North State Journal Vol. 10, Issue 22

On the upswing?

The Charlotte Hornets celebrate after defeating the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Summer League championship game Sunday in Las Vegas. Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft by the Hornets out of Duke, was named MVP of the title game. Charlotte went 6-0 in earning the Summer League crown for the rst time.

the BRIEF this week

Hillsborough man convicted of killing wife dies on death row Starke, Fla.

A Hillsborough man convicted of killing his estranged wife has died after spending more than four decades on Florida’s death row. Robert Peede, 81, died Monday at Florida State Prison in Starke, according to Florida Department of Corrections records. His cause of death wasn’t immediately reported. Peede was convicted in 1984 of murdering his estranged wife, Darla Peede, a year earlier. Robert Peede fatally stabbed his wife in the neck while attempting to return her to North Carolina from Florida, prosecutors said. Her body was later found dumped in a wooded area of Georgia. When Peede was arrested at his home in Hillsborough, Darla Peede’s car was parked outside. Its interior was heavily bloodstained.

Ex-o cer gets

33 months in Breonna Taylor raid Louisville, Ky.

A federal judge on Monday sentenced a former Kentucky police o cer to nearly three years in prison for using excessive force during the deadly 2020 Breonna Taylor raid, rebu ng a U.S. Department of Justice recommendation of no prison time for the defendant. Brett Hankison, who red 10 shots during the raid but didn’t hit anyone, was the only o cer on the scene charged in the woman’s death. He is the rst person sentenced to prison in the case that rocked the city of Louisville and spawned weeks of street protests over police brutality that year.

Jackson joins lawsuit over FEMA program funding

More than $189 million in state projects are impacted

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — North Carolina Attorney General Je Jackson has entered the state into a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the April shutdown of a FEMA program

designed to fund projects to protect communities from natural disasters like oods, earthquakes and wild res.

“This program, which the President helped establish and strengthen, was a lifeline for our towns and cities trying to make sure every resident has clean and reliable water to drink, a functioning sewage system, and measures in

Education Department to release some grant money

North Carolina will have access to $35.7 million in funds for after-school and summer programs

By Annie Ma The Associated Press

RALEIGH — The Education Department will release $1.3 billion in previously withheld grant money for after-school programs, days after 10 Republican senators sent a letter imploring the Trump administration to allow frozen education money to be sent to states. Of that amount, $35.7 million is being released to North Carolina in grant funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, leaving around $130 million still outstanding.

President Donald Trump’s administration on July 1 with-

NC Medicaid audit shows continued provider issues

NCDHHS allowed providers with suspended licenses to remain in the program

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — A follow-up audit by the state auditor found the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Health Bene ts failed to fully address issues identi ed in a 2021 Medicaid provider enrollment audit. The audit found the Division of Health Bene ts (DHB) was still allowing providers with suspended licenses or Non-Practice Agreements (NPAs) to remain enrolled, with some continuing to serve Medicaid patients and receive payments.

“When you go to the doctor, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether your physician is in good standing with the professional medical community,” State Auditor Dave Boliek said in a press release.

“Medical suspensions and license limitations are serious prohibitions that need to be treated as such. To ensure Medicaid patients have safety and trust with their physicians, it’s important that the government promptly addresses the Medicaid provider issues found in our latest report.”

Other key ndings included no evaluation or removal of providers with license limitations posing safety risks and a lack of veri cation for Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)

“When you go to the doctor, you shouldn’t have to worry about whether your physician is in good standing with the professional medical community.”

State Auditor Dave Boliek

held more than $6 billion in federal grants for after-school and summer programs, adult literacy and English language instruction, part of a review to ensure spending aligned with the White House’s priorities. In a letter sent earlier this month, Republican senators said the withheld money supported programs with longstanding bipartisan support and was critical to local communities. The money had been appropriated by Congress in a bill signed by Trump.

“We share your concern about taxpayer money going to fund radical left-wing programs,” the senators wrote to the O ce of Management and Budget. “However, we do not believe that is happening with these funds.”

The administration’s review of the 21st Century Community

JOHN LOCHER / AP PHOTO

the word | Where is your God?

“Your God is far away,” said a heathen man to a missionary, “but our god is sitting here in the temple. We can see him and come into his presence and make our o erings before his face. But your God is far away — you cannot see him — and you do not know where he is.”

Because this man could not see the Christian’s God, God seemed unreal to him. He could not see how a faraway God could in uence life. But is the idea of a distant God the true Christian view? Where is your God today? Is He far away in Heaven, leaving you alone? Does He seem out of reach — too far for real contact with your life? Is He so far away that only your most anguished cry might reach Him? Must you strive and struggle, grow desperate, before He notices your petition?

Does it seem only by persistent, intense e ort you can force yourself into His presence? Do you feel divine help is rare — something to expect only in your extremity? Do you believe you must ght your battles alone, except in rare moments of crisis?

Where is your God? Does your heart grow lonely? Do you long for His companionship but feel you cannot have it? Do you seek Him and cannot nd Him? Job had such an experience. He cried, “ Oh, that I knew where I might nd him, that I might come even to his seat!” (Job 23:3).

Job’s experience is repeated often. At times, despite all our seeking, God seems no nearer. How natural it is for the heart at such a time to wish: “Oh, that I had lived when Jesus walked the earth! Oh, that I might have seen him! Oh, that I might have come before him and made known my needs and heard the sound of his voice and followed his footsteps!” He was Immanuel, “God with us.” He truly was with His people. Has His name changed? Does it no longer apply?

No, He is still Immanuel. He is still “God with us.” Heaven is not His only dwelling place. “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” (Isaiah 57:15). Here God tells us He dwells in Heaven — and also with the humble. He is still with us.

Listen to His promises: “My presence shall go with you” (Exodus 33:14), “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20) and “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Sometimes these promises seem real for others — but not for ourselves. We believe He is near others, guiding and upholding them, but we struggle to believe He is near us. Yet Paul says, “He is not far from any of us” (Acts 17:27). “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). God is near you today. He knows every burden, every longing, every aspiration. He hears every prayer, even the silent heartcry, though it may seem He does not.

Perhaps you feel you walk alone — but you are not alone.

There is a Presence beside you. His protection surrounds you. Your God is with you. You may not be conscious of His presence — you may not see, feel, or hear Him — but He is with you, now, to be everything you need.

In an aquarium were some large sh in a glass tank. They were fed minnows, which they snapped up greedily. One day the minnows were placed on the opposite side of a plate-glass partition. They saw the large sh and were frightened, thinking they were in danger. The large sh, seeing the minnows, dashed at them again and again — striking the glass barrier to no purpose but injury. The partition was invisible, yet a perfect protection.

Likewise, God’s protection is sometimes invisible to us, but no less real or e ective. We are just as safe when we do not feel or see it as when we do. God is with you as much when you cannot feel His presence as when you can; when you do not see Him working as when His hand is visible.

Where is your God? He is with you now.

Charles Wesley Naylor is considered one of the most proli c and inspiring songwriters of the Church of God. He was bedridden for much of his adult life but wrote eight books, a newspaper column and more than 150 songs. Many of his writings are in the public domain.

Pentagon withdraws 700 Marines from LA

The military members had been deployed to the city since June 9

By Jaimie Ding The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — The Pen-

tagon ordered the U.S. Marines to leave Los Angeles on Monday, more than a month after President Donald Trump deployed them to the city against the objections of local leaders.

The 700 Marines were deployed June 9 on the fourth day of protests in downtown LA over the administration’s crackdown on immigration. Four thousand National Guard soldiers were also deployed.

Their presence in the city had been limited to two locations with federal buildings in Los Angeles, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement o ce and detention facility downtown. During their deployment outside a federal complex in west LA, the Marines temporarily detained a man who said he was rushing to get to a Veterans A airs appointment.

The decision to pull back the Marines comes after half of the National Guard troops were ordered to leave the city last week.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the military presence “sent a clear message: lawlessness will not be tolerated.”

Mayor Karen Bass held a press conference Monday morning ahead of the announcement with several leaders of veteran groups who raised concerns about the deployment of mil-

certi cations and provider ownership information.

The audit also revealed that DHB did not verify DEA certications for nine providers, relying instead on pharmacies to check credentials.

The audit included ve examples of providers deemed a risk but were allowed to remain in the program:

• Provider A: Treated 21 Medicaid patients and received $1,311 in payments despite being under an NPA for practicing medicine while abusing alcohol.

itary troops on domestic soil. They called for the remainder of troops to be withdrawn from Los Angeles.

“This is another win for Los Angeles, but this is also a win for those serving this country in uniform,” Bass said in a statement. “Los Angeles stands with our troops, which is why we are glad they are leaving.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom sued the federal government in June over the deployment of the National Guard,

• Provider B: Treated 14 Medicaid patients and received $5,415 in payments despite being under an NPA for inappropriately prescribing controlled substances and medications to friends and romantic partners.

• Provider C: Billed Medicaid for services provided to 78 Medicaid patients, including 21 female patients, despite a license limitation restricting the physician from treating female patients.

• Provider D: Remained active in the Medicaid program

arguing that Trump violated the law when he activated the troops without notifying him. Newsom also asked the judge for an emergency stop to troops helping carry out immigration raids.

While a lower court ordered Trump to return control of the Guard to California, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last month temporarily blocked the judge’s order.

Newsom originally included the Marines in the lawsuit, but

despite having their moderate sedation permit suspended for administering general anesthesia without a permit.

•Provider E: Remained active in the Medicaid program despite having a license limitation prohibiting the physician from prescribing controlled medications following a DEA raid.

• Recommendations include removing noncompliant providers, verifying DEA certi cations and other credentials, and improving oversight of the $1.5 billion

the case has primarily focused on the Guard since.

In response to the Pentagon’s announcement pulling back the Marines, Newsom reiterated his call for the remaining Guard troops to be sent home as well.

“The women and men of the California National Guard deserve more than to continue serving as puppets in Trump and Stephen Miller’s performative political theater,” Newsom said in a statement. “There was never a need for the military to

General Dynamics Information Technology contract.

Of 63 disciplined providers in 2023, 20 had suspended or terminated licenses, with two not removed promptly, and 32 had license limitations, none of which were removed despite potential risks.

Additionally, DHB failed to corroborate ownership information for 87% of 60 tested initial enrollment applications and none of 4,860 reveri cation applications, increasing the risk of enrolling ineligible providers.

Recommendations to correct the issues include removing

deploy against civilians in Los Angeles.”

Local authorities have disputed the Trump administration’s characterization of the city as a “war zone.”

The protests in Los Angeles have been largely limited to a few blocks downtown containing City Hall, federal buildings and an immigration detention facility. Demonstrations in the city and the region in recent weeks have been largely small impromptu protests around arrests.

In one of the most raucous days of protest, thousands of people took to the streets June 8 in response to Trump’s deployment of the Guard, blocking o a major freeway as law enforcement used tear gas, rubber bullets and ash bangs to control the crowd. Photos captured several Waymo robotaxis set on re.

A day later, police o cers used ash bangs and shot projectiles as they pushed protesters through Little Tokyo, where bystanders and restaurant workers rushed to get out of their way.

Bass set a curfew in place for about a week, which she said had successfully protected businesses and helped restore order.

noncompliant providers, establishing clear policies on license limitations, verifying DEA certi cations and corroborating ownership data. The audit also urged better oversight of the $1.5 billion contract with General Dynamics Information Technology, which is a company used by DHB for provider enrollment processes.

DHB disputed the audit’s ndings on automatic termination of providers with NPAs and license limitations, arguing for case-by-case evaluations, but agreed to enhance monitoring and DEA veri cation processes.

JILL CONNELLY / AP PHOTO Protesters confront Marines outside the Federal Building on July 4 in Los Angeles.

Despair” is an illustration in William Blake’s “Illustrations of the Book of Job” (1825). “Los Angeles stands with our troops, which is why we are glad they are leaving.”

Karen Bass, LA mayor

State Board of Elections rolls out Voter Registration Repair website

More than 100,000 voters have missing data

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The North Carolina State Board of Elections has launched its website to address driver’s license and Social Security number information missing from more than 103,000 state voter registration records.

“This project will not result in the removal of any eligible voter from the voter rolls, as some have inaccurately suggested,” The N.C. State Board of Elections (NCSBE) Executive Director Sam Hayes said in the press release. “Instead, it will result in cleaner, more complete voter rolls and full compliance with state and federal laws.”

Both state and federal laws for voter registration require either a driver’s license number or the last four digits of the voter’s Social Security number. Issues with North Carolina voter registrations missing data were due to a past registration form that was unclear about the required missing data. That form was correct in January 2024.

“We have gone to great lengths to make this process as straightforward and transparent as possible for the a ected voters,” said Hayes. “We fully expect the number of voters on the list will decrease quickly.”

The rollout of the website is part of a plan to address the

EDUCATION from page A1

Learning Centers, which support after-school and summer programming, has been completed, a senior o cial said. The person declined to be identi ed so they could share progress from the review. That funding will be released to states, the o cial said. The rest of the withheld grants, close to $5 billion, continues to be reviewed for bias by the O ce of Management and Budget.

Without the money, school districts and nonpro ts such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club of America said they would have to close or scale back educational o erings this fall.

The money being released pays for free programming before and after school and during the summer. The programs provide child care so low-income parents can work, and they give options to families who live in rural areas with few other child care providers. Beyond just child care, kids receive reading and math help at the programs, along with enrichment in science and the arts.

COURTESY NCSBE

The North Carolina State Board of Elections’ Registration Repair tool lets people ensure their voter information is complete.

data issues that was unanimously approved by the members of the NCSBE at a meeting last month.

Last month, the estimated number of a ected registrations was nearly 200,000.

Two groups of voters were identi ed during a call with media on the day of the rollout. One group is missing the required Help America Vote Act (HAVA) data (103,000), and another group provided that data but needs to update their information (93,000). As of late 2024, there were more than 7.8 million registered voters in the state.

The NCSBE indicated in a press release that the Registration Repair Project will address the legal complaint brought by the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) as well as bring the voter rolls into compliance with state court rulings. The USDOJ’s lawsuit centers on the

NCSBE’s “failure to maintain an accurate voter list in violation of the Help America Vote Act.”

During the call with media, North State Journal asked Hayes if he felt this action would appease the Trump administration’s lawsuit as well as the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC), which has led to intervene in the suit and issued a threat of additional legal action if voters were removed from the rolls.

“We hope so,” Hayes replied. “I think I was clear in my remarks that no duly registered voter is going to be removed because of this project.

“We tried to make that as clear as possible despite the misinformation out there. So we hope certainly that this will satisfy their concerns.”

The missing data was also an issue raised during the lengthy state Supreme Court 2024 elec-

“We fully expect the number of voters on the list will decrease quickly.”

Sam Hayes, NCSBE executive director

tion case, resulting in the N.C. Court of Appeals issuing a ruling requiring the registrations be corrected.

The NCSBE indicated that in future elections, in-person voters who haven’t provided the required information to update their voter registration would have to vote using provisional ballots and provide the missing information when they go to vote.

NCSBE General Counsel Paul Cox clari ed the topic of provisional ballots for reporters, saying that for state races, if a provisional voter provides missing information at the polls and what they provided checks out, their ballot will count.

He said that for federal elections, the National Voter Registration Act applies, and provisional ballot cases in those elections would count even if the voter had missing information.

“The poll workers are going to be instructed to tell voters who are voting provisionally that for this reason, they need to provide the information,” said Cox.

The Voter Registration Repair website (ncsbe.gov/registrationrepair) includes in-

$1.3B

Money the Trump administration sent to states of the $6 billion previously withheld

General Je Jackson joined the lawsuit on July 14. Jackson called the fund review and withholding “unlawful and unconstitutional.” He also claimed 1,000 teaching positions were in jeopardy due to the withholding of $168.7 million in funds for the state.

formation about locating and updating a registration record, including a link to a Registration Repair Search Tool where voters can check to see if their registration is among those a ected.

According to the NCSBE, the data will be refreshed each morning to only list registrations that still have data missing.

Voters who nd their name on the list have three options for submitting their information:

• Those with a valid N.C. driver’s license or DMV ID number can update their voter registration form for free through the DMV online at payments.ncdot. gov. A DMV account is not necessary, and voters can click “Continue as Guest” and then “Yes” when asked to update voter information.

• Voters can visit their county board of election o ce to update their form but must bring their Social Security card and driver’s license.

• In early August, the NCSBE will send letters to voters who are still on the list when the mailing is sent. The mailing will have a form to ll out and a preaddressed, prepaid return envelope.

According to the NCSBE, all 100 county boards of elections were given “detailed guidance” to locate election records for the a ected voters and x any data entered incorrectly. Additionally, the NCSBE will create a ag on these voters’ records so poll workers know which voters must vote provisional ballots and provide the missing information.

Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who chairs the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that oversees education spending, led the letter sent this week by Republican senators protesting the funding freeze. The letter called for the rest of the money to be released, including funds for adult education and teaching English as a second language.

“The decision to withhold this funding is contrary to President Trump’s goal of returning K-12 education to the states,” the senators wrote. “This funding goes directly to states and local school districts, where local leaders decide how this funding is spent.”

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) called on the White House to release the rest of the money.

“While we are thrilled the funds will be made available,” said Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance, “the administration’s inexplicable delay in disbursing them caused massive chaos and harm.” Many after-school programs had canceled plans to open in the fall, she said.

More than 20 states led a

Despite the money’s release, schools and nonpro ts have already been disrupted by weeks of uncertainty. Some programs have made plans to close, and others have fallen behind on hiring and contracting for the fall.

place to prevent the next storm from devastating their communities,” Jackson said in a press release.

“In North Carolina, we know what it takes to rebuild from a disaster. This money helps us better prepare for future storms. FEMA was wrong to break the law and cancel this money, which will save lives. I’m taking it to court to win these funds back for our state.”

Jackson’s press release claims the cuts total more than $200 million, though a list in his release included 67 impacted projects in the state showing total costs of just under $190 million.

Many of the projects on the list are in the western half of the state in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. The largest project is relocating a pump station to higher ground in Salisbury for $22.5 million. According to Jackson, the city had invested local funds totaling $3 million before the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program shutdown.

Gov. Josh Stein lent his support to Jackson and called on

lawsuit challenging the $6 billion funding freeze, including the money for English language instruction, teacher development and adult literacy that remains on hold. The lawsuit, led by California, argued that withholding the money was unconstitutional and many low-income families would lose access to critical after-school care if the grants were not released.

North Carolina’s Attorney

FEMA to reinstate the program to “keep North Carolina safe and strong.” In his press release, Jackson noted he joined the lawsuit after a “bipartisan letter“ asking for the funding to be reinstated was sent to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

and Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson on May 12. That letter was led by North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards and Sen. Thom Tillis.

The lawsuit challenges the termination of FEMA’s BRIC program, which plainti s argue is illegal and harmful because it

David Schuler, executive director of AASA, an association of school superintendents, praised the release of after-school money but said that the remaining education funding should not be withheld.

“Districts should not be in this impossible position where the Administration is denying funds that had already been appropriated to our public schools, by Congress,” Schuler said in a statement. “The remaining funds must be released immediately — America’s children are counting on it.”

impacts projects that save lives and reduce disaster costs.

“Over the past four years, FEMA has selected nearly 2,000 projects to receive roughly $45 billion in BRIC funding,” the lawsuit states. “From Washington to North Carolina and Arizona to Maine, and everywhere in between, every state in the nation is relying on this program.”

The complaint cites studies showing every dollar spent on BRIC saves about $6 in postdisaster costs.

The o cials who led the complaint are all Democrats and include the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Established under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, the BRIC program has been a cornerstone of FEMA’s e orts to prevent disaster damage by funding projects like oodwalls, seismic retro ts and saferooms.

The states argue that the ter-

“At this very moment, schools nationwide are crunching the numbers to gure out how many teachers they will need to lay o as Trump continues to hold up billions in funding,” Murray said in a statement. “Every penny of this funding must ow immediately.”

A.P. Dillon of North State Journal contributed to this report.

mination disrupts hundreds of projects, leaving communities vulnerable to natural disasters and wasting millions already invested in planning. They seek a court order to reverse the shutdown, restore funding and declare the actions of FEMA’s leadership unlawful, citing violations of congressional mandates and constitutional principles.

The lawsuit also claims that Cameron Hamilton was unlawfully appointed as FEMA’s acting administrator and his successor, David Richardson, violated federal law by ending the program by ignoring Congress’ directive to prioritize mitigation and misusing funds allocated for BRIC.

It marks the second time this month Jackson has entered a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration.

Earlier in July, Jackson joined a 25-state coalition lawsuit over the U.S. Department of Education’s freezing of $6.8 billion pending a review of ve speci c grant programs in the Every Student Succeeds Act. The overall total funds frozen include $168.7 million for North Carolina schools.

FEMA from page A1

SOPHIE PARK / AP PHOTO

Jillian Murphy high- ves Gaizka Accius, 6, after working through a math problem during the East Providence Boys and Girls Club Summer Camp at Emma G. Whiteknact Elementary School on July 10, in Providence, Rhode Island.

PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Je Jackson talks with his two sons at an election watch party in November. For the second time this month, Jackson has joined a lawsuit against the Trump administration.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

No more propaganda on the public dime

In a truly free society, journalism should stand on its own merit, without the help of federal handouts.

AT A TIME of record-high debt and growing public distrust in the media, one thing is clear: American taxpayers should not be forced to bankroll partisan content. That’s why the House just passed — again — a bold rescissions package that takes a stand for scal responsibility and fairness. This legislation, championed by President Donald Trump and House conservatives, claws back billions in unnecessary spending, including long-overdue cuts to NPR and PBS. It’s a win for taxpayers. It’s a win for accountability. And it’s a clear sign that House Republicans are serious about reining in waste and restoring trust in government.

Let’s be honest: NPR and PBS are no longer neutral arbiters of news or culture. NPR’s internal turmoil, from its CEO acknowledging left-wing bias to high-pro le journalists resigning over editorial censorship, has laid bare what many conservatives have known for years. For example, PBS used your tax dollars to promote a documentary centered on “a trans teen navigating adolescence, sobriety, and the physical and emotional consequences of gender transition” — a clear example of taxpayer-funded gender ideology being pushed under the banner of public broadcasting. These platforms have become echo chambers for progressive elites, often dismissing conservative viewpoints and traditional values as fringe or dangerous.

There is nothing inherently wrong with a media outlet taking a political opinion. But it is wrong to compel hardworking Americans to subsidize content that mocks or ignores their deeply held beliefs. In a truly free society, journalism should stand on its own merit, without the help of federal handouts.

And this isn’t a matter of pennies. Public broadcasting receives more than $500 million per year through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and associated grants. That’s half a billion dollars that could be used to reduce the de cit, support veterans, invest in rural infrastructure or repurposed for truly nonpartisan priorities.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

Defenders of public broadcasting claim NPR and PBS are essential to rural or educational programming. But let’s not kid ourselves: In 2025, Americans have more access to news, entertainment and learning tools than ever — online, on demand and without taxpayer support.

This rescissions package is not just good policy; it’s a promise kept. Republicans have campaigned for years on cutting waste and standing up to the media establishment. With the House’s passage, we’ve taken a strong step toward delivering on that promise.

Unfortunately, the Senate chose to gut the nal package, trimming $400 million in savings and weakening some of its most critical reforms. That’s a disappointment. It backs down from what the American people sent us to do and what Trump requested — compounded by their choice to jam the House with the amended version just days before the deadline. But thanks to the House’s persistence, we’re still delivering a victory for taxpayers and sending a clear message: Business as usual in Washington won’t cut it anymore.

We’re not done yet. But with each step, we’re moving closer to the kind of government Americans actually want — one that’s accountable, focused and rmly rooted in common sense.

Let’s keep going and keep putting America rst.

Rep. Sheri Biggs represents the 3rd District of South Carolina in the U.S. House. Rep. Mary Miller represents the 15th District of Illinois in the U.S. House. This article was published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

Critics of Stephen Colbert show’s cancellation missing the point

It was a money loser in an era that has seen other network TV talk shows struggle to survive.

LAST WEEK , host Stephen Colbert announced on his program that CBS “will be ending ‘The Late Show’ in May (2026).”

As his shocked studio audience reacted, Colbert told them, “I share your feelings. It isn’t just the end of our show but the end of ‘The Late Show.’”

It’s not that he is being replaced. It’s the show itself that “is all just going away.”

Colbert, who has hosted the show since taking over for David Letterman in 2015, showed graciousness to the network and his colleagues as he shared the news. But conspiracy-minded Democrats, many of whom were repeat guests on Colbert’s show over the years, had decidedly di erent reactions.

“CBS canceled Colbert’s show just THREE DAYS after Colbert called out CBS parent company Paramount for its $16M settlement with [President Donald] Trump — a deal that looks like bribery,” Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who was a guest on the program a staggering 16 times, posted on X while noting Colbert had criticized the “60 Minutes” lawsuit settlement.

“America deserves to know if his show was canceled for political reasons,” Warren also wrote.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), rumored to be mulling a 2028 presidential run,

posted on X, “If you refuse to see what is happening, the cancellation of the Colbert show should open your eyes.”

“I want to explain to you what a censorship state looks like — where a corrupt government gives favors to media that suppresses criticism of the regime,” Murphy alleged while sharing a video explaining his position.

What Warren, Murphy and other Democrats are leaving out, of course, is that though Colbert’s show brought in good ratings for its time slot, it was a money loser in an era that has seen other network TV talk shows struggle to survive, thanks in part to “audience fragmentation and digital competition,” according to one CNN analysis.

The show was expensive to produce, with 200 employees and yearly costs reportedly around $100 million (which presumably included Colbert’s $15-20 million salary). According to a Reuters story on Colbert being the “latest casualty of late-night TV’s fade-out,” “the show’s ad revenue plummeted to $70.2 million last year from $121.1 million in 2018, according to ad tracking rm Guideline.”

“Ratings for Colbert’s show peaked at 3.1 million viewers on average during the 2017-18 season, according to Nielsen data,” Reuters also pointed out.

And as Puck News reported, Colbert’s

show “has been losing more than $40 million a year.”

So, yeah, the writing on the wall has been there on this one for quite some time, regardless of what some of Colbert’s left-wing defenders are suggesting.

That said, it was interesting and kind of telling to see all the Democrats who took to social media to pay tributes to him, which lent credence to the speculation that one reason the show was losing money was because Colbert basically made it a pit stop for Democrats looking to increase their pro les and promote their agendas and campaigns.

“Thank you, Stephen Colbert, for your willingness to speak truth to power,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries (D-N.Y.) posted Saturday. “Staying far from timid. And never bending the knee to a wannabe king.”

“Stephen Colbert is the best in the business,” Minnesota governor and failed 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz posted. “He always told truth to power and pulled no punches. We need more of that, not less.”

Left unsaid was why Colbert always pulled punches and never was a fan of speaking “truth to power” to the hundreds of Democrat guests he had on his show, with many of them appearing more than once. All of which, as it turns out, might have been a signi cant part of the problem.

North Carolina native Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah and is a media analyst and regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.

EDITORIAL | SHERI BIGGS AND MARY MILLER

China, Russia, war, peace and Trump

With America under Trump rapidly working to redress its military shortcomings, and China’s economy appearing increasingly troubled, it may be that Beijing sees its chance slipping away.

WHILE CHINA rapidly expands its navy and nuclear weapons arsenal, and Russia remorselessly converts its economy to a wartime footing as it ramps up e orts to conquer Ukraine, events appear destined to come to a head — before the year’s end.

America, under President Donald J. Trump and his national security team, is nally emerging out of a 35-year break from great power competition, its depreciating Cold War-era legacy weapons systems worn down from 20 years of counterinsurgency warfare and futile nation-building.

But it has emerged onto a rapidly shifting strategic playing eld.

The U.S. and its allies, mainly Israel, have enjoyed a remarkable string of successes, culminating in operation Midnight Hammer, America’s globe-spanning bomber raid on Iran’s underground nuclear weapons complexes. Remarkably, Iran’s two most powerful allies — Russia and China — did nothing for Iran. Thus, Israel, with America’s backing, seized the initiative, destroying Hamas as a military force, degrading Hezbollah in Lebanon, such that its vaunted missile arsenal — Iran’s de facto deterrent against Israeli action — was neutralized, and in icting terrible punishment on Yemen’s Houthi rebels. It comes after the Assad regime in Syria came to a bloody end in December at the hands of rebels, eliminating a Russian/Iranian client state. Thus, Iran lost four key proxies that it has spent billions to equip and support with one purpose — paralyzing Israel into inaction long enough to deploy nuclear weapons.

But Israel outmaneuvered and outfought Iran and its proxies, allowing America to deal the coup de main on Iran’s nuclear ambitions — and Russia and China are the weaker for it.

The Middle East’s shift to a postcon ict period heightens the focus on Europe and the Indo-Paci c with two paths coming sharply into view, one of which is likely to crystallize by year-end.

The rst path continues the national security wins seen under Trump’s leadership, with events happening in Russia at a rapid pace — but not to Vladimir Putin’s liking. Trump, his patience with Putin’s bad faith at an end, has set the clock ticking on secondary sanctions on Russia’s extensive oil tanker ghost eet — that nation’s most important tool to generate money for war. Trump is also opening the spigots of arm sales to NATO, allowing NATO to forward existing stockpiles to Ukraine. Combined with the failure of Russia’s increasingly bloody and futile “meat” attacks in Ukraine, it looks like there may actually be a viable plan to force Russia to the peace table.

But there’s a rather large complication in this comparatively rosy picture: China.

On July 2, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the EU’s top diplomat that Beijing cannot accept a Russian loss against Ukraine. If this statement — a public contradiction of China’s o cial neutrality — wasn’t big enough, the foreign minister’s comments darkly suggested that Russia’s loss would allow America to shift its gaze to China. It begs the question: For what? Why would China pursue a strategy to prolong Russia’s war on Ukraine to distract the U.S.?

The obvious reason is Taiwan. Thus, the second, far more ominous path, is that China takes its long-intended steps to invade Taiwan. China sees the current depletion of Western munitions in Ukraine and other con icts as a strategic window. In this scenario, every missile and bomb sent to Ukraine or Israel reduces the West’s ability to respond to a Chinese invasion, potentially emboldening Beijing. This path is particularly concerning given China’s economic challenges, which might push the Chinese Communist Party toward conquest to distract from internal decline.

Heightening the concern, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned at the ShangriLa Dialogue in May that a Chinese military attack on Taiwan “could be imminent.”

The weather has a say in all of this, as well.

Storms, fog and fast currents in the Taiwan Strait are notoriously bad, with not-quite-as-bad weather occurring in two windows: April and October.

With America under Trump rapidly working to redress its military shortcomings and China’s economy appearing increasingly troubled, it may be that Beijing sees its chance slipping away. This October may be now — or never.

These paths present a dilemma for policy planners. Preventing Russia’s victory and ending the war is clearly not in China’s interests, and it would simultaneously boost American credibility and with it, deterrence. On the other hand, helping Ukraine depletes the very stockpiles the U.S. requires to present a credible deterrence to China.

That understood, stockpiles of highly complex and costly missile systems were rarely large, even during the Cold War. Wartime consumption rates mean our stockpiles could face exhaustion after weeks or even days of con ict.

What’s more, modern systems grow obsolete and often have short shelf lives compared to other stocks, such as artillery shells. What matters most is production rates and the ability to rapidly expand production. Thus, perhaps paradoxically, selling weapons to NATO may serve as an incentive for defense companies to boost production lines with the enhanced capacity to stay in the ght, further strengthening deterrence.

There’s a ne line between peace and war. America can no longer live o its Cold War investment, lending even greater weight to Trump’s leadership. For its part, Congress would be well-advised to allocate the necessary resources to reconstitute America’s defense.

Chuck DeVore is chief national initiatives o cer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He served in the California State Assembly and is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He’s the author of “Crisis of the House Never United.” This article was published by Daily Caller News Foundation.

The USS Chung-Hoon observes a Chinese navy ship conduct an “unsafe” Chinese maneuver in the Taiwan Strait on June 3, 2023, where the Chinese ship cut sharply across the path of the American destroyer.

WAS PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN aware of who he was pardoning in the nal days of his presidency? Or were White House sta ers behind the unprecedented string of autopen signings?

In recent weeks, evidence has been mounting that the former president may not have been in the loop, which is, to be charitable, problematic. Luckily for us, the folks at NBC News jumped into action with a story headlined, “Lead investigator into Biden’s use of an autopen signed letters with a digital signature.”

In it, reporters Ryan Nobles and Melanie Zanona make an inane equivalence between lead investigator Rep. James Comer signing PDFs using a digital signature — a completely legal thing to do — and Biden allegedly allowing his sta to issue blanket presidential pardons for thousands of people without knowing the names or crimes of the recipients.

