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VOLUME 149 ISSUE 35 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

CHATHAMNEWSRECORD.COM

THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Charging ahead Northwood QB Finn Sullivan (7) celebrates after a play during a game against North Moore on Friday. Sullivan went 8-for-8 with three touchdowns in the 35-0 romp. For more, turn to CNR sports.

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

the

BRIEF this week

2 men rearrested in United Kingdom over suspected plot at U.S.-run air base London British police have rearrested two men suspected of assisting Iran’s intelligence service in a plot at a U.S.-run air base. Counter Terrorism Policing said Tuesday the men, a 24-year-old British national and a 25-year-old dual U.K.-Iranian national, were arrested under the National Security Act. They were initially arrested and bailed pending further investigation. Police have been investigating a suspected terror plot on Sept. 27 against the U.S.-run base in western England. The base has been used to bomb Iran during this year’s war.

Trump, Vance announce $25M whistleblower program to encourage public to report fraud Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance announced a new $25 million program to encourage the public to blow the whistle on suspected fraud in the federal government. The White House says anyone whose tip leads to a conviction for fraud or a significant federal enforcement action would be eligible for payments of up to $30,000. The Justice Department will oversee the program. The Republican president has put a focus on eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. Trump created a task force to find fraud throughout the federal government and put Vance in charge of it.

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Pittsboro making progress toward development of new affordable community The Roberts Run subdivision plans to have 72 townhome units By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record PITTSBORO — The Town of Pittsboro has taken a major step toward the creation of more affordable housing.

At the Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners’ Oct. 12 meeting, the board held a public hearing for a proposed major subdivision preliminary plat pertaining to a 26 acre, 72-lot, townhome development (Roberts Run). The project, which is being developed by Chatham Habitat for Humanity, is an affordable housing community that will be

located along I.E. Taylor Road and Roberts Street. “This is a gem for Downtown Pittsboro,” said Commissioner John Foley. “It makes a statement of who we are as a town. That we care for people.” The units will be spread across 18 townhome buildings, and each building will have a minimum area of just under 2,000 square feet and will

be a maximum of three stories. The development will also have more than 19 acres of open space, which will be maintained by a neighborhood HOA, a 10-foot multiuse path and connections to the existing Roberson Creek greenway. “Really excited to be at this phase,” said Mayor Kyle Shipp. See PITTSBORO, page A3

Early voting proves popular at start in county Voters can choose among five sites in the county through Oct. 31 By Bob Sutton Chatham News & Record EARLY VOTING began with a robust start in Chatham County late last week. Nearly 6,600 people went to

early voting sites in the county across the first three days. Each day had considerably higher turnouts compared to midterm elections in 2018 and 2022. The early voting period ends Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. That will be a total of 15 days of early voting in the county. While there isn’t early voting on Sundays in the county,

polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Voters can go to any of the five early voting locations in the county. Those sites are the Agricultural and Conference Center in Pittsboro, the Health Science Building in North Chatham, the Earl B. Fitts Community

Reports of scam losses topped $1B in NC over five years Scam losses nearly quadrupled while the number of reports barely increased By Estefanía Pinto Ruiz / Enlace Latino NC The Associated Press SCAM-RELATED losses reported by North Carolina consumers topped $1 billion over five years, according to an analysis of Federal Trade Commission data provided to Enlace Latino NC by The Associated Press. The amount of money reported as lost increased every year from 2021 through 2025. It rose from about $95 million in 2021 to just over $342 million in 2025. The number of reports did not grow at the same pace. There were 71,000 scam reports in 2021 and 74,000 in 2025, but the number dipped in the intervening years.

Those numbers show only part of the problem. The data reflect what consumers reported both directly to the FTC as well as other scam-tracking institutions that share data with the federal agency. A report does not mean authorities verified that a scam occurred, and many people who experience a scam never file one. AP created an interactive tool that allows readers to explore scam reports in North Carolina counties. Student journalists at Indiana University’s Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism helped AP analyze the data. What doesn’t appear in reports One category in particular illustrates the limits of what these data can tell us. In Durham County, where about See SCAMS, page A7

Center in Siler City, Goldston Town Hall and Hollands Chapel Church in Apex. For Election Day on Nov. 3, voters can only cast ballots at their designated precincts. North Carolina requires photo identification for voters. Those without approved identification can fill See VOTING, page A3

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

THURSDAY

10.22.26 #165

Good grief, Charlie Brown! Giant inflatable pumpkin takes pre-Halloween flight The viral mishap turned into unexpected marketing gold for Phillips Farm

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

Oct. 23 Pittsboro’s Bazaar Night Market

The Associated Press CARY — Call it the Great Pumpkin escape. A two-story-high inflatable jack-o’-lantern took a tumble through Cary on Sunday, just as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias passed through. And social media loved it. “It’s the best advertising we could ask for,” Michael Phillips, owner of Phillips Farm, said of his bright orange fugitive. With a tornado warning in effect Sunday afternoon, workers had decided to forgo blowing up the oversized lawn ornament. Sure enough, a twister reportedly touched down about a quarter mile away. But when the sun peeked out, Michael’s dad, Lee Phillips, decided to pump up the pumpkin, complete with its classic black triangular eyes and a lopsided grin. “All of a sudden, we started getting like 35-, 40-milean-hour wind gusts out of nowhere,” Michael Phillips said. “And then, ‘Bam.’ It just started going.” The giant pumpkin took flight, rolling along a

CHATHAM

4-9 p.m. Shop local vendors, grab dinner and stay for live music at the free, family-friendly evening market. Forest Rising plays 6-9 p.m. BETSY COLLINS VIA AP

A giant inflatable pumpkin went on a joy ride in the remnants of Hurricane Isaias, making for some great free advertising for a Cary farm.

“Unless the tractors fly away, it’s not going anywhere.” Michael Phillips, Phillips Farm owner post-and-rail fence, past a church and on down the road. “It just went crazy,” Michael Phillips said of the online reaction. “I still wake up every morning ... and have 80 to 150 notifications of people commenting on the videos.”

Some wags have turned the footage into a meme, pretending it’s some kind of alien creature coming to destroy the city. Phillips said his workers had the situation under control in about a minute, and no one was ever in any danger. But with six weeks of hurricane season left, he’s not taking any chances. The wayward squash is now secured with paracord, baling twine and corkscrew spikes, with everything tied off to two tractors. “Unless the tractors fly away, it’s not going anywhere,” Michael Phillips said.

The Plant 220 Lorax Lane Pittsboro

Bynum Front Porch Gala Night 7-9:30 p.m. The venue marks its 20th anniversary with live music from Mr. Wonderful and his band, dancing, mocktails, light bar snacks and a raffle. Tickets are on a sliding scale of $20, $25 or $30. Bynum General Store 950 Bynum Road Bynum

Oct. 23-25 Spirits of Pittsboro’s Past Walking Tour

CRIME LOG

5:30 p.m. Oct. 12 • James Rendell Thomas, 56, was arrested for possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of marijuana paraphernalia and misdemeanor larceny, and other charges. Oct. 13 • Michael Andrew Soots, 45, was arrested for assault by strangulation, assault on a female and communicating threats, and other charges. Oct. 14 • Carlos Alberto Sanchez Angel, 23, was arrested for defrauding a drug or alcohol test, first offense. • Diomendes Gomez Mora, 35, was arrested for driving while impaired, misdemeanor child abuse and failure to heed a light or siren, and other charges. • Kyle Everette Strickland, 32, was arrested for obtaining property by false pretenses. • Lionell Blainding, 22, was arrested for carrying a

concealed gun and allowing a registration plate not to be displayed. • Troy Thomas Blankenship, 38, was arrested for driving while impaired, unauthorized use of motor vehicle and resisting a public officer, and other charges. Oct. 17 • Brittany Leann Colonello, 30, was arrested for financial card fraud and financial card theft. • Didier Alexander Dominguez Sarmiento, 23, was arrested for driving while impaired, no operator’s license and speeding. • Francisco Casius Lopez, 22, was arrested for communicating threats. Oct. 18 • Jaylan Shamar Engle, 22, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and violation of a domestic violence protective order, and other charges.

The Chatham County Historical Association leads a one-mile Halloween walking tour of downtown Pittsboro, visiting historical sites and sharing local folklore while encountering “spirits” from the town’s past. Tickets are $30, or $25 for members, sold online only. Historic Chatham County Courthouse 9 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro

Oct. 24 Mill Town Yarns: Bynum Stories & Songs 7-8:30 p.m.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@ chathamnewsrecord.com

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Storytellers and musicians with Bynum roots, including Cynthia Raxter, Jimmy Magoo, Emma Skurnick and longtime guitar teacher Bobby Gales, fill the indoor show. It is part of a weekend marking Bynum Front Porch’s 20th anniversary. Admission is free; donations are welcome. Bynum Front Porch 950 Bynum Road Bynum

Oct. 24-25 Huckleberry Trail Farm Fall Festival 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday The farm’s fall festival offers a corn maze, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and other seasonal activities. Tickets are sold at the entrance. Huckleberry Trail Farm 143 Pleasant Hill Church Road Siler City

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

How France’s worst rioting in years erupted, how government responded

Church News

Police’s nonlethal weapons maimed six people, including minors, during the nationwide protests

Sandy Branch will be having our annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 24, and you’re invited! At 3 p.m. a turkey shoot, as well as other games, will begin. BB guns will be provided for the turkey shoot, and there will be groups for 8 and under, 9-12, 13-16, women 17 and up, and men 17 and up. There will be prizes for the winners.

By Sylvie Corbet and Tom Nouvian The Associated Press PARIS — Rioters clashed with police, set cars on fire, stormed public buildings and engulfed a historic city hall in flames in France’s worst civil unrest in years as violence and looting swept through major cities during nationwide protests. About 2,400 people were arrested over the weekend, and authorities said thousands of businesses were damaged or looted. The rioting overshadowed demonstrations against rising living costs and poor conditions in schools in which hundreds of thousands of people marched peacefully. President Emmanuel Macron denounced “unrestrained violence” by “insurrectionist elements from radical far-left groups, joined by numerous criminals.” More protests could be in store. High school and university student organizations called for more demonstrations Thursday and Saturday. The National High School Student Coordination group urged young people to “take to the streets” and backed continued blockades and demonstrations. A group of activists seeking to revive the 2018 “yellow vest” movement against perceived social injustices also announced nationwide demonstrations planned for Saturday under the slogan “Macron must go.” Violence echoes riots that shook France in past decade The damage was comparable to the yellow vest protests at their peak, said Sebastian Roché, a research professor at the Sciences Po Grenoble political institute who studies policing. The movement, initially driven by opposition to fuel tax increases, brought repeated demonstrations against Macron’s government. Some demonstrations turned violent, with cars burned, shops looted and the Arc de Triomphe vandalized during clashes in Paris. “In terms of destruction and damage, it is probably close to the first two weekends of December 2018,” Roché said. In June 2023, the police killing of a 17-year-old outside Paris also triggered days of nation-

SANDY BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH

The hot dog supper will begin at 5 p.m., and trunk or treat for the children will begin at 6 p.m. We would love to have you join us at 715 Sandy Branch Church Road, Bear Creek. THIBAULT CAMUS / AP PHOTO

Police scuffle with protesters during a demonstration against rising living costs, joining students’ grievances, in Paris on Saturday. wide unrest. Rioters looted shops and torched public buildings. Thousands were arrested and hundreds were injured. France also experienced three weeks of rioting in 2005, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. What sets this latest unrest apart, argued Roché, who has studied policing and violence for more than 30 years, are the injuries from police weapons. “We have a toll that has not been seen in the past 40 years,” he said. Roché said six people, including minors, had been maimed in three weeks of protests, losing hands or eyes. Police have drawn sharp scrutiny over their use of nonlethal grenades and other riot-control weapons during recent demonstrations. “There is no other country in Europe where the police maim protesters as much,” Roché said, citing university databases that rank Spain a distant second. Authorities blame “far-left radicals,” opportunistic criminals Authorities repeatedly blamed some of the violence on groups of “far-left radicals,” followed by groups of criminals who see an opportunity for looting. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described “disorder organized in an unprecedented way.” However, Roché said the far-left fringe was too small and loosely organized to account alone for violence on this scale. French intelligence services estimate the movement at around 3,000 people across its various factions, which lack formal structures, he said. Violent far-left activists and looters also pursue different targets, Roché noted.

The activists typically attack symbols of capitalism and the global economy, such as banks and McDonald’s restaurants. Looters target sportswear and electronics stores to steal goods rather than make a political statement, he said. “Their aim is not symbolic. It is acquisitive.” Macron vows to take “uncompromising” stance Macron vowed that the government would take an “uncompromising” stance against rioters, adding that the government’s regional representatives known as prefects would use whatever measures were needed to protect businesses and public buildings, including banning certain gatherings if needed. Macron also ordered an investigation into failures in intelligence gathering and planning that may have led authorities to underestimate the potential for violence. Authorities decided to impose localized curfews when necessary. That included an overnight curfew to take effect Monday evening in two areas in Paris that have been affected by the violence. About 2,400 people were arrested Saturday across France, including 855 in the Paris area, 101 in Marseille and 199 in Lyon, authorities said. In the capital region, the arrests resulted in 557 people being placed in police custody, 78% of them adults, Paris prosecutors said. In Limoges, fire nearly destroyed the 19th-century city hall. Most criminal cases involve property damage, participation in groups formed with the intent to commit violence and assault on police officers, according to prosecutors.

