CARS PICKED UP Free of charge. Due to many months of low steel prices and unstable steel markets, we cannot pay for cars at this time. Cars, trucks, and machinery will be transported and environmentally correctly recycled at no charge. 919-542-2803. A2,tfnc LETT’S TREE SERVICE - tree removal, stump grinding, lot clearing. Visa & Master Card accepted. Timber. Free estimates. 919-258-3594. N9,tfnc
Read has become a cause célèbre among the true crime podcast set
By Michael Casey The Associated Press
DEDHAM, Mass. — The second murder trial of Karen Read, whose case has sparked a national debate on police accountability and won her legions of devoted fans, began with opening statements Tuesday, more than three years after the death of her Boston police officer boyfriend.
Read is accused of striking her boyfriend, John O’Keefe, with her SUV in 2022 and leaving him to die alone in the snow outside of a house party in Canton, a suburb about 20 miles south of Boston. She has been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a vehicle under the influence and leaving the scene.
During the first trial last year, prosecutors said Read intentionally backed into O’Keefe after she dropped him off at a house party and returned hours later to find him dead. The defense said that she was a victim of a vast police conspiracy and that O’Keefe was fatally beaten by another law enforcement officer at the party.
A mistrial was declared last year after jurors said they were at an impasse and deliberating further would be futile.
The biggest difference in the current trial is the lead prosecutor, Hank Brennan. Brought in as a special prosecutor after the mistrial, the former defense attorney has represented a number of prominent clients, including notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger.
Brennan began his opening statement Tuesday by describing the firefighter who raced to the scene in near-blizzard conditions and found Read and two other women surrounding O’Keefe’s body on the ground.
“He stepped out into bedlam,” he said.
The firefighter then asked Read what had happened, he said.
“You’ll hear her words, ‘I hit
him. I hit him. I hit him,’” Brennan said. “She admitted what she had done that night.”
Brennan told jurors that “facts and data” will lead them to the truth, and that Read’s own statements will confirm it. But Defense Attorney Alan Jackson began his opening statement by saying the prosecution’s case was based on a “brazen and flawed assertion that is untethered to the facts and the evidence.”
“John O’Keefe did not die from being hit by a vehicle,” he said. “The facts will show that. The evidence will show that. The data will show that. The science will show that, and the experts will tell you that.”
Many of the factors that made the first trial must-see television will feature in the second.
Most of the the same witnesses are back, as are Read’s aggressive defense team and dozens of her supporters camped out near the courthouse — many carrying “Free Karen Read” signs and
wearing pink. Read, who has been featured in several documentaries about her case, has become a minor celebrity.
A few dozen of Read’s supporters, many holding American flags, stood in front of the courthouse Tuesday morning before moving a block away to comply with a court-ordered buffer zone. Those who were reuniting hugged each other, while others took time to bring newcomers up to speed on the case.
“I’m here for justice,” said Ashlyn Wade, a Read supporter from Canton. “The murderer going to jail and Karen being exonerated, that would be justice.”
The prosecution, however, stands to benefit from a pretrial ruling from Judge Beverly Cannone that defense attorneys can’t mention potential third-party culprits in their opening statements. They can develop a case against two law enforcement officers but cannot
implicate Albert’s nephew, Colin Albert, as they did in the first trial.
“I view it as a blow to the defense strategy but not a knockout punch,” Daniel Medwed, a law professor at Northeastern University, said of the ruling. “All the defense needs to do is create reasonable doubt about Karen (Read’s) guilt, and that doesn’t require pointing to an alternative perpetrator as a matter of law.”
Legal experts expect prosecutors to focus on Read’s behavior as they did during the first trial — her volatile relationship with O’Keefe and their night of heavy drinking. They also predict the prosecution will lay out a stronger and more coherent case that Read clipped O’Keefe with the back of her SUV and sent him tumbling to the ground — using data from her car, video and stronger expert testimony.
“The Commonwealth will focus on the theme drilled into us since middle school — Drink-
ing, Driving, Deadly Consequences,” Michael Coyne, the dean of Massachusetts School of Law at Andover, said in an email.
The defense is expected to offer evidence that what they see as a sloppy police investigation was biased and that law enforcement officers set Read up to protect the real killers. They could be helped by an audit of the Canton Police Department released last month that found several mistakes with the investigation — but no evidence of a cover-up.
One of the key witnesses will be former State Trooper Michael Proctor. He led the investigation but has since been fired after a disciplinary board found that he sent sexist and crude texts about Read to his family and colleagues.
“Michael Proctor and his dismissal from the force may very well serve as the elephant in the courtroom throughout the proceedings,” Medwed said.
a pitch on her way to a
The Panthers outscored the Hawks 5-2 in the second quarter
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
Chatham Central softball bests Seaforth, clinches regular season conference title
The Bears handed Seaforth its first shutout this season
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
BEAR CREEK — Behind a 13-strikeout performance from sophomore pitcher Maddie Kaczmarczyk, the Chatham Central softball team beat conference foe Seaforth 6-0 on April 17 and clinched the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A regular season conference title.