As anyone who works in an o ce can tell you, one of these instances is done for practical reasons. Unless you print, sign and rescan every single letter you send, the only way to sign a PDF is to use a digital signature. The other signature was used to administer an awesome plenary constitutional power used by the president, and only the president. It’s not just NBC News. Rather than investigating a possibly immense political scandal, many in the media pedantically focused on the “autopens.”

It’s not the impersonal nature of the digital signing that’s the real problem. It’s that the impersonal nature of the autopen may have allowed sta ers to hijack a constitutional power because the president probably didn’t know what year it was. A story that the legacy media covered up. Does anyone believe Comer was unaware of what the letters he sent entailed?

“Republicans alleging that Biden’s occasional use of an ‘autopen’ to sign documents — a practice other presidents have done as well — demonstrated that he wasn’t fully in control or aware of what his administration was doing,” NBC News writes.

No, they are alleging that Biden had no idea what was going on because we now have a catalog of documented events in which the former president was clearly incapable of performing the most rudimentary tasks of his position. That is why he withdrew from the 2024 presidential race. Hadn’t we all moved on from pretending otherwise?

Every pardon, autopen or not, must have the consent of the president. Biden granted clemency and pardons to more than 1,500 people in one day. He told The New York Times this week that he “made every decision” on his own. But former White House o cials have already stated that the pardons were in such large batches and were based on “broad categories” that reviewing each case was impossible. Emails show that thenWhite House chief of sta Je Zients approved the autopen use.

Now, anyone who’s spent ve minutes in Washington understands what happened here. Democrats sent NBC News the story to de ect from the scandal, and helpful reporters pu ed it up with pseudojournalistic lingo and close-ups of Comer’s signature to create the illusion of a big scoop. This process has been repeated endlessly over the past decade.

We already know that the White House’s pardon and clemency signings are corrupt. Biden preemptively handed out 10-year blanket pardons to his family, who pro ted in the millions from in uence-peddling schemes. He also created a dangerous precedent by preemptively blanket pardoning allegedly innocent political allies such as Mark Milley, Anthony Fauci, Bennie Thompson and Liz Cheney.

Still, it seems unlikely that there will be any legal repercussions for the autopen scandal. Presidents are empowered to delegate signatures by autopen to classes of criminals if they desire.

Considering what happened in the White House, it is likely that aides would have guided Biden’s fragile hand into signing 8,000 pardons personally, if needed. That doesn’t mean the public doesn’t deserve a full accounting of what went on in the White House.

We already know that the legacy media hadn’t really “missed” Biden’s inability to perform the most rudimentary presidential duties. Most of them were participating in the cover-up. They still are.

David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner.

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Murphy to Manteo Jones & Blount

ReEl iT iN!

HiGh RoCk LaKe

LaRgEmOuTh BaSs

OuTeR BaNkS

SpEcKlEd SeA TrOuT ReD DrUm

July is National Fishing Month “I

CaTaWbA RiVeR

WaLlEyE

North Carolina teems with diverse and exciting shing opportunities, both freshwater and saltwater. Anglers can chase spotted seatrout, red drum, ounder and striped bass in estuaries, rivers and nearshore waters. Freshwater habitats support thriving populations of largemouth, smallmouth, spotted and Alabama bass, cat sh varieties like athead and channel, as well as popular sun sh and crappie species. July begins National Fishing Month (July 26–Aug. 31), a celebration encouraging anglers of all ages to enjoy shing as a family-friendly pastime, learn new skills, and practice conservation-minded catch and release. In North Carolina, that means boat outings on coastal reefs and rivers, teaching kids to sh and supporting local habitat protection e orts. For anglers in the Tar Heel State, July is the perfect time to cast a line, reconnect with nature and explore the rich aquatic diversity North Carolina o ers.

PIEDMONT

Alamance County opens call center to help with Chantal relief e orts

Alamance County

Child rescued from rising ood waters at Pisgah National Forest

Transylvania County A child is safe after being rescued Sunday from the base of Looking Glass Falls in the Pisgah National Forest.

According to the Transylvania County Rescue Squad’s (TCRS) Facebook page, a child swam to the far side of the falls, and within minutes, the river rose due to ash ooding from earlier rainfall. The TCRS said the fast-moving and quickly rising water left the child stranded on the other side. Around 4:45 p.m., TCRS, Transylvania County Emergency Medical Services, Brevard Fire Department and Transylvania County Sheri ’s O ce were dispatched to the scene. The child was rescued when TCRS sent two swift water technicians to the base of the falls, using a tether to reach the child and bring them back to safety. Local o cials urge caution in the area due to heavy rains in recent days, noting that ood waters often take days after rainfall to reach their peak.

NSJ

water is caused by environmental conditions like rain, heat, runo and dredging.

WBTV

Alamance County has opened a call center to help residents recover from Tropical Storm Chantal, which brought up to a foot of rain and widespread ooding July 6. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can call 336-790-0440 with questions about storm damage, ooding, wells or septic systems. Afterhours inquiries can be submitted online at alamancecountync.gov. Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency for Alamance and surrounding counties, o ering access to state support.

NSJ

Suspended principal reassigned to district division role

EAST

Missing teen found dead in Neuse River

Onslow County

The body of a missing eastern North Carolina teen has been found after she went missing near a river this weekend.

Sea turtle hatching season begins

Mount Airy man charged in multistate cattle theft

Mecklenburg County

A Mount Airy man was sentenced last week for his alleged role in a cattle theft scheme targeting North Carolina stockyards and farms. William Dalton Edwards, 26, pleaded guilty to stealing more than $10,000 in livestock and transporting the stolen cattle across state lines. Edwards was also accused of defrauding livestock markets in Iredell and Cleveland counties by paying for cattle with checks that would not clear due to insu cient funds.

WGHP

Orange County A principal at Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools who had previously been placed on administrative leave is being transferred to another position, district o cials said last week. In a letter sent to families and sta , the school district announced the decision to reassign Carrboro High School Principal Helena Thomas to the Instructional Services Division, which is based at the district’s administrative building inside the Lincoln Center. Thomas o cially began her new position Monday, according to an email from Superintendent Rodney Trice. The “disruptions” mentioned include a walkout staged by students and parents at Carrboro High School in late May. As the district opened an investigation into “various matters” at the high school, Chapel Hill-Carrboro leaders suspended Thomas with pay June 10 and barred her from attending the graduation ceremony. The district’s investigation did not nd evidence of misconduct or intentional wrongdoing by Thomas, according to Trice.

NSJ

According to the Onslow County Sheri ’s O ce, o cials found the body of Jaylen Green, 16, after a team of divers entered the Neuse River on Sunday afternoon. Green, who was autistic, went missing July 19 after walking away from the Nature Center at the Neuse River.

Neuseway Nature Park announced that the Nature Center and Ellis Planetarium are closed until further notice.

WNCN

Signi cant road construction project closes stretch of U.S. 264

Beaufort County A stretch of U.S. 264 in Beaufort County will be closed for several months starting this week. U.S. 264 is closed in both directions near Highland Drive as part of the City of Washington’s Medical District Stormwater Improvement Project. O cials say the construction will allow crews to upgrade drainage structures under the highway. The closure is expected to last three months, weather permitting. Signs alerting drivers to detours are posted on either side of the highway.

Carteret County O cials are watching turtle hatchling activity closely at the North Carolina coast, especially on the beach along the sand to the surf. The rst turtle nest hatched late last week at the Outer Banks, according to the Cape Lookout National Seashore at the southern end of the Outer Banks, just east of Beaufort and the Morehead City area. Loggerhead, green, leatherback and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles’ nests have been found at the seashore in the past. Each nest can contain between 100 and 120 eggs. Last weekend, Holden Beach — further south in Brunswick County — predicted sea turtles on their island would hatch soon and make a beach sand journey to the sea, and o cials noted at least two dozen emerged during nighttime hours. To the north on the Outer Banks at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the sea turtle hatching season typically starts in August and lasts through October. NSJ

NATION & WORLD

Trump sues Wall Street Journal, Murdoch over Epstein reporting

The newspaper published a story alleging ties between the president and the late sex o ender

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Donald Trump led a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch Friday, a day after the newspaper published a story reporting on his ties to wealthy nancier Je rey Epstein.

The move came shortly after the Justice Department asked a federal court last Friday to unseal grand jury transcripts in Epstein’s sex tra cking case, as the administration seeks to contain the restorm that erupted after it announced that it would not be releasing additional les from the case, despite previously pledging to do so.

The controversy has created a major ssure between Trump and his loyal base, with some of his most vocal supporters slamming the White House for the way it has handled the case and questioning why Trump would not want the documents made public.

Trump had promised to sue the Wall Street Journal almost immediately after the paper put a new spotlight on his well-documented relationship with Epstein by publishing an article that described a sexually suggestive letter that the newspaper says bore Trump’s name and was included in a 2003 al-

bum compiled for Epstein’s 50th birthday.

Trump denied writing the letter, calling the story “false, malicious, and defamatory.”

The suit, led in federal court in Miami, accuses the paper and its reporters of having “knowingly and recklessly” published “numerous false, defamatory, and disparaging statements,” which, it alleges, caused “overwhelming nancial and reputational harm” to the president.

In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump cast the lawsuit as part of his e orts to punish news outlets, including ABC and CBS, which both reached multimillion-dollar settlement deals with the president after he took them to court.

“This lawsuit is led not only on behalf of your favorite President, ME, but also in order to continue standing up for ALL Americans who will no longer tolerate the abusive wrongdoings of the Fake News Media,” he wrote.

A spokesperson for Dow Jones, the Journal’s publisher, responded Friday night, “We have full con dence in the rigor and accuracy of our reporting, and will vigorously defend against any lawsuit.”

The letter revealed by The Wall Street Journal was reportedly collected by disgraced British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell as part of a birthday album for Epstein years before the wealthy nancier was rst arrested in 2006 and subsequently had a falling-out with Trump.

The letter bearing Trump’s name includes text framed by the outline of what appears to be a hand-drawn naked woman and ends with, “Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret,” according to the newspaper.

Trump denied writing the letter and promised to sue. He said he spoke to the paper’s owner, Rupert Murdoch, and its top editor, Emma Tucker, before the story was published and told them the letter was “fake.”

“These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I don’t draw pictures,” the president insisted.

The outlet described the letter’s contents but did not pub -

lish a photo showing it entirely or provide details on how it came to learn about it.

In the lawsuit, Trump takes issue with that fact. The defendants, it attests, “failed to attach the letter, failed to attach the alleged drawing, failed to show proof that President Trump authored or signed any such letter, and failed to explain how this purported letter was obtained.”

“The reason for those failures is because no authentic letter or drawing exists,” it goes on to charge, alleging that the “Defendants concocted this story to malign President Trump’s character and integrity and deceptively portray him in a false light.”

Training facility blast kills 3 LA deputies

The fallen o cers had 74 years of combined experience with the department

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — A blast at a Los Angeles County Sheri ’s Department training facility killed three members of its arson and explosives unit last Friday, marking one of the department’s worst losses of life from a single incident, authorities said.

All three were veteran deputies. The department has not said what they were doing at the time or what caused the explosion.

Los Angeles County Sheri Robert Luna said the arson and explosives team undergoes in-depth training and responds to more than 1,000 calls annually. The department identi ed those killed as Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus and Detective William Osborn. They served 19, 22

and 33 years in the department, respectively, Luna said.

“They have years of training,” the sheri said at a news conference. “They are fantastic experts, and unfortunately, I lost three of them today.”

The explosion was reported about 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Training Facility, according to sheri ’s department spokesperson Nicole Nishida.

O cials were exploring whether there may be a connection to the discovery the previous day of “devices” at an apartment complex in Santa Monica, Nishida said, without specifying what sort of devices they were. The three arson and explosives team members responded that day to assist local police.

Law enforcement agencies were obtaining a warrant to search the complex for potential explosive material, and police evacuated residents, Nishida said.

Aerial video from KABC-TV showed that the explosion happened in a parking lot lled with sheri ’s patrol cars and

box trucks. Three covered bodies could be seen near a truck with a ramp attached to a side door. A patrol cruiser parked nearby had its rearview mirror shattered by the blast.

Luna said it took more than four hours to render the scene safe, and the deaths were being investigated by the department’s homicide detectives, with the assistance of the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. No one else was injured, he said.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on the social platform X that the explosion “appears to be a horri c incident” and federal agents were at the scene to learn more.

“Please pray for the families of the sheri ’s deputies killed,” Bondi said.

Luna said the deaths marked the department’s worst loss of life in a single incident since 1857, when four o cers were killed by gun re.

“I have met with two of three families thus far. Those were

4 U.S. cruise passengers accused of smuggling

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Authorities in Bermuda said Tuesday that they arrested four U.S. cruise ship passengers accused of drug possession. Police said in a statement that the suspects had a “signi cant quantity of illegal drugs” including cannabis and carfentanil, which experts say is 100 times more potent than fentanyl and is used to tranquilize elephants. The suspects also were accused of possessing vape pens and suspected THC gummies. Bermuda police said security o cers aboard a Carnival cruise ship had detained the suspects. They were arrested upon arriving at the wealthy British overseas territory in the northern Atlantic Ocean.

Smoking, oxygen machine may have caused deadly Mass. re Fall River, Mass.

A re that killed 10 people at a Massachusetts assisted-living facility was unintentionally caused by someone smoking or an electrical issue with an oxygen machine, investigators said Tuesday. The state’s deadliest blaze in more than four decades has highlighted the lack of regulations governing assisted-living facilities that often care for low-income or disabled residents. The state re marshal said the presence of medical oxygen contributed to the spread of the July 13 re at Gabriel House in Fall River. The blaze left some residents hanging out windows of the three-story building screaming for help.

Forest re in Greece forces several villages to evacuate Athens, Greece

A major forest re broke out in Greece on Tuesday, and authorities ordered several villages near Corinth, west of Athens, to evacuate. More than 180 re ghters, 15 planes and 12 helicopters were tackling the wild re in a pine forest in the mountains near Corinth, the re department said. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Weather conditions were particularly tough for re ghters. Wild res are frequent in Greece during its hot, dry summers, and the re department has tackled dozens across the country this year.

extremely challenging conversations,” Luna said, his voice breaking.

Arson investigators from the Los Angeles Fire Department and members of the Los Angeles Police Department bomb squad were also assisting the investigation, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said via X.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s o ce said he was briefed, and the Governor’s O ce of Emergency Services was in contact with the sheri ’s department and closely monitoring the situation. He later said on X that members of the State Fire Marshal were helping with the investigation at the request of the ATF.

Jason Zabala, a deputy on the sheri ’s department SWAT team, said those who died were “the best of the best.”

“When you sign up for the job, you know it’s going to be a dangerous job,” he said, adding that as time passes, “you realize how dangerous it is.”

The department held a procession and service for the fallen deputies in the evening.

17 dead in minibus, truck crash in Zimbabwe

Johannesburg

A head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a haulage truck killed 17 people in northeastern Zimbabwe on Tuesday, police said. All 17 victims, including some pedestrians, died at the scene of the crash, which happened near Chitungwiza, a densely populated town about 15.5 miles southeast of the capital, Harare, o cials said. According to authorities, the truck veered into the opposite lane and collided with the minibus after the driver lost control. Before the impact, the truck struck two pedestrians walking on the “island of the road,” he said. Fifteen of the 17 passengers in the minibus died instantly, while others were injured and rushed to a hospital.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

President Donald Trump, from left, speaks as Commerce

Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick and Rupert Murdoch, right, listen in the Oval O ce in February. Trump sued Murdoch for $10 billion last week after a story by The Wall Street Journal alleged ties between the president and late sex o ender Je rey Epstein.

ERIC THAYER / AP PHOTO

Sheri ’s deputies stand along a procession route near where an explosion at a training facility killed three deputies last Friday in Los Angeles.

Subway hires former Burger King exec as new CEO

Subway has hired a former Burger King executive as its new CEO. The Miami-based sandwich chain said Monday that Jonathan Fitzpatrick will join the company July 28. Fitzpatrick is the rst CEO hired since Subway was acquired by the private equity rm Roark Capital in 2024. And Roark didn’t have to look far to nd him. Since 2012, Fitzpatrick has been the president and CEO of Driven Brands, an auto services company also owned by Roark. Subway was founded in 1965. It’s one of the world’s largest restaurant chains, with nearly 37,000 outlets in more than 100 countries.

Chevron green-lighted for $53B Hess deal

Houston Chevron has scored a critical ruling in Paris that has given it the go-ahead for a $53 billion acquisition of Hess and access to one of the biggest oil nds of the decade. Chevron said last Friday that it completed its acquisition of Hess shortly after the ruling from the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris. Exxon had challenged Chevron’s bid for Hess, one of three companies with access to the massive Stabroek Block oil eld o the coast of Guyana. Guyana is a country of 791,000 people poised to become the world’s fourth-largest o shore oil producer, placing it ahead of Qatar, the United States, Mexico and Norway.

Over 5.2M pools across U.S., Canada under recall

New York More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold in the U.S. and Canada since 2002 are being recalled. Regulators say certain Bestway, Intex and Polygroup pools have straps on the outside that can act as footholds, potentially allowing small children to climb in unsupervised. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports nine drowning deaths of children aged 22 months to 3 years between 2007 and 2022. No deaths have been reported in Canada. Consumers in possession of these nowrecalled pools are urged to contact the manufacturers for a free repair kit — and, in the meantime, ensure the pools are inaccessible to children.

Alaska Airlines resumes ights after data center equipment failure

Alaska Airlines resumed ights after the failure of a critical piece of hardware forced the airline to ground all its planes for approximately three hours. The carrier issued a systemwide ground stop for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air ights around 8 p.m. Paci c time Sunday. The stop was lifted at 11 p.m. More than 150 ights have been canceled since Sunday evening, including more than 80 on Monday.

NCDOT CASH REPORT FOR THE WEEK ENDING JULY 18

Beginning Cash

$2,995,806,794

Receipts (income)

$112,224,594

Disbursements

$206,047,543 Cash Balance

$2,901,983,845

OpenAI’s advisory board calls for continued, strengthened nonpro t oversight

The report urges nonpro t oversight and outlines a vision for AI and philanthropy reform

By Thalia Beaty The Associated Press

OPENAI SHOULD continue to be controlled by a nonpro t because the arti cial intelligence technology it is developing is “too consequential” to be governed by a corporation alone.

That is the message from an advisory board convened by OpenAI to give it recommendations about its nonprofit structure — delivered in a report released last Thursday, along with a sweeping vision for democratizing AI and reforming philanthropy.

“We think it’s too important to entrust to any one sector, the private sector or even the government sector,” said Daniel Zingale, the convener of OpenAI’s nonpro t commission and a former adviser to three California governors.

“The nonpro t model allows for what we call a common sector,” that facilitates democratic participation.

The recommendations are not binding on OpenAI, but the advisory commission, which includes the labor organizer Dolores Huerta, o ers a framework that may be used to judge OpenAI in the future, whether or not they adopt it.

In the commission’s view, communities already feeling the impacts of AI technologies should have input on how they are developed, including how data about them is used. But there are currently few avenues for people to in uence tech companies that control much of the development of AI.

OpenAI, the maker of

ChatGPT, started in 2015 as a nonpro t research laboratory and has since incorporated a for-pro t company with a valuation that has grown to $300 billion. The company has tried to change its structure since the nonpro t board ousted its CEO, Sam Altman, in November 2023. He was reinstated days later and continues to lead OpenAI.

It has run into hurdles escaping its nonpro t roots, including scrutiny from the attorney generals in California and Delaware, who have oversight of nonpro ts, and a lawsuit by Elon Musk, an early donor to and founder of OpenAI.

Most recently, OpenAI has said it will turn its for-pro t company into a public bene t corporation, which must balance the interests of shareholders and its mission. Its nonpro t will hold shares in that new corporation, but OpenAI has not said how much.

Zingale said Huerta told the

commission their challenge was to help make sure AI is a blessing and not a curse. To grapple with those stakes, they envision a nonpro t with an expansive mandate to help everyone participate in the development and trajectory of AI.

“The measure of this nonpro t will be in what it builds, who it includes, and how faithfully it endures to mission and impact,” they wrote.

The commission toured California communities and solicited feedback online. They heard that many were inspired by OpenAI’s mission to create arti cial intelligence to benet humanity and ensure those bene ts are felt widely and evenly. But Zingale said many people feel in the dark about how it’s happening.

“They know this is profoundly important what’s happening in this ‘Age of Intelligence,’ but they want to understand better what it is, how it’s developed,

Juul gets FDA’s OK to keep selling tobacco, menthol e-cigarettes

Brands like Elf Bar still come in fruit and candy avors despite e orts by regulators to block their use

By Matthew Perrone The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Food and Drug Administration is allowing vaping brand Juul to keep its e-cigarettes on the market, providing relief to a company that has struggled for years after being widely blamed for sparking the teen vaping trend.

FDA regulators said last Thursday that Juul’s studies show its e-cigarettes are less harmful for adult smokers, who can bene t from switching completely to vaping.

The FDA decision applies to both tobacco- and menthol- avored versions of the reusable product, which works with nicotine- lled cartridges sold in two di erent strengths. Juul previously discontinued several fruit and candy avors that helped drive its popularity but were favored by teens.

Juul will be one of only two U.S. companies authorized to sell menthol- avored vapes, which many adults prefer to tobacco avor.

“This is an important milestone for the company, and I think we made a scienti cally sound case for the role that menthol can play in e-vapor,” Juul CEO K.C. Crosthwaite told The Associated Press.

Parents, politicians and anti-tobacco groups are certain to oppose FDA’s decision. They have argued for years that Juul products should be permanently banned due to their role in triggering a yearslong spike in underage vaping.

“It is a big step in the wrong direction to authorize sales of the product that was responsi-

ble for this public health crisis in the rst place,” said Yolonda Richardson, CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, in a statement.

Juul was once valued at more than $13 billion, and its small, sleek e-cigarettes revolutionized the image and technology of the vaping industry. But the company has since been forced to slash hundreds of jobs and pay billions to settle lawsuits over its role in the rise of youth vaping.

The FDA had ordered the company to remove its products from the market in June 2022. But then the agency abruptly reversed course days later and agreed to reopen its scienti c review of Juul’s application after the company pushed back in court.

Juul said regulators had overlooked thousands of pages of scienti c data critical to its submission.

Last Thursday’s announcement is not an approval or endorsement, and the FDA reiterated that people who do not smoke should not use Juul or any other e-cigarettes. The FDA determination indicates

where are the important choices being made and who’s making them?” he said.

Zingale said the commission chose early on not to interact with Altman in any way to maintain its independence, though they quote him in their report. However, they spoke with the company’s senior engineers, who said they “entered our space with humility, seriousness, and a genuine desire to understand how their work might translate into democratic legitimacy.”

The commission proposed that OpenAI immediately provide signi cant resources to the nonpro t for use in the public interest. For context, the nonpro t reported $23 million in assets in 2023, the most recent year that its tax ling is available.

The commission recommended focusing on closing gaps in economic opportunity, investing in AI literacy, and creating an organization accessible to and governed by everyday people.

“For OpenAI’s nonpro t to ful ll its mandate, it should commit to more than just doing good — it should commit to being known, seen, and shaped by the people it claims to serve,” they wrote.

The commission suggested opening a rapid response fund to help reduce economic strains now. Zingale said they speci cally recommended funding theater, art and health.

“We’re trying to make the point that they need to dedicate some of their resources to human-to-human activities,” he said.

The commission also recommended setting up a requirement that a human lead the nonpro t, which Zingale said is a serious recommendation and “a sign of the times.”

authorized a handful of e-cigarettes to help adult smokers cut back on cigarettes. Juul’s main competitors, Vuse and Njoy, each previously received FDA permission to remain on the market. Njoy sells the only other menthol- avored e-cigarettes authorized by FDA. To meet FDA requirements, companies must show that their products bene t public health. In practice, that means proving that adult smokers who use them are likely to quit or reduce their smoking, while teens are unlikely to get hooked on them. The brainchild of two Stanford University students, Juul launched in 2015 and within two years rocketed to the top of the vaping market.

Juul quickly outpaced older brands with its high-nicotine, fruity- avored cartridges, sold in mango, mint and creme brulé. The company’s small, discrete devices provided a more potent, user-friendly alternative to older, bulkier devices.

“It is a big step in the wrong direction to authorize sales of the product that was responsible for this public health crisis in the rst place.”

Yolonda Richardson, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids CEO

that smokers who switch completely to Juul can reduce their exposure to deadly carcinogens and other chemicals found in traditional cigarettes.

The FDA decision applies to Juul’s original system, which is roughly a decade old. Crosthwaite said the company hopes to win authorization for its next-generation device and is also considering applying to FDA for more avors.

“It’s critically important that American adults who use tobacco have regulated options,” Crosthwaite said.

In recent years, the FDA has

But the company’s rise was fueled by underage use, and e-cigarettes quickly became ubiquitous in U.S. schools. In 2019, the company was pressured to halt all advertising and eliminate most of its avors, leaving only tobacco and menthol- avored options.

By then, the company was already the target of multiple investigations and lawsuits by federal, state and local o cials as well as class action attorneys.

In 2022, the company paid $1.7 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits brought by families of Juul users, school districts, city governments and Native American tribes. The company separately agreed to pay $1.1 billion to settle lawsuits or investigations from most U.S. states.

Teens have shifted away from Juul amid a wider drop in vaping, according to the latest federal gures. The FDA reported last year that teen vaping dropped to a 10-year low after stepped up enforcement against unauthorized brands imported from China, such as Elf Bar.

MICHAEL DWYER / AP PHOTO

An advisory board is urging OpenAI to stay under nonpro t control, citing the high stakes of AI development.

SETH WENIG / AP PHOTO

After years of criticism over teen nicotine addiction, the FDA is allowing Juul to keep its e-cigarettes in the marketplace.

Jane’s Addiction bandmates sue each other over tour-ending onstage ght

The ’90s alt icons came to blows in Boston last summer

By Andrew Dalton The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — The members of alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction led dueling lawsuits last Wednesday over singer Perry Farrell’s onstage scu e with guitarist Dave Navarro at a Boston concert last year, prompting the cancellation of the rest of their reunion tour and a planned album.

Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Eric Avery sued Farrell in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that Farrell’s behavior on the tour had ranged from erratic to out of control, culminating in the assault, where Farrell punched Navarro both on stage and backstage. The suit says the three bandmates are seeking at least $10 million.

“With a series of swift blows, he single-handedly destroyed the name, reputation, trademark, and viability of the Band and those who built it,” their lawsuit says.

Farrell and his wife, Etty Lau Farrell, sued the three bandmates in the same court later last Wednesday, blaming them for the con ict and the violence.

“Navarro, Avery and Perkins apparently decided,” the lawsuit says, “that Jane’s Addiction’s decades of success should be jettisoned in pursuit of a yearslong bullying campaign against Farrell involving harassing him onstage during performances, including, among other tactics, trying to undermine him by playing their instruments at a high volume so that he could not hear himself sing.”

The Farrells said that Navarro and Avery actually assaulted them.

Perry Farrell said he was

“blindsided” when the other members canceled the remaining 15 shows of the tour and broke up the band without consulting him, costing all of them a great deal of money.

And he said his bandmates defamed him by publicly saying, after the ght, that he had mental health problems.

Jane’s Addiction was an essential part of the Los Angeles music scene in the late 1980s, combining elements of punk, goth and psychedelic sounds and culture. They became a national phenomenon with hits including “Jane Says” and “Been Caught Stealing,” and through their founding of the Lollapalooza tour, whose rst incarnation they headlined in 1991.

The group broke up soon after but returned several times in various incarnations. The 2024 tour was the rst time the original members had played together since 2010.

Farrell missed all seven of the group’s rehearsals in the run-up to the tour, his bandmate’s lawsuit alleges, and his behavior was turbulent during the early shows.

“He struggled night to night amid public concern for his well-being and apparent intoxication,” their lawsuit says. “Perry forgot lyrics, lost his place in songs he had sung since the 1980s, and mumbled rants as he drank from a wine bottle onstage.”

The lawsuit says Farrell was given many solutions to the volume problem, none of which he followed.

Then, on Sept. 13 at Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston in front of about 4,000 fans, videos partially captured Farrell lunging at Navarro and bumping Navarro with his shoulder before taking a swing at the guitarist with his right arm. Navarro is seen holding his right arm out to keep Farrell

away before Farrell is dragged away.

But Farrell’s lawsuit says the “video evidence is clear that the rst altercation onstage during the Boston show was hardly one-sided.” It says Navarro was deliberately playing loud to drown out the singer, and “what followed was an inappropriate violent escalation by Navarro and Avery that was disproportionate to Farrell’s minor body check of Navarro.”

Farrell alleges that when he was being restrained by a crew member, Avery punched him in the kidneys, and that both Avery and Navarro assaulted him and his wife backstage. Shortly after the ght, Farrell, in a statement, apologized to his bandmates, especially Navarro, for “inexcusable behavior.”

The bandmates’ lawyer Christopher Frost pointed to that apology in response to the Farrell lawsuit, along with Etty Lau Far-

‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ reboot depends on nostalgia, falls short

Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. reprise their roles

By Bob Garver The Sun

I’VE NEVER seen 1997’s “I Know What You Did Last Summer” all the way through. Eleven-year-old me was too young to see the R-rated slasher in theaters, which was just as well because I did see a trailer and lost many nights’ sleep over the killer’s deadly shing hook. I eventually got caught up via highlights and recaps, to the point where I feel like watching the movie now would just be a redundant bore.

This is all to say that I don’t have much loyalty to the original, outside of a begrudging respect for its ability to give me nightmares with something sharp. Once again, this is probably for the best since, without loyalty to the original, I don’t have to worry about betrayal on the part of the same-titled reboot.

The premise is the same here as in 1997: A group of friends goof o on a secluded coastal road one fateful summer night. Their antics cause an accident and a death, and although good girl Ava (Chase Sui Wonders) thinks they should take responsibility, others like the spoiled Danica (Madelyn Cline) just want to put the incident behind them as quickly and quietly as possible. Danica, her obnoxious ancé Teddy (Tyriq Withers), troubled Stevie (Sarah Pidgeon) and Ava’s wannabe boyfriend Milo (Jonah Hauer-King) agree to forget what happened, and after some peer pressure, so does Ava. A year later, the group reunites for Danica’s wedding … to newcomer Wyatt (Joshua Orpin). She and Teddy didn’t work out as a couple. Nothing worked out for anybody, likely as a result of guilt. At her bridal shower, Danica receives a mysterious note with the titular message. Nobody in the group admits to sending it. Soon after, a murder occurs, committed by someone wearing all-too-familiar sherman’s gear and wielding … well, rst an e ective-but-not-terrifying harpoon, but then that traumatizing hook. The murder is clearly related to the incident a year ago and, of course, is just the beginning of a string of killings targeting the group and those around them. Who can the killer be? Someone in the group? None of them “seems” capable of deliberate murder, but someone could just be pretending. Teddy’s big-

An onstage brawl during a show in Boston last summer between Dave Navarro and Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction has resulted in a lawsuit.

rell’s acknowledgement at the time in Instagram posts that her husband had clearly been the aggressor.

“If there is a question about what to believe, you can believe the video we’ve all watched,” Frost said in a statement. He added that the “complaint from Perry, including his account of events backstage after the September 13 show, is revisionist history. It won’t stand.”

Both lawsuits allege assault and battery, intentional in iction of emotional distress and breach of contract, among other claims.

“Now,” Navarro, Perkins and Avery’s lawsuit says, “the Band will never have their revival Tour, to celebrate a new album and 40+ years of deep, complex, chart-topping recordings. Instead, history will remember the Band as suffering a swift and painful death at the hands of Farrell’s unprovoked anger and complete lack of self-control.”

wig father (Billy Campbell) knew about his son’s involvement, and in true mayor-from“Jaws” fashion, he wants to sweep all local violence under the rug to protect property values. The creepy local pastor (Austin Nichols) seems to have something nefarious up his sleeve. A true-crime podcaster (Gabbriette Bechtel) is snooping around town suspiciously. Why is she here? Because this is the same town where a similar string of sherman-based murders occurred 30 years ago.

Survivors Julie James (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Ray Bronson (Freddie Prinze Jr.) still live in the area — maybe they can help the new generation of hapless protagonists. Or do their violence- lled pasts make them a current danger?

The “I Know What You Did Last Summer” reboot has to lean heavily into nostalgia to be appealing because it can’t elevate itself on more creative merits like interesting new characters or well-earned scares. At least Hewitt and Prinze have important roles to play; they aren’t just cameos for the sake of cameos, not that there isn’t at least one of those. I’ll also confess that I got some laughs out of the mystery, if only because the lm goes so far out of its way to make minor characters with two or three lines seem like potential killers. Still, I don’t feel like I missed much by not seeing the original “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” and you won’t be missing much if you don’t see this one.