PITTSBORO from page A1 “This project has been in the works for a long time and so it’s great to be moving forward.” Following the hearing, the board approved the preliminary plat. The next phase for the project will be to get completed construction drawings. The board also approved the closing of select roads for the town’s 2026 Tree Lighting event. The event will be held Sunday, Nov. 22, and from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on that date, a portion of Hillsboro Street — between the intersection of Hanks Street and Thompson Street and the northern portion of the traffic circle — and West Salisbury Street will be closed. “This year, the event layout and street closures are the same as last year,” said Downtown Development Director Theresa Thompson. In addition, the board approved an additional $8,260 in funding for this year’s tree lightning event.

VOTING from page A1 out an ID exception form. It’s a large ballot in many cases, with a statewide Senate race and U.S. House contests. There also are numerous judicial seats and state legislature races on the ballot. Chatham County has three seats for the Board of Commissioners on the ballot, though only two of those are contested races. Also on the county level is a race for Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor and for sheriff, while there are uncontested seats on the ballot for district attorney

“This project has been in the works for a long time and so it’s great to be moving forward.” Mayor Kyle Shipp

The town had already allocated $8,000 in this year’s budget for the event to take care of the provision of police support, tree setup, marketing support and barricades, as well as sanitation needs. The additional funding is intended to finance a laser show, through a contract with Emerald Owl Productions, and new decorations for the tree. “To me, the tree lighting is the finale,” said Commissioner J.A. Farrell. “That should be the end of the show. Not a drone show or laser lights.” The Town of Pittsboro Board of Commissioners will next meet Nov. 9.

and Clerk of Superior Court. There are three seats on the ballot for the Chatham County School System’s Board of Education. In early voting, the Health Science Building site had the most activity in each of the three days last week. On Oct. 15, there were 949 ballots cast at that North Chatham location, with 466 ballots cast in Apex. A total of 2,550 ballots were cast in the county on the opening day. Last Friday, another 2,627 people went to the polls, with the top number again in North Chatham with 995. Saturday’s countywide turnout was 1,416.

LOST YOUR FIRST LOVE! BIBLE STUDY: REVELATION 2:1-7, CHURCH OF LIVING WATER; SERVANT: JAMES MITCHELL.

THIBAULT CAMUS / AP PHOTO

Protesters run to leave the Republique square during a demonstration against rising living costs, joining students’ grievances, in Paris on Saturday.

The Holy Spirit is revealing through John the condition of the churches on earth today until His rapture. Brothers and sisters, we’re in a real battle against evil like we’ve never seen before! Our Heavenly Father knows what we’re facing in the world today. If only Christian churches would stand on the true doctrine of God’s Holy Word. Oh, but just like when Jesus was on earth preaching and teaching, He had to rebuke the evil of that day. The self-proclaimed preachers can’t preach the Word of God. They want to bring in all these illegal/criminal aliens and radical Islamists who hate $PHULFD 7KH\ ZDQW WR ERRVW WKHLU PHPEHUVKLS DQG ¿OO WKHLU coffers with money. They’re not calling on them to repent of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Thank God for our God-called preachers, sent by Almighty God to preach His Word! Satan is sending radical Muslims WR UXQ IRU RI¿FH LQ WKH ZRUOG 7KLV HYLO KDV EHHQ EURXJKW LQWR France by their leaders. They’re burning and destroying the FRXQWU\ %LGHQ +DUULV DQG WKH 'HPRFUDWV EURXJKW LQ ¿IWHHQ to twenty million into America. The city of Ephesus had one of the Seven Wonders of the World. They practiced shameless and vile acts such as prostitution and mutilation. Democrats support mutilation even of our children. Shouldn’t God-called PLQLVWHUV SUHDFK DQG VWDQG XS DJDLQVW WKRVH UXQQLQJ IRU RI¿FH here in America next month? Jesus said, “You have left your ¿UVW ORYH ´ :H QHHG WR MXGJH RXUVHOYHV DQG UHSHQW RU RXU OLJKW will be removed! The Holy Spirit is saying that the church needs to come back to Christ and the Cross. Through God’s grace and mercy, we can overcome! I pray for all, in Jesus’ name!

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

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

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

Keep calm and vote early I recognize that we can hold differences of opinion, such as regarding income and property taxes, but voting is a right for all citizens.

I VOTED THIS PAST week on Monday. I was disappointed that Republicans on the North Carolina election board decided to close the polls on Sunday in Chatham and several other counties. In previous years, I had voted after church as an extension of my faith in the public square. Of course, I know that Christians, as well as other people of faith, vote differently. But we should all want citizens to vote, and more open days provide more opportunities. Why would people argue otherwise unless they wanted to restrict access to voting? I was upset by another Republican tactic on a sign at their tent outside the polling place. It read to vote “yes” on all three amendments to our state Constitution in order to “keep more money in your pocket.” Two of the amendments are about taxes, but the first would expand the existing photo ID requirement from in-person voting to all methods of voting. It

has nothing to do with money. North Carolina state law already requires identification for absentee voting. Like eliminating voting on Sunday, the point of this amendment is to make it harder for more people to vote, especially military, student, rural and older voters. It’s infuriating. My mood calmed once I actually got in line to vote. I saw a couple people that I knew from my children’s school. Their oldest was home from NC State for fall break and voting in his first election. Another couple further back in the line brought along their small children, which prompted the obligatory jokes about first-time voters. Their 3-year-old called the small safety cone that designated the voting line a “baby cone,” which caused a gentle chuckle to ripple through the crowd. I struck up a conversation with the gentleman behind me about the endearing things that little kids say, sharing that my 3-year-old once

referred to the two steps into my parents’ dining room as “the tiny downstairs.” Still waiting in line, I expressed my gratitude to an election volunteer who shared that the mood here was positive, nothing like one might hear on the news. He said it was an honor to serve and ensure that each person’s voice was heard. I recognize that we can hold differences of opinion, such as regarding income and property taxes, but voting is a right for all citizens. I’m heartened by the countless election officials and volunteers who work tirelessly so that we can exercise that right. Can’t we all say “amen” to that? 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

Life’s best lessons learned later on When I write about my father, I want you to think of yours.

I DON’T KNOW HOW LONG I’ve been writing a weekly column for this newspaper. I do know it started years ago when I was managing editor and we had a full house of local staff. One day, my boss and friend Alan Resch casually said to me, “Start a column if you want to.” That was like telling the fox to go on into the hen house. I think it was probably around the early to mid-’90s — you know, like last century. But I jumped into the opportunity with the gusto of a hound dog and have produced something almost every week (not to be confused, I hope, with “weak,” although sometimes they’ve not been very good). There was so much to write about — local people and places and characters, events of the day, goings-on, my grandchildren, my childhood and yours, society in general, impressions about life and much, much more. And even after the Reach family no longer owned the paper, the subsequent owners were kind to me and let me continue writing from home. I tried very hard not to violate their kindness or trust or take the opportunity for granted. Most of the time, I tried to instill some goodness or moral in the column and hope it fell onto fertile ground. Confession, it’s been said, is good for the soul but bad for the reputation. And lately, as I look back on my life and count the candles on the birthday cake, I’m confessing I’ve been wondering if I’ve written too much about some subjects. All this comes to the front now as I sit here and realize that this Thursday, the 22nd of this month, is my father’s 115th birthday. He, of course, isn’t with us … except in memory. And I know there are only three people in the entire world who can claim him as father. And I know he wasn’t a perfect human being. But I know I miss him like crazy, even 34 years after his last day on Earth. I wish I could talk with him again. Play a hand of rummy. Introduce him to his great-grandchildren, my grandchildren and those of my

brothers. Watch “Bonanza” with him on Saturday night. Have a hot dog or be with him as he barbecues one more chicken. But I think I’ve learned something through all this thinking and remembering and writing and that’s this … when I write about my father, I want you to think of yours. To remember. And if you still have yours, go to him. If there are wrongs, make them right. Maybe he wasn’t the greatest father; were you the greatest son or daughter? But if there are rights, make them righter. If there’s been any success to years of these columns, regardless of content, it’s this: We’re different people sharing much in common. I’ve tried to make it universal. Hope it worked. Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.

BE IN TOUCH

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

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

COLUMN | JAN HUTTON

COLUMN RICH LOWRY

It’s here; it really is

Enchantment and awe are here. Surrounding us. Just ask my spider plant…

AMBLED INTO my second bedroom, looked to my right, and it was … dead. My massive spider plant of 20-plus years. Twenty years! Stems completely flaccid, straggling over the edge of the large clay pot. Such a demoralizing (and guilt-producing) sight. My usual internal ruckus kicked right up. Shaming myself. Thar she blows — me. Rarely entering the room in which the plant lived, I’d more than once found it sorely wilted. (I’m a good plant mama. Really.) Promised myself to more frequently keep a caring eye on my long-lived housemate. Uh-huh. I didn’t. Angry at myself now, I carried the large flaccid plant out to the patio. Poured lots of (agonizingly hopeful and fingers-crossed) water on it. Checked in on my patient (victim?) later in the day. No change. I may have truly blown it this time. Arose the next morning, checked on the plant, hoping against hope. Please, please … no change. Inadvertently causing suffering opens my self-reproach door, big time. A painful door through which to walk. You’ve been there?

What the heck, on the third morning of my painful malfeasance, I, once again (ever hopeful?) walked out to the patio and did a double take. My 20-plus-year-old, given-up-for-dead spider plant’s leaves were standing straight up. Revivification! (It wasn’t even Easter!) After 48-plus hours of guilt biting at my heels, I could breathe deeply again. Oh, yay! And, best of all, I could stop blaming myself. Oy, such a relief. The lesson? Damn, wish I knew. What the heck, I’ll just make one up that suits me. I mean, why not? My beloved internal GPS is recalculating … searching, searching, searching. Ah, destination identified. I love this place! “Our sense of enchantment is not triggered only by grand things; the awe-inspiring, is all around us, all the time.” – Kathryn May Enchantment and awe are here. Surrounding us. Just ask my spider plant … Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

The anti-Trump media and ‘economic pessimism’

How much of current pessimism about the economy is driven by what the media tells us about the economy and how we should feel about it?

IN A COLLEGE PSYCHOLOGY course, my class studied an experiment. This is an oversimplification, but the experiment went as follows. A group of college students were shown a paper on which a 6-inch line was drawn. The paper was passed to the students sitting around the table. They were asked to estimate the length of the line. Now, this experiment was rigged. The instructor, and all but one of the students, were told to say, “About 3 inches.” Again, the line was clearly longer than 3 inches. The point was to determine whether these obviously wrong guesses would cause the unsuspecting student — the one not in on the scheme and the last one at the table to offer a guess — to also say, “About 3 inches.” In the overwhelming majority of cases, the unsuspecting students also said, “About 3 inches.” Now there are a few ways to look at this. But one explanation is that the consensus, though clearly wrong, altered the way the final student viewed the length of the line, as in, “If everybody sees it that way, I must be wrong.” How much of current pessimism about the economy is driven by what the media tells us about the economy and how we should feel about it? For example, the standard common definition of a recession is back-to-back quarters of negative economic growth. In 2025, the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, every quarter after revisions had positive economic growth. So far this year, each quarter has seen positive economic growth. But a July 2026 Economist/YouGov poll found that 41% of adult Americans believed the country was in a recession, with Democrats three times more likely than Republicans to feel this way. A Napolitan News Service/Rasmussen poll conducted at the end of September found that 39% of registered voters believe the country is currently in a recession. Consider the media coverage of the economy the month before the presidential election of 1992, when President George H.W. Bush ran against Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton. There had been 19 months of positive economic growth leading up to October 1992. A Gallup poll, however, found that a majority of Americans thought the economy was in a recession. Investor’s Business Daily noted that in

October 1992, 90% of the economic news in newspapers was negative. The election was held Nov. 3. Clinton won, and that month only 14% of the economic news in newspapers was negative. As to the ABC, NBC and CBS nightly news, about 90% of the news about the economy was negative. After the election, for the remaining two months of the year, 60% of the economic news in the same newscasts was positive. Yes, gas prices since the start of the Iran War have gone up. But at 2.5% of income, the amount Americans spend less on gas is less than during the gas spikes of the 1970s. And Americans drive twice as far on a gallon of gas compared to the 1970s. The average income is at an all-time high. The percentage of those living in poverty is at an all-time low. The stock market indices have hit record highs, and 401(k)s have seen large increases. Consumers are spending. People who fear an economic downturn, and who fear the loss of their jobs, typically do not spend the way consumers have been doing in recent months. The Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow model estimates a third quarter 2026 growth of 3.7%. The Media Research Center found the Big 3 nightly news coverage of Trump was negative in both terms. “News aggregators” like Microsoft, Apple, Google, Yahoo, TikTok and YouTube are where Americans now primarily get their news. In 2025, Google curated 73% of articles from outlets with a bias to the left — and just 1% of articles from outlets biased to the right. For all the aggregators, less than 10% of their curated articles came from outlets on the right. In “Lessons from the Recession: A Management and Communication Perspective,” published in 1997, the authors write, “The highly negative view of the economy in 1992 was due in large part to widespread misperceptions about its performance and prospects, and that unduly negative coverage on network television played some major role informing those misperceptions.” The anti-Trump media clearly influences how people think and feel about the economy. The only question is to what degree. Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com).

NAM Y. HUH / AP PHOTO

Shoppers shop at a grocery store in Glenview, Illinois, Oct. 14.

