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VOLUME 149 ISSUE 25 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026

CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM

THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

‘Merican Muscle A number of American classics, both old and newm pulled into the Goldston Cruise In on Saturday.

the

BRIEF this week

Contiguous U.S. breaks record for hottest month ever, NOAA says The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the contiguous United States set a record for its hottest month ever in July. Last month averaged 76.89 degrees Fahrenheit across the Lower 48 states, eclipsing the Dust Bowl’s July 1936 by an eighth of a degree. Although it was unusually cool in Alaska, hotter than normal conditions blanketed the Lower 48, with the most excessive heat in the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains and Southeast. The biggest driver of the heat was at night. Nighttime lows, which are crucial for people and agriculture to recover from hot days, smashed the old record for hottest minimums by 0.7 degrees, the NOAA said.

U.S. existing homes fall 1.7% in July as record prices, high rates stifle would-be buyers Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes slowed again in July as record prices and the highest mortgage rates in more than a year prove to be an insurmountable hurdle for many prospective homebuyers. The National Association of Realtors said Tuesday that existing home sales fell 1.7% last month from June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million units. July sales, however, were up 0.7% over last year. Home prices continued to rise, hitting unprecedented levels for July. The U.S. median sales price increased 2% from a year earlier, to $434,100.

County commissioners approve first plats for 2 developments The projects total around 180 residential units By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record PITTSBORO — The Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved the first development stage for two sub-

is strictly an administrative one, meaning the board cannot use any discretion in its decision and the only question is whether or not the plat meets the county’s standards. “Were we to move forward with the UDO, we would have zoned the area of this development differently so that this would not be possible,”

said Board Chair Amanda Robertson. Based on current law, if the board had taken no action, the plats would have been automatically approved 65 days after their submission and as submitted, meaning no additional conditions would be applied. See PROJECTS, page A7

Trump’s vaccine gives some MAHA voters win while giving Democrats attack line Polls show most voters care more about costs than vaccine safety By Ali Swenson The Associated Press NEW YORK — President Donald Trump pivoted the nation’s attention back to vaccines

this week with an executive order that aims to scale back the childhood immunization schedule and space out shots into separate visits. After acting to overhaul the nation’s vaccine policy and guidance, the Trump administration had recently largely stepped back from additional changes to focus on less controversial sub-

jects, raising questions over the political impetus behind and implications of the Republican president’s renewed focus on vaccines. For well over a decade, Trump has expressed his view — against medical groups’ guidance — that childhood vaccines should be administered in smaller doses over a long period of time. The execu-

Trump officials propose new scrutiny of food ingredients “Shifting to a mandatory notification system closes a decadesold information gap.” Kyle Diamantas, acting FDA commissioner

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division projects at its July 27 meeting. The actions included approving the first plat for a 183-acre, 132-lot development located off of Buckner Clark Road (Webster Farm) and a 164-acre, 48-lot development located off of Pleasant Hill Church Road (Hickory Mountain Reserve). The first plat review process

The rule would close a decades-old loophole allowing companies to self-approve food additives By Matthew Perrone The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. health officials on Monday proposed a rule change that would require food manufacturers to notify regulators before introducing new ingredients or additives into processed or packaged foods. The proposal would change a decades-old policy that advocates have called a regulatory loophole, blaming it for allowing thousands of unvetted

ingredients into the U.S. food supply. Under the proposed rule from the Food and Drug Administration, companies would have to document and submit their safety findings for new ingredients, giving regulators the opportunity to investigate if they see a potential safety risk. Currently, companies can decide for themselves if an ingredient or additive is “generally recognized as safe,” and there is no requirement for companies to notify or submit evidence to the FDA, although some do. “Shifting to a mandatory notification system closes a decades-old information gap, giving the FDA the comprehensive See FOOD, page A7

tive order sought to bear out that discredited theory. While the move could endear Trump to some “Make America Healthy Again” voters who want more flexibility on immunizations, it’s also already attracting attacks designed to hurt Trump’s aligned candidates in See MAHA, page A10

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

THURSDAY

8.13.26 #155

“Join the conversation” Chatham News & Record www.chathamnewsrecord.com

North State Media LLC 303 West Raleigh Street Siler City, North Carolina 27344 Copyright 2026 Trip Hoffend Publisher Jim Sills VP of Local Newspapers Jordan Golson Local News Editor Shawn Krest Sports Editor Dan Reeves Features Editor Asheebo Rojas Sports Reporter Ryan Henkel Reporter PJ Ward-Brown Photographer BUSINESS David Guy Advertising Manager Chatham News & Record (USPS #101160) is published weekly, 52 weeks a year, by North State Media LLC 303 West Raleigh Street Siler City, NC 27344 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Chatham News & Record PO Box 290 Siler City, NC 27344 CONTACT US For a vacation hold or to report a delivery problem: 919-663-3232 To place a classified or display ad: 919-663-3232; Fax: 919-663-4042 To submit a news tip or correction: 919-663-3232; news@chathamnewsrecord.com

Trump announces staff secretary Scharf will be new White House counsel The timing comes ahead of midterm elections where Democrats have promised investigations

The Associated Press WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced Sunday that his new White House counsel will be Will Scharf, the staff secretary who as the Trump-appointed head of the National Capital Planning Commission helped secure approval for the $400 million ballroom project. Trump said, beginning Sept. 1, Scharf will be replacing David Warrington, who will be leaving the administration to join the private sector. Trump noted that Scharf previously served as a federal prosecutor and represented him in a number of cases, including at the Supreme Court. “Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!” The shakeup in the White House counsel’s office comes at a critical juncture — just months ahead of the midterm elections, where Trump’s Re-

publican Party will be fighting to hold on to control of Congress. Democrats have vowed to pursue investigations into Trump and his administration if they are successful in November. The White House counsel’s job is to advise on legal and policy questions related to the presidency. The office is the primary White House contact for the Justice Department, and it handles presidential pardons, works on judicial appointments and reviews legislation. The office also helps investigate and manage congressional investigations into the administration and lawsuits against the president when he is sued in his official capacity. During Trump’s first term, Scharf worked to get judges and justices confirmed for him. They included U.S. Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh — who himself served as White House staff secretary for President George W. Bush — and Amy Coney Barrett. In the period when Trump was out of office, Scharf joined his legal team in October 2023 and was one of his lawyers in the election interference case brought by special counsel Jack Smith. The case went before the Supreme Court, which ruled that presidents en-

joy sweeping immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. Scharf is among several of Trump’s lawyers who have been rewarded with spots in his second administration. Todd Blanche, who represented Trump during the Republican’s hush money trial in New York, was confirmed last week as attorney general. As White House staff secretary, Scharf was responsible for managing the papers that cross the president’s desk. He is at Trump’s side when the president signs executive orders and often provides running narration on what Trump is signing. Trump in July 2025 named Scharf as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, the executive branch agency with jurisdiction over construction and major renovations to government buildings in the region. Trump’s ballroom won final approval from the NCPC in April, though a divided federal appeals court ruled last Friday that construction on the project must stop because Congress had not approved it. Trump has vowed to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The project is already well on its way and has begun to rise above ground on the east side of the White House.

CHATHAM

happening Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Chatham County:

Aug. 14 Nine Times Around 7-8:30 p.m. The North Carolina-based Irish and Celtic band performs traditional jigs, reels and folk ballads as part of the free Bynum Front Porch summer music series at the Historic Bynum General Store. Bynum Front Porch 950 Bynum Road Bynum

Aug. 15 Sanford Farmers Market 8:30 a.m. to noon An ideal 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

Aug. 16

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Piedmont Pear Party

Annual subscription rate: $104.

Noon to 6 p.m. The Plant celebrates pear season with a culinary competition, a vendor market and live music from Southern RanT, plus a talk on pears, perry and fermentation.

CRIME LOG Aug. 3 • Drake Larue Corby, 21, was arrested for breaking and entering and injury to personal property.

The Plant 220 Lorax Lane Pittsboro

• Deaundre Alexander Alston, 22, was arrested for possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine, felony possession of cocaine and assault on a female, and other charges. • Franklin Dekova Brown, 37, was arrested for felony possession of cocaine and possession of a controlled substance on prison or jail premises.

Aug. 21 ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

White House staff secretary Will Scharf, left, hands President Donald Trump an executive order to sign in the Oval Office on Sept. 5, 2025.

• Jessica Danielle Hensley, 25, was arrested for felony conspiracy, aiding and abetting larceny and possession of a catalytic converter, and other charges.

• Gerrall Deangelo Johnson, 38, was arrested for second-degree trespassing. • Stephanie Rena Mashburn, 42, of Bear Creek, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. • Christopher Michael Fortunes, 52, of Chapel Hill, was arrested for felony worthless check and obtaining property by false pretense. Aug. 5 • Michael Vasquez Watson, 49, was arrested for possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana; manufacturing, selling, delivering or possessing a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a park; and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance; and other charges. Aug. 6 • Joshua Aponte-Burt, 24, was arrested for driving on a revoked license and expired registration. Aug. 7 • Brian Antonio Franco, 29, was arrested for violating post-release supervision. • Gregory Alan Smith, 47, was arrested for littering under 10 pounds.

7-9:30 p.m. The beach and shag band Liquid Pleasure headlines the free outdoor Blast from the Past concert series at MOSAIC at Chatham Park.

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.

Philip H. Kohl MOSAIC Family Commons 457 Freedom Parkway Pittsboro

Deep Chatham Ramblers

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 five $100 Visa gift cards. Scan the QR code or visit NCBrightIdeas.com for more information or to apply!

128 Wilson Rd SANFORD, NC

MOSAIC at Chatham Park 367 Freedom Parkway Pittsboro

Blast from the Past Music Series: Liquid Pleasure

Teachers, are you looking for new opportunities to fund projects for your classroom?

7-8:30 p.m. The Pittsboro-based Americana and roots-rock band performs as part of the free Bynum Front Porch summer music series at the Historic Bynum General Store. Bynum Front Porch 950 Bynum Road Bynum

919-774-4900 800-446-7752

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• Aleaha Renne Marr, 32, was arrested for driving while impaired.

Central Electric providing grants to local educators to fund innovative projects

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Aug. 8

3-7 p.m. A community-wide wellness fair with health screenings and resources, held ahead of the evening’s Blast from the Past concert.

Aug. 4 • Jose Ernesto Rivas Baires, 48, was arrested for driving while impaired and no operator’s license.

79°West Community Health Fair

CEMCPower.com

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

Taylor Farms recalls jalapeno products over salmonella concerns The recall follows a lettuce recall from Taylor Farms issued weeks ago

ROCKY RIVER BAPTIST CHURCH 4436 Siler City Snow Camp Road Siler City

By Michelle Chapman The Associated Press TAYLOR FRESH FOODS, parent company of Taylor Farms, is voluntarily recalling some products that include jalapenos because of worries about a possible salmonella contamination. The announcement comes a few weeks after Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled its iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico because of a potential link to a multistate cyclospora outbreak that has sickened people across the U.S. Taylor Fresh Foods said that it was pulling some products including jalapenos from store shelves after finding out that Coast Citrus Distributors was voluntarily recalling fresh jalapenos due to a potential salmonella contamination. Guacamole, pico de gallo and taco dip are some of the prepared foods included in the recall. The list of recalled products were distributed by Taylor Farms in multiple states with a “Best If Used By” date up to and including Aug. 16, 2026. The products were sold at stores including Kroger, Stop & Shop, Target, Whole

The Harvesters will be in concert with us on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. A love offering will be received. Invite your friends and neighbors for this time of worship through song!

SANDY BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH 715 Sandy Branch Church Road Bear Creek GUILLERMO ARIAS / AP PHOTO

Taylor Farms boxes are loaded on a field in the town of Doctor Mora in Guanajuato, Mexico, in 2008. Foods, Trader Joe’s and Walmart. Taylor Fresh Foods said the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were working with state and local partners to investigate illnesses in a multistate outbreak of salmonella infections linked to fresh jalapenos supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors. The company said a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, a supplier to Coast Citrus Distributors, was identified as the potential source in the outbreak. Taylor Fresh Foods said it is no

longer sourcing products from the farmer and will be filling orders from alternative suppliers. The company is currently not aware of any reported illnesses linked to its products containing jalapenos. Consumers who have any recalled product are advised to discard it immediately and not eat it. Refunds are available at the location of purchase. Consumers with any questions can contact Taylor at 855-455-0098 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT.

More than 100 dead, buildings collapsed after 7.4 magnitude earthquake strikes Colombia The strongest earthquake to hit Colombia in a decade devastated western cities on Monday

Most powerful quake in last decade, authorities say Jorge Moncayo, a 64-year-old taxi driver in Cali, said he saw plumes of dust shoot up across the city as buildings collapsed. Residents and rescue workers were searching the rubble for survivors. “My entire house shook. I’ve never lived through such a powerful earthquake,” he said. “We’re thanking God we’re alive.” Colombia’s Geological Service said Monday it had been “the highest magnitude earthquake registered in Colombia

You are invited to Sandy Branch Church’s annual Homecoming Service on Aug. 16. Sunday School is at 10 a.m. and the Worship Service at 11 a.m., followed by a potluck lunch. Meats will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your favorite side dishes and desserts and stay for the good food and fellowship. The Rev. Matt Garrett, pastor of Moncure Baptist Church, will be our guest speaker. There will also be a Memorial Service remembering those lost since our 2025 Homecoming. We would love to have family, friends, neighbors, former members and inactive members join us.

GUM SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 227 Gum Springs Church Road Moncure Gum Springs Baptist Church invites you to join us as we celebrate our 197th birthday Aug. 16 with a covered dish meal following the 10 a.m. service. We will host revival Monday, Aug. 17 through Wednesday, Aug. 19. The Rev. Jason Golden, associational missionary with Sandy Creek Association, will speak Monday, the Rev. Terry Pleasants on Tuesday, and the week of services will conclude Wednesday with a song service lead by Lisa Martin of Lee’s Chapel Christian, Sanford leading suggestions from the audience. Services will begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening.