Grade: C

“I Know What You Did Last Summer” is rated R for bloody horror violence, language throughout, some sexual content and brief drug use. Its running time is 111 minutes.

AMY HARRIS / INVISION / AP PHOTO

SONY PICTURES VIA AP

From left, Jonah Hauer-King, Sarah Pidgeon, Chase Sui Wonders, Madelyn Cline and Tariq Withers star in “I Know What You Did Last Summer.”

‘Superman’ exes might in second weekend with $57.3M

“28 Years Later” fell to 10th place

By Jake Coyle

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — James Gunn’s “Superman” showed staying power in its second weekend at North American box o ces, collecting $57.3 million in ticket sales and remaining the No. 1 movie in theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday.

None of the week’s new releases — “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Smurfs” and “Eddington” — came close to touching Warner Bros. and DC Studios’ superhero success. “Superman” dipped 54% from its domestic opening, an average decline for a big summer lm.

In two weeks, “Superman” has grossed $406.8 million worldwide, a good start for the movie DC Studios is banking on to restart its movie operations. A big test looms next weekend, when the Walt Disney Co. releases Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.”

Strong audience scores and good reviews should help propel the $225 million-budgeted “Superman” toward pro tability in the coming weeks. For Warner Bros. and DC Studios, “Superman” is key to kicking o a 10-year plan for the comic book adaptation studio. Coheads Gunn and Peter Safra were tasked with rehabilitating the agging operation. Next on tap are the lms “Supergirl” and “Clayface” in 2026.

But “Superman” is far from ying solo in theaters right now. Universal Pictures’ “Jurassic World: Rebirth” came in second this weekend, with $23.4 million in its third week of release.

The seventh “Jurassic” movie, this one starring Scarlett Johansson, held its own despite the competition from “Superman.” In three weeks, it accrued $648 million worldwide. Apple Studios and Warner Bros.’ “F1: The Movie” has also shown legs, especially internationally. In its fourth weekend, the Brad Pitt racing drama dipped just 26% domestically, bringing in $9.6 million in North America, and another $29.5 million overseas. Its global total stands at $460.8 million.

But both of the biggest new releases — Sony Pictures’ “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and Paramount Pictures’ “Smurfs” — fell at.

“I Know What You Did Last Summer” opened with $13 million, a fair result for a movie budgeted at a modest $18 million, but a disappointing opening for a well-known horror franchise. The lm, directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, is set 27 years after the 1997 original. Teenagers played by Madelyn Cline and Chase Sui Wonders are again haunted for covering up a car accident.

The movie’s reviews (38% “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes) were poor for “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” and audiences graded it similarly. The lm notched a “C+” on CinemaScore. The original collected $72.6 million in its domestic run in 1997.

Paramount Pictures’ “Smurfs” debuted in fourth place this weekend with $11 million. The latest bigscreen reboot for the woodland blue creatures prominently features Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette. But reviews (21% “fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes) were terrible. Audiences were kinder, giving it a “B+” on CinemaScore, but the $58 million-budgeted release will depend largely on its international sales. In 56 overseas markets, “Smurfs” earned $22.6 million. Ari Aster’s “Eddington” opened with $4.2 million on 2,111 screens for A24. Since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, “Eddington” has been particularly divisive. The pan-

demic-set Western features Joaquin Phoenix as the rightwing sheri of a small New Mexico town who faces o with its liberal mayor (Pedro Pascal). While Aster’s rst lm, 2018’s “Hereditary” ($82.8 million worldwide against a $10 million budget) helped establish A24 as an indie powerhouse, the less-than-stellar launch of “Eddington” marks the second box-o ce disappointment for Aster. His 2023 lm “Beau Is Afraid” cost $35 million to make but collected just $12.4 million worldwide. “Eddington” cost about $25 million to produce. Audiences gave it a “C+” on CinemaScore. None of Aster’s previous lms have been graded higher.

Yet collectively, Hollywood is enjoying a very good summer. According to data rm Comscore, the 2025 summer box o ce is up 15.9% over the same period last year, with the year-to-date sales running 15% ahead of 2025. Summer ticket sales have amassed about $2.6 billion domestically, according to Comscore.

Top 10 movies by domestic box o ce

This list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore.

1. “Superman,” $57.3 million

2. “Jurassic World Rebirth,” $23.4 million

3. “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” $13 million

4. “Smurfs,” $11 million

5. “F1: The Movie,” $9.6 million

6. “How to Train Your Dragon,” $5.4 million

7. “Eddington,” $4.3 million

8. “Elio,” $2 million

9. “Lilo & Stitch,” $1.5 million 10. “28 Years Later,” $1.3 million

Alan Bergman, Oscar-winning lyricist who helped write ‘The Way We Were,’ dead at 99

By Hillel Italie

The Associated Press

ALAN BERGMAN, the Oscar-winning lyricist who teamed with his wife, Marilyn, for an enduring and loving partnership that produced such old-fashioned hits as “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” “It Might Be You” and the classic “The Way We Were,” has died at 99.

Bergman died late last Thursday at his home in Los Angeles, family spokesperson Ken Sunshine said in a statement Friday. The statement said Bergman had, in recent months, su ered from respiratory issues “but continued to write songs till the very end.”

The Bergmans married in 1958 and remained together until her death in 2022. With collaborators ranging from Marvin Hamlisch and Quincy Jones to Michel Legrand and Cy Coleman, they were among the most successful and proli c partnerships of their time, providing words and occasional music for hundreds of songs, including movie themes that became as famous as the lms themselves. Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Tony Bennett and many other artists performed their material, and Barbra Streisand became a frequent collaborator and close friend.

Sunshine said there will still be a centennial celebration of Alan Bergman as planned at Santa Monica’s Broad Stage, with guests including Michael Feinstein, Jackson Browne and Patti Austin. Feinstein, among the many artists who posted tributes Friday, wrote that the Bergmans were “kind, talented and principled artists” who “lived from a place called Love.”

Blending Tin Pan Alley sentiment and contemporary pop, the Bergmans crafted lyrics known by millions, many of whom would not have recognized the writers had they walked right past them. Among their most famous works: the Streisand-Neil Diamond duet

“You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” the well-named Sinatra favorite “Nice ‘n’ Easy,” and the topical themes to the 1970s sitcoms “Maude” and “Good Times.”

Their lm compositions included Ray Charles’ “In the Heat of the Night” from the movie of the same name; Noel Harrison’s “The Windmills of Your Mind,” from “The Thomas Crown Affair”; and Stephen Bishop’s “It Might Be You,” from “Tootsie.”

The whole world seemed to sing and cry along to “The Way We Were,” an instant favorite recorded by Streisand

for the 1973 romantic drama of the same name that co-starred Streisand and Robert Redford. Set to Hamlisch’s tender, bittersweet melody, it was essentially a song about itself — a nostalgic ballad about nostalgia, an indelible ode to the uncertainty of the past, starting with one of history’s most famous opening stanzas: “Memories / light the corners of my mind / misty watercolor memories / of the way we were.”

“The Way We Were” was the top-selling song of 1974 and brought the Bergmans one of their three Oscars, the others coming for “Windmills of Your Mind” and the soundtrack to “Yentl,” the Streisand-directed movie from 1983. At times, the Academy Awards could be mistaken for a Bergman showcase. In 1983, three of the nominees for best song featured lyrics by

the Bergmans, who received 16 nominations in all.

The Bergmans also won two Grammys, four Emmys, were presented numerous lifetime achievement honors and received tributes from individual artists, including Streisand’s 2011 album of Bergman songs, “What Matters Most.” On “Lyrically, Alan Bergman,” Bergman handled the vocals himself.

Their very lives seemed to rhyme. They didn’t meet until they were adults but were born in the same Brooklyn hospital, four years apart; raised in the same Brooklyn neighborhood, attended the same children’s concerts at Carnegie Hall and moved to California in the same year, 1950. They were introduced in Los Angeles while working for the same composer, but at di erent times of the day. Their actual court-

“Memories / light the corners of my mind / misty watercolor memories / of the way we were.”

Alan Bergman

ship was in part a story of music. Fred Astaire was Marilyn’s favorite singer at the time, and Alan Bergman co-wrote a song, “That Face,” which Astaire agreed to record. Acetate in hand, Bergman rushed home to tell Marilyn the news, then proposed.

Bergman is survived by a daughter, Julie Bergman, and granddaughter. Bergman had wanted to be a songwriter since he was a boy. He majored in music and theater at the University of North Carolina, and received a master’s from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he befriended Johnny Mercer and became a protege. He and Marilyn at rst wrote children’s songs together and broke through commercially in the late 1950s with the calypso hit “Yellowbird.”

The Bergmans worked so closely together that they often found themselves coming up with the same word at the same time. Alan likened their partnership to housework: one washes, one dries, the title of a song they eventually devised for a Hamlisch melody. Bergman was reluctant to name a favorite song but cited “A Love Like Ours” as among their most personal:

“When love like ours arrives / We guard it with our lives / Whatever goes astray / When a rainy day comes around / A love like ours will keep us safe and sound.”

The artist majored in music and theater at UNC Chapel Hill

A24 VIA AP

Joaquin Phoenix plays a right-wing sheri in the pandemic-set “Eddington.”

LENNOX MCLENDON / AP PHOTO

Marilyn and Alan Bergman pose at their piano in their Beverly Hills home in 1980. The latter has died at 99.

Catching up with Carlos Rodón, B4

the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT

NASCAR White, NASCAR’s oldest living champion and a Hall of Famer, dies at 95

Charlotte

Rex White, the NASCAR Cup Series’ oldest living champion, died at 95. The Taylorsville native won the 1960 Cup Series title and 28 races during his nine -season career, earning a reputation for consistency and dominance on short tracks. White overcame polio as a child and began racing in 1954. By 1960, he was named NASCAR’s most popular driver and driver of the year.

MLS

Biel’s 8th career game with multiple goal contributions leads Charlotte past Atlanta

Atlanta

Pep Biel had a goal and two assists for his eighth career game with multiple goal contributions to set a club record as Charlotte beat Atlanta United 3-2 for its third straight victory and fourth unbeaten. Charlotte has scored a goal in 16 straight matches, including 11 multigoal matches. Charlotte has the longest active scoring streak in the league.

NHL Emergency backup goalies face uncertain future with new NHL rule

The NHL’s next collective bargaining agreement brings to an end the possibility that a former Zamboni driver or beer league hockey player could enter a game. Emergency backup goaltenders have brought some of the best feel-good stories to sports in recent years, including David Ayres beating his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs for the Hurricanes. Each team will soon employ a full-time traveling goaltender to ll that role.

East Carolina hoping to carry momentum into 2025 season

The Pirates’ schedule features big nonconference opponents as well as tough AAC challenges

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

THERE’S A LOT of excitement around the ECU Pirates football team as they prepare for the 2025 season.

The Pirates saw a big turnaround last season after ring coach Mike Houston midseason, going from 3-4 under Houston, to a 5-1 run, including a bowl win, under new head coach Blake Harrell, the team’s defensive coordinator for the past ve seasons.

Harrell now has the full reins of the program after shedding the interim tag in November, and with some key

pieces such as returning quarterback Katin Houser and wide receiver Anthony Smith returning, ECU is poised for a potentially big year.

“Our saying is that it’s not about you, it’s not about me, it’s not about I, but it is about

us and us pulling in the same direction to reach a common goal,” Harrell said. “We know 2024 is in the past, it’s in the rear view. We have to look out the windshield and ask how much better can we get now?

That’s our main focus.”

UNC football’s must-win games for the 2025 season

The Tar Heels are entering a new era with Bill Belichick

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

THE FIRST LOOK of the Bill Belichick era at UNC is a little over a month away. After six seasons of talented rosters and subpar results under former head coach Mack Brown, expectations for UNC are unknown. To some, Belichick’s presence is what the program needs and a step in the right direction, but to others, it’s all just a circus. But storylines about his girlfriend aside, a fair assessment can’t be made until the season’s rst snap is taken, right?

Belichick, who is among the top 10 highest paid college football coaches in the country, has already ushered in chang-

es leading up to this point, especially in the personnel department. The Tar Heels lost 39 players in the transfer portal during the o season, including quarterbacks Conner

Harrell and Jacolby Criswell, defensive linemen Beau Atkinson and Travis Shaw, receiver Gavin Blackwell and linebacker Amare Campbell. In return, UNC has brought

So what are the three biggest games on the Pirates’ 2025-26 schedule?

At NC State (Aug. 28)

ECU capped o last season with an emphatic win, defeating NC State 26-21 in the Military Bowl thanks to a last-second, go-ahead touchdown. Now, they’ll have the chance to do it all again as the two teams will kick o their seasons with a rematch.

“You’re going from a big bowl win to turning around to face that same opponent again,” Harrell said. “It’s hard to beat a team once, much less twice. But having that momentum, not just for our players but our fans and our community and just the con dence we gained from that and saying that ECU football is back and See ECU, page B3

in the ninth-best 2025 transfer class, according to 247Sports. Former South Alabama quarterback Gio Lopez, former South Carolina o ensive lineman Jakai Moore and former Washington linebacker Khmori House highlight the cohort of newcomers.

The coaching sta is also completely revamped, with Freddie Kitchens moving from the run game coordinator to offensive coordinator (retaining his tight ends position) and Belichick’s son Steve coming over from Washington to be the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

The resumes and the NFL experience look good on paper, but now it must be put into action. For the results to match the money spent, here are three must-win games to prove these changes were all worth it.

Vs. TCU (Sept. 1)

The Tar Heels’ season opener against TCU is arguably the most anticipated game leading up to the fall.

It’ll be a historic moment marking an NFL legend’s rst go as a collegiate head coach.

BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO

Bill Belichick walks on the court of Dean Smith Center during an early-season basketball game shortly after being introduced as the Tar Heels’ new football coach.

EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ / AP PHOTO East Carolina wide receiver Anthony Smith scores a touchdown against Army last season. The rematch with the service academy is a must-win game for the Pirates this year.

EDUARDO MUNOZ ALVAREZ / AP PHOTO

East Carolina quarterback, Katin Houser passes during last season’s game against Army.

TRENDING

Teddy Bridgewater:

The former Panthers quarterback was suspended from coaching his former high school team because he provided players with Bridgewater, 32, publicized action taken against him by Miami Northwestern High School in a social media post Last fall marked season coaching his former school which he led to a Class 3A state championship

Joe Coleman:

The right-hander who won 142 games in 15 major league seasons and was an All-Star in 1972 with Detroit, died at 78 Coleman started 12 games with the Burlington Senators in 1965, He returned to North Carolina in 2001 spending seven seasons as Durham Bulls pitching coach as the team won a pair of Governors Cups

Ryan Gerard:

The former UNC golfer had two birdie-eagle bursts bogeys and win the Barracuda Championship at Tahoe Mountain

PGA Tour victory

The 25-year-old beat out 2021 winner Erik van Rooyen Fifth in the event two years ago, Gerard become the 999th winner in tour history and earned a spot in the PGA Championship next year

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

“I’m not going to change. It’s just how I am, how I play ”

Golfer Tyrrell Hatton on his habit of

on the

“It’s

that k ind of bad

decision ma k ing that I love about minor leag ue ba seba ll ”

HBO’s John Oliver on the Erie SeaWolves Double-A team allowing his show to rebrand them The Erie Moon Mammoths debuted over the weekend

NASCAR

Denny Hamlin went back to back at Dover Motor Speedway, holding a late lead ser ies-best four th v ictor y of the sea son Hamlin won for the second straight time Br iscoe for the v ictor y A lex Bow man wa s third and Kyle Larson four th

British Open at Royal Por tr ush in Nor thern Ireland The world’s No 1 player led by as many as seven shots and won by four to claim his second major of the year The 29-year-old needs the U S Open to complete the career Grand Slam Harris English was r unner-up

Terr y Gannon, a member of the 1983 national champion NC State team and t wo-time A ll-A merican, is headed to the NBA as a member of the NBC/ Peacock broadcast team Gannon, who has covered seven Oly mpics during a 35-year broadcasting career, w ill do play-by-play when the NBA returns to the net work in October

Number of years since Manny Pacquiao set a record for oldest boxer to w in the welter weight world title He tr ied to break the mark on Saturday, but the 46 -year-old hall of famer had to settle for a draw against champion Mar io Barr ios

The Charlotte Hornets Summer Leag ue title by beating the Sacramento K ings 83-78 Kon K nueppel (pictured), the four th pick in this year ’ s draf t, led the Hornets w ith 21 points and wa s named championship game M V P Ryan K alkbrenner added 15, while three other players scored 11 each

Summer Leag ue w ith a 6 - 0 record

Hurricanes schedule lled with reunions, road-heavy ending

Carolina opens its season at home with two games before making its annual State Fair road trip

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — The start of the NHL season is still 2½ months away, but the league last week released the 2025-26 schedule that includes a three-week break for players to participate in the Winter Olympics for the rst time since 2014.

But before we get to February in Italy — where Carolina Hurricanes players Sebastian Aho, Jaccob Slavin, Seth Jarvis, Frederik Andersen and newcomer Nikolaj Ehlers are all expected to play for their respective countries — more than two-thirds of the season will be in the books, a nal 82-game slate before the league moves to 84 games in 2026-27 as part of the newly signed collective bargaining agreement.

Here’s a look at the highlights from the Hurricanes’ schedule, from the team’s typical early-season road trip to matchups with key opponents and reunions both home and away.

Dropping the puck

After nishing a six-game exhibition slate with games against Florida, Nashville and Tampa Bay, the Hurricanes get to open their season with two home games, both in the divi-

MATT SLOCUM / AP PHOTO

Flyers forward Owen Tippett and Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chat eld chase after the puck during a Nov. 20, 2024, game in Philadelphia. Philadelphia and Carolina will play a throwback home-and-home series this coming season.

sion. Carolina starts the campaign hosting the Devils, who were eliminated in the rst round of the playo s by the Hurricanes in ve games, on Oct. 9, then gets the Flyers — led by new coach Rick Tocchet — two days later.

Hitting the road

The North Carolina State Fair ships the Hurricanes out of town annually, and the schedule has them playing six games in 12 games as they travel through California and three other Western Conference cities. The

trip started in the Golden State on Oct. 14 with games every other day in San Jose, Anaheim and Los Angeles before the trip turns into a murderers’ row of Stanley Cup contenders. Games in Vegas and Colorado — with former Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns — will provide an early test for the Hurricanes. The trip ends with the rst matchup against Mikko Rantanen since he spurned Carolina and signed a long-term contract with the Stars following a deadline trade. It will also be Logan Stankoven’s rst game back in Dallas. The six-game trip is

the longest of the season for the Hurricanes, who will have three four-game road trips later in the year, including one to close to the season in mid-April.

Old stomping grounds

The rst return trip to a former team for one of Carolina’s big o season additions will come Nov. 4 when the Hurricanes travel to the Big Apple. Defenseman K’Andre Miller, signed to an eight-year, $60 million extension after the Rangers traded him to Carolina, will face his longtime team for the rst time. Ehlers will get his reunion tour over quickly on consecutive Fridays in the same month, visiting Winnipeg Nov. 21 before the Jets come to Raleigh Nov. 28. Rantanen’s return to Raleigh — sure to be a jeer- lled event — is Jan. 6.

Home cooking

The visit from the Jets is the second game in a season-long seven-game home stand that starts the day before Thanksgiving and runs to Dec. 9. It should be a chance for Carolina to bank some points as only two of the teams — Winnipeg and Toronto — quali ed for the playo s last season.

Measuring up

The Hurricanes will face a watered-down version of the Stanley Cup champions twice in the preseason, but the rst

MLB teams look to North Carolina in draft

Only four states had more players selected

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

WAKE FOREST may have grabbed the spotlight early in last week’s MLB Draft, but the rest of the state’s baseball talent was eventually uncovered.

At press time last week, three rounds had been completed. A pair of Demon Deacons — Marek Houston and Ethan Conrad — had been selected in the rst round. Two UNC Tar Heels — Luke Stevenson and Kane Kepley — and High Point Wesleyan Christian high school player Josh Hammond also got the call.

More than two dozen more products of North Carolina high schools and colleges got drafted in rounds four through 20, putting the state in fth place in the 2025 draft, behind California, Florida, Texas and Georgia.

Wake nished with a total of six draftees. Only 15 other colleges had more players selected. It’s the third straight year Wake has seen at least a half dozen Deacs selected.

Out elder Cameron Nelson went to Colorado in the fth round, 138th overall. He’s the sixth Deacon drafted by the Rockies and second in the last three drafts.

Southpaw starting pitcher Joseph Ariola was taken by Arizona in the seventh, 213th overall. He’s the fth Wake player taken by the D-Backs.

Righthander Logan Lunce-

ECU from page B1

heading in the right direction.”

Last season, NC State coach

Dave Doeren said he didn’t feel that the ECU game was a rivalry matchup, but perhaps his tone has changed following a tense bowl game loss that featured a ght breaking out on the eld.

“I don’t think you can look at our fans and tell them it’s not a rivalry,” Harrell said following the game. “If we’re gonna be looked at like a little step brother, that’s ne, but these guys are going to compete and take up the challenge.”

ford was taken in the 12th (375 overall) by the Dodgers. It’s just the second time L.A. has looked Wake’s way and rst since Frank Humber was taken in the 16th round in 1989.

Third baseman Jack Winnay went to Boston in the 13th (388 overall). It’s the fourth time the Sox have taken a Deac and rst since 2011.

NC State matched Wake for most-productive college program in the state. The Wolfpack also had six players selected, the most from State since 2021.

Lefthanded starter Dominic Fritton, a Fuquay-Varina native, went to the Tampa Bay Rays in the fourth round (117th). He’s the sixth Wolfpack player taken by the Rays.

Righthander Shane Van Dam went to Kansas City in the ninth round (278th). It’s the fourth time K.C. has looked to State.

Shortstop Justin DeCriscio went to San Diego in the 10th (310th). It’s the second straight draft the Wolfpack-to-Padres connection has worked.

Third baseman Josh Hogue went to the Marlins in the 15th (438th). It’s the rst time since 2019 Miami has taken a State player.

Righthander Andrew Shaner went to the Reds in the 15th (444th), becoming the sixth Wolfpack player taken by Cincinnati.

Righthander Derrick Smith rounded out State’s draft class, going to the Rockies in the 17th (497th). He’s the sixth State player taken by Colorado.

UNC Wilmington had ve

The Pirates hold a 14-19 all-time record against the Wolfpack, and the two teams have split the last 10 meetings.

Vs. BYU (Sept. 20)

There’s going to be a tough few games for the Pirates to start the year, as the program scheduled a pretty strong nonconference slate. And perhaps the biggest challenge from that schedule will be a home game against the BYU Cougars. BYU nished last season ranked No. 13 with an 11-2 record, and many think the Cou-

players taken, the most for the school since 2018.

Righthander Zane Taylor, of Franklinton, started things for the Seahawks, going to the Athletics in the fth round (141st). He’s the rst UNCW player to go to the A’s since 2018.

First baseman Tanner Thatch, of Belvidere, went to the Rockies in the eighth (227th). It’s the fourth Seahawk taken by Colorado and rst since 2017.

Catcher Bryan Arendt, of Fuquay-Varina, went to the Athletics in the 13th (380th). The A’s had taken two UNCW players in draft history before taking two this year.

Righthander Trace Baker, of Winterville, was taken by Toronto two picks later. He’s the fth UNCW player taken by the Blue Jays and rst since 2018.

Righthander Aubry Smith, of Leland, was the last Seahawk taken, by Houston in the 13th (396th). It’s just the second time UNCW and Houston have hooked up and the rst since 1965.

Two more Tar Heels were taken after the rst day.

Righthander Aidan Haugh, of Zebulon, went to the Rays in the sixth (177th). It’s the sixth time Tampa has come to UNC, the rst since 2015.

Righthander Jake Knapp, of Greensboro, went to the Cubs in the eighth (241st), joining Kepley. No Tar Heel had gone to the Cubs since 2002.

Duke matched UNC with four players taken.

Lefty James Tallon went to Philadelphia in the sixth (191st).

Southpaw Owen Proksch of

gars will be just as good this season as they were in the last one. However, the Pirates do have a 2-1 all-time record against the Cougars, including winning each of the last two meetings — in fact, BYU coach Kalani Sitake is 0-2 against East Carolina.

The most recent matchup between the two teams was in 2022, when the Pirates won in Provo on a last second, 33-yard eld goal by freshman kicker Andrew Conrad.

The BYU game will be a good opportunity for ECU, which is poised to potentially upset

of three matchups against the Panthers — who beat Carolina in ve games in the Eastern Conference nal — will be Dec. 19 in Sunrise. Florida then visits Raleigh four days later before the season series ends Jan. 16 at Lenovo Center.

Home and home

The Olympics mean another year of condensed schedules, and Carolina will play 15 backto-back games during the 202526 season. The most interesting of them is in mid-December when the Hurricanes and Flyers meet on consecutive nights, Dec. 13-14, in an old-school homeand-home. Carolina also plays consecutive games, albeit with a day o in between, against the Blue Jackets, playing in Columbus on March 31 before the rematch in Raleigh on April 2.

Final visit for Ovi?

The Hurricanes will play the Capitals three times this season, and the only one at Lenovo Center will be Nov. 11 in what could be the nal NHL game for Alexander Ovechkin in the building where he was drafted rst overall in 2004. Fellow 40-something Burns will come to Raleigh on Jan. 3 in perhaps his last visit to the arena where he played three of his 22 NHL seasons.

Road tested

Fifteen of the Hurricanes’nal 23 regular season games will be on the road, though only ve of 15 will be against teams who made the 2025 Stanley Cup playo s. After the Olympic break, Carolina will face just nine playo teams in its nal 25 games, and the April 5 game in Ottawa is the lone playo opponent in the Hurricanes’ nal nine games of the season.

1965

Lexington went in the ninth (265th) to Texas.

Shortstop Wallace Clark went to Arizona in the ninth (273rd).

Lefty Andrew Healy was taken by Milwaukee two picks later.

Western Carolina also had four players selected.

Righthander Dusty Revis, of Nebo, was taken by Seattle in the 11th (332nd).

Out elder Brayden Corn, of Hendersonville, went to Seattle in the 15th (452nd).

Righthander Cannon Pickell, of Moyock, was taken by Miami in the 20th (588th).

Out elder Hayden Friese, of Stoneville, went to Atlanta in the 20th (607th).

Charlotte had three players drafted.

Righthander Blake Gillespie went to the Yankees in the ninth (284th).

Catcher Logan Poteet was selected by the Cubs in the 17th (511th).

Two picks later, Arizona took righthander Joel Sarver.

ECU had two players selected.

Second baseman Dixon Williams, of Grimesland, went in the fourth (136th) to Atlanta.

Righthander Ethan Young, of Harrisburg, went to St. Louis in the fth (150th).

Appalachian State had a pair of players taken.

Righty Jackson Steensma was taken by Seattle in the 9th (272nd).

Righthander Liam Best went to St. Louis in the 19th (570th).

Elon also had two players drafted.

Third baseman Ryan Sprock

quite a few teams this upcoming season.

Vs. Army (Sept. 25)

To kick o their conference schedule, the Pirates will be hosting the defending AAC champion Army Black Knights in a Thursday night primetime matchup on ESPN. It’s a big game for the program and will be a pivotal test to see where they stand amongst the top teams in the conference.

The Pirates had never lost to the Black Knights until last season, when they fell 45-28 in

The last time, before last week, that Houston drafted a UNC Wilmington player

went to Minnesota in the eighth (239th).

Righty Justin Mitrovich was taken by Minnesota in the ninth (269th).

UNC Greensboro righthander Danny Thompson went to Toronto in the eighth (232nd).

UNC Asheville righty Clay Edmondson was taken by San Diego in the 14th (430th).

Queen University righthander Landry Jurecka went to San Diego in the 18th (550th).

A number of high schoolers were also taken.

Southpaw Briggs McKenzie of Wendell’s Corinth Holders went to Atlanta in the fourth (127th).

Righthander CJ Gray, A L Brown High School (Kannapolis), Angels, fth (140th)

Shortstop Coy James, Davie High School (Advance), Washington, fth (142nd)

Righthander Eli Jerzembeck, Charlotte (played in college at South Carolina), Cubs, 11th (331st)

Righthander Jake Barbee, Jay M. Robinson High School (Harrisburg), Texas, 12th (355th)

Righthander Luke Roupe, Grace Christian (Raleigh), Texas, 12th (355th)

Shortstop Meridian Le ew, Gaston Christian (Belmont), Detroit, 19th (579th)

Lefthander Andrew Sentlinger Charlotte (Virginia Tech), White Sox, 20th (586th)

a blowout loss. ECU previously held an 8-0 record against Army. That game was also the nal straw for Houston, so the Pirates will have a chance to get back at the Black Knights under their new head coach.

“Our nonconference schedule has NC State, BYU — which will probably be a top10 team — and then we turn right around next week, on a short week, Thursday night, and play the American Conference champs Army right here in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium,” Harrell said. “We certainly have our work cut out for us.”

Relocated Rodón nds way back to MLB All-Star Game

The former NC State ace has returned to form in New York

By Shawn Krest North State Journal

ATLANTA — Carlos Rodón son, Bo, is on a tee-ball team this year. It’s safe to say, the little leaguer’s pre-game ritual is di erent from the one his father had at his age.

“I played at Tamiami when I was young,” the Yankees pitcher recalled. “We moved from Miami when I was 8, but, you know, I played in that rec league over there, and it was cafecitos — the little shots of Cuban espresso to get the kids red up for the game.”

Rodón’s father emigrated from Cuba as a boy, and that heritage was a big part of Carlos’ early life in Miami.

“I grew up as a Cuban kid,” he said. “Then we moved in 2000 up to North Carolina, and I just grew up a lot di erent than my Miami roots.”

Now a father himself, Rodón is raising his son in a far di erent world from Holly Springs, where Carlos spent the later half of his childhood. One of Bo’s suburban Connecticut teeball teammates is the son of fellow Yankee Gerrit Cole.

“I still remember some things from back in Miami,” Rodón said. “Pastelitos and everything. Home-cooked meals. Mom would make pollo.”

Rodón’s relocation to North Carolina helped put him on NC State’s radar, where he helped lead the Wolfpack to their rst College World Series berth in 45 years.

Three generations of the Rodón family joined Carlos in Atlanta for the 2025 All-Star Game. It was the third All-Star selection for Rodón, who made the team in 2021 with the White Sox and 2022 with the Giants, but it was the rst time he actually pitched in the game.

It’s been a rocky road back to the game for him. Following the 2022 season, he signed with New York as a free agent, then battled through an injury-plagued season that saw the fans take out their frustration on the new pitcher not living up to his big contract.

He righted the ship last year with a 16-9 record, 3.96 ERA and 195 strikeouts, the second most in his career. He’s been even better this season, going 10-6, 3.08 and fanning 135 so far.

“I’m just comfortable,” he said. “Comfortable where I’m at. You know, I have a lot of support from the guys on my team. My goal is to go out there and win

“We moved in 2000 up to North Carolina, and I just grew up a lot di erent than my Miami roots” Carlos Rodón

as many games as I can, and that’s it. Like, I feel like I owe it to my teammates to give us the best chance to win whenever we go out there and compete.”

That earned him a trip to Atlanta for the Midsummer Classic.

“My family’s here,” he said the day before the game. “My whole family, my three kids, my wife, and then my parents are here as well. So, I mean, it’s a big part of every day for me. De nitely couldn’t do it without my wife and my kids, and I wouldn’t want to do without them. So today, I’m looking forward for my son, Bo, to experience the Home Run Derby. I think he’s gonna love it. So I don’t think he knows what he’s getting into. I won’t know until he steps on the eld.”

While Bo didn’t get a shot of strong Cuban co ee to re him up, he didn’t appear to lack for energy as he roamed the American League bench.

After the weekend was over, Rodón said the Derby with Bo

was the highlight of the experience for him.

“The most fun for me it was watching Bo, seeing him enjoy the show, getting to be on the eld, watching guys hit homers,” the elder Rodón said.

The next night, when Rodón got the call in the second inning to take the mound for the A.L., Bo almost got to see another homer, courtesy of Dad’s pitching.

After getting Kyle Tucker to ground out and fanning Francisco Lindor, Rodón gave up a double to Pete Crow-Armstrong and then came up and in with a slider to Shohei Ohtani.

The ball came o Ohtani’s bat at 110 mph and rocketed toward the stands. Rodón spun around on the mound to survey the damage, then pointed his

Charlotte FC lands 2026 MLS All-Star Game, completes club-record transfer

The club has jumped two spots in the standings

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — More than two-thirds of the way through the MLS regular season, Charlotte FC has won three straight and is unbeaten in its last four matches, nding success on the eld while also remaining active o it.

The club (11-2-11, 35 points) has jumped to seventh place in the league’s Eastern Conference standings after being ninth a month ago and 11th two months back.