Iran exposes an intolerable U.S. vulnerability WINSTON CHURCHILL said “Wars are not won by The Iranian evacuations,” and sometimes, he might have added, they are missile and simply embarrassing. The U.S. drone threat hastily flew its B-1 bombers out of RAF Fairford in the U.K. for to our fear of a potential Iranian drone bases was attack, the latest in a series of successful Iranian operations to foreseeable, crimp U.S. bases, this time more and yet than 2,000 miles away. we didn’t The Trump administration has found — by opening a do enough channel to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and blockading Iran to protect — a strategy to pressure Iran them. that may yet produce a favorable outcome to the war. Still, the conflict has exposed glaring U.S. military deficiencies, with our inability to protect our bases in the region high on the list. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao has said the Iranians “blew the hell out of Bahrain,” referring to the headquarters of the Fifth Fleet in the tiny Gulf kingdom. They have also hit U.S. facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The vast majority of U.S. casualties have resulted from attacks on our bases. Whereas it once seemed that having so many bases in proximity to Iran was useful to containing the Islamic Republic, when Tehran began firing on these facilities, it became clear that the short distances made them vulnerable targets. Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, where buildings and radar domes were hit, is just over 60 miles away. A number of bases have been fully or partly evacuated, and the effects have been felt on U.S. operations. One reason there was so much strain on the USS Abraham Lincoln during its lengthy deployment is that Bahrain was no longer available as a supply hub. We had to rely on facilities in Diego Garcia and Singapore, creating a supply chain thousands of miles long. The Iranian missile and drone threat to our bases was foreseeable, and yet we didn’t do enough to protect them. One option now is a broad pullback of our presence in the region. But so long as hydrocarbons power the modern economy, this is a nonstarter. The Gulf states would have an incentive to look elsewhere for strategic partners, most worryingly to Russia or China, and might conclude that they should do more to accommodate an Iran that would have effectively chased us from the Persian Gulf. The answer to the threat to the bases is the same thing that created the threat in the first place — innovation. We’ve long had bases in the Gulf, including a naval command headquarters in Bahrain since 1948, but the purpose and the nature of the presence has changed over time. As Kristian Alexander wrote in an analysis for the Stimson Center, during the Cold War, we didn’t have a large land presence at bases. After Saddam Hussein’s 1990 invasion of Kuwait, that changed. Today, the question is how to reconfigure our presence again to make it more defensible and sustainable. “U.S. bases,” Alexander wrote, “remain indispensable for intelligence collection, command and control, maritime security, air and missile defense, logistics and long-range power projection.” One option is to locate more facilities in Israel. Elliott Abrams of the Council on Foreign Relations points out that the Jewish state is much further away — more than 1,000 miles from Iran — and would impose fewer restrictions on our access and overflight rights. But we still require bases in the Gulf. We’re going to need to disperse them, harden them (including with more underground elements) and build in more redundancy. The air defense needs to be more robust and layered, and less dependent on expensive missiles that are in short supply. The war with Iran was supposed to represent a short, sharp defanging of the Iranian regime. Instead, it has dragged on and served as a lesson in key shortcomings of U.S. military power that must be addressed, lest they bite us again in a conflict with a much more powerful adversary. Rich Lowry is editor of the National Review. (Copyright 2026 by King Features Synd., Inc.)

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

obituaries

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We offer an on-site crematory with many options of Celebration of Life services, Traditional, and Green Burials. Call us to set 396 West St., Pittsboro, NC 27312 | 919-542-3057 | www.donaldsonfunerals.com to come by and learn Pellitt, and her husband, Aaron of more. Automotive, he helped countlessan appointment IN MEMORY Bishop, Georgia; nephews, Kyle customers, often putting their and Wyatt and step grandmother, needs ahead of his own. When Dottie Gaines Henson. He also someone asked how much they leaves behind countless close owed him, his familiar response KENNETH QUINN MASHBURN friends, many of whom became was often, “Don’t worry about OCT. 14, 2026 more like family along the way. it.” And he meant it. Whether it He was preceded in death by was driving to someone’s house Kenneth Quinn Mashburn, 69 years old, of Carthage passed his grandparents, Howard and to change a tire, jump-start a away the evening of Wednesday October 14th at his home Ruby Gilliland and Jack and Dot vehicle, replace a battery, or surrounded by family. Henson. simply check something out, Some people leave behind more than memories; they leave The loss of Jack leaves a space Jack was always willing to lend a behind a legacy of love, faith, kindness, and the moments that that cannot easily be filled. He will hand. He didn’t do these things make a family feel like home. He was one of those people. be remembered for his humble for recognition or repayment. He He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Quinn Mashburn spirit, his generous heart, his did them because that’s just who Sr., his mother Marion McDowell Mashburn, his grandson Jesse unwavering willingness to help, he was. Alex Bietzel and his niece Ashley Quinn Mashburn. and that familiar smile and wave Jack was the kind of man who He was survived by his wife of 32 years Elizabeth (Sue) that made an ordinary day a would give you the shirt off his Mashburn, his children Kenneth Mashburn III, Christopher little brighter. His legacy isn’t back, and he didn’t have to think Mashburn, Pamela Bietzel, Joseph Mashburn, Michelle Manis Sept. 23, 1984 – Oct. 8, 2026 twice about it. measured by what he owned or (Joe), Jennifer Rein (Gordon), Jonathan Jones, Lauren Hinson, what he accomplished, but by the His kindness was matched 14 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and his brothers William people he helped, the friendships only by his warm smile and Jack Gregory Henson II, 42, of (Amanda), Robert (Anita) and Paul. he built, and the lives he touched friendly nature. If you knew Siler City went home to be with simply by being himself. Jack, chances are you were Jesus October 8, 2026. Jack was one of the good ones. greeted with a big wave and a Jack was a country boy at JESSIE “MARIE” NEAL PHILLIPS BARBER The kind of man who didn’t need familiar, “Hey, how you doing?” heart. He loved the simple things APRIL 30, 1933 – OCT. 17, 2026 attention to make a difference, He had a way of making people in life, working hard, helping who showed his love through feel welcome, whether they others, and being surrounded by Jessie “Marie” Neal Phillips Barber, 93, of Bear Creek, passed his actions, and who made his were longtime friends or simply the people and things he loved. away on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Peak Resources/Pinelake in community a better place just by someone he happened to know He was a proud farm owner who Carthage. being part of it. around town. He was a friend enjoyed bailing hay and working The graveside service will be at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October He will be deeply missed, to many, a familiar face in the cows which he learned from his 21, 2026 at High Falls Wesleyan Church with Chaplain Rae Ferrarini community, and someone people fondly remembered, and forever Pawpaw Gilliland as a child. Hard presiding. loved by the many people work was nothing new to Jack. He genuinely enjoyed being around. JoyceBrady Chapel will be open from 1:00-5:00 pm on Tuesday, fortunate enough to have known He wasn’t just a local business grew up working in his family’s October 20, 2026 for friends to sign the register. him. owner; he was a community automotive repair business, Marie was born in Moore County on April 30, 1933 to Willis and Rest easy, Jack. You’ve left favorite and an all-around great Downtown Automotive, and Jessie Neal. your mark on this world, and you guy. eventually became the owner, She was a member of Fair Promise UMC. She retired from will never be forgotten Beneath his humble nature continuing a family tradition Kellwood where she was a pairing inspector. Marie liked to travel A Celebration of Life will take and easygoing personality was built on hard work, honesty, and and especially enjoyed her trip to Europe. She also enjoyed reading, place on Saturday, October 17, a steady faith in God. Jack knew serving others. cooking and working in her flower garden. 2026, at 11 am at Oakley Baptist the Lord, and his faith was a But to know Jack was to know In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Church with Rev. Bobby Shutts. quiet but meaningful part of that he was about so much more husbands, Charlie Penn Phillips and Roy Lee Barber and her sisters, The family will receive guests who he was. He lived a life that than his work. He was humble to Lois Oldham, Ann Thomas, Bea Beal and Bobbie Phillips. after the service in the church reflected the values of hard work, his core, always downplaying his Marie is survived by her daughter, Rebecca P. Gaines fellowship hall. There will be a kindness, generosity, and caring talents, his abilities, and even his (Buck), of Bear Creek; son, Richard Wayne Phillips (Marsha), private family burial. for others. He didn’t need grand good looks. He never sought the of Goldston; step-daughter, Sandra Hunnings (Larry), of New In lieu of flowers please send gestures or big words to show spotlight, wanted recognition, or Bern; grandchildren, Julianna, Jason, Rachel and Kelly; greatdonations to Baptist Children’s people what mattered to him. expected praise. He was simply grandchildren, Grant, Reese, Lane, Noah and Caleb and a host of Home of North Carolina, PO Box He showed it through the way Jack, and he was perfectly family and friends. 338, Thomasville NC, 27361, he lived and the way he treated content being just that. Chance Walters Ministries PO others. Jack had a generous heart and Jack leaves behind his parents, Box 16831, Greensboro, NC a way of helping people that went 27416 or to an organization of Greg and Pam Henson of Siler far beyond what was expected. your choice. City; his sister, Emily Henson Through his work at Downtown

Jack Gregory Henson II

Richard Riehle, dependable TV, film actor, dead at 78 The actor stumbled into his career while finishing schooling at Notre Dame By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press NEW YORK — Richard Riehle, a prolific character actor in TV and film who often played authority figures but was equally skilled at comedy, notably playing a sad-sack product manager in “Office Space,” has died. He was 78. Wright Entertainment Inc. said Monday that Riehle had died Oct. 15 but disclosed no cause or details. “Our industry has lost an exceptional talent, and our community has lost a truly wonderful man,” said a statement. Riehle’s almost five-decade career included playing a quartermaster in the Civil War drama “Glory,” a prison guard in “The Fugitive,” an air marshal in “Executive Decision,” a police officer in a guest spot on “The West Wing” and a principal on the TV adaptation of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” “If a casting director has found themselves in need of a burly, blustery, mustachioed man for their project, Richard Riehle has likely been near the top of their list,” The AV Club said in 2017.

He fell into acting as a senior at the University of Notre Dame. He couldn’t really afford to stay another year but was told he could take all the credits he needed in speech and drama in one semester. He stayed. “I spent a semester doing anything and everything that you do in the theater — acting, directing, building sets, etc. — and then for some reason they liked what I did enough that they got me a teaching assistantship at the University of Minnesota. So I went on and got my MFA (Masters of Fine Arts). I figured, ‘What the heck? If they’re gonna pay me to do it, I’m gonna do it!’” he told the AV Club. He had an affinity to the “Star Trek” world, landing parts in three franchises. One of his most beloved roles was in the 1999 film “Office Space,” as Tom Smykowski, an expendable employee at Initech facing getting laid off despite insisting, “I have people skills!” “Beyond his immense talent, he will be remembered for his genuine goodness, boundless kindness, and unwavering generosity, particularly toward emerging actors and filmmakers, whom he encouraged and supported at every opportunity,” Wright Entertainment said.

Margaret Johnson Hough Sept. 12, 1937 – Oct. 14, 2026 Margaret Johnson Hough, 89, of Siler City, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Cambridge Hills in Pittsboro. Born September 12, 1937, to Eulas and Lillie Johnson, she grew up in Siler City alongside her nine brothers and sisters. Her life was rooted in faith, family, hard work, and a generous heart. A lifelong member of Siler City Pentecostal Holiness Church, now The Journey Church, Margaret found comfort, strength, and joy in reading God’s Word. Margaret was a devoted Christian who loved sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others. Her faith remained steadfast throughout her life. Even during the advanced stages of dementia, she never lost her love for her Savior or her desire to speak of Him. For many years, Margaret raised her two sons as a single mother, providing for them with remarkable strength, determination, and unconditional

love. She instilled in them faith, integrity, hard work, and respect for others, values that helped shape them into accomplished men in business and, more importantly, men of character. She later met the love of her life, Floyd Hough, and they shared more than 35 wonderful years of marriage. Margaret worked for more than 50 years at Kellwood Hosiery in Siler City, remaining with the company through its later years as Glendale Hosiery. She was known for her compassion, generosity, and readiness to help anyone in need. Her phone often rang with calls from family, friends, and neighbors who knew they could count on her for encouragement, wise advice, and a listening ear. She rarely met a stranger and was a cherished friend to many. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eulas and Lillie Johnson; her husband, Floyd Hough; her brothers, Herman Johnson, Rexford Johnson, Herbert Johnson, Roland Johnson, and Paul Johnson; and her sisters, Ruby Abee, Magdalene Gaines, and June Carol Easter. She is survived by her sons, William “Bill” Brower and his wife, Catherine, of Dawsonville, Georgia, and Craig Brower and his wife, Kendra, of Silk Hope, North Carolina; her stepdaughters, Mary H. Buchanan and her husband, Gary, and Colleen H. Avery and her husband, Don, all of Morganton, North Carolina; her grandchildren, Allen, Carolyn, Kayla (Elliott), Zack, and Forrest (Morgan); her great-

grandchildren, Daniel, Levi, Asher, and Lucy; and her sister, Doris Tallent and her husband, Rev. James Tallent. Margaret will be remembered for her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, her love for Scripture, her strength as a mother, her loyalty as a friend, and her caring heart. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved and the many people whose lives she touched. The family will receive friends from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026. at The Journey Church, 17475 US Highway 64, Siler City, NC 27344. A celebration of life will follow at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor Jerry Foley officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Siler City. Friends are also welcome to visit with the family at the home of Craig and Kendra Brower in Silk Hope on Saturday and Sunday, October 31 and November 1. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to International Alliance for Mercy (IAMERCY), this mission organization led by mom’s nephew, at https://www.iamercy. org. The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Cambridge Hills for the kindness, compassion, and care they provided throughout Margaret’s final years. Please share a memory, or condolence for the family in Margaret’s guestbook at www. smithbucknerfh.com. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home, of Siler City, North Carolina, is honored to serve the family of Margaret Johnson Hough.