ROBERTS CHAPEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 439 Roberts Chapel Church Road Goldston

By Manuel Rueda, Astrid Suárez and Megan Janetsky The Associated Press BOGOTA, Colombia — A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday, killing at least 111 people, trapping residents under debris of collapsed buildings and forcing people to evacuate their homes as far as the capital of Bogotá. The epicenter was in San Jose Del Palmar, a community of about 4,800 people in the Choco region about 250 miles west of Bogota, the U.S. Geological Survey and Colombia’s counterpart reported. The USGS said it struck at a depth of 66 miles. The quake also was felt in neighboring Ecuador and Panama, though minimal damage was reported there. Deaths were reported in Pereira, Manizales and in Valle del Cauca department, where Colombia’s third-biggest city, Cali, is located. At least three killed in Valle del Cauca were children, the governor said. The quake left cities across the west of the country — Pereira, Quibdo, Cali and Manizales — ravaged. A mix of residents and search teams picked through the rubble of collapsed buildings amid concerns by authorities of aftershocks. Colombia’s interior minister said more than 20 municipalities across the country had been hit.

Church News

Roberts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, invites the community to celebrate its 150th Homecoming Anniversary on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 11 a.m. SANTIAGO SALDARRIAGA / AP PHOTO

Patients are evacuated from a hospital after an earthquake struck Cali, Colombia, on Monday. in the last decade” and it had been followed by two 2.8 and 4.8 magnitude aftershocks. Authorities also reported that flights were suspended in the airports of Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, Buenaventura and Pereira. The earthquakes left many in the Andean nation unnerved after two back-to-back quakes devastated neighboring Venezuela in late June, destroyed hundreds of buildings and killed more than 5,000 people. At the same time the quake brought down buildings in Colombia, desperate families in Venezuela continued to search the ruins for the bodies of their loved ones. In Pereira, photos and videos published by local media showed pieces of the airport ceiling falling down on travelers taking shelter and screaming, and people running through rubble in a panic. Pereira’s mayor, Mauricio Salazar, told a local radio station that at least 18 people had died and that many more were trapped under “a massive quantity of collapsed buildings.” In nearby Manizales, a city nestled in the coffee-producing mountains of Colombia, one of the towers of the neo-Gothic cathedral collapsed and fell on the nave. Jorge Eduardo Rojas, the mayor of Manizales, said two people had died in the city and asked residents to stay outside in case of aftershocks. Authorities in the rural state of Choco, the epicenter of the quake, reported injured peo-

ple and damaged buildings in the capital but provided few details. In Cali, a city of 2 million people, Mayor Alejandro Eder said that residents were trapped in at least 19 buildings that had collapsed.

Our Anniversary Revival will be held Monday, Aug. 17 and Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. nightly. We will conclude the celebration with our In-Person Refuel Wednesday Bible Study on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. Everyone is warmly invited to join us for this special week of worship, fellowship and celebration as we thank God for 150 years of His faithfulness. Come and receive a special blessing!

Powerful quakes rare in Colombia; smaller quakes common Small earthquakes, known as “temblores,” are common in central and western Colombia, but those above 6.0 magnitude are rare. In 1999, a 6.2 magnitude quake near the city of Armenia, killed more than 1,100 people. Colombia’s newly inaugurated president, Abelardo de la Espriella, said Monday that he had personally taken charge of the government’s response to the emergency in San José del Palmar following the earthquake. “You are not alone. The state is present and taking action,” he said. Response to the earthquake presents the first major challenge to de la Espriella, a Trump ally who was sworn in as president over the weekend. Messages of support rolled in from leaders across the Americas, including Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, El Salvador and the United States. A number of countries offered aid. “The Trump administration is closely monitoring the large earthquake that struck Colombia and stands ready to support the people of Colombia” and de la Espriella, wrote Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a post on X.

CURE FOR WORRY! Bible Study: Philippians 4:5-19 Church of Living Water; Servant: James Mitchell Peace, love, and joy to all our brothers and sisters. According to the signs of the times, it won’t be long before the Rapture. I pray all are ready. Believing prayer is our cure for worry! Think about how God has met our needs in the past, what He is doing at present, and what He shall do in the future. If we hold on to Jesus, then we shall have the peace of God. Let us cast out the worries that Satan tries to put into our minds. Think about how we are truly blessed! Praise God! Let’s learn how to be content in whatever state we’re in. God’s got it! We can do all things through Christ, according to His will. Sin not, but be sure to repent and confess our sins to our heavenly Father if we fail. God loves a humble heart! Don’t let a hard heart cause us to miss our blessings. God shall supply all our needs! Forgive me, Father, for letting fear and doubt come to my mind, in Jesus’ name.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

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

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

What poetry makes happen A poem might be written down or published, yet most of them pass into obscurity.

POETRY NIGHT at the Plant in Pittsboro happens on the second Wednesday of every month. The evening’s readers gather in the back room of the Fair Game Beverage Company along with audience members, many of whom have a drink in hand. The lineup includes experienced poets with several publications to their credit alongside beginners, some reading for the very first time. I’ve read a few poems over the years, but I mostly drink in the words of others. Joining me in the audience members are longtime Chatham County residents and recent transplants, county commissioners, farmers, neuroscientists and students. There are poems about climate change and the loss of a spouse, poems about howling at the moon and wondering what’s at the bottom of Jordan Lake. Various lines in the poems cause me to chuckle or sigh. Other poems bring tears to my eyes. Everyone in attendance applauds every reader. It is a brave thing to stand up and share a string of words that express your dreams, fears and hopes. W.H. Auden wrote that “poetry makes nothing happen.” The phrase seems like a koan or riddle, and I go back and forth about its meaning. On the one hand, a poem is “nothing” like a chair or a drink. Nor is a poem a piece of legislation or a legal document. A poem might be written down or published,

yet most of them pass into obscurity. If spoken, even to an attentive audience, most of the words are quickly forgotten. But the word “poem” is derived from the Greek verb for “to make.” A poem makes meaning from a personal experience. Such meaning might not be physically tangible, but it might bring peace to the poet. It might also move the listener to do something for the good of the world, however small. My friend Carl writes haiku. Before his reading, he described the short, three-lined form of Japanese poetry as a smooth stone that he can carry in his pocket. A haiku can be a comfort to him. But he added that a haiku can also be like a pebble in his shoe. Maybe poetry makes us stop and pay attention. Is that something after all? I know that poetry night at the Plant in Pittsboro happens on the second Wednesday of the month. Each poet opens a window and shares a little light by which we might see ourselves and the world around us. And when the reading is over, we shake hands or share hugs, and we are made into a community, maybe strangers never again. Andrew Taylor-Troutman’s newest book is “This Is the Day.” He serves as pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church as well as a writer, pizza maker, coffee drinker and student of joy.

COLUMN | BOB WACHS

What’s in a word? Could be plenty ... From time to time I have thought about how the two vocations in which I have spent most of my life rise and fall on words and their correct and appropriate usage.

THE GOOD FOLKS who listen to me in the morning from Sunday to Sunday — maybe “endure” would be a better word — know how I often speak of the importance of words and how we should strive to use the right one and how we should keep them soft and sweet because we never know when we might have to eat them and so on and so forth. The reality of words is that they’re about all we’ve got to convey thoughts and ideas and such, short of body language and action, not that those two aren’t important in how we get thoughts and ideas across. Anyway, from time to time I have thought about how the two vocations in which I have spent most of my life — journalism and pastoral ministry — both rise and fall on words and their correct and appropriate usage. In those two fields, the right word can be what saves the day, and the wrong one can be the kiss of death. Every profession, I know, has its quirks, failures and shortcomings. Doctors, I’ve heard it said, bury their mistakes, and lawyers send theirs off to jail. Writers and speakers, however, tend to put their bad moves out in the public domain for all the world to see forever. In short, if it makes it into print or film or tape or DVD, it’s there forever. I’ve had my share of them through the years. Once I did a piece for the local paper in which I lamented that much of our adult population still had trouble reading and writing and that the local community college had launched a program aimed at helping older folks (by definition, I guess, “nonteenagers”) improve themselves in those areas. Dutifully I did the story and then cast about for a headline and thought I’d prepared a good one when I set in type the words “Literacy still problem in Chatham” and then followed it up with a smaller headline underneath proclaiming “CCCC working against it.” I’m pretty sure about 5,000 copies of that paper were

printed before I got the chance to holler, “Stop the presses,” something I’d seen in movies and always wanted to do but did, I think, only this one time. During the years of preparing newspaper pages and church bulletins, there have been similar instances. Now they’re funny; at the time it wasn’t always that way. The curse isn’t limited to only me. Many, if not most or all, of the folks who put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard have tasted it. A dear little lady who for years reported the goings and comings of a certain community in the local media once proclaimed that a young lad of that community was off serving in Uncle Sam’s Navy on a vessel known as an LST (Landing Ship Tank — a big ol’ boy whose front drops down so the tank can crawl off). The writer reported that the young sailor, as part of his duties, “took a trip on LSD.” If it’s true misery loves company, and maybe laughs with it, a book I picked up some time ago, a collection of mistypes, has given me cause to know they’re everywhere. I especially enjoyed the one that said, “The Fulton County Humane Society is hosting their 4th annual beagle barbecue. Come on and join them in this unique event.” And the church newsletter item that read, “The church board of elders has called a special meeting today to decide what it did last week.” Bottom line is, at least we’re trying … So as a noted speaker and writer (me) said earlier, “Keep your words soft and sweet; you never know when you might have to eat them.” And don’t forget “please” and “thank you.” Especially in these hard times. Thank you. Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.

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Contact a writer or columnist: connect@northstatejournal.com

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

COLUMN | JAN HUTTON

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

Is it faceplant time?

AI cannot give writers something to say

It took eons before this curious human finally understood the magic of smiles. As a response to smiles, our wise little brains release feel-good hormones.

’TIS TRUE. I’m still being supported by an eons-old smile, one that has stayed with me for a million years (give or take). What gives? Getting way ahead of myself. When younger, much younger, I was just chock full of judgments about the physical appearance of others. (Wincing, serious wincing.) My prism for seeing others allowed only a narrow view of what I considered attractive. (Face-plant time.) Now about that aforementioned smile. In my early 20s, I was employed at a research-based institution in my college town. Several floors above me worked an older woman. Embarrassing to say this now, but I experienced her as manifestly unattractive. To my immature and young eyes, this woman appeared to be what I’d call ugly. (Oh, thank God, we’re only young once.) Not withstanding my judgments about her appearance, I noticed this woman was always smiling. I mean, always. In the elevator, passing through my part of the building, smiling away. (She loved her work, maybe?) As a walker-every-place-I-went in those days, her home was about a block from my then-apartment. Schlepping past her house, perchance, she was outside, there was generally a smile playing on her face. Bolstered, but not knowing why, I suspect my feet slightly lifted off the ground, floating me on the way to my next destination. (It took eons before this curious human finally understood the magic of smiles. As a response to smiles, our wise little brains

release feel-good hormones. Feel-good hormones! In that long-ago psychedelic age, no one knew that getting high could be so cheap.) As time passed, I rarely noticed this woman’s actual appearance anymore (meaning the physical attributes of which I was so judgmental when first I saw her). Only her incandescent smile stood out, literally lifting me up. I no longer recollect what this woman looked like. I just don’t. All I remember is basking in her smile (realizing, later, I was experiencing smile-induced highs.) I never even learned her name! Ah, but there’s a coda to this long-ago life lesson. Occasionally, I wonder what my impacts are on a needy world. I’m not an Einstein or a warrior who leads the masses. Nope. Just me and my perceived small actions, like the practice of smiling. (Thanks, teach!) Good, ol’ Pete Seeger, the late folksinger, consistently, saves my guilty heart from self-judgment. Are minuscule actions (like smiling) truly impactful in our challenging world? “Our world will not be saved by massive grand gestures, but rather by millions of small, persistent efforts.” Go, feel-good hormones! Go, us! Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

The hard lesson for AIPAC

The message to other candidates is clear: AIPAC money comes with a price.

There are plenty of explanations for what happened in the Michigan Senate Democratic primary, where Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive, was declared the victor over Rep. Haley Stevens, a moderate, by a razor-thin margin of 1%. For starters, he was the outsider, a former public health official talking about the fundamental economic issues, while she was Sen. Chuck Schumer’s second choice (after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer) for the seat. He was, according to observers, the better communicator, the better orator, connecting on issues of affordability while she was expounding on her love for Michigan. He worked harder. He started campaigning well over a year ago and did some 500 public events against a candidate who stayed mostly out of the public eye and dodged tough questions. And the polls were wrong, as usual. The polls were projecting a double-digit ElSayed victory. That didn’t happen. It turned into a cliffhanger, and El-Sayed only won by a razor-thin margin. So in that sense, as is always true of very close races, anything could have made the difference. But there are certain facts coming out of Michigan that cannot be denied. Stevens was supported by some $60 million in outside money, including more than $30 million from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. That’s AIPAC, for short, the pro-Israel lobby that used to wield enormous clout in Washington and in national politics. Her extraordinary support from AIPAC became an issue in the campaign, as did her opponent’s stance on Israel. El-Sayed is the sort of candidate AIPAC exists to defeat. He believes that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. He has pledged to cut U.S. military aid to Israel. And,

according to The New York Times, he has said he does not believe Israel should exist as an explicitly Jewish state. Throughout the campaign, El-Sayed attacked Stevens for her pro-Israel position and said he hoped to go to Washington to influence policy on Israel, especially among the party’s 2028 hopefuls. AIPAC spent more money, according to the Times, trying to beat El-Sayed than any outside group has in a primary this year. They put more than $30 million on the scale and became a much-debated issue in the campaign for doing so. The message to other candidates is clear: AIPAC money comes with a price. Did it hurt Stevens more than it helped her? While apologists for AIPAC may spin that even with prevailing winds against them, they almost pulled it off, the fact of the matter is that they didn’t pull it off. They lost. A few years ago, there would have been no place in the Democratic Party for a candidate like El-Sayed. His views on Palestine would have been unacceptable. He would not have been given a speaking role at a convention. As I write this, the party is unifying behind him to give him a speaking and voting role in the U.S. Senate. As the polls have measured, accurately, public opinion on Israel has shifted dramatically, and negatively. Some of us continue, albeit with difficulty, to draw a line between our support for Israel and our opposition to its current government, but most people don’t. They don’t view Israel through the Holocaust-tinged glasses of my generation. We know this. AIPAC has to know this. The lesson of Michigan cannot be that they just needed a little more money. The message is not working. Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

PAUL SANCYA / AP PHOTO

Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Abdul El-Sayed speaks at a rally last Friday in Detroit.

