Chapel Hill to make adjustment to campaign contribution limits
House GOP deadlocks over Trump’s demands, sending lawmakers home early
Washington, D.C.
As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday this weekend, the legislative branch has momentarily called it quits. House leadership abruptly canceled votes Tuesday and sent lawmakers home early.
Speaker Mike Johnson’s majority was once again ground to a standstill by rebellious Republicans refusing their own party’s agenda. In this case, it’s a stando blocking the annual defense bill. Renegade Republicans are pushing to include President Donald Trump’s own priority, the SAVE America Act, a strict voter ID bill. Last week, the Senate similarly shuttered after Trump’s demands.
California bans ‘sell by’ food labels to cut food waste and confusion
San Francisco California is making food labels less confusing by banning “sell by” dates. The new law starting Wednesday requires manufacturers to use just two labels: “Best if Used By” for peak quality and “Use By” for safety. This change aims to reduce food waste and emissions. California is the rst state to standardize labels, with New York following suit. Other states are considering similar laws. The confusion over labels has led to signi cant food waste, with nearly 20% of food wasted due to unclear labeling. Advocates believe this simple change can make a big impact.
$2.00
The town council supported removing voter baselines from the limit calculation formula
By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record
CHAPEL HILL — The Town of Chapel Hill appears to be moving toward making a slight
adjustment for political donation limits for 2026.
The Chapel Hill Town Council discussed the town’s campaign contribution limits at its June 17 meeting, with the pri-
mary question being whether or not they should change the formula they utilize.
“Every even-numbered year, the clerk’s o ce gathers the data needed to calculate the campaign contribution limit as required by ordinance,” said Town Clerk Brittney Hunt. “The discussion is whether the formula should rely solely on consumer price index rather than a combined CPI and voter count calculation.”
Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s
More than a quarter-million babies born annually in the U.S. would have lost citizenship
By Mark Sherman The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a broad conception
of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to people who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American
citizens.
The justices relied on a long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, and more recent federal laws in ruling that anyone born in the country, with very limited exceptions, is a citizen.
“Citizenship, then and now,
Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections
“Every time we interfere with the congressional design, we make matters worse.”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
The decision puts parties on equal footing with unlimited outside groups in election spending
By Mark Sherman The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. —
A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to people who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens.
The justices relied on a
long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, and more recent federal laws in ruling that anyone born in the country, with very limited exceptions, is a citizen.
“Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights—to freely participate in our political community. The Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment extended that promise to ‘every free-born person in this land,’” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court, citing congressional debate over the amendment. “We keep that
Chapel Hill received special legislative authority in 1999 to establish its own campaign contribution limits and in 2010, the
was the right to have rights—to freely participate in our political community. The Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment extended that promise to ‘every freeborn person in this land,’” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court, citing congressional
THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
The rst full moon of summer is traditionally called the Strawberry Moon, photographed here on Monday from Pinehurst No. 3.
DAVID SINCLAIR FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Supreme Court will consider whether ‘assault weapon’ bans violate the Second Amendment
Roughly a dozen states and major cities have passed similar assault weapons bans
By Lindsay Whitehurst The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A
Supreme Court that has expanded gun rights will consider whether bans on semiautomatic ri es, often called assault weapons, violate the Second Amendment.
The justices said Tuesday they will hear appeals challenging bans on the AR-15 and similar semiautomatic rearms in Connecticut and the Chicago area.
Similar laws are in place in about a dozen states, covering major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Congress allowed a national assault weapons ban to expire in 2004, but Democrats have supported renewing it in response to a series of mass shootings. States have also continued to pass their own laws, including recent measures in Virginia and Rhode Island.
It is the latest high-pro le dispute over guns to reach the court since its conservative majority handed down a landmark ruling in 2022 that expanded Second Amendment rights and spawned challenges to rearm laws around the country.
Arguments are expected to be heard in the fall.
CRIME LOG
June 22
• Rodney Kyle Lopossay, 33, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Jessica Nicole Welch, 28, was arrested for tra cking in methamphetamine.
• Travis Earl Pugh, 34, was arrested for tra cking in methamphetamine.
• Jerrod Marquis Nolan, 40, was arrested for possession of a rearm by a felon, breaking and entering with intent to terrorize or injure and assault on a female.
June 24
• Brandon Thomas Hill, 33, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny.
• Kristopher Caleb Norris, 34, was arrested for misdemeanor stalking, cyberstalking and injury to personal property, and other charges.
• Andre Maurice Thompson, 52, was arrested for sexual act by a substitute parent or custodian, crime against nature and sexual battery, and other charges.
June 25
• Shannon Dwight Hicks, 46, was arrested for assault in icting serious injury, assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
• Kayla Paige Harris, 29, was arrested for maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substances.
• Zane Warren Massie, 35, was arrested for assault by strangulation, assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and other charges.
• Trae Bradley McKinney, 34, was arrested for taking indecent liberties with a child.
June 26
• Jason Thomas Robinson, 24, was arrested for driving on a revoked license.
June 27
• Aleaha Renne Marr, 32, was arrested for driving while impaired.
• Taylor Lewis Bradshaw, 35, was arrested for larceny of a motor vehicle.
“The Second Amendment protects arms in common use for lawful purposes, and it’s hard to argue that a type of ri e that potentially outnumbers Ford F-150 trucks in America doesn’t meet that standard.”
Adam Kraut, Executive Director, Second Amendment Foundation
The Connecticut law was passed after a mass shooter used an AR-15 to kill 26 children and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. The state says the guns are a preferred weapon of mass shooters, and they can be banned because they are similar to military-grade weapons.
“These laws are critical public safety measures, and they are consistent with the Second Amendment,” said Janet Carter, managing director of Second Amendment litigation at the gun-control group Everytown Law.
Gun rights groups, on the other hand, argue it’s unconstitutional to ban semiautomatic ri es, which are legally owned by millions of Americans.
“The Second Amendment protects arms in common use for lawful purposes, and it’s hard to argue that a type of rie that potentially outnumbers Ford F-150 trucks in America doesn’t meet that standard,” said Adam Kraut, executive director of the Second Amendment Foundation.
Four conservative justices on the nine-member court,
enough to grant review of a case, had signaled that it was only a matter of time before the court took up the issue.
The ban in Cook County, Illinois, was rst passed in 1993. Lower courts have upheld both laws.
“If the Second Amendment does not protect the most popular ri es in the country, it is hard to see how it protects any rearms at all,” aside from handguns kept in the home, the challengers wrote.
Attorneys for Cook County, on the other hand, say the measure does pass constitutional muster. “The trauma that assault weapon massacres have in icted on the public at large has been staggering,” they wrote.
The Supreme Court backed Second Amendment rights in two cases this term, striking down gun carry restrictions in Hawaii and a broad federal ban on gun ownership by marijuana users. They’ve previously upheld some restrictions, including a law barring people under domestic-violence restraining orders from having guns.
A group prays outside of the Supreme Court ahead of the court’s ruling on whether transgender girls and women can play on school athletic teams, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Central Electric providing grants to local educators to fund innovative projects
Teachers, are you looking for new opportunities to fund projects for your classroom?
Central Electric is awarding up to $15,000 in Bright Ideas education grants to local educators in K-12 classrooms for the 2026-27 school year. Educators in K-12 classrooms with creative ideas for learning projects are encouraged to apply for a grant up to $2,000. Grant applications will be accepted through Sept. 15. However, it pays to apply early.
All teachers who submit their applications by the early bird deadline of Aug. 15 will be entered into a drawing for one of ve $100 Visa gi cards. Scan the QR code or visit NCBrightIdeas.com for more information or to apply!
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Chatham County:
July 4
Sanford Farmers Market
8:30 a.m. to noon It creates an
setting for local food producers to build connections within the community while giving the public a place to sample and purchase food and crafts made by their neighbors. Experience the ultimate in food, fun and fellowship in the Sandhills region.
115 Chatham St. Sanford
Fourth of July Celebration at The Plant
2-9 p.m.
A traditional cookout with sprinklers, family activities and live music to celebrate Independence Day.
220 Lorax Lane Pittsboro
July 5
North Carolina in the American Revolution 2 p.m.
The Chatham County Historical Association welcomes historian Jim Morgan who will give a presentation on the North State’s role in the American War for Independence.
Historic Chatham County Courthouse 9 Hillsboro Street Pittsboro
July 10
Boom Unit Brass Band at The City Tap
7:30 p.m.
The Boom Unit Brass Band performs a live outdoor set at The City Tap in downtown Pittsboro. The show runs approximately two hours. The City Tap 89 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro
Chatham County Yardbirds vs. Sanford Spinners
7 p.m.
The Chatham County Yardbirds, Siler City’s collegiate wood-bat baseball team in its inaugural Old North State League season, host the Sanford Spinners in a home game at the new Yardbirds Field. The team draws its roster from college players competing between semesters.
Yardbirds Field at Paul Braxton Park
111 S. 3rd Ave. Siler City
Mad Crush at Bynum Front Porch
7 p.m.
Mad Crush, a North Carolina indie folk-rock duo built around songwriters John Elderkin and Joanna Sattin, performs at the historic Bynum Front Porch as part of the venue’s 25th annual Friday Night Music Series. The show is free with a hat passed for the musicians; a food truck will
JOSE LUIS MAGANA / AP PHOTO
Venezuelans search more earthquake ruins as attention turns to humanitarian crisis
A cash-strapped government faces questions about coordinating relief for thousands now homeless
By Juan Pablo Arraez and Isabel Debre
The Associated Press
LA GUAIRA, Venezuela —
With the window for nding survivors shrinking fast, Venezuelans combed Monday through more ruins of buildings toppled by last week’s powerful back-toback earthquakes, and attention turned to the country’s humanitarian crisis that could persist for years.
Relief organizations say the rst 72 hours after a natural disaster is the most crucial time period for rescues, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water. Five days after the twin quakes, questions loomed about whether the cash-strapped government will be able to coordinate the effort needed to care for thousands of people who have been left homeless.
In other developments, a 4.6 magnitude aftershock rumbled through the disaster zone in the northern state of La Guaira.
The death toll stood at more than 1,700 people, according to the government, which has long retained tight control over news media.
Venezuelan government promotes its e orts
Facing criticism that authorities have done too little, too slowly, government o cials aggressively promoted their recovery and rescue e orts. Police and military o cers on Monday handed out cans of tuna and crackers to hungry displaced people in La Guaira.
In a speech, Jorge Rodríguez, the leader of the Venezuelan National Assembly and brother of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, said electricity had been restored to 90% of the hardest-hit state of La Guaira. He said authorities were racing to evaluate damaged buildings that still posed a danger and had set up 15 temporary displacement camps.
Many Venezuelan news reports have avoided politically delicate questions related to the earthquake, such as the widespread collapse of buildings, sticking instead to safer stories about heroic rescues. Delcy Rodríguez, who came to power in January after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration seized former President Nicolás Maduro, shared footage Monday of emergency workers lifting a man out of the ruins to applause after a 43-hour search e ort.
“Each life saved is a victory for hope,” she wrote on X.
Such bright spots are rare at the quake’s epicenter, where families keep vigil at search sites.
“We have to stay strong, even without food, without sleep,” said Ana Rada, watching as civil defense workers looked for her brother. “Until I see the body, I still have hope.”
Aftershock rattles rescuers
After what the government said were more than 600 aftershocks since Wednesday’s quakes, a moderate temblor on Monday struck 17 miles north
of Caraballeda on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and measured 4.6 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey. Jorge Rodríguez said there were no reports of damage, but the shock sent residents in the capital of Caracas screaming into the streets.
“Here we are again, back in the street. I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace,” said Concepción Hernández, 51, evacuating her apartment in the Chacao municipality of Caracas.
Questions over extent of U.S. help
Dozens of countries have offered assistance. But the disaster has raised expectations for the Trump administration after its takeover of Venezuela’s oil industry earlier this year.
In a brie ng with reporters, a senior State Department o cial said 300 rst responders sent from the U.S. are working on the ground and two dozen C-17 military transport planes arrive every day with supplies. Financial support from the U.S. now exceeds $300 million.
The U.S. military is also assisting with repairs at the port in La Guaira to allow an inux of relief supplies by sea and manage air tra c after the quakes destroyed part of the control tower at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, said the o cial, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.
It seemed unlikely, however, that the Trump administration would grant temporary humanitarian protections to Venezuelans as previous administrations have done for people from disaster-stricken countries already in the U.S. Such action was taken after earthquakes in 2010 in Haiti and 2001 in El Salvador.
Venezuelans have been a major focus of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. More than 100 Venezuelans recently deported from the U.S. were being held at a hotel in the country when the quake hit, and many are now missing, survivors say.
Rescuers included a miner deported from the US
Among the rescuers digging through the rubble Monday was 31-year-old miner Jean Sosa, who said he was deported from the U.S. in January over a missed immigration court hearing and returned to Caracas last month, dazed by an odyssey that began in shackles at an Arizona immigration detention center.
He had built a new life in New York City over the past four years, he said, working at a taco stand near Penn Station, before Department of Homeland Security o cials detained him. They ultimately shuttled him between immigration detention centers across the U.S. before leaving him and a busload of other deportees in southern Mexico without his passport, phone or wallet. He then paid his way back to Venezuela.
Since arriving Wednesday in La Guaira, Sosa has scrambled to pull people from the rubble with his old mining pickaxe in the absence of national rescue teams.
“Many people could have been saved if there had been equip-
ment and support from top authorities from the very beginning,” he told The Associated Press, wearing a helmet and a black T-shirt splotched with dust in the port city where he said he had already rescued 20 people alive.
Those rescues heartened him, he said, despite the lack of supplies. “We’re working without gloves, without equipment, borrowing supplies, improvising bandages and whatever else we can.”
The full scale of damage remains unclear
Experts are struggling to assess the scope of damage, but they generally agree that the government’s gures are a vast undercount.
Many Venezuelans are skeptical of o cial pronouncements, particularly since Maduro’s government claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election despite a vote count showing he had lost to the opposition movement led by María Corina Machado.
The now-exiled opposition leader has criticized the government response to the earthquake and on Monday accused it of temporarily closing the airspace to prevent her from returning to the country. She did not o er evidence.
Jorge Rodríguez said that as of Monday, the earthquake had a ected a total of 15,866 people. The United Nations, meanwhile, says that up to 6.8 million of Venezuela’s nearly 30 million residents may be a ected — which could mean being displaced or losing access to electricity and water. The Venezuelan Red Cross said it expected to address the needs of at least 300,000 people for the next two years.
While Rodríguez said the number of damaged or collapsed buildings had reached 855, a preliminary assessment by NASA put that number at 58,870 buildings. The assessment relied on radar imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellites, which can detect changes to infrastructure.
The updates to government gures are given in brief televised announcements where journalists have no opportunity to ask questions or request more details. In another obstacle to coverage, the Venezuelan press union said Monday that the Ministry of Communication was blocking access to La Guaira for at least some foreign reporters for 48 hours.