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

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

Alberta rejects move toward independence from Canada in victory for Carney Some Albertans voted for separation to express frustration with the federal government By Rob Gillies The Associated Press EDMONTON, Alberta — Voters in oil-rich Alberta province overwhelmingly backed remaining in Canada, according to referendum results released Tuesday, delivering a boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push for national unity as U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and annexation threats rally Canadians around their country. With more than 1.8 million votes counted and results reported from 81% of voting areas and locations, 75% of voters supported remaining in Canada, while 25% backed beginning a process toward separation, according to unofficial results from Elections Alberta. The referendum was not a direct vote on independence. Approval would have set Alberta on a path toward a future vote on separation from Canada. Carney said on Tuesday that the roughly one-quarter of voters who backed the proposal should not necessarily be seen as supporters of independence.

The ballot asked whether to hold another referendum on independence, and some voters used it to express frustration with Ottawa, he said. “The result is absolutely clear. It’s a vast majority in favor of staying in Canada. And now is the time to work together for all Albertans and all Canadians,” Carney told reporters before a Cabinet meeting in Ottawa. “Alberta needs to be treated better” Carney said he spoke with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on Tuesday morning about the referendum’s results and greater federal-provincial cooperation, including immigration. He said their first priority was supporting victims and families affected by the deadly military training fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. Alberta’s separatists, however, saw a silver lining. “It is fair to say that at least a quarter of Albertans feel that Alberta needs to be treated better,” said Keith Wilson, a leader of the separatist movement. Smith welcomed the early results, saying they showed widespread support for remaining in Canada. “Albertans have voted for a stronger Alberta in a united

“It is fair to say that at least a quarter of Albertans feel that Alberta needs to be treated better.” Keith Wilson, separatist leader Canada,” Smith posted on social media. Smith, who called the referendum amid pressure from separatists within her governing United Conservative Party, or UCP, despite opposing independence, said that she would address the province Tuesday evening about the results and Alberta’s future. “We are a solid country that’s united from coast to coast to coast,” Thomas Lukaszuk, a former Alberta deputy premier who led the Forever Canadian campaign against separation, told supporters. The results were delayed after late openings forced more than 100 polling stations to extend voting hours Monday. Fringe cause becomes movement that won’t disappear Alberta, home to the world’s fourth-largest proven oil re-

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SCAMS from page A1 350,000 people live, just seven reports were classified as immigration services scams during the five years. Despite the small number, they were enough to give Durham the highest per-capita rate in North Carolina for that category. The FTC has been aware for years of concerns involving immigration services scams in North Carolina. In 2014, the FTC and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services held an event in Durham focused on consumer protection in immigrant communities that addressed, among other issues, immigration services and notario scams. The low number of reports raises a question: How many of the scams affecting immigrant communities are not reported? The data cannot answer that question. However, the FTC has previously acknowledged that it receives reports from Latino communities at a lower rate than from the general population and has identified potential barriers to reporting, including not knowing where to report, distrust of government and concerns related to immigration status. “Anyone can fall for a scam”

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serves, is cowboy country and a conservative stronghold whose political culture has long had more in common with the American West than much of Canada. Resentment toward Canada’s federal government in Ottawa runs deep, but hasn’t traditionally translated into widespread support for independence. Despite the overwhelming rejection, separatist leaders have said they turned a fringe cause into a movement that won’t disappear. Separatist parties traditionally attracted only 1% or 2% of the vote, former Premier Jason Kenney said. Anger over COVID-19 restrictions helped mobilize activists who later embraced the separatist movement, he said. Trump’s trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st U.S. state have helped Carney rally support in Alberta, where Liberal prime ministers have historically been unpopular. At a separatist referendum night gathering at an Edmonton restaurant, the crowd fell quiet as results rolled in. “We’re not going anywhere,” said Jeff Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project. “We’ve dominated the conversation in the last year. We’ve been educating Albertans on the benefits of independence, and

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For Daniel Simons, understanding why people can be deceived requires moving away from the assumption that scams work simply because someone was careless. Simons, a psychology professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and co-author of “Nobody’s Fool,” studies attention, perception, memory and thinking. “Anyone can fall for a scam,” he said. A scam works because it reaches the right person at the right moment, Simons said. Scammers can construct a story around something a person wants, fears or expects. They can also use personal information to make the story more convincing and create urgency that gives someone less time to question what is happening. The details can also change depending on whom scammers are trying to deceive. Simons pointed to scams targeting people of Chinese origin in which someone impersonates a Chinese government authority. The example shows how a scammer can draw on institutions, concerns or circumstances that are familiar to the person being targeted. That principle can be relevant to immigrant communities.

we’re going to continue moving forward.” Rath had said he would be thrilled with 30% support. He wants Smith ousted as UCP leader and said the party could splinter, potentially creating a new pro-independence party. Referendum on a referendum Edmonton voter Shawn Campbell said he voted to begin the separation process even though he doesn’t want Alberta to leave Canada. “It sends a message to Ottawa that Albertans are not happy,” he said. Dustin Degenhardt, a voter in the town of Wainwright, said that Albertans have long been mistreated by Canada’s federal government. “Alberta has essentially been treated as, you know, a colony,” he said after voting Monday. “They want to take and take and take from us, and not return anything.” Dave Malka, 59, of Edmonton, criticized spending money on a “referendum on a referendum” rather than healthcare. With Trump threatening Canada, Malka said, “It seems to be happening at the absolute worst time when we should be united. Instead we’re fighting among ourselves.”

Language, unfamiliarity with how certain institutions operate in the United States or concerns related to immigration can be among the circumstances a scammer attempts to exploit. That does not mean immigrants are easier to deceive. It means, Simons explained, that scammers look for what could make a story appear credible to a particular person. Different reports across state The types of scams that stand out in the data also vary depending on location. Mecklenburg County had the highest per-capita rate in the state in eight of 47 subcategories of scams the FTC tracks, including those related to online shopping, diet products and debt counseling. In online shopping alone, Mecklenburg recorded nearly 7,000 reports during five years. In coastal Brunswick County, the sub-categories with the state’s highest rates were different. Brunswick led in six types of scams, including those targeting romance, tech support, and timeshares and vacations. The data do not establish why certain types of reports have higher rates in some counties than in others. Slowing down before acting One warning sign comes when someone asks for money or private information while also pressuring a person to act immediately, scam expert Simons said. At that point, stopping the interaction before making a decision and consulting someone who is not involved can help. That person, Simons said, has not been subjected to the same pressure or story the scammer created. The North Carolina Department of Justice also recommends verifying that a website or business is legitimate before providing money or private information. People who believe they may have been victims of a scam can file a complaint with the department. The office does not have criminal jurisdiction, but works with law enforcement agencies and other partners to try to prevent scams and assist authorities in their efforts, according to Ben Conroy, press secretary for Attorney General Jeff Jackson. The department also recommends submitting reports to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and the Federal Trade Commission.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000400-180 The undersigned, THOMAS EARLE FRAZIER, having qualified on the 19TH Day of OCTOBER 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of PHILIP JASON FRAZIER, 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 22ND Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 22ND Day of OCTOBER 2026. THOMAS EARLE FRAZIER, ADMINISTRATOR 2208 ED CLAPP RD. SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: O22,29,N5,12p

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

TAKE NOTICE

CREDITOR’S NOTICE

Notice to Creditors

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having qualified on the 28th day of September 2026, as Administrator of Sabastian Barron deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 8th day of January 2027 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment. This is the 29th day of September 2026. W. Woods Doster Administrator of the Estate of Sabastian Barron 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Attorneys: Law Offices of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Publish On: October 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th of 2026

Having qualified as Personal Representative (or Executor/ Administrator) of the Estate of Patricia Eileen Clark, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before 01/01/2027 - typically 90 days from first publication date, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to said estate are asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 1st day of October, 2026. James Clark, Personal Representative 2133 Farrington Rd Apex, NC 27523

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000562-180 The undersigned, PHILLIP R. ELKINS, having qualified on the 7TH Day of OCTOBER 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of MATTIE PHILLIPS ELKINS, 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 15TH Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 15TH Day of OCTOBER 2026. PHILLIP R. ELKINS, EXECUTOR 119 SABAL COURT SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 Run dates: O15,22,29,N5p

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000437-180 The undersigned JOANN ELAINE FARRAR, having qualified on the 4TH Day of AUGUST 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of DIONE O’BRIAN FARRAR, 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 8TH Day OF JANUARY 2027, 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 8TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2026. JOANN ELAINE FARRAR, EXECUTOR 114A JOHN HENRY DRIVE SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: O8,15,22,29P

Notice to Creditors All Persons, firms and corporations having claims against Helen B. Brooks, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before January 1, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the deceased are asked to make immediate payment. This first day of October, 2026. Helen L. Dark, Executor Estate of Helen B. Brooks P. O. Box 512 Pittsboro, N. C. 27312

CREDITOR’S NOTICE Having qualified on the 16th day of July 2026, as Administrator of the Estate of Frances Elizabeth Gilmore, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 15th day of January, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment. This is the 9th day of October 2026. W. Woods Doster, Administrator of the Estate of Frances Elizabeth Gilmore 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Attorneys: Law Offices of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Publish On: October 15,22,29th and November 5, 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS 26E000516-180 The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Mary Hondros Pappas, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, notifies all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned at her address, P. O. Box 1515, Pittsboro, North Carolina, 27312, on or before the 1st day of January, 2027, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This 25th day of September, 2026. Cathleen Pappas Whitted P. O. Box 1515 Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312 October 1, 8, 15, 22

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY ________________________________ ________________________________ ________ HAVING QUALIFIED as Administrator of the Estate of Ruben Josue Perez Corona a/k/a Jose DeJesus Robles Cruz 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 31st day of December, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 23rd day of September, 2026. Pompeya Corona Gonzalez, Administrator Of the Estate of Ruben Josue Perez Corona a/k/a Jose DeJesus Robles Cruz 1680 Devils Tramping Ground Road Bear Creek, North Carolina 27207 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY ________________________________ ________________________________ ________ HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Bruce Landon Clark 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 7th day of January, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 30th day of September, 2026. Tony Landon Clark, Executor of the Estate of Bruce Landon Clark 4085 Piney Grove Church 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 ZELOTA MARKHAM McDONALD CHATHAM COUNTY CLERK OF COURT FILE No.: 26E000545-180 All persons, firms and corporations having claims against ZELOTA MARKHAM McDONALD, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before January 4, 2027 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 1st day of October, 2026. Douglas Edward Markham P.O. Box 130923 Houston, TX 77219 Publication dates: October 1, 2026, October 8, 2026, October 15, 2026 & October 22, 2026

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY ________________________________ ________________________________ ________ HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Jerry Lea Kidd 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 15th day of January, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 7th day of October, 2026. Darin Kidd, Executor of the Estate of Jerry Lea Kidd 7234 Side Church Road Seagrove, North Carolina 27341 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Mary Elizabeth Daniel, 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 22nd day of January 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 22nd day of October, 2026. CARL ANDREW FISHER, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF MARY ELIZABETH DANIEL

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY 26E000485-180 ALL persons having claims against Earl David Austin, Sr., deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Jan 15 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 15th day of October, 2026. NICOLE AUSTIN, Administrator C/O Mackintosh Law, PLLC c/o Mackintosh Law, 1201 Aversboro Road, Suite C Garner, North Carolina 27529 O15, 22, 29 and 5

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY 26E000364-180 ALL persons having claims against Emma Kathleen Baker, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are notified to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Jan 22 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 22nd day of October, 2026. Ivy Baker, Administrator C/O Bowen Law Firm, PC 590 New Waverly Place, Suite 120 Cary, NC 27518 O22, 29, 5 and 12

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000563-180 The undersigned, WILLIAM W. BROOKS, having qualified on the 8TH Day of OCTOBER 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of FRANK G. BROOKS, III, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 15TH Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 15TH Day of OCTOBER 2026. WILLIAM W. BROOKS, ADMINISTRATOR 512 W. ELK STREET SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: O15,22,29,N5p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000554-180 The undersigned, JULIE SCHIBLER, having qualified on the 5TH Day of OCTOBER 2026 as ADMINISTRATRIX of the Estate of MIGNON RODGERS DEBERRY, 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 15TH Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 15TH Day of OCTOBER 2026. JULIE SCHIBLER, ADMINISTRATRIX 9 CALDWELL PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: O15,22,29,N5p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000564-180 The undersigned, KELVIN N. CRUMP, having qualified on the 14TH Day of OCTOBER 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of ROBENA CRUMP 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 22ND Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 22ND Day of OCTOBER 2026. KELVIN N. CRUMP, EXECUTOR PO BOX 254 MONCURE, NC 27559 Run dates: O22,29,N5,12p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000531-180 The undersigned JOHN R. HEATH, having qualified on the 22ND Day of SEPTEMBER 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JOHN F. HEATH, 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 1ST Day OF JANUARY 2027, 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 1ST DAY OF OCTOBER 2026. JOHN R. HEATH, EXECUTOR 114 JACK BENNETT ROAD CHAPEL HILL, NC 27517 Run dates: O1,8,15,22P

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#19E000259-180 The undersigned ANGELA SPINKS DUPLIN, having qualified on the 3RD Day of MAY 2024 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of LOUISE BREWER SPINKS, 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 1ST Day OF JANUARY 2027, 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 1ST DAY OF OCTOBER 2026. ANGELA SPINKS DUPLIN, EXECUTOR 551 MARGARET PL GARNER, NC 27529 Run dates: O1,8,15,22P