Last week, the MLS announced Charlotte FC will host next summer’s 2026 MLS AllStar Game at Bank of America Stadium. The league’s 30th All- Star Game will be broadcast globally in more than 100 countries.

“Charlotte has turned into a big-time soccer city, and we are pleased to bring the 2026 MLS All-Star Game to the Queen City,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a July 16 press release. “The city and region keep showing up for the sport — from packed Charlotte FC crowds to global events like the FIFA Club World Cup and Copa América the past two summers. We’re excited to bring another marquee soccer event to Charlotte.”

A $2 million grant from the state of North Carolina’s Major Events, Games, and Attrac-

UNC from page B1

Kenan Stadium will be packed, and the energy will be high under the night sky. The opener isn’t always a season-de ning game, but it can be when the lights are bright. If the Tar Heels have any idea of how important this rst game will be, given the attention they’ll receive going in, they should go back to 2021.

That season, UNC walked into its opener at Virginia Tech ranked No. 10 in the AP Preseason Poll — its highest preseason ranking since 1997. The Tar Heels didn’t look like a top-10 team that evening as they fell at in a 17-10 loss, and they couldn’t recover. UNC went on

tions Fund to help support the Charlotte Sports Foundation and other local partners played a part in bringing next year’s All- Star Game to Charlotte.

“The success of soccer matches at Bank of America Stadium has helped position Charlotte on the global stage as a premier destination for hosting some of the world’s top players and teams,” said club owner David Tepper, chairman of Tepper Sports and Entertainment. “With 2026 set to be a landmark year for soccer in the United States, we’re honored to play a part by hosting the MLS All-Star Game.”

One day before the All-Star

to take more bad losses and nished its highly anticipated campaign with a 6-7 record. Coming o a 9-4 bounce-back season, TCU will be an early test for the new-look Tar Heels. The defense will likely have its hands full against quarterback Josh Hoover and the Horned Frogs’ o ense (the nation’s eighth-best passing o ense in 2024). The UNC defense has struggled against power conference opponents in recent years, and the rst game will be a solid indicator of if the Belichicks’ defensive minds can steer the Tar Heels in the right direction.

Vs. Clemson (Oct. 4)

Clemson will be the Tar Heels’

news, another head-turning story was revealed.

Charlotte FC announced that forward Patrick Agyemang was transferred to Derby County of the English Championship for a club-record fee, becoming the rst player developed through Charlotte FC’s internal pipeline to complete a multimillion-dollar transfer abroad.

The club also retains a sell-on percentage in the deal.

Agyemang, 24, was selected 12th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft and quickly became a key gure in Charlotte’s attack. In two and a half seasons, he tallied 22 goals in 72 appear-

toughest opponent this season as the ACC defending champion is returning an experienced squad. The matchup with the Tigers is a low-risk, high-reward game. A win over Clemson could make UNC’s season, while a loss won’t likely come with a great cost to Belichick. Should the Tar Heels have a successful nonconference slate, a win in its ACC opener could not only boost the team’s condence through conference play, but it could put UNC in on the College Football Playo radar. Both teams will be coming o a bye, which could be an advantage for health and game plan reasons. This game may be the ultimate display of coach power as Belichick will have two weeks

Charlotte FC forward Iuri Tavares (38) jumps over an Inter Miami mid elder during a game earlier this season. Tavares is one of a group of players leaving Charlotte for European teams

arm toward the dugout, signaling that the blast was foul.

“I had to take a little peek at it,” he admitted.

Sure enough, the ball landed outside the foul pole, giving Rodón another shot at Ohtani.

“I gave him ve minutes for hooking,” Rodón joked. “He hit it well, but it was foul. So, lucky me. Just a long strike.”

Rodón got Ohtani to ground out to rst on the next pitch, nishing o a scoreless inning — his rst as an All-Star

“My rst one,” he said. “It was fun. I was just trying to enjoy the show, go out there, attack the zone and let them hit it. It worked out well.”

And just maybe, he had a shot of strong co ee before taking the mound.

Krneta said. “Everyone at the club wishes him the best of luck at Derby County, with the United States Men’s National Team as they build to the World Cup, and throughout the rest of his career.”

Earlier this year, Agyemang made his debut for the U.S. Men’s National Team and has emerged as the team’s leading scorer in 2025, becoming the only U.S. player to appear in all 12 matches this calendar year.

Prior to the Agyemang transaction, Charlotte FC also made a few other roster moves in July.

As the club’s key mid eld asset, Pep Biel’s loan from Olympiacos was extended through the end of the 2025 MLS season, with an option to purchase if performance targets are met; Biel’s previous loan deal was set to expire Aug. 1.

“Pep has become a key piece of the club since returning for his second stint in Charlotte, and you can see the player we saw when we rst brought him come alive as he becomes more comfortable within our club and the league,” Krneta said.

ances across all competitions, making him the club’s second all-time leading scorer behind Karol Swiderski.

“Patrick’s rise over the past 18 months put him on the radar of many clubs across Europe, and ultimately Derby County’s o er convinced the club and player to reach an agreement,” Charlotte FC general manager Zoran Krneta said in a release.

The move to Derby County marks Agyemang’s rst European club experience.

“Patrick is a top professional and has earned this opportunity through his hard work and dedication on the training pitch since coming to Charlotte FC,”

to nd ways to slow down Cade Klubnik and the Tigers’ o ense. And even if the year starts rocky for UNC, this will be an opportunity ip the momentum and narrative of the season. For Belichick, this can be the key win that proves he’s doing something right in Chapel Hill.

At NC State (Nov. 29)

If there’s anything Belichick must know in his rst college gig, it’s that no matter how the season goes, you must beat your rival. NC State is like UNC in that it’s entering the season with new o ensive and defensive coordinators and is trying to climb

Elsewhere, defender Joao Pedro was sold to Polish top - ight side Radomiak Radom with Charlotte retaining a 40% sell- on clause, while forward Iuri Tavares was given a free transfer to Croatian First Division club NK Varaždin with a 20% sell- on clause.

Jack Neeley, a homegrown defender, was added to the rst-team roster on a short-term contract ahead of the Orlando match. The 20-year-old is eligible for up to six MLS appearances under MLS short-term rules but has not been signed to the senior roster long-term.

Looking for its fourth consecutive win, Charlotte FC is set to host Toronto FC (5-6-12, 21 points) on Saturday night.

back into contention for an ACC title. In a way, both programs will be going through transitions this season, and outside of a bowl bid, this win could be the best ending for both. But for UNC, a win over NC State will be another sign of optimism in the Belichick era. The Tar Heels have not beaten the Wolfpack since 2020, and this season, they’ll have to get it done in Raleigh.

For four years, this game has been the nal blow to the constant strike down of preseason expectations. Getting a win here can not only change the energy around this game for the UNC faithful — it can also change the energy of the program moving forward.

BRYNN ANDERSON / AP PHOTO

New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón throws during the MLB All-Star Game.

REBECCA BLACKWELL / AP PHOTO

CUMBERLAND

Notice to Creditors

The undersigned , having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Alvin Henry Hill, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 24-day of October, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the descendent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 24 day of July , 2025. Jacqueline Hill, 3305 Lake Bend Drive,, Fayetteville, NC 28311 of the estate of Alvin Henry Hill, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF STANLEY HIRD HOLGATE

CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 25E001038-250

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Stanely Hird Holgate, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to John Ragland, Executor, at 507 Cloverleaf Ct., Naperville, IL 60565, on or before the 18th day of October 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above.

This the 8th day of July, 2025. John Ragland Executor of the Estate of Stanley Hird Holgate

Davis W. Puryear

Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: July 17, July 24, July 31 and August 7, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF DANIEL VERNON KINLAW

CUMBERLAND County

Estate File No. 25E000967-250

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Daniel Vernon Kinlaw, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Daniel Watson Brown, Executor, at 1500 Old Lamplighter Way, Wilmington, NC 28403, on or before the 25th day of October, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above.

This the 15th day of July, 2025.

Daniel Watson Brown

Executor of the Estate of Daniel Vernon Kinlaw

Davis W. Puryear

Hutchens Law Firm

Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: July 24, July 31, August 7 and August 14, 2025

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE MATTER OF THE ) ESTATE OF MARK D. LEVINE, ) DECEASED. )

The undersigned, having heretofore quali ed as Ancillary Executor of the Estate of Mark D. Levine, deceased, late of Cobb County, Georgia, hereby noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before October 24, 2025, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of any recovery thereon. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 24th day of July, 2025.

Risa G. Levine, Ancillary Executor Estate of Mark D. Levine, Deceased c/o Keith A. Wood, Esq. Carruthers & Roth, P.A. Attorneys & Counselors at Law 235 North Edgeworth Street Post O ce Box 540 Greensboro, North Carolina 27402 July 24, 31, August 7, 14, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RUTH S WOODARD FILE NO. 2024 E 001117

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Ruth S Woodard, deceased, a resident of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 17th day of October, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 17th day of July, 2025.

Monica Rosier, Executor 810 Running Horse Ln Hope Mills, NC 2834

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NUMBER: 25E001081-250 In the Matter of the Estate of: LARRY WASHINGTON Deceased, ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Larry Washington, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before October 17, 2025 (which is three (3) months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. THIS the 17th day of July, 2025.

Felicia Washington, Administrator of the Estate of Larry Washington, Deceased c/o J. Thomas Neville Yarborough, Winters & Neville, P.A. P.O. Box 705 Fayetteville, NC 28302-0705 Publish: 07/17/2025, 07/24/2025, 07/31/2025 and 08/07/2025

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CROLINA In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File 25E000012-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Nervin J. DeDeaux, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 24th day of October, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payments to the undersigned. This 24th day of July, 2025. Nicole DeDeaux Administrator/Executor 3207 Barksdale Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28301 Of the Estate of Nervin

County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Barbara Zinsser, Executor, at 199 Wingstone Dr., Ponte Vedra, FL 32081, on or before the 25th day of October, 2025 (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 21st day of July, 2025. Barbara Zinsser Executor of the Estate of Wayne Charles Zinsser Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: July 24, July 31, August 7 and August 14, 2025

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION

ESTATE FILE

against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before October 10, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to the

56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990

COUNSEL FOR ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court Of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate

having

rms, and

against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 17th day of October, 2025, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are

Notice

The undersigned having quali ed as the Administrator/Executor of the Estate of Gary J. Lewis AKA Gary Lewis, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of October 2025. (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 8th day of July, 2025.

Jennifer L. Thomas Administrator/Executor 140 Zaharias Circle Daytona Beach, Florida 32124 Of the Estate of Gary J. Lewis AKA Gary Lewis, Deceased

NEW HANOVER

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having quali ed as Personal Representative of the Estate of Joan Miastkowski, deceased, late of New Hanover County, North Carolina, the undersigned hereby noti es all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them, duly veri ed, to the undersigned, care of their attorney, on or before October 10, 2025(which date is at least three (3) months from the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned, care of their attorney. This the 10th day of July, 2025. Janet Chetti, Executor of the Estate of Joan Miastkowski c/o Randall S. Hoose, Jr. Hoose Law, PLLC 705 Princess Street Wilmington, NC 28401-4146 Please publish 7/10, 7/17,

NOTICE

Having

said Estate to present them, duly veri ed, to the undersigned, care of their attorney, on or before October 10, 2025(which date is at least three (3) months from the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons,

MARK A. KIRKORSKY, P.C.

Stephen R. Kopolow,

to so respond will result in a judgment of default against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint, which could result in the taking of money or property or other relief requested in the Complaint.

3. If you intend to seek the advice of an attorney in this matter, you should do so promptly so that your response may be led on time.

4. The State of Nevada, its political subdivisions, agencies, o cers, employees, board members, commission members and legislators each have 45 days after service of this Summons within which to le an Answer or other responsive pleading to the Complaint. Submitted by: By: /S/ Stephen R. Kopolow, Esq.

Vegas, NV 89117 888-519-2173 Dalamaddine@makpc.com Attorney for Plainti By: Deputy Clerk Date Eighth Judicial District Court 200 Lewis Avenue Las Vegas NV 89155 NOTE: The object of the action involves an unpaid debt that is owed by the Defendant(s) and to the Plainti for the renting of construction equipment that belongs to the Plainti . Plainti is seeking contractual damages including but not limited to prejudgment interest, post-judgment interest, attorney’s fees and costs

CUMBERLAND

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY

25sp000435-250

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CLYDE L. THOMAS AND TINA THOMAS DATED MARCH 28, 2023 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 11699 AT PAGE 708 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

23SP001115-250

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by James E. Haddock, Jr. and Ashley D. Haddock (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): James Edward Haddock, Jr. and Ashley D. Haddock) to John B. Third, Trustee(s), dated August 31, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 10863, at Page 0521 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY 25 SP 29 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by David Spearman, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $113,816.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., (“MERS”) as bene ciary as nominee for Mortgage Research Center, LLC dba Veterans United Home Loans, Mortgagee, dated November 21st, 2017 and recorded on November 21st, 2017 in Book 10208, Page 0622, as instrument number 36785, and subsequently modi ed by Loan Modi cation recorded on June 11th, 2020 in Book 10789 at Page 94 and/or Instrument Number 20100, Cumberland County Registry. Default having been made in the payment of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Anchor Trustee Services, LLC having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded

perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 10:30AM on August 4, 2025, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Clyde L. Thomas and Tina Thomas, dated March 28, 2023 to secure the original principal amount of $300,000.00, and recorded in Book 11699 at Page 708 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 1523 Rough Rider Lane, Parkton, NC 28371 Tax Parcel ID:

designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on August 4, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 11, in a subdivision known as Hillendale, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 24, Page 44, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3516 Clearwater Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 0439-03-8978 Property Address: 3516 Clearwater Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311 Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being

in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door or other usual place of sale in Cumberland County, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM on July 29th, 2025, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 286, in a Subdivision known as Elk Run, Section Six, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 98, Page 108, North Carolina Registry. Being all of that parcel of land adjoining and lying West of Lot 286, and adjoining and lying East of Lots 123, 124, and 125 of Elk Run, Section Six as shown on a plat of the same recorded in Book of Plats 98, Page 108, Cumberland County Registry, said parcel being designated on said plat as lot retained by owner-wetlands. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 4713 Miranda Drive, Hope Mills, NC 28348 Tax ID: 0424-47-8192 Third party purchasers must pay the

NOTICE Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Gladys Parks aka Gladys Johnson Parks, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT, ATTORNEY AT LAW, PO Box 2445, Asheboro, North Carolina 27204, on or before October 13, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate should make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 10th day of July, 2025 Gary Howard Parks, Administrator of the Estate of Gladys Parks aka Gladys Johnson Parks, deceased TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 2445 Asheboro, NC 27204 (336) 953-4661

PUBL/DATES: 07/10,25 07/17/25

WAKE

Present Record Owners:

0403-48-4467 Present Record Owners: Tina Thomas The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Tina Thomas. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax

o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance

“AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to

recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §7A-308, in the amount of Forty- ve Cents (0.45) per each One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) or fractional part thereof with a maximum amount of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the bid or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts will be immediately due and owing. Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS WHERE IS. There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. This sale is made

associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any resale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your

this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and

subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, special assessments, land transfer taxes, if any, and encumbrances of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is Heirs of David L. Spearman. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the

associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. Cash will not be accepted. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit

Thayne Ian Rohrbaugh The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Thayne Ian Rohrbaugh. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any

RANDOLPH

evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 30, 2025

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

25SP000552-250

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Allen Barnes, III (Deceased) and Asuncion T. Barnes (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD

OWNER(S): Allen Barnes, III and Asuncion T. Barnes) to National Titel Network, Trustee(s), dated October 28, 2011, and recorded in Book No. 08758, at Page 0661 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on August 4, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 25SP000299-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Victoria Pierce and Kurtis Wasco (PRESENT RECORD

OWNER(S): Victoria Pierce and Kurtis Wasco) to WFG National Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated January 30, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 10683, at Page 0273 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on July 28, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

25SP000204-250

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Kerri Ann Shaughnessy (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Kerri Ann Shaughnessy) to David Silverman, Trustee(s), dated April 8, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 11441, at Page 0593 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on July 28, 2025 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following

at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: The land hereinafter referred to is situated in the Cedar Creek Township, County of Cumberland, State of NC, and is described as follows: All that certain lot, parcel of land or condominium unit situated in the Cedar Creek Township, and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 3, in a subdivision known as Lot recombination survey-Lots-3&4”Robert L. Nunnery, Jr S/D” Weaver Development Company, Inc, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 128, Page 27, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.

Being all that certain property conveyed from Amber Mathew to Jarrad Mathew by the deed dated April 15, 2020 and recorded April 16, 2020 as Instrument No. 13019 in Book 10741, Page 0500 of o cial records. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 9114 Clinton Rd, Autryville, NC 28318. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater,

situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Cumberland, State of North Carolina, and is described as follows: Being all of Lot Number 141 in a subdivision known as Morgan Place, Section One and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plats 43, at Page 39, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 6502 Kemper Court, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 9498-66-7079 Commonly known as 6502 Kemper Court, Fayetteville, NC 28303 However, by showing this address no additional coverage is provided Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being

real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 5, in a subdivision known as College Lakes, Section Ten, Part “C”, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 35, Page 22, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 457 Grayton Place, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 0520-95-1733 Property Address: 457 Grayton Place, Fayetteville, NC 28311

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1).

will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY

THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING

COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/ are Jarrad Mathew. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in

o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance

“AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited

The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition

real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being al lof Lot 96 in a subdivision known as Hillendale, Section 7, according to a plat of same being duly recored in Book of Plats 54 and Page 18, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3905 Clearwater Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina, PROPERTYADDRESS: 3905 Clearwater Dr., Fayeteville, NC 28311

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to three hours as provided in N.C.G.S. 45-21.23.

Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. 7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee

bidder for cash the following described property situated in Davidson County, North Carolina, to wit:

which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of

to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property

thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM, and will sell to the highest

Being all of that Condominium Unit, designated as Unit 117 as referred to in the Declaration of Condominium for Shadow Valley Condominiums recorded in Book 835 pages 677-722 O ce Register of Deeds of Davidson County and more particularly described in the Plat and plans as recorded in Condominium Book 1 page 23 consisting of 11 pages, O ce of the Register of Deeds of Davidson County, which description and plans are incorporated by reference. Together with an undivided 1/18th interest as tenants in common in and to the common elements as referred to in the declaration to which reference is made for a more particular description of said common elements.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 2218 Shadow Valley Road, Unit B, High Point, NC 27265.

A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater,

nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability

will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing.

THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Sandra Stewart Alderman.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the

prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated

to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may after receiving the notice of foreclosure sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days but not more than

clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination.

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders

90 days, after the sale date contained in this notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination.

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE SERVICES, INC. SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE c/o Hutchens Law Firm LLP P.O. Box 1028 Fayetteville, NC 28302 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Phone No: (910)864-3068

https://sales.hutchenslaw rm.com Firm Case No: 24632 - 123584

DAVIDSON

have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are All Lawful Heirs of Judith Anne Montgomery. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29

25SP000002-770

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, ROBESON COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Wayne E. Charlton and Tara Charlton to First American Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), which was dated September 3, 2004 and recorded on September 8, 2004 in Book 1413 at Page 208, Robeson County Registry, North Carolina.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 25SP000292-890

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust

OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT , having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O cial Records of Union County, North Carolina, in Book 09115, Page 0158, and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse

This property is subject to Restrictive Covenants recorded in Book 1084, Page 358, Robeson County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 3612 Red Hill Road, Maxton, NC 28364.

A certi ed check only (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 4, 2025 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Robeson County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 4 as shown on a map for Ronald Anderson and Bender Ray Chavis recorded in Map Book 36, Page 107, Robeson County Registry.

door in Union County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on July 31, 2025 at 12:00pm, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Union, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 07093785 ADDRESS: 4080 HOLLY VILLA CIRCLE INDIAN TRAIL, NC 28079 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): WILLIE JOE MOORE THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF UNION, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 07809, PAGE 0668, AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT 49 IN BLOCK 12 OF HOLLY PARK, PHASE 4, MAP 3, AS SAME IS SHOWN ON A PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT CABINET I AT FILES 484-485, UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of Forty-Five Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1).

bidder for cash the following described property situated in Union County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot Number 3 as shown on that plat entitled “Minor Subdivision of James A. Hurst & Norma P. Hurst” recorded in Plat Cabinet F at File Number 961, Union County Register of Deeds, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more complete description.

Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 4807 Austin Rd, Monroe, NC 28112. A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX

time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Wayne E. Charlton and wife, Tara Charlton.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination.

Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present at the place of sale, which may be accepted by the person conducting the sale, or their agent”.

The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust/security agreement, or both, being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property being o ered for sale, and any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject to all taxes, special assessments, and prior liens or prior encumbrances of record and any recorded releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of

AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.

Said property to be o ered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being o ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not have possession of the property and cannot grant access, prior to or after the sale, for purposes of inspection and/ or appraisal. This sale is made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, any unpaid land transfer taxes, special assessments, easements, rights of way, deeds of release, and any other encumbrances or exceptions of record. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Christopher Sarvis.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or

records of the Register of Deeds, is/are John E. Dalrymple and Scarlett S. Dalrymple. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions

parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination [NCGS § 45-21.16A(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. Pursuant to NCGS §45-21.25A, this sale may be subject to remote bids placed by bidders not physically present

If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to

WAKE

of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 1512 Willow Downs Circle, Willow Spring, NC 27592 Tax Parcel ID: 0218513 Present Record Owners:

The Estate of Bradley David Sloan The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Bradley David Sloan. The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the Trustee nor the holder of the note secured by the deed of trust being foreclosed, nor the o cers, directors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of either the Trustee or the holder of the note make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property o ered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all

Boating holiday

N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission o cers were training on Lake Tillery this week, with nearly a dozen boats spotted on the water Monday. Four NCWRC boats, along with a pontoon boat, cruised the lake on the hot summer day.

the BRIEF this week

Trump administration withdraws from UNESCO again

United Nations

The Trump administration has announced it will once again withdraw from the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO. The move Tuesday was expect and has the U.S. further retreating from international organizations. The decision comes two years after the Biden administration rejoined following a controversial, ve-year absence that began during President Donald Trump’s rst term. The White House cited similar concerns as it did in 2018, saying it believes U.S. involvement is not in its national interest and accusing the agency promoting anti-Israel speech. The UNESCO chief said she “deeply” regrets the U.S. decision but the agency “has prepared for it.” She denied accusations of anti-Israel bias.

Pentagon tightens medical waivers rules to join military Washington, D.C. The Pentagon says people with congestive heart failure, undergoing treatment for schizophrenia or who have a history of paraphilic disorders will no longer be eligible for a medical waiver to serve in the military. The guidance signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and issued Tuesday updates conditions that disqualify recruits from service. Waivers have long been granted for a long list of medical conditions. Hegseth says the change will help ensure the physical and mental capabilities of service members.

$2.00

Commissioners run into legal blockade on wastewater waiver

The Sam’s Xpress Car Wash was assumed to have needed waiver approval by the commission

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — The Chatham County Board of Commissioners ran into a legal quandary at its July 21 for its regular business meeting.

The legal question arose in regard to the planned Sam’s Xpress Car Wash near Briar Chapel and its plans for wastewater treatment.

The site had previously submitted a request for a waiver of section seven of the Waste

Gov. Josh Stein’s declaration means additional funds will be available to the county from the state and feds

By Bob Sutton Chatham News & Record

A STATE OF emergency was declared by Gov. Josh Stein in Chatham County, as well as a

dozen other central North Carolina counties following severe ooding and other e ects from Tropical Storm Chantal.

The release from the governor’s o ce said the state of emer-

and Wastewater of the Compact Communities Ordinance (CCO) to allow for an industrial pump and haul option to dispose of wastewater that is not reused in the water reclamation system for the Briar Chapel development. Section seven states that “wastewater treatment shall occur at centralized wastewater treatment facilities either on-site or at existing, previously permitted o -site facilities as permitted by [the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality].”

“The original plan was that the wastewater was all going to be discharged and treated onsite by a commercial wastewater treatment plant operator lo-

See WAIVER, page A3

State of emergency declared in Chatham

gency was issued “to facilitate and support long-term recovery e orts from ooding caused by Tropical Storm Chantal.”

A state of emergency is primarily a nancial move, freeing up state and federal funds to cover additional costs, like overtime, for government agencies.

“Tropical Storm Chantal cost

2026 Senate map tough for Democrats, Republicans have their own

All eyes are now on Lara Trump, the president’s daughterin-law, who is mulling whether to run in her home state as other potential candidates stand by.

headaches

Dems need to net four seats to retake the majority

By Thomas Beaumont and Jill Colvin The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C.

—

Republicans are encountering early headaches in Senate races viewed as pivotal to maintaining the party’s majority in next year’s midterm elections, with recruitment failures, open primaries, in ghting and a president who has been sitting on the sidelines.

Democrats still face an uphill battle. They need to net four seats to retake the major-

ity, and most of the 2026 contests are in states that Republican President Donald Trump easily won last November.

But Democrats see reasons for hope in Republicans’ challenges. They include a nasty primary in Texas that could jeopardize a seat Republicans have held for decades. In North Carolina and Georgia, the GOP still lacks a clear eld of candidates. Trump’s in uence dials up the uncertainty as he decides whether to ex his in uential endorsement to stave o intraparty ghts. Republicans stress that it remains early in the election cycle and say there is still

some of our neighbors their lives and others their livelihood and property. We must do everything we can to support them as they get back on their feet,” Stein said in the release. “This state of emergency will help get North Carolinians the support

See EMERGENCY, page A2

THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

July 14

• Jamonte Gabrielle Bethea, 32, of Mebane, was arrested for simple assault.

July 16

• Yassen Abdo Mossaid, 22, of Siler City, was arrested for felony counterfeit trademark.

July 17

• Larry William Varner Sr., 54, of Beer Creek, was arrested for indecent liberties with a child, rst-degree kidnapping, statutory rape of a child 15 or younger, selling or delivering a controlled substance to a minor, and intentional child abuse causing serious physical injury.

• Sarah Katherine Williams, 40, of Chapel Hill, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny.

July 18

• Elizabeth Kouba Thorn, 69, of Siler City, was arrested for driving while impaired.

• Chasen Corey Teal, 40, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was arrested as a fugitive from justice.

• Glenda Rena Emerson, 42, of Siler City, was arrested for larceny of a motor vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, and simple assault.

July 20

• Travis Lashaun Spinks, 44, of Pittsboro, was arrested for cruelty to animals.

N.C. 902, and roads around the county, saw severe damage during ooding from Chantal. The state of emergency declaration will free up funds to cover road repairs and other e orts.

EMERGENCY from page A1

they need and enable the state to seek out potential funding to help communities rebuild.”

Other counties included in the state of emergency are Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Randolph and Wake.

The brunt of the July 7 storm impacted Orange, Chatham, Alamance and Durham counties.

“The Division of Emergency Management is working with local o cials to assess the scope of damage caused by

Tropical Storm Chantal,” the release said. “As the full damage assessment is completed in concert with relevant federal partners, the declaration along with the assessment analysis will determine possible additional support that residents, businesses, and local governments may receive to accelerate the recovery process and support expenses incurred during the response phase of the disaster.”

In a related but separate announcement, North Carolina Attorney General Je Jackson announced the state’s

price gouging laws have been implemented in the impacted counties. The same 13 counties were listed in his announcement. The state of emergency triggered the anti-price gouging edict.

“If you see a business charging more for essential goods or services than they should, le a complaint with our o ce right away,” Jackson said. “We will do everything we can to hold bad actors responsible.”

These measures stay in place for 30 days and can be extended.

CHATHAM happening

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

July 25

Color Our World with the NC Zoo 11 a.m. to noon Families and children of all ages are welcome to this free event, which explores the colors and patterns of di erent animal species. This event will be held in the Holmes Family Meeting Room.

Chatham Community Library 197 N.C. Highway 87 N Pittsboro

The Gravy Boys at Bynum Front Porch

7-8:30 p.m.

Free musical performance; donations are welcome. This is a family-friendly event with food and beverages available for purchase on-site.

Front Porch Bynum General Store 950 Bynum Road Bynum

July 26

Chatham Mills

Farmers Market

8 a.m. to noon

Producers-only farmers market o ering a wide variety of goods from fresh produce to other groceries, including eggs, cheese, meat, health and wellness items, and crafts. Everything is created by the vendors themselves.

Lawn of the historic Chatham Mills

480 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro

Vegan Summer Potluck at the Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge

6-8:30 p.m.

Food and games will be available at this free family-friendly event. Participants are asked to bring an ingredient list for their dishes for those who have food allergies. Organizers also ask that you bring your own reusable serving ware and utensils to avoid using disposables.

7236 U.S. Highway 87 North Pittsboro

July 30

Jazz Night at The Sycamore at Chatham Mills

6-9 p.m.

Every Wednesday night from 6-9 p.m., The Sycamore at Chatham Mills hosts live Jazz Nights. The series features a rotating list of local musicians. The Sycamore also o ers its Lounge Menu in the dining room on Wednesday nights. Reservations are highly recommended

480 Hillsboro St. Suite 500 Pittsboro

PJ WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS AND RECORD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 17 2025

Brooke Harris named new principal at Moncure School

She’s the former assistant principal at George Moses Horton Middle School

Chatham News & Record sta

CHATHAM County Schools named Brooke Harris as the new principal of Moncure School, ef fective this past Monday.

Harris most recently served as assistant principal at George Moses Horton Middle School, where she helped lead school wide academic and behavioral initiatives and supported sta professional development. Before that role, she was assistant principal at Chatham Grove Elementary School.

COURTESY CHATHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS

Brooke Harris

and a shared commitment to excellence. I look forward to listening, learning, and working with our dedicated sta to build solid foundation that been established at

Superintendent Anthony Jackson praised the appointment, calling Harris “a thoughtcentered leader who brings a wealth of experience across grade levels.”

“We are con dent she will continue to build on Moncure School’s strong foundation and further its culture of academic excellence and community pride,” Jackson said.

Church News

BEAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH

480 Bonlee Carbonton Road, Bear Creek

Come join us for Vacation Bible School as we go on a summer road trip with God! July 27-30. 6:30-8:30 p.m. nightly.

All children aged 3 years to 6th grade are invited!

Chatham County Schools Announces New Principal at Moncure School

“I am excited to be the Principal at Moncure School and look forward to serving our teachers, students, and community,” Harris said. “While

I may be new to this role at Moncure, I am not new to caring deeply about students and their success. The best schools are built on strong relationships, clear communication,

The district thanked the Moncure community for its engagement throughout the selection process.

Chatham County Schools is pleased to announce that Ms Brooke Harris has been named Principal of Moncure School, effective Monday, July 21, 2025

Chatham County Schools serves nearly 9,000 students across 20 schools.

Ms Harris brings a strong track record of leadership and dedication to student success across Chatham County Schools She most recently ser ved as Assistant Principal at George Moses Hor ton Middle School (GMHS) where she helped lead school-wide academic and behavioral initiatives and suppor ted the professional growth of staff Prior to her time at GMHS, she ser ved as Assistant Principal at Chatham Grove Elementar y School

“I am excited to be the Principal at Moncure School and look for ward to ser ving our teachers students and community ” said Ms Harris While I may be new to this role at Moncure I am not new to caring deeply about students and their success The best schools are built on strong relationships clear communication, and a shared commitment to excellence I look for ward to listening, learning, and working with our dedicated staff to build upon the solid foundation that has already been established at Moncure ”

Superintendent Dr Anthony Jackson praised Harris s appointment stating Ms Harris is a thoughtful student- centered leader who brings a wealth of experience across grade levels We are con dent she will continue to build on Moncure School s strong foundation and fur ther its culture of academic excellence and community pride

Clouds hover over the entrance of the Florida State Prison in Starke, Florida,

Hillsborough man convicted of killing wife dies after 4 decades on death row

Robert Peede was convicted in Florida in 1984

The Associated Press

STARKE, Fla. — A man convicted of killing his estranged wife has died after spending more than four decades on Florida’s death row.

Robert Peede, 81, died Mon-

day at Florida State Prison in Starke, according to Florida Department of Corrections records. His cause of death wasn’t immediately reported.

Peede was convicted in 1984 of murdering his estranged wife, Darla Peede, a year earlier.

According to court records, Robert Peede drove from his home in North Carolina to Florida in March 1983 with the intention of making his wife re-

your

Teachers, are you looking for new opportunities to fund projects for your classroom? Central Electric is awarding up to $15,000 in Bright Ideas education grants to local educators in K-12 classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year.

turn to North Carolina with him.

During the drive back, Peede stopped just outside of Orlando and fatally stabbed his wife in the neck, prosecutors said. Her body was later found dumped in a wooded area of Georgia.