It said the ministry cited the need “to reduce noise during rescue operations.” The union urged the government to drop the restriction: “As hours pass, the health situation may worsen, and the country needs veri ed and timely information.”
Because of the chaos and poor phone service, many Venezuelans have turned to non-governmental digital databases to report their loved ones as missing. More than 50,000 people were reported missing on one such database, though it is unclear how many have been found.
Fire ghter Kleider Carrillo said nothing prepared him for the destruction in La Guaira.
“When you study for this profession, you’re trained for situations like this,” he said. “But what’s in textbooks is one thing. Reality is another.”
Church News
OAKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
As Oakley Baptist Church (2300 Siler CityGlendon Road, Siler City) seeks to begin its next chapter, we are enjoying hearing a word from the Lord from various old and new friends. Our service begins at 10:30 a.m., but we also have Sunday School classes for every member of the family at 9:30 a.m. We would be blessed if you joined us for any and all of these speakers in the coming weeks.
July – Gary McCollough – Interim
We look forward to meeting you at any of these services and in the future, and invite you to pray with us as we seek a new pastor. To learn more, go to oakleybaptist.org or email us at oakleybaptistchurch@gmail.com.
NEED MORE LAW ENFORCEMENT!
Bible study: Psalms 36:1-12 Church of Living Water; Pastor: James Mitchell.
The wickedness in the world today is the worst we have ever seen. God’s word tells us that in the last days, perilous times shall come. The Democrats, their supporters, and some rhino Republicans are the most wicked ever. They have no fear of God for all their wickedness. These people hate God and His children. Two
said, “White women need to be raped because of their
from our healthcare system. The Trump administration
from America. I pray for our law enforcement in Jesus’ name. Democrat socialists want to defund our police. These socialists and Muslims hate Israel, hate Christians,
commit fraud, and allow corruption. There is one hope for all: repent, turn around, believe in Jesus Christ, and
LIMITS from page A1
current formula, which takes into account CPI and the voter baseline, was adopted.
“The intent was to create a more level playing eld and reduce the in uence of large donors,” Hunt said. “The limits were intended to maintain fairness, transparency and be responsive to changes in economic and population conditions.”
Most NC municipalities follow the State Board of Elections’ guidelines for contribution limits, which are currently capped at $6,800.
The Chapel Hill contribution limit would be $353 with the current formula or $390 with a CPI-only calculation. In addition, there would be a disclosure limit of $37 or $40 respectively.
There are no restrictions to limit self-funding campaigns. The majority of council members supported moving to a CPI-only formula, stating it was more consistent and a simpli ed approach to setting the limit.
“I love that we have contribution limits and I’d love to continue doing that,” said council member Amy Ryan. “Going to the CPI-only formula makes sense to me.”
“I take pride in how di erent our contribution limits are from the state limits given how insane campaigns have gotten nationwide at all di erent levels of government,” said council member Elizabeth Sharp. An o cial ordinance will be brought back before the council for a vote; though, the council will be in recess for the next two months.
The Chapel Hill Town Council will next meet Sept. 9.
“I take pride in how di erent our contribution limits are from the state limits.”
Council Member Elizabeth Sharp
A rescuer carries a girl pulled from the rubble four days after twin earthquakes struck La Guaira, Venezuela, Sunday, June 28, 2026.
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
Alien report of unalienable rights
Earthlings lack perspective of galactic time; they consider 250 revolutions of their planet around their local star to be of signi cant duration.
IMAGINE THAT an extraterrestrial secretly landed to observe a Fourth of July picnic in Chatham County. Perhaps the report led with the mothership would read something like this.
Earthlings assembled in both familial and extra-familial kin groups. Pods in close proximity, yet no apparent con icts.
Controlled res started and cultivated to roast animal esh for consumption. Some Earthlings disadvantaged with low levels of melanin apply protective cream to prevent solar damage of their skin.
Young Earthlings use appendages to propel spherical and oblong objects across ground and through the air. Occasional shouts of “Goal!” and “Touchdown!”
Members of adult species imbibe liquids analyzed to contain mild levels of toxicity due to fermentation. Curious behavior ensues, especially when music is played. Possible mating dances.
All Earthlings are subject to trans xion to cellular devices. Technology is extremely primitive compared to ours.
Through the primitive Earthling shared database, accessed the document “Declaration of Independence.” Curious phrase about “unalienable rights.”
Red, white and blue colors are prominent on a variety of decorative features, including some articles worn by Earthlings.
Discussion about donkeys and elephants used as
COLUMN | BOB WACHS
code language for political leaders. As a result of such discussions, registered a marked increase in vital signs, like blood pressure and heart rate, among many Earthlings. The current national leader is particularly controversial. Additionally, elevated vital signs were noted during discussions about the “Tar Heels” and “Blue Devils.” The phenomenon is likely evidence of Earthling religions.
Four-legged creatures, commonly referred to as “man’s best friend,” are subjected to a rope that is a xed to a device encircling their necks.
Earthlings lack perspective of galactic time; they consider 250 revolutions of their planet around their local star to be of signi cant duration.
After the planet’s rotation away from the local star, Earthlings launched projectiles into the air that exploded at low altitude. Surprisingly, these failures of ight resulted in satisfaction, even praise among viewers, expressed by clapping primary appendages together.
The so-called “Fourth of July” occurs on an annual Earth basis. Return to document any developments in battles between elephants versus donkeys, Tar Heels versus Blue Devils, and fermented-beverage-induced mating rituals.
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, co ee drinker and student of joy.
Some things defy decision on what to do with them
What all this really means, of course, is that I am turning into my parents.
WHILE I’VE NEVER made the cover of GQ or any other men’s fashion magazine, I think I do a fairly good job of being somewhat neat and coordinating my daily out ts – most of the time.
But it’s really not all that hard to do, especially if you tend to wear blue jeans most of the time or if most of your slacks are gray and most of your shirts are white.
Occasionally there will be the one blue sock and one black sock episode but that’s usually a product of getting dressed in the dark.
Other parts of life, however, aren’t all that neat for me, particularly in the area of throwing away things and keeping only stu that’s really needed. A good portion of that is because when I was being made, a big chunk of packrat ran away from the animal side and jumped into my makeup. And while my closet looks okay, you can’t really say the same for my study.
I have mentioned this from time to time before, hoping for a magic pill or silver bullet to gure out what to keep but, so far, one hasn’t showed up. And so, I’ll take a cleaning t once in awhile and go through three years worth of newspapers I’ve saved because “one day I’ll read them.” I know that’s a holdover from printing days of old before there were electronic books and people still read newspapers for information and entertainment.
Ditto with the books and notes and slips of paper with information written in a scrawl only a de cient chicken could read. I’ve uncovered items I’d not only forgotten but also didn’t know existed. I really think I’m getting better at throwing away most things but occasionally one will come along that I don’t need but can’t bear to trash and don’t know what to do with it.
Case in point is my mama’s purse, given to me when she entered a care facility in 1998, there to live out the last years of her earthly existence. It is in exactly the same shape, form and fashion as that day and nothing has been
added or taken from it since. There are the pictures of her grandchildren and of my dad, her house key, about $40, an old grocery shopping list and a large number of crumpled tissues are still making their home within.
So, what to do with it?
I’ve got all the same pictures, don’t need the keys, actually did remove the cash and put it in her grandchildren’s savings accounts and don’t like her choices in some grocery items.
But there’s one thing she and I have in common — the tissues. In most of my jackets and sport coats, one outside pocket has a gazillion tissues and napkins, usually left-over ones from the encounter with my most recent cheeseburger. Eventually they get used for one thing or another but I sense I’m turning into, at di erent times, my father and my mother. She’d tell me I could do worse and she’s right. I just don’t like having the residue of 14 pine trees oating around in my pocket.
What all this really means, of course, is that I am turning into my parents. When I pass along that information to the two 50-something people who used to be teenagers who lived at my house, I remind them of the inevitable — that they will, in time, turn into their mother and me.
I don’t think they’re looking forward to an overload of tissue in their pockets.
Too bad … and I still don’t know what to do with Mama’s purse except leave all that stu , papers included, in it. And it does bring me a bit of comfort to see it and remember her. And, Lord knows, we could all use a little bit of comfort these days.
Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.
COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN
That squishy light-up, dimmable, duck lamp
I have great empathy for Superman’s disempowerment when he encounters kryptonite.
UTTERLY EMBARRASSING.
“No, no, it wasn’t ALL my fault that I fell headlong over the cli of Amazon Prime Days.” (Just mostly my fault.)
Primary placement of blame should really rest on the shoulders of Amazon’s Je Bezos. Bezos, the progenitor of the annual Amazon Prime Days. However, this particular cringing writer, having previously lived a parsimonious life, was swept away by the Prime Days’ rip tide of putative savings. “I bought WHAT? I really, truly, NEEDED that? I ordered THAT, without looking at its dimensions? Yes, yes, and yes.
Just sucked right in by deep emotional hunger during the most recent Amazon Prime days. (Let’s hold the hunger bit for a minute. Shall we?) Most items I bought did not have a signi cant decrease in price and of course, some NOT any reduction all. Truth. 60% of what I purchased was not on sale. But, hey, I was already online, so why not buy ‘em? (Yep, Amazon has our number.)
In retrospect, my “Feed me! I’m feeling empty!” cry has discovered an internal understanding (even though it’s well past my sordid Prime debauchery.)
This is its light of day… I, Jan, am a news junkie. A diehard newshound. My putative daily bible readings are inclusive of subscriptions to the major news organs as well as a slew of political analysis sites. I am hungry to know the state of our world. A deep, ongoing, and voracious hunger.
A tiny, but important sidebar. I’m guessing most of you are familiar with Superman
COLUMN | ABBY EMANUELSON
Democrats declare war on school choice
and kryptonite, considering the plethora of movies and comic books over many years? Kryptonite deprives Superman of his powers, leaving him feeling weak and disempowered. That Superguy needs to avoid kryptonite, at all costs, if he really wants to continue being Superman (and making movies).
In no way am I equating myself with Superman. (Me, in red tights. I don’t think so.) However, I have great empathy for Superman’s disempowerment when he encounters kryptonite. Following our world’s news, on an hour-to-hour basis, I feel as if I’m experiencing a large-scale kryptonite wipeout. Utterly weak and disempowered. Hungry for something, ANYTHING, that helps ll me up and returns me to some sense of empowerment. Ta dah! Along come the annual Amazon Prime Days. Fodder for empowering myself to buy lots and lots of items, for sating my deep hunger in a hurtful world, I can’t control.
‘Nough said. I don’t think I’ve gone broke (but I’m not up to checking just yet.) With greater understanding of my Prime buying spree, I can smile at some of my purchases, particularly the “Squishy Light-Up, Dimmable, Duck Lamp.” I saved a whole two bucks o the full price! Whatta deal!
Oh, thank God, E-books are beckoning me again. I need something healthier to occupy my time, while hopefully, the world isn’t burning.
Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.
Connecting solutions for a healthier North Carolina
A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn.
PUBLIC POLICY conversations have a habit of happening in separate rooms. Health care gets discussed over here, education over there, workforce development somewhere down the hall.
Food, health care, education and economic opportunity are each assigned their own stakeholders, their own budget lines, their own lanes, as if the people a ected by these issues live their lives the same way. They don’t. At a time when state leaders are making consequential budget decisions, the way we frame these challenges matters just as much as the solutions we pursue.
For many North Carolinians, the challenges arrive together and compound one another.
A parent struggling to put food on the table is often the same parent delaying a doctor’s visit because of cost. A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn, and eventually to emerge ready to contribute to the success of their communities. A rural community navigating health care shortages is rarely navigating that challenge alone. It’s often working to maintain access to maternity care, recruit teachers and health professionals who encourage families to stay and build their futures there.
At the North Carolina Alliance for Health, we work alongside organizations, educators, health care providers, advocates, and community leaders from across the state. Through partnerships, community conversations, and on-the-ground collaboration, we see rsthand how these challenges intersect in people’s daily lives. What we hear, consistently and from every corner of North Carolina, is that the forces shaping people’s health and well-being rarely operate in isolation. Neither should the solutions. Health shapes educational outcomes, workforce participation and economic mobility. It in uences whether children are ready to learn, whether adults can show up for work, and whether communities can thrive.
As we are set to embark on our 25th year, if there’s one lesson the past quarter century has driven home, it’s that the most e ective solutions are also, more often than not, the most practical ones. Children who are consistently fed learn better, miss fewer days of school, and are less likely to need costly interventions later. Adults with access to preventive care are less likely to end up in emergency rooms and better able to remain in the workforce. Communities with strong public health infrastructure are more resilient when crises hit. These aren’t just good outcomes for families. They’re good outcomes for the state.
BE IN TOUCH
That’s why we’re encouraging North Carolina’s leaders, as they nalize the state budget, to invest in the building blocks of a healthy and prosperous state. These investments may appear in di erent sections of the state budget, but they all contribute to the same outcome: healthier people, stronger families, and a more prosperous North Carolina.
That means maintaining a strong Medicaid program, including Medicaid expansion, so that North Carolinians can access preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and receive treatment before health challenges become crises. Medicaid supports children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working adults alike, while helping build a healthier workforce, stronger families, and more resilient communities.
It means the state invests in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SUN Bucks that help families a ord groceries and ensure children continue to have access to healthy meals when school is out of session.
It means ensuring that every child has access to healthy school meals so they can start the day ready to learn, grow, and succeed. By pairing investments in school meals with strong farm-to-school programs, North Carolina can improve student health and academic outcomes while supporting local farmers and rural economies. These investments help children thrive today while strengthening the workforce and communities our state will depend on tomorrow.
Across North Carolina, there is broad agreement that children shouldn’t go hungry, that families should be able to access care, and that communities deserve a genuine shot at success. What’s sometimes missing is the highlevel vision of how these goals are connected and how to achieve them through smart, scally responsible policy.
As leaders across the state continue shaping North Carolina’s future, the opportunity in front of us is signi cant. We can invest in solutions that strengthen families, support communities, and build healthier futures, not by treating every challenge as a separate problem to be solved in isolation, but by recognizing what North Carolinians have always known. Their lives are whole, their challenges are connected, and their solutions should be too.
This is a moment to invest in a coordinated vision for health, because when North Carolinians are healthy, our state is stronger. Abby Emanuelson is executive director for the North Carolina Alliance for Health.
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.
WHY ARE DEMOCRATS and their teachers union masters trying to shoot down parental choice in education even when we now have so many examples of these programs working?
Choice and competition are two of the hallmarks of the American economy. When stores compete, customers win. Turns out this is also true for schools. That’s an inviolable law of economics. A corollary is that monopolies tend to put customers last.
This is all happening at a time when public monopoly schools are showing at or negative performance despite more funding than ever before.
This is one reason why so many states are turning to the new model of school choice, with public funds going to scholarships and charter schools, and tax incentives for charitable donations to private and Catholic schools.
About 23 mostly red states are experimenting with such programs, and so far the results in test scores and parental satisfaction are mostly positive.