AFTER NEARLY 35 years as a talk show host, I’ve had many young broadcasters ask me, “What’s the secret?” My answer always surprises them because it’s so short. “Have something to say.” Most expect advice about Those voice, pacing, interview techniques, social media or experiences how to handle callers. Those are the bone things matter. But they’re secondary. If you don’t marrow from have an interesting idea, which ideas no amount of polish will keep an audience listening. are formed. The audience may admire your delivery for a while, but eventually it wants substance. It wants a reason to come back tomorrow. The same principle applies to writing. Someone once asked me, “What makes a good writer?” My answer was the same: “Having something to say.” Good grammar helps. A large vocabulary helps. A clever turn of phrase helps. But readers don’t return because of sentence structure. They return because the writer consistently offers an insight, an argument or an observation they had not considered before. The style attracts attention. The ideas keep it. That’s one reason the rise of artificial intelligence doesn’t worry me nearly as much as it worries some people. AI can make a sentence cleaner. It can tighten a paragraph. It can suggest a better headline, organize research and identify weaknesses in an argument. It can save a substantial amount of time in tracking down sources. Those are remarkable tools. But recently, a judge blasted an attorney whose legal brief cited cases that were either nonexistent or did not support the proposition for which they were cited. Blind and lazy reliance on AI was the likely culprit. But AI cannot live your life for you. It cannot accumulate your experiences, your failures, your successes, your conversations or your observations. Those experiences are the bone marrow from which ideas are formed. AI can help you communicate an idea more effectively, but it cannot give you a lifetime from which original ideas are born. The same lesson appears in coaching. NFL coach Bum Phillips once paid Hall of Fame coach Don Shula perhaps the greatest compliment one coach has ever paid another: “He can take his’n and beat your’n. And your’n and beat his’n.” In other words, if Shula had the better team, he would beat you. But if you had the better team, he might beat you anyway. Phillips was saying that great coaches first maximize their advantages. Then, every so often, they overcome their disadvantages. When I practiced law, I came to a similar conclusion about trial lawyers. A good trial lawyer wins all the cases he should — and a few he shouldn’t. He doesn’t lose the cases he should win through poor preparation or weak advocacy. Then, once in a while, through judgment, preparation and persuasion, he wins a case the facts and the law suggest he would lose. The exceptional performer first masters the fundamentals. Only then can he elevate his craft. In broadcasting, they ask about microphones instead of ideas. In writing, they ask about style instead of substance. In coaching, they ask about strategy instead of talent. In law, they ask about courtroom theatrics instead of judgment. The essentials come first. Everything else is an enhancement. Technology can improve prose, summarize documents and organize research in seconds. Those advances are valuable, even remarkable, but none answers the question that matters most: What do you actually think? If you have nothing worth saying, technology won’t rescue you. If you do have something worth saying, technology becomes a force multiplier, enabling you to communicate more clearly and more efficiently. Despite all the technological changes during my career — from computers and the internet to radio and podcasts and now to artificial intelligence — the secret remains the same. It applies to writing a column, hosting a radio show, giving a speech or leading a meeting. People still hunger for fresh ideas, honest observations and genuine insight. They still appreciate someone who can make sense of confusing events or articulate what others struggle to say. After all these years behind a microphone, through changing technologies and changing media, my answer remains the same. Every profession has an indispensable first principle. Miss it, and no amount of technique will save you. Have something to say. Larry Elder is an author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com.)

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

obituaries

Malcom “Rick” Riggsbee Coleman Aug. 7, 2026 Malcom “Rick” Riggsbee Coleman, 71, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 7, 2026.

He was born in Chatham County, to Malcom Edward Colman and Shirley Hope Coleman. Rick loved hunting, fishing and riding with his side-kick pup, Roxie. He is preceded in death by his father, Malcom Edward Coleman. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Marti; his mother, Shirley Hope Coleman; his daughter, Michelle (Billy) Johnson; sons, Wes (Kristen) Coleman and Travis Coleman; his brother, Bryant (Karen) Coleman; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; five nieces; three great-nephews and six great-nieces. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM, August 15th, 2026, at Smith & Buckner Chapel. The Reverend Jon Alan Reece will officiate services.

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THOMAS “TOMMY” EDWARD PICKARD SEPT. 15, 1951 – JULY 10, 2026 Thomas “Tommy” Edward Pickard, Jr., 74, of Rosewood, CA, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026 in California. A graveside memorial was held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Rives Chapel Baptist Church with Pastor John Howard presiding. Tommy was born in Chatham County on September 15, 1951 to Thomas Edward Pickard, Sr. and Foy O’Briant Pickard. He served in the US Air Force and retired from the US Postal Service in Roseville, CA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, one sister and two brothers- in-law. Tommy is survived by his children, Ryan Pickard, of Roseville, CA and Elena Pickard (Kevin Yonto), of CA; sisters, Diane McMasters (Jerry), of Asheboro, Kay Pickard Clark, of Goldson and Peggy P. Beavers, of Bear Creek; grandchildren, Kaia Yonto and Logan Yonto and a host of family and friends.

VERA ANN GOODWIN PARTIN AUG. 4, 2026 Vera Ann Goodwin Partin, age 86 of Chapel Hill, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Duke HomeCare and Hospice Hock Family Pavilion in Durham. She was born in Chatham County, daughter of the late Norris Goodwin and Mozelle Wilson Goodwin. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ronald Wayne Partin and her granddaughter, Ashlyn Partin. Vera was a member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church and retired after many years as a telephone operator with Southern Bell and GTE. She enjoyed a career in retail after retirement and loved to do word searches, crossword puzzles and ceramics. She is survived by her sons, Wayne Partin (Tammy) of Chapel Hill, NC and Billy Partin (Denise) of Silk Hope, NC; grandchildren, Austin Partin, Aaron Partin, Jason Partin and Alyssa Partin. A graveside funeral service was held on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 11am at the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Randy Umberger officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial gifts be made to the Duke HomeCare and Hospice, Hock Family Pavilion, 4023 North Roxboro Street, Durham, NC 27704.

JAMES WATSON NORDAN JULY 31, 2026

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Chatham News & Record at obits@chathamnewsrecord.com

James Watson Nordan, age 93, of Pittsboro, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 31st, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Harnett County, Watson was the son of the late Duncan James Nordan and Laylon Patterson Nordan. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 70 years, Kathleen Brown Nordan; his parents; his brother, Ernest Nordan; and his sisters, Theta Foushee, and infant sister Annie Laurie Nordan. Watson lived his faith with quiet strength and unwavering devotion. A dedicated ambassador for Jesus Christ, he reflected his beliefs in every aspect of his life. As a longtime member of Pittsboro United Methodist Church, he cherished his Adult Men’s Sunday School class and the fellowship of worship services. He found simple joy in tending to his yard, often seen mowing grass or gathering pinecones with his laundry basket and rope—an image his family will forever treasure. A gifted guitar player, Watson spent 18 years sharing gospel music with the musical group, Front Porch Ministries. Their music brought comfort, hope, and happiness to retirement centers, nursing homes, churches, and civic organizations throughout the community. Their ministry was a blessing to many and a source of immense joy for Watson. Watson is survived by his two loving daughters, Connie Cameron (Jeff) of Sanford and Kay Farrell of Chapel Hill. He was the proud “Papa” to four grandchildren—Ashley Punte (Mike), Duncan Adam Cameron (Jenn), Ace Farrell (Allison), and Skyler Mansfield (Nick)—and four greatgrandchildren: Loralii, Piper, Saylor, and Banks. He is also survived, by two sisters, Elaine O’Quinn of Lillington, and Elizabeth Thomas (Vernard) of Graham. His family was his greatest earthly blessing, and he loved each of them deeply.

Ben Jones, ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ actor and 2-term US House member, dies at 84 The N.C. native credited his iconic TV role with pulling him out of self-destruction By Jeffrey Collins The Associated Press

STEVE HELBER / AP PHOTO

Cooter, actor Ben Jones, sits atop one of the 229 hotrods, named the General Lee, used in the show “Dukes of Hazzard” as ecstatic fan, Aliceson Johnson, of Charlottesville, Virginia, sits in the driver’s seat in front of his store in Sperryville, Virginia, in 1999.

BEN JONES, who played the good ol’ boy mechanic in “The Dukes of Hazzard” TV series and parlayed his fame into a political career and two terms in the U.S. House, has died. He was 84. Jones had a heart attack in his home Sunday in Washington, Virginia, as he was waiting to watch his beloved Atlanta Braves play baseball, his wife said on social media. Rappahannock County Sheriff Connie Compton confirmed his death. Jones’ fame came from his role as Cooter Davenport, the mechanic who got the Duke boys out of jams as they tried to do the right thing and fight the corrupt Boss Hogg in the fictional Hazzard County, Georgia. After playing Cooter for all seven seasons of the series from 1979 to 1985, Jones turned to politics and was elected to the U.S. House from a district near Atlanta in 1988. The Democrat served two terms before he was redistricted out of the seat. Jones was born in North Carolina and in college got involved in acting and civil rights, he wrote in his autobiography “Redneck Boy in the Promised

Land: The Confessions of ‘Crazy Cooter.’” Acting took over his life. Jones performed in numerous stage productions and had a few minor TV and movie roles in Atlanta during the 1970s before his life-defining break came on a TV show Jones defended as a modern-day morality tale and a fine example of Southern values. For seven seasons, Jones was one of a small band of friends and family helping Bo and Luke Duke in “The Dukes of Hazzard.” The brothers were on probation for running moonshine and were constantly trying to clear their names and stop the crooked and powerful Boss Hogg from stealing or cheating. The Duke boys drove a modified 1969 Dodge Charger called the General Lee with a Confederate flag on its roof. Cooter owned “Cooter’s Garage” in the town square. Nearly every episode involved a car chase with jumps and stunts and a patrol car badly in need of repairs. Cooter was often on the CB radio in his pickup truck saying, “Breaker one, Breaker one. I might be crazy but I ain’t dumb. Crazy Cooter coming at you.” “The Dukes of Hazzard” was a hit for CBS, and its popularity never waned. It went into syndication and later became of prominent fixture on cable’s The Nashville Network. Jones also credited the series with pulling him out of a self-destructive, alcoholic life-

style that led to the failure of several marriages. “It was like being in a Beatles movie,” Jones said. “Our lives changed.” After “The Dukes of Hazzard,” Jones went into politics. He kept his aw-shucks personality but took the issues seriously. In his four years in Washington, Jones was known as a Democrat who could buck his party. He was liberal on social issues and conservative on economics. But even in politics, he made a splash. After losing in 1992 in his redrawn district, Jones ran for Congress again in 1994. He lost to Newt Gingrich in the elections that elevated the Republican to the Speaker’s Office. Jones would file an ethics complaint that Gingrich used tax-deductible donations to fund his partisan college course, leading to a House reprimand and Gingrich’s decision to leave the body. Jones always embraced his role as Cooter. After moving to Virginia, he would open at least three “Cooter’s” country stores in Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and near his home. They sold plenty of T-shirts, key chains and insulated tumblers and included Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia, including one of the 300 or so General Lee cars used and abused in the TV series. The show and Cooter lived on because it was funny, had plenty of action and car chases and had a good, family-friendly heart, Jones told the Richmond Times-Dispatch at a 2001 car show where he played in a band, signed autographs and met fans. “The show reflects the values of the heartland of America. The good guys always win,” Jones said.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

FOOD from page A1 visibility needed to enhance postmarket safety,” acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas told reporters Monday. The FDA will take comments on the proposal for 120 days. Government scrutiny of ultraprocessed food continues, but with few details In a separate move, the FDA said it completed work on the federal government’s first definition of ultraprocessed food but did not release any details or the proposed language. The agency said it has submitted the definition to the White House for further review. Health advocates consider an official definition of ultraprocessed food a key step toward bringing greater scrutiny to packaged foods that are blamed for multiple chronic health problems afflicting Americans. A government-backed definition could pave the way for more federal research and, eventually, possible labeling or other restrictions on processed foods. Neither of Monday’s announcements are likely to immediately impact American diets, which are packed with fats, sodium and sugar and are blamed for a host of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. But both initiatives are considered top priorities for Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who entered government vowing to crack down on artificial colors, additives and other ingredients.

Ultraprocessed foods are made using industrial processing and additives, colors, preservatives or other ingredients not found in home kitchens. The foods include sugary cereals, sodas, chips, frozen pizzas and other grocery items. Scientists have been working to define and classify processed foods for well over a decade. But sweeping definitions come with downsides. They can be often applied to foods like whole grain bread, yogurt and granola that are all highly processed but still considered nutritious. Some recent efforts to define ultraprocessed foods include carve-outs

for foods that meet nutrition standards despite having processed ingredients. FDA proposal would bring new insights on additives used by food companies In the U.S., an estimated 10,000 additives are allowed in food, including thickeners, preservatives and packaging ingredients. Consumer advocates have long argued that many of those ingredients have never been properly vetted because of the FDA’s policy allowing manufacturers to certify for themselves

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Rule change in 1990s created so-called loophole Any substance intentionally added to food is supposed to undergo formal review — unless the additive is considered safe. Since the late 1950s, the government recognized that many common ingredients in foods, such as spices and vinegar, were widely consumed and understood to be safe for consumption. The FDA policed the GRAS exemption for years, but it took time and resources. Starting in 1997, the FDA began allowing companies to independently determine that a new additive is safe based on publicly available scientific evidence and the consensus of qualified experts. However, the list of products deemed GRAS by companies grew to include many synthetic and natural additives, all incorporated into the food supply without independent review. The process has created a “secret GRAS loophole,” according to the consumer advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest, that “undermines the integrity of our food safety system.” Food industry officials contend their internal reviews of additives are as rigorous as the FDA’s own processes.