The Bears have now won three regular season conference titles in the past four seasons.
Kaczmarczyk’s 13 strikeouts tied a season-high, and on top of her stellar performance on the mound, she notched a team-high two hits (2-for-3) and an RBI. With the help of solid play by the defense behind her, Kaczmarczyk and the Bears didn’t allow a hit until the top of the fourth inning.
“I really had my curveball working tonight which is really good because it’s something I’ve been working on a lot,” Kaczmarczyk said. “The change up wasn’t working as good, so you have to go away from that, and I had my rise ball going too, so that really helped.”
Kaczmarczyk, who pitched seven innings against the Hawks, also pitched five innings against Jordan-Matthews the night before, holding the Jets to just two hits.
Chatham Central originally planned to start Kaczmarczyk and make changes if needed, but the need never came.
“The key (against Jordan-Matthews) was keeping the pitch count down,” Chatham Central coach John Warf said. “As a team, manufacturing runs to get up as quick as we did allowed us not to not pitch a whole lot. So, it allowed us to go a little longer tonight.”
Up 2-0 going into the bottom of the fourth inning, Chatham Central took complete control of the game with a fourrun batting turn.
The Bears recorded five hits in the inning, including four in a row, after only notching two leading up to that moment.
Talented Seaforth pitcher Emma Grace Hill did what she could to limit Chatham Central’s production, striking out four batters and allowing two hits in the first three innings. However, the Bears focused in on their plan for her pitches.
“The key to the win tonight was getting on top of the ball,” Chatham Central coach John
“I really had my curveball working tonight”
Maddie Kaczmarczyk
Warf said. “Staying on top to the middle of the ball. That’s what we were working on because we knew she was going to elevate the pitches, and if we got on the bottom side, they could catch fly balls.”
Senior Caleigh Warf got the fourth-inning explosion started with a single on the first at-bat. After a strikeout, Kaczmarczyk knocked a pitch to center field and reached second base, knocking home Warf before Seaforth’s attempt to throw her out.
Sophomore Madalyn Holton followed that with a double to send Kaczmarczyk home, and after a double from Heidi Vicente Perez in the ensuing atbat, sophomore Chloe Brewer scored Holton with a single.
Perez made it home on a groundout by sophomore Maeson Smith, ending the streak of hits but giving the Bears a sixrun lead.
“I feel like our girls are pretty good offensively with hitting the ball, seeing the ball and seeing where it’s going,” Holton said. “We know that that pitcher knows our weak spots, so we know how to target what our weak spot is and how to hit that ball.”
For Seaforth, it was the first time being shut out this year.
The Hawks, who sit at 8-6 overall as of Sunday, have made a huge jump from 2024
See SOFTBALL, page B2
PITTSBORO — Orange, coming in as second in the Central/Mid-Carolina boys’ lacrosse conference, scored five goals in the second quarter to avenge an earlier loss to then first-place Seaforth 10-8 on April 15. Tied at two goals apiece after the first quarter, Orange outscored Seaforth 5-2 in the next period, flipping the momentum and giving itself the lead for the rest of the night. Junior Brett Clark scored a team-high three goals for Orange, and junior Matthew Macneir poured in two. Seven different Panthers scored a goal throughout the game.
Orange, which lost to Seaforth 11-6 on March 13, also
“They did a really good job of guarding our guys” Joe Hubbard
held the Hawks to their second-worst offensive performance of the season. Seaforth recorded its lowest scoring output since opening the year with a 13-6 loss to East Chapel Hill on Feb. 25.
“I was proud of our guys’ effort, so it wasn’t necessarily that,” Seaforth coach Joe Hubbard said. “It was more about their gameplan. Hats off to them. They did a really good job of guarding our guys, playing aggressively on the ground balls, and that, at the end of the day, is what was the difference and gave them that win.”
Seaforth jumped on Orange with two early goals from junior
SUPA presents plans for large sportsplex to Pittsboro commissioners
The facility plans to feature four large field houses and an arena
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
CHATHAM County-based sports and training club SUPA (Supreme Athletics) proposed its plan to build a more than 600,000-square-foot, multibuilding youth sportsplex facility during the Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners meeting on April 14. The proposed facility features four field houses, including North Carolina’s first and only fully hydraulic banked indoor track, nine regulation-sized basketball courts (that can also be transformed into 18 regulation-sized volleyball courts), two multipurpose turf fields and
“As long as this building is up and running, it will generate revenue from clean energy.”