Today about 1.5 million kids are taking advantage of these programs. In Florida, the biggest program of all, with more than 1 million kids enrolled in these school choice voucher programs, the kids are racking up better test scores than their peers in the public schools. This is incentivizing public schools to up THEIR game.
That’s the idea. But Democrats, acting as if school choice is the bubonic plague, are trying to shoot it down across the country.
No one has been more of a disappointment than Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, whose 2027 budget would slash $500 million from charter schools and gut education tax credits.
This could put 30,000 kids at risk of losing their scholarships. Already there are about 70,000 kids who want to go to a private school, but the scholarship money isn’t available because of program caps. Once again, a prominent Democrat places the unions ahead of the kids.
Then there is Arizona: Dems and teachers unions have put an initiative on the November ballot to roll back one of the nation’s largest school voucher programs, which has exploded to more than 100,000 students. Parents can get $7,000 per student to use for private and charter school tuition and homeschooling.
Even worse is the Florida Education Association, which has led a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s school choice and charter school programs, which provide education for 1.4 million kids. The Florida Constitution guarantees a “uniform” system of free public schools but does not prohibit the legislature from expanding educational options beyond the traditional public school model.
In Rhode Island, Democratic Gov. Dan McKee wants to cap funding for popular charter schools even as the school budgets expand. Why the barriers to these educational opportunities?
Let me be loud and clear on this point: The Dems and their union puppet masters don’t want to get rid of these programs because they are failing the kids. They want to abolish them because they are getting better results than the public schools. Florida’s public charter sector maintains an aggregate grade of “A,” outperforming traditional public school counterparts in 55 of 77 metrics.
Maybe the unions de ne a “uniform education system” as one that is uniformly bad.
What is sad is that even with a robust school choice program, probably two of three kids will still be enrolled in public schools for the foreseeable future. But with alternatives, school boards, teachers and principals will have to prove their value to the customers — the parents.
Even worse is that kids already attending charter, Catholic or special ed schools may have to return to the very classrooms that didn’t work for them in the rst place.
It used to be that unions could claim to parents that alternative schools would be WORSE for their children. But that’s proven not to be the case for these new private choice schools. I know rsthand that in private schools, kids are challenged, disciplined and taught to learn that failure is not an option. In public school, you get kicked into the next grade through social promotion, and the learning de cits are allowed to linger.
The Trump tax cuts will allow potentially millions of disadvantaged kids to get scholarships from tax lers who put money in the schools. It costs the states NOTHING to allow kids into the program. Amazingly, more than half the states with Democratic governors are passing up the FREE money to the parents in their states.
That’s just plain dumb. Maybe these politicians and school administrators have had too much social promotion.
Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity, which advocates for education freedom for all children.
(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
obituaries
William (Bill) Sharpe
April 15, 1938 – June 16, 2026
William (Bill) Sharpe died June 16, 2026. He was born April 15, 1938, to William Norman and Margaret Womble Sharpe. They lived on a small farm on US 15 501, a property that is now Polk’s Landing and Polk’s Village.
Bill’s rst three grades of school were in Bynum before it consolidated with Pittsboro where he graduated in 1955. He had polio in 1954 from which he recovered almost completely except for a residual weakness in his right leg and ankle. His death was hastened by the complications of post-polio syndrome in his nal years.
He enrolled at NC State and graduated with a BS and MS in mechanical engineering in 1961. At State he was president of Theta Chi fraternity and a member of the Golden Chain and other honor societies. In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart Margaret Ellen Strowd; in 1961 they moved to Baltimore where he enrolled in graduate school at the Johns Hopkins University. Their two sons, William and Ashley, were born there. He received his doctorate in 1966; Milton Eisenhower handed him his diploma and Thurgood Marshall was the graduation speaker.
Bill’s rst academic position was at Michigan State University where he progressed through the ranks to the professorship. He moved to Louisiana State University in 1978 as the chairman of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In 1983, Professor Sharpe returned to the Johns Hopkins University to serve as the founding chairman of a new mechanical engineering department. He served as chairman for 11 years as the department became established and grew. With his leadership the department recruited a distinguished faculty and established large undergraduate, graduate, and research programs. He retired from Hopkins in 2009 as Professor Emeritus. Experimental solid mechanics was his research eld. He developed a laserbased technique for measuring strain and displacement over very short gauge lengths. Later, it was used to test very small specimens (some as thin as a human hair) of materials used in micro-electromechanical systems. His research over a 40-year period resulted in numerous publications and presentations at conferences in the US and overseas. He was a visiting scientist at several federal laboratories and was an Alexander von Humboldt foundation scholar in Germany in 1990. This year the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute honored Bill by establishing the William N. Sharpe Jr.
Distinguished Lecture Series, furthering his impact in the eld.
The Society for Experimental Mechanics was his primary technical society. In addition to publishing papers in its technical journal and making presentations at meetings, he served as Technical Editor 1976-1978 and then president in 1984/85. He was a Fellow of the society and received several awards including the Murray medal in 2002. The capstone was his election as an Honorary Member of the society in 2012; only 10 of the approximately 3000 members can share this honor at a time. Bill was active in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, serving in various positions. His primary e ort was with its accreditation commission (ABET) which evaluated mechanical engineering undergraduate programs at universities. Starting in 1992 as an evaluator and team leader, he visited over 20 programs, which gave him a broad perspective of mechanical engineering education in the US and ended in 2003 after a three-year term on the Board of Directors. He was a Fellow of the society. In 2007 he received the Ralph Coates Roe award from the American Society for Engineering Education. It recognizes a mechanical engineering educator who is an outstanding teacher and who has made a notable contribution to the profession.
His wife, Margaret, was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. Bill retired in 2009 and they moved back home to Chatham County in 2010. After her death in 2012, he moved to Galloway Ridge. In 2016, as a resident of Galloway Ridge, Bill became a founder of Ridge Lines, a creative, community-driven literary journal that features articles written exclusively by residents and sta . A few years into Ridge Line’s publication, he met Susan Wisely, a fellow writer and resident at Galloway. Bill and Susan grew as partners, sharing in life and adventure, especially in trips to Italy, Grand Cayman and the mountains and coast and of North Carolina. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David and wife Connie, his wife, Margaret Ellen, and Bill’s sons William Norman Sharpe III and James Ashley Sharpe. Survivors are his brother David’s children, who have been like Bill’s own since their parents’ death –Polly Falk of Irvine, California, Melanie Sharpe of Huntington Beach, California, and David Ross Sharpe of Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also survived by his beloved grandnieces, Hayley Falk and Kenna Seagrist (Jack) and the newest addition to the family, Olivia Seagrist, and by cousins Sally Fulbright (Nelson) and Jesse Fearrington (Barbara). A memorial service will take place on September 12 at 2:00PM at Galloway Ridge. In lieu of owers, Bill’s family kindly asks that donations be made to Galloway Ridge, Residents’ Benevolent Care Fund, 3000 Galloway Ridge, North Carolina 27312. The Residents’ Benevolent Care Fund provides peace of mind to Galloway Ridge residents who face nancial uncertainty. Donaldson Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Bill Sharpe.
Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Chatham News & Record at obits@chathamnewsrecord.com
John Henry May
Nov. 16, 1933 – June 26, 2026
John Henry May, 92, of Pittsboro, NC passed away on June 26th, 2026, at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Pittsboro.
John was born November 16, 1933, to George Wesley May, Sr, and Myrtle Lavenia Crutch eld May. John was a versatile athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball in high school. John graduated from Pittsboro High School in 1952. In 1955, as John was preparing to leave the next day for the Army, he went to a dance where he met Annie Lillian Wilson. He asked if he could
Henry Kitchings
Aug. 25, 1934 – June 27, 2026
Henry Kitchings, 91, of Goldston, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 25, 1934, Henry was the son of the late Robert Edwin Kitchings and Atherton Cummings Kitchings. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Kitchings, and his sister, Gwendolyn Smith.
Henry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1958. During his military service, he traveled to Germany, Japan, Italy, and Spain. Following his service, he
IN MEMORY
write to her. Two years later, they walked down the aisle. John served in the US Army as a PFC from 1955-1957, in the Army National Guard from 19571959, and in the Reserves until 1961. After his military service John worked at Townsend Poultry Plant, where he retired in 1996. John fell in love with horses at an early age. He was last surviving charter member of the Old Timers Horse Club, which was established in 1966, serving as treasurer and cook for many years. He enjoyed riding and camping in Uwharrie National Forest for over 50 years. He passed his love for horses to his son Mike, and his niece, Taylor May Knight. John enjoyed farming and gardening. He sold his produce to the local Piggly Wiggly. He was especially proud of his sweet cantaloupes. John was a member of Pittsboro Baptist Church and the Council of Aging. John and Annie enjoyed traveling on bus tours and cruises. He was a permanent xture in the bleachers at his grandson Dalton’s ball games, no matter the weather or the drive, from little league to travel ball to college. John is survived by: his
graduated from East Carolina University and earned a Masters in Education at N.C. A&T which led to a remarkable 48-year career in education. He taught history, coached basketball and football, and served as a driver’s education instructor, positively impacting generations of students.
In 1965, Henry married the love of his life, Daphne Gaines, and together they raised two sons, Chip and Scott. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose love for his family was evident in everything he did.
Henry was a longtime member of Goldston Methodist Church, where he faithfully served in various leadership roles. He was known for his quick wit, love of spirited debate, unwavering faith, and deep love for God. He enjoyed gol ng, reading, spending time with his family, and gathering with friends at Rufus’ Restaurant. He was an avid Richard Petty and NASCAR enthusiast, as well as a devoted New York Yankees fan.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Daphne Gaines Kitchings; his sons, Henry Brown “Chip” Kitchings II (Kim) and Scott Gaines Kitchings (Sonja); and his cherished grandchildren, Gracelyn Kitchings Dumaw
DAVID CHARLES KENNEDY
OCT. 3, 1951 – JUNE 20, 2026
daughter, Audrey Diane May Braswell (Danny) of Pittsboro; grandsons Dalton Lee Brown (Brianna) of Pittsboro and Spencer Kirk Braswell (Tamera) of Pleasant Garden, NC; his greatgrandchildren Nash Kennedy Shortt, Jovi Lee Brown, River Anderson Brown, and Emberly Elizabeth Braswell; sister-in-law Nancy P. May of Raleigh, NC; nephews, greatnieces and -nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Myrtle May; wife Annie Wilson May; son John Michael May; brothers George Wesley May, Jr, and Frank Gilmore May (Nancy).
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026, from 3pm to 4pm at Pittsboro Baptist Church.
The funeral service will follow at 4pm with Pastor Peter McDonald presiding.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to UNC Hospice.
Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com
Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the May family.
(Hayden), Gillian Kitchings Laton (Seth), Connor Scott Kitchings, Julia Caroline Kitchings, and Henry Brown “Chase” Kitchings III. Henry will also be remembered for his dedicated service to the Goldston community. He served on the Goldston Fire Board and Water Board and was a member of the Goldston Volunteer Fire Department for 46 years. His life was de ned by service—to his family, his church, his community, and his country. Above all, he believed in living by the Golden Rule: treating others the way you want to be treated.
A celebration of Henry’s life will be held at Goldston Methodist Church. Visitation will be on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A graveside committal service with military honors will follow, and the family will receive friends during a reception in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to Goldston Methodist Church, PO Box 99, Goldston, NC 27252. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Kitchings family. Online condolences can be made to www.smithbucknerfh. com
David Charles Kennedy, 74, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Wesley Long Hospital following a series of illnesses, surrounded by his loving family.
David was born on October 3, 1951 in Troy, NC and was the son of Charles and Aitha Kennedy, of Star, NC.
He graduated from Montgomery High School, then went on to attend college at UNC-Charlotte, earning a degree in Engineering.
David married Linda Dick on June 8, 1975 at Beulah Baptist Church in Bennett, NC. They were blessed to share 51 wonderful years together.
Remaining to cherish David’s memory are his loving wife of 51 years, Linda; his daughters, Kristin (Jared) Reeder, of Franklinville, NC and Rachel (Vic) Sfera, of Riverside, California; his brother, Farrell (Brenda) Kennedy, of Cary, NC; nephew, Grant Kennedy, of Raleigh, NC and four grandsons who were the joy of his life; Paxton & Lincoln Reeder and Lucas & Clay Sfera.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at North Ridge Bible Chapel in Raleigh. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Kevin Moore o ciating. Burial will be a private family graveside service at Beulah Baptist Church in Bennett, NC.
JOHN ROYAL COVERT, JR.
SEPT. 6, 1946 – JUNE 24, 2026
John Royal Covert Jr., 79, of Siler City, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Born on September 6, 1946, in Chatham County.
John was the son of the late John Royal Covert Sr. and Mildred Bra ord Covert. Following his honorable service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, John continued his lifelong commitment to serving his country as a civilian employee with the Directorate of Public Works at Fort Bragg.
He dedicated many years to supporting the Army and its mission before retiring. John had a passion for NASCAR and rarely missed a race, whether attending in person or cheering on his favorite drivers from home.
Above all, John treasured time with his family and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.
He is survived by his sons, Anthony Covert (Renee) of Sanford, Brian Covert of Siler City, and Justin Covert (Amanda) of Sanford; his grandchildren, Kensey Taylor (R.J.), Kyler Coats (Zeb), Connor Covert, Camden Covert, and Chloe Covert; four greatgrandchildren; his sisters, Ethel Lindley and Brenda Gunter, both of Siler City; and his faithful companion, Peanut, who remained by his side for the past 18 years.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Levan Gunnels.
BIRTHRIGHT from page A1
debate over the amendment.
“We keep that promise today.”
Three conservative justices would have allowed the restrictions to take e ect.
“The Court today takes the extraordinary step of holding facially unconstitutional the President’s Order excluding from citizenship the children of foreign temporary visitors and illegal aliens,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in a 91-page dissent, more than three times as long as Roberts’ opinion. “In doing so, the Court adds to the sad history of the Fourteenth Amendment, which was designed and understood to secure equal rights for the freed blacks but has instead been repurposed for political projects that the Reconstruction Congress did not support.”
The Republican president’s restrictions had been blocked by several lower courts and had not taken e ect anywhere in the U.S.
During arguments in April, both conservative and liberal justices questioned the order’s legality in a momentous case that was magni ed by Trump’s unprecedented attendance in the courtroom.
The case framed another test of Trump’s assertions of executive power that defy long-standing precedent for a court with a conservative majority and a robust view of presidential power that has largely ruled in his favor. In the notable exceptions when the court has not, Trump has responded with starkly personal criticisms of the justices.
The justices ruled on Trump’s appeal of a lower-court rul-
The Supreme Court issued its nal decisions of the Spring Term this week, covering a number of sensitive issues including transgender girls playing in school sports, birthright citizenship, and campaign nance issues.
ing from New Hampshire that struck down the citizenship restrictions.
The birthright citizenship order, which Trump signed on the rst day of his second term, is part of his administration’s broad immigration crackdown.