When Peede was arrested at his home in Hillsborough, Darla Peede’s car was parked outside. Its interior was heavily bloodstained.

e nal deadline for all grant applications is Sept. 15, but don’t wait to apply. Applications submitted prior to the early-bird deadline on Aug. 15 will be entered to win one of ve $100 Visa gi cards. Scan the QR code or visit NCBrightIdeas.com for more information or to apply!

Sunday thru Tuesday night will be lled with music, crafts, bible stories, games, snacks and fun. Wednesday night is family night with a closing commencement and cookout.

cated right in the vicinity,” said county attorney Bob Hagemann. “That was clearly what was contemplated initially. As I understand it, whoever they anticipated using declined to accept this wastewater for whatever reason, so that left the carwash owner to look for alternatives.”

The plan was originally brought before the board in May, and they assumed that the applicant would need to submit a waiver for their proposed wastewater treatment plan (pump and haul) as the site is within a compact community zoning.

However, the applicant contended that a waiver was not actually required.

According to Hagemann, Chatham County Planning Director Jason Sullivan is the zoning administrator for the county and under state law, is therefore charged with making interpretations and determinations under the land use ordinance. As such, Sullivan concluded that a waiver was indeed not required, superseding the commission as is allowed by state law.

“He concluded in making this determination, that they have the right to dispose of this wastewater either on-site or o -site, so long as it’s done in compliance by state regulations and DEQ approvals, which are required,” Hagemann said.

In regard to complaints from citizens on whether or not the site was suitable for a car wash along with other environmental concerns, Hagemann clari ed that that “ship had already sailed” as the zoning had already been approved years ago by a prior board of commissioners.

“It just seems odd to say that we are powerless in this scenario,” said Commissioner David Delaney. “It feels odd that we as the board, that hires and manages and oversees this entire area, doesn’t have some kind of input there.”

The board also adopted a resolution honoring Drake Powell on his selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Powell, a Pittsboro native, spent four years playing at Northwood High School before a one-and-done year with the UNC Tar Heels. He was drafted 22nd overall by the Brooklyn Nets.

“The Chatham County Board of Commissioners hereby honors and congratulates Drake Powell on his selection in the 2025 NBA Draft and commends him for his outstanding athletic achievements, dedication to personal growth, and exemplary representation of Chatham County on the national stage,” said Chair Karen Howard.

The board then held a public hearing for amendments to the Chatham County Ordinance Establishing a Planning Board to modernize the terminology and change the initial member appointment date.

“Just some examples of the changes that the planning board did, they changed the language to be gender neutral throughout the document and it was important to them to change some of the terms to say ‘recommend’ instead of ‘decide’ or ‘determine.’ That aligns more with what the planning board’s duties are,” said Planner Hunter Glenn.

Other changes include establishing when meetings needed to be held, changing language to comply with current state statutes and changing start dates from Jan. 1 to March 1.

Finally, the board designated Vice Chair Katie Kenlan as the county’s voting delegate for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Annual Conference. Amanda Robertson will serve as the alternate.

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners will next meet Aug. 18.

Hagemann did state, however, that anybody with legal standing would be able to appeal the decision to the county’s zoning board of adjustments and even the state’s Superior and Appellate courts if need be.

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.

WAIVER from page A1

CURT ANDERSON / AP PHOTO

in 2023.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

In praise of our public library

Not every behavior is acceptable, but everyone is welcome. When anyone asks for help, someone else tries to assist. That’s a wonderful sentence.

I WRITE IN PRAISE and thanksgiving for the Chatham County Public Library. It is a treasure in all seasons, including in the heat and humidity of summer. Unlike the pool, the library does not close for thunderstorms. There are enormous windows that allow one to look out upon all kinds of weather and chairs throughout the building like tiny oases of comfort. I nd a library to be a useful personality test. My oldest grabs a book and retreats to a corner to lose himself in another world. My youngest nds a new friend — extroverts unite! They whisper at the art table; hopefully, their occasional punctuations of laughter do not disturb others. My middle child likes to roam the shelves, hunting for new titles. He knows how to use the search engine on the computer, but I think he prefers to ask the friendly librarian for help.

Recently, I’ve been reading about the decline of religious institutions as so-called third places, meaning

COLUMN | BOB WACHS

communities where people gather that are outside of the home and work. A library is holy not only as a place of quiet contemplation. On any given day, various nonpro ts and community organizations meet to plan events outside the walls. Meanwhile, the library sponsors speakers, hosts events and screens documentaries. There are fun, educational opportunities for all ages, including kids and teenagers.

On the library’s free internet, I learned that, in 1790, Benjamin Franklin gifted more than 100 books to the town in Massachusetts that bears his surname. While the town leaders had requested a church bell, the famous founding father had another idea. The town agreed that everyone could borrow the books, thereby establishing the rst public library in the United States.

“Public” is a word that can be parsed, even debated. Fundamentally, a “public” space is neither mine nor yours. Not every behavior is acceptable, but everyone is welcome. When anyone asks

for help, someone else tries to assist. That’s a wonderful sentence.

I am dismayed that librarians, particularly children’s librarians, have recently come under attack. Don’t we have better things to do? Among our library’s periodicals, I read a newspaper column by Michael Perry, who observed that too many of us waste our time “yelling at so-called neighbors to get o our metaphorical porches.” Like I tell my dog, who wants to play in the calling cards of geese, you risk taking on whatever you roll around in. Self- centeredness, cynicism and mistrust are not a good look on anyone.

So long may the Chatham County Public Library continue to serve as a safe, inclusive and peaceful space. Hopefully, I’ll see you there soon.

Andrew Taylor-Troutman’s newest book is “This Is the Day.” He serves as pastor of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church as well as a writer, pizza maker, co ee drinker and student of joy.

Clothes not only thing that made the man

Now, as I think of those days, I realize that while all those features and more were part of the place, it was really the people I went in to see.

NOT SO TERRIBLY long ago, I was rummaging through my closet searching for some article of clothing; I just don’t remember exactly what it was I was looking for.

It may have been a favorite tie or a shirt that didn’t come equipped with gravy stains on it, or even a pair of pants with the stretchy, expandable waistband that serves me so well these days.

As I searched here and there through the racks, I came upon an item I had forgotten I had and obviously had not seen in quite some time.

But there it was — hanging on the Clubman coat hanger just as I’d left it some years prior. Still looked good, I thought ... the article of clothing, that is, not me. I turned the pockets inside out to see if I’d squirreled away any money but found only half a stick of gum and some tissues.

But hey, I thought, think I’ll try it on. Slipped it o the rack and onto my torso and then remembered why it was living in the back of the closet. It was something I wore when I wore a younger man’s clothes.

But it was still a good-looking blazer, and the label inside told me why: “Arthur’s Men’s Shop, Pittsboro, NC.”

I never really got over William Ray closing his shop. After all, he had practically raised me through the world of fashion. After Mama stopped making me go to the bargain basement in Belk’s in downtown Raleigh to try on jeans and let me slide into teenager years, I became a frequent customer of William Ray’s shop on Pittsboro’s Main Street, a habit

that endured through the years as long as I was in town and he was in business.

In addition to the high quality, William Ray o ered several other bene ts. Along with quality was, I thought, good prices. Actually, he ruined me as a shopper because today I still think shirts should be about $5 and pants around $10. I just can’t nd them anywhere these days.

The shop also provided other niceties, like the formals we rented in high school for the Junior-Senior Banquet. Today, I think the equivalent of that event is something called “The Prom” and is an occasion for young ladies to spend a gazillion dollars on an out t they may wear at the dance for an hour until they leave to go who knows where.

Arthur’s Men’s Shop was also the place to go when I rented a monkey suit for Shirley’s wedding a few years ago. It was the rst time I ever saw those little fasteners with black heads that you used instead of buttons to button your fancy shirt.

William Ray was on the cutting edge of fashion for a small town. I still remember the time I was in the store and he told me of this new fashion product I should try on because it was so lightweight, you wouldn’t think you were wearing pants. It was there I slipped on my rst pair of polyester pants, and they felt so good I bought several then and there. Later, I moved along in the world of high fashion as I purchased my beautiful light blue leisure suit, complete with matching dark blue shirt with huge collars, from William Ray.

Now, as I think of those days, I realize

that while all those features and more were part of the place, it was really the people I went in to see. At the back of the store was an elevated platform the width of the store. It was only 6 to 8 inches higher than the rest of the store, but it had several stu ed chairs and a couch or two just right for sitting and wasting ... er, I mean enjoying a visit with William or his good wife Gladys or Wade Lemons, a sharp-dressed man in his own right. Many times, I was in the store not for a purchase but to visit with those good folks and whoever else happened to be there.

I remember when they laid William Ray to rest at the Methodist Church in Pittsboro some years ago. I would see him around town from time to time, occasionally bumping into him at one of the local eateries, often with one or both of his lovely daughters with him. He always asked about my two brothers since they, too, had dropped a dollar or two with him from time to time in their e orts at looking good.

On the day family and friends said “goodbye” to a good fellow, I wasn’t there. Had planned to be; can’t remember what it was that came up that prevented me from going to the service, but I think I may try another tting of that sport coat as a token of thanks and respect for William. Couldn’t hurt.

Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.

LETTERS

To The Editor:

Our all-too-human cravings

There lives a little kid inside me who still relishes all those creamy, sweet, probably chocolate, variations on dessert Nirvana.

WAITING IN A GROCERY store line (forever), I look to my left. Twinkies. They still make Twinkies? Talk about shades of my childhood. Although, to be blindingly honest, I liked the Hostess chocolate cupcakes much better. The cupcake’s cream lling in the middle of moist chocolate … what can I say? Absolute ambrosia in my child’s mind. Major whoops! Just as I wrote “child’s mind“ above, I experienced a minor, internal eruption of “What?!” Well, golly gee, that cry of feeling diminished came from my own, quite alive, inner kid. No, no, please don’t look askance at my mention of my inner munchkin. You’ve got one too!

We all do.

In that vein, I recently heard a friend say she’d been visiting her sister in another state. They celebrated her brother-in-law’s birthday with red velvet cake (oh my!) and some other sort of completely, gushy, sweet pastry that left her ngers feeling sticky afterward, enough so that she had to lick them clean. (OMG, I’m dying! I want some now!)

The next night, the three of them nished what was left of that sugar banquet.

My friend’s luscious description of pure dessert delight (I was already gone at her mention of red velvet cake) was followed by a slight snort of disgust or superiority, I’m not sure which. Also, the statement, “I would never keep that kind of sugar-drenched food in my house!”

I’ve certainly heard those words of indictment before. Yep, I have. Coming from my very own mouth. Often, repeatedly …

I, however, (am I bragging?) have had a serious change of heart regarding the Twinkie, Hostess cupcake, red velvet cake genre of, shall we say, nutrition. I have. Not kidding.

I nally owned that I’m human. Still am, I think. And on my particular spectrum of being human, there lives a little kid inside me who still relishes all those creamy, sweet, probably chocolate, variations on dessert Nirvana. OK, OK, let’s just be straight

COLUMN

| VICTOR DAVIS HANSON

How the world flipped in 6 months

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners.

IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS, the entire world has been turned upside down. There is no longer such a thing as conventional wisdom or the status quo. The unthinkable has become the banal.

Take illegal immigration — remember the 10,000 daily illegal entries under former President Joe Biden?

Recall the only solution was supposedly “comprehensive immigration reform” — a euphemism for mass amnesties.

Now there is no such thing as daily new illegal immigration. It simply disappeared with commonsense enforcement of existing immigration laws — and a new president.

How about the 40,000-50,000 shortfall in military recruitment?

Remember all the causes that the generals cited for their inability to enlist soldiers: generational gangs, obesity, drugs and sti competition with private industry?

And now?

In just six months, recruitment targets are already met; the issue is mostly moot. Why? The new Pentagon ipped the old, canceling its racist DEI programs and assuring the rural, middle-class Americans — especially white males — that they were not systemically racist after all.

Instead, they were reinvited to enlist as the critical combat cohort who died at twice their demographic share in Iraq and Afghanistan.

How about the “end of the NATO crisis,” supposedly brought on by a bullying U.S.?

Now the vast majority of NATO members have met their pledges to spend 2% of gross domestic product on defense, which will soon increase to 5%.

Iconic neutrals like Sweden and Finland have become frontline NATO nations, arming to the teeth. The smiling NATO secretarygeneral even called Trump the “daddy” of the alliance

What about indomitable, all-powerful, theocratic Iran, the scourge of the Middle East for nearly 50 years?

Although it had never won a war in the last half-century, its terrorist surrogates— Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis — were supposedly too dangerous to provoke.

Now?

Most of their expeditionary terrorists are neutered, and their leaders are in hiding or dead. Iran has no air force, no real navy, no air defenses and no active nuclear weapons program.

Its safety apparently depends only on the mood of the U.S. or Israel on any given day not to y into its airspace and take out its missiles, nuclear sites, generals or theocrats at will.

What happened to the supposedly inevitable recession, hyperin ation, stock market collapse, unemployment spikes and global trade war that last spring economists assured us would hit by summer?

Job growth is strong, and April’s in ation

with one another. I bet you have your own variant of that wildly voracious inner kid.

Um … maybe you’ve forgotten about him, her or them??

Ominous drum roll … you begin to grow up and are told, “Put away childish things!” Adults don’t do things like gobble down red velvet cake and keep a wonderful stash of chocolate-covered ginger in the house.

Oh no, that beloved little unique you, goes into the closet (never to emerge again?)

Balderdash.

Here’s a serious thought in the midst of all these sugary food ramblings. I’m on the human spectrum. A human spectrum inclusive of my (mostly) responsible adult, and a still, live-wire, little kid. I certainly wouldn’t call being an adult boring, but the liveliness and uniqueness of my little kid also brings joy and incredible light into the world I inhabit.

Every now and then, my little kid peeps out, looks over her shoulder to see if anyone’s watching, opens the fridge and totally demolishes a huge chocolate brownie a wonderful neighbor gifted me. Does this occur every day? Nope. But that occasional ravishing of the brownie or red velvet cake or whatever makes me happy. I notice that my head and ngers are bopping in tune with the internal delight of just laying into this sugar banquet. And, of course, I do have a stationary bike in another room …

So this human will continue to indulge, on occasion, feel her happiness during the indulgence and then see where the next steps in my life are beckoning me.

“When I became an adult, I put away childish things, including my fear of childishness”

— C.S. Lewis

Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.

rate is the lowest in four years. GDP is still steady. The stock market hit a record high. Trade partners are renegotiating their surpluses with the U.S.

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners. It seems their preexisting and mostly undisclosed pro ts were large enough to a ord reasonable U.S. symmetrical tari s.

For now, news of tax cuts, deregulation, “drill, baby, drill” energy policies displacing Green New Deal strangulation and $8-$10 trillion in potential foreign investment has encouraged — rather than deterred — business.

Then there were our marquee elite universities, whose prestige, riches, and powerful alumni made them answerable to no one.

And now, after the executive and congressional crackdown on their decades of hubris?

Supposedly brilliant university presidents have resigned in shame. The public has caught on to their grant surcharge gouging.

Campuses have backed o their arrogant de ance of the Supreme Court’s civil rights rulings.

They are panicked about the public exposure of their systemic antisemitism.

They are scrambling to explain away their institutionalized ideological bias, tawdry pro tmaking schemes and mass recruitment of wealthy foreign students from illiberal regimes.

So the mighty Ivy League powerhouses are now humbling themselves to cut a deal to save their nancial hides and hopefully return to their proper mission of disinterested education.

What happened to the trans juggernaut of sex as a social construct and its bookend gospel that biological men could dominate women’s sports?

People woke up. They were no longer afraid to state that sex is binary and biologically determined. And biological men who dominate women’s sports are bullies, not heroes.

Where are the millionaire-scamming architects of Black Lives Matter now? Where is the “DEI now, tomorrow and forever” conventional wisdom?

Where is professor Ibram X. Kendi and his $30,000 Zoom lessons on how to ght racism by being racist?

They have all been exposed as the race hustlers they always were. Their creed that it is OK for supposed victims to be racist victimizers themselves was exposed as an absurd con.

So what ipped everything?

We were living in an “emperor has no clothes” make-believe world for the last few years. The people knew establishment narratives were absurd, and our supposed experts were even more ridiculous.

But few — until now — had the guts to scream “the emperor is naked” to dispel the fantasies.

When they nally did, reality returned.

Victor Davis Hanson, a senior contributor for The Daily Signal, is a classicist and historian at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and host of The Victor Davis Hanson Show. This article was rst published by The Daily Signal.

I JUST WANT to share an experience I had Saturday, July 5.

Being a retired deputy and serving the people for 30 yearsm, I found this incident should be shared with Siler City folk. I was traveling thorough Siler City on my way home from the mountains when my vehicle hit a “sinkhole” at the stoplight across from dry dock sh house. Be advised “sinkhole,” not a pothole. It was bad enough to really do major damage to a small vehicle.

When I got home, I called Siler City Police to report same.

There was no answer at the police department. I couldn’t understand that, (no one at the department , a town this size) but anyway, I called Chatham County dispatch to report this sinkhole.

A very nice young lady took my call, and as I told her of my experience, she asked, “What is a sinkhole?” So, I explained a sinkhole to her. Then I proceeded to tell her the location of the sinkhole. I advised it was across the street from sh house Siler City. She asked, “What is a sh house?” I proceeded to tell her what a sh house is.

Making sure someone would check into this hazard, I called the Siler City Fire Department. The reman answered the phone and merely advised there are many potholes in Siler City!

Again I explained the hazard at this area but to no avail.

I just want the paper and citizens to know I attempted to at least have a cone placed at this area to eliminate major damage to a vehicle.

J.R. Hill Sanford

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

Barack Obama’s message to Democrats: Toughen up

“IT’S GOING TO REQUIRE a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions. And it’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up,” former President Barack Obama told Democratic donors at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee last Friday night. “What I have been surprised by is the degree to which I’ve seen people who, when I was president, or progressives, liberals, stood for all kinds of stu , who seem like they’re kind of cowed and intimidated and shrinking away from just asserting what they believe, or at least what they said they believe.”

Toughen up? Who? How?

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have been out there holding rallies and public events, meeting with voters, talking plenty tough. What about Barack and Michelle? Are they ready to put aside their Hollywood production deals and get back in the trenches to save our democracy? We need them, desperately. In excerpts of his remarks distributed by his o ce, Obama targeted the law rms he said had been willing to “set aside the law ... not because, by the way, that they’re going to be thrown in jail, but because they might lose a few clients and might not be able to nish that kitchen rehab at their Hampton house. I’m not impressed.”

I have many friends and colleagues in the law rms that settled with the president and in the law rms that stood up and fought him. I didn’t hear about any kitchen rehabs in the Hamptons; President Donald Trump was threatening to destroy their rms. I have the greatest respect for those institutions that have stood up to Trump and the federal judges who have supported them. But I don’t blame those who have tried to stave o Trump’s attacks.

I do blame those who have chosen this moment to be silent or engage in blame games or refuse to stand up even though they face no jeopardy. That includes former presidents like Obama himself, who has been playing by an old set of rules in which former presidents don’t criticize their successors. That’s ne when our democracy is not in peril, which it is.

What is Barack Obama going to do about it?

At the fundraiser, Obama encouraged the rich Democrats in attendance to give money to the Democratic National Committee. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. As president, Obama had no use for the DNC; as The New York Times reported, “his own aides worked to diminish” the o cial party apparatus. And now, with a DNC wracked by internal divisions and in ghting, it is somehow the answer? To what? The DNC is part of the problem.

So is the party establishment. What is New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand doing going on the radio and suggesting that the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York is an antisemite who wants a jihad against New York’s Jews? What is former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo doing abandoning the Democratic Party in his desperate e ort to regain power? He had his chance, and he blew it. The voters spoke. Is he listening?

We need new leaders and new faces, and to get there, we need the leaders who people did trust — leaders like Barack and Michelle Obama, and Bill and Hillary Clinton — to help make that happen. They need to get out there on the stump, along with Bernie and AOC and show a united party willing to listen. Money is not the reason we lost the election. We misread the room. We weren’t listening.

Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.

obituaries

Shirley Marie Breeding Owens

July 6, 1939 –July 15, 2025

Shirley Marie Breeding Owens, 86, of Hurt passed away July 15, 2025, at Gretna Health and Rehabilitation in Gretna, VA, due to complications from a fall. She was born July 6, 1939, to the late George and E e Jackson Breeding, in Davenport, VA. She was married to Benny Owens, who passed away in 2004. In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was predeceased by her brothers, Charlie and Clyde Breeding, and a sister, Ola Gay Fletcher. She is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Mayhew and son-inlaw Robert, Green Mountain NC, and a son, David Owens, Mebane, NC; grandson, Daniel Mayhew and wife Jennifer, Luray, VA; step-greatgranddaughter, Caitlynn Lucas, Luray, VA; and a sister, Linda

May 25, 1943 –July 13, 2025

Clyde B. Perry, Jr., 82, passed away on July 13th, 2025. Born on May 25th, 1943, to Clyde B. Perry Sr. and Grace Sink Perry, he was a lifelong

Church, Davenport, VA. Shirley was a graduate of Council High School and Emory & Henry College, valedictorian at both. She worked as a public-school elementary teacher. In the 1970s, she owned and taught at Humpty Dumpty Kindergarten in Siler City, NC. She always treasured seeing her former students over the years. In 1983, her husband purchased a business in Altavista, VA, Vista Apparel, where she assisted with administration. That business was later sold and a new business, Eagle Pointe, was started in Huddleston, VA, where she managed the o ce. In her retirement years, she enjoyed crafts, especially crocheting. She especially enjoyed keeping up with her family with long phone chats. She was of the Methodist faith. The family wishes to give special thanks to a caring friend, Sue Bowling. Also, gratitude to the sta of Gretna Health and Rehabilitation. The family will receive friends from 1 pm until 2 pm on Saturday, July 19, 2025 in the CombsHess Funeral and Cremation Service chapel. Burial will be private and held in the Larkin Breeding Cemetery in Davenport, VA. Expressions of sympathy may be made on the Combs-Hess Funeral Service Facebook page and our website at www.chfunerals. com. Combs-Hess Funeral & Cremation Service, 291 Hwy 71 Fincastle Road, Lebanon, VA 24266, (276) 889-4444.

resident of Pittsboro and worked for many years doing maintenance for Chatham County Schools.

He and his wife Rena Hatley Perry were married for 60 years and had one son, Tim Perry. Clyde loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and sherman.

Clyde is survived by his wife, Rena Perry; Son, Tim Perry (Kelli) of Pittsboro; sisters Julie Frye and Laura Outz (both of Pittsboro); and three grandchildren.

He now joins his parents Clyde Sr. and Grace, as well as his brother Mark Perry. Per Clyde’s wishes, there will not be any services. Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Perry family.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ actor, dead at 54 in Costa Rica drowning

The actor played the beloved son Theo Huxtable

By Javier Cordoba and Andrew Dalton The Associated Press

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who as teenage son Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” was central to a cultural phenomenon that helped de ne the 1980s, died at 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, authorities there said Monday.

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department said Warner drowned Sunday afternoon on a beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean.

“He was rescued by people on the beach,” the department’s initial report said, but rst responders from Costa Rica’s Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue.

Warner created many TV moments etched in the memories of Generation X children and their parents, including a pilot- episode argument with Cosby about grades and careers, and another episode where Theo tries in vain to hide his ear piercing from his dad.

Theo was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cosby’s Cli Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad’s Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, and he would be one of the prime representations of American teenage life and Black boyhood on a show that was the most popular in America for much of its run from 1984 to 1992.

Warner worked for more than 40 years as an actor and director, also starring in the sitcoms “Malcolm & Eddie” and “Read Between the Lines,” and in the medical drama “The Resident.”

His nal credits came in TV guest roles, including a dramatic four- episode arc last year on the network procedural “9 -1-1,” where he played a nurse who was a long-term survivor of a terrible re.

“I grew up with a maniacal obsession with not wanting to be one of those ‘where are they now kids,’” Warner told The Associated Press in 2015. “I feel very blessed to be able to have all of these avenues of expression ... to be where I am now and nally at a place where I can let go of that worry about having a life after ‘Cosby.’”

He played Theo Huxtable for eight seasons, appearing in each of the 197 episodes of “The Cosby Show” and earning an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy in 1986.

Actor Viola Davis was among those giving tribute Monday.

“Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend. He was absolutely so familiar, and we rejoiced at how TV got it right!!”, The Oscar winner said on Instagram. “But Malcolm got it right

Come join our new aftercare program

... we reveled in your life and are gutted by this loss.”

The Cosby legacy

Like the rest of the “Cosby Show” cast, Warner had to contend with the sexual assault allegations against its titular star, whose conviction in a Pennsylvania court was later overturned.

Warner told the Associated Press in 2015 that the show’s legacy was “tarnished.”

“My biggest concern is when it comes to images of people of color on television and lm,” Warner said. “We’ve always had ‘The Cosby Show’ to hold up against that. And the fact that we no longer have that, that’s the thing that saddens me the most because in a few generations the Huxtables will have been just a fairy tale.”

Representatives for Cosby declined immediate comment.

Life after Theo

Warner’s rst major post-”Cosby” role came on the sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie,” co-starring with comedian Eddie Gri n in the popular series on the defunct UPN network from 1996 to 2000.

“My heart is heavy right now,” Gri n said on Instagram Monday. “Rest easy my brother for you have Won in life and now you have won forever eternal bliss..”

In the 2010s, he starred opposite Tracee Ellis Ross as a family-blending couple for two seasons on the BET sitcom “Read Between The Lines.” He also had a role as O.J. Simpson’s friend Al Cowlings on “American Crime Story” and was a series regular on Fox’s “The Resident.”

“First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my rst TV husband,” Ross said on Instagram. “My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant.”

Warner’s lm roles included the 2008 rom-com “Fool’s Gold” with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. A poet and a musician, Warner was a Grammy winner, for best traditional R&B performance, and was nominated for best spoken word poetry album for “Hiding in Plain View.”

Warner also worked as a director, helming episodes of “Malcolm & Eddie,” “Read Between the Lines,” “The Resident” and “All That.”

An actor’s childhood

Warner, named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, was born in 1970 in Jersey City, New Jersey. His mother, Pamela Warner, served as his manager when he began pursuing acting at age 9.

In the early 1980s, he made guest appearances on the TV shows “Matt Houston” — his rst credit — and “Fame.”

Warner was 13 when he landed the role of Theo in an audition after a broad search for the right child actor.

Cosby was a major star at the time, and the show was certain to be widely seen, but few could’ve predicted the huge phenomenon it would become.

For many the lasting image of Theo, and of Warner, is of him wearing a badly botched mock designer shirt sewed by his sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet. The “Gordon Gartrell” shirt later became a memeable image: Anthony Mackie wore one on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon and the pro le picture on Warner’s Instagram shows a toddler sporting one.

Warner would develop a love -hate relationship with the character.

“Theo was very good to me. And I think that show and that role is timeless. And I’m very proud of that role,” Warner said in a recent podcast interview, while noting that he’d tried to separate himself from the role and for years would recoil when fans addressed him as Theo.

“Part of the distancing for me is not wanting to see how much of Malcolm is in Theo. I remember doing the show and I always thought that Theo is corny. I want Theo to be cooler,” he told Melyssa Ford on her “Hot & Bothered” podcast. “Somebody called me America’s favorite white Black boy. And I was 15. ... It hurt me. ... That’s cultural trauma.” Warner was married with a young daughter, but chose to not publicly disclose their names. His representatives declined immediate comment on his death.

Clyde B. Perry

Debbie Horton

DANNY MOLOSHOK / INVISION / AP

Actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner poses for a portrait in 2015.

Ozzy Osbourne, godfather of heavy metal, dead at 76

The Black Sabbath frontman got a new audience with reality TV

By Mark Kennedy The Associated Press

OZZY OSBOURNE, the gloomy, demon-invoking lead singer of the pioneering band Black Sabbath who became the throaty, growling voice — and drug-and-alcohol ravaged id — of heavy metal, died Tuesday, just weeks after his farewell show. He was 76. Either clad in black or bare-chested, the singer was often the target of parents’ groups for his imagery and once caused an uproar for biting the head o a bat. Later, he would reveal himself to be a doddering and sweet father on the reality TV show “The Osbournes.”

Black Sabbath’s 1969 self-titled debut LP has been likened to the Big Bang of heavy metal. It came during the height of the Vietnam War and crashed the hippie party, dripping menace and foreboding.

The band’s second album, “Paranoid,” included such classic tunes as “War Pigs,” “Iron Man” and “Fairies Wear Boots.” The song “Paranoid” only reached No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 but became in many ways the band’s signature song. Both albums were voted among the top 10 greatest heavy metal albums of all time by readers of Rolling Stone magazine.

“Black Sabbath are the Beatles of heavy metal. Anybody who’s serious about metal will tell you it all comes down to Sabbath,” Dave Navarro of the band Jane’s Addiction wrote in a 2010 tribute in Rolling Stone. Sabbath red Osbourne in 1979 for his legendary excesses, like showing up late for rehearsals and missing gigs. He reemerged the next year as a solo artist with “Blizzard of Ozz” and the following year’s “Diary of a Madman,” both hard rock classics that went multi-platinum and spawned enduring favorites such as “Crazy Train,” “Goodbye to Romance,” “Flying High Again” and “You Can’t Kill Rock and Roll.” Osbourne was twice inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — once with Sabbath in 2006 and again in 2024 as a solo artist.

Donald Rose, UK’s oldest WWII veteran, dies

The Associated Press

LONDON — Britain’s oldest World War II veteran, Donald Rose, has died at the age of 110.

Rose participated in the D -Day landings on June 6, 1944, and was part of the division that liberated the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in northern Germany.

In a statement Friday, the leader of the Erewash Borough Council in the north of England, James Dawson, announced Rose’s death, calling him a “war hero.”

“Erewash was privileged to count him as a resident,” he added.

In May, Rose joined 45 other veterans as guests of honor at a tea party celebration hosted by the Royal British Legion at the National Memorial Arboretum

to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe Day.

Rose, who was born on Christmas Eve in 1914 following the outbreak of hostilities in World War I, said at the event that he did not celebrate VE Day at the time.

“When I heard that the armistice had been signed 80 years ago, I was in Germany at Belsen and, like most active soldiers, I didn’t get to celebrate at that time,” he said. “We just did what we thought was right, and it was a relief when it was over.”

Originally from the village of Westcott, southwest of London, Rose joined the army aged 23 and served in North Africa, Italy and France, according to the Royal British Legion. He received a number of medals and was awarded France’s highest honor, the Legion d’Honneur.

Rose was also believed to have been the U.K.’s oldest man.

The original Sabbath lineup reunited for the rst time in 20 years in July 2025 in the U.K. for what Osbourne said was his nal concert. “Let the madness begin!” he told 42,000 fans.

Metallica, Guns N Roses, Slayer, Tool, Pantera, Gojira, Alice in Chains, Lamb of God, Halestorm, Anthrax, Rival Sons and Mastodon did sets. Tom Morello, Steven Tyler, Billy Corgan, Ronnie Wood, Travis Barker, Sammy Hagar, Yungblud and Vernon Reid made appearances.

Osbourne embodied the excesses of metal. His outlandish exploits included relieving himself on the Alamo, snorting a line of ants o a sidewalk and, most memorably, biting the head o a live bat that a fan threw onstage during a 1981 concert. (He said he thought it was rubber.)

Osbourne was sued in 1987 by parents of a 19 -year-old teen who died by suicide while listening to his song “Suicide Solution.” The lawsuit was dismissed. Osbourne said the

song was really about the dangers of alcohol, which caused the death of his friend Bon Scott, lead singer of AC/DC. Then- Cardinal John J. O’Connor of New York claimed in 1990 that Osbourne’s songs led to demonic possession and even suicide. “You are ignorant about the true meaning of my songs,” the singer wrote back. “You have also insulted the intelligence of rock fans all over the world.”

Audiences at Osbourne shows could be mooned or spit on by the singer, but the Satan-invoking Osbourne would usually send the crowds home with their ears ringing and a hearty “God bless!”

He started an annual tour — Ozzfest — in 1996 after he was rejected from the lineup of what was then the top touring music festival, Lollapalooza. Ozzfest would host such bands as Slipknot, Tool, Megadeth, Rob Zombie, System of a Down, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park.

In 2013, he reunited with Black Sabbath for the dour, raw “13,” which reached No. 1 on the U.K. Albums Chart. In 2019, he had a Top 10 hit when featured on Post Malone’s “Take What You Want,” Osbourne’s rst song in the Top 10 since 1989.