Quincy Brown
a separate arena. With plans to be built in Chatham County, the goal is to provide local youth an opportunity to participate in multiple sports while also attracting large sporting events, such as national tournaments and track meets, to the area. SUPA, owned by Chatham County resident Latonya Brown, plans to build the facility through ECO-Living LLC, an environmentally friendly
of construction through partnerships that we’ve developed with vendors.”
construction company owned by Brown’s husband Quincy. Latonya Brown said SUPA’s non-profit organization, SUPA Cares, will help raise funds for the project.
According to the slide show presented to the BOC, the SUPA sportsplex aims to benefit the local economy through the potential for new businesses, increased spending from attracting large events, 5060 new jobs and the use of local vendors for building materials. SUPA is also offering a “public-private” partnership through the facility to help local schools save money on sporting expenses and to help families save on energy costs through a “community solar” program.
As for the environment, the proposed facility hopes to be a LEED Gold or Platinum certified building with its use of sustainable building materials and clean energy generation with over 4,000 roof-mounted solar panels.
“As long as this building is up and running, it will generate revenue from clean energy,” Quincy Brown said. “Meaning, I’ve been able to reduce the cost
There’s still plenty of crucial details to be finalized, though, such as the location and the exact cost.
During the meeting, SUPA sought a resolution from the town giving its support to the project so that it could fund the project “philanthropically.”
“You can’t get the funding until you get the location,” Quincy Brown said.
Per the discussion, Pittsboro Town Manager Jonathan Franklin proposed 18 acres of town property along Moncure Pittsboro Road “on the north side of the creek,” which is only enough to build phase one of the facility (indoor track, basketball courts and parking). The rest of the facility would have to be built in other locations.
Despite Quincy Brown eventually asking for a minimum of 14 acres to build phase one, the town did not pass a resolution of support in the meeting.
“It’s been unclear what you all want from the town, and certainly, I think the county probably shares in that sentiment,” Franklin said. “I think earlier, it was asked how much this is go-
ing to cost, and we didn’t hear an answer. So, we don’t know what it’s going to cost, we don’t truly know how much land that you need. A lot of these would be very helpful in terms of like a pro forma or something that we could look at and put numbers on paper.”
Latonya Brown said the idea for the facility came about when driving her daughter Amber to Durham multiple times a week for track practice.
“I spoke with a lot of other parents in the neighborhood or in the community that have children who are athletic,” Brown said. “They found that they were driving outside of Chatham County to provide athletic services for their children. So, we came up with the idea to provide a sportsplex facility in Chatham County that would be beneficial to Pittsboro.”
SUPA, which was founded in October, already has a track club that utilizes the athletic facilities at Seaforth High School. Outside of sports performance, SUPA recently helped two of its athletes, Amber Brown and Virginia basketball signee Gabby White, sign NIL deals with sports apparel line Greatness Wins.
Seaforth, girls’ soccer
Seaforth girls’ soccer’s Sofia Viana earns athlete of the week honors for the week of April 14.
In her second game back from injury, Viana scored a team-high seven goals in a 15-0 win over Bartlett Yancey on April 14. That’s her third time scoring more than five goals in a game this season (seven games played as of Sunday). Viana also scored two goals in the Hawks’ 4-1 win over 3A opponent Orange on April 16, and against 4A opponent Middle Creek on April 17, her lone goal was all Seaforth needed to win its sixth straight game 1-0.
The junior striker has been lights out for Seaforth this season, leading the team in goals with 28.
Gronkowski taking on entertainment role in “Snake Pit” during first Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis Rob Gronkowski will have an entertainment role for his first Indianapolis 500 next month. The longtime NFL tight end will be the grand marshal for the “Snake Pit,” the infield party that takes place during “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Gronkowski is now an NFL studio analyst for Fox, which is the new broadcaster of the IndyCar Series and the Indy 500. Dance producer Illenium will headline a lineup of global electronic music artists in the Snake Pit in Turn 3 of Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the May 25 race.
MLB
It’s a girl! 2-way star Ohtani of Dodgers now a father Arlington, Tex.
Two-way star Shohei Ohtani is now a father. The Los Angeles Dodgers slugger has posted on Instagram that his wife gave birth to a girl. “Congratulations Sho!” Manager Dave Roberts proclaimed while saying he wasn’t sure what the baby’s name was. The 30-year-old Ohtani missed the first two games of the series matching the past two World Series champions.
Michigan men, Oklahoma women take national crowns Fort Worth, Tex. Audrey Davis posted a 9.9250 on the uneven bars to help the Oklahoma Sooners win their seventh NCAA women’s gymnastics championship. Oklahoma finished with 198.0125 points in their 11th trip to the Final Four in the last 12 seasons. UCLA — with eight national titles — placed second. Meanwhile in Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Fred Richard and Paul Juda finished first and second in the all-around and the Wolverines edged them past five-time defending champion Stanford to win their first NCAA men’s gymnastics title since 2014.