Birthright citizenship was the rst Trump immigration-related policy to reach the court for a nal ruling. The justices previ-
ously struck down global tari s Trump had imposed under an emergency powers law that had never been used that way.
Trump reacted furiously to the late February tari s decision, saying he was ashamed of the justices who ruled against him and calling them unpatriotic.
He also seemed to recognize the court was likely to rule
against him on birthright citizenship, too, using his Truth Social platform to criticize “dumb judges and justices” and wealthy pregnant women from China and elsewhere who come to the U.S. to give birth so their newborns will have American citizenship.
Trump’s order would have upended widely held views that the 14th Amendment confers citi-
zenship on everyone born in the U.S., excluding only the children of foreign diplomats and those born to a foreign occupying force.
The amendment was intended to ensure that Black people, including former slaves, had citizenship, though the Citizenship Clause is written more broadly. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” it reads.
In a series of decisions, lower courts have struck down Trump’s executive order as illegal. The decisions have invoked the high court’s 1898 ruling in Wong Kim Ark, which held that the U.S.-born child of Chinese nationals was a citizen.
The Trump administration argued that the common view of citizenship is wrong, asserting that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore are not entitled to citizenship.
More than one-quarter of a million babies born in the U.S. each year would have been affected by the executive order, according to research by the Migration Policy Institute and Pennsylvania State University’s Population Research Institute.
While Trump has largely focused on illegal immigration in his rhetoric and actions, the birthright citizenship restrictions also would have applied to people who are legally in the United States, including students and applicants for green cards, or permanent resident status.
The largest digital camera ever built begins decade-long survey of the universe
The observations will help scientists understand galaxy formation and solve dark matter mysteries
By Adithi Ramakrishnan The Associated Press
NEW YORK — The largest digital camera ever built is starting to capture images of unseen corners of the universe. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has o cially begun its cosmic survey, meant to capture swathes of the sky in more depth and detail. Perched on a Chilean mountaintop, the telescope will point its eye at the southern sky for the next 10 years, taking hundreds of images per night.
Researchers hope Rubin’s observations will help them take a better census of the universe, mapping billions of stars in the Milky Way and billions more galaxies beyond it. It takes pictures quickly and will grab images of the same areas of sky multiple times, allowing scientists to glimpse fainter objects that previously eluded detection.
“We’re going to see large numbers of scientists across the world working with this data set, studying the universe in a way that they haven’t been able to before,” said Phil Mar-
“We’re going to see large numbers of scientists across the world working with this data set.”
Phil Marshall, Vera C. Rubin
Observatory
shall, the observatory’s deputy director of operations. Rubin released its rst images last year, including colorful shots of the Tri d and Lagoon nebulas located thousands of light-years from Earth. A light-year is nearly 6 trillion miles.
Since then, researchers have tuned up the equipment so it’s ready to take pictures at the depth and accuracy required for the decade-long survey. The images may help scientists discern how galaxies form and cluster over billions of years, and how the universe came to be.
Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Energy, the observatory is named after astronomer Vera Rubin, who o ered the rst tantalizing evidence that a mysterious material called dark matter might be lurking in the universe. Researchers hope the e ort may yield clues about dark matter as well as an equally puzzling force known as dark energy.
JORDAN GOLSON / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
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TAKE NOTICE NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE
SALE
WHEREAS, on June 5, 2015, a certain Deed of Trust was executed by Walter Breyer and Judith K. Breyer as grantor in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for One Reverse Mortgage, LLC, its successors and assigns as bene ciary and Michael Lyon as trustee, and was recorded on June 9, 2015 in Book 01801 at Page 0227 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds, Chatham County, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the Deed of Trust was insured by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (the Secretary) pursuant to the National Housing Act for the purpose of providing single family housing; and WHEREAS, the bene cial interest in the Deed of Trust is now owned by the Secretary, pursuant to an assignment dated October 26, 2023 and recorded on November 17, 2023 in Book 2389 at Page 1075, in the o ce of the Register of Deeds, Chatham County, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the Secretary is the present holder of the Note secured by the above-referenced Deed of Trust; and WHEREAS, Grantor has died and the Property described below is not the principal residence of at least one surviving borrower; and WHEREAS, the default upon which this foreclosure and the acceleration of the secured indebtedness is based, is as follows: That under Paragraph 6(A)(i) of the above-referenced Note and Paragraph 10(A)(i) of the above-referenced Deed of Trust, upon death of the Borrower/Grantor, should the Property not remain the principal residence of at least one surviving Borrower, the Secretary has the right to demand, and the Secretary has demanded, the immediate payment in full of all outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest; and WHEREAS, a default has occurred under the terms and conditions of the above Note and Deed of Trust, in that a demand has been made for the immediate payment in full of all outstanding principal and accrued interest, which remains unpaid; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of June 11, 2026 is $475,098.63; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on May 15, 2026, in Book 2526 at Page 633 of the Chatham County Register of Deeds, notice is hereby given that on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. local time, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises (“Property”) will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: BEING ALL of Lot 697, Phase Two, Section II, Final Plat, FEARRINGTON WOODS, as shown in Plat Slide 90- 214, Chatham County Registry, to which slide reference is hereby made for a more particular description. *** Commonly known as:697 Spindlewood, Pittsboro, NC 27312 The sale will be held at the place where foreclosure sales are customarily held at the Chatham County Courthouse located in Pittsboro, North Carolina. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $482,994.08.
CREDITOR’S NOTICE
Having quali ed on the 10th day of June 2026, as Executor of the Estate of Linda Sue Collura, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.
This is the 10th day of June 2026. George M. Desocio, Executor of the Estate of Linda Sue Collura 366 W. Salisbury Street Pittsboro, N.C., 27312
Attorneys: Law O ces of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330
Publish On: June 18th, June 25th, July 2nd and July 9th of 2026 NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION
CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO. 22CvD000597-180 COUNTY OF CHATHAM Plainti , NOTICE OF SERVICE OF vs. PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
IVEY J. PAGE a/k/a IVEY J. PAIGE, et al Defendants.
TO: The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of JOHN BURNETT a/k/a JOHN BURNETTE and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of LUCY STONE and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, and The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of BUDDIE STONE a/k/a BURTIS STONE and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder
A pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled action and notice of service of process by publication began on June 18, 2026. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Foreclosure on tax parcel(s) more completely described in the Complaint, to collect delinquent ad valorem taxes (assessments). Plainti seeks to extinguish any and all claim or interest that you may have in said property. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days after the date of the rst publication of notice stated above, exclusive of such date, being forty (40) days after June 18, 2026, or by July 28, 2026, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service of process by publication will apply to the Court for relief sought. This the 11th day of June, 2026.
ZACCHAEUS LEGAL SERVICES
By: ____________________________________
Mark D. Bardill/Mark B. Bardill
Attorney for Plainti NC Bar #12852/56782
310 W. Jones St. P. O. Box 25 Trenton, North Carolina 28585
Telephone: (252) 448-4541
Publication dates:
June 18, 2026
June 25, 2026 July 2, 2026
CREDITOR’S NOTICE
Having quali ed on the 4th day of JUNE 2026, as Administrator of the Estate of Jackie Watson, aka, Jackie Klingler Watson, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.
This is the 9th day of June 2026.
Robert Hendrickson, Administrator of the Estate of Jackie Watson, aka, Jackie Klingler Watson 303 Old Camp Church Road Carrollton, GA 30117
Attorneys: Law O ces of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Publish On: June 18th and 25th, July 2nd and 9th, 2026.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of ROBIN LOU FLYER, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before September 12, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This the 11th day of June, 2026.
Lynn Marie Flyer
Executor of the Estate of Robin Lou Flyer
177 Pine View Acres P.O. Box 535 Goldston, NC 27252 Leigh Anne Kasias Wyatt Early Harris Wheeler LLP
1912 Eastchester Drive, Ste 400 High Point, NC 27265
336-884-4444 Publication dates: June 11, 18, 25; July 2, 2026.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of THOMAS R. FLYER, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before September 12, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This the 11th day of June, 2026. Lynn Marie Flyer
Executor of the Estate of Thomas R. Flyer
177 Pine View Acres
P.O. Box 535 Goldston, NC 27252
Leigh Anne Kasias
Wyatt Early Harris Wheeler LLP
1912 Eastchester Drive, Ste 400 High Point, NC 27265
336-884-4444 Publication dates: June 11, 18, 25; July 2, 2026.
NOTICE
ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against George Richard Meinig, Jr., deceased, of Chatham, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before September 11th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 11th day of June, 2026. Ms. Janet Meinig, Executor Estate of George Richard Meinig, Jr. c/o Roberson Law Firm 1829 E. Franklin St., Ste. 800C Chapel Hill, NC 27514 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHATHAM COUNTY WILLIAM ROLAND RIGGSBEE, Petitioner v. JACQUELINE RIGGSSBEE COBB, et al., Respondents (26SP000022-180) TO: JACQUELYNE ALLEN
Take notice that a petition seeking relief against you was led on February 10, 2026 in the above partition action. The nature of this action is as follows: petition for partition and sale of real property located at Parcel Number 978500098544 and being 162 Joes Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. You are required to make defense to such petition no later than 40 days after the date of the rst publication of this Notice and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. Wesley A. Stewart, Esq., 5410 Trinity Rd., Ste. 210, Raleigh, NC, 27607, Petitioner’s Attorney. J18, 25 and 2
Notice to Creditors
Estate of Patricia Ann Woodall
File No. 25E000453-180
All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Patricia Ann Woodall, deceased of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before September 25th, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 25th day of June, 2026. George Wallace Woodall, Executor c/o James S. Adcock III, PA 135 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
CHATHAM COUNTY
HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Dorothy Paschal Frazier of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 16th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
This the 10th day of June, 2026. Kenneth Broughton Frazier, Executor Of the Estate of Dorothy Paschal Frazier 3146 Shelly Graham Drive Graham, North Carolina 27253 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
HAVING QUALIFIED as Co-Administrators of the Estate of Mary Jane Owens of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 17th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
This the 11th day of June, 2026.
Robert Keith Owens, Co-Administrator
Of the Estate of Mary Jane Owens 4024 Devils Tramping Ground Bear Creek, North Carolina 27207 Tammy Owens Kirkman, Co-Administrator 1729 N. Main Street Goldston, North Carolina 27252
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
HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Hoyle Edwin Beckwith of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
This the 4th day of June, 2026. Daniel Kevin Beckwith, Executor Of the Estate of Hoyle Edwin Beckwith 139 Black Horse Run Bear Creek, North Carolina 27207 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp
NOTICE
ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations holding claims against Kathryn Ellen Moss, deceased, of Chatham County, NC are noti ed to exhibit same to the undersigned on or before September 14th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 11th day of June 2026. Ryan Robert Merriam, Exec., c/o Clarity Legal Group, PO Box 2207, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
26E000362-180
ALL persons having claims against Estate of Gent Hito, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Oct 02 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.
This the 2nd day of July, 2026. ENTON P. HITO, Executor C/O Schell Bray PLLC P.O. Box 21847 Greensboro, NC 27420 J2, 9, 16 and 23
EXECUTORS NOTICE
TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against KATHIE SUE ASHKENES, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, are hereby noti ed to present their claims by mailing them to Lenfestey, Maxie & Burger, PLLC , attorneys for the Executor of the Estate, at 127 W. Hargett Street, Suite 301, PMB 190, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601, on or before the 13th day of September, 2026, or such claims will be forever barred. Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Estate through its attorneys. File No.: 26E000305-180
This the 11th day of June, 2026. Alex Daniel Ashkenes, Executor of the Estate J11, 18, 25 and 2
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#26E000322-180
The undersigned Douglas Pierce Leonard, having quali ed on the 22nd Day of JUNE 2026 as Executor of the Estate of ANNA LEE LEONARD, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 2ND Day OF OCTOBER 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 2ND DAY OF JULY 2026.
DOUGLAS PIERCE LEONARD, EXECUTOR 637 SILVERBERRY ROAD PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: Jy2,9,16,23p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#26E000300-180
The undersigned DAVID ALEXANDER CLEMENT, JR., having quali ed on the 1ST Day of JUNE 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of CHARLES LOWELL THOMAS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 18TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 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 JUNE 2026.
DAVID ALEXANDER CLEMENT, JR., EXECUTOR 2808 SEAFORTH ROAD PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: J18,J25,Jy2,9
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#26E000317-180
The undersigned Timothy Perry, having quali ed on the 11th Day of JUNE 2026 as Administrator of the Estate of CLYDE BERNICE PERRY, JR., deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 25TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 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 25TH DAY OF JUNE 2026.
TIMOTHY PERRY, ADMINISTRATOR
2880 PETE ROBERTON ROAD
PITTSBORO, NC 27312
Run dates: J25,Jy2,9,16p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#26E000226-180
The undersigned ROBERT L. HAITHCOX AND CHARLOTTE E. HAITHCOX, having quali ed on the 17TH Day of APRIL 2026 as CO-EXECUTORS of the Estate of EDNA N. HAITHCOX, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 11TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 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 JUNE 2026.
ROBERT L. HAITHCOX, CO-EXECUTOR
3555 OLD HWY 1 PO BOX 232
MONCURE, NC 27559
CHARLOTTE E. HAITHCOX, CO-EXECUTOR
3557 OLD HWY 1 PO BOX 146 MONCURE, NC 27559 Run dates: J11,18,J25,Jy2
CREDITOR’S NOTICE
Having quali ed on the 9th day of June 2026, as Administrator of the Estate of Johnny Scott Rhoades, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment. This is the 10th of June 2026.
W. Woods Doster, Administrator of the Estate of Johnny Scott Rhoades 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330
Attorneys: Law O ces of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330
Publish On: June 18th, 25th and July 2nd and 9th 2026.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#25E000297-180
The undersigned CAROLYN CHEEK, having quali ed on the 22ND Day of MAY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of WILLIE MAY THOMPSON, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 18TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 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 JUNE 2026. CAROLYN CHEEK, EXECUTOR 338 CLARENCE MCKEITHAN ROAD SANFORD, NC 27330 Run dates: J18,J25,Jy2,9
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#26E000220-180 The undersigned Lillie M. Alston, having quali ed on the 15th Day of APRIL 2026 as Administrator of the Estate of SONJA MARIE WILSON, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 18TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 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 JUNE 2026. LILLIE M. ALSTON, ADMINISTRATOR PO BOX 1545 PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: J18,J25,Jy2,9
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#26E000310-180 The undersigned ELIZABETH ANN HEATHERLEY, having quali ed on the 2ND Day of JUNE 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of ERSKINE X. HEATHERLEY, JR., deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 18TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 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 JUNE 2026. ELIZABETH ANN HEATHERLEY, EXECUTOR 3548 CRAWFORD DAIRY RD. CHAPEL HILL, NC 27516 Run dates: J18,J25,Jy2,9
Notice of Public Hearings Town of Siler City The following items will be considered by the Siler City Board of Commissioners as legislative hearings. The hearings will be conducted during the Board of Commissioner’s meeting on Monday, July 20, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the court room located in the Siler
for an Event Center, Limited. This property is located at 1311 Old US 421 S and is identi ed as Parcel Number 14550 in the Chatham County Tax Records.