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FDA would be expected to review new ingredient submission within 180 days. If FDA regulators have safety concerns, they could request additional information from manufacturers or request that they delay introducing the ingredient.

President Donald Trump speaks as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listens during a meeting to sign an executive order about vaccines last Monday, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C.

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that new additives are “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS. The FDA’s Diamantas stressed Monday that the new policy would not require all new ingredients to undergo FDA review. He said that type of mandatory review would need to be enacted by Congress in order to rewrite FDA’s authority over the food supply. “What we’re doing is requiring companies that utilize the pathway to notify us of their conclusions so that we have greater visibility into those conclusions and consumers have awareness,” Diamantas said. Under the proposal, the

PROJECTS from page A1 “Our choice is between what is on the table and then something less should we not approve,” said Commissioner Karen Howard. “So what is on the table right now is conditions. To stand on principle at this juncture and then potentially end up with a development that does not include those conditions does not leave us in a better position.” The board also held a public hearing for a request by Fearrington Property Development for the rezoning of seven parcels of property, totaling around 372 acres located off of Andrews Store Road, Parker Herndon Road and Morris Road, to go from a residential zoning to a conditional district compact community zoning. The item had been previously presented to the board, detailing a development (Fearrington Preserve) that would have around 600 residential units split between single-family detached buildings, townhomes and two-story condos, as well as commercial and event space. In addition, the development would include around 190 acres of natural open space and 77 acres of managed open space. Previously, the project had been tabled due to the commissioners desiring additional information on multiple aspects of the project, including the affordable housing plan, commercial space and traffic.

“Our choice is between what is on the table and then something less should we not approve.” Commissioner Karen Howard

“Our department, along with other county departments, were charged with coming up with a list of questions and concerns that we felt were still not answered, and we did that and the applicants worked very hard to get that done and answered,” said Zoning Administrator Angela Plummer. Some of the changes to the project included the addition of a full-service amenity on the north side of the development, the expansion of affordable housing to 72 units (up from 36), relocation of the commercial area to the west and near a transit stop, the addition of two roundabouts at drive access points. While no action was taken by the commissioners, the item will be heard by the planning board Sept. 1. The board had a general use rezoning request for just under 300 acres of property located off of Christian Chapel Church Road to be rezoned Heavy Industrial on the agenda, but the item was also tabled till next month’s meeting. The Chatham County Board of Commissioners will next meet Aug. 17.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

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Additional information is available at the Chatham County Planning Department office. Speakers are requested to sign up at the meeting prior to the hearing. You may also sign up on the county website prior to the meeting at www. chathamcountync.gov by selecting the heading County Government, then Commissioner Meetings, then Public Comment. The public hearing may be continued to another date at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners.

A Legislative public hearing requested by Candace Beal for a General Use Rezoning to rezone parcel 4794 from CB-Community Business to R1Residential, on 4.089 acres, located at 82 Bonlee Bennett Rd. Here’s the information you requested on Dental insurance

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A public hearing will be held by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Monday, August 17, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The public hearing will be held in the courtroom of the Historic Courthouse in Pittsboro, North Carolina at 9 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro NC 27312.

Legislative Request:

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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

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A legislative public hearing requested for an amendment to revise the Chatham County Design Guidelines as recommended by the Chatham County Appearance Commission, provide a suggested plant list, and an invasive plant list for the development of commercial and industrial properties in the County.

FIRST-CLASS MAIL

the Chatham County Zoning Ordinance; specifically, Section 1 Title, Section 3 Bona Fide Farm Exempt, Section 7.2 Definitions, Section 10.13 Zoning Table of Permitted Uses, Section 14 Off Street Parking and Loading, and Section 19 Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. These amendments are intended to maintain compliance with recent legislative changes to G.S. 160D and other statutes related to the Zoning Ordinance (update bona fide farm exemptions and remove off street parking requirements), add all townships to the title, incorporate additional uses in the table of permitted uses, modify staff participation in legislative processes, and remove waiting period for application resubmittal. Testimony is required to be given under oath during the evidentiary hearing for the following item: Quasi-Judicial Request: A quasi-judicial public hearing for a Special Use Permit, requested by Anthemnet, Inc., for a new proposed 199 ft wireless telecommunications tower on Pacel 2834, located at 1879 Andrews Store Road. Substantial changes may be made following the public hearing due to verbal or written comments received or based on the Board’s discussions. Notice to people with special needs: If you have audio or visual impairment, unique accessibility requirements or need language assistance, please call the number listed below prior to the hearing and assistance may be provided.

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A public hearing requested by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners for text amendments to

If you have any questions or comments concerning these issues, please call the Chatham County Planning Department at 919-542-8204, or write to P.O. Box 54, Pittsboro N.C. 27312.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

TAKE NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

22E000082-180 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, Rochelle Bryarley, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Brandon Wade Bryarley deceased, late of Chatham County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the day of November 11, 2026 or this notice will be plead in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 13th day of August 2026. Rochelle Bryarley Administrator Marie H. Hopper Attorney for the Estate Hopper Cummings, PLLC Post Office Box 1455 Pittsboro, NC 27312

NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY __________________________________________ ______________________________ HAVING QUALIFIED as Administrator of the Estate of Marion Turner Hargrove, Jr. of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 28th day of October, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 23rd day of July, 2026. Pamela Lowe Hargrove 3035 Silk Hope Liberty Road Siler City, North Carolina 27344 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000418-180 The undersigned, EMEILIA WICKER ELLIS, having qualified on the 14TH Day of July 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of DANA L. WICKER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD 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 23RD Day of July 2026. EMEILIA WICKER ELLIS, ADMINISTRATOR 7695 SILER CITY SNOW CAMP RD SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000453-180 The undersigned, TODD PADGETT NORRIS, having qualified on the 28TH Day of JULY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of FREDDIE HART, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 6TH Day of NOVEMBER 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 6TH Day of AUGUST 2026. TODD PADGETT NORRIS, EXECUTOR 1205 RIVER FOREST RD. PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: A6,13,20,27p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000409-180 The undersigned, JILL POPE CAGLE, having qualified on the 7TH Day of JULY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of DORIS POPE TANT, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD 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 23RD Day of July 2026. JILL POPE CAGLE, EXECUTOR 145 CEDAR RUN PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000449-180 The undersigned, RALPH C. MILLS, having qualified on the 27TH Day of JULY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JOYCE ANN DAVIS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 30TH 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 30TH Day of July 2026. RALPH C. MILLS, EXECUTOR 7021 CARPENTER FIRE STATION ROAD CARY, NC 27519 Run dates: Jy30,A6,13,20p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having qualified as Co-Executors of the Will of Jacqueleene Bowen Dobbins, a/k/a Jacqueleene B. Dobbins, Jacqueleene Dobbins, and Jackie Dobbins, late of Chapel Hill, Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned do hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at One West Fourth Street, Suite 1200, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, on or before the 23rd day of October, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 23rd day of July, 2026. JAMES TALMAGE DOBBINS, III, and STEVEN EARL DOBBINS, CO-EXECUTORS OF THE WILL OF JACQUELEENE BOWEN DOBBINS Kimberly H. Stogner Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP One West Fourth Street – 12th Floor Winston-Salem, NC 27101 July 23rd, 30th, August 6th and 13th, 2026

Notice to Creditors Estate of Truby Weldon Horton File No.: 25E000631-180 ALL PERSONS, firms and corporations having claims against Truby Weldon Horton, deceased, of Chatham County, NC, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before November 2, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 30th day of July, 2026. Bryan Weldon Horton, Executor, in c/o Jenna Parkolap, Attorney, at Carolina Family Estate Planning, 51 Kilmayne Drive, Suite 200, Cary, NC 27511. Publication Dates: July 30, 2026 August 6, 2026 August 13, 2026 August 20, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY 26E000465-180 The undersigned, Angela Lenetta Horton aka Angela Horton Sheffield, having been appointed as Executor of the Estate of Hazel Newby Horton, aka Hazel Marie Horton, Deceased, late of Guilford County, North Carolina, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate to present such claims to the undersigned in care of the undersigned’s Attorney at their address on or before, November 13, 2026 or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the abovenamed Executor. This the 13th day of August, 2026. Angela Lenetta Horton aka Angela Horton Sheffield, Administrator Estate of Hazel Newby Horton, aka Hazel Marie Horton Justin N. Plummer, Esq. Law Offices of Cheryl David 528 College Rd. Greensboro, NC 27410 Phone No.: (336) 547-9999 Fax No.: (336) 547-9477 Run Dates: August 13, August 20, August 27, September 3, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of JOHN M. LATIMER, JR., Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the offices of Tillman, Whichard & Cagle, PLLC, 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 130, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, on or before the 30th 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 30th day of July, 2026. HARRISON ARMISTEAD LATIMER, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF JOHN M. LATIMER, JR.

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF JAMES GUY COBLE, DECEASED, 26E000391-180 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against JAMES GUY COBLE, Deceased, are notified to exhibit them to MARK COBLE, ANCILLARY EXECUTOR for the decedent’s estate on or before the 21ST day of October, 2026, at the office of LOCKAMY LAW FIRM, P.A., Attorneys, 3130 Hope Valley Road, Durham, North Carolina 27707, Attention: MARK COBLE, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named estate c/o MARK COBLE, ANCILLARY EXECUTOR. MARK COBLE, ANCILLARY EXECUTOR of JAMES GUY COBLE, Deceased JOSHUA S. BARTON, Attorney LOCKAMY LAW FIRM, P.A. 3130 Hope Valley Road Durham, North Carolina 27707

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY __________________________________________ ______________________________ HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Marcella Lauretta Culberson of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 5th day of November, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 29th day of July, 2026. Albert Tracy Culberson 2849 Silk Hope Liberty Road Siler City, North Carolina 27344 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Celine Danielle Levine Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Celine Danielle Levine, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 5842 Fayetteville Road, Suite 113, Durham, NC 27713, on or before the 24th day of October, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 17th day of July, 2026 Shani Levine Cohen, Executor of the Estate of Celine Danielle Levine Dori J. Dixon Southpoint Estate Planning Attorney for the Estate 5842 Fayetteville Road, Suite 113 Durham, North Carolina, 27713 FOR PUBLICATION: 07/23/2026, 07/30/26, 08/06/26, 08/13/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CHATHAM The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Marguerite Moffitt-Rogers, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, in Estate File No. 26E000325-180, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before November 6, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms or corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 6th day of August, 2026. Beverly M. Solomon, Administrator c/o 403 Blandwood Avenue Greensboro, NC 27401 August 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000468-180 The undersigned, CAROL JOHNSON, having qualified on the 6TH Day of AUGUST 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JESSE JAMES MCCRIMMON, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 13TH Day of NOVEMBER 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 13TH Day of AUGUST 2026. CAROL JOHNSON, EXECUTOR 1486 MITCHELL CHAPEL RD. PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: A13,20,27,S3p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000410-180 The undersigned, TERRI TALBOTT GUNTER, having qualified on the 7TH Day of JULY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of CAROLYN MCDUFFIE TALBOTT, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD 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 23RD Day of July 2026. TERRI TALBOTT GUNTER, EXECUTOR 179 ASHBURY CHURCH RD. SANFORD, NC 27330 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA\ CHATHAM COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF\ CHRISTINE C. HORTON\ Estate File No. 26E000261-180 The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Christine C. Horton, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, hereby notifies all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before October 30,2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the day of July 30, 2026. Douglas E Horton\ [Executor of the Estate of Christine C. Horton]\ 200 Caley Wilson Rd\ Apex, NC 27523\ Cell 919-815-0227

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000294-180 The undersigned, SHEREESE R. MYERS, having qualified on the 19TH Day of MAY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of CLARISSA T. NEAL, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD 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 23RD Day of July 2026. SHEREESE R. MYERS, ADMINISTRATOR 2012 RAJ DR. DURHAM, NC 27703 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000421-180 The undersigned, CAROL A. CHESLAK, having qualified on the 14TH Day of JULY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of EDWARD ALAN BARNES, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD 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 23RD Day of July 2026. CAROL A. CHESLAK, EXECUTOR 2326 VALENCIA TERR CHARLOTTE, NC 28226 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000419-180 The undersigned, TRICIA HATHCOCK, having qualified on the 14TH Day of JULY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of PATRICK HOWELL GARNER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 6TH Day of NOVEMBER 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 6TH Day of AUGUST 2026. TRICIA HATHCOCK, ADMINISTRATOR 687 SHERIFF WATSON RD. SANFORD, NC 27332 Run dates: A6,13,20,27p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000414-180 The undersigned MARY COX, having qualified on the 13TH Day of July 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of SUSAN FRANCES REA, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD 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 23RD Day of July 2026. MARY COX, EXECUTOR 84 LITTLE CREEK LANE SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000463-180 The undersigned, DARLENE A. BRISTOW, having qualified on the 5TH Day of AUGUST 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of RV ANDERS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 13TH Day of NOVEMBER 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 13TH Day of AUGUST 2026. DARLENE A. BRISTOW, EXECUTOR 4711 EDINBOROUGH ROAD GREENSBORO, NC 27406 Run dates: A13,20,27,S3p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000424-180 The undersigned, WALTER CALVIN WRENN, having qualified on the 16TH Day of JULY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of TABITHA H. WRENN, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD 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 23RD Day of July 2026. WALTER CALVIN WRENN, ADMINISTRATOR 1183 EDDIE PERRY ROAD PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000413-180 The undersigned, JESSE SEAGROVES, having qualified on the 20TH Day of JULY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of STELLA B SEAGROVES, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD 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 23RD Day of July 2026. JESSE SEAGROVES, EXECUTOR 3800 MCLAURIN ROAD BEAR CREEK, NC 27207 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E00074-180 The undersigned, ISAIAH BUTLER, having qualified on the 5TH Day of AUGUST 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of LOIS BUTLER aka ANNIE LOIS BUTLER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 13TH Day of NOVEMBER 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 13TH Day of AUGUST 2026. ISAIAH BUTLER, ADMINISTRATOR 601 BILLY FITTS ROAD SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: A13,20,27,S3p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF Kathryn Haeng Nan Kim All persons, firms and corporations having claims against Kathryn Haeng Nan Kim, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit them to Grace Kim as Administrator of the decedent’s estate on or before October 24, 2026, c/o Janet B. Witchger, Attorney at Law, 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Executor. This the 23rd day of July 2026. Grace Kim, Administrator c/o Janet B. Witchger, Atty. TrustCounsel 1414 Raleigh Rd., Ste. 203 Chapel Hill, NC 27517