In 2020, he released the album “Ordinary Man,” which had as its title song a duet with Elton John. “I’ve been a bad guy, been higher than the blue sky/And the truth is I don’t wanna die an ordinary man,” he sang. In 2022, he landed his rst career back-to-back No. 1 rock radio singles from his album “Patient Number 9,” which featured collaborations with Je Beck, Eric Clapton, Robert Trujillo and Du McKagan. t earned four Grammy nominations, winning two. (Osbourne won ve Grammys over his lifetime.)

At the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2024, Jack Black called him “greatest frontman in the history of rock ‘n’ roll” and “the Jack Nicholson of rock.”

John Michael Osbourne was raised in the gritty city of Birmingham, England. Kids in school nicknamed him Ozzy, short for his surname.

The Guardian in 2009 said the band “introduced working-class anger, stoner sludge grooves and witchy horror-rock to ower power.”

Much later, a wholesome Osbourne would be revealed when “The Osbournes,” which ran on MTV from 2002-2005, showed this one-time self-proclaimed madman drinking Diet Cokes as he struggled to nd the History Channel on his new satellite television.

He is survived by Sharon, and his children.

Get your learner’s permit this summer! Teenagers at 14 ½ years old may enroll in our teen class which includes 30 hrs of

and 6 hrs of behind-the-wheel lessons, and vision/medical screening before getting the learner’s permit.

New Classes: 7/14-7/18 • 7/21-7/25

8/1 - 5:00pm-8:00pm; 8/2&8/3 - 9:00am-3:00pm 8/8 - 5:00pm-8:00pm; 8/9&8/10 - 9:00am-3:00pm

DOUGLAS PIZAC / AP PHOTO

Rock singer Ozzy Osbourne poses for a photo in Los Angeles in 1981.

JACOB KING/PA VIA AP

Donald Rose

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FORECLOSURE

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

25E000284-180

ALL persons having claims against Barbara M. Perkin, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before October 1, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery.

Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

This the 3rd day of July, 2025.

MARTIN JACK PERKIN, Administrator

C/O Monroe, Wallace, Morden & Sherrill, PA 3225 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 117 Raleigh, NC 27612 July 3, 10, 17 and 24

LEGAL NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

25E000371-180

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of James E Beatty late of Chatham County, NC this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before October 27, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate are noti ed to make immediate payment.

This is the 27th day of July, 2025 James A Beatty 5200 Beechwood Road Milford, OH 45150 Send claims to: Wells Law, Attorneys at Law 380 Knollwood Street, Suite 710 Winston-Salem, NC 27103 336.793.4378 July 24, 31 Aug 7, 14, 2025

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Muriel Crowley Harris, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them, duly veri ed, to the undersigned at 344 West John Street, Matthews, NC 28105, on or before October 18, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned. This the 17th day of July, 2025. John T. Harris, Executor of the Estate of Muriel Crowley Harris, Chatham County File No. 24E001335-180, c/o Garrity & Gossage, LLP, 344 West John Street, Matthews, NC 28105.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of RICHARD JAMES MARION, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ces of Munson Law Firm PLLC, P.O. Box 1811 Pittsboro, NC 27312, on or before the 24th day of October, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 24th day of July, 2025.

LYNN MARION, ADMINISTRATOR ESTATE OF RICHARD MARION

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Margot Ann Friedrich, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them, duly veri ed, to the undersigned at 344 West John Street, Matthews, NC 28105, on or before October 17, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate settlement with the undersigned. This the 17th day of July, 2025. Heather N. Anschuetz-Je ers, Executor of the Estate of Margot Ann Friedrich, Chatham County File No. 25E000357-180, c/o Garrity & Gossage, LLP, 344 West John Street, Matthews, NC 28105.

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS

CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Nancy Paschal Price late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 16th day of October, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 9th day of July, 2025. Thomas King Price, III, Executor of the Estate of Nancy Paschal Price 301 South Dogwood Siler City, North Carolina 27344 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY All persons having claims against the estate of Nancy Meltzer, of Chatham County, NC, who died on July 11, 2022 are noti ed to present them on or before October 15, 2025 to Robert N. Maitand, II, Executor, c/o Maitland & Sti er Law Firm, 2 Couch Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Michele L. Sti er MAITLAND & STIFFLER LAW FIRM 2 Couch Road Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Attorney for the Estate

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as Co-Executors of the Estate of Eleanor Joyce Moore, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, do hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ces of Tillman, Whichard & Cagle, PLLC, 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 130, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, on or before the 24th day of October, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment.

This 24th day of July, 2025.

JENNIFER JOYCE MOORE AND SUSANNA MCHUGH

MOORE, CO-EXECUTORS, ESTATE OF ELEANOR

JOYCE MOORE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Jacobus E. de Vries aka Jacobus Egbert de Vries, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ces of Tillman, Whichard & Cagle, PLLC, 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 130, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, on or before the 24th day of October, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment.

This 24th day of July, 2025.

SARAH ELIZABETH TILLMAN, EXECUTOR

ESTATE OF JACOBUS E. DE VRIES AKA JACOBUS EGBERT DE VRIES

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Administrator CTA of the

Estate of Richard Drayton Peter late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 16th day of October, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 9th day of July, 2025. Linda P. Crabtree, Administrator CTA of the Estate of Richard Drayton Peter 25 Joe Brown 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

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION COUNTY OF CHATHAM FILE NO. 25CV000703-180 NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION GILDA H. LAMBERT, Plainti , vs. JOHN DOE and MRS. JOHN DOE, if married, and other UNKNOWN OWNERS, in esse and not in esse, being the owners of the Property described herein unknown to the Plainti , together with all assignees, heirs at law, and devisees of MARY LEE HORTON, together with all of her creditors, and lienholders regardless of how or through whom they claim, and any and all persons claiming any interest in the estate of MARY LEE HORTON Defendants.

TO: JOHN DOE and MRS. JOHN DOE, if married, and other UNKNOWN OWNERS, in esse and not in esse, being the owners of the Property described herein unknown to the Plainti , together with all assignees, heirs at law, and devisees of MARY LEE HORTON, together with all of her creditors, and lienholders regardless of how or through whom they claim, and any and all persons claiming any interest in the estate of MARY LEE HORTON Take notice that a Complaint has been led in the above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is to quiet title and obtain a declaratory judgment on real property in Chatham County, North Carolina described in the Complaint.

You are required to le a response to the Complaint not later than the 26th day of August, 2025, said date being 40 days from the rst publication of this notice in order to participate in and receive further notice of the proceeding, including notice of the time and place of any hearing, and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. This the 11th day of July, 2025. GUNN & MESSICK, PLLC

By: /s/ Paul S. Messick, Jr. N.C. State Bar No. 2979 Post O ce Box 880 Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312 Telephone: (919) 542-3253 Facsimile: (919) 542-0257 Email: pm@gunnmessick.com Attorney for Plainti

Notice to Creditors

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Edith Fomby Gibbons, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before October 20, 2025 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 17th day of July, 2025.

Donna M. Beaudoin, Administrator c/o W. Thomas McCuiston 200 Towne Village Drive Cary, NC 27513

NOTICE

ALL PERSONS, rms, and corporations having claims against Donna Marie Spring Ring, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before October 3rd, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 3rd of July, 2025. Michelle Lynn Ring Romanowicz, Administrator of the Estate of Donna Marie Spring Ring, c/o Amanda Honea, Attorney, 1033 Wade Avenue, Suite 104, Raleigh, NC 27605.

NOTICE

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHATHAM COUNTY

VIRGINIA LYNN NEAL, Petitioner v. TIMOTHY

MICHAEL HOGAN and AMY FORDHAM COOK, Respondents (25SP000046-180) TO: AMY FORDHAM COOK Take notice that a petition seeking relief against you was led on March 19, 2025 in the above partition action. The nature of this action is as follows: petition for partition and sale of real property. You are required to make defense to such petition no later than 40 days after the date of the rst publication of this Notice and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. Wesley A. Stewart, Esq., 5410 Trinity Rd., Ste. 210, Raleigh, NC, 27607, Petitioner’s Attorney. J24, 31 and 7

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

25E000323-180

ALL persons having claims against Darrell Lloyd Cole, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Oct 24 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 24th day of July, 2025.

Alesia J Purvis, Executor C/O Bowen Law Firm PC 590 New Waverly Pl Ste 120 Cary, NC 27518 J24, 31, 7 and 14

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000365-180 The undersigned, MELYNNA JOHNSON DOWD, having quali ed on the 9th Day of JULY, 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of FAYDEENE R. JOHNSON, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 17TH Day OF OCTOBER 2025, 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 17TH DAY OF JULY 2025.

MELYNNA JOHNSON DOWD, EXECUTOR

148 VALLEY OAK COURT LEXINGTON, NC 27295

Run dates: Jy17,24,31A7p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25000253-180

The undersigned, JEROME LEE FORSTER, having quali ed on the 6th Day of MAY, 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of ANDREA CLAUDINE FORSTER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 24TH Day OF OCTOBER 2025, 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 24TH DAY OF JULY 2025.

JEROME LEE FORSTER, EXECUTOR

261 JIM GILLILAND RD. SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: Jy24,31,A7,14p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against James D. Seitzer a/k/a James Donald Seitzer, deceased, of Chatham County, NC, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 2nd of October, 2025, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 3rd day of July, 2025.

Bruce F. Seitzer

Jean S. Storrs c/o Hutson Law O ce, P.A. 3518 Westgate Drive, Suite 401 Durham, NC 27707 July 3, 10, 17, 24, 2025

NOTICE

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against RICKEY MICHAEL RIDDLE, deceased, of Pittsboro, Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before October 17, 2025, or this notice will pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the Decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 17th day of July, 2025. Nicholas Michael Riddle, Executor, c/o Elizabeth K. Arias Esq., Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, 555 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1100, Raleigh, NC 27601.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

TOWN OF PITTSBORO, NC

On Monday, August 11, 2025, at 6:00 pm, the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners will hold the following public hearing in person at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center at 1192 Hwy 64 Business West, Pittsboro, NC: A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE A PORTION OF SUTTLES ROAD IN THE TOWN OF PITTSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA WHEREAS, it appears that permanently closing a portion of Suttles Road within the Town of Pittsboro is not contrary to the public interest and that no individual owning property in the vicinity of said portion of Suttles Road proposed to be closed would thereby be deprived of reasonable means of ingress and egress to his or her property; NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Pittsboro as follows:

JANET COOK FARRELL PO BOX 156 PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: Jy3,10,17,24p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#25E000215-180 The undersigned, PENNY REDDY, having quali ed on the 16th Day of APRIL, 2025 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of MUTYALA KRISHNA REDDY, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 10TH Day OF OCTOBER 2025, 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 10TH DAY OF JULY 2025. PENNY REDDY, ADMINISTRATOR 125 CEDAR ELM RD. DURHAM, NC 27713 Run dates: Jy10,17,24,31p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000317-180 The undersigned, JENNIFER LEE GOODSPEED, having quali ed on the 11th Day of JUNE, 2025 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JUDITH KAYE BREYER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to him on or before the 10TH Day OF OCTOBER 2025, 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 10TH DAY OF JULY 2025. JENNIFER LEE GOODSPEED, EXECUTOR 697 FEARRINGTON POST PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: Jy10,17,24,31p

plenty of time for candidates to establish themselves and Trump to wade in. The president, said White House political director James Blair, has been working closely with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R- S.D.).

“I won’t get ahead of the president but look, him and leader Thune have been very aligned. I expect them to be aligned and work closely,” he said.

Trump’s timing, allies say, also re ects the far more disciplined approach by him and his political operation, which are determined for Republicans to gain seats in both the Senate and the House.

Here’s what’s happening in some key Senate races. Will North Carolina have a Trump on the ballot?

The surprise retirement announcement by two -term Sen. Thom Tillis has set o a frenzied search for a replacement in a state widely seen as Democrats’ top pickup opportunity. He had repeatedly clashed with Trump, including over Medicaid changes in the tax cut bill, leading the president to threaten to back a primary challenger.

All eyes are now on Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, who is mulling whether to run in her home state as other potential candidates stand by.

A familiar national Republican face as co - chair of the Republican National Committee during Trump’s 2024 campaign, Lara Trump is now a Fox News Channel host. She also had been a visible surrogate during previous campaigns, often promoting her North Carolina roots and the fact that she named her daughter Carolina.

Having a Trump on the ballot could boost a party that has struggled to motivate its most fervent base when Donald Trump is not running. But Lara Trump currently lives in Florida and has so far sounded muted on the prospect of a Senate run.

Other potential contenders include RNC chair Michael Whatley, who led North Carolina’s GOP before taking the national reins and is considered a strong fundraiser and Trump loyalist, and rst-term Reps. Pat Harrigan and Brad Knott. While Lara Trump and Whatley are better known nationally, Harrigan is a West Point graduate and Knott is a former federal prosecutor.

Democrats are waiting on a decision from former two -term Gov. Roy Cooper, who is seen as a formidable candidate by both parties in a state Trump carried by just 3.2 percentage points last year. Former Rep. Wiley Nickel has entered the race, but it’s unclear what he would do if Cooper ran.

An ugly Texas brawl

Democrats have long dreamed of winning statewide o ce in this ruby red state. Could a nasty GOP primary be their ticket?

National Republicans and GOP Senate strategists are ringing alarm bells amid concerns that state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing a bevy of personal and ethical questions, could prevail over Sen. John Cornyn for the nomination.

They fear Paxton would be a disastrous general election candidate, forcing Republicans to invest tens of millions of dollars they believe would be better spent in other states.

Texans for a Conservative Majority, a super political action committee supporting

Cornyn, a onetime Trump critic, began airing television ads this past week promoting his support for Trump’s package of tax breaks and spending cuts.

Don’t expect the upbeat tone from the pro - Cornyn super PAC to hold long. Paxton was acquitted after a Republican-led impeachment trial in 2023 over allegations of bribery and abuse of o ce, which also exposed an extramarital a air. His wife, Angela, led for divorce on July 10, referring to “recent discoveries” in announcing her decision to end her marriage of 38 years “on biblical grounds.”

“Ken Paxton has embarrassed himself, his family, and we look forward to exposing just how bad he’s embarrassed our state in the coming months,” said Aaron Whitehead, the super PAC’s executive director. Trump adviser Chris LaCivita, who comanaged Trump’s 2024 campaign, is advising the group.

But Cornyn has had a cool relationship with Trump over the years, while Paxton is a longtime Trump ally. And Paxton raised more than three times as much as Cornyn in the second quarter, $2.9 million compared with $804,000, according to Federal Elections Commission reports.

Rep. Wesley Hunt is also weighing a run.

Will Trump be persuaded to endorse or will he choose to steer clear?

In Georgia, a pickup opportunity with no candidate yet

Republicans see Georgia and the seat held by Democrat Jon Osso as one of their best pickup opportunities. But the party remains in search of a well-known challenger after failing to persuade term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp to run.

A growing potential eld includes Reps. Buddy Carter, Mike Collins and Rich McCormick, Insurance Commissioner John King and Derek Dooley, a former University of Tennessee football coach. The president is still meeting with possible candidates and is expected by many to wait to weigh in until his team has fully screened them and assessed their chances.

Osso took in more than $10 million in the second

quarter of the year, according to federal lings, after raising $11 million from January through March. He ended June with more than $15.5 million cash on hand.

That money will matter in what is sure to be an expensive general election. The Senate races in 2020, when Osso and Raphael Warnock narrowly won and ipped control to Democrats, cost more than $900 million combined.

Michigan GOP waits on Trump

Republicans hope the retirement of Democratic Sen. Gary Peters and a crowded, expensive Democratic primary will help them capture a seat that has eluded them for more than three decades. Here, too, all eyes are on Trump.

Republicans are rallying around former Rep. Mike Rogers, who came within 20,000 votes in 2024 against then-Rep. Elissa Slotkin and had Trump’s endorsement. Rogers now appears to have momentum behind him, with the support of Thune, the National Republican Senatorial Committee and former Trump campaign veterans LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio.

But other Republicans could complicate things. Rep. Bill Huizenga has said he is waiting for guidance from the president on whether he should run.

“When people are asking why haven’t you announced or what are you going to do, it’s like, look, I want to get the man’s in-

put, all right?” Huizenga told reporters last month. A spokesperson for Huizenga added that the congressman has spoken to Trump on the phone multiple times and has yet to be told not to run. Still, White House o cials have on more than one occasion encouraged Huizenga to stay in the House, according to one person familiar with the conversations who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions and spoke only on condition of anonymity. Democrats have their own messy primary, with state Sen. Mallory McMorrow up against Rep. Haley Stevens, state Rep. Joe Tate, and former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El- Sayed. They were pleased to see that, even without any declared challengers, Rogers’ main campaign account raised just $745,000 during the second quarter, lagging Huizenga and several Democrats. (He brought in another nearly $779,000 through a separate joint fundraising committee.) McMorrow, by comparison, raised more than $2.1 million.

In Louisiana, another Trump antagonist faces voters

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy has faced scrutiny from his party, in no small part for his 2021 vote to convict Trump after the president’s second impeachment. Will Trump seek retribution against the two -term senator or ultimately back him?

Though Cassidy already faces two primary challengers, Louisiana is a reliably Republican state, which Trump won last year by 22 percentage points. Democrats are hoping a strong contender — potentially former Gov. John Bel Edwards, who has attracted Republican votes in the past — might mount a competitive challenge. Republicans are awaiting word on whether Rep. Julia Letlow will run. In May, Gov. Je Landry and Trump privately discussed the two -term congresswoman entering the race. Letlow and Landry appeared together at a congressional fundraiser for her in Lafayette, outside her northeast Louisiana district, on June 30, fueling speculation about her plans.

The governor’s discussion with Trump of a new challenger to Cassidy re ects the Trump base’s unease with the senator, not simply over the impeachment vote but also Cassidy’s concerns about installing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the nation’s health secretary. Cassidy ultimately backed Kennedy, a move some saw as an e ort to ease tensions.

Among Cassidy’s Republican challengers so far are state Treasurer John Fleming and state Sen. Blake Miguez. Letlow, serving in the seat her husband held before he died of COVID -19, is considered a rising star in the Louisiana GOP.

A wavering incumbent in Iowa

Two -term Republican Sen. Joni Ernst has not said whether she plans to seek a third term.

Ernst would be expected to win in the state Trump carried by 13 percentage points last year. But she has come under some criticism from Iowa Republicans, including for saying she needed to hear more from Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, before committing to support his nomination amid allegations of sexual assault that Hegseth denied.

The senator, a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, eventually voted to con rm him.

Though a nal decision awaits, Ernst has named a 2026 campaign manager and has scheduled her annual Iowa fundraiser for October.

Over 5 million aboveground pools recalled after deaths

Reports say nine children have drowned

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold across the U.S. and Canada over the last two decades are being recalled after nine drowning deaths were reported.

The recall covers a range of Bestway, Intex Recreation and Polygroup pools that were sold by major retailers as far back as

2002. According to Monday notices published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, these pools have compression straps running along the outside of the product — which “may create a foothold” for small children and allow them to access the water unattended. That can pose a serious drowning risk, the safety regulators warn. To date, the CPSC believes nine children across the U.S. have drowned after gaining access to these now-recalled pools in this

The recall covers a range of Bestway, Intex Recreation and Polygroup pools that were sold by major retailers as far back as 2002.

way. Those deaths occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old. No addi-

tional fatalities have been reported in Canada. Consumers in possession of these pools are urged to immediately contact Bestway, Intex and/or Polygroup to receive a free repair kit — which will consist of a rope to replace the compression strap. Owners of these pools should otherwise ensure that small children cannot access the pool without supervision, regulators note — and could alternatively drain the pool until the repair is made. All of the pools being re-

called are 48 inches or taller — and can be identi ed by brand and model names listed on both the CPSC and Health Canada’s recall notices. Sales of the pools ranged by model and location, but date as far back to 2002 and as recently as 2025. About 5 million of these now-recalled pools were sold across the U.S. — including both online and in-stores at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco and Amazon. Another 266,000 were sold in Canada.

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

Lara Trump waves to the audience as President Donald Trump speaks at a bill signing event at the White House earlier this month.

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, speaks at a campaign rally in Greensboro last November.

CHATHAM SPORTS

Chatham-Randolph poses with their championship rings after the end of the Colt division tournament.

Chatham-Randolph wins Colt title

The 15/17U team came out on top in the roundrobin tournament

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

SILER CITY — Chatham-Randolph endured plenty of storms in its third season in the Chatham County Pony Baseball League.

But through all the weather cancellations and the in-season battles, it was the last team standing.

Chatham-Randolph earned its rst pony league championship in the 15/17U Colt division last week at Jordan-Matthews High School, winning the rst

three games of the end-of-season round-robin tournament to clinch the title a day early on July 14.

The champs, consisting of high school-aged players from Chatham and Randolph counties, beat Jordan-Matthews 16U 14-10 in the rst round and dominated Chatham Central 16U 13-2 in round 2. Chatham-Randolph clinched the tournament’s best record with a 10-3 win over Jordan-Matthews the third round. It nished the season with a 9-5 record (3-1 in the tournament after losing to Chatham Central in the nal game on July 15).

“We’ve been doing it since we started, and we’ve wanted it really bad,” Chatham-Randolph

coach Jessy Bowman said.

“We’ve come close a bunch, but it nally all came together for us.”

With a chance to nally grasp the title in its third game, Chatham-Randolph brought out its best arms to get the job done.

After allowing 10 runs to Jordan-Matthews in the tournament opener, Campbell Parks, a rising junior at Northwood, pitched ve innings, and team captain Avery Wright, a rising senior at Eastern Randolph, came in to close the deal. The tandem limited Jordan-Matthews to its lowest run output of the tournament after the Jets scored eight runs in its rst-round game.

“(Parks) proved all year he

Seaforth and JordanMatthews let their skill players compete in a 7-on-7 scrimmage July 17.

Seaforth, J-M football give early look in scrimmage

The skill players competed before the rst practice next week

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

PITTSBORO — After weeks of summer workouts and team building, Seaforth hosted Jordan-Matthews for 7-on-7 football action July 17. The Hawks’ and Jets’ skill players competed in 10-play se -

ries on a half eld. Both teams worked their passing o enses and gave an early look at what they could look like this fall. Here are some observations for both teams from the 7-on-7 scrimmage.

Seaforth

There are a lot of new happenings with Seaforth this offseason. Of course, the new coaches are placing their mark on the

program, but with the team’s depth, transfers and a need to ll gaps left behind by graduating seniors, the players are still nding their roles on the team.

“Whether you’re a freshman, junior or senior, there are no spots secured,” Seaforth coach Tolbert Matthews said. “Nobody that had a spot last year has a spot this year.”

O ensively, the Hawks, who relied heavily on their run

“We’ve come close a bunch, but it nally all came together for us.” Jessy Bowman

could pitch really well in big moments,” Chatham-Randolph coach Micheal Glasgow said.

“We brought in Avery — found out he could pitch fairly well during the season, and so we went to him to close it all out.”

Parks achieved a 2.73 ERA and a .192 batting average against him, while Wright led the team with three wins on the mound, recording 25 strikeouts, a 3.00 ERA and a .214 oppo -

nent batting average. He also hit .474 on the season with 18 hits. Bishop Moore, a rising senior at Eastern Randolph, hit .500 and led the team in extra-base hits (six), OPS (1.410) and stolen bases (nine). However, arguably no one had a more impressive season than Westley Brower, who played his last season of Colt baseball.

Brower never struck out in 41 plate appearances while recording a team-high .622 batting average, 23 hits and 21 RBIs this summer. At the same time, he was dealing with devastating loss after his father, Stephen, and

See COLT, page B2 See HEROES, page B5 See SCRIMMAGE , page B3

South Wake pulls o comeback over Chatham County in Heroes League action

Leah Gore led the way with a two-run homer

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

APEX — South Wake Post 116 notched four hits and three runs in the bottom of the fth inning to lift itself to a 5-4 comeback win over Chatham County Post 292 at Middle Creek High School on July 16.

It marked Post 116’s second straight win after going on the road to dominate a shorthanded Post 292 team 12-2 the night before. South Wake second baseman Leah Gore led the way with a 2-for-3, three-RBI and one-run performance. With Post 116 down 4-0 in the fourth inning, Gore smashed a two-run home run to center eld. In the next inning, she singled to left eld, allowing Ashleigh Mannion to score the go -ahead run.

Post 116’s Emma Grace Hill relieved pitcher Katie Whitehurst in the sixth inning and closed the game with back-to -back 1-2-3 innings.

“My changeup started working really good,” Hill said. “And my curveball was moving really, really well.”

Both teams struggled to produce runs until Chatham County caught re in the third inning.

Post 292 loaded the bases after singles from left elder Addie Vercellino, right elder Ashanti Frazier and second baseman Marcy Clark.

“My changeup started working really good.” Emma Grace Hill

ASHEEBO ROJAS / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Jase Fields

West Chatham 12U All Stars, baseball

Jase Fields of the West Chatham 12U All Stars baseball team earns athlete of the week honors for the week of July 14.

In the North Carolina Diamond Youth Baseball O-Zone Division I championship game, Fields helped his team to victory by striking out 10 batters and giving up three hits in a 5-0 shutout. Fields also picked up two free bases for his team with a base on balls and an intentional walk.

Fields, a future Chatham Central Bear, was a two-way threat throughout the state DYB tournament. In the ve games, he recorded three hits, seven walks and was responsible for six scores (four runs and two RBIs).

COLT from page B1

grandfather Carson Ellington died two days apart in June.

“It’s hard,” Brower said. “You’re under pressure. They want you to do big, be big. And then you’ve got to ght through the mental part and actually be there and do something on the team.”

Brower’s father shared a passion for baseball with his son as he played the game and was a standout multisport athlete at Eastern Randolph decades ago. Ellington made sure his grandson made it to practices and helped ful l his aspirations as a player.

“When all this was going on, his dad dying, the hospital, all

Leonard commits to Cornell women’s basketball

The Seaforth standout averaged 12.8 points as a junior

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

SEAFORTH GIRLS’ basketball standout Katie Leonard announced her commitment to Cornell on July 16.

The rising senior guard will become the second player in Seaforth girls’ basketball’s short history to play at a Division I program. This past winter, Leonard averaged 12.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and two steals per game. She recorded the team’s best 3-point percentage (43%) and tied current Virginia guard Gabby White for the highest overall eld goal percentage (50%).

Leonard is a multisport athlete and won a state title as a goalkeeper in soccer, but her decision to play basketball at the next level had everything to do with her school of choice.

“I just wanted to go to Cornell,” Leonard said. “I had a little bit of interest, or (Division I) interest, in soccer, but overall, I just felt like Cornell is the best t, and I like basketball a lot.”

Said Leonard, “It’s somewhere that if nothing worked out, I de nitely would’ve applied.”

Leonard drew numerous offers from other programs such as Campbell, Elon, New Hampshire and Vermont. She held o ers from other Ivy League schools like Brown and Penn, but she was attracted to Cornell’s natural environment in Ithaca, New York, and the education the school o ered.

Regarding a basketball t, Leonard consulted with current Cornell players Kelsey Langston, Clarke Jackson and Emily Pape.

“I just kind of wanted to know their experiences with the coaching sta , their teammates, and it was all just positive,” Leonard said. Leonard added that Cornell

of this, he was like ‘Mom, I have a game. I have to go,’” Brower’s mother, Lestley Ellington, said. “‘That’s what dad wants me to do. I have to go play.’ So, I mean, he was determined, no matter what, to be here.” Brower wasn’t alone in his ght to play through grief. As he continued to bring his best self to the diamond, his coaches and

“I just felt like Cornell is the best t.”

Katie Leonard

coach Emily Garner liked her versatility as a player, especially defensively.

“She can see me guarding the one, two or three,” Leonard said.

“O ensively, I can play either as a point guard or o the ball, and so she really liked that as well as my length and my basketball IQ.”

Leonard has one more season

teammates stood by his side on and o the eld.

“They all checked on me,” Brower said. “Made sure I was up, made sure I was awake in the box. You know, keeping me close, making sure I was OK every day.”

In a season where dark clouds hung above, the brotherhood in the Chatham-Randolph dugout propelled the team to glory.

to develop and put her skills on display. Without the Hawks’ star teammate in White, this season will bring new challenges as they look to uphold the standard set over the past four years. Leonard and the rest of the 2026 class have been to the regional nals three straight seasons.

“It’ll be de nitely a change,” Leonard said. “I think we have resources to be successful, like good teammates and players, and I think we should be competitive, especially in conference. We’re going to have to shift how we play a little bit, I think, but I mean, that’s OK. We’ll make it work.”

“We got kids from all over and come from all out,” Chatham-Randolph coach Cody Bowman said. “I think it’s cool seeing them all band together even though they don’t go to school with each other. They maybe don’t see each other all the time, but when they’re on the eld together, it’s a bond that can’t be broken.”

COURTESY OF RAE SCOTT FIELDS

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Katie Leonard (11) drives to the basket in Seaforth’s regional nal game against Southeast Alamance in March.

West Chatham 12U All Stars earn bid to DYB World Series

The local youth baseball team won the DYB state title

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

THE 12U WEST Chatham

All Stars baseball team is headed to the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series.

West Chatham defeated Stanley 5-0 in the North Carolina DYB Baseball O-Zone

Division I state tournament championship game in Gastonia on July 17, punching its ticket for the World Series tournament at the Ball Park Road Sports Complex in Lexington, South Carolina.

Pitcher Jase Fields closed the deal for West Chatham as he struck out 10 batters and allowed three hits in a shutout. He also nished the game with zero walks.

West Chatham shortstop Wyatt Clewis went 2 for 3 at the plate with three runs and an RBI. His double with two outs in the top of the third inning set up runners in scoring position and led to a 3-0 lead for West Chatham at the end of the batting turn.

Clewis hit another double in the fth inning to send catcher Camden Cox home for a 4-0 advantage.

West Chatham started the tournament with a 10-0 win over South Columbus in the rst round July 12. Pitchers Ca-

game last year, still have plenty of things to esh out in the passing game. Junior quarterback Duncan Parker completed some deep balls for long gains and touchdowns, and he found some gaps in the short game. However, the overall connection with the receivers is still a work in progress. For Parker and the rest of the quarterback corps, the emphasis this o season is on reading defenses and making good decisions with the ball. Meanwhile, the receivers are still mastering the playbook.

Sophomore receiver Noah Fuller turned heads, though, as he looked to be Parker’s main target. The small, speedy receiver found ways to get open on every level, and he hauled in multiple touchdowns.

den Nicodemus and Fields combined to allow zero hits in four innings. In the second round, West Chatham fell to Stanley 6-5.

Tied at 5 runs apiece with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning, Stanley’s center elder hit a single and ran in the walk-

Defensively, the Hawks look to remain strong in the secondary with seniors Nick Gregory, Noah Williams (corners) and Patrick Miller (safety) leading the group. Miller made plays from biting down on routes as he and the defensive back eld snagged a couple of picks. Yet deep routes from Jordan-Matthews’ fastest targets gave the Hawks some problems.

Linebackers, which will be a crucial position group for Seaforth this season, rotated in and out as the Hawks look to replace Alex Hinchman and Jackson Powell.

Jordan-Matthews

Jordan-Matthews may not have the numbers and depth, but they have promising speed and athleticism. The Jets went way out of their

o run due to an error from the in eld.

Down in the losers’ bracket, West Chatham responded with a 9-1 win over Lumberton, and it dominated Stanley 12-1 to earn a spot in the tournament nal.

West Chatham, representing North Carolina, will play Flori-

“I think, defensively, we’ve got the potential to be pretty good.”

Kermit Carter

element with throwing the ball and had players playing new positions, but they still completed big plays down the eld. Senior cornerback and receiver Kenneth Dula got behind the Seaforth defense multiple times, catching a couple of touchdown passes and dropping a couple of potential scores too.

In the back eld, Jordan-Matthews rotated rst-time quarterback senior Kamarie Hadley and sophomore Eli Rodriguez. Both quarterbacks had their highs and lows, but Hadley’s

da in the pool play round of the DYB World Series on Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. (Field 8). Bracket play will begin the next day. The team is doing a 50/50 rafe ($20 per ticket) to raise funds for travel and uniform costs leading up to the World Series. Here is the full West Cha-

deep ball looked to be something the Jets could possibly use more of this season. The coaching sta discovered Hadley’s ability to throw in the spring. He was the one running routes and catching passes, but the way he threw the ball back to his quarterback caught the coaches’ attention.

“He’s a level-headed kid,” Jordan-Matthews coach Kermit Carter said. “Don’t get too up, don’t get too down. He’s a quiet competitor, you know what I mean? And to play quarterback, you’ve got to know how to let bad throws and bad plays go and stu like that, so that’s what he brings to the table.”

Last season, the Jets also relied heavily on their run game, especially after losing skill players like Dula and junior Namir Wiley to injury early in the year.