CASE S26-001: The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider the renaming of Hill Street to McClain Street.
The proposed item is available for review by contacting Tim Garner at tgarner@silercity.gov or 919-726-8628. All persons interested in the outcome of this item are invited to attend the legislative hearing and present comments, testimony, and exhibits on the above referenced item.
Interested parties may also submit written comments. Written comments can be submitted by email to tgarner@silercity.gov. Individuals desiring to speak may sign up by registering their name and information on the sign-up sheet, located outside the entry doors to the court room.
The Town of Siler City will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled persons are provided other accommodations, such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing taped cassettes of materials for the blind, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings.
This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact Briana Martinez at 919-726-8620, 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, North Carolina 27344, or bmartinez@ silercity.gov for accommodations for this request. Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Kimberly Pickard al bmartinez@silercity.gov o 919-726-8625 o en 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, North Carolina 27344 de alojamiento para esta solicitud.
EXECUTORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against Willie R. Parker, Jr., deceased of Chatham County, North Carolina, are hereby noti ed to present their claims by mailing them to Cheryl Parker Jarmon, Executor of the Estate of Willie R. Parker, Jr., 1901 Village Crossing Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517 before the 2nd day of October, 2026, or such claims will be forever barred. Debtors of the decent are requested to make immediate payment to the Estate through its Executor. File No.: 26-E-000350-180
This is the 2nd day of July, 2026 Published July 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Kathy VanLeur Moll, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ces of Munson Law Firm PLLC, P.O. Box 1811 Pittsboro, NC 27312, on or before the 2nd day of October, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 2nd day of July, 2026.
LESLIE LEMUS SOTELO, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF KATHY VANLEUR MOLL
Supreme Court upholds state laws restricting girls’ athletic teams at schools to biological females only
State bans don’t violate Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education
By Mark Sherman The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams, in another setback for transgender people.
The court’s six-justice conservative majority, which has repeatedly ruled against transgender Americans in the past year, ruled that state bans in Idaho and West Virginia don’t violate the Constitution. The court unanimously agreed that barring transgender girls and women also doesn’t run afoul of the federal law known as Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court that, “states may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.”
More than two dozen other Republican-led states have adopted bans on female transgen-
der athletes, and the decision seems certain to extend to them as well.
Left unresolved by the outcome are lawsuits challenging state laws and regulations in Connecticut, California and elsewhere that permit transgender athletes to compete consistent with their gender identity.
Becky Pepper-Jackson, a 16-year-old high school sophomore in Bridgeport, West Virginia, has been taking puberty-blocking medication, has publicly identi ed as a girl since age 8 and has been issued a West Virginia birth certi cate recognizing her as female. She is the only transgender person who has sought to compete in girls sports in West Virginia.
Pepper-Jackson has progressed from a back-of-the-pack cross-country runner in middle school to statewide champion in the shot put. She beat the second-place nisher by two feet in last month’s West Virginia championship meet.
In the Idaho case, Lindsay Hecox sued over the state’s rstin-the-nation ban for the chance to try out for the women’s track and cross-country teams at Boise State University in Idaho.
“States may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.”
Justice Brett Kavanaugh
She didn’t make either squad because “she was too slow,” her lawyer, Kathleen Hartnett, told the court during arguments in January, but she competed in club-level soccer and running. Prominent women in sports have weighed in on both sides. Tennis champion Martina Navratilova, swimmers Summer Sanders and Donna de Varona and beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings are supporting the state bans. Soccer stars Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn and basketball players Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart back the transgender athletes.
In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled LGBTQ people are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace, nding that “sex plays an unmistakable role” in employ-
ers’ decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate.
But last year, the six conservative justices on the nine-member court declined to apply the same sort of analysis when they upheld state bans on gender-afrming care for transgender minors.
The states supporting the prohibitions on transgender athletes argued there is no reason to extend the ruling barring workplace discrimination to Title IX.
Idaho’s law, state Solicitor General Alan Hurst said, is “necessary for fair competition because, where sports are concerned, men and women are obviously not the same.”
Lawyers for Pepper-Jackson argued that such distinctions generally make sense but that their client has none of those advantages because of the unique circumstances of her early transition. In Hecox’s case, her lawyers wanted the court to dismiss the case because she had forsworn trying to play on women’s teams.
NCAA president Charlie Baker told Congress in 2024 that he was aware of only 10 transgen-
Virginia to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in retail stores beginning in 2027
The law doubles the possession limit and creates a regulated market to undercut illicit sales
By Sarah Rankin The Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. — Five years after becoming the rst Southern state to legalize possession of marijuana, Virginia has approved a legal way to sell it to recreational users.
State budget legislation enacted Monday will allow up to 350 cannabis shops to open across Virginia beginning July 1, 2027. The move marks the latest expansion of access to the drug — which remains illegal at the federal level — through state-level policymaking.
“Virginia legalized adult possession years ago, but without a regulated retail market, we left the illicit market to ll the gap,” state Sen. Lashrecse Aird, a Democrat and legislative leader on the issue, said in a statement earlier this month.
“This compromise gives us a smarter and safer path forward — one that protects consumers, keeps products tested and accurately labeled, and creates a legal marketplace that is affordable and accessible enough to actually compete.”
Here’s what to know about Virginia’s new law, the long process of enabling retail sales and how the state’s changes t into the national picture:
SPENDING from page A1
promise today.”
Three conservative justices would have allowed the restrictions to take e ect.
“The Court today takes the extraordinary step of holding facially unconstitutional the President’s Order excluding from citizenship the children of foreign temporary visitors and illegal aliens,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in a 91-page dissent, more than three times as long as Roberts’ opinion. “In doing so, the Court adds to the sad history of the Fourteenth Amendment, which was designed and understood to secure equal rights for the freed blacks but has instead been repurposed for political projects that the Reconstruction Congress did not support.”
The Republican president’s restrictions had been blocked by several lower courts and had
Virginia’s law allows new stores, higher possession limit
Virginia already had a medical marijuana program that allowed patients to purchase the drug through dispensaries. Now, state regulators will begin accepting applications for retail licenses on Feb. 1, ahead of the July 1, 2027, start date for recreational sales to adults 21 and older.
The law increases the state’s possession limit from 1 ounce to 2 ounces (28 grams to 57 grams) and it will continue to allow people to cultivate a small number of plants at home.
The state will levy an excise tax on top of its sales tax, and that mix is expected to generate about $51 million in reve-
not taken e ect anywhere in the U.S.
During arguments in April, both conservative and liberal justices questioned the order’s legality in a momentous case that was magni ed by Trump’s unprecedented attendance in the courtroom.
The case framed another test of Trump’s assertions of executive power that defy long-standing precedent for a court with a conservative majority and a robust view of presidential power that has largely ruled in his favor. In the notable exceptions when the court has not, Trump has responded with starkly personal criticisms of the justices.
The justices ruled on Trump’s appeal of a lower-court ruling from New Hampshire that struck down the citizenship restrictions.
The birthright citizenship order, which Trump signed on
nue for the state in the program’s rst year, according to legislative budget documents.
Advocates of legalization are heralding the changes
Democrats have driven the state’s push toward legalization and recreational retail sales. They have cast the issue as a matter of equity after state data found Black Virginians were disproportionately policed and convicted of using marijuana. Only a sliver of the state’s Republican lawmakers have backed legalization, and many have raised public safety and health concerns.
Legalization advocates have generally cheered Virginia’s legislation, though many objected to a provision increasing the civil ne for public consump-
the rst day of his second term, is part of his administration’s broad immigration crackdown.
Birthright citizenship was the rst Trump immigration-related policy to reach the court for a nal ruling. The justices previously struck down global tari s Trump had imposed under an emergency powers law that had never been used that way.
Trump reacted furiously to the late February tari s decision, saying he was ashamed of the justices who ruled against him and calling them unpatriotic.
He also seemed to recognize the court was likely to rule against him on birthright citizenship, too, using his Truth Social platform to criticize “dumb judges and justices” and wealthy pregnant women from China and elsewhere who come to the U.S. to give birth so their newborns will have American
der athletes out of more than half a million students on college teams. But despite the small numbers, the issue has taken on outsize importance.
Baker’s NCAA and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees banned transgender women from women’s sports after President Donald Trump, a Republican, signed an executive order aimed at barring their participation.
The public generally is supportive of the limits. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research poll conducted in October 2025 found that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults “strongly” or “somewhat” favored requiring transgender children and teenagers to compete only on sports teams that match the sex they were assigned at birth, not the gender they identify with, while about 2 in 10 were “strongly” or “somewhat” opposed and about one-quarter did not have an opinion.
About 2.1 million adults, or 0.8%, and 724,000 people ages 13 to 17, or 3.3%, identify as transgender in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.
Federal laws are at odds with state changes
Despite the fact that nearly all states permit some form of cannabis use, the U.S. government maintains its longstanding prohibition on the drug.
“Virginia legalized adult possession years ago, but without a regulated retail market, we left the illicit market to ll the gap.”
State Sen. Lashrecse Aird, Democratic legislative leader on the issue
tion, arguing it could again lead to disproportionate enforcement based on race.
Chelsea Higgs Wise, a grassroots organizer whose group Marijuana Justice was among those that called on Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger to rethink the increased ne, said the legislation was still an exciting development after years of uncertainty.
For the past ve years, “Adults that want to reasonably consume have been confused, rightfully so,” she said.
Virginia is an outlier in the South
Marijuana is legal in most U.S. states for either medicinal or recreational use, with about half allowing it for recreational use, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, which advocates for legalization and tracks policy developments around the country. Virginia remains an outlier in the South for its permissive approach.
citizenship. Trump’s order would have upended widely held views that the 14th Amendment confers citizenship on everyone born in the U.S., excluding only the children of foreign diplomats and those born to a foreign occupying force. The amendment was intended to ensure that Black people, including former slaves, had citizenship, though the Citizenship Clause is written more broadly. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” it reads. In a series of decisions, lower courts have struck down Trump’s executive order as illegal. The decisions have invoked the high court’s 1898 ruling in Wong Kim Ark, which held that the U.S.-born child of Chinese
But in a major policy shift, the Trump administration in April announced it was reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug and accelerating the process for a broader reclassi cation.
How Virginia got here
During the 2010s, Virginia gradually expanded access to marijuana for medical treatment. Then, in 2021, Virginia became the rst Southern state to legalize marijuana with the passage of a law that allowed adults 21 and over to possess and cultivate the drug.
But lawmakers didn’t fully enact a framework for retail sales outside of the state’s medical marijuana program. Partisan control of Virginia government ipped in November 2021, and the issue stalled out for years. In 2024, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have established recreational retail sales.
Spanberger, who assumed ofce in January 2026, pledged support during her winning campaign for legislation setting up a retail market. While the governor did veto Democratic legislation that emerged from this year’s legislative session, she eventually worked out a compromise with lawmakers. Those provisions were rolled into a state budget bill that reached nal passage Monday and now becomes law, according to the governor’s o ce, after lawmakers accepted all of Spanberger’s amendments.
nationals was a citizen.
The Trump administration argued that the common view of citizenship is wrong, asserting that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore are not entitled to citizenship.
More than one-quarter of a million babies born in the U.S. each year would have been affected by the executive order, according to research by the Migration Policy Institute and Pennsylvania State University’s Population Research Institute.
While Trump has largely focused on illegal immigration in his rhetoric and actions, the birthright citizenship restrictions also would have applied to people who are legally in the United States, including students and applicants for green cards, or permanent resident status.
STEVE HELBER / AP PHOTO
A cannibis plant that is close to harvest grows in a grow room at the Greenleaf Medical Cannabis facility in Richmond, Va., June 17, 2021.
CHATHAM SPORTS
Summer Heat Jamboree gives early look at basketball teams
Northwood, Chatham Central and Woods gear up for the winter
By Asheebo Rojas
Chatham News & Record
BEAR CREEK — The road to March is already underway for Chatham County’s high school basketball teams.
Chatham Central’s boys hosted the Summer Heat Jamboree on June 23, featuring Northwood, Woods Charter, Bethany Community, Union Pines and Garner.
The teams, although not fully rostered, gave a sneak peak of what to expect in the winter. Here are some early takeaways from the local teams featured in the event.
Chatham Central
After a 16-10 campaign in the spring, including a third round exit in the 1A playo s, the Bears are reloading with old and new blood.
During a double digit win over Bethany Community at the jamboree, junior guards Brooks and Turner Albright showcased
“The rising ninth graders and rising 10th graders, they’re showing up.”
Stacey Harris
how explosive Chatham Central’s o ense can be with their on-court chemistry and Brooks’ ability to create and make shots. Often behind the twins for cleanup was junior Gavin Williams, who looks to add an athletic wrinkle to the Bears’ line-
ASHEEBO ROJAS / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Berry runs with his Youth Hoops campers in a 2026 summer session.
From Youth Hoops to adulthood: local camps leave lasting e ect
Berry’s camps give back to its participants and sta
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
CHAPEL HILL — Over the course of nearly two decades, a basketball vacancy turned into a foundation for impact.
While he was beginning his tenure as the growing Woods Charter basketball coach in
2008, John Berry, now the boys’ basketball coach at Seaforth, received some advice from his mentor.
“(Ray Fredrick) from the Bouncing Bulldogs said, ‘Man, you should start some camps.
It’s a big void,’” Berry said. “The whole intent initially was to build a pipeline of kids that potentially would go to Woods, and I can have these players.”
At the time, the idea t right up Berry’s alley. Coaching basketball had been a passion of
his for years, and he was looking for a way to reassure himself nancially after bills and debt from big purchases began to pile up.
So, Berry held his rst basketball camp at Woods Charter in the summer of 2008, hosting 14 kids. He started at one session per week but eventually built it up to four. Then, it was year-round. Now, it’s Youth Hoops, and it pays back in ways
See CAMPS, page BX
up with rebounds and putbacks. Younger faces that didn’t make much impact last season also had some bright moments.
Sophomore Tysen Schmidt, a lengthy versatile forward, and freshman Montrell Perkins showed that they could contribute o ensively on the varsity level.
“The rising ninth graders and rising 10th graders, they’re showing up,” Stacey Harris said. “They’re playing really hard. The culture that we’ve kind of created here is you’ve got to make knockdown shots and shockingly, they’re able to
do that coming in. And so, once we put some weight on them, get in the weight room, hopefully, they’ll help us continue to be better.”
With the graduation of seniors Simon Sabbagh, Jeremiah Young and Westley Brower, the Bears are also welcoming some experienced pieces from down the road. Although they’ve yet to join Chatham Central on the court, junior forward Matthew Victorino and junior guard Nolan Mitchell, former Jordan-Matthews Jets, will look to add some more athleticism and size to the Bears’ lineup this winter.
Northwood
Per Northwood coach Matt Brown, the Chargers don’t rebuild. They just “keep going.”