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000431-180 The undersigned, TIMOTHY ALLEN ENGLISH, having qualified on the 20TH Day of JULY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of BETTY ENGLISH, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 30TH 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 30TH Day of July 2026. TIMOTHY ALLEN ENGLISH, EXECUTOR 1703 VINEYARD MIST DRIVE CARY, NC 27519 Run dates: Jy30,A6,13,20c

The undersigned, having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Mae Geraldine Stats, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the offices of Munson Law Firm PLLC, P.O. Box 1811 Pittsboro, NC 27312, on or before the 23rd 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 23rd day of July, 2026. CHRISTOPHER K. SMITH, ADMINISTRATOR ESTATE OF MAE GERALDINE STATS

CHATHAM COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Chatham County Board of Health will conduct a public hearing in accordance with G.S. § 130A-39 on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at 80 East St, Pittsboro, NC to consider a request to amend the Rules for the Construction, Repair and Abandonment of Wells in Chatham County effective August 24, 2026. The proposed changes to the rules are to ensure compliance with G.S. § 87-97, as amended by Session Law 2026-32. Persons who would like to request a copy of the proposed rule or who have questions may contact Board Clerk Danielle White at 919-545-8391, Danielle.white@chathamcountync. gov. Those wishing to speak may sign up or submit written comments to the Board Clerk via email.

A10

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

2 appointed to state Lottery Commission Bryan Starnes was installed as chair, and Jason Poole was named a member of the board By Jessica Taylor For Chatham News & Record RALEIGH — Two appointments were made to the North Carolina Lottery Commission last week. Bryan Starnes was appointed as chair of the Lottery Commission by state Treasurer Brad Briner. Starnes will begin his five-year term Sept. 1 and will replace Ripley Rand, who has served as chair since December 2022. “The Lottery Commission oversees an enterprise that generates billions of dollars each year for the people of North Carolina, and that responsibility demands exceptional leadership,” said Briner in the press release. “Bryan Starnes has spent his career earning the trust of businesses, employees and stakeholders by demonstrating financial expertise, strong judgment and unwavering integrity. “He is exactly the kind of qualified leader North Carolinians deserve in this important role, and I am confident he will help ensure the Lottery Commission operates with accountability, transparency and sound stewardship,” said Briner. Starnes has worked for nearly four decades in accounting, finance and executive leader-

MAHA from page A1 November’s midterm elections. Jayme Franklin, a 28-year-old conservative activist who appeared with the president to promote his executive order on Monday, said she thinks the action is “going to go a long way” for MAHA mom voters like herself. But Shaughnessy Naughton, president of the left-leaning political action committee 314 Action, which aims to elect doctors to office, said she sees the order as “one more data point” in support of Democrats’ cause. “Our organization and our candidates are certainly going to hammer that message home — that if you want healthcare that’s accessible and affordable, if you want medical advice that is science-based, we need to have accountability in Washington,” she said. Trump long called for shots spread out in separate visits Trump’s doubt in the number and cadence of vaccines dates back at least to 2014, when he posted to social media the disproven claim that combination shots can cause autism and said if he were president he would spread them out. While he’s since shown pride in his first-term Operation Warp Speed effort to disseminate COVID-19 vaccines quickly and praised certain other shots like the polio vaccine, he

COURTESY TRP SUMNER

Jason Poole

COURTESY N.C. STATE TREASURER

Bryan Starnes

ed financial professional with a strong record of leadership and service to North Carolina,” said Boliek in the press release. “His expertise in accounting, governance, and fiscal oversight will be a solid asset to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.” Poole is a certified public accountant and chartered global management accountant who has worked with businesses across North Carolina in accounting, financial reporting, management consulting, auditing and tax for more than two decades. Poole has served as a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, board member of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA), chairman of the East Carolina University Board of Trustees, chair of the NCACPA Advocacy Advisory Council and president of the NCACPA Foundation. “I am honored to be appointed by State Auditor Boliek to serve on the North Carolina State Lottery Commission,” said Poole. “I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to uphold public trust and ensure there is accountability in gaming in North Carolina.” The Lottery Commission oversees the operation of the North Carolina Education Lottery to ensure integrity, transparency and accountability. The lottery supports education programs across the state.

ship as a certified public accountant. He began his career at Deloitte & Touche before becoming a controller for a North Carolina furniture manufacturer. In 1992, he worked as a partner at Martin Starnes & Associates, where he grew the firm into a respected accounting practice until 2011. In 2012, Starnes worked his way up from asset manager to chief accounting officer at Meridian Senior Living. Since 2013, he has worked as the chief financial officer at ALG Senior, a senior housing management and consulting company. Starnes has overseen billions of dollars in assets and transactions and built a reputation for accountability and

strong financial oversight. As chief financial officer at ALG Senior, Starnes handled accounting, finance, risk management, human resources and policy advocacy for organizations managing more than 100 senior living communities across the nation. Starnes has been married to his wife, Sandy, for 40 years, and has three children and nine grandchildren. Starnes’ appointment is the first time the state treasurer has been authorized to appoint the chair of the Lottery Commission. The change was made by the North Carolina General Assembly in the yearly state budget. Alongside Starnes, Robert “Jason” Poole was appointed by State Auditor Dave Boliek to

also has repeatedly called for reforming the childhood vaccine schedule. While his administration released an assessment comparing U.S. childhood vaccine schedules to peer nations’, several of his suggestions have come without any new scientific evidence. “This is based on what I feel,” Trump said last September when he called for splitting the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine into three single-disease vaccines. On Monday, he again pushed for separating the MMR shot into three, ordering the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to work on developing that option for children, since it doesn’t currently exist in the United States. Public health experts have warned that spacing out shots could increase the risk of infection with a vaccine-preventable disease before a child returns for the next visit.

view the economy as a top issue they care about. “Nothing in America matters more than affordability,” pollster Frank Luntz said. “And anytime the administration or Republicans goes off affordability, they’re not talking about what Americans really care about.” Whit Ayres, a Republican pollster, said with most Americans viewing vaccines positively, Trump’s announcement “does not strike me as the most persuasive political message.” Recent polling from the healthcare research nonprofit KFF suggests that even among MAHA supporters, only 10% rank reevaluating vaccine safety as their top priority for the federal government. Higher-ranking priorities included lowering health costs (42%) and restricting chemical additives in the food supply (21%).

Trump’s views have aligned him with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist before he entered politics. The president credits Kennedy’s diverse coalition of MAHA followers — whose priorities range from regulating pesticides to ending vaccine mandates — with helping him win back the White House in 2024.

Even as the Trump administration has handed several wins to the MAHA coalition, including changing the federal dietary guidelines and loosening restrictions on peptides, some in the movement have grown impatient as their other priorities remain unfinished. It’s unclear whether Trump’s action to loosen vaccine recommendations, an issue some MAHA supporters are passionate about, will be enough to shore up those voters ahead of the midterms. Franklin, who runs a conservative magazine, said she had talked with Trump about making vaccine recommendations more flexible at a MAHA roundtable earlier this year. She was pleased when the administration informed her that her requests were coming true. “I think it just really shows he loves to hear from everyday Americans on how his policies and his administration affect the lives of people who are raising kids in this country,” she said. But political strategists and Trump’s own pollster Tony Fabrizio have warned that efforts to shave down vaccine recommendations may not matter much to most voters this fall. Polls show most Americans believe children should be vaccinated to attend school, though Republicans are less likely to see vaccines as important. And as rising prices on things like groceries, gas and healthcare tighten Americans’ budgets, many

Asked about the timing of the order with the midterms approaching, a White House official who insisted on anonymity to brief reporters said that the move was a longstanding presidential priority and that other health issues voters care about were still being addressed. To that effect, on the day Trump signed the order, the Food and Drug Administration announced an effort to require more transparency from food manufacturers about new ingre-

dients or additives in foods — something many in the MAHA movement had been calling for. The administration has also touted its efforts to lower drug prices and crack down on federal health program fraud, which it argues will save taxpayers money. Still, Democratic candidates, including doctors linked to Naughton’s group 314 Action, seized on Trump’s order in messages to voters this week. Dr. Richard Pan, a physician running as a Democrat for the U.S. House in Northern California, reposted the American Medical Association’s condemnation of Trump’s vaccine falsehoods, among other fact checks. He told The Associated Press he thinks voters are deciding between electing people who choose not to hold the administration accountable and those who “stand for the science.” Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician and Democrat running for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina, pleaded with voters not to take health information from Trump in a video posted on Instagram in collaboration with the left-leaning Courier Newsroom. “Do whatever you can to help elect scientists up and down the ballot in November, including sending me to the U.S. Senate,” she said to the camera. “I cannot think of a more urgent time for us to have a pediatrician in the room where these conversations are happening.”

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 was $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; WHEREAS, the foreclosure sale was originally scheduled for July 16, 2026 at 11:00 A.M., but has been adjourned until August 14, 2026 pursuant to 12 U.S.C. 3760(c); 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 Friday, August 14, 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 $487,251.04. There will be no proration of taxes, rents or other income or liabilities, except that the purchaser will pay, at or before closing, his prorate share of any real estate taxes that have been paid by the Secretary to the date of the foreclosure sale. When making their bids, all bidders except the Secretary must submit a deposit totaling $48,725.10 in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check made out to the Secretary of HUD. A deposit need not accompany each oral bid. If the successful bid is oral, a deposit of $48,725.10 must be presented before the bidding is closed. The deposit is nonrefundable. The remainder of the purchase price must be delivered within 30 days of the sale or at such other time as the Secretary may determine for good cause shown, time being of the essence. This amount, like the bid deposits, must be delivered in the form of a certified or cashier’s check. If the Secretary is the highest bidder, he need not to pay the bid amount in cash. The successful bidder will pay all the conveying fees, all real estate and other taxes that are due on or after the delivery date of the remainder of the payment and all other costs associated with the transfer of title. At the conclusion

of the sale, the deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. The Secretary may grant an extension of time within which to deliver the remainder of the payment. All extensions will be for 15day increments for a fee of $500.00, paid in advance. The extension fee shall be in the form of a certified or cashier’s check made payable to the Secretary of HUD. If the high bidder closes the sale prior to the expiration of any extension period, the unused portion of the extension fee shall be applied toward the amount due. If the high bidder is unable to close the sale within the required period, or within any extensions of time granted by the Secretary, the high bidder may be required to forfeit the cash deposit or, at the election of the foreclosure commissioner after consultation with the HUD representative, will be liable to HUD for any costs incurred as a result of such failure. The Commissioner may, at the direction of the HUD representative, offer the property to the second highest bidder for an amount equal to the highest price offered by that bidder. There is no right of redemption, or right of possession based upon a right of redemption, in the mortgagor or others subsequent to a foreclosure completed pursuant to the ACT. Therefore, the Foreclosure Commissioner will issue a Deed to the purchaser(s) upon receipt of the entire purchase price in accordance with the terms of the sale as provided herein. HUD does not guarantee that the property will be vacant. The scheduled foreclosure sale shall be canceled or adjourned if it is established, by documented written application

of the mortgagor to the Foreclosure Commissioner not less than 3 days before the date of sale, or otherwise, that the default or defaults upon which the foreclosure is based did not exist at the time of services of this notice of default and foreclosure sale, or all amounts due under the mortgage agreement are tendered to the Foreclosure Commissioner, in the form of a certified or cashier’s check payable to the Secretary of HUD, before public auction of the property is completed. The amount that must be paid if the mortgage is to be reinstated prior to the scheduled sale was $475,098.63 as of June 11, 2026, plus all other amounts that would be due under the mortgage agreement if payments under the mortgage had not been accelerated, advertising costs and postage expenses incurred in giving notice, mileage by the most reasonable road distance for posting notices and for the Foreclosure Commissioner’s attendance at the sale, reasonable and customary costs incurred for title and lien record searches, the necessary out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Foreclosure Commissioner for recording documents, a commission for the Foreclosure Commissioner, and all other costs incurred in connection with the foreclosure prior to reinstatement. Tender of payment by certified or cashier’s check or application for cancellation of the foreclosure sale shall be submitted to the address of the Foreclosure Commissioner provided below. Riley, Pope & Laney, PLLC David A. Simpson NC Managing Partner 101 E. Matthews St, Suite 900 Matthews, NC 28105 T: (980) 201-3888 61088

Most Americans don’t see reevaluating vaccine safety as top issue

“The Lottery Commission oversees an enterprise that generates billions of dollars each year for the people of North Carolina, and that responsibility demands exceptional leadership.” Brad Briner, state treasurer serve on the Lottery Commission. His appointment comes due to a recent state law allowing the state auditor to appoint one of the nine members of the commission. “Jason Poole is a respect-

Democrats seizing on Trump’s message

TAKE NOTICE NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND RESCHEDULED 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 beneficiary and Michael Lyon as trustee, and was recorded on June 9, 2015 in Book 01801 at Page 0227 in the Office 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 beneficial 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 office 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,

CHATHAM SPORTS

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth’s offensive line gets ready to snap the ball and move some defensive players.