NBA
Cleveland’s Atkinson wins coach of the year award after leading Cavs to 64-win season
Cleveland Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson has been announced as the winner of the National Basketball Coaches Association’s coach of the year award after leading the Cavaliers to a 64-win season and the No. 1 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs. The NBA will also give out a coach of the year award in the coming weeks. The NBCA has done its own separate award since 2017 named for Michael H. Goldberg, the organization’s first executive director.
Stanford softball team sets NCAA attendance record playing in football stadium vs. Cal Stanford, Calif. Playing in Stanford’s football stadium, the school’s softball home game against rival California set the NCAA attendance record with a crowd of 13,207. That surpassed the mark of 12,566 from the first day of the 2024 Women’s College World Series last May 30 in Oklahoma City. The regular-season record had been held by Oklahoma, which drew 9,259 against Oklahoma State earlier this month.
Carolina outshot the Devils 45-24 to take a 1-0 series lead
By Cory Lavalette North State Journal
RALEIGH — Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour shrugged off a question on the local broadcast before the game about who he thinks his team’s surprise player might be this postseason. Instead, Brind’Amour said his team will be successful if everyone does their job.
He got exactly that in Sunday’s Game 1 against the New Jersey Devils.
Logan Stankoven had two second period goals and Carolina nearly doubled up the Devils in shots, dominating Game 1 for a 4-1 Easter matinee win at Lenovo Center.
“For us to win, we’re going to need 20 guys chipping in and after a game going, ‘OK, I contributed some way, somehow,’” Brind’Amour said. “And I think that’s what we got tonight.”
After a dominant opening 20 minutes, the Hurricanes took control in the second —
and it was Stankoven doing the damage. Already up 1-0 on a Jalen Chatfield goal at 2:24 of the first, Carolina doubled its lead early in the second thanks to its forecheck.
Hurricanes forward Jordan Martinook pressured Nico Hischier behind the New Jersey net, and the Devils captain bobbled the puck.
Martinook whacked it to Stankoven in the slot, and the rookie’s shot trickled through Jacob Markstrom (41 saves) to double the lead at 6:37 of the second.
“I love playing in the big games and meaningful hockey,” said Stankoven, who played 19 playoff games with the Stars last season and came to Carolina at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Mikko Rantanen to Dallas. “I’m motivated to try and contribute in any way possible, and it’s always a nice feeling to get on the score sheet.”
Stankoven then struck again, this time on the power play. Taylor Hall corralled a bouncing puck along the left boards and zipped a cross-ice pass to Stankoven, who shot off the far post and in to ex-
“It’s
just one game, and hopefully a long run ahead of us here, and we’ll take the win.”
tend the lead to 3-0 at 13:08 of the middle frame.
“Those are two great additions for us,” Brind’Amour said of acquiring Hall and Stankoven in midseason trades.
Hischier’s goal late in the second period — at 4-on-4 because Timo Meier and Shayne Gostisbehere were serving matching minors — came on a rush up the left wing, and he fired a shot past Frederik Andersen (23 saves) to the far side to give New Jersey a glimmer of hope.
But after a good push by the Devils to start the third, Carolina regained control of the game, and Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-net goal with 2:28 remaining to seal the win.
“It’s just one game,” Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal said, “and hopefully a long
run ahead of us here, and we’ll take the win.”
The Hurricanes got off to a fast start thanks to an offensive zone faceoff win.
Jack Roslovic won a draw that Eric Robinson pushed back to the right point.
Chatfield’s shot made its way through a William Carrier screen and past Markstrom to make it 1-0 at 2:24 of the opening period.
“The building was already rocking before, but after we got the first one, it got even louder,” Chatfield said. “And we can build behind that, and we’re gonna continue to do that and just keep playing our game. “ Brind’Amour had tough decisions to make with a fully healthy lineup, going with Roslovic over Mark Jankowski on the fourth line, starting Andersen over Pyotr Kochetkov and deciding to keep his defense intact instead of shoehorning in prized prospect Alexander Nikishin.
“I guess you could say we made the right decisions,” Brind’Amour said. “I think we really couldn’t go wrong.”
Devils coach Sheldon Keefe, meanwhile, said the second period — when New Jersey was outshot 21-8 — sealed his team’s fate.
“I thought the second period we were just overwhelmed. … To a man, myself included, we’re going to have to be better in Game 2, clearly,” he said.
Players opted for designers from their home countries of Nigeria, France, Croatia and Samoa
By Bryanna Maxwell The Associated Press
NEW YORK — The WNBA draft has increasingly become a platform for more than just athleticism — it is a celebration of identity, heritage, culture, and self-expression.
Paige Bueckers may have been the No. 1 pick, but it was Kiki Iriafen who arguably stole the show when it came to fashion. Even Bueckers herself said Iriafen had the best look of the night.