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000205-180 The undersigned, ASHLEY L. SMITH, having qualified on the 27TH Day of AUGUST 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of SHARON HEARNE GRIFFIN, 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 22ND Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 22ND Day of OCTOBER 2026. ASHLEY L. SMITH, EXECUTOR 66 ARTHUR L. HEARNE ROAD PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: O22,29,N5,12p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000477-180 The undersigned, GEORGE M. KNIGHT, having qualified on the 13TH Day of AUGUST 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of THELMA ALBERTA COUCH KNIGHT, 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 22ND Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 22ND Day of OCTOBER 2026. GEORGE M. KNIGHT, ADMINISTRATOR PO BOX 1202 PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: O22,29,N5,12p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000541-180 The undersigned, SCOTT HUNTER, having qualified on the 25TH Day of SEPTEMBER 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JACQUELINE MARIE HUNTER, 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 15TH Day of JANUARY 2027, 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 15TH Day of OCTOBER 2026. SCOTT HUNTER, EXECUTOR 195 FUTRELL RIDGE COURT CHAPEL HILL, NC 27517 Run dates: O15,22,29,N5p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000534-180 The undersigned HEATHER CULBERSON, having qualified on the 22ND Day of SEPTEMBER 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of BOYD LEE CULBERSON, 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 8TH Day OF JANUARY 2027, 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 8TH DAY OF OCTOBER 2026. HEATHER CULBERSON, EXECUTOR 675 VANDER OLDHAM ROAD BEAR CREEK, NC 27207 Run dates: O8,15,22,29P

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000062-180 The undersigned JULIA S. JOHNSON, having qualified on the 26TH Day of MARCH 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of RUBY SEYMOUR, 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 1ST Day OF JANUARY 2027, 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 1ST DAY OF OCTOBER 2026. JULIA S. JOHNSON, ADMINISTRATOR 115 WATER TOWER RD. MONCURE, NC 27559 Run dates: O1,8,15,22P

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as Limited Personal Representative for the purpose of providing notice to creditors without administration of the estate of Rene Rasmussen, 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 January 15, 2027, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This October 15, 2026. Sofia Collins, Limited Personal Representative Estate of Rene Rasmussen

RESOLUTION OF THE CHATHAM COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS To Count Early Voting Ballots at 2:00 p.m. on Election Day Be it hereby resolved, that in accordance with N.C.G.S 163-182.2(a1) and (a4) (SL 2026-60), the Chatham County Board of Elections will begin counting Early Voting ballots for the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Board of Elections Conference Room beside the Chatham County Board of Elections office, 964 East St. Suite 101, Pittsboro, NC 27312. SL 2026-60 requires early votes to be counted at a meeting of the county board of elections held between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm on Election Day. The results of the Early Voting ballot count will not be announced before 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Any elector of the county may attend this meeting and observe the count. Approved this 13tth day of October, 2026 Theron VanDusen, Chair Erika Lindemann, Secretary Frank Dunphy, II, Member Laura Heise, Member Bob Tyson, Member

Notice of Public Hearings

Town of Siler City The following items will be considered by the Siler City Board of Commissioners as legislative hearings. The hearings will be conducted during the Board of Commissioner’s meeting on Monday, November 2, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the court room located in the Siler City Town Hall at 311 N. 2nd Ave. Legislative Public Hearings CASE R26-0801 – A request by applicant, Earnest Suits, to rezone approximately 0.45 acres from Residential 10 (R-10) to Highway Commercial (H-C). The parcel is located at 910 E Eleventh Street and is identified as Parcel 16683 in the Chatham County Tax Records. CASE TA26-001 – An ordinance amending the Siler City Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 4 -Procedures, Chapter 6 - Development Standards Applicable to All Uses and Chapter 7- Land Uses and Use Specific Development Standards to remove minimum parking requirements in compliance with North Carolina Session Law 2026-39 (House Bill 162). CASE TA26-002 – An ordinance amending the Siler City Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 2 - Administration) to add alternate members to the Siler City Planning Board. The proposed item is available for review by contacting Tim Garner at tgarner@ silercity.gov or 919-726-8628. All persons interested in the outcome of this item are invited to attend the legislative hearing and present comments, testimony, and exhibits on the above referenced item. Interested parties may also submit written comments. Written comments can be submitted by email to tgarner@ silercity.gov. Individuals desiring to speak may sign up by registering their name and information on the sign-up sheet, located outside the entry doors to the court room. The Town of Siler City will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled persons are provided other accommodations, such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing taped cassettes of materials for the blind, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact Briana Martinez at 919-726-8620, 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, North Carolina 27344, or bmartinez@ silercity.gov for accommodations for this request. Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Briana Martinez al bmartinez@ silercity.gov o 919-726-8625 o en 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, North Carolina 27344 de alojamiento para esta solicitud.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS Notice is hereby given that Public Hearings for consideration of two annexation petitions and two subsequent rezonings will be held by the Town of Goldston Board of Commissioners on Monday November 2, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. at Goldston Town Hall located at 40 Coral Ave A, Goldston, NC 27252. Interested parties may address the Board at this meeting. The following items will be considered: ANNEXATION PETITION – ANX-26-01 Applicant: Michael Blakely Owner: Bobby Branch; Land Preservation Group, LLC Parcel(s): 0075440; 0009646 Address: 3360 S Main Street ANNEXATION PETITION – ANX-26-02 Applicant: Michael Blakely Owner: Bobby Branch; Land Preservation Group, LLC Parcel(s): 0060964; 0063897 Address: 3425 S Main Street REZONING REQUEST – RZ-26-01 Applicant: Michael Blakely Owner: Bobby Branch; Land Preservation Group, LLC Parcel(s): 0075440; 0009646 Address: 3360 S Main Street Request: IH – Heavy Industrial REZONING REQUEST – RZ-26-02 Applicant: Michael Blakely Owner: Bobby Branch; Land Preservation Group, LLC Parcel(s): 0060964; 0063897 Address: 3425 S Main Street Request: IH – Heavy Industrial

RESOLUTION OF THE CHATHAM COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS To Count Absentee Ballots at 2:00 p.m. on Election Day and To Count Curable and UOCAVA Absentee Ballots Between Election Day and Canvass Be it hereby resolved, that in accordance with N.C.G.S 163-234(2), the Chatham County Board of Elections will begin counting absentee by-mail ballots for the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Board of Elections Conference Room beside the Chatham County Board of Elections office, 964 East St. Suite 101, Pittsboro, NC 27312. The results of the absentee ballot count will not be announced before 7:30 p.m. on Election Day. Be it further resolved that, in accordance with N.C.G.S. 163-234(11) and N.C.G.S. 163-234(12), there will be a meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. for the counting of any cured absentee by-mail ballots pursuant to N.C.G.S 163230.1(e1) and Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. for the counting of any eligible absentee by-mail ballots received pursuant to N.C.G.S. 163-231(b)(2) and N.C.G.S. 163-258.12. The results of this absentee ballot count will be included with canvass. Any elector of the county may attend these meetings and observe the counts. Approved this 15tth day of September, 2026 Theron VanDusen, Chairperson Erika Lindemann, Secretary Frank Dunphy, II, Member Laura Heise, Member Bob Tyson, Member

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

Battery installation at NY apartment building aims to show backup power safe A battery system at affordable housing demonstrates how storage reduces electricity costs for residents

who co-founded the Electric Innovation Initiative to use electricity instead of fossil fuels more broadly throughout the U.S. economy. Viridi’s system passed “near impossible” test

By Jennifer McDermott The Associated Press

Derek Cheatom, left, a production supervisor, checks a unit for loose wires inside Viridi’s battery system manufacturing plant in Buffalo, New York, on Oct. 15. Agency helped fund the Peace Bridge Place project as part of its focus on including disadvantaged communities in the clean energy transition. “It goes a long way toward demonstrating the safety and viability of these types of projects,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris. Viridi has manufacturing facilities in Buffalo and Richmond, California, where a state grant assisted with renovations. California Energy Commission Chair David Hochschild said he’s impressed with the company. More than two-thirds of California’s electricity comes from clean energy and batteries get a lot of credit for that, Hochschild said. As electricity demand grows, batteries help ensure the grid is reliable, reduce pollution and contain costs, he added. “I believe the battery industry is the single most important energy industry for the next several decades,” said Hochschild,

How batteries help keep electricity flow steady Batteries help maintain a steady flow of power when sources such as solar and wind are not producing. They charge when the sun is shining or when wind is blowing. That energy can then be used when demand is high. Batteries can also store excess electricity from hydropower, and New York is one of the top hydropower-producing states. Buffalo is close to Niagara Falls, where most of the state’s hydropower is produced. When electricity demand is high, Peace Bridge will use the battery. It will get paid by the utility for not drawing from the grid and for sending power back if needed. This helps lower the complex’s overall electricity costs, which benefits residents. The building can use the system during outages too. The New York State Energy Research and Development

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LAUREN PETRACCA / AP PHOTO

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A BATTERY SYSTEM installed in a Buffalo, New York, apartment building will store excess energy when it’s plentiful and power the building when the grid is strained and electricity is costly. The manufacturer and state officials hope it will show that larger batteries can safely operate where people live and work. The 3.75-megawatt-hour lithium-ion battery system, which can power the Peace Bridge Place affordable housing complex for several days, is among the largest battery systems in a U.S. residential building, manufacturer Viridi and developer Good Carbon Co. said Tuesday. “We want our electric power to be resilient, affordable and available. Distributed battery storage accomplishes all three,” Viridi CEO Jon M. Williams said. “The only thing that has been holding up installations at scale is safety; a lot of the products on the market over the last 10 years have burned things down.” Deploying large batteries that can safely power apartment buildings is an important step toward replacing fossil fuels with renewables, experts say, but they’re uncommon because of the cost and concerns about fire risks. Already, larger batteries are paired with solar and wind projects, and homeowners are using smaller batteries to store excess energy from rooftop solar and for backup power.

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As large battery fires have garnered attention, some communities have opposed further development. However, the failure rate for batteries has decreased as more are installed, according to the Electric Power Research Institute. Viridi spent six years and $10 million figuring out how to make a fireproof container for batteries. Half the cost was for batteries Viridi destroyed during testing. Viridi uses plates, pouches and spacing to isolate each battery cell. If one fails, the energy dissipates instead of spreading to the next battery, so that no gas, smoke, heat or fire escapes the container, Williams said. Jigar Shah, an expert in clean energy financing and deployment, said the Peace Bridge Place system is a milestone in overcoming safety concerns. To ensure nothing would catch fire when used inside a residence, Viridi’s system had to pass a test where the battery was forced to fail while a cheesecloth covered the container. The cheesecloth did not char or ignite, according to the test report record. Viridi announced in April it met stringent Underwriters Laboratories safety standards so its system could be installed indoors without adding additional fire suppression to a building. Shah, who led the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office during the Biden administration, said Viridi is the only company to consistent-

ly pass this “near impossible” test. Shah thinks far more U.S. homes will use batteries for backup power by 2030. The U.S. can meet much more electricity demand and avoid costly upgrades to the grid if batteries are strategically deployed, he added. New York, California officials want forward-thinking energy solutions Viridi and Good Carbon Co. chose the Peace Bridge apartments because the all-electric building uses a geothermal system for heating and cooling rather than natural gas and needed additional, resilient power. The electricity demand locally can exceed the available supply, so the utility National Grid supported the endeavor, Williams added. Peace Bridge is considered affordable housing because renters earn no more than 80% of the area’s median income, Good Carbon said. It said energy storage will be an important part of future multifamily housing projects. Viridi has been manufacturing in Buffalo since 2018. A medical research building in the city is using its battery system, too. Viridi’s plant could build enough battery packs in a year to supply energy for about 14,000 average U.S. homes for 24 hours, Williams said. Harris, at NYSERDA, said the state needs more options like this for maintaining a reliable grid and managing costs. Gov. Kathy Hochul has made that a priority. “If we don’t need to build generation, we can utilize the grid that we have more effectively, that’s extremely valuable to us,” she said. In California, 2,000 battery storage systems are being added each week and the largest in the world is under construction in Fresno County, Hochschild said. He thinks the battery industry is poised to take off. He said, “We’re just getting started.”

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CHATHAM SPORTS

Flags flying Left, Amiyah Vargas of Jordan-Matthews looks to make a move against Uwharrie Charter Academy during last week’s 12-6 home victory in flag football. The Jets followed that result by defeating Ascend Leadership 20-0 later in the week. Right, Northwood’s Noelle Whitaker runs with the ball against Uwharrie Charter Academy in last week’s 32-8 victory in Siler City. That pushed the Chargers’ record to 13-1.

PHOTOS BY GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

PREP FOOTBALL

Unbeaten Bears stay on track Seaforth and Northwood collected conference victories built on strong defense Chatham News & Record staff BEAR CREEK — Nolan Mitchell returned a punt for a touchdown and Chatham Central built on its best football season in school history by defeating visiting Bishop McGuinness 35-7 last Friday night in the Greater Triad Conference. Brooks Albright threw two touchdown passes and ran for a touchdown for the undefeated Bears. His scoring throws went to Gavin Williams and Brett Phillips.