Linemen pay price for success with selfless work ethic No football team can win big without efficient work by its unsung heroes

By Michael Jaenicke Chatham News & Record FORMER LINEMAN and current high school head coach Tim Grady frequently tells his running backs, “Go ahead and try to do it without an O-line.” Another assistant coach in the state, Jeremy Joyner, takes the duties and responsibilities

a step further, coming short of calling linemen “Protectors of the Universe.” “It’s the only job in sports that the sole responsibility is to protect everyone else,” Joyner said. Assistant coach and ex-lineman Brad Rhodes says linemen, “must be selfless individuals.” In other words, it’s all guts and little personal glory. That is just part of what makes linemen special. And before this goes further, let’s dismiss the thought that linemen are just fat and lazy players. It’s as far from the truth as it

can be, says Jacksonville offensive coordinator Pat Byrd, who said “linemen are the smartest players on the team.” Part of that is because linemen are more into the mental aspect of the game than meets the surface. Playbook proficient players Most coaches agree that linemen must not just know what to do during a given play but also know the roles of every other player on his side of the ball while reading the tendencies and focus of a defense.

“Because of that, we tend to make our assignments and calls as simple as possible for them,” Rhodes said. And linemen must be physically prepared. “They must be in shape, and weight training is also mandatory,” Grady said. “They carry 50 more pounds (than other players), and we ask them to go nearly every down on both sides of the ball all night long. You have to be conditioned to take that kind of hitting and running. It takes its toll after two or three quarters.” And size is not the final word

on a player. In fact, there’s more technique than most fans can imagine. “It’s much more than just running,” Joyner said. “You have to know the fundamentals. If not, you will get beat often by someone you should beat nearly every time. It’s about good footwork and knowing what you are doing. Big bodies fall when players don’t have the fundamentals down. “But think about it. Every play you are delivering punishment, and that’s a lot over the course of a game.” Unity, solidarity in trenches Linemen must also be a unit of brothers. “Five guys, at least, must be on one accord,” Grady said. “The successful ones look at how a defense is denting us instead See LINEMEN, page B2

Football prepares for season with scrimmages A look at where county teams will be participating as jamboree season picks up GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Northwood and Chatham Central players and coaches pose for a mixed group photo after the season opener.

Volleyball season opens in Chatham Northwood and Woods Charter open with wins Chatham News & Record THE 2026-27 high school sports season officially started Monday. Several county teams hit the volleyball court to get the action going, with soccer set to begin later this week. Meanwhile, football practice is transitioning into preseason scrimmages. Chatham Central and Northwood opened with a clash between county schools. Northwood got the better of the

meeting, taking a 3-1 win over the Bears. They’ll meet again in exactly a week as Northwood heads to Chatham to finish off the home-and-home series. In the meantime, Northwood has another county rivalry with Seaforth coming to town. The Chargers finish a busy opening week with a home match against Lee County. Chatham Central will try to get its first win as it hosts Chatham Charter this week. Charter is also seeking its first win after dropping a 3-1 opener to Providence Grove. The Knights won their first set

of the season, 28-26, then lost the next three to Providence Grove, 27-25, 25-12 and 25-12. Charter heads to Central and then hosts J-M this week before returning the visit from Providence Grove next week to complete the home and home. Seaforth didn’t play on opening day and will have its home opener later this week against Apex Friendship following its road match with Northwood. They head to Cardinal Gibbons to open next week’s slate. Jordan-Matthews opened its season with a straight-set loss to Lee County, 25-13, 25-10 and 25-9, and heads to Chatham Charter later this week. It opens next week at home against Central Carolina Academy. Woods Charter opened its season with a straight-set win over Discovery Charter, 25-5, 25-12 and 25-13. The Wolves host Cummings and Research Triangle later this week.

Chatham News & Record FOOTBALL SEASON doesn’t begin until Aug. 21, but teams are giving fans a first glimpse as they participate in jamborees and scrimmages around the area. Seaforth was one of the first to hit the field as the Hawks scrimmaged against Willow Spring late last week. Things pick up Friday as just

about every area team will be in action. Jordan-Matthews will participate in the Triad Kickoff Classic, scrimmaging East Davidson in the 10-team event. Meanwhile, Northwood will host 10 teams, including Chatham Central, at the annual Jack Shaner Jamboree. Other teams participating in the event, which honors the former coach, includes Southern Lee, Southern Alamance, Orange, Carrboro, Graham, Apex, Providence Grove and Trinity Fayetteville. Tickets are $11. Seaforth will also be in action against Harnett Central. Seaforth huddles up during its scrimmage against Willow Spring.

COURTESY @SEAFORTHFOOTBALL / INSTAGRAM

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Max Hinchman

LINEMEN from page B1 of it’s nothing but raw strength and want-to.” Smaller schools usually have smaller than average linemen (5-foot-9 to 6-foot-1 and 185 to 225 pounds) but often run the ball effectively against much larger lines. Bigger classifications require more height and beef (6-1 to 6-3 and 250 to 300 and more pounds). That’s normally the size colleges expect from incoming players. Last year, Jordan-Matthews had one player listed above 300 pounds and two more at 295. Four Seaforth players are listed above 250 on this year’s team. They are 4A and 5A, respectively. Meanwhile, 8A schools in the Triangle area like Durham Jordan and Raleigh’s Leesville Road can start players that size at all five spots on the line, with plenty more ready to step in as subs. Linemen make or break a

“Big bodies fall when players don’t have the fundamentals down.” Jeremy Joyner team, and they often carry the spirit of a team. “It’s not about glory because no one is tracking pancake blocks,” Rhodes said. “If an NFL defensive player makes one sack a game, he’s going to be an All-Pro. But if an offensive lineman gives up even a few sacks, he’s going to be dropped.” There’s a brotherhood of linemen. “It’s a blue-collar job, and here we don’t have to sell them on it because they humbly work for the team,” Grady said. “It’s a very humbling role, so having the right players there and having them play together is what it’s all about.” Joyner agrees.

“They’re really some of the best kids to coach because it’s not about them,” he said. “It’s one unit, and though you can have a standout player or big physical guy, if the line is not cohesive everything else is for naught.” Center play is critical Kevin Motsinger, an offensive coordinator and O-line coach, said the action begins in the middle of the field and matriculates outward. “Center is the most important position on the field because nothing happens until he gets the ball to the quarterback,” he said. Motsinger went on to say communication and interaction at the line is his favorite part of football. “It’s like an arts performance to me,” he said. “And let me say this: Our success will be 100% on our offensive and defensive lines.”

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth football, wide receiver Max Hinchman is a senior wide receiver on the Seaforth football team. He has also played basketball for the Hawks. As Seaforth’s leading returning receiver with a 25-catch, 571-yard, five-touchdown junior season, Hinchman gave a glimpse of what is to come during Seaforth’s season-opening scrimmage at Willow Spring. He had several catches, including a leaping sideline catch for more than 30 yards, a daring leaping grab over the middle in traffic for another long gain, and a crossing pattern over the middle with a defender bearing down on him.

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth’s offensive line gets ready to snap the ball and move some defensive players.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

Craig reveals vascular dementia diagnosis during Pro Football Hall of Fame speech The former 49ers running back gave his speech by prerecorded video

“The changes were gradual. At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed, too.”

By Rob Maaddi The Associated Press CANTON, Ohio — Roger Craig revealed during his induction speech into the Pro Football Hall of Fame that he has vascular dementia. The former San Francisco 49ers star running back spoke in a prerecorded video message while he sat on stage wearing his gold jacket at Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday. Presented by former teammate Jamie Williams, he received a standing ovation from the crowd and hugs from the many Hall of Famers on stage. Nearly eight minutes into a nine-minute speech, Craig announced his diagnosis, saying his doctors believe “it may be related, at least in part, to the concussions” he experienced during his playing career. “The changes were gradual,” Craig said. “At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed, too.”

Roger Craig

DAVID DERMER / AP PHOTO

Roger Craig poses with his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony Saturday in Canton, Ohio. Symptoms of vascular dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic, include: confusion; trouble finding the right words; difficulty paying attention; trouble organizing thoughts or actions; difficulty planning and following through with plans; slowed thinking; uncertainty about what to do next; and memory issues.

“Two things could be true,” Craig said. “Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I can imagine. It helped shape the man I became. At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played. I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.

“I want people to know that this diagnosis doesn’t define me. I am still Roger Craig. I am still a father, still a husband, a teammate, a friend and someone who loves this game and the people who brought it to my life. If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it’s worth it. Football gave me everything: opportunity, discipline, lifelong friends and the platform to grow as a man. This honor belongs to my parents who started it all.” Selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 1983 draft as a fullback out of Nebraska, Craig become one of the most versatile players in league history. He excelled as a runner, receiver and blocker, helping the

Bridgewater steps away from Lions, leaving question at backup QB The former Panthers’ quarterback ended his second NFL stint

“He had a huge heart. He’s going to be missed.”

By Paula Pasche The Associated Press

Dan Campbell, Lions coach

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has stepped away from football. “His biggest worry was letting us down, that’s the type of guy he is,” Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said Sunday, when Bridgewater was placed on the reserve/retired list. The 33-year-old journeyman had signed a one-year deal with the Lions in March after spending 2025 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also spent 2023 and part of 2024 with Detroit. “So I’ve known Teddy a long time. As a human being, he is unbelievable. Certainly as a player, everything that he’s about, the type of teammate he is, the way he prepares. He always played the game up here,”

an emotional Campbell said, pointing to his head. “He had a huge heart. He’s going to be missed.” Campbell, who was assistant head coach with the New Orleans Saints when Bridgewater played there in 2018 and 2019, has maintained a close relationship with the quarterback. “I’ll never forget 2019 when Drew (Brees) got injured. We’d just gone out to the Rams, got beat out there, and Drew got his thumb and we lost him for five weeks,” Campbell said. “Teddy stepped in and we won five in a row. That was Teddy. His time being with us meant a lot, and it meant a lot to our guys. He’s going to be missed.” Bridgewater had been signed to back up Jared Goff. Undraft-

PAUL SANCYA / AP PHOTO

Detroit Lions quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater (5) and Jared Goff (16) talk during practice at training camp. ed rookie Luke Altmyer, the only other quarterback on the Lions roster, had been getting more reps in training camp earlier this week when Bridgewater was absent, and again on Sunday. “I thought he did some really good things,” Campbell said.

“He was put in some tough positions for a young player that you absolutely have to be put in, you just do, you’ve got to be thrust in, you need to fail, you need to make mistakes so you can grow, and we thought he handled it really well.”

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49ers win three of their five Super Bowls. In 1985, Craig became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in a season. He was the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988. “When I learned that Bill Walsh wanted me, that meant something because he saw something in me that others didn’t,” Craig said. “He didn’t just want a running back, he wanted a complete football player. He trusted me to do whatever the team needed. That’s why a 1,000-yard rushing, 1,000-yard receiving season means so much to me. We weren’t chasing numbers. We were chasing wins. I didn’t realize I was making history. It just felt like we were doing something special as a team. Looking back, I can appreciate how difficult it is and how few players have done it since. “What means the most is knowing we helped expand what people thought a running back could be. None of that happens without great teammates. What made those 49ers teams special: We weren’t selfish. We didn’t care who got the credit. We cared about winning.”

Altmyer said he has learned so much from Bridgewater. “It was a joy to spend some time with him, but it brings about opportunity for myself, and the standard is to play good football no matter how many reps and or whatever my role is, I have a job to do and my job is to do that very, very well at a high level,” Altmyer said. “I’m thankful. I believe in my abilities, and I’m going to go cut it loose whatever that looks like for me.’’ The Lions signed veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs on Sunday. Bridgewater was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2014 and started 28 games his first two seasons. Before the 2016 season, he tore his ACL and suffered more structural knee damage that kept him out of action into the 2017 season. Bridgewater also played for the Dolphins, Broncos, Panthers and Jets. In 2024, before he re-signed with the Lions in December, Bridgewater coached Miami Northwestern Senior High, his alma mater, to the Florida Class 3A state championship. But he was suspended for the 2025 season after revealing he personally paid for meals, ride-share services and treatments for some players.

B4 SIDELINE REPORT NASCAR

NASCAR’s exhibition Clash returning to Daytona Daytona Beach, Fla. NASCAR’s exhibition Clash is returning to Daytona International Speedway for the first time in six years. The race will be Feb. 13, 2027. It doesn’t count for points and is the lead-up to the season-opening Daytona 500 on Feb. 21. Daytona hosted the Clash from 1979 to 2021. It was moved to Los Angeles Memorial Stadium for three years and then relocated to tiny Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem the last two years in a return to NASCAR’s grassroots racing.

NFL

Bears add experience to secondary by signing safety Woods Chicago The Chicago Bears added significant experience to their secondary by signing safety Xavier Woods. Woods has started in 121 games in nine NFL seasons. The Bears placed defensive back Dallis Flowers on injured reserve following an injury to his right leg. The 31-year-old Woods has 15 career interceptions, including two in 11 games for Tennessee last season. He had 39 tackles for the Titans. Woods played his first four seasons with Dallas, where he started 48 of 60 games. He also has played for Minnesota and Carolina.

SOCCER

Australia grants citizenship to pair of Iranian women’s soccer players Melbourne, Australia Two Iranian women soccer players who sought asylum in Australia have been granted citizenship. Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh said they were sworn in by Immigration Minister Tony Burke in Brisbane. Friends and supporters from the local Iranian community attended the ceremony. The Refugee Council of Australia noted that citizenship usually requires four years on a valid visa. The women joined Brisbane Roar after Iran withdrew from the Women’s Asia Cup hosted by Australia.