Iriafen, drafted fourth overall by the Washington Mystics, is a forward who just wrapped up her senior season at USC, where she averaged 18 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. On the orange carpet, she made a statement — one rooted deeply in her Nigerian heritage.
“I’m Nigerian so I wanted to work with a Nigerian designer,” she said. “I was really adamant. I want a slip. I want the waist snapped. I can’t really breathe. I wanted to feel good, I wanted to look good.”
Future stars are using draft night as more than an opportunity to step into the spotlight for their talent on the court, but to use the moment to honor where they come from,
showcase who they are beyond the jersey, and make powerful statements through fashion, family, and tradition.
Iriafen wore a custom, shimmering gold dress embellished with intricate detailing, designed by Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander — who also created Chiney Ogwumike’s wedding gown. To complete the look, Iriafen wore a traditional orange-beaded Nigerian bracelet, seamlessly blending modern glam with cultural pride.
The 6-foot-3 Iriafen was not alone.
Dominique Malonga, the gifted 6-6 forward from France and the second overall pick by the Seattle Storm, brought a piece of home with her. She stepped out in a sleek suit designed by none other than Louis Vuitton — one of France’s, and the world’s, most iconic fashion houses.
“A huge collaboration between them,” Malonga said. “I’m like a simple, classic person.”
Still, she made it clear that while her style might be understated, her game is anything but. As a forward, she knows she can do it all. At just 19, she’s already been playing high-level basketball overseas for four years.
Malonga wasn’t the only Storm player showcasing her roots on the orange carpet.
Seattle Storm point guard and former UConn Husky Nika Muhl also proudly em-
braced her Croatian heritage.
“I came all the way from Croatia to be here,” Muhl said.
“I had to bring Croatia with me.”
Muhl was wearing a black pantsuit with a black crop top underneath, complemented by a chain of keys draped across her body. The entire look was designed by Croatian brand Y/ GIA and styled by a Croatian stylist.
“I wanted to feel good, I wanted to look good.”
Even the players who couldn’t attend the draft found ways to let their identities shine.
Te-Hina Paopao, the sharp-shooting South Carolina guard, was selected 18th overall by the Atlanta Dream. Appearing on TV from her draft party, she wore a traditional Samoan dress, along with several flower lei around her neck—symbolic necklaces in Samoan culture that honor and celebrate.
“I am so blessed to be Samoan,” said Paopao. “When you think of Samoan culture you think of family and I am so ready to bring that culture to Atlanta.”
And family was definitely present — about 300 people gathered behind her at her draft party in California, a powerful visual of support and pride.
As they step into the professional spotlight, they carry with them not just their skills, but the pride of their families, their communities, and their cultures. The future of the WNBA isn’t just about basketball; it’s about creating a space where every player can be their true, authentic self—on the court and beyond.
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
Baseball
Chatham Charter senior Zach Cartrette struck out a career-high 13 batters in the Knights’ 12-1 win over River Mill on April 16.
Down 6-0 to Southwestern Randolph after four innings, Chatham Charter scored 10 runs in the fifth and sixth innings to comeback and beat the Cougars 10-6 in the Zookeeper Classic on Friday.
Seaforth outscored opponents 44-0 during the week, beating Jordan-Matthews 13-0 on April 15, Bartlett Yancey 19-0 on April 16 and Jordan-Matthews again 12-0 on April 17. In the second game against the Jets, sophomore Easton Sykes threw 11 strikeouts and allowed one hit in five innings.
Northwood and Chatham Central split their two-game series with the Bears taking a 9-7 win on April 15 and the Chargers winning 8-2 on April 17. Northwood senior Kaleb Howell went 3 for 4 from the plate and recorded a team-high four RBIs in game two.
Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday) (overall, conference): 1. Southeast Alamance (15-5, 10-1); 2. Seaforth (12-7, 8-1); 3. Northwood (10-8, 7-5); 4. North Moore (7-7, 4-5); 5. Chatham Central (6-13, 4-6); 6. Bartlett Yancey (5-12, 3-7); 7. Jordan-Matthews (0-15, 0-11) Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Sunday):
1. Chatham Charter (10-7, 6-0); 2. Clover Garden School (6-9, 3-1); 3. River Mill (9-6, 5-3); 4. Southern Wake Academy (1-7, 1-6); 5. Triangle Math and Science (2-7, 0-5)
Softball
Chatham Central scored 10 runs in the first inning on the way to a 13-1 win over Jordan-Matthews on April 16. That’s the Bears’ largest win over their in-county rivals since 2021. The Jets bounced back the next day with an 11-0 win over Bartlett Yancey. Junior Lilli Hicks threw 10 strikeouts and allowed two hits in five innings on the mound. Seaforth dominated Bartlett Yancey 23-6 on April 16. Three
different Hawks recorded three hits. Alyssa Harris went 3-for-3 from the plate with a team-high six RBIs.