Carter said he’d like his offense to be “balanced as much as possible,” but utilizing the pass more depends on the quarterbacks’ comfortability and the opponents they face. Defensively, experienced gained by young guys lling in for injured starters last year showed up in the 7-on-7 battle. With Dula and sophomore Lennox Mordecai at corner and Wiley and 6-foot-4 sophomore Matthew Victorino at the safety positions, the Jets didn’t make it easy for Parker and the Seaforth receivers. They have solid length and the closing speed to force tough throws, and junior linebacker Omar Sanford is also getting more comfortable in coverage after playing heavy varsity minutes last year. “I think defensively we’ve got the potential to be pretty good,” Carter said.

tham 12U roster (jersey number): Austin Davis (1), Trey Carmac (3), Paxton Williams (5), Witten Burton (8), Jase Fields (10), Thomas Parsons (11), Caden Nicodemus (14), Cullen King (21), Maddox Cox (22), Camden Cox (23), Wyatt Clewis (25)

COURTESY OF RAE SCOTT FIELDS

West Chatham 12U All Stars celebrate their state championship win with the banner and the trophy.

SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA BASKETBALL

Boozer, Flagg

take home ESPYs

Duke’s incoming freshman star and the most recent Blue Devil to play that role both won awards at the ESPYs. The annual award show created by ESPN named Cooper Flagg the best male college athlete. Flagg beat out Oklahoma state wrestler Wyatt Hendrickson, Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter and Cornell lacrosse star CJ Kirst. Cameron Boozer, who is headed to Duke, was named the Gatorade male high school athlete of the year, beating out Alabama quarterback recruit Keelon Russell, Pirates draft pick Seth Hernandez, track stars Charlie Vause and Tate Taylor, and UNC soccer recruit Dan Klink.

NBA Anthony signs with Bucks Milwaukee Former UNC point guard Cole Anthony signed with the Milwaukee Bucks and will get the chance to start for the Eastern Conference contender. Anthony, who spent his rst ve seasons in the NBA with Orlando, was traded to Memphis this o season. He was expected to back up Ja Morant but instead agreed to a buyout with the Grizzlies and was released, freeing him up to sign with the Bucks.

NFL Construction halted at new Titans Stadium after noose found at site

Nashville, Tenn.

Construction on a new enclosed stadium for the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tennessee, has been halted after a noose was found at the construction site. Metro Nashville Police are investigating. The Tennessee Builders Alliance, a joint venture partnership on the stadium, says it suspended construction at the site after the “racist and hateful” symbol was discovered this week. A statement to news outlets said, “We are requiring additional antibias training for every person on site, and work will resume only after a site-wide stand- down focused on inclusion and respect.”

MLB Diamondbacks

All-Star Marte placed on restricted list following burglary

Phoenix Arizona Diamondbacks

All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte has been placed on the restricted list after his home was burglarized during the All-Star break. Marte was not in the lineup as he deals with what Scottsdale police called a “high-dollar residential burglary” involving stolen personal items and jewelry while he and his family were in Atlanta for the All-Star Game. No one was home during the break-in.

Oliver’s Erie Moon Mammoths debut in front of record crowd

The HBO host unveiled his rebrand of a minor league team

By Joe Reedy The Associated Press

ERIE, Pa. — Besides being a fan, John Oliver has had a certain a nity for minor league baseball.

On Saturday, the comedian and host of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” saw his latest crazy creation set out into the world as the Erie Moon Mammoths made their debut in front of a record crowd of 7,070 at UPMC Park.

“We’re sending our furry child out into the world and you are the custodian of it. Now, please be careful with our child,” Oliver said a couple hours before the Moon Mammoths took the eld against the Chesapeake Oyster Catchers.

Oliver spotlighted Minor League Baseball promotions and alternate nicknames during “Last Week Tonight” on May 4. At the end of the segment, Oliver invited teams to send in proposals why they should get rebranded by the show’s sta .

Forty-seven teams sent in pitches, including the Erie SeaWolves, the Double-A a liate of the Detroit Tigers.

Erie president Greg Coleman sent a list of 11 reasons why they were the perfect candidate, including: “The SeaWolves play baseball nowhere near the sea.”

“To have so many teams expressing interest was really edifying,” Oliver said. “I think it kind of validates the fact that we thought there was something special about minor league baseball. We thought this would be a group of people that would respond to the ludicrous idea that we had.”

Erie was announced as the winner May 18. After six weeks of research by Oliver and his sta , the Moon Mammoths were unveiled on June 29. That included the mascot named Fuzz, a purple woolly mammoth wearing a space helmet.

“Erie did stand out to us as being, you know, uniquely eccentric,” Oliver said. “And I say that as both a compliment and an insult, which is the biggest compliment there is. There was something about the Moon

“Erie did stand out to us as being, you know, uniquely eccentric. And I say that as both a compliment and an insult, which is the biggest compliment there is.”

John Oliver

Mammoth that spoke to us for being particularly odd. It felt like it could make a baseball team’s theme. You could almost see the logo in your head, and it felt like something to be extra surprising.”

The fact this came together in less than three months is a minor miracle. It usually takes 16 months for a team to have an alternate identity approved and then take the eld.

“I thought we had a good chance when I sent it in. And then when we were selected, it was a little surreal,” Coleman said. “And since then working with the “Last Week Tonight” team, they’ve been wonderful and detail oriented.” Coleman said since the Moon Mammoths were unveiled, the team has done the equivalent of four years of online sales in three weeks. The line of people waiting to get into the team store, which was located in left eld, stretched out to near home plate in the concourse area. In addition to throwing out the rst pitch, Oliver was a batboy during one inning and

Sche er dominates in British Open victory

The world’s No. 1 player now needs the U.S. Open for a career Grand Slam

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — The enormous yellow scoreboard above the 18th green at Royal Portrush perfectly illustrated the state of golf these days. Scottie Sche er’s name was at the top. No one was close.

That’s how it was in the British Open, when Sche er never gave anyone a chance.

That’s how it is in the sport, a level of dominance not seen since Tiger Woods.

“He is the bar that we’re all trying to get to,” Masters champion Rory McIlroy said. “In a historical context, you could argue that there’s only maybe two or three players in the history of the game that have been on a run the one that Scottie’s been on here for the last 24 to 36 months. Incredibly impressive.”

Sche er not only won his second major this year — and fourth in the last three years — he captured the third leg of the career Grand Slam, now missing only the U.S. Open.

“Being able to walk up 18 with the tournament in hand is a really tough thing to describe. It’s a really cool feeling. I have a lot of gratitude towards being able to accomplish something like this,” Sche er said, the silver claret

“Being able to walk up 18 with the tournament in hand is a really tough thing to describe. It’s a really cool feeling.”

Scottie Sche er

jug on the table next to him.

“It’s taken a lot of work — not only a lot of work, but it takes a lot of patience,” he said. “It’s a high level of focus over 72 holes of a tournament. This was, I felt like, one of my best performances mentally.”

The emotions he showed were telling.

Until he had his name etched on golf’s oldest trophy, Schefer had a week marked by his extraordinary insight on how he views winning. He said celebrations last only a few minutes. He has wondered, “What’s the point?”

On the golf course, his biggest st pump was for a par on the sixth hole. As he crouched to line up his birdie putt on the 18th, he rested his head on his hand with a slight smile of deep satisfaction. When he tapped in the nal putt, he plucked the ball from the cup and put it in his pocket as if he had just won a regular PGA Tour event.

But when he nally found his family — wife Meredith, 15-month-old son Bennett and

also led the crowd in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch. The cap and jersey that Oliver wore for the rst pitch are going to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Moon Mammoths will be back on Aug. 19 as well as Sept. 12 and 13. There will be at least four Moon Mammoths games next season.

“I love minor league baseball. There is a special eccentricity to it,” Oliver said. “It felt like a nice t with our show because minor league baseball, as you know, is willing to try anything. That was proven by the fact that over half the league was willing to sight unseen, rebrand and put their trust in the hands of a group of people who are objectively untrustworthy. That’s a bad decision, and it’s that kind of bad decision making that I love about minor league baseball.”

his parents — Sche er went crazy. He thrust both arms in the air, pumped both arms, screamed and threw his cap in the air. That’s what it’s all about for the 29-year-old from Texas.

McIlroy had referred to the outcome as “inevitable” when Sche er built a four-shot lead going into the nal round, and it was every bit of that. Sche er’s one wobble was a double bogey on No. 8 when it took two shots to get out of a fairway bunker. That ended his streak of 32 consecutive holes without a bogey. Sche er birdied the next hole. He played the back nine with eight pars and a birdie because that’s all he needed. No one could catch him.

“I played with him the rst two days, and honestly I thought he was going to birdie every hole. It was incredible to watch,” Shane Lowry said. “If Scottie’s

feet stayed stable and his swing looked like Adam Scott’s, we’d be talking about him in the same words as Tiger Woods. ... His bad shots are really good. That’s when you know he’s really good.” Sche er, who nished at 17-under 267, won for the fourth time this year. He now has won 20 times worldwide in the last 30 months. This was the 11th straight time he turned a 54 -hole lead into a victory.

“I don’t think we thought the gol ng world would see someone as dominant as Tiger come through so soon, and here’s Scottie sort of taking that throne of dominance,” said Xander Schau ele, the defending champion who tied for seventh.

“You can’t even say he’s on a run. He’s just been killing it for over two years now,” he said. “He’s a tough man to beat, and when you see his name up on the leaderboard, it sucks for us.”

FRANCISCO SECO / AP PHOTO

Scottie Sche er poses for photographers with his son Bennett and the claret jug after winning the British Open on Sunday.

JOE REEDY / AP PHOTO

John Oliver prepares to throw the rst pitch at the debut game for the rebranded Erie Moon Mammoths.

Hamlin survives rain delay, overtime nish to win for 2nd straight year at Dover

Distractions and rain

couldn’t slow Hamlin in his fourth win of the year

By Dan Gelston

The Associated Press

DOVER, Del. — Denny Hamlin shook o a setback in his court battle with NASCAR, shrugged o old tire concerns

once he took a late lead ahead of a rain delay and survived a late charge from his teammate to go back-to-back at Dover Motor Speedway for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s series-best fourth victory of the season.

“I just love that I’m able to still do it at a high level,” Hamlin said. “Every morning when I wake up, I just hope I still got what I had yesterday.”

Hamlin won in the No. 11 Toyota for the second straight time at Dover to add to wins this season at Martinsville, Darlington and Michigan.

Hamlin has 58 Cup Series victories, leaving him two short of Kevin Harvick for 10th on the career list. The veteran Virginia driver might hit that mark this season as he chases his rst career Cup championship.

Hamlin is on the Cup Series’ short list of greatest drivers to never win a championship. He won’t let the void on an otherwise stellar resume full of Hall of Fame credentials de ne how he feels about his career.

Hamlin says it’s trophies, not titles, not he celebrates the most.

“If we do, we do. If we don’t, we don’t,” Hamlin said. “I care about wins. I want more trophies, more trophies, more trophies. When I’m done, I want to be in the list of that top -10 all-time winners. That will mean more than any other accomplishment.”

Hamlin took the checkered ag days after he su ered a setback in court with his own 23XI Racing team’s federal antitrust suit against NASCAR.

Last Thursday, a federal judge rejected a request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to continue racing with charters while they battle NASCAR in court, meaning their six cars will race as open entries this weekend at Dover, next week at Indianapolis and perhaps longer than that in a move the teams say would put them at risk of going out of business.

Hamlin vowed this weekend “all will be exposed” if the case goes to its scheduled Dec. 1 trial date.

The courtroom drama hasn’t a ected Hamlin’s performance on the track. Hamlin held o JGR teammate Chase Briscoe for the victory. Hendrick Motorsports drivers took the next two spots, with Alex Bowman third and Kyle Larson fourth. Hamlin held o Larson down the stretch last season to earn the second of his three career wins at the Monster Mile.

The rst July Cup race at Dover since 1969 started with steamy weather, and drivers battled the conditions inside the car during a relative -

ly clean race until rain fell late and red- agged the race with 14 laps left. Hamlin said during the break he changed his resuit — temperatures inside the car soared to 140 degrees, and sweat kept dripping inside his visor.

He also returned to the car after the 56-minute delay with old tires. Hamlin had enough to win on cool tires at Dover and park the Toyota in Victory Lane.

There was never any real consideration to pit with the lead for fresh tires.

“We need wins,” crew chief Chris Gayle said. “How can we manufacture some way to give ourselves more opportunity for that to happen? Might not pan out, but we de nitely weren’t going to do it doing the same thing as everybody else. That was our train of thought there, and thankfully it worked out and we held on.”

He became the 19th Cup driver to win three times at Dover and the 13th driver to win consecutive races on the mile concrete track.

“I just studied some of the greats here,” Hamlin said. “I was very fortunate to have Martin Truex as a teammate. Jimmie Johnson, watching him win (11) times here. You learn from the greats and you change your game to match it, you have success like this.”

Rex White, NASCAR’s oldest living champion, dead at 95

The Taylorsville native won 28 Cup races

By Jenna Fryer The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — Rex White, who was the NASCAR Cup Series’ oldest living champion and a 2015 inductee into the Hall of Fame, has died. He was 95.

NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame con rmed White’s death last Friday. No additional details were provided.

“Rex epitomized the formative days of NASCAR — a true pioneer whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our sport,” NASCAR chairman Jim France said. “His hard work, dedication and talent allowed him to make a living doing what he loved most — racing cars. He was the model of consistency — nishing in the top ve in nearly half of his races — and dominated the short tracks.

“On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I want to o er our condolences to the friends and family of Rex White.”

White won the 1960 Cup Series title and 28 Cup races in a career that spanned 233 starts across nine seasons. He led the

With just one out, rst baseman Avery Kiger doubled to right eld, scoring the rst two runs of the game. Clark ran in the third run on a groundout by catcher Calissa Clendenin in the next at-bat. Immediately after, pitcher Gabby Czuczuk reached rst base on an error by the Post 116 defense, allowing Kiger to score the fourth run.

Chatham recorded two hits from that point. Post 292 also began to struggle defensively as Czuczuk’s hot start, in which she allowed two hits in the rst four innings, lost steam. Czuczuk nished her ve-inning night in the circle with six hits, four earned runs ( ve total) and a strikeout.

“(Czuczuk) kept them on their toes,” Post 292 assistant Holly Felder said. “I think once you’ve seen somebody, you know, their hitters have seen you a couple of times — with anybody, you might have to change. She kept them on their toes, and I think Addie came in and did very well.”

Prior to Mannion’s go-ahead run, South Wake second baseman Cami

nal ve laps in 1958 at Champion Speedway in Fayetteville to earn his rst career victory and scored 13 top- ve nishes in 22 starts.

White won ve more races the next season but didn’t earn his lone championship until 1960, when he won six times in 44 starts. He won seven times

the next year, when he was runner-up to fellow Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett in the championship standings.

White then won eight times in 1962 but nished fth in the standings as he competed in only 37 of the 53 races that year.

White never contested a complete season at a time when NASCAR ran as many as 62 times a year.

White notched a career-high six victories at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, where NASCAR this year returned after a lengthy absence. He also won three times at North Wilkesboro Speedway and two times at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia.

Born during the Great Depression and raised in Taylorsville, White su ered from polio as a child, and the disease altered his gait for most of his life.

He had an early interest in cars and was working on the family Model T by the time he was 8. He had learned how to drive two years earlier using a neighbor’s truck.

“I was unaware the car on which I labored represented hope to people around me, frustration to those trying to stop illegal moonshine,” he said. “I

saw automobiles as transportation, not the symbol of an upcoming billion-dollar sport.”

White purchased his rst car in 1954 when a relative of his wife helped him with the $600 needed to buy a 1937 Ford. He immediately began racing as a means to earn a living.

White ran his rst race in the Sportsman division at West Lanham Speedway in Maryland. He went on to win the championship in his rookie season of the Sportsman division.

He moved up to NASCAR two years later, and by the time he won the championship ve seasons later, he was named both NASCAR’s most popular driver and driver of the year.

“Growing up on a North Carolina farm, Rex familiarized himself with all things mechanical and enjoyed driving anything with wheels,” said Winston Kelly, executive director for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “Rex was among NASCAR’s pioneers who remained very visible at tracks and industry events for years. He was a dedicated ambassador who enjoyed supporting any event or activity he was requested to participate in.

“NASCAR has lost one of its true pioneers.”

Brinkley and short-

stop Georgia Miller began the bottom of the fth inning with back-to-back singles. Following a yout, Mannion singled to left eld and brought home the tying run. She and four other Post 116 batters each

nished the night with one hit. Post 292’s Kiger, Clark and Frazier went 2

Chatham County Post 292 meets after the game to discuss the loss to South Wake on July 16.

HEROES from page B1

DERIK HAMILTON / AP PHOTO

Denny Hamlin crosses the nish line to win Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway.

Denny Hamlin

HORACE CORT / AP PHOTO

Rex White, left, poses with the trophy he won for nishing rst in the 1962 Dixie 400 in Atlanta.

Colbert, Stewart sharp critics of ‘60 Minutes’ deal

The cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was announced last Thursday

By David Bauder The Associated Press

NEW YORK— This isn’t a joke. They’ve made that clear.

CBS “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert condemned parent company Paramount Global’s settlement of President Donald Trump’s lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” story as a “big fat bribe” during his rst show back from a vacation.

Colbert followed “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart’s attack of the deal one week earlier. Stewart works for Comedy Central, also owned by Paramount, making the two comics the most visible internal critics of the $16 million settlement that was announced on July 1.

Colbert’s “bribe” reference was to the pending sale of Paramount to Skydance Media, which needs Trump administration approval. Critics of the deal that ended Trump’s lawsuit over the newsmagazine’s editing of its interview last fall with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris suggested

it was primarily to clear a hurdle to that sale.

“I am o ended,” Colbert said in his monologue last Monday night. “I don’t know if anything — anything — will repair my trust in this company. But, just taking a stab at it, I’d say $16 million would help.”

He said the technical name in legal circles for the deal was “big fat bribe.”

Jon Stewart terms it ‘shameful’

Stewart began discussing the “shameful settlement” on his show a week earlier when he was “interrupted” by a fake Arby’s ad on the screen. “That’s why it was so wrong,” he said upon his “return.”

He discussed the deal in greater detail with the show’s guest, retired “60 Minutes” correspondent Steve Kroft, making his views clear through a series of leading questions.

“I would assume internally, this is devastating to the people who work in a place that pride themselves on contextual, good journalism?” Stewart asked.

“Devastating is a good word,” Kroft replied.

A handful of media reports in the past two weeks have spec-

ulated that Skydance boss David Ellison might try to curry favor with Trump by eliminating the comics’ jobs if the sale is approved.

It would be easier to get rid of Stewart, since he works one night a week at a network that no longer produces much original content. Colbert is the ratings leader in late-night broadcast television, however, and is a relentless Trump critic.

The antipathy is mutual.

Trump called Colbert “a complete and total loser” in a Truth Social post last fall, suggesting CBS was wasting its money on him.”

Colbert slips in a quip

Colbert alluded to reports about his job security in his monologue, pointing to the mustache he grew during his vacation. “OK, OK, but how are they going to put pressure on Stephen Colbert, if they can’t nd him?” he joked.

Colbert and Stewart both earned Emmy nominations this week for outstanding talk series. Together with ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel, all three nominees are tough on Trump.

CBS News journalists have largely been quiet publicly since the settlement’s announcement.

Two top executives, CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon and “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens, both quit or were forced out prior to the settlement for making their dissatisfaction about the idea known internally.

Daniel O’Malley’s ‘Royal Gambit’ nds magic in murder of royal family member

A witty, supernatural mystery that is perfect for beach days and fans

of British humor

By Connie Panzariello

The Associated Press

AUTHOR DANIEL O’Malley

returns to the world of his series he started with “The Rook” with “Royal Gambit,” an enjoyable and sometimes unwieldy novel about the supernatural operatives of a paranormal secret service investigating a string of bizarre murders.

Gambit centers around the aristocratic Lady Alexandra Mondegreen (Alix) and her investigation into the mysterious murder of her childhood friend, the Prince of Wales. Alix has the unique talent of being able to shatter bones with just a touch of her hand, but she is resented by the other members of the service for the perceived favoritism that comes with her noble title. Her youth was spent as a secret bodyguard to Princess Louise, the woman who now nds herself next in line to the throne. This connection proves useful as the agency’s way into investigating who at the palace (or outside of it) could be responsible for the death of the heir apparent and gives Alix a chance to prove her worth as an asset to the agency.

O’Malley nds humor in showing how these agents with strange

LITTLE, BROWN & CO. VIA AP

“Royal Gambit” author Daniel O’Malley also wrote “The Rook,” “Stiletto” and “Blitz.”

and sometimes absurd powers (one senior o cial can turn into a stegosaurus at will) adhere to the same bureaucracy and hierarchies as any other government organization. Along with coming to work on time and navigating ofce politics, there is a chance you will be the victim of a dinosaur stampede or watch your colleague turn into a tree. Alix also emerges as a compelling heroine, driven by her ambition to rise within the ranks of the Checquy and prove herself,

yet deeply committed to uncovering the truth behind the tragedy that struck a family she has genuine a ection for. A highlight of the book is her sometimes awkward but humorous journey as a new lady-in-waiting to the princess, having to balance garden lunches with dangerous missions. Although intended as a standalone story, O’Malley assumes readers will quickly grasp the complexities of this world and how it operates without much prior knowledge. However, keeping track of the extensive rules and traditions of this secret service and upper-crust English society makes it di cult to keep engaged in the mystery at hand. The book gets bogged down in its mythology and is slow to give us plot developments. Further challenging the pacing of the novel are the constant additions to an over-large cast of characters, all with di erent supernatural abilities or aristocratic titles.

All of these elements lead to a clunky conclusion that too easily ties up loose ends and loses the impact of the tragedy that started the story. The book would have bene ted from more clever twists and paranormal action as opposed to heavy exposition about this super-secret agency and the people who run it. Ultimately, this makes for a fun, elevated beach read for those who enjoy their mystery novels with supernatural leanings and a dry British sense of humor.

this week in history

Greensboro Woolworth’s desegregates, Tuskegee experiment exposed

JULY 24

1567: Mary, Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate her throne to her 1-year-old son, James.

1847: Mormon leader Brigham Young and his followers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah.

1866: Tennessee became the rst state to be readmitted to the Union after the Civil War.

1915: The SS Eastland, carrying more than 2,500 passengers, capsized at Chicago’s Clark Street Bridge, killing an estimated 844 people.

JULY 25

1866: Ulysses S. Grant was named General of the Army of the United States, the rst ocer to hold the rank.

1956: The SS Andrea Doria collided with the Stockholm o the New England coast, killing 51 people before sinking the next morning.

1960: A Woolworth’s in Greensboro ended its whites-only lunch counter policy after nearly six months of sitin protests.

1972: The Tuskegee syphilis experiment was exposed, revealing that black men were left untreated for decades so researchers could study the disease — more than 100 died.

JULY 26

1775: The Continental Congress established a Post Ofce and appointed Benjamin Franklin its Postmaster-General.

1947: President Truman signed the National Security Act, creating the CIA and reorganizing the U.S. military.

1953: Fidel Castro began his revolt against Fulgencio Batista in an unsuccessful attack on an army barracks in eastern Cuba.

1990: President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, prohibiting discrimination based on mental or physical disabilities.

JULY 27

1789: President George Washington signed a measure establishing the Department of Foreign A airs, forerunner of the Department of State.

1909: During the rst ocial test of the U.S. Army’s rst airplane, Orville Wright ew himself and a passenger, Lt.

the most famous and in uential gures in the history of Western art, died by suicide on July 29, 1890, at age 37.

Frank Lahm, above Fort Myer, Virginia, for one hour and 12 minutes.

1940: Billboard magazine published its rst “music popularity chart” listing best-selling retail records.

1953: The Korean Armistice Agreement was signed at Panmunjom, ending three years of ghting on the Korean peninsula that killed an estimated 4 million people.

JULY 28

1794: Maximilien Robespierre and Louis Antoine de Saint-Just were executed by

guillotine during the French Revolution.

1914: World War I began as Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

1965: President Lyndon B. Johnson announced he was increasing the number of American troops in South Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000.

JULY 29

1890: Artist Vincent van Gogh, 37, died of an apparent self-in icted gunshot wound in Auvers-sur-Oise, France.

1921: Adolf Hitler became the leader of the National Socialist German Workers’ (Nazi) Party.

1954: The rst volume of JRR Tolkien’s novel “The Lord of the Rings” (“The Fellowship of the Ring”) was published.

1981: Britain’s Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

JULY 30

1619: The rst representative assembly in Colonial America convened in Jamestown in the Virginia Colony.

1916: German saboteurs blew up a munitions plant on Black Tom, an island near Jersey City, New Jersey, killing about a dozen people.

Steve Miller Band canceling tour over extreme weather

The 81-year-old wrote hit songs including “The Joker” and “Take the Money and Run”

By Isabella O’Malley

The Associated Press

CLASSIC ROCKER Steve Miller canceled his U.S. tour because he said severe weather including extreme heat and unpredictable ooding poses a danger to his band, its fans and crew.

The tour was set to kick o in August and run through early November, with nearly three dozen stops across the U.S. including cities in New York, Tennessee, Florida and California.

“The combination of extreme heat, unpredictable ooding, tornadoes, hurricanes and massive forest res make these risks for you our audience, the band and the crew unacceptable,” Miller, 81, said in a statement posted on the band’s social media accounts last Wednesday. “You can blame it on the weather. ... The tour is cancelled.”

The Steve Miller Band, formed in California in the 1960s, has hits including “The Joker” (1973) and “Abracadabra” (1982).

A band spokesperson declined to provide additional details about the cancellation.

Miller’s decision comes as a stretch of extreme weather in the U.S. has made headlines. A sweltering heat dome that baked

“The combination of extreme heat, unpredictable ooding, tornadoes, hurricanes and massive forest res make these risks for you our audience, the band and the crew unacceptable.”

Steve Miller

much of the eastern half of the nation in June and deadly ash ooding in Texas are some of the recent rounds of extreme weather.

Scientists say climate change is fueling extreme weather, causing storms to unleash more rain and sending temperatures soaring to dangerous heights, making it harder to plan outdoor summer events. The atmosphere can hold higher amounts of moisture as it warms, resulting in storms dumping heavier amounts of rain compared with storms of the past.

“Everyone wants to see their favorite artist, and that’s still possible. You just have to best mitigate weather risks,” said Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather, a private weather company. “For example, the doors may open an hour

solutions

late in order to ensure thunderstorms have moved su ciently away from the venue so the show can go on safely.”

Music festivals have recently encountered extreme weather, resulting in cancellations or causing concertgoers to become ill.

In June, the Bonnaroo Music

and Arts Festival in Tennessee was canceled partway through due to heavy rainfall. Last week, hundreds of people were treated for heat-related illnesses at the Rock the Country music festival in Kentucky, according to local o cials.

In 2023, tens of thousands of Burning Man event attendees were stranded after heavy rain created thick mud in the Nevada desert and roads were temporarily closed.

A study published in 2020 reported climate change will increase the likelihood of extreme heat stress during the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California.

GOOGLE ART PROJECT VIA WIKIPEDIA Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh who is among

CHARLES SYKES / INVISION /AP PHOTO

Steve Miller, pictured performing in 2023, canceled his U.S. tour, citing dangerous conditions from extreme weather.

*Must set up Auto Draft for 2nd Month. Offer valid through February 1st 2024.

famous birthdays this week

Arnold Schwarzenegger, pictured at the season two premiere of “Fubar”

Jennifer Lopez is 56, Mick Jagger hits 82, blues legend Buddy Guy celebrates 89

The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

JULY 24

Actor Robert Hays (“Airplane!”) is 78. Actor Michael Richards (“Seinfeld”) is 76. Actor Lynda Carter is 74. Actor-singer Kristin Chenoweth is 57. Actor-singer Jennifer Lopez is 56.

JULY 25

Singer-guitarist Bruce Woodley of The Seekers is 83. Drummer Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds is 82. Actor Matt LeBlanc (“Joey,” “Friends”) is 58.

JULY 26

Singer Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones is 82. Actor Helen Mirren is 80. Drummer Roger Taylor of Queen is 76. Actor Sandra Bullock is 61.

JULY 27

Olympic gold medal gure skater Peggy Fleming is 77. Comedian-actor-writer Carol Leifer is 69. Comedian Maya Rudolph is 53.

JULY 28

“Gar eld” creator Jim Davis is 80. TV producer Dick Ebersol is 78. Actor Sally Struthers is 78. Architect Santiago Calatrava is 74. Actor Lori Loughlin is 61.

JULY 29

Documentary lmmaker Ken Burns is 72. Style guru Tim Gunn is 72. Rock singer-musician Geddy Lee (Rush) is 72. Country singer Martina McBride is 59.

JULY 30

Actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is 78. Singer-songwriter Kate Bush is 67. Film director Richard Linklater is 65. Actor Laurence Fishburne is 64. Film director Christopher Nolan is 55.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Jennifer Lopez, pictured presenting the award for best Latin pop album during the 2025 Grammy Awards, turns 56 on Thursday.

AMY HARRIS / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, pictured performing in 2024, turns 82 on Saturday.

RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION / AP PHOTO

in June, turns 78 on Wednesday.

the stream

Madonna, ‘Happy Gilmore 2,’ Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd team up

Madonna drops her highly anticipated album “Veronica Electronica” on Friday

The Associated Press

ADAM SANDLER’S hockey player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore returning for a second movie and Madonna’s long-rumored album “Veronica Electronica” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time: Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd playing father and daughter in the horror-comedy “Death of a Unicorn,” gamers get a pirate adventure with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Judge Judy rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video, “Justice on Trial.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

It’s been almost 30 years since we rst met Sandler’s most famous character, but Sandler nally got the gang back together for a sequel. “Happy Gilmore 2,” coming to Netix on Friday, brings back many familiar faces, including Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller and Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, alongside an army of new co-stars from Bad Bunny to Post Malone as well as a few familiar faces in the golf world. This time around, Happy also has kids, including four hockey goon sons played by Ethan Cutkosky (“Shameless”), Conor Sherry (“Shake Shack”), Maxwell Jacob Friedman (a pro wrestler) and newcomer Philip Schneider. Here’s hoping it’s as quotable as the rst — we’ve been needing some new Sandlerisms.

November, and “Wicked: For Good,” is coming fast. What better time to catch up with “Wicked,” which begins streaming on Prime Video on Friday? In her review for The Associated Press, Jocelyn Noveck wrote that it might convert a nonmusical lover into one, but that, “if people breaking into song delights rather than ummoxes you, if elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emerald-hued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love ‘Wicked,’ well then, you will likely love this lm.”

Ortega and Rudd play father and daughter in the hor-

ror-comedy “Death of a Unicorn” about, well, just that (and also exploitative billionaires). It was met with mixed reviews: Some enjoyed the chemistry of the characters and the fun it has with its outlandish plot, while others saw those e orts as strained and hollow. You can decide for yourself when it hits HBO Max on Friday. Richard E. Grant and Will Poulter also star.

MUSIC TO STREAM

It is the stu of pop music mythology. Madonna’s long-rumored album “Veronica Electronica” — originally conceived as a remix companion to 1998’s blockbuster “Ray of Light” — nally arrives Friday. It is that and more. Begin with the new-to-fans original demo of “Gone, Gone, Gone.”

The second and nal part of an expansive documentary series on the life and career of Bil-

ly Joel hits HBO Max on Friday. And it’s not too late to catch up on the rst half of “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” either. It’s an in-depth look at the beloved singer-songwriter, replete with never-before-seen performance footage and more. Rock ’n’ roll fans, listen up. On Friday, the original Alice Cooper band lineup reunites to release “The Revenge Of Alice Cooper,” the rst album in over 50 years to feature that original lineup. It gives the album a sort of revived spirit — all high-octane ri s.

SERIES TO STREAM

Judy Sheindlin, beloved for her syndicated series “Judge Judy” that ended production in 2021 after 25 years, rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video. In “Justice on Trial,” actual criminal court cases are recreated by trial lawyers with Sheindlin pre-

siding over the courtroom. Will she nd the right decision was made? Find out now on Prime Video.

Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow star in “The Hunting Wives” for Net ix. It’s based on a thriller mystery novel by May Cobb. Snow plays Sophie, a woman whose husband’s job requires trading the East Coast for east Texas. She’s a sh out of water until she meets Margot (Akerman,) the queen bee of a group of women known as the Hunting Wives. These wives aren’t trading recipes or having tea — they like to party. Sophie nds Margot’s carefree lifestyle and con dence to be intoxicating until she gets caught up in a murder investigation. All eight episodes dropped Monday.

A new Hulu miniseries called “Washington Black” is also based on a book of the same name, but this one was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in

“If elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emeraldhued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love ‘Wicked,’ well then, you will likely love this lm.”