The Chatham News & Record Pitcher of the Year will head west
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
NORTHWOOD senior Finn
Sullivan will graduate from mounds to mountains after high school. Sullivan announced his commitment to the App State baseball program on June 19. He will join the Mountaineers as a pitcher.
Prior to his commitment, Sullivan held six o ers and was contacted by schools across the ACC, CAA, Sun Belt, Big South and American conferences.
“I think for (App State), the biggest thing for me was building a relationship with the coaching sta ,” Sullivan said. “They reached out in early spring at the start of the season, and kind of just kept building that relationship into the summer.”
The App State coaching sta got a chance to watch Sullivan at a tournament following the end of his high school season and scheduled a visit shortly after.
“Some stu for me that was big was they’re renovating their indoor facilities, and they’re redoing their pitching building,” Sullivan said.
Said Sullivan, “Obviously, you see it online all the time,
“The program, the coaching sta , is a big family type of feel.”
Finn Sullivan
the eld in the fall, and the all turf eld was a big thing also with the facilities. And also, just the culture. The program, the coaching sta , is a big family type of feel.”
This past spring, Sullivan notched a 1.00 ERA, 98 strikeouts and limited opponents to a .150 batting average in 60 innings pitched. At the plate, he batted .380 with ve doubles, two triples, two homers, 27 RBIs and seven stolen bases. He picked up a plethora of accolades as a junior, including Four Rivers 3A/4A Conference and Chatham News & Record Pitcher of the Year, North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association All-State and a Body Armor State Games selection. Sullivan is next in a line of former Chargers that went on to play Division I baseball, including Johnny Baldwin (Campbell), Benji Johnson (UNC), Davis Palermo (UNC) and Austin Brice, who committed to App State but instead signed with the Marlins after they selected him in the 2010 MLB Draft.
ASHEEBO ROJAS / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Northwood’s Raje Torres looks to drive against Woods Charter in a preseason scrimmage.
Torris Price
Chatham Charter, track
Chatham Charter rising senior Torris Price earns athlete of the week honors for the week of June 22.
At the Adidas Track National Championship last week, Price set a new personal best and took home the Championship Elite boys’ one mile title with a time of 4 minutes, 16.53 seconds. He also placed seventh in the National Elite two-mile with a new personal record of 9:38.82. Price was part of the Knights’ boys’ National Elite 4x400 relay team that set a new best of 3:35.15.
Price has had a huge 2026 in track, winning state titles in the outdoor and indoor 1,600 and the indoor 1,000.
Oldham is the District 5 1A Player of the Year
Locals earn All-District honors 17
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
THE NORTH Carolina Softball Coaches Association released its All-District awards last week.
Chatham County, part of District 5, saw 17 athletes selected. The All-District teams were organized by classi cation.
Here are the local selections.
Sallie Oldham (Chatham Central, 1A Player of the Year)
Senior out elder Oldham was crowned the District 5 1A Player of the Year and earned All-District honors for the third straight season. This past spring, Oldham led the Bears in runs (45), doubles (16) and triples (seven), and she tied with Lillie Poe and Maddie Kaczmarczyk at the top of the team’s RBI list (36). She batted .489 and logged a career-high 43 hits.
Chloe Brewer (Chatham Central)
Chloe Brewer earned All-District honors for the second time. During her junior season, the second baseman led the Bears in stolen bases with 19 on the season. She recorded a .402 batting average with 35 hits, 18 RBIs and six doubles.
Lillie Poe (Chatham Central)
Poe, a freshman rst baseman, couldn’t have had a better start to her high school career. She batted .524 and notched 36 runs, 44 hits, 13 doubles, ve triples and three home runs. Poe was one of two freshmen to earn District 5 1A All-District honors.
Maeson Smith (Chatham Central)
Smith earned an All-District selection for the rst time following her junior season. She posted solid showings in the circle, logging a 3.16 ERA with a 6-0 record, 46 strikeouts and 15 walks. At the plate, she batted .385 with 30 hits, 14 RBIs and six doubles.
Chatham County softball players notch All-District selections
Maddie Kaczmarczyk (Chatham Central)
As a junior, Kaczmarczyk led the Bears in batting average (.542) and hits (45) and logged 31 runs, 11 doubles and three homers. In the circle, the ace notched a career-best 1.96 ERA with 139 strikeouts and 35 walks. This is Kaczmarczyk’s third All-District selection.
Allison Bryant (Northwood)
Bryant, one of Northwood’s three seniors, earned her rst All-District honor. At the plate, the third baseman batted .360 with 18 runs, 27 hits, 24 RBIs, four doubles and a home run.
Tessa Cobler (Northwood)
Northwood second baseman Cobler was part of the Chargers’ standout freshman class, batting .361 and logging 21 runs, 26 hits 19 RBIs and three doubles.
Ruby Parks (Northwood)
Parks, the freshman catcher and shortstop, stepped up as one of the Chargers’ most impactful players this past spring. She set a new single-season stolen bases record for the program (49) while posting teambests of a .441 batting average, 41 runs and 30 hits.
Logan Thompson (Northwood)
Thompson established herself as the top pitcher in the Four Rivers 3A/4A conference as a freshman. She went 13-1 and achieved a 2.64 ERA with 176 strikeouts and 33 walks. At the plate, she batted .316 with 17 runs, 25 hits, a team-best 26 RBIs and six doubles.
Lilli Hicks (Jordan-Matthews)
Hicks ended her high school
career with her third straight All-District selection. She once again led the Jets in the circle with a 4.10 ERA, 131 strikeouts and 69 walks. Offensively, she batted .328 with 31 runs, 22 hits, four doubles and two triples.
Ella Parks (Jordan-Matthews)
Parks, Jets’ third baseman, hit the ground running as a freshman, logging a .417 batting average with 19 runs, 30 hits, 29 RBIs and 14 doubles.
Cami Brinkley (Seaforth)
Brinkley, the senior outfielder, earner her second All-District selection. She batted .370 and logged 15 runs, 27 hits, 17 RBIs, six doubles and 12 stolen bases.
Alyssa Harris (Seaforth)
Sophomore first baseman Harris earned All-District honors for the first time. She notched a .403 batting average with 16 runs, 25 hits, 20 RBIs, five doubles and five home runs.
Blair Hill (Seaforth)
Hill, the sophomore third baseman, had a huge season to earn her first All-District selection. She batted .425 with 27 runs, 31 hits, 17 RBIs, two doubles, two triples and a home run.
Emma Grace Hill (Seaforth)
Hill was once again a twoway force for the Hawks in her junior season, earning her third straight All-District selection. She batted .573 with 16 runs, 43 hits, 41 RBIs, six doubles and 10 homers. The Big Seven 4A/5A Pitcher of the Year posted a 2.29 ERA with 176 strikeouts and 57 walks in the circle.
Annika Johansson (Seaforth)
Johansson’s stellar hitting earned her third All-District selection as a junior. The shortstop led the Hawks with a .658 batting average and logged 45 runs, 50 hits, 24 RBIs, 13 doubles, 11 triples and three home runs.
Abigail Johnson (Seaforth)
Junior second baseman Johnson earned her first All-District selection. Johnson batted .300 with 25 runs, 18 hits, eight RBIs, two doubles, a home run and 17 stolen bases.
ASHEEBO ROJAS / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Local youth programs took on the big stage last week
Hornets win NTBA title, West Chatham plays in state tournament 2
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record Carolina Hornets
CAROLINA HORNETS
13U, a local Nike Jr. EYBL girls’ basketball team, won the NTBA Seventh Grade National Championship in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Sunday.
The Hornets, coached by Siler City natives Ryan and Jarred Siler and consisting of multiple players from Chatham County, defeated Charlotte Dream Elite 52-46 in the gold bracket nal. Leading up to the championship game, Carolina beat 910 Lady Phoenix 49-29 in the second round, and it dominated Lady Attack LKN 45-20 in the semi nal.
While winning the seventh
grade title, the Hornets also played in the ninth grade gold bracket, nishing as the runner-up to the Upstate Lady Sting. Ryan Siler said the team was looking to face tougher competition in preparation for the Nike Session III in Las Vegas (July 10-13) and the Nike Nationals in Chicago (July 2427).
The latest championship run marked the seventh tournament title for the Hornets since their season began in March.
The girls that also play with the Carolina Magic have also continued to win tournaments outside of the Jr. EYBL circuit.
Carolina Magic, a local travel girls’ basketball team started by Ryan and Jarred Siler before the team started playing at the Jr. EYBL level with the Hornets, won the Teammate Basketball 7th Grade National Championship in Rock Hill, South Carolina on June 21.
West Chatham 8U teams represented the county in the DYB State Tournament
The Magic won the gold division nal over CSF Select ’31 48-36. They went 3-0 in pool play, including a 53-30 win over the runners-up.
In bracket play, the Magic beat Upstate Thunder (South Carolina) in a close 37-32 battle to advance to the championship game.
From this spring through the summer, the Magic’s middle school girls, with the seventh and eighth graders often playing in the ninth grade brackets, have claimed over seven tournament champion-
ships. The seventh grade team has been undefeated for over a year.
West Chatham 8U
The West Chatham 8U AllStars National and American baseball teams represented Chatham County at the 2026 North Carolina Diamond Youth Baseball State Tournament in Leland over the weekend.
The National team started with a 18-10 win over Fairmont Saturday. Lincoln Marsh went 3 for 4 with a team-high four RBIs. Following a 15-7 loss to Whiteville later that day, Murray Parker’s RBI double in the top of the sixth inning gave West Chatham the 9-8 lead it would hold onto to beat Topsail Sunday.
West Chatham’s National team lost to West Robeson Sunday and Hope Mills Monday.
The American team fought
hard but fell short of a win at the tournament. It lost its last three games by a combined ve runs. Belmont walked o a 1514 win over West Chatham with back-to-back RBI singles in the bottom of the sixth inning Saturday.
West Chatham then fell to West Robeson in a 19-16 o ensive duel Sunday.
Down 6-1 early against Topsail later that day, West Chatham’s comeback amed out in its nal batting turn, and it fell 7-6.
To qualify for the state tournament, the American team defeated the National team in the DYB District 1 tournament championship 14-4 on June 8.
The American roster includes Asier Sanchez, Gunner Smith, Brady Phillips, Hank Fields, Liles Hudson, Luke McNeill, Jamesley White, Beau Blakley, Teagan Palmatier, James Deaton, Chase Wilburn and Jesse Gooch.
The National team includes Benjamin Cox, Bentlee Baxter, Brenner Gregson, Carson Lynch, Cohen Bales, Connor Frye, Easton Godfrey, Jack Allen, Knox Stocum, Lincoln Marsh, Maddox Newlin and Murray Parker.
COURTESY RYAN SILER
Carolina Hornets celebrate its 2026 NTBA National Championship victory.
His rise as Northwood’s next high-level prospect started while playing T-ball in the Greenville area. At a very young age, Sullivan felt he had a “stronger arm” than his peers, and that carried over into little league days in Pittsboro.
“I moved to Raleigh and then to Pittsboro and started playing at East Chatham with Rick Parks as my coach,” Sullivan said. “And that’s why I started to see strides, you know, just separating myself on the mound.”
Said Sullivan, “Pitching wise, it really started to click for me into middle school.”
In the summer season leading into his freshman year at Northwood, Sullivan joined the South Charlotte Panthers, his current travel team. During his rst outing, he pitched a complete game against high-school aged batters that were already committed to college programs.
“I was like, ‘Ok, I can hang,’” Sullivan said. “’I can hang with these guys,’ and I think my condence took o from there.”
Sullivan earned a signicant role with the Chargers as a freshman, earning all-conference honors that season.
Throughout his sophomore year, Sullivan began sharpening his skills with Brice, someone he knew from afar until the two built a relationship.
“He’s a great guy, and I’m very fortunate I had him by my side for a little bit,” Sullivan said. Sullivan also credited coaches Chris Patton (Director of Pitching at Octane Baseball), Logan Bender (Director of Pitching Development at ArmStrong Performance) and Coby Ingle (founder of The Athletes Facility) for his con dence and development.
He’ll join an App State program that has made six NCAA tournament appearances and went 30-25 in 2026.
Special Olympics Airlift ies in athletes from across the country for national competition
The Arizona Cardinals team plane is one of several donated jets getting athletes to the national games
By John Marshall The Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS — Tires
squeak on the runway every three to four minutes, announcing arrivals from Phoenix, Omaha, Orlando, other points across the country.
The procession of Cessnas, Beechcraft, Hawkers, even a jumbo-sized Boeing 777, pulls up to two Minneapolis-St. Paul airports, whirring to a halt as anticipation inside the cabins builds. Doors open to heroes’ welcomes of cheers and high- ves, bringing big smiles to the faces of the passengers.
This is the Special Olympics Airlift, a parade of planes like no other.
“Traveling together makes us feel connected, supported and able to compete,” Team Arizona cheerleading athlete Brianna Sanchez said. “This experience is about more than competition. It’s about growth, leadership and showing what we can achieve.”
The Special Olympics have been a bastion of empowerment since Eunice Kennedy Shriver laid the groundwork for the rst Games in 1968, allowing people with intellectual disabilities to be recognized for the gifts they have, nd themselves being included instead of excluded.
The Special Olympics Airlift has been the driving — ying? — force for getting athletes to and from the Special Olympics for nearly 40 years.
Made up entirely of volunteer pilots, aircraft and crew, the Special Olympics Airlift has transported more than 10,000 athletes to the Special Olympics USA Games.
The airlift to this year’s Games, which wrap up Friday in Minneapolis, featured 130 ights from 25 cities carrying more than 800 athletes and covering nearly 300,000 round-trip nautical miles. Textron Aviation organizes the airlift and had 200 volunteers
on the ground last Friday to handle everything from baggage to refueling to manning the tugs to move the aircraft around.
“It’s a massive e ort, as you can imagine,” Textron President and CEO Ron Draper said. “But it’s very rewarding to do something for other people and, in this case, you see the immediate feedback and appreciation from those athletes and those teams. That’s why we do it.”
The airlift is coordinated with the FAA, which redirects air tra c in the central U.S. most of the day and has a team on site. The aircraft, manned by Textron’s customers, receive special “Dove” call signs and receive priority handling within the US National Airspace System. Half of St. Paul Downtown Airport shut down to accommodate the airlift, with volunteers and Special Olympics o cials on the ground providing rousing welcomes for each group of athletes.
“For many, it’s the rst time they get to ride on an airplane,” said Prent Corporation’s Chris Clawson, pilot of Dove 1, the rst to land in Minneapolis-St. Paul. “Transportation is not something they need to stress about — they can actually enjoy it.”
Members of the Arizona and New Mexico delegations — roughly 170 people — got a special treat, ying on the Arizona Cardinals’ team plane out of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. They not only sat in the same seats NFL players use, it was a rst-class experience that included gift bags and meal service — build-yourown burger, Southwest chicken burrito or Mediterranean
Despite the graduation of key starters Cam Fowler, the 202425 CNR Player of the Year, Chad Graves, an East-West All-Star along with Fowler, and Bakari Watkins, the culture that has brought Northwood years of success was still on display in the jamboree.