Chatham Central’s Carson Jackson gained 155 rushing yards on 15 carries. The Bears have reached the 30-point mark in five consecutive games. On defense, Williams and Tyler Congrove made interceptions for the Bears, who can clinch at least a share of the conference title by defeating visiting South Stokes this week. Seaforth 20, South Granville 10: At Creedmoor, Duncan Parker threw for three touchdowns in Seaforth’s Big Seven Conference victory at South Granville. The Hawks (7-1, 3-0) have a six-game winning streak. Parker’s scoring passes went to Max Hinchman and Noah

Fuller, who made eight catches for 138 yards. Parker threw for 238 yards on 18-for-32 passing. He gained 86 yards on the ground. South Granville (5-3, 2-1) was limited to 152 yards of total offense. Northwood 35, North Moore 0: At Pittsboro, Finn Sullivan was 8-for-8 passing with three touchdown throws in the Four Rivers Conference game. Raje Torres, Campbell Parks and Nick Armstrong made touchdown receptions. Aiden Girard and Bryson Sanders ran for a touchdown. Sanders gained 85 yards on eight carries. The Chargers (4-4, 2-1), who led 28-0 at halftime, have won back-to-back games for the first time since last October. North Moore fell to 0-8, 0-2. Southwestern Randolph 43, Jordan-Matthews 6: At Asheboro, Nathan Garner scored four touchdowns as Southwestern Randolph won in the Four Rivers Conference. Garner reached the end zone

PREP VOLLEYBALL

Woods Charter, Seaforth start states with high seeds Area teams received byes before launching postseason bids

See STATES, page B3

Northwood’s Raje Torres looks to make a play amid North Moore defenders during last Friday night’s game. on three of his seven carries, finishing with 89 yards. He also caught a touchdown pass from Eli Dalke. Carson Wood and Brady Combs also scored on runs for the Cougars (6-2 overall, 1-1 Four Rivers Conference). Namir Wiley scored on a run for Jordan-Matthews (4-5, 1-2). Khalil Sherrod threw for 130 yards, but was intercepted twice.

Friday’s games • Oxford Webb at Seaforth • Southwestern Randolph at Northwood • South Stokes at Chatham Central • Note: Jordan-Matthews is off

White produces in Tar Heels women’s exhibition The Seaforth graduate and basketball standout is a transfer from Virginia

Chatham News & Record staff VOLLEYBALL TEAMS from Woods Charter and Seaforth entered the state playoffs as No. 1 seeds in their respective classifications. Woods Charter holds the top spot in Class 1A in the East Region. After a first-round bye, that put the Wolves in a second-round match against No. 17 seed Oxford Prep, which ousted No. 16 seed Jones Senior in four sets in Saturday’s first round. Third-round matches are scheduled for Thursday and fourth-round encounters take place Saturday. Woods Charter was undefeated in Central Tar Heel 1A Conference play, but it lost to Clover Garden by 25-16, 25-12, 25-13 in the conference tournament final last week. Woods Charter won 25-19, 25-20, 25-15 in the semifinal round against Chatham Charter. • Also in Class 1A, Chatham Charter received a first-round

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Chatham News & Record

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth’s Abigail Valgus works near the net during last week’s match vs. Oxford Webb in the Big Seven Conference Tournament.

SEAFORTH ALUM Gabby White made her first outing for the North Carolina women’s basketball team in Sunday afternoon’s exhibition victory against Davidson. White, a sophomore who transferred to the Tar Heels after playing last season for Virginia, came off the bench to produce nine points in nearly 19 minutes of court time as North Carolina pulled out a 76-66 decision. White connected on her only 3-point attempt. She was 2-for-8 from the field and 4-for-8 on free throws, while also grabbing five rebounds and making two steals. The game was tied with less than five minutes to play before the Tar Heels pulled away. Achol Akot, a transfer from Oklahoma State, led North Carolina with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and freshman Kate Harpring poured in 17 points. The Tar Heels visit Maryland for another exhibition Saturday. That’s a rematch of North Carolina’s second-round

COURTESY GIFTOFGABB3 / INSTAGRAM

Gabby White will have an impact at UNC this season. home victory in last March’s NCAA Tournament. • North Carolina’s men’s basketball team lost 76-58 to Indiana in Sunday’s exhibition in Indianapolis. Former Seaforth player Jarin Stevenson shot 1-for7 from the field, with his only points coming on a 3-pointer. He managed three rebounds in 26 ½ minutes of playing time for the Tar Heels. North Carolina closes preseason action with Tuesday’s exhibition vs. visiting Charlotte at the Smith Center.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Addison Goldston

PREP SOCCER

County teams rack up victories Successful streaks put teams in good positions in league standings Chatham News & Record staff SEAFORTH WON its third game in a row by smacking host Oxford Webb 8-1 in last Thursday’s Big Seven Conference boys’ soccer game. That pushed the Hawks to a 10-6-1 record and kept them safely in second place in the league. Earlier last week, Seaforth won 4-1 against visiting Durham School of the Arts. • Northwood stretched its unbeaten streak to eight games by winning twice last week in the Four Rivers Conference. The Chargers won 3-0 at Uwharrie Charter Academy and prevailed 2-1 at home against Eastern Randolph. Northwood reached the second go-around in conference play without a league loss. • Jordan-Matthews is in second place in the Four Rivers Conference after road victories

STATES from page B1

PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Chatham Central, volleyball Addison Goldston is a junior on the Chatham Central volleyball team and a two-time winner of Athlete of the Week this season. In two games last week, Goldston led all county volleyball players for the week in kills, digs and blocks. Against Hiwassee Dam, she had a team-high 14 kills, 9 aces (more than half of the team’s total of 17), Chatham’s only blocked shot and 15 digs. She was also second on the team with 19 receptions. Against Bishop McGuinness, she again led the team with 14 kills (more than half of the team total of 22), two aces (the rest of the team had one) and Chatham’s only block. She was second on the squad with 10 digs in the game.

bye as the No. 6 seed in the West Region. The Knights were set for Tuesday’s match vs. No. 11 seed Thomas Jefferson Classical, which was a three-set winner against No. 22 seed South Davidson in the first round. • Chatham Central’s season ended with 26-24, 18-25, 25-19, 25-21 loss to No. 17 seed Hiwassee Dam in the West Region. The Bears (11-14) were the No. 16 seed. In last week’s Greater Triad Conference Tournament, Chatham Central defeated South Davidson in the quarterfinals and lost to Bishop McGuinness in the semifinals. CLASS 5A Seaforth is the top seed in East Region. The Hawks were to face No. 16 seed South

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Seaforth’s Olivier Pruiliere (11) cuts between Durham School of the Arts’ Ernesto Perez (4) and Dillan Lara Rodriguez (2) during last week’s game. by 4-0 at Eastern Randolph and 3-2 at North Moore last week. • Woods Charter’s string of shutout victories reached five by topping visiting Clover Garden 5-0 and host The Hawbridge School 9-0 in games last week in the

Granville, a three-set winner against No. 17 seed Southeast Alamance in the first round, for Tuesday’s second-round match. For Thursday, there’s a potential third-round clash between Big Seven Conference rivals Seaforth and eighth-seeded Orange. Seaforth won last week’s conference tournament by sweeping Oxford Webb, Carrboro and Orange. The 25-23, 25-22, 25-22 result vs. Orange came in the championship match. Sarah Beth Smith had 14 kills and 11 service points and Abigail Valgus notched 25 assists. CLASS 3A No. 24 seed Northwood’s season ended as a victim of a three-set sweep at ninth-seeded South Lenoir in the East Region on Saturday.

Central Tar Heel 1A Conference. The Wolves are in position to clinch the league title this week. Their regular season wraps up Monday at Chatham Charter. • Chatham Charter’s lone game last week resulted in a 6-3 loss at Southern Wake.

Chatham County schools that received No. 1 seeds

The Chargers finished with a 6-18 record. That included a 25-17, 14-25, 19-25, 25-19, 15-11 loss to visiting Eastern Randolph in last week’s Four Rivers Conference Tournament quarterfinals. CLASS 4A Jordan-Matthews (0-24) didn’t qualify for the state playoffs. The season ended for the Jets with a 25-16, 25-20, 25-13 loss at North Moore in the Four Rivers Conference Tournament quarterfinals.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

Singh wins on PGA Tour Champions at age 63 The three-time major champ becomes the second-oldest winner on the tour

The Associated Press CARY — Vijay Singh became the second-oldest player to win on the PGA Tour Champions on Sunday when the 63-yearold Fijian closed with a 3-under 69 for a two-shot victory in the

SAS Championship. Singh made four birdies in a six-hole stretch around the turn to get in front of a crowded leaderboard and then left the mistakes to everyone else while closing with six straight pars to win by two over Ernie Els. Bernhard Langer is the only other player older than Singh to win on the 50-and-older circuit. Langer won at age 67, and the German has five other Champions Tour titles at 64 or older.

“This was a big one,” Singh said after tapping in for one final par. “It’s been a tough year, all year, and then I didn’t know how I was going to play this morning. My back doesn’t do very well in cold. I didn’t hit my irons as good as I wanted to, but I got the job done.” A 34-time winner on the PGA Tour, it was only his sixth PGA Tour Champions title and first in just over three years. Singh did not have a top 10 finish all year until winning Sun-

day. Els closed with a 69 and was runner-up. The last challenge came from Tim O’Neal, one shot behind until he tried to hit out of a fairway bunker on the par-5 17th hole. The ball hit the top of the lip and tumbled into a creek, leading to a double bogey-bogey finish for O’Neal. Matthew Goggin was the only player to move into the top 72 who qualify for the Charles Schwab Cup postseason that starts next week in St. Louis.

Young, Panthers might be starting to learn how to deliver knockout punch Carolina put away the game in Philadelphia By Steve Reed The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — Of the Carolina Panthers’ eight wins last season, six were the result of second-half comebacks orchestrated by quarterback Bryce Young. On Sunday, the Panthers didn’t need one. Leading by six late in the third quarter, Carolina put together a 14-play, 92-yard touchdown drive that took nearly eight minutes off the clock and gave them some cushion they needed on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. The teams would trade touchdowns from there, but the Panthers (3-2) never appeared in danger of losing to an injury-riddled Eagles team and walked away with a 25-14 wire-to-wire victory to remain atop the NFC South. Outside of falling behind 3-0 early to Detroit, Carolina

CHRIS SZAGOLA / AP PHOTO

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young reacts to his touchdown pass to tight end Tommy Tremble against the Eagles. has maintained control of the lead in all three of its wins this season. That means they’re learning to play with leads, keep them

finds itself with a 11⁄2-game lead in the NFC South as it looks to defend its division title. While Young’s comebacks have been notable and important in the team’s growth, the idea of stepping on the gas pedal and burying a team is “absolutely” what coach Dave Canales said the team needs to take things to a different level. That’s why Canales loved the long scoring drive that culminated with a 1-yard scoring run by Chuba Hubbard. “That’s territory that we have to be comfortable with, and to be able to execute those type of drives,” Canales said. “It was the physical nature of the way we finished. That’s really just a dream of mine to be able to run with that type of physicality.” What’s working

and put opponents away when they need to do so. And that’s the next needed step in progression for a steadily maturing team, which now

Five weeks into the season, the Panthers are showing no signs of moving to a split backfield. Despite the return of Trevor Etienne from injured reserve

MATT SLOCUM / AP PHOTO

Vijay Singh watches his tee shot during the first round of the Masters in April.

Sunday, Hubbard continued to gobble up almost all of carries, logging 28 rushes for 120 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles. Etienne got just one carry. Hubbard struggled through injuries early last season before battling back to regain his starting spot from Rico Dowdle. This year, it was expected he would split time in the backfield with Jonathon Brooks, the team’s 2024 second-round pick from Texas. But the injury-riddled Brooks landed on IR again this season, and it’s been all Hubbard since. Hubbard has 426 yards rushing and six total touchdowns — four rushing and two receiving — through five games while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. “He’s running the ball really well right now,” Canales said of Hubbard. “That should complement the rest of the offense.” What needs help Despite the win, the Panthers have plenty to clean up. They were penalized 13 times for a franchise-record 149 yards on Sunday. Carolina is averaging nearly 10 penalties for 84 yards per game, putting them in the top 10 in the league in both categories.

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B4 SIDELINE REPORT NCAA FOOTBALL

Service member dies after rappelling fall at a UT San Antonio game San Antonio, Texas A military service member died after he fell rappelling from the ceiling to midfield before a UTSA football game. Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs said the service member assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, was taken to a local hospital where he later died. An investigation was underway into what led up to the incident at UTSA’s annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game against Navy. The fall occurred with fans in the stands and a band assembled nearby on the field.