Chatham Charter beat Northwood 11-3 in a nonconference in-county matchup on April 17.
Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Chatham Central (14 -2, 12- 0); 2. North Moore (13-4, 9-3); 3. Seaforth (8-6, 8-3); 4. Jordan-Matthews (10-6, 8-4); 5. Southeast Alamance (8-8, 6-6); 6. Northwood (4-12, 4-9); 7. Graham (2-13, 1-11); 8. Bartlett Yancey (1-13, 1-13) Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Clover Garden School (10-4, 7-1); 2. Chatham Charter (7-7, 5-3); 3. River Mill (9-6, 5-4); 4. Ascend Leadership (0-10, 0-10) Girls’ soccer
Seaforth junior Sofia Viana scored seven goals in Seaforth’s 15-0 win over Bartlett Yancey on April 14. In the Hawks’ 4-1 win over Orange on April 16, Viana and senior Caitlin Erman scored two goals each. And against 4A opponent Mid-
dle Creek on April 17, Seaforth needed just one goal from Viana to win 1-0.
After beating both River Mill (April 14) and Chatham Charter (April 16) 9-0, Woods Charter tied Thales Academy Apex 2-2 on April 17. Sophomore Annabel Unah scored a team-high five goals in the win over River Mill.
Northwood continued its win streak with a 7-0 win over Jordan-Matthews on April 16 and a 9-0 victory over Bartlett Yancey the next day. The Chargers have won four straight games as of Sunday (all shutouts).
Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Seaforth (9-2-1, 7-0); 2. Northwood (9-6, 8-2); 3. Southeast Alamance (7-5-2, 6-2); 4. North Moore (7-2, 3-2); 5. Bartlett Yancey (5-9, 4-5); 6. Jordan-Matthews (5-10, 3-6); 7. Graham (1-9, 1-8); 8. Cummings (0-9, 0-7)
Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Woods Charter (8-3-1, 7-0); 2. Southern Wake Academy (5-3, 5-1); 3. Clover Garden School (6-7, 4-2); 4. River Mill (7-6 -1, 5-3); 5. Chatham Charter (3-9,
2-5); T6. Ascend Leadership (1-7, 0-6); T6. Triangle Math and Science (0-10, 0-6)
Boys’ lacrosse
Despite three goals from junior Grayson Cox, Northwood fell to Orange 9-5 on April 17. Central/Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Orange (13-3, 11-1); 2. Seaforth (10-3, 9-1); 3. Southern Alamance (13-3, 7-3); 4. Williams (8-6, 6-3); 5. Northwood (6-8, 6-6); 6. Cedar Ridge (5-7, 4-6); 7. Eastern Alamance (5-9, 3-8); 8. Western Alamance (1-10, 1-8); 9. Southeast Alamance (2-14, 1-12)
Girls’ lacrosse
After an 18-9 loss to Chapel Hill on April 14, Seaforth sophomore Natalie Boecke scored a team-high four goals to help the Hawks beat Riverside Durham 15-3 on April 16. DC/Northern Lakes Athletic/Central/Mid-Carolina conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Chapel Hill (14-1, 9-0); 2. East Chapel Hill (12-1, 5-1); 3. Seaforth (6-5, 5-3); 4. Carr -
straight shutouts for the Northwood girls’ soccer team
boro (5-5, 3-3); 5. Jordan (2-6, 1-3); 6. Northwood (2-6, 0-5); 7. Riverside-Durham (0-14, 0-8)
Track and field
Team results from the Northwood Meet No. 2 on April 16:
Boys
Northwood (147.5); 2. Seaforth (142.5); 3. Jordan-Matthews (71); 4. Bartlett Yancey (65); 5. Chatham Charter (42); 6. Eno River (41); T7. Chatham Central (30); T7. Woods Charter (30); 9. Hawbridge School (13); 10. Triangle Math and Science (9)
Girls
Northwood (136); 2. Seaforth (128); 3. Bartlett Yancey (113); 4. Jordan-Matthews (83); 5. Woods Charter (74); 6. Chatham Charter (35); 7. Chatham Central (32); 8. Triangle Math and Science (23); 9. Hawbridge School (12); 10. Eno River Academy (9)
Boys’ golf
Team scores from the Mid-Carolina 1A/2A Conference Match No. 7 at the Siler City Country Club: Seaforth (153); 2. Chatham Central (167); 3. North Moore (172); 4. Northwood (174); 5. Southeast Alamance (188); 6. Bartlett Yancey (239); 7. Graham (249); Jordan-Matthews (+17)
Boys’ tennis
Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Seaforth (10-5, 7-0); 2. Northwood (9-5, 6-2); T3. Jordan-Matthews (3-9, 2-4); T3. North Moore (3-6, 2-4); 5. Southeast Alamance (0-8, 0-6) Central Tar Heel 1A conference standings (as of Sunday): 1. Triangle Math & Science (4-4, 3-0); 2. Chatham Charter (6-9, 2-1); 3. Clover Garden School (2-6, 0-5)
By Krysta Fauria The Associated Press
ONTARIO, Calif. — In less than a year, Katy Perry has released an album, campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris and, just last week, flown to space. As she heads to Mexico City to kick off a world tour, the pop superstar shows no intention of slowing down.