NBA

Memphis forward Clarke died from effects of heroin, cocaine Los Angeles Authorities have determined Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said the 29-year-old basketball player’s death was accidental. Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. Drug paraphernalia was reportedly found at the residence. Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

Trading Rutschman could help Orioles, but move shows how badly team’s plans went awry The former first overall pick was dealt to a division rival By Noah Trister The Associated Press SEVEN YEARS after drafting Adley Rutschman with the top overall pick, Orioles president Mike Elias traded the All-Star catcher to division rival Boston. In the interim, Baltimore managed one division title and one wild card before falling under .500. So Elias was asked point-blank why fans should believe he’s the man to guide the team to future success. “While the last couple of years have really felt like a step back, and have been a step back from where this team was in 2023 and 2024, we have so many good players in this organization,” he said. “We have so many things going for us in this organization in terms of the strength and the infrastructure, the business side of the operation, the ownership, the facilities. We now have a top farm system, and we have a great roster with a lot of really good players that are signed up for many years. And we have a lot of things going for us right now.” The trade may work out for the Orioles in the long run. They acquired three of Boston’s top five prospects. Fans generally understand the logic of dealing a player who might leave as a free agent. But what makes this trade harder to stomach is the year and a half of failure that led up to it. In 2023, the Orioles won 101 games. Rutschman and infielder Gunnar Henderson were franchise cornerstones, and there were several more top prospects on the way. The assumption was there would be a lot more winning. Instead, the Orioles are in danger of missing the playoffs for a second straight season. “The last couple seasons have not gone to plan. There have been shortcomings, and ultimately those are my responsibility,” Elias said. “But

CAROLYN KASTER / AP PHOTO

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish, left, and catcher Adley Rutschman, right, talk during a game last month. this is a very hard game, we cannot succeed all the time, and we must keep going when things aren’t going our way.” Elias did not sound like a man whose job was in jeopardy. If Elias felt he needed to produce a playoff team this year, he could have kept Rutschman and even added help. There were reasons to trade him, though. Baltimore has catcher Samuel Basallo, who is signed long term and is seven years younger than Rutschman. This type of deal — using a surplus at a key position to acquire help elsewhere — is something the Orioles could perhaps have used more of a few years ago, when they had a wealth of hitting in the majors and minors but needed pitching. Once again, the Orioles have to sell their fans on minor league prospects. The last collection of young talent hasn’t totally delivered on its promise. Rutschman had a down year in 2025, and Henderson is having one this year. Jack-

“We have a lot of things going for us right now.” Mike Elias, Orioles president son Holliday, Colton Cowser and Coby Mayo have all had struggles at the plate. Pitcher Grayson Rodriguez couldn’t stay healthy and was ultimately traded for outfielder Taylor Ward. (Ward, a pending free agent, was also dealt away.) When Elias arrived in November 2018, a rebuild was already underway after the team lost 115 games that year. “We had a lot of work to do around the org. We did it, and for a period of time there — we won a hundred games in 2023 — we had a consensus farm system and a core that looked like it was in a tremendous spot, in a really historically strong spot,” Elias said. “I think to some degree I personally, looking back, got caught up in a narrative about a rebuild. Baseball’s very hum-

bling, and it doesn’t go linearly, and things shifted and changed, and we had a lot of bad luck on the injury front. We had a lot of injuries, and we had regression and things that changed course.” It’s possible Baltimore’s fortune will swing back in a positive direction. The injury luck could improve, and maybe someone like Holliday grows into a star. Even so, Elias will have to prove he’s as good at buying as he seems to be at selling. “We’re in a really good spot with the health of the org, the talent that’s in the org, the players, the system that we have,” Elias said. “We need to get better, we need to continue to adjust and evolve. Our competition is very, very stiff, but I like where we’re at. The way that we’ve gotten here has felt different because of the last couple of years and how we’ve tapered down the last couple years from where our record was in 2023 and 2024. But the future is strong, and I think it starts right now.”

At 35 and in 14th season, Jets’ Smith has Reich seeing QB in his prime The former Panthers coach is impressed by the Jets veteran By Dennis Waszak Jr. The Associated Press FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Frank Reich had to think for a second while raving — again — about Geno Smith, pondering the New York Jets quarterback’s age. “I don’t know how old he is. Isn’t he past 35?” the offensive coordinator asked last Friday before being told Smith is actually 35. “It feels like he’s 28. I’m telling you, it feels like physically, I see no ... like, he is in his prime, physically.” Not bad for a quarterback entering his 14th NFL season, a journey that began as a second-round draft pick of the Jets in 2013 and has included several ups and downs on the field along the way. “Like his arm, the way he moves, his feet in the pocket, he’s physically in his prime,” said Reich, in his first season running the Jets’ offense. “So he takes great care of himself, and that’s going to help this team.”

New York certainly hopes so. The Jets acquired Smith in the offseason from Las Vegas to add a veteran quarterback to an offense that struggled mightily during a 3-14 season. The Jets ranked last or near the bottom in several offensive categories as the likes of Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook took turns calling the signals for then-coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Their 8 yards per completion was the lowest mark in the NFL, and that’s something that’s expected to improve significantly. Smith has always been able to stretch the field, especially during three straight seasons of at least 3,500 yards passing in Seattle from 2022-24. He threw for 3,025 last year in a down season with Las Vegas that included an NFL-leading 17 interceptions. Back with the Jets, Smith has had a mostly good training camp. And he has thoroughly impressed Reich, who said during minicamp that the quarterback has an “elite” football mind. Reich was back gushing about Smith last Friday. “Geno’s the leader,” Reich said. “He’s the leader of the of-

SETH WENIG / AP PHOTO

New York Jets’ offensive coordinator Frank Reich, left, works with running backs at the team’s training camp. fense, make no mistake about it, in every way, shape and form. And to me, what has become crystal clear in this early time in training camp, the attribute that sticks out to me is his laser focus. This man is laser-focused like people don’t understand. He comes to work, and he is locked in. “And I feel like the whole offense plays off of that. That’s a really big deal.” Reich has seen what leadership looks like from a quarterback. He was a longtime backup to Jim Kelly as a player and has coached Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, Andrew Luck and Matt Ryan. The offensive coordinator also knows what good quarterback play looks like. And he sees all of that in Smith, granted, still in the protected, no-contact confines of training camp. “I remember when he was coming out (of college), I had a high grade on him,” Reich

said. “His throwing mechanics, if I’m just talking pure upper-body mechanics, they’re pure. There’s only a couple guys in the league that I would say are pure. Geno’s one of them.” Smith has also been drawing positive reviews from his teammates, who have praised his leadership since rejoining the Jets. “Geno is a legend to guys like me,” fifth-year tight end Jelani Woods said. “He’s been in the league for a long time. You look up to him, just the professionalism he has, it’s something that you look into, and he’s one of those guys that you go up to and talk to him at any time. He sits with you at the lunch table, he sits with anybody at the lunch table, and you just have a simple conversation with him and just talk about life outside of football. “And, you know, stuff like that goes a long way.”

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

Chicago’s Carrington ejected for foul on Fever’s Cunningham, posts ‘white privilege’ The on-court scuffle continued on social media The Associated Press CHICAGO — DiJonai Carrington of the Chicago Sky was ejected Saturday after being called for a Flagrant 2 foul on Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever. Minutes later, Carrington posted on social media the words “WHITE PRIVILEGE” and tagged the Fever. Cunningham, who is white, was shooting a fast-break layup in the first quarter when Carrington, who is black, came from behind and hit her in the head and neck, knocking her to the court as the shot went in. Cunningham said she thought the foul in the 90-86 Indiana win was “absolutely” intentional. “Clearly I think it was unnecessary,” Cunningham said. “I’ve never really spoken to her and I have no beef with her, but I guess she has some pent up stuff.” Fever coach Stephanie White had a different view of the play. “It was a hard foul,” White said. “I don’t think that DiJonai intentionally came out to get

PAUL BEATY / AP PHOTO

The Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington walks off the court after being ejected for a flagrant foul against Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. her across the neck like she did, but it did happen, and I thought it was the right call.” Cunningham got up immediately, charged toward Carrington and pushed her as she was held back by a teammate. “I popped up,” Cunningham said. “I’m not going to let anyone just do that to me. I think everyone knows that. I think

that’s why she did it because she wants attention.” The play was reviewed and upgraded to a Flagrant 2 after the referee said there was windup, impact and follow-through on the foul. Sky coach Tyler Marsh said he hadn’t seen a replay of the play but that seeing it live, he thought Carrington was mak-

we’ll let the league decide. But it wasn’t intentional or anything, so I’m hoping it’s getting rescinded.” A few hours after the game, Clark got her way — the WNBA rescinded the technical foul. Cunningham has frequently come to Clark’s defense after physical play by opponents and has become one of the higher-profile players in the league this season. In an ESPN article published last month, she voiced support for barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s sports, which led to small protests and rallies outside Fever games in Seattle and Portland. In a memo to teams last Friday, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league would have ongoing discussions about the issue of transgender participation in women’s basketball. Marsh said the controversy surrounding Cunningham didn’t add anything extra to the game. “We didn’t come into this one with any more or less juice than we’ve had in the last four since the All-Star break,” he said. “Our mindset is trying to win games.”

ing a play on the ball and that he didn’t believe it warranted a Flagrant 2 foul. “I haven’t looked at that play since, so I really don’t know if it was justified or not,” he said. “But that’s what I thought in the moment.” Marsh was then asked about Carrington’s social media post. “I have to get back to you on that because I’m just now hearing about that,” he said. “So yeah, we’ll handle that.” But Cunningham had plenty to say about the post. “I think the league is taking care of that,” she said. “This has nothing to do with race. Last year, I did the same thing and I got kicked out. And I deserved to be kicked out. There’s no reason even to play that card.” In the third quarter, Fever star Caitlin Clark was assessed a technical foul after she made contact with a referee when she was forced out of bounds. The technical was Clark’s eighth of the season, triggering a one-game suspension for Indiana’s next game if not rescinded by the league. “She said I ran into her,” Clark said in a postgame television interview. “I’ve already watched it on the tape, so

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham claps as the Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington is ejected from the game after committing a flagrant foul against her.

PAUL BEATY / AP PHOTO

Gibbs holds on to win NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway Clever pit strategy gave Joe Gibbs’ grandson his second career win By John Bohnenkamp The Associated Press NEWTON, Iowa — Ty Gibbs didn’t question his crew chief’s final pit call. “I can’t do anything about it, so you just run with it,” Gibbs said. Gibbs used late pit strategy and held off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell over the final 20 laps to win the NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday at Iowa Speedway. Gibbs — the 23-year-old grandson of former NFL coaching great and NASCAR team owner Joe Gibbs — won by 0.253 seconds over Bell for his second victory of the season and his career. Gibbs and Bell each pitted with 60 laps remaining in the 350-lap race, but while Bell took four tires, Gibbs just went with two right-side tires and

came out ahead. And when leader Ross Chastain pitted on Lap 330, Gibbs took over the top spot and fought off a late charge by Bell. Tyler Allen, Gibbs’ crew chief, thought taking two tires was the only chance to get ahead of Bell in that final pit cycle. “We knew after practice the left sides weren’t wearing much and they tended to refire OK,” Allen said. “So in terms of coming into the race, it was definitely a viable option.” Gibbs liked the aggressive call. “I think in the position with our points situation, for sure,” he said. Gibbs, who picked up his first career win April 12 at Bristol, came into the race ranked fourth in the season standings and moved into second — 103 points behind JGR teammate Denny Hamlin. Gibbs, who had an issue in the pits on his first stop of the day when his jack fell too early during the tire change, fell back to 28th before charging back. “You’re kind of hosed after

CHARLIE NEIBERGALL / AP PHOTO

Ty Gibbs, right, celebrates after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Newton, Iowa. that deal,” Gibbs said. “So you’ve got to stay locked in and keep working.” It was the seventh second-place finish of the season for Bell, who led 108 laps. “Ty did a really good job,” Bell said. “He did a great job of managing the race.” Pole-sitter Ryan Blaney, who won the inaugural 2024 Cup Series race at the 0.875-mile oval, was third after leading a race-high 129 laps. Josh Berry finished fourth. It was Berry’s best finish of the season and only his third top-10

finish. Hamlin finished fifth. Chase Briscoe was sixth. Chastain recovered to finish seventh. AJ Allmendinger was eighth, followed by defending race winner William Byron. Austin Dillon was 10th. Reddick’s struggles Tyler Reddick’s summer struggles continued when he crashed into Erik Jones four laps into the race. The rear end of Reddick’s car slid entering Turn 1, and Reddick ran into Jones before hitting the

wall. Reddick finished last in the 36-car field. “One-hundred percent that was on me,” Reddick said. “It’s something I don’t normally do, make those kinds of mistakes. Just gut-wrenching on a lot of levels. I thought we kind of figured out what we needed to do for the race today and made a killer mistake earlier.” Reddick won the first three races of the season and four of the first six, and he has five wins overall. But he has had four finishes of 30th place or worse in the last six races.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

entertainment this week in history King of Rock ’n’ Roll dies at 42, Sports Illustrated debuts, Miles Davis releases “Kind of Blue”

in London by Martin Secker & Warburg. 1959: Trumpeter Miles Davis released “Kind of Blue,” regarded as one of the most influential jazz albums of all time. 1998: President Bill Clinton gave grand jury testimony via closed-circuit television from the White House concerning his relationship with Monica Lewinsky.