NBA

Some wagers, certain parlays no longer can be offered to bettors, NBA tells sportsbooks The NBA told sportsbooks about new restrictions on certain types of wagers for the upcoming season. It includes bets on which player records the first stat of a game and the outcome of the opening tip. The league also requires players, coaches and staff to attend in-person training on sports betting rules. The changes follow betting scandals that led to arrests of former NBA figures. Additionally, the NBA has developed an AI-based platform to monitor unusual betting activity and has upgraded protections against harassment from sports bettors.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

Boozer adjusting to NBA spotlight as solo act, feels prepared for new chapter The No. 3 draft pick joins the Memphis Grizzlies By Teresa M. Walker The Associated Press NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Cam Boozer finds himself in an unfamiliar space as he embarks on the NBA career he has prepared for his entire life. He’s on his own. Sure, father Carlos, a two-time NBA All-Star and 13-year veteran, is just a phone call or text away. The biggest difference on the court and in daily life is twin brother Cayden isn’t in Memphis with him. Cayden stayed in college at Duke when Cam decided to enter the NBA Draft. “The biggest thing is just not going through the tough moments and the great moments with him,” Boozer said during the Grizzlies’ training camp. “But, I mean, me and him are prepared for this. We played with a lot of players over the years, and I think it’s exciting for both of us. Both of us having a new step in our journey.” That first step came in June when the Memphis Grizzlies made Cam Boozer the No. 3 overall pick hoping the 6-foot-10, 250-pound forward is the key piece for a franchise rebuilding yet again through the draft. That could be a lot of pressure on someone who just turned 19 with one year of college at Duke. Luckily, growing up a Boozer has helped Cam prepare for this moment. “Oh, man, I definitely think it helped for sure,” Boozer said. “I think at the end of the day, everybody has to get tossed into it, and I think it helps you get prepared hearing your parents give you advice and things like that, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to go through it yourself.” Boozer slides into a young

PAUL BEATY / AP PHOTO

Memphis Grizzlies’ Cameron Boozer hangs from the rim after dunking during a preseason game against the Chicago Bulls. Grizzlies roster. Memphis execs rave about all that Boozer brings with his shooting, rebounding, toughness and focus on winning. “That’s what we want him to keep focusing on ... He’s obviously going to play a significant role,” general manager Zach Kleiman said. “We’ll give him what he’s ready for. I suspect he’ll, as he always has, find a way to make even more of an impact than people expect of him.” The Grizzlies aren’t ready to define exactly what Boozer will do, giving him some freedom to slide out to the perimeter and shoot from outside. The AP men’s player of the year averaged 22.5 points a game and grabbed 10.2 rebounds a game in his only season at Duke. He also shot 39.1% outside the arc. “Not going to put him in a box, not going to say anything

that he won’t be able to do,” Kleiman said. Coach Tuomas Iisalo expects Boozer to have an adjustment period and that the rookie will play inside as well as in the post. Iisalo likes Boozer’s ball-handling skills giving Memphis versatility in and around the paint. Boozer averaged 4.1 assists at Duke. “His passing already is at a very, very high level, and I think that is something we will definitely utilize whether he’s a handler, whether he’s a receiver in screening situations,” Iisalo said. Boozer at least has a teammate who understands being a second-generation NBA player. Scotty Pippen Jr.’s father, Scottie, won six championships with Chicago, and the Grizzlies guard has been impressed with how the rookie doesn’t really make mistakes.

“He’s been someone that, on both ends of the floor, he kind of has it all,” Pippen said. “I think he’s someone that’s going to hopefully change this franchise and do a lot of good things for us.” The Grizzlies forward already is a betting favorite to be the NBA Rookie of the Year, which would be Memphis’ first since Ja Morant in 2020. Boozer said he knows achieving any goals like Rookie of the Year depend on winning, so that’s what he’s focused on doing. That’s part of the advice his father gave him to stay in each moment. “When you get caught looking ahead and you want to do this or you want to do that, you kind of lose focus of today,” Boozer said. “The biggest thing, if you maximize today, you’re going to put yourself in a good position for those things.”

NCAA BASKETBALL

Memphis’ Hardaway willing to spend up to $2.6M of own money to pay for roster Memphis, Tenn. Memphis men’s basketball coach Penny Hardaway says he’s willing to contribute up to $2.6 million this year to enhance the team’s competitiveness. Hardaway reportedly wrote a check for $2.6 million to secure players Nemanja Popovic and Maxim Logue. However, the school’s athletic director, Ed Scott, clarified that the athletic department loaned him the amount, expecting him to raise it by the fiscal year’s end. If Hardaway can’t raise the funds by June 2027, he’ll cover the deficit himself. Scott confirmed it wouldn’t violate any College Sports Commission rules.

RUGBY

Tonga stuns England in Rugby League World Cup Perth, Australia Tonga has pulled off a stunner at the Rugby League World Cup by beating England 30-12. It was another shock result against a Pacific island nation for the English, who were beaten by Samoa in the semifinals on home soil in 2022. It was the first of third-ranked England’s three group-stage games and immediately jeopardizes its progress to the semifinals. England has games still to come against France and Papua New Guinea. Tonga had never previously beaten England.

Phillies put Turner on notice: get better at shortstop or find another position The NC State product struggled on offense and defense this season By Dan Gelston The Associated Press PHILADELPHIA — Trea Turner has seven years left on his $300 million contract with the Phillies. He has through about spring training to get his defense together and remain Philadelphia’s starting shortstop. A year after Dave Dombrowski put Bryce Harper on blast, the top Phillies executive turned his biting criticism toward Turner. The 33-year-old Turner had perhaps the worst season of his career — he hit .242 with a .675 OPS with a league-worst 21 errors at shortstop — and Dombrowski warned that a position change could be on deck if Turner fails to regain his form as even an average fielding shortstop. “From a defensive perspective we were very clear. He knows he has to be better at shortstop,” said Dombrowski, the longtime president of baseball operations. “I told him it’s really mandatory that it’s like that.” Turner and Dombrowski met to discuss the shortstop’s fate and the changes Turner needed to make in the field and at the plate if he wanted to remain at his favorite position and near the top of the order in 2027. “He’s determined to show us he can play it,” Dombrowski said. “I said, ‘You have to show it. You cannot play shortstop like you did defensively in ’26 going to ’27.’” Turner went 1 for 10 in the playoffs when the Phillies lost

MIKE STEWART / AP PHOTO

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner fields a ground ball in the National League Wild Card Series. in three games to the Atlanta Braves in the NL Wild Card Series. To paraphrase Dombrowski, Turner is no longer elite. The Phillies have made five straight playoff appearances, four since Turner joined the team, and averaged 91 wins per year during that stretch but haven’t won a World Series. Turner took the blame for the Phillies’ latest postseason failure and conceded his season-long struggles played a factor in another early October exit for the franchise. “I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Turner said after Game 3. “Kind of go over everything and just figure out as much as I can. Find answers. See what I did bad. But I feel like this year is the biggest question mark for me offensively in a long time. I’ve got to figure that out. So I definitely have a lot of work to do there.” The Phillies have three potential question marks in the outfield. Harper has been the regular

“I’ve got a lot of work to do. Kind of go over everything and just figure out as much as I can. Find answers.” Trea Turner first baseman and will return to first base next season after he played the final two months in right field when the Phillies acquired three-time batting champion Luis Arraez. Arraez is a free agent and unlikely to return. Brandon Marsh actually started for the NL All-Star team before a second-half collapse that included a .183 batting average (155th out of 156 qualified hitters) and a .490 OPS (156th). His on-base percentage after July 1 was an anemic .250, and he’s destined to revert to a platoon player. Justin Crawford had a solid rookie season, and Derek Hill

and Bryan De La Cruz weren’t horrible but aren’t everyday players in Philadelphia. Turner might end up in the outfield whether he wants to play there or not. “He prefers the infield,” Dombrowski said. “He’s a good athlete. I think he can adjust appropriately, and we’ll see what happens.” The Phillies clearly expect Turner to regain the form he had in 2025, when he led the NL in hitting and made only eight errors. “It’s up to him to show us that he can do it,” Dombrowski said. “We’ll see what happens. But we’ll have fallback opportunities, and some of them may come from the young players that we have.” Bryson Stott, a stout second baseman who played at third base following the Phillies’ trade deadline defensive shuffle, could move to shortstop. Dombrowski did not hold back from praising top minor league infield prospects Aidan Miller and Bryan Rincon. Miller is the Phillies’ No. 2 and MLB’s No. 59 overall prospect. Turner has $190 million left on his contract and a no-trade clause that makes him all but immovable in the trade market. With a work stoppage almost certain in December, Turner should have many months ahead to work on defensive drills, work on his swing, and work on any small detail he thinks will help him regain his All-Star form in 2027. Or else. “The reason we signed him in the beginning compared to some others, not only was he a good player, but we thought he had the ability to continue to be a good player for a long time here,” Dombrowski said.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

Reddick wins in Phoenix as Cup Series championship battle gets tighter Kyle Larson had a miserable day and saw his lead shrink

picked up more points in Phoenix. Bubba Wallace led 52 laps in the second half of the race, but a pit road speeding penalty ended the 23XI driver’s chance at a win.

By David Brandt The Associated Press AVONDALE, Ariz. — Tyler Reddick earned his sixth win of the season in a Cup Series playoff race Sunday at Phoenix Raceway, becoming one of several drivers to make big gains in the Cup Series championship standings on a miserable day for leader Kyle Larson. Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota overtook Chase Briscoe with 17 laps remaining and held on for the win. The 23XI driver had the hottest car in the sport early in the year, winning four of the season’s first six races, but had a big lull over the summer. Now he’s moved within striking distance of the No. 1 spot in the Chase with three races remaining. “This group never lost motivation, never lost the drive to keep searching and keep trying to find ways to make ourselves better, just be an all-around better team,” Reddick said. “Something about to-

Larson’s very bad day

RICK SCUTERI / AP PHOTO

Tyler Reddick (45) leads Connor Zilisch during Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Avondale, Arizona. day ... I had a really good feeling.” Larson is now just five points ahead of Christopher Bell in the Cup Series standings heading into Talladega next week. Briscoe is in third, 24 points back, while Denny Hamlin (31), Ryan Blaney (40), Joey Logano (44) and Reddick (56) are still in the hunt. “It’s going to be a battle, that’s for sure,” Bell said. “We’re right there in it. Really proud of our

team. They’ve been doing a really good job of bringing fast race cars, executing races. We’ve been able to qualify well and run up front in stages.” Blaney — who had won two straight races in Phoenix — finished second Sunday, while Chase Elliott was third and Bell fourth. Briscoe finished eighth after back-to-back wins in Las Vegas and Charlotte and

Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet struggled all day and then smacked the wall late in the race after his right front tire went flat going into a turn. His day was over and he finished 34th. Larson entered the day with a 49-point lead in the playoff standings over the second-place Hamlin but had a disappointing qualifying effort Saturday and started 22nd, well behind most of the other title contenders. “I was just trying to salvage anything — in the top 20 would have been great,” Larson said. “It’s a bummer, but it is what it is. It happens.” He wasn’t any better Sunday — the Hendrick Motorsports star stayed in the middle to back of the pack most of the afternoon and fell a lap behind the field midway through the second stage. The flat tire made things even worse.

“Something about today ... I had a really good feeling.” Tyler Reddick It was a surprising hiccup after a dominant six-race postseason run that included two wins, two second-place finishes and an average finish of 2.83. Hamlin — who is still looking for his first Cup Series championship — couldn’t take full advantage of Larson’s tough day after a flat right rear tire while running fourth on lap 221. The No. 11 Toyota was also penalized for speeding on pit road as he struggled to control the car coming off the track. He finished 28th. Logano wins both stages for 20 points Logano won both the 60-lap first stage and 125-lap second stage, picking up the maximum possible 20 points. He took four fresh tires during a yellow-flag stop late in the first stage before grabbing the lead from Hamlin, who took just two. Blaney led the first 46 laps but a slow pit stop dropped him back to eighth. He recovered to place fourth in the stage. Logano — who has won four times in Phoenix — breezed to the second stage win, finishing well ahead of Briscoe and Bell.

RICK SCUTERI / AP PHOTO

Tyler Reddick, center, celebrates after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway.

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

entertainment this week in history Scores of American soldiers killed in Beirut, shootout at O.K. Corral, Red Sox win World Series

“Have at it, boys. It’s been that kind of day.” Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd

The Associated Press OCT. 22 1836: Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first elected president of the Republic of Texas, which gained independence from Mexico earlier that year. 1934: Notorious bank robber Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd was shot and killed by federal agents and local police near East Liverpool, Ohio. 2012: Cyclist Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned for life from Olympic sports following doping charges brought by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. OCT. 23 1915: An estimated 25,000 women marched along Fifth Avenue in New York City to demand voting rights. 1956: A student-led uprising against Communist rule began in Hungary. Soviet forces intervened, crushing the revolution on Nov. 4. 1983: A suicide truck bombing at the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, killed 241 American service members. A nearly simultaneous attack on French barracks killed 58 paratroopers. OCT. 24 1537: Jane Seymour, the third wife of England’s King Henry VIII, died 12 days after giving birth to the future King Edward VI. 1861: The first transcontinental telegraph message was sent from San Francisco to

AP PHOTO

Bank robber Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, pictured in 1932, saw his violent run from the law end when federal agents killed him in Ohio on Oct. 22, 1934. President Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C. 1945: The United Nations officially came into existence when its charter took effect. The date is now observed as United Nations Day. OCT. 25 1929: Former Interior Secretary Albert B. Fall was convicted of accepting a bribe in the Teapot Dome oil leasing scandal, becoming the first U.S. Cabinet member imprisoned for crimes committed while in office. 1415: English forces under King Henry V defeated a much larger French army at the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years’ War. 1760: King George III ascended the British throne following the death of his grandfather, George II. OCT. 26 1774: The First Continental Congress adjourned in Philadelphia.

1881: Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and two other lawmen exchanged gunfire with five outlaws in the Shootout at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, killing three. 1825: The Erie Canal opened in New York, connecting Lake Erie to the Hudson River. 1861: The Pony Express officially ceased operations following the introduction of the transcontinental telegraph. Its final delivery was completed the following month. OCT. 27 1787: The first of the Federalist Papers, a series of essays supporting ratification of the U.S. Constitution, was published. 1904: New York City’s first subway line opened, running 9.1 miles from City Hall to Harlem and carrying more than 100,000 passengers on its first day. 2004: The Boston Red Sox won their first World Series in 86 years, sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in four games. OCT. 28 1886: President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, in New York Harbor. 1636: The Massachusetts General Court passed legislation establishing Harvard College. 1858: Rowland Hussey Macy opened his first New York City store at Sixth Avenue and 14th Street in Manhattan.