The Chargers dominated Woods Charter and Union Pines with their signature high-intensity full court and half court defensive pressure.
Sophomore guard Asaiah Sherrod covered a lot of ground, coming away with multiple steals and de ections from
CAMPS from page B1
money can’t buy.
Youth Hoops basketball camps welcome kids aged 6-14 for skills development with a focus on fundamentals. The sessions, ranging from larger camps to private lessons, are held at various locations in North Chatham and Chapel Hill.
It’s not just Berry giving out instruction. Youth Hoops campers can take in basketball knowledge from other local high school coaches like Andre Nabors (Seaforth boys’ assistant) and John Alcox (Carrboro girls’ assistant). Former Northwood basketball standout Deuce Powell, the older brother of Brooklyn Nets wing Drake Powell, has also been on sta for six years.
“It’s kind of a nice way to kind of introduce kids to basketball and just kind of seeing where
jumping passing lanes. On the other end, he knocked down some open shots. Senior guards Asher Brooks and Raje Torres orchestrated the o ense, and the tandem of forwards Tolson O’Daniel (sophomore) and Tripp O’Leary (junior) provided opportunities for easy looks at the rim. Along with his strong nishes, O’Daniel showcased his ability to shoot from beyond the arc.
“Asaiah and Tolson are stepping up big time,” Brown said.
“And then, we got a couple of freshman guys from the JV squad from last year that are going to have major minutes too this year. So, I mean, I think
they are on a skill level,” Ernest Brown, the father of 7-yearold camper Tripp Brown, said. “Watching them kind of progress versus throwing them right into like, you know, playing on a team and playing games.” Numerous players who have attended the camp in their youth have gone on to have successful high school and even college careers.
Berry remembers having a huge impact on Jacob Martin, a SIU Edwardsville center who went to Chapel Hill prior to attending IMG. Martin started his college career at Alabama.
On the Youth Hoops Instagram page, Berry is seen helping Martin work on nishing through contact during a 2016 camp at Woods Charter.
we’re going to surprise a lot of people.”
Woods Charter
Coming o their rst playo win, Woods Charter is looking to take another step with much more experience this season.
The Wolves, boasting six seniors and a junior who have led the program to its most success in history, fell short of some tough competition against Garner (7A) and Northwood in the Jamboree. However, there were plenty of positive takeaways.
Senior standout Levi Haygood played with aggressiveness throughout the scrimmages and
“I love watching the kids get better and just nd that con dence
in themselves as well as helping them learn basketball.”
Powell
Deuce
But maybe one of his most impacted athletes, though, is former Seaforth star Katie Leonard.
Leonard rst attended a Youth Hoops camp in her early elementary days and was a regular.
“It taught me how to play with people I didn’t know,” Leonard, who will continue her career at Cornell, said. “And how to immediately use the stu that I learned that day and try to apply it later and then just compound
made opportunities for himself at the rim. Woods Charter coach Leonard McNair said he’s also been getting more con dent making outside shots.
Junior guard Campbell Blackburn was another big part of the Wolves’ o ense with his ability to hit from midrange. Senior guard Alden Phelps once again showed up as the oor general, helping slow the game down at the times the Wolves were sped up.
Younger players also made an impact in the scrimmages, especially sophomore guard EJ Eaglin. Eaglin showcased his quick handle and his ability to attack downhill for looks at the rim.
things. And (Berry) teaches a lot of life lessons, too.”
This summer, Leonard is helping coach at the Youth Hoops camps and so is Patrick Miller, one of Berry’s former Seaforth players. As former campers and players give back to the kids that they once were, Youth Hoops is giving young adults the chance to stay around the game of basketball in a productive way.
“I just love it,” Powell said. “I love watching the kids get better and just nd that con dence in themselves as well as helping them learn basketball.”
Said Miller, “It really means everything to me to watch the kids grow, and it kind of puts a smile on my face, makes me happy, and I have a good passion for coaching.”
By sharing his own passion with others, Berry founded
Members of teams from Arizona and New Mexico sit in their seats after boarding their ight to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
salad, a fresh chocolate chip cookie for dessert.
The ight, operated by Cardinals team a liate Gridiron Air, landed at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport to cheers and a chant of “USA!” from the athletes inside. The plane was doused with a double water cannon salute before pulling into the gate, where a boisterous crowd of several dozen people greeted the exiting athletes.
“I don’t really watch movies on planes very often, but that was something we could do up there and they actually served food,” Team Arizona powerlifting athlete Zakarias Hollingshead said. “That’s not something I’ve ever gotten before.”
The Cardinals’ Boeing 777200ER team plane was the rst widebody aircraft to participate in the airlift’s 40 years. Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has been involved with Special Olympics for several years, even personally ying athletes to various competitions. When Textron approached him about donating use of the team’s plane, Bidwill jumped at the opportunity.
“We’re proud to put these athletes on the same airplane that Trey McBride is on, that Budda Baker is riding on, that all of our players and greats over the last several years have ridden on, so they can ride in style to Minneapolis to compete in the games,” Bidwill said. “We hope it was a great ride. We’re happy to support it.”
The Special Olympics USA Games are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of the athletes.
So is the ride there.
Sophomore forward Ace Haygood, Levi’s little brother, is another younger face McNair expects to step up this coming season.
“EJ’s going to have a very bright future,” McNair said. “He makes me feel a lot more comfortable knowing that we’re going to lose Alden after this year. But EJ is just going to bring a table setter, attack mindset, and he plays ferocious defense.”
Said McNair, “Ace is a dog. And even last year in the playo s, it’ll be situations where I was just frustrated at the rebounding. I throw him in, he’d go get ve rebounds in like ve minutes.”
something that can sustain itself and the community it serves. For 18 years and counting, Youth Hoops has stood on the condence and positivity it leaves in the players it reaches.
“Youth Hoops is my baby,” Berry said. “I’ve touched a lot of kids, a lot of coaches, hired a lot of people. That’s part of it, too. You get kids coming at six, seven, eight years old, they get older, get to high school, I bring them back in to be student coaches and pay them out. So, they’ve got something on their resume. They got references. I’ve got a list of guys like this. That’s what I do every year. And that’s the part I’m interested in.”
Said Berry, “People don’t care how much you make. They don’t care what materialistic things you have, but what they do care about is, how did you make them feel?”
JAMBOREE from page B1
SULLIVAN from page B1
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Sullivan launches a pitch in a 2026 game.
JOHN MARSHALL / AP PHOTO
SIDELINE REPORT
NFL
Parents of former player Martin allege excessive police force led to his wrongful death
The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin have led a wrongful death lawsuit against Oakland, California, police o cers and an ambulance company, claiming excessive force and delayed medical care led to Martin’s death last year. The lawsuit states Martin was experiencing a mental health crisis in October when police used excessive force to subdue him. The 36-year-old was a standout player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
FOOTBALL
CFL won’t allow QB Sorsby to sign with teams or be added to negotiation lists
Toronto The CFL said it won’t allow 22-year-old quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was permanently ruled ineligible by the NCAA for sports betting to sign with any of its teams or be placed on their negotiation lists. Sorsby admitted to placing thousands of bets totaling nearly $90,000. After being ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA, Sorsby attempted to join the NFL’s supplemental draft, but that league told him it wouldn’t hold one this year. The CFL said in a statement “upholding the integrity of the league and ensuring fair competition” was paramount.
MLB White Sox chairman Reinsdorf o ciates wedding of former Rookie of Year Kittle during game
As the White Sox were slugging their way to a 22-1 victory over the Royals, former player Ron Kittle was getting married in a ballpark suite with Chicago chairman Jerry Reinsdorf o ciating. Kittle tied the knot with his girlfriend, Barbara, in Reinsdorf’s suite during Chicago’s 10-run third inning. The White Sox went on to score their most runs since May 1970. Harold Baines and Greg Walker, Kittle’s teammates on the 1983 White Sox squad, and their spouses also attended the quick ceremony.
WNBA
Parker, Delle Donne lead Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class
Knoxville, Tenn. Candace Parker’s basketball journey has come full circle. It started at the University of Tennessee in 2004. It included two national titles, three WNBA crowns, two WNBA MVP awards and two Olympic gold medals. Saturday night, Parker was one of eight inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville. Others included players Elena Delle Donne, Amaya Valdemoro and Isabelle Fijalkowski; coaches Cheryl Reeve and Kim Muhl; television analyst Doris Burke; and posthumous veteran honoree Barbara Kennedy-Dixon.
Stokes, Holt, Smith headline early list of lottery candidates for 2027 NBA draft
Duke, UNC also have players to watch
By Aaron Beard The Associated Press
High-end freshman talent teemed through the last two NBA draft classes.
The 2027 class lacks that same lofty status.
Paul Biancardi, ESPN’s national recruiting director for high school basketball, said it was long clear the past two classes would “be special.” So much so that the NBA recently changed its draft rules due to widespread tanking by teams angling for those top prospects.
“Unfairly they’re going to be compared to the last two classes,” Biancardi said of 2027. “That’s never going to be helpful for them because whether it was a bulk of talent or just tremendous talent at the top the last two drafts were the best we’ve seen in decades.
“So now we look ahead and this class ended up being very good.”
One-and-done freshmen claimed 11 of 14 lottery spots (78.6%) in both 2025 and 2026, while NIL rules make it enticing and lucrative for prospects to stay longer in college.
With that in mind, here’s a look at next summer’s top lottery candidates:
Tyran Stokes, Kansas
The 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward is a McDonald’s All-American topping recruiting rankings.
Caleb Holt, Arizona
The guard signed with the Wildcats in April. He shared MVP honors of the McDonald’s All-American Game.
Jordan Smith Jr., Arkansas
The McDonald’s All-American was named the Naismith national high school player of the year in March.
Bruce Branch III, BYU Branch was the No. 2 recruit in the 2027 recruiting class before reclassifying to this year.
Alijah Arenas, USC
The 6-6, 199-pound guard and son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has recovered from a truck accident and knee injury.
Braylon Mullins, UConn
The 6-6 freshman guard hit one of the biggest shots in March Madness lore with his last-second 3-pointer to beat Duke in the Elite Eight.
Thomas Haugh, Florida
The 6-9, 215-pound versatile forward and third-team All-American was already a lottery candidate before returning for his senior season.
Luigi Suigo, Villanova
The 7-3, 289-pound teenager who played in Serbia had the third-biggest wingspan measured at the combine (better than 7-5).
Motiejus Krivas, Arizona
The 7-2, 260-pound center was a frontcourt anchor for a 36-win Final Four team as a junior.
Cameron Williams, Duke
The 7-0, 210-pound forward headlines the nation’s No. 2-ranked recruiting class.
Coach Jon Scheyer has praised his versatility to defend all ve positions to go with athleticism, ballhandling and shooting range.
Amari Allen, Alabama
The 6-8, 205-pound forward withdrew from the draft to return for his sophomore season.
Patrick Ngongba II, Duke
The 6-11, 250-pound center upped his production (10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds) as a sophomore with rim-protecting length (1.1 blocks). He showed the rst glimpses of improved range (8 of 31 from 3) to go with his passing touch (2.0 assists).
Jason Crowe Jr., Missouri
The 6-foot-3, 170-pound combo guard shared McDonald’s All-American Game MVP honors.
Matt Able, North Carolina
The 6-6 freshman guard averaged 8.8 points at N.C. State while showing with quality range (two games with ve 3s). He performed well at the combine before withdrawing to play under former NBA championship-winner Michael Malone at UNC.
Others to watch (in alphabetical order):
“Unfairly
they’re going to be compared to the last two classes.”
Recruiting expert Paul Biancardi on the 2027 class
Juke Harris: The 6-7 guard is set for a starring role at Tennessee after averaging 21.4 points as a Wake Forest sophomore.
Sayon Keita: The lean 7-footer from Mali committed to UNC after playing in Spain. He has length, athleticism and still-developing upside as a rim protector and lob threat.
Dame Sarr: Duke’s 6-8 wing from Italy o ers high-end defensive potential and length. He averaged 6.4 points as a freshman but showed growth from outside (34.9% on 3s after Feb. 4).
Tyler Tanner: Vanderbilt’s 6-0, 173-pound guard withdrew from the draft to return as a junior.
JT Toppin: Texas Tech’s 6-9, 230-pound junior forward was a rst-team AP All-American despite su ering a season-ending knee injury (torn ACL).
Tounde Yessoufou: The 6-5 wing averaged 17.8 points as a freshman at Baylor, then withdrew from the draft to join St. John’s as 247Sports’ No. 4 transfer.
MLB’s draft overhaul would limit choices for teen players — and be a boon for colleges
High schoolers may not be eligible to be drafted if a new proposal passes
By David Brandt The Associated Press
PHOENIX — James Clark is a young man with enticing options on his baseball horizon. The promising 18-yearold shortstop was taking ineld practice during the MLB draft combine at Chase Field, uidly handling ground balls before ring to rst base. It’s one of many reasons the California native has a chance to be selected in the rst round of next month’s draft.
But if he decides he’s not ready to start his professional baseball career, he’s committed to play college ball at Duke, which has a successful baseball program and an elite academic reputation.
“It’s going to be a di cult decision,” Clark said. “But it’s a good one to have.”
If MLB gets it’s way, it’s a decision that future baseball prospects won’t get to make.
Owners recently proposed banning high school players from signing with major league teams, raising the age for international amateurs and slashing the money spent on signing bonuses in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.
If the league gets its way, starting in 2028, a prospect
for the amateur draft would have to be at least 20 years old by the Sept. 1 of his signing year and two years removed from the graduating year of his high school class — a restriction that also would eliminate players who completed their rst year of junior college.
There are dozens of current MLB stars who signed as teenagers, including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Mike Trout and Bobby Witt Jr. Even more recently, Pirates phenom Konnor Gri n made his MLB debut at 19 years old.
Shortstop Roch Cholowsky was a highly-rated recruit coming out of a high school in Arizona in 2023 but instead played at UCLA for three seasons. Now he could be the No. 1 selection in next month’s MLB draft after a standout career with the Bruins.
Still, he had plenty of friends who went straight to
the pros out of high school.
“It’s di erent for everybody — whatever is best for you,” Cholowsky said. “A guy like myself needed to go to college. I got to play three years of unbelievable baseball at UCLA, learn a lot and really grow up.”
College baseball has grown rapidly in recent years for many reasons, including that NCAA programs can now offer 34 scholarships instead of the old cap of 11.7. There’s also some NIL money available at the top programs, though it’s usually not like the high-dollar deals for their football or basketball counterparts.
In the 2025 MLB draft, 56 college players were selected in the top 90 picks. Thanks to a variety of factors — especially money and technology — the MLB and NCAA versions of baseball have never been more similar.
Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz was last year’s AL
Rookie of the Year after playing in college at Wake Forest, needing just 210 plate appearances in the minors before dominating MLB pitching. Pittsburgh Pirates righthander Paul Skenes was a star pitcher at LSU before being drafted in 2023 and needed just 34 innings in the minors before making it to the big leagues. He was obviously ready — winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and the Cy Young award in 2025.