The Associated Press AUG. 13 1521: Spanish conqueror Hernando Cortez captured Tenochtitlan, present-day Mexico City, from the Aztecs. 1792: French revolutionaries arrested and imprisoned King Louis XVI; he would be executed by guillotine the following January. 1995: Baseball Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle died at a Dallas hospital of rapidly spreading liver cancer at age 63. AUG. 14 1936: In front of an estimated 20,000 spectators, Rainey Bethea was hanged in Owensboro, Kentucky, in the last public execution in the United States. 1942: President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill signed the Atlantic Charter, which detailed the postwar goals of the two nations. 1945: President Harry S. Truman announced that Imperial Japan had surrendered unconditionally, ending World War II. AUG. 15 1057: Macbeth, King of Scots, was killed in battle by Malcolm, the eldest son of King Duncan, whom Macbeth had killed 17 years earlier. 1935: Humorist Will Rogers and aviator Wiley Post were killed when their airplane crashed near Point

MATT ROURKE / AP PHOTO

On Aug. 16, 2018, Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” whose hits included “Respect” and “Think,” died in Detroit at age 76. Barrow in the Alaska Territory. 1969: The Woodstock Music and Art Fair opened in upstate New York; more than 460,000 people attended the three-day festival, which would become a watershed event in American music and culture. AUG. 16 1777: American forces won the Battle of Bennington in what was considered a turning point of the Revolutionary War. 1948: Baseball legend Babe Ruth died in New York at age 53. 1954: The first issue of Sports Illustrated was released. 1977: Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 42; 41 years later, in 2018, singer Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” died in Detroit at the age of 76. AUG. 17 1945: The George Orwell novel “Animal Farm,” an allegorical satire of Soviet communism, was first published

AUG. 18 1590: John White, the governor of the Roanoke Island colony (in present-day North Carolina), returned to Roanoke after nearly three years abroad only to find the settlement deserted; the fate of the “Lost Colony” remains a mystery. 1914: President Woodrow Wilson issued his Proclamation of Neutrality, aimed at keeping the United States out of World War I. 1920: The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing American women’s right to vote, was ratified as Tennessee became the 36th state to approve it. AUG. 19 1692: Four men and one woman were hanged after being convicted of witchcraft at Salem in the Province of Massachusetts Bay; the story of one of the men, John Proctor, inspired Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible.” 1812: The USS Constitution defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere off Nova Scotia during the War of 1812, earning the nickname “Old Ironsides.” 1854: Thirty-one U.S. soldiers were killed after one of the soldiers fatally shot Brule Lakota Chief Conquering Bear, sparking the First Sioux War.

AP PHOTO

On Aug. 15, 1969, the three-day Woodstock music festival opened near Bethel, New York, featuring performers including Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.

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Book found bricked in fireplace returned to Australian library, 150 years overdue The volume will be displayed in the library’s local history collection By Rod McGuirk The Associated Press

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MELBOURNE, Australia — A book on Greek antiquities has been returned to an Australian public library about 150 years late, with water damage from years bricked into a fireplace. The book was returned to the library in the seaside town of Kiama last week by a local Ross Simmons who had found it during recent home renovations inside a tea crate bricked into a sealed fireplace, Kiama Library manager Michelle Hudson said. “We’ve never had anything that old come back to us,” Hudson said. “I follow lots of libraries on social media, and often you’ll get things that are maybe 30 or 40 years old when they’re cleaning out estates and stuff like that,” she added. Ross Simmons said last Friday he assumed the

CATHERINE TAYLOR VIA AP

A copy of “Antiquities of Athens,” stamped by a library, was returned July 30 in Kiama, Australia, roughly 150 years late. book was borrowed by his great-great-grandfather John Simmons, who had owned the house where it was found. “I’m making an assumption. He was in residence in the cottage around about that time and his children were probably too young,” Ross Simmons said.

The library opened in 1872, and the book, “Antiquities of Athens,” published in 1858, was marked as No. 506 in the library’s original collection of around 1,000 books. Hudson suspects the book was lost within a few years of the library opening. The late return fine would be around $19,500, allowing for inflation, Hudson said. That was calculated on the British three pence-a-week overdue fee that was printed on the inside cover of the book, along with a list of rules that applied when the library opened. But Hudson said the library’s records of borrowers in the 1870s had been lost. “Unfortunately, we have a missing link. There’s nothing in the book that tells us who the last borrower was,” Hudson said. Library rules in the 1870s stated that a book had to be returned and an overdue debt paid before another book could be borrowed. “Maybe that’s why they never returned it to us,” Hudson said. Antiquated rules of the day included that up to three books could be borrowed by house-

holds in which at least six members were “known to be able to read.” Proof of reading ability is no longer required to use today’s library. In the 1870s, books were not lent to people who arrived at the library in a “state of intoxication.” Library users are now asked to leave if their behavior impacts others, but the rules are not specific about intoxication. Ross Simmons said he had no idea why his English immigrant ancestor, who had also served as an alderman in Kiama’s municipal government, would not have returned the book. He said he hadn’t been concerned by the prospect of being held liable by an angry librarian for his family’s debt. “I’ve spent a lifetime dealing with irate customers and being irate with customers myself. Just stick to your guns and say do your worst,” the 77-year-old said. “We’re not going to allow it to go back out again. We don’t want to wait another 150 years for this book to be returned,” Hudson said.

‘Lost Weekend’ serves as Bridgers’ evocative sonic collage For fans of road trips without a destination, old home videos and ambient music By Elise Ryan The Associated Press A TUNING RADIO. The shouts and muffled beats of a New Year’s Eve party. A voicemail from her father. On her excellent third studio album, “Lost Weekend,” Phoebe Bridgers creates a collage of the years since we last heard from her as a solo artist. It’s her first solo album since 2020’s beloved “Punisher” and the return of her supergroup with Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, Boygenius. Those intervening years, Bridgers explains in press materials, were also full of personal changes and challenges. One relationship dissolved and another blossomed. And in 2022, her father died. The album is dedicated to him. Those are the dominant experiences Bridgers examines across the record, which sees her pair her signature lyrical style with enthralling, complex

sonic arrangements. The journey she brings listeners on is not linear but feels instead like a sort of road trip. Some experiences are lingered within; others merely drift past. Bridgers visits a mall on “Liberty Tree,” as a relationship sparks. A van breaks down in the title track, just before she acknowledges the breakup of a proposed marriage. On “Panorama,” ambient beats pulse and mix with a guitar track for over a minute before the listener arrives at Bridgers’ verse, and a hotel room. It’s a resting place, giving listeners space to absorb some of the more intense lyrical revelations surrounding the track. In classic Bridgers’ fashion, the images evoked send listeners lurching from euphoria to heart-wrenching melancholy. Screams undercut the opening of “Bobby,” about how the intensity of a love can be felt in the mundane details of a shared life. Banjo played by co-producer Jack Antonoff peeks out from below the heavier drum and guitar track — a wistful, carefree, sonic thread. “Bobby, this could be the end of wanting,” she sings, as the instruments soften. When the track

solutions

RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO

Phoebe Bridgers poses with her four Grammy Awards during the 66th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in 2024. resurges, that refrain is repeated: “This could be the end.” Endings remain a Bridgers motif, but the hope imbued in this one makes it feel like an antidote to her apocalypse-anthem “I Know The End.” “Still Standing” sees Bridgers reflect on a different kind of ending. Acoustic guitar builds as she recalls moments from her childhood and considers her relationship with her late father: “I wasn’t too young to understand / I just didn’t think

it was so bad,” she sings. “And it wasn’t in a way / And now there is nothing.” Across the project, the intentionality displayed is stark. Space is not wasted. “Never Going Back!” is lyrically simple, for example, but complicated by that voicemail. Throughout, those collected clips are grounding — like intercepted signals from reality, breaking into the soundscape Bridgers has crafted to help herself (and us listeners) understand it.

In early June, Bridgers played a selection of hits and songs from the album at Madison Square Garden, the cap on a series of pop-up concerts. Phones were strictly prohibited. Even pencils were banned. The limited distractions didn’t silence the gasps and cries of reaction, but the lack of electronics allowed for more careful listening. Those shows were a signal for how this album should be absorbed: carefully, deliberately.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

famous birthdays this week Maxine Waters hits 88, Ben Affleck turns 54, Robert De Niro is 83, Bill Clinton celebrates 80 The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week. AUG. 13 Former U.S. Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders is 93. Opera singer Kathleen Battle is 78. High wire aerialist Philippe Petit is 77. Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Clarke is 77. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders is 44. AUG. 14

EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION VIA AP

Pop star Madonna turns 68 on Sunday.

Broadway lyricist Lee Adams (“Bye Bye Birdie”) is 102. Country singer Connie Smith is 85. Comedian-actor Steve Martin is 81. Actor Susan Saint James is 80. Author Danielle Steel is 79. “Far Side” cartoonist Gary Larson is 76. NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace is 70. Basketball Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson is 67. AUG. 15 Actor Jim Dale is 91. Retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is 88. U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) is 88. Author-journalist Linda Ellerbee is 82. Songwriter Jimmy Webb is 80. Britain’s Princess Anne is 76. Actor Debra Messing is 58. Actor Ben Affleck is 54. AUG. 16 Actor Julie Newmar is 93. Film director Bruce Beresford is 86. Actor Bob Balaban is 81. Movie director James Cameron is 72. Singer/actor Madonna is 68. Actor Angela Bassett is 68. Actor Steve Carell is 64. AUG. 17 Computer scientist Margaret Hamilton is 90. Actor Robert De Niro is 83. Businessman Larry Ellison is 82. Actor Sean Penn is 66. Singer/actor Donnie Wahlberg is 57. College Basketball Hall of Famer and retired NBA All-Star Christian Laettner is 57.

AL SEIB / INVISION VIA AP

Actor, comedian and musician Steve Martin turns 81 on Friday. AUG. 18 Actor Denis Leary is 69. Actor Madeleine Stowe is 68. ABC News reporter Bob Woodruff is 65. Actor Edward Norton is 57. Actor Christian Slater is 57. Actor Kaitlin Olson is 51. Actor-comedian Andy Samberg is 48. AUG. 19 Former tennis player and coach Renee Richards is 92. Actor Jill St. John is 86. Author Jack Canfield is 82. Rock singer Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) is 81. Former President Bill Clinton is 80. Actor John Stamos is 63.

B10

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, August 13, 2026

the stream

AMY HARRIS / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO

Travis Barker performs with Clipse during the first weekend of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April in Indio, California.

‘Michael,’ Travis Barker, ‘Lanterns,’ ‘Madden NFL 27’ Singer Carly Simon releases “Comes In Waves” on Friday The Associated Press THE BLOCKBUSTER biopic “Michael” and a new documentary about Travis Barker are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time this week, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: players can get back on the gridiron in “Madden NFL 27,” a new season of “Reacher” drops, and Carly Simon releases her first album in more than a decade. MOVIES TO STREAM The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” is now streaming on Starz after a $1 billion run at the box office. Director Antoine Fuqua’s estate-approved dramatization of Jackson’s life stars his nephew Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop. In my review, I wrote that “Michael” “slides a sequin glove over the pop star’s tarnished legacy, shrouding Michael Jackson’s complications with a conventional biopic that, if you cover your ears, sounds great.” The Netflix-Sandler connection continues Friday in “Don’t Say Good Luck,” a Happy Madison production starring Sandler’s daughter Sunny. In the coming-of-age comedy, she plays a high school theater student whose school play aspirations are complicated by her mother’s illness. Melanie Lynskey co-stars in the film. In “Normal” (Friday on HBO Max), Bob Odenkirk extends his action-hero resume beyond the two “Nobody” movies. In director Ben Wheatley’s film, Odenkirk plays a substitute sheriff who arrives in a wintery Min-

nesota town full of strange happenings, including the recent death of the previous sheriff. In his review, AP Film Writer Jake Coyle called it “a hyperviolent Midwestern Western that cleverly inverts some genre standards with a pleasingly loose hold on reality.” MUSIC TO STREAM Less than three minutes into “Travis Barker: Louder Than Fear,” a new documentary about the famed Blink-182 drummer, and audiences are launched into the aftermath of the devastating plane crash he survived in 2008. The film follows the esteemed musician from 2017 to 2026 but doubles as a celebration of his life before and after the life-altering crash, a central event in a career full of them. It’s a must-watch for fans, or simply those in need of a dynamic doc about resiliency. Stream it on Hulu on Thursday. Simon has been in headlines as of late; in July she shared that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and was recently treated for skin cancer. It makes her forthcoming album “Comes In Waves” — her first album of original songs since 2008, out Friday — even more of a miracle. “Working on the music gave shape to days that did not always have much shape. It gave me somewhere to go without having to leave the room,” she said in a statement. “It reminded me that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life.” Becky G is back with the bilingual “Baraja Bendita,” a new album and her first since leaving Kemosabe Records. Fans expecting more of 2024’s “Encuentros,” which explored rancheras and corridos, may be wise to return to that release. In this one, out Friday, she has assured in interviews, it is still a celebration of her Mexican her-

MAGNOLIA PICTURES / LIONSGATE PICTURES / NETFLIX VIA AP

The films “Normal,” from left, “Michael” and “Don’t Say Good Luck” are all available to stream this week.

“‘Normal’ is a hyperviolent Midwestern Western that cleverly inverts some genre standards with a pleasingly loose hold on reality.” Jake Coyle, AP film writer

ANDY KROPA / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO

Bob Odenkirk attends the premiere of “Normal” at Metrograph in April in New York. itage. It is still Becky G, after all — but largely, it is a return to her rap-pop roots. SERIES TO STREAM The first three episodes of Season 4 of “Reacher” starring Alan Ritchson are now on Prime Video. The new episodes are based on the 13th book in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child called “Gone Tomorrow.” After Reacher witnesses a woman take her own life on the subway, he becomes a target for information she passed onto him before her death. Season 3 of “Tires,” starring stand-up comics Steve Gerben and Shane Gillis, arrives on Netflix on Thursday. The show is a workplace come-

dy about the employees of an auto repair shop that leans into its blue-collar setting. Gerben and Gillis co-created the show with John McKeever, who directs all the episodes. The trio also writes most of the series as well. Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre star in the new HBO series “Lanterns,” which premieres Sunday on HBO Max. The show is based on DC Comics’ Green Lantern characters. Chandler and Pierre play Hal Jordan and John Stewart, members of the intergalactic law enforcement tasked with maintaining order throughout the universe and its galaxies. Their job takes them to Earth where they investigate a murder in Nebraska. “Lanterns” is

the second live-action series in the debut phase of the new DC Universe under co-chairs James Gunn and Peter Safran. Part sci-fi superhero story, it’s also inspired by mysteries like “True Detective.” VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY This long, hot summer can’t be over soon enough, so thank goodness “Madden NFL 27” is on its way. EA Sports has even put a cold-weather quarterback, the Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams, on the cover. And the new edition has “dynamic weather,” meaning you could get slammed by a snowstorm midway through a game. EA is also promising new short-yardage mechanics and tighter defensive coverage. And wannabe franchise owners can look forward to the “Persona Engine,” which EA says “gives every NFL athlete a distinct personality.” Autumn arrives Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2 and PC.