THE NEW YORK TIMES PHOTO ARCHIVE / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Women parade through New York City in 1917, continuing the women’s suffrage movement that brought 25,000 demonstrators to Fifth Avenue on Oct. 23, 1915.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

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Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

Gerwig debuts first look at ‘Narnia’ for Netflix, big screen in epic fashion The streaming platform will release the film in 2027 By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

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NEW YORK — Greta Gerwig debuted a first look at “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew” on Tuesday, previewing a full-hearted adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ allegorical adventure and an IMAX-sized spectacle made for Netflix but designed for the big screen. Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” scores the trailer, which was also released online. A few hours earlier, Gerwig unveiled the trailer and behind-the-scenes footage on an IMAX screen at the AMC Lincoln Center in New York, where she spoke with Stephen Colbert about her “Barbie” follow-up. Netflix, in a dramatic reversal for the company, is giving “Narnia” a wide theatrical release beginning Feb. 12. The film will land on the streaming service April 2. Gerwig said she wrote her first draft in

JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION VIA AP PHOTO

Greta Gerwig arrives at the opening night celebration for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles. 2020 and 2021 after approaching Netflix chief executive Ted Sarandos at a cocktail party. “I told Ted I only know how to make movies for the big screen,” Gerwig said. “He said, ‘Make the movie for the biggest screen you can imagine.’” With a $280 million budget, “Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew” is one of Netflix’s most ambitious films. It’s also a novel way into the “Narnia” series, starting not with

the first book, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” but the sixth. “The Magician’s Nephew,” published in 1955, is a prequel. It follows two children in 1900 London who, through a magic ring, are transported into another world and witness Narnia’s creation by the lion Aslan. That entryway to Narnia thrilled Gerwig, who noted Lewis urged readers to tackle “The Magician’s Nephew” first. The trailer features the line: “Have you ever seen a world born?” “Movies this size are usually about destruction,” said Gerwig. The trailer only hints at the film’s already debated portrayal of Aslan, a thick-maned representation of Jesus in Lewis’ Christian fable. Voiced by Meryl Streep, the character appears as a cosmic outline and roars but doesn’t speak. Some conservative pundits have criticized casting Streep as Aslan, a male character in the books. Gerwig didn’t address Streep’s casting in her remarks, though she thanked Lewis’ family and estate for

Zimbabwe’s Caine Prize winner rejects claim he used AI to write story A customer browses for books at a bookstore in Harare, Zimbabwe, last week.

The accusations have sparked broader discussion across social media By Farai Mutsaka The Associated Press HARARE, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwean author Simbarashe Kundizeza, whose prize for a short story is under review over allegations of AI use, denied using artificial intelligence to write what he said was a story inspired by his family’s experiences, and he suggested that AI-detection technology is biased. Kundizeza’s “The Blue Fighter” won this year’s $10,000 Caine Prize for African Writing last week, but a report in The Atlantic magazine said the AI detection tool Pangram had indicated the entire story was AI-generated with the exception of an excerpt from a poem by another author. Kundizeza posted a denial on X last week, and in an interview last Wednesday with The Associated Press said that African writers and readers should challenge such accusations. “There is need to use technol-

AARON UFUMELI / AP PHOTO

ogy responsibly so that it is not deployed to create a bias against natives who seek to write about their own experiences and cultures,” he said. “Although I am not too well versed with these technologies, it is well known that AI is in certain ways biased against us. It’s something that really needs to be looked at because this kind of treatment I got is not going to stop,” he added.

solutions

The Caine Prize organizers have not retracted the prize but have said it is under review and that they have a responsibility to examine such AI claims. “We aim to do this by taking a human-centered approach, ensuring that writers are supported and cared for during the process. We have initiated that process in this case,” the organizers said this week. In his statement on X, Kun-

dizeza insisted his story, centered on family relationships and economic hardship, was entirely his own work. He said it had gone through standard editorial processes. He said the story reflected his family’s life during Zimbabwe’s years of economic turmoil. “Aspects of the story, including characters and the setting, are drawn from events in my own life,” he said, describ-

their public support of the film. Newcomers David McKenna and Beatrice Campbell star in the film, with an ensemble made up of Daniel Craig, Emma Mackey, Ciarán Hinds and Carey Mulligan. The film was initially slated to open in November, but Netflix pushed it into 2027, Gerwig said, to give it a global theatrical release. Gerwig described the story as a spiritual quest, which made the choice of “Stairway to Heaven” fitting to her. She met with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page to secure the song’s seldom-given rights permission. “They did it because they saw the heart in the story,” Gerwig said. “And they too love C.S. Lewis.” Gerwig described reading Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia” books as a foundational experience to her youth. The only comparable experience, she said, was reading Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” which Gerwig adapted in her 2019 film. “I would not be who I am without these books,” said Gerwig. “They created me.”

ing it as “a deeply personal story about economic collapse and familial relationships.” He challenged the suggestion that differences between the winning story and his earlier work should cast doubt on his authorship. “As writers, we develop recurring interests, but we don’t produce work from a single fixed template. To suggest that a writer cannot write in different styles or genres, or improve his writing substantially after five or more years, fundamentally misunderstands the craft of writing,” he said in his X post. The allegations have prompted a wider debate on social media, with some questioning whether black authors are being unfairly targeted by AI-related accusations. Radical Books Collective, an international group that organizes online book clubs, literary events and podcasts focused on political literature and ideas, described the controversy as part of a broader pattern. “The digital lynchings continue as Black authors are being targeted in AI/plagiarism scandals: Jamir Nazir, Jerry Falade, Thélyson Orélien and now Simbarashe Kundizeza,” the collective posted. Nhlandla Duba, a linguist from Zimbabwe who researches English literature at the University of Pretoria, said Kundizeza’s story rings true. “That story sounds human. Zimbabwean literature is alive!” Duba proclaimed on X.

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

famous birthdays this week Bobby Seale celebrates 90, Dianne Reeves turns 70, Pat Sajak hits 80 THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week. OCT. 22 Black Panthers co-founder Bobby Seale is 90. Actor Christopher Lloyd is 88. Actor Derek Jacobi is 88. Actor Catherine Deneuve is 83. Physician and author Deepak Chopra is 80. Actor Jeff Goldblum is 74. Actor-comedian Bob Odenkirk is 64. Film director Spike Jonze is 57. OCT. 23 Film director Philip Kaufman is 90. Advocate and humanitarian Graça Machel is 81. Film director Ang Lee is 72. Jazz singer Dianne Reeves is 70. Country singer Dwight Yoakam is 70. Film director Sam Raimi is 67. Comedic musician “Weird Al” Yankovic is 67. Actor and soccer team owner Ryan Reynolds is 50.

JORDAN STRAUSS / INVISION VIA AP

Actor Julia Roberts turns 59 on Wednesday.

OCT. 24 Rock musician Bill Wyman is 90. Actor F. Murray Abraham is 87. Actor Kevin Kline is 79. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is 72. Actor B.D. Wong is 66. Actor Raul Esparza is 56. Singer-rapper Drake is 40. OCT. 25 Actor Marion Ross is 98. Former Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart is 91. Author Anne Tyler is 85. Rock singer Jon Anderson (Yes) is 82. Guitarist Glen Tipton (Judas Priest) is 79. Basketball Hall of Famer Dave Cowens is 78. Actor Nancy Cartwright (“The Simpsons”) is 69. OCT. 26 Musician Milton Nascimento is 84. Actor Jaclyn Smith is 81. TV host Pat Sajak is 80. Musician Bootsy Collins is 75. Actor Cary Elwes is 64. Singer Natalie Merchant is 63. Country singer Keith Urban is 59. OCT. 27 Actor-comedian John Cleese

AMY HARRIS / INVISION VIA AP

Musician and comedian “Weird Al” Yankovic turns 67 on Friday. is 87. Author Maxine Hong Kingston is 86. Country singer Lee Greenwood is 84. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is 81. Author Fran Lebowitz is 76. Actor-director Roberto Benigni is 74. OCT. 28 Actor Jane Alexander is 87. Actor Dennis Franz is 82. Actor-singer Telma Hopkins is 78. Actor Annie Potts is 74. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is 71. Football Hall of Famer Steve Atwater is 60. Actor-comedian Andy Richter is 60. Actor Julia Roberts is 59.

B10

Chatham News & Record for Thursday, October 22, 2026

the stream

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

John Legend performs “Hero” during MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Mariah Carey on Jan. 30 in Los Angeles. His new album, “Muse” is out now.

‘Moana,’ ‘Modern Warfare 4,’ ‘Lupin,’ Dolly Parton tribute, John Legend “The Terminal List” Season 2 lands on Prime Video

The Associated Press A NEW ALBUM from John Legend and the streaming debut of the live-action “Moana” 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: “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4,” a limited run “Vanderpump Rules” series and the second season of “The Terminal List.” MOVIES TO STREAM The live-action “Moana” is sailing to Disney+ starting Wednesday. Dwayne Johnson reprises his role as the demigod Maui in the film, while Catherine Lagaʻaia steps into the role of Moana. In his review, Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote that it’s “an often shot-for-shot, note-for-note remake of the original, with small pockets of new material,” adding that “more often than not, the leap from animation to live action comes at a loss.” And, not for nothing, it should be said that the superior animated version is also currently streaming on Disney+. Anyone looking to spice up a night at home might do well to turn to “The Invite,” an acerbic chamber dramedy with Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton and Olivia Wilde, who also directed. AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote in his review that “even if you can sometimes feel the gears turning in ‘The Invite,’ it’s cunningly syncopated and cleverly acted enough to make it a welcome, modern twist on the drawing-room comedy of manners. Unlike the dinner served in the film though, it’s baked to near-perfection.” “The Invite” begins streaming on HBO Max on Friday. MUSIC TO STREAM The last album from soulful singer Legend was a bit left field. His 2024 full-length “My Favorite Dream,” produced by the chamber pop polymath Sufjan Stevens, was lush, and centered on universal themes

MILLIE TURNER / INVISION VIA AP

Edward Norton, from left, director Olivia Wilde and composer Devonté Hynes pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film “The Invite” on July 1 in London.

RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION VIA AP

Adam Brody, left, and Kristen Bell arrive at a TV Academy screening of “Nobody Wants This” on May 22 at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. like love, safety, family and dreams. It was also Legend’s first children’s album. Now he’s back with the much more adult “Muse,” out Friday. Produced by Pharrell Williams, it is one for lovers. At least, that’s a clear focus on the previously released track, “Daylight.” Elsewhere, like on “Fireflies,” Legend’s unmistakable voice carries a message of hope and resiliency. “And I’m my ancestors’ thoughts,” he sings. “And their wildest dreams.” The latest edition of PBS’s

“Great Performances” series — which brings theater, dance, opera and, of course, music of all genres to the screen — will spotlight the late, great country singer-songwriter Tammy Wynette. From Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, the special features performances by acts new and veteran: Wynonna Judd, Katie Pruitt, War & Treaty, Carter Faith, Tami Neilson, Valerie June, Brittney Spencer and Heart’s Ann Wilson, to name a few, all coming together to cover the best of Wynette.

“Great Performances — Tammy Wynette: Forever Yours” will premiere Friday on the public broadcaster as well as become available to stream on Great Performances and the PBS app. It’s a big week for country. The Country Music Association is streaming “CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton,” a two-hour special honoring the singer who died in August of cancer. She was 80. The program, which features performers and special guests like Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Reba McEntire and many more, filmed live from Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville. Stream it on Hulu. SERIES TO STREAM Sam Nivola, who broke out in Season 3 of “The White Lotus,” leads the half-hour mystery “Phony” opposite another “White Lotus” alum, Connie Britton. After a crash lands him in the hospital, a high schooler becomes certain the woman claiming to be his mother, who also runs his school, is fake. Two episodes are now streaming on Hulu and will be followed by weekly releases. Chris Pratt returns as Navy SEAL James Reece in “The Ter-

minal List” Season 2. This time, he’s headed to Mozambique in an adaptation of Jack Carr’s novel “True Believer.” An international cast joins him, including Olga Kurylenko, Costa Ronin and Arnold Vosloo. All eight episodes are streaming now on Prime Video, four years after Season 1. Lisa Vanderpump races to open her namesake hotel on the Las Vegas Strip in a three-episode limited series called “Vanderpump Rules: Lisa Las Vegas.” Episodes 1 and 2 stream on Peacock on Wednesday and the finale on Thursday. Kristen Bell’s Joanne and Adam Brody’s Noah take the next step and move in together as “Nobody Wants This” returns to Netflix on Thursday. Joanne’s decision to convert to Judaism carries forward. All 10 episodes drop at once. Omar Sy’s gentleman thief Assane Diop begins the fourth season of “Lupin” behind bars with his family still in danger. The French-language hit is back on Netflix after a three-year gap with eight episodes, streaming Friday. VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY Activision’s “Call of Duty” franchise is always looking for new places to raise hell, and this year’s lucky location is the Korean Peninsula. As “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4” begins, North Korea has a new supreme leader who has decided to invade South Korea. Meanwhile, elite soldier John Price — who killed a U.S. general in the previous “MW” — has teamed up with a Mexican drug cartel. The bullets start flying Friday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2 and PC. Nintendo fans have been swinging their controllers like maniacs ever since “Wii Sports” got them off their sofas in 2006. “Nintendo Switch Sports Resort” delivers 12 events to the Switch 2, including old favorites like bowling, tennis and golf and new thrills like skateboarding and thumb wrestling. Up to four people can compete in the same living room, although a few games allow as many as eight players to challenge each other online. Some sports, like boxing, give you the chance to climb the ranks in an online “pro league,” or you can play against the resort’s “champions and legends” in solo mode. Your workout begins Thursday.