“I’m always open and I say, ‘Why not?’ and ‘Let’s just try,’” she told The Associated Press. “The power of your thoughts are so incredible because everything starts with a thought. I had this thought, ‘I want to go on tour.’ And here we are.”
With that openness to try comes accepting that not every endeavor will be a victory. Her September album, “143,” was critically panned, and celebrities like Olivia Munn and Emily Ratajkowski critiqued the spaceflight’s use of resources as superfluous and indulgent.
But Perry’s longevity and the scale of her fame since her 2008 breakout hit, “I Kissed a
“The power of your thoughts are so incredible because everything starts with a thought. I had this thought, ‘I want to go on tour.’ And here we are.”
Katy Perry
Girl,” are attributable at least in part to her willingness to get back up in the wake of a setback, as she belts in her 2013 empowerment anthem, “Roar.”
“I can control what I can control,” she said.
That mantra has been refined over the past 15 years through her practice of Transcendental Meditation. The meditation technique has been embraced by a handful of celebrities, including — perhaps most zealously — the late David Lynch, whom Perry credits with spreading the practice and its message.
“That changed my life. And I’ve gone on a long inner space journey to untangle some wires, to answer some questions, to become more grounded, to find the power within myself,” she said.
Perry is fascinated by all things spiritual, casually weaving into conversation references to astrology, the enneagram
and cardology, which purports to impart mystical insights into an individual’s personality through playing cards. That journey has informed her approach to music and performing, down to the narrative of her sci-fi themed “Lifetimes Tour.”
Perry’s tour of more than 80 performances will primarily be a career-spanning showcase of past hits but with a dance-infused flare to some of the traditional pop songs. In the nearly two decades since Perry emerged as a pop star, she has made tongue-in- cheek lyricism — in line with her “very sarcastic” sense of humor — and catchy messages of empowerment a signature of her songs. Critical reception to her more recent albums has been less than enthusiastic, but that hasn’t stopped the 40-year-old from going all out for this tour, calling it “Disneyland on wheels.”
Jay Leno, former host of “The Tonight Show” and a wellknown car enthusiast, turns 75
Shirley MacLaine is 91, Tim Duncan turns 49, Willie Nelson celebrates 92, Jerry Seinfeld turns 71 THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.
APRIL 24
Actor Shirley MacLaine is 91. Actor-singer-filmmaker Barbra Streisand is 83. Actor Michael O’Keefe is 70. Actor-comedian Cedric the Entertainer is 61. Singer-TV personality Kelly Clarkson is 43.
APRIL 25
Actor Al Pacino is 85. Actor Hank Azaria is 61. Sportscaster Joe Buck is 56. Actor Renée Zellweger is 56. Actor Jason Lee is 55. Basketball Hall of Famer Tim Duncan is 49.
APRIL 26
Actor-comedian Carol Burnett is 92. Composer-producer Giorgio Moroder is 85. Actor Giancarlo Esposito is 67. Actor Jet Li is 62. First lady Melania Trump is 55.
APRIL 27
Singer Kate Pierson of the B-52’s is 77. Guitarist Ace Frehley (Kiss) is 74. Singer Sheena Easton is 66. Singer Jim James of My Morning Jacket is 47.
APRIL 28
Actor-singer Ann-Margret is 84. Former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno is 75. Actor Mary McDonnell is 73. Actor Bridget Moynahan (“Blue Bloods”) is 54. Actor Penelope Cruz is 51.
APRIL 29
Singer Willie Nelson is 92. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is 71. Actor Daniel Day-Lewis is 68. Actor Michelle Pfeiffer is 67. Actor Eve Plumb (“The Brady Bunch”) is 67. Actor Uma Thurman is 55.
APRIL 30
Director Jane Campion is 71. Actor-director Paul Gross (“Due South”) is 66. Actor Kirsten Dunst is 43.