From the MLB perspective, it’s become advantageous to let prospects develop in college instead of drafting them as teenagers, paying large signing bonuses, and then trying to project their growth. Currently, each MLB team runs ve levels of domestic minor leagues, which can get expensive.
Streamlining that process is enticing. The minors are already shrinking — MLB cut 40 minor league a liates back in 2020. MLB has said it will not seek to reduce the 120 minor league teams in the top four levels when it negotiates new professional development licenses in 2030 to replace expiring 10-year deals.
“These guys trust (college) programs,” Arizona State coach Willie Bloomquist said earlier this spring. “They say, ‘We’ll just watch them in college in three years at a Power 4 program, see how they development and then we’ll go get them.’”
GREGORY PAYAN / AP PHOTO
Duke recruit Cameron Williams (1) shoots during the Hoophall Classic.
James Clark, a shortstop from St. John Bosco High School, gathers his gear in the dugout at the MLB baseball combine.
ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO
this week in history
U.S. declares independence, Jim Morrison dies at 27, rst Wall Street Journal, West Point opens
JULY 2
1776: The Continental Congress approved a resolution declaring that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.”
1937: Aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared over the Paci c Ocean while attempting to make the rst round-theworld ight along the equator.
1964: President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting discrimination and segregation based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
JULY 3
1775: Gen. George Washington took command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
1944: During World War II, Soviet forces recaptured Minsk from German forces.
1950: The rst carrier strikes of the Korean War took place as USS Valley Forge and HMS Triumph sent ghter planes against North Korean targets.
1971: Singer Jim Morrison of The Doors died in Paris at age 27.
JULY 4
1776: Delegates to the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.
1802: The United States Military Academy o cially opened
at West Point, New York.
1817: Construction began on the Erie Canal in Rome, New York.
1910: In what was billed as “The Fight of the Century,” black world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson defeated white former champ “Gentleman” Jim Je ries in Reno, Nevada; race riots across the country following the ght killed more than 20 people.
JULY 5
1687: Isaac Newton rst published his Principia Mathematica, a three-volume work setting out his mathematical principles of natural philosophy.
1811: Venezuela became the rst South American country to declare independence from Spain.
1852: Frederick Douglass delivered his speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York.
1996: Dolly the sheep, the rst mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell by scientists at the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, was born.
JULY 6
1777: During the American Revolution, British forces captured Fort Ticonderoga.
1885: French scientist Louis Pasteur tested an anti-rabies vaccine on 9-year-old Joseph Meister, who had been bitten by an infected dog; the boy did not develop rabies.
1933: The rst All-Star baseball game was played at Chicago’s Comiskey Park; the American League defeated the National League 4-2 behind winning pitcher Lefty Gomez of the New York Yankees.
JULY 7
1898: President William McKinley signed the Newlands Resolution, approving the annexation of the Republic of Hawaii.
1930: Construction began on Boulder Dam (known today as Hoover Dam).
1981: President Ronald Reagan announced he was nominating Arizona Judge Sandra Day O’Connor to become the rst female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
JULY 8
1776: Col. John Nixon gave the rst public reading of the Declaration of Independence, outside the State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia.
1853: An expedition led by U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Edo Bay, Japan, on a mission to seek diplomatic and trade relations with the Japanese.
1889: The rst issue of The Wall Street Journal was published.
DOW JONES & COMPANY VIA WIKIPEDIA The Wall Street Journal published its rst edition on July 8, 1889.
AP PHOTO
Aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan vanished over the Paci c Ocean on July 2, 1937.
Film academy invites 529 new members, including Jenna Ortega, Safdie brothers, Jacob Elordi
Conan O’Brien will host the 99th Academy Awards
By Jake Coyle The Associated Press
NEW YORK — The Acade-
my of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last week invited 529 members to the Oscar voting body, a new class that brings the group’s membership to nearly double what it was a decade ago.
Among those who received invites are “One Battle After Another” nominee Teyana Taylor, Josh O’Connor, Jenna Ortega, Jacob Elordi and Simu Liu.
If all new members accept their invitations, the lm academy will number 11,319, with 10,338 voting members. In 2016, the academy numbered closer to 6,000 members.
But to diversify its ranks, the Oscars organization has swelled in recent years. In 2015, the academy was 75% male and 92% white. That year, all 20
acting nominees were white, prompting the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag.
Following the induction of this year’s new members, the academy will be 64% male and 75% white. One byproduct of the membership expansion has been an increase in international voters. Overseas members now ac-
count for 22% of the group.
The makeup of the new class is 42% women, 56% from underrepresented communities and 53% from countries outside the U.S.
“Membership selection is based on professional qualications, with an ongoing commitment to representation, in-
clusion and equity remaining a priority,” the academy said in its announcement.
After several new classes that numbered closer to 1,000, the academy has in recent years grown at a more modest pace. Last year, 534 voters were added.
As it has grown in size, the academy has also added new categories to its annual awards ceremony. Earlier this year, the rst award for casting was handed out. In 2028, the rst Oscar for achievement in stunt design will be given.
Other new members include Anthony Ramos, Bill Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, Jemaine Clement, Sopé Dìrísù and Stephen Fry. Among the invited lmmakers are Josh and Benny Safdie, “Weapons” director Zach Cregger and “Sirât” lmmaker Oliver Laxe.
The 99th Academy Awards will be held March 14, 2027, with Conan O’Brien returning as host for the third consecutive year.
Harvey Weinstein’s California rape conviction upheld, but court says he must be resentenced
The producer’s crimes helped spark the #MeToo movement
By Andrew Dalton The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — An appeals court on Friday upheld Harvey Weinstein’s 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction in California but ordered that he be resentenced.
A three-judge panel of California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal unanimously issued the decision, saying the trial judge did not violate the former movie magnate’s constitutional rights.
“We reject his attempts to disturb the jury’s guilty verdicts,” the judges wrote in their opinion.
Weinstein spokesperson Juda Engelmayer said in an email, “We are disappointed by today’s decision and respectfully disagree with the Court of Appeal’s conclusions regarding the fairness of Mr. Weinstein’s trial. At the same time, the court correctly recognized that his sentence cannot stand.”
The decision came a day after prosecutors in New York said Weinstein would not face a
fourth trial there, dropping the #MeToo-era case after the accuser said she could not bear to testify again.
The California panel said resentencing was necessary because the judge who sentenced Weinstein considered New York convictions that were later thrown out as an aggravating factor. California’s attorney general agreed.
Weinstein, 74, still stands convicted of another sexual felony in New York, and he remains behind bars awaiting a September sentencing there. Prosecutors there are seeking a 20-year prison term.
In California, Weinstein was convicted in December 2022 of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault against an Italian model and actor known during the trial as Jane Doe 1. He would serve his new sentence there only after his New York term is complete.
After the trial, Jane Doe 1 came forward under her name, Evgeniya Chernyshova, when she sued Weinstein in civil court.
Chernyshova testi ed that Weinstein arrived uninvited at her hotel room during the 2013 LA Italia Film Festival and assaulted her.
Weinstein’s defense argued that he deserved a new trial because Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lisa B. Lench wrongly prevented his trial lawyers from asking about Facebook messages between Chernyshova and festival head Pascal Vicedomini that would have shown they had a sexual
relationship.
The defense said the questioning would have demonstrated that she perjured herself when she said she and Vicedomini were just friends and colleagues.
“The lower court all but gutted Mr. Weinstein’s defense,” attorney Jennifer Bonjean told
“This is not the end of the appellate process.”
Juda Engelmayer, Weinstein spokesperson
the appeals judges during oral arguments April 23.
But the appeals court said in its ruling that Weinstein was able to make the arguments he wanted during the trial based on other evidence, including another set of Facebook messages that Lench allowed.
“Thus, there was no denial of Weinstein’s constitutional right to present a defense,” the panel wrote in its opinion.
The three judges also found that Weinstein’s lawyers failed to adhere to California’s rape shield law, which prohibits evidence of an accuser’s sexual history, when they tried to introduce the messages.
The Los Angeles jury acquitted Weinstein of the sexual battery of a massage therapist and failed to reach verdicts on counts involving two other women.
“This is not the end of the appellate process,” Engelmayer said in his email.
STEVEN HIRSCH / NEW YORK POST VIA AP
Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Supreme Court Thursday, June 25, 2026, in New York.
ANDY KROPA / INVISION / AP PHOTO
Teyana Taylor attends the Chanel Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner at Tribeca Grill in 2026, in New York.
famous birthdays this week
Eva Marie Saint hits 102, Geraldo Rivera is 83, George W. Bush turns 80
The Associated Press
THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week:
JULY 2
Former Philippine rst lady Imelda Marcos is 97. Racing Hall of Famer Richard Petty is 89. Former White House chief of sta and former New Hampshire governor John H. Sununu is 87. Writer-director-comedian Larry David is 79. Actor-model Jerry Hall is 70.
JULY 3
Attorney Gloria Allred is 85.
Actor Kurtwood Smith is 83. Country singer Johnny Lee is 80. Humorist Dave Barry is 79. Talk show host Montel Williams is 70. Actor Tom Cruise is 64. Actor Yeardley Smith is 62. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is 55.
JULY 4
Actor Eva Marie Saint is 102. Queen Sonja of Norway is 89. Actor Karolyn Grimes (“It’s a Wonderful Life”) is 86. Broadcast journalist Geraldo Rivera is 83. Funk/jazz trombonist Fred Wesley is 83. Vietnam War veteran and peace activist Ron Kovic is 80.
JULY 5
Julie Nixon Eisenhower is 78. Rock star Huey Lewis is 76. NFL Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton is 70. Cartoonist Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes) is 68. Actor Edie Falco is 63.
JULY 6
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is 91. Singer Gene Chandler (“Duke of Earl”) is 89. Actor Burt Ward (TV: “Batman”) is 81. Former President George W. Bush is 80. Actor-director Sylvester Stallone is 80.
JULY 7
JULY 8
Actor Je rey Tambor is 82. Drummer Jaimoe Johanson (The Allman Brothers Band) is 82. Actor Kim Darby is 79. Children’s musician Ra is 78. Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is 77. Actor Anjelica Huston is 75. Pro Football Hall of Famer Jack Lambert is 74. Actor Kevin Bacon is 68.
Musician-conductor Doc Severinsen is 99. Former Beatle Ringo Starr is 86. World Golf Hall of Famer Tony Jacklin is 82. Actor Joe Spano is 80. Singer-songwriter Vonda Shepard is 63. Actor-comedian Jim Ga gan is 60.
EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO
Actor Anjelica Huston turns 75 on Wednesday.
DANNY MOLOSHOK / INVISION / AP PHOTO
Eva Marie Saint turns 102 on Saturday.
CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO
Beatles drummer Ringo Starr turns 86 on Tuesday.
‘Enola Holmes 3,’ Madonna, ‘Obsession,’ ‘Legally Blonde’ prequel series ‘Elle’
The Associated Press
“ENOLA HOLMES 3” and a new album from Madonna are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.
Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: the “Legally Blonde” prequel series, a look at Ralph Lauren’s stamp collection celebrating America’s 250th birthday and “Obsession” arriving on premium video-on-demand services.
MOVIES TO STREAM
Unexpected box-o ce staying power pushed back its home release, but Curry Barker’s “Obsession” is now streaming on premium on demand. Despite a production budget of $750,000, the Focus Features release has amassed more than $337 million in worldwide ticket sales since opening in midMay. In it, Bear (Michael Johnston) uses a One Wish Willow to wish that his crush (Inde Navarrette) loves him.
Millie Bobby Brown returns as the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes in “Enola Holmes 3” on Net ix. In the series’ third lm, Enola prepares for her impending wedding to Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) when her brother, Sherlock (Henry Cavill), is kidnapped.
MUSIC TO STREAM
Madge hath returned. “Confessions II,” the sequel to Madonna’s beloved 2005 album “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” arrives Friday — 21 years after the original. The original has been widely regarded as a return to the top of her pop powers. The critically acclaimed release, which produced such hits as “Hung Up,” “Sorry,” “Get Together” and “Jump,” was dancepop disco for a new era of clubgoers. So, what will this new era bring? Judging by the previously released “Confessions II” tracks,
the breathy “I Feel So Free,” the house rhythms of “Love Sensation” and the Sabrina Carpenter collaboration “Bring Your Love,” a good time is on the horizon.
SERIES TO STREAM
Oscar winner Jean Dujardin (“The Artist”) stars in “Zorro,” a new limited French series about Don Diego de la Vega, a dashing, wealthy nobleman living in 1821 Los Angeles. This Diego de la Vega hasn’t tapped into his Zorro alter ego for 20 years, but when he unexpectedly becomes the mayor of LA, he nds himself in a battle against corruption threatening his city. The Zorro persona is reborn, and de la Vega must balance politics, family and his secret role as a vigilante. The show is streaming now on MHz Choice and its subscription channels on Prime Video and Roku.
We learn in the new Prime Video series, “Elle,” that before
she went to Harvard law school, Elle Woods was a happy teen living in the Los Angeles sunshine in a McMansion, until her father gets a new job in…Seattle. The bubbly pink-loving teen
quickly nds out that her new school is in its grunge period where Nirvana rules, and even the school’s cheerleaders wear annel. Despite a variety of setbacks, Elle eventually nds her
“But out here on the dance oor I feel so free, I can't explain. On the dance oor I feel so free.”
Madonna
people and comes to love her new school. Newcomer Lexi Minetree plays the younger Elle, but at certain angles and in certain moments you’ll swear you’re looking at Reese Witherspoon. Season 2 is now streaming. You may have heard that Ralph Lauren has designed a USPS Stamp Collection in time for America’s 250th birthday. Thirteen stamps were chosen that honor quintessential American images. A new special by The History Channel called “Ralph Lauren’s American Icons” dives deeper into the intention behind the project and features both previously unseen archival material and interviews with David Lauren, Ken Burns and more. It streams Sunday, July 5 on the History Channel app.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
Dating as far back as the Game Boy, Nintendo consoles have long appealed to players who like a little toe-tapping with their alien-zapping. “Rhythm Heaven Groove” continues that tradition, challenging gamers to chop vegetables, punch fruit and swing sledgehammers while keeping to the beat. Those are just a few of the 80 single-player minigames in this package, which also features Beatspell, a rhythmic role-playing adventure that requires nimble nger-work to cast spells. You can also round up three friends for 30 multiplayer contests, some competitive, some cooperative. Get into the groove Thursday, July 2, on the Switch.
JOHN WILSON/NETFLIX VIA AP
Louis Partridge, left, and Millie Bobby Brown star in “Enola Holmes 3.”
JESSICA BROOKS / PRIME VIDEO VIA AP
Lexi Minetree plays a young Elle Woods in the Prime Video series “Elle.”
FOCUS FEATURES VIA AP
Inde Navarrette, left, and Michael Johnston star in the lm “Obsession.”