‘Andor,’ ‘Babygirl,’ Brett Goldstein standup on Max
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — The second season of the Star Wars series “Andor” and the streaming release of the Wu Tang Clan’s latest album are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: Willie Nelson releases his 77th solo studio album, “Oh What a Beautiful World,” and the arrival of Nicole Kidman’s “Babygirl” on Max. MOVIES TO STREAM
Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl” (streaming April 25 on Max) stars Kidman as a CEO who has an affair with a much younger male intern (Harris Dickinson). The A24 film, which earned Kidman a Golden Globe nomination, resurrects the steamy, campy atmosphere of erotic thrillers like “Basic Instinct” and “9 ½ Weeks” but tells it from a more female perspective. In my review, I wrote that the “ever-shifting gender and power dynamics make ‘Babygirl’ seldom predictable — even if the film is never quite as daring as it seems to think it is.” Gareth Evans, the Welsh filmmaker of “The Raid” franchise, returns with more brutal, choreographed mayhem in “Havoc” (Friday on Netflix), an action thriller starring Tom Hardy as a detective battling a criminal underworld. Jessie Mei Li, Timothy Olyphant, Forest Whitaker and Luis Guzmán co-star.
MUSIC TO STREAM
Wu-Tang Clan is forever, but their touring days are numbered. In June, the legendary hip-hop group will embark on a final tour titled “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber.” Whether you’re planning on attending or not, there is no bad time to throw on one of their records. On Friday, Wu-Tang’s joint album with Mathematics, “Black Samson, The Bastard Swordsman,” released earlier this month as a Record Store Day exclusive, will hit streaming platforms. Why not start there?
Calling Nelson prolific is about as revelatory as saying the sky is blue; it is self-evident. On Friday, he’ll release his 77th solo studio album, “Oh What a Beautiful World,” celebrating the work of songwriter Rodney Crowell. Nelson embodies many Crowell classics — like 1976’s “Banks of The Old Bandera,” recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker and 1981’s “Shame on the Moon” for Bob Seger. Crowell and Nelson join forces on the song’s title cut. The album also arrives just five months after his 76th solo studio album, “Last Leaf on the Tree,” his first produced entirely by his son Micah. “He’s a real artist,” Nelson described his son to The Associated Press at the time. “He picked all the songs.”
TELEVISION TO STREAM
The “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” prequel series “Andor” returns for its second and final season on Disney+. Diego Luna stars as Rebel spy Cassian Andor and follows his radicalization against the Galactic Empire lead-
ing up to “Rogue One” and “Star Wars.”
The first season of “Andor” was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding drama series and received praise from critics. It also stars Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona, Stellan Skarsgard, Fiona Shaw and Genevieve O’Reilly.
Penn Badgley is closing out his chapter as the stalking serial killer Joe Goldberg — who is also disturbingly likeable, but that’s for a therapy session — in Netflix’s “You.” Its fifth and final season debuts Thursday. While Season 4 took place in London with Joe working as a literature professor, he’s now returned to his hometown of New York. Joe is married to Kate Lockwood (played by Charlotte Ritchie) whom he met in Season 4 — and they’re a New York power couple. Joe is happy with Kate and intends to stop killing people, but the guy is prone to building tangled webs of obsession that leave dead bodies in his wake. The new episodes also feature Madeline Brewer of “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Anna Camp.
In Season 1 of Hulu’s “Vanderpump Villa,” Lisa Vanderpump oversaw a young staff at a French chateau that both lived and worked together for the
summer. For Season 2, she’s relocated to a castle in Italy and brought roughly half of the “Villa” staff with her. She’s also invited “Vanderpump” all-star, Stassi Schroeder to be a special VIP and to serve as her eyes and ears with the staff. Schroeder starred on “Vanderpump Rules” for eight seasons before she was fired for slurs and racial profiling in 2020. Schroeder has since written two best-selling books, launched a new podcast, got married and become a mother of two. “Vanderpump Villa” premieres Thursday. When Brett Goldstein isn’t writing and acting in hit shows like “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking,” he’s a busy standup comedian. Goldstein recently taped his first comedy special, “Brett Goldstein: The Second Best Night of Your Life,” on Max. Bravo has tapped some of its most famous single ladies from “The Real Housewives” to star in a new dating show called “Love Hotel.” Cameras follow Shannon Storms Beador (“The Real Housewives of Orange County”), Luann de Lesseps (“The Real Housewives of New York City”) and Gizelle Bryant and Ashley Darby (“The Real Housewives of
Potomac”) as they stay at a hotel in Los Cabos, Mexico, and meet eligible bachelors who are just visitors to the property, unless they get an official invite from one of the ladies to check in. Bravo superfan Joel Kim Booster hosts as their “Love Concierge.” “Love Hotel,” is now streaming on Peacock.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
Every year, the mystical Paintress paints a new number, and every person of that age dies. This year’s number is 33, so it’s up to the crew of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to try to stop her. It’s the debut title from French developer Sandfall Interactive, and it aspires to the storytelling, exploration and turn-based team combat of classic role-playing games like Final Fantasy and Persona. The graphics evoke the lush glamor of Belle Epoque Paris, while the voice cast features heavyweights like Charlie Cox (“Daredevil”) and Andy Serkis (“The Lord of the Rings”). It’s rare for a young studio to launch such an ambitious RPG series — and we’ll see if it pays off Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.