Jocelyn Noveck, AP Film Writer

2018. Set in the early 1800s, Wash — short for George Washington Black — is born into slavery in Barbados. Wash’s talent for art and curiosity catches the attention of a scientist named Titch (played by Tom Ellis), who encourages his education and creativity. When danger strikes, Titch and Wash escape in a hot-air balloon that lands in Nova Scotia. The series follows Wash’s adventures as he grows into a man played by newcomer Ernest Kingsley Jr. Sterling K. Brown is an executive producer and also has a role in the show. Stream the episodes now.

An acclaimed British crime drama called “Code of Silence” comes to BritBox on Thursday. Rose Ayling-Ellis plays a deaf cafeteria worker who begins working with the local police because of her ability to read lips. This new world is exhilarating but also dangerous. The show has already been renewed for a second season.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Last year’s Black Myth: Wukong turned Chinese folklore into a blockbuster game, and another Chinese studio is hoping to repeat that success with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. It tells the tale of a pirate who wakes up with amnesia and a bad case of “feathering” — not only is she sprouting blue plumage, but it’s driving her insane. The adventure takes place during the end of the Ming Dynasty in the 1600s, and Chengdu-based developer Leenzee Games promises a mix of historical gures and supernatural monsters. Take ight Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.

Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega star in “Death of a Unicorn.”

UNIVERSAL PICTURES VIA AP

The hit lm “Wicked,” staring Cynthia Erivo, left and Ariana Grande, begins streaming Friday on Prime Video.

Duplin Journal

Meth tra cking attempt lands woman in prison

Chinquapin

Shelby Raven Sholar was sentenced to 2 -3 years in state prison for felony attempt to tra c methamphetamine following an investigation by the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce Special Operations Division.

No four-wheelers on Kenansville roads

Kenansville The town of Kenansville has received reports of fourwheelers riding through town streets and residential areas. The town advises that it is against the law to operate four-wheelers on public streets or town rights- of-way and puts kids, pedestrians and nighttime drivers at serious risk.

Increase in vehicle thefts

Wallace

The Wallace Police Department has reported an increase in motor vehicle thefts in the Wallace area. According to authorities, in nearly every case, the vehicles were left unlocked with keys inside. Wallace PD is encouraging the public to secure their cars, never leave the keys inside the vehicle and report suspicious activity immediately.

Volunteers wanted

Kenansville

Duplin County Partnership for Children is seeking volunteers for its 2025 Back-to - School Community Day on Aug. 9. For more information, call Karen Pacheco at 910 -296 -2000.

Kenan Park closes temporarily

Kenansville

The Kenansville Parks and Recreation Department announced that Kenan Park will be closed starting July 28 to prepare for a new playground. Some trees will be removed to make way for safer, fun- lled play spaces for children.

Water Department’s drive-thru o ce now open

Kenansville

The new water department o ce is located in the former bank building in the Food Lion parking lot. The new o ce will utilize its drive -thru window for bill payments once technical issues with the intercom system are resolved.

Veterans honored, served at Duplin Stand Down

Veterans gathered in Rose Hill for a day of support at the Duplin County Stand Down event July 18. From BBQ meals and medical checks to free Bibles and legal aid, the event o ered more than just resources — it o ered community. Organized by Spiritual Destiny Ministries and hosted at the historic Charity Mission Center, the outreach honored those who served. To read the story, turn to B6.

Duplin dissolves Tourism Development Authority

The narrow scal window prompts a timely resolution on tax rate and governance

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Duplin County is charting a new course for how it manages tourism following a recent decision by the Board of Commissioners to dissolve the Duplin County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) and reduce the county’s Room Occupancy Tax rate.

During the special called meeting, County Manager Bryan Miller framed the change as part of a broader effort to streamline county services and create a more uni ed management structure. The move places tourism under direct county oversight.

“There have been several discussions in the past about the reorganization of tourism, speci cally to bring tourism under the wing of the county,” said Miller.

“There have been several discussions in the past about the reorganization of tourism, speci cally to bring tourism under the wing of the county.” Bryan Miller, county manager

Miller said it would be similar to how Human Services and Health Departments operate.

He also pointed out the TDA had never been properly established in its original form. He described a series of past e orts by the board to clarify the structure, including referring to the body as an advisory board rather than a true authority and inconsistencies in how TDA employees were designated as county employees.

By dissolving the current entity, Miller said the county can now “hit the reset button” and, if needed, reestablish a tourism

See TOURISM, page A6

Future on hold over wastewater crisis

With no easy x in sight, Mount Olive faces tough decisions on funding wastewater upgrades

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

MOUNT OLIVE — When Glenn Holland took on the role of interim town manager for Mount Olive in January, he was immediately confronted with a signi cant challenge that has lingered for over a decade: the town’s wastewater treatment issues. The handling and discharge of sewage through the town’s wastewater treatment facility have been sources of concern for years, and Holland is determined to tackle the pressing problem head on. Recently, he sat down with Duplin Journal to shed light on the situation’s history and discuss potential solutions.

The treatment and discharge of wastewater in towns and cities like Mount Olive are heavily regulated, with many guidelines established by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Duplin County responds to public scrutiny via social media

“We understand that on the surface, a golf membership may raise questions, and we welcome that scrutiny.”

Duplin County

O cials defended decisions in a public statement, citing transparency and long-term goals

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — In a rare and unusually candid social media post, Duplin County o cials responded directly to growing public scrutiny over several recent decisions — ranging from a corporate golf membership and sta ng changes to participation in regional events — saying they welcome the attention and are committed to building trust through greater transparency.

partnerships and maintain scal discipline.

The county’s post comes amid mounting questions and online debate, particularly over how public dollars are being spent during a time of nancial constraint. The message? “We hear you — and here’s the full picture.”

“We understand that on the surface, a golf membership may raise questions, and we welcome that scrutiny,” the county’s statement read. “But we view this as a targeted, strategic investment…one that opens doors, supports local institutions, and helps bring meaningful returns to Duplin County.”

County o cials emphasized that the events have resulted in tangible outcomes, including hundreds of thousands in grant funding and strengthened $2.00

O cials said their decisions were part of a broader, long-term strategy to strengthen county services, enhance

“We’re handicapped... We’re standing still.” Glenn Holland

and enforced by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. This regulatory framework is designed to ensure communities manage wastewater safely and e ectively.

The nightmare for Mount Olive came to a head when the town received a critical notice from DEQ’s Division of Water Resources. The notice indicated the town was not compliant with its operating permit for the wastewater treatment plant. The issues highlighted were serious: The town’s wastewater system was struggling to treat wastewater adequately, and the reclaimed water system was not functioning at its designed capacity.

The notice did not simply inform the town of the issue; it placed a sewer moratorium on

See WASTE, page A3

REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Ena Sellers

Michael Jaenicke

Allison Batts Advertising Representative

Loretta Carey O ce Manager CONTACT US

O ce Phone: 910 463-1240

To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042

CRIME LOG

July 14

• Samaijah Smith, 21, was arrested by Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce (DCSO) for simple assault, injury to real property and resisting a public o cer.

Crystal Kay La Pearl Bennett, 38, was arrested by DCSO for breaking and entering, attempted larceny, breaking into a motor vehicle and misdemeanor larceny.

Stephen Craig Blanton, 64, was arrested by Kenansville PD for second-degree trespass.

July 15

Marian Ann Turner-Gill, 61, was arrested by DCSO for breaking and entering and assault with a deadly weapon.

• Jessica Renee Lanier, 37, was arrested by DCSO for misdemeanor domestic violence.

Richard Eugene Lanier, 36, was arrested by DCSO for misdemeanor domestic violence.

July 16

• Robert Herbie Newton, 52, was arrested by Wallace PD for second-degree trespass.

July 17

Isis Marie Bowers, 48, was arrested by DCSO for driving with a revoked license and assault with a deadly weapon.

• Franchesca Dominique Fennell, 27, was arrested by DCSO for misuse of 911 system and possessing drug paraphernalia.

• Kawame Dearic Highsmith, 32, was arrested by DCSO for nancial card fraud, resisting a public o cer and providing ctitious information to an o cer.

• Jose Enrique Matute, 43, was arrested by DCSO for driving without a license.

• Dashauni Adrianna McKinnie, 24, was arrested by DCSO for possessing marijuana up to half an ounce, possessing marijuana paraphernalia, driving with a revoked license, operating a vehicle without insurance and parking near a re hydrant.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Water, sewer rate hikes coming to Greenevers

Diane

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

GREENEVERS — Mayor Diane Brown swore in Roszena Bivens as a new commissioner at the town board meeting on July 14 at the Greenevers Community Center.

Wendy Henderson then addressed the board on behalf of the Duplin County Department of Social Services (DSS). Her presentation included the various ways DSS services can help the community, including food assistance, energy bill assistance and medical transportation. Henderson encouraged the community to contact DSS by either applying online at NC.gov, visiting 423 N. Main St. in Kenansville or calling 910 -296 -2200.

Town Clerk Emma Brinson provided updates on various projects. No bids were received for the pump house rebuild, prompting the planning engineer to seek approval for an individual contractor. Well generators have been delivered and are being attached to existing well houses. New meters and lids are pending a response from the DOT. The 2023 CDG home rehabilitation project has completed title searches and will soon contact homeowners to discuss plans and begin the bidding process. A truck and a maintenance yard are currently up for sale, but no serious offers have yet been received.

Employee bene ts were discussed due to the expiration of the health bene t trust. Delta Dental, Metlife and USAA have secured replacement insurance starting July 1, but overall health insurance options remain open. The board discussed continuing to look at more options.

“Employees are more interested in getting help with retirement than they are with health insurance,” Brinson said. A draft of the subdivision or-

dinance was discussed. Bivens, who is also on the Planning Board, said that they are looking through the process to create a subdivision but training is needed. She also told the board that it would have to appoint a subdivision administrator for the work. Brown recommended contacting the Eastern Carolina Council of Governments for training and clari cation on the needed quali cations for a subdivision administrator.

An internal control policy was discussed to help meet the concerns of state audits for all ARP funding projects. The new policy will be ready for adoption at the August board meeting. Compliance forms necessary for USDA Rural Development funding were also discussed. Brinson planned to meet with USDA representative Stephanie Hardison to present the necessary paperwork and provide a walk-through tour of the funded projects in August.

Financial reports showed a net income of $25,660.66 for the month.

A proposal for services from Clear Gov was discussed. The board expressed skepticism for the business concerning changing rates on their services. The program provides translation of documents for

local government transparency to constituents. The board felt there was no need for the services “in such a rural area,” so it would “not be a good use of the town’s money.” The board approved sending letters to constituents regarding a 2.5% increase in water and sewer charges starting Sept. 1. The letters will also address their responsibility concerning replacing driveway tiles. Letters are going to be sent out in enough time for constituents with questions to attend the August board meeting.

Workshops with Strategic Planning will be held in Fayetteville Aug. 20 -21. The workshops would help the town develop plans for grant funding for infrastructure. A new vendor for cleaning ditches will be invited to the August meeting, and quotes for community center cleaning services are being sought.

Additionally, two nonprofits are hosting backpack giveaways at the Community Center on Aug. 16 -17. The re department announced the purchase of a new truck and the hiring of three part-time re ghters. The re department is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary in the fall.

Wallace Super Dollar to close

The store manager said company cited no speci c reason for the decision to shut down the stort

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

WALLACE — Super Dollar, a longtime discount store in the shopping center where Food Lion is located in Wallace, is closing. Tonya McCovery, manager of the store, told Duplin Journal there has not been a nal date set yet, but the closure will likely happen after selling as much of the remaining inventory as possible. Originally known as Super 10 and located in downtown Wallace, the store changed its name when it moved to the current location in 2000. The store is part of a company based in Henderson known as Variety Wholesalers. McCovery said when the company announced the closure of the Wallace Super Dollar, they did not provide a reason for closing the store. She said the company simply said it was a “corporate decision.”

The Super Dollar store in Wallace is set to close its doors after a nal inventory sale.

In addition to McCovery, the store has another full-time employee and two part-time employees who have the possibility of staying with the company.

“They’re giving us the option of going to another store,” McCovery said.

Francena Williams, an assis-

DUPLIN happening

SPONSORED BY

tant manager of the store, began working there in 2004. She said the closest other location is a 30-to-45-minute drive away. The news is sad for regular shoppers of Super Dollar like Joanna Robison of Wallace.

“I’m going to miss it. It’s close to me,” Robison said. “The cashiers here are really friendly.”

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

July 25

The Cookie Lady

11 a.m.

Get ready for a treat and join the Library’s Fun Friday at the Ed Emory Auditorium. Enjoy a delightful morning with The Cookie Lady, an event perfect for the entire family. For more details, call 910-296-2117.

165 Agriculture Drive Kenansville

Aug. 1 Paint Party

11 a.m.

Join the Duplin County Library for a colorful morning at Paint Party with Erica Maready happening at the Ed Emory Auditorium. Call 910-296-2117 for more details.

165 Agriculture Drive Kenansville

4H EGG-cellent Egg Contest

Don’t miss the 4H EGG-cellent Egg Contest. Open to active 4-H members with laying hens, the contest challenges participants to submit up to two sets of eggs judged on uniformity and quality — inside and out. The registration deadline is Aug. 1. To sign up, visit go.ncsu. edu/2025eggcontest. Winners will be announced on Sept. 30.

Aug 2

BackStreet Music Festival

10 a.m.

Get ready to groove at the BackStreet Street Music Festival in Wallace. Held at 208 SW Railroad St., the event aims to bring the community together, promote local history and conservation, and raise funds for Tri-County Youth Services. The event will feature live music from the 919 GoGo Band. The event will also feature an Elvis Presley impersonator, dance groups, arts and crafts, vendors and the Queen City Baggers bike show.

208 SW Railroad St. Wallace

Mayor

Brown swore in new town commissioner

REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Greenevers Mayor Diane Brown (left) o cially swore in Commissioner Roszena Bivens (right) during the July 14 board meeting.

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Kornegay Arena set for major seating overhaul

A $250,000 boost fuels the bleacher replacement project set to begin in December

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

AFTER SERVING the University of Mount Olive community for more than four decades, the George and Annie Dale Kornegay Arena is set to undergo a signi cant upgrade, beginning with the replacement of its original bleachers.

“This is a major upgrade,” said Joey Higginbotham, UMO athletics director. “It gives us a safe environment with the comfort fans deserve and elevates the atmosphere for high-level Division II athletics.”

The rst phase, set to begin in December, will involve replacing the arena’s original 1984 bleachers with modern stadium- style chairback seating. The bleacher replacement is expected to be completed by January 2026.

Higginbotham noted the visual and functional upgrades will greatly in uence how the university is perceived by prospective student-athletes and

the town, meaning no new sewer taps, extensions or additional ow would be allowed through the wastewater treatment plant until the problems were resolved. No additional ow through the wastewater treatment facility means the ability to issue new building permits for homes and businesses is becoming di cult to approve if it means more wastewater would have to be treated at the plant.

“We’re handicapped. We can’t do anything. We’re standing still,” Holland said, referring to the moratorium.

With this backdrop, Holland is focused on nding viable solutions to restore compliance.

The journey to relieve the town of the wastewater moratorium was addressed by the state in April when the town entered into a Special Order of Consent with the Division of Environmental Quality. The seven-page document outlines a series of complicated steps the town must take before a removal of the moratorium would be considered. The document also included a ne for being in

from page A1

relationships with key partners like Tri- County Electric and ECU Health Duplin.

“Tri-County is a valuable partner that has provided $50,000 for the AirPark Master Development Plan and $30,000 for product development. These are not symbolic contributions; they are tangible investments in Duplin’s future … there was a separate tournament where County ocials helped secure a $500,000 grant for local development.”

Still, o cials acknowledged the optics can be tricky. “Public trust isn’t a guarantee,” the county wrote. “It’s something we must earn and maintain.”

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

Edward Croom (right) talks to Joey Higginbotham about the rst phase of the Kornegay Arena renovations, which will focus on replacing the original bleachers with modern, stadium-style chairback seating.

the broader community.

“It will be the rst thing recruits see when they visit campus,” Higginbotham added. “It

creates a ‘wow factor’ and positions us as having one of the top facilities in Conference Carolinas.”

JOURNAL

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN

Mount Olive interim town manager Glenn Holland holds two documents from the state dealing with the town’s wastewater treatment system. The documents include a moratorium limiting the town’s wastewater capability and the steps needed to bring the system into compliance. The solutions will likely cost the town millions of dollars.

violation of discharge restrictions at a cost of $50,000. The order also contains a list of ve potential violations if the town does not complete the required steps by speci c dates. The

County o cials stated they will continue to evaluate its use and impact, like they do with any other expenditure, to ensure it aligns with the county’s long-term goals and the public’s expectations. The statement also noted that the “membership is available to all County employees.” This statement prompted questions from area residents, as traditionally golf clubs cap usage to a set number of designated users.

Duplin Journal called Duplin County Country Club to get clari cation about county employees using the golf course; however, the sta member directed questions back to Duplin County administration.

Duplin Journal reached out

penalties for the violations include $100 per day for failure to meet a scheduled date, and that is increased to $500 per day after seven days. Any reportable sewer over ow from the main

to County Manager Bryan Miller for clari cation about the corporate golf membership now available to all county employees.

“We’ve already made a statement on our Facebook page. I’m just going to point you to that,” said Miller.

When asked if the county had a policy that explains eligibility or a sign-up procedure for employees who may want to take advantage of the new bene t, Miller responded that they are handling that communication internally.

“We’re addressing that with our employees,” Miller told Duplin Journal in a phone call.

On the sta ng front, Duplin County addressed changes within its Social Services and Health

The legacy of the Kornegay Arena is deeply intertwined with the university’s identity. The facility has wit-

trunk line or main pump station would result in a $5,000 penalty per event day. Bringing the wastewater treatment system into compliance will not be a simple process and will likely cost the Town of Mount Olive millions of dollars, according to Holland. The moratorium and costs required to meet the state’s demands have placed the town in a “can’t win for losing” scenario. The order states the town “will not be permitted to accept any additional wastewater from any domestic, industrial or commercial sources without prior approval from the Washington (N.C.) Regional Supervisor and the Water Quality Permitting Section.”

Without the ability to add to the town’s tax base due to the restrictions on any additional wastewater, the question becomes how the town will afford the millions it will take to bring the system into compliance. That’s a question likely on the mind of the mayor and members of the board of commissioners.

Holland said one solution would be to change where the

departments. Plans to privatize the Child Support Unit are expected to reduce annual costs by half without resulting in job losses, as all a ected employees will have opportunities to transition within DSS. Similarly, consolidation within the Health Department aims to boost nurse compensation and retain talent.

Roles are being consolidated or privatized to save costs, with employees o ered alternative positions — some with better pay. The shifts, the county said, are part of a broader e ort to manage a $5 million de cit without cutting core services or raising taxes.

Duplin County emphasized that it has made strategic invest-

“It creates a ‘wow factor’ and positions us as having one of the top facilities in Conference Carolinas.” Joey Higginbotham

nessed generations of students walking across its stage, athletes rising through its ranks, and families gathering to celebrate. With this new phase of investment and modernization, the arena is being reimagined for the future.

University President H. Edward Croom expressed gratitude for the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trust No. One’s $250,000 grant, emphasizing that such partnerships help the university ful ll its commitments to current and future generations.

“This project re ects our continued commitment to enhancing the student experience and ensuring that Mount Olive remains a destination of choice for students, athletes and the broader community,” said Croom.

town discharges treated wastewater. Mount Olive’s current discharge point is into a tributary of the Northeast Cape Fear River. The size of the river at that point restricts how much wastewater can be discharged there under EPA rules.

If the town could pipe the treated wastewater to a larger body of water, such as the Neuse River, it could allow the town to add to its discharge capacity, which is currently restricted to 1 million gallons a day into the Northeast Cape Fear River.

The problem with that possible solution goes back to cost. Holland said it would cost millions of dollars to accomplish that feat. In fact, all currently considered scenarios have multimillion- dollar price tags associated with them. In the meantime, Holland continues to meet with engineers in hopes of creating a workable and a ordable solution.

Town leaders are hoping the solution to the wastewater treatment woes will not force the town to place more demands on Mount Olive citizens.

ments in public safety and employee compensation. Recent accomplishments include breaking ground on a $44 million detention center, opening a $3.7 million animal shelter, and completing a new Senior and Veteran Services Center — all without raising taxes.

County leaders emphasized their ongoing commitment to long-term community success, stating that every decision is made with the future of Duplin County in mind.

“We are committed to operating transparently, making informed decisions, and always keeping Duplin County’s longterm success at the center of what we do.”

SCRUTINY

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Share the good news about Duplin Schools

Receiving good news can bene t both our mental and physical health.

“NOTHING TRAVELS faster than the speed of light, with the possible exception of bad news, which obeys its own special laws.” Such is the observation of British author and humorist Douglas Adams. In a similar vein, stand-up comedian Tracy Morgan says, “Bad news travels at the speed of light; good news travels like molasses.” Although they both exaggerate to make their points about how fast bad news seems to spread, it is true that information can travel on the internet over ber optic cables at 60 -70% of the speed of light. And there certainly seems to be an extraordinary amount of bad news these days, especially on social media.

Did you know, however, that hearing and even reading good news has many positive e ects? Scienti c studies have shown that receiving good news can bene t both our mental and physical health, and our common bonds as neighbors. Being exposed to good news can improve your mood and reduce stress, increase your optimism and give you a more positive outlook on life, enhance your feelings of gratitude, strengthen your social connections with your community, and

inspire you and others to act in more positive, caring and productive ways.

In this day and age, when it is so easy to get caught up in doom-scrolling on the internet and be in uenced by negative stories about local public schools, here is a sampling of good news from our Duplin County Schools.

Tanya Smith, principal of the Duplin Early College High School, was selected as one of the two early college leaders in North Carolina to serve on the National Early College Leaders Network. She will work with other early college leaders to determine ways to make early college high schools more successful.

Three teachers have achieved National Board Certi cation: Hannah Bell from James Kenan High School, Heather Bradburn from B. F. Grady Elementary School and Samantha Rouse from B.F. Grady Elementary School. Two recent graduates gained recognition for their outstanding academic careers. Daniel Jones from East Duplin High School received the prestigious Morehead- Cain Scholarship and will study at UNC Chapel Hill. Elier Marquez- Chavez from Wallace-Rose Hill

How the world flipped in 6 months

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners.

IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS, the entire world has been turned upside down. There is no longer such a thing as conventional wisdom or the status quo.

The unthinkable has become the banal.

Take illegal immigration — remember the 10,000 daily illegal entries under former President Joe Biden?

Recall the only solution was supposedly “comprehensive immigration reform” — a euphemism for mass amnesties.

Now there is no such thing as daily new illegal immigration. It simply disappeared with commonsense enforcement of existing immigration laws — and a new president.

How about the 40,000-50,000 shortfall in military recruitment?

Remember all the causes that the generals cited for their inability to enlist soldiers: generational gangs, obesity, drugs and sti competition with private industry?

And now?

In just six months, recruitment targets are already met; the issue is mostly moot.

Why? The new Pentagon ipped the old, canceling its racist DEI programs and assuring the rural, middle-class Americans — especially white males — that they were not systemically racist after all.

Instead, they were reinvited to enlist as the critical combat cohort who died at twice their demographic share in Iraq and Afghanistan.

How about the “end of the NATO crisis,” supposedly brought on by a bullying U.S.?

Now the vast majority of NATO members have met their pledges to spend 2% of gross domestic product on defense, which will soon increase to 5%.

Iconic neutrals like Sweden and Finland have become frontline NATO nations, arming to the teeth. The smiling NATO secretary-general even called Trump the “daddy” of the alliance

What about indomitable, all-powerful, theocratic Iran, the scourge of the Middle East for nearly 50 years?

Although it had never won a war in the last half-century, its terrorist surrogates— Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis — were supposedly too dangerous to provoke.

Now?

Most of their expeditionary terrorists are neutered, and their leaders are in hiding or dead. Iran has no air force, no real navy, no air defenses and no active nuclear weapons program.

Its safety apparently depends only on the mood of the U.S. or Israel on any given day not to y into its airspace and take out its missiles, nuclear sites, generals or theocrats at will.

What happened to the supposedly inevitable recession, hyperin ation, stock market collapse, unemployment spikes and global trade war that last spring economists assured us would hit by summer?

Job growth is strong, and April’s in ation rate is the lowest in four years. GDP is still steady. The stock market hit a record high. Trade partners are renegotiating their surpluses with the U.S.

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners. It seems their preexisting and mostly undisclosed pro ts were large enough to a ord reasonable U.S. symmetrical tari s.

For now, news of tax cuts, deregulation, “drill, baby, drill” energy policies displacing Green New Deal strangulation and $8-$10 trillion in potential foreign investment has encouraged — rather than deterred — business.

Then there were our marquee elite universities, whose prestige, riches, and powerful alumni made them answerable to no one. And now, after the executive and congressional crackdown on their decades of hubris?

Supposedly brilliant university presidents have resigned in shame. The public has caught on to their grant surcharge gouging.

Campuses have backed o their arrogant de ance of the Supreme Court’s civil rights rulings.

They are panicked about the public exposure of their systemic antisemitism.

They are scrambling to explain away their institutionalized ideological bias, tawdry pro t-making schemes and mass recruitment

High School was accepted at three Ivy League colleges and will enter Duke University as a Benjamin N. Duke scholar.

This summer, two of our Duplin students participated in the North Carolina Governor’s School, a four-week residential program for talented high school students. Eduardo Gonzales from Wallace -Rose Hill High School studied at Greensboro College and Maya Smith at Meredith College.

Rose Hill-Magnolia Elementary School teacher Tanya Novakowski was selected as one of 30 North Carolina teachers in the 2025 -26 Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at NC State University.

We celebrate all of these accomplishments and more in Duplin Schools. Do yourself a favor and read the good news on duplinschools.net. And once you’ve read the good news, help it move along faster than molasses, even almost at the speed of light, as you share the good news with your family, friends and neighbors.

Philip Gladden lives in Wallace and writes on behalf of Duplin County Schools.

of wealthy foreign students from illiberal regimes.

So the mighty Ivy League powerhouses are now humbling themselves to cut a deal to save their nancial hides and hopefully return to their proper mission of disinterested education. What happened to the trans juggernaut of sex as a social construct and its bookend gospel that biological men could dominate women’s sports?

People woke up. They were no longer afraid to state that sex is binary and biologically determined. And biological men who dominate women’s sports are bullies, not heroes.

Where are the millionaire-scamming architects of Black Lives Matter now? Where is the “DEI now, tomorrow and forever” conventional wisdom?

Where is professor Ibram X. Kendi and his $30,000 Zoom lessons on how to ght racism by being racist? They have all been exposed as the race hustlers they always were. Their creed that it is OK for supposed victims to be racist victimizers themselves was exposed as an absurd con.

So what ipped everything?

We were living in an “emperor has no clothes” make-believe world for the last few years. The people knew establishment narratives were absurd, and our supposed experts were even more ridiculous.

But few — until now — had the guts to scream “the emperor is naked” to dispel the fantasies.

When they nally did, reality returned.

Victor Davis Hanson, a senior contributor for The Daily Signal, is a classicist and historian at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and host of “The Victor Davis Hanson Show.” This article was rst published by The Daily Signal.

COLUMN | PHILIP GLADDEN

COLUMN | VICTOR DAVIS HANSON

New antique store brings rustic charm to Warsaw

MaryBeth and Michael DeTuro are the dynamic duo behind Warsaw’s newest vintage shop

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

WARSAW — A new antique store opened this month in downtown Warsaw.

Hen & Houndstooth Antiques and Collectibles takes over a former grocery at 114 N. Front St. A large window display with their houndstooth-framed logo on the glass and a houndstooth rug greet guests outside the antique white double doors leading into the business.

Inside, two rooms are lled with an eclectic mix of wares from books and china to furniture and metalwork. Everything has a rustic European feel, like lithograph prints of a Quebec seaside village or pottery with scenes of Asia.

“I wanted to be a crusty, old British shop that felt like it’s been here for decades, and I think I’m on my way,” owner MaryBeth DeTuro said of the store’s style.

The husband and wife team of MaryBeth and Michael DeTuro share a love of old things. They moved into the area almost three years ago when they fell in love with and bought a 113 -year- old house on E. Hill Street. MaryBeth decorates their home in antiques.

“(What you see in the store) is how I style my home; this is an extension of my house,” MaryBeth said.

The houndstooth branding

and the name were just MaryBeth’s way of making the store something uniquely her own.

“I’ve been attracted to old quirky things, antiques and furniture in general,” she said. “I’ve always had this passion for decorating and redecorating even when I was little and didn’t understand it.”

MaryBeth worked as an interior designer for years for a company in California, then for 10 years at Thomasville Furniture in Raleigh.

About a year ago, she admitted she would really like to own an antique shop. The dream be-

came a reality because of the help and encouragement of her husband.

“When we moved here, there were a lot of vacant buildings,” MaryBeth said. “We decided to put some money back into the community by buying some real estate and converting it into a store.”

Michael joked he is “just the underpaid, hired help,” but his assistance is so much more than that.

“He handles all the business part of it, and I get to do all the pretty parts,” MaryBeth said.

Together, they enjoy sourc-

ing auctions and estate sales to stock their store. If a customer is looking for something speci c, a note is pinned to a board behind the shop’s desk with their name and the item for the DeTuros to “keep an eye out” for it.

“We try to keep a (steady ow) of new stu coming in several times a month, and we are always looking,” MaryBeth said.

Every item in the store has a story and coding on the tags to help MaryBeth remember each one of them. She enjoys learning the history of things and sharing them with others.

“It makes me happy that

How a Faison family turned a dream into a regenerative

At Acorn Acres, the Stroud family grows food and nurtures young minds

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

ACORN ACRES Farm is a dream that started on one acre of land in Faison.

Josh and Kim Stroud started microfarming to provide better quality food for their family.

Kim was a full-time teacher with a master’s degree in education when she decided to take time o for their children. When that time o became permanent, she started homeschooling the children and became an entrepreneur.

Happy Heart Elderberry makes a natural immune booster syrup that is sold in local shops and online. Meanwhile, Josh was working for a commercial pork company while raising his own meat animals at home.

“You don’t have to have a farm to raise animals,” Josh said. “The biggest prohibitor for people getting into farming now is the investment cost.”

One of the ways Josh cut costs farming is with temporary poly acrylic and metal electric fencing.

“Permanent fencing costs a lot of money, but using temporary fencing and rotating your animals, you can grow a lot more on less land and with less money. It’s an easier way for people to get into farming,” he explained. “Moving the animals is also good for the soil. The animals eat the plants and fertilize it with their

“You don’t have to have a farm to raise animals. The biggest prohibitor for people getting into farming now is the investment cost.”

Josh Stroud

manure, so the grass grows more when they are moved than if they were in a pasture and never moved at all.”

Working in the commercial farm industry, Josh observed many practices that he did not agree with or practice on his own farm. The family sold their home in Faison and moved to a property with 38 acres in Mount Olive.

On this little slice of rural heaven were all the seeds of what they hoped for and more: natural water, trees, nutrient-rich grasses, rolling hills, and space to grow.

Growth meant a way to give back to the community with quality food products and Acorn Acres Nature School. By August 2024, Josh was able to leave commercial farming and focus full time on regenerative farming at Acorn Acres.

Acorn Acres raises Cornish Cross chickens, heritage breed pigs, laying hens and turkeys.

“We raise the same kind of chickens that people are used to from commercial growers; we just raise them di erently,” Josh said.

Kim and Josh Stroud discuss the growth of their farm in their farm store.

All Acorn Acres animals are kept in portable pens controlled by portable electric fencing, so they are able to be moved around daily. In the summer, the pigs graze at the edge of the woods with natural shelter from the trees and mud wallows near the creek. In the winter, they move to portable shelters in the pasture.

Geese help protect the birds, while a donkey named Tennessee and two guard dogs get ready to protect meat sheep and cows, the farm’s next meat ventures.

While a lot of meat farms have customers purchase part of an animal or become shareholders, Acorn Acres o ers prepackaged meats.

“A lot of people don’t understand where di erent cuts come from and get confused translating what they want with how to tell that to the butcher. We take

care of all that for you,” Josh explained. “We grow it, take it to the processor, get it back, and make bundles for you to purchase what your family will want.

People can choose to be monthly subscribers and receive products at a 15% discount, or they can purchase products directly through the farm’s shop online, in person or at farm events like the Clinton Farmer’s Market or Feast Downeast in Burgaw. Community Supported Agriculture members can start with packages as low as $50 a month, and they have some choice in what is included in the packages.

The Nature School provided a hands-on learning experience for children ages 5-10 to be creative and explore nature. Structured classes meet twice a week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays

“We decided to put some money back into the community by buying some real estate and converting it into a store.”

MaryBeth DeTuro

it’s going some place good and somebody else likes it just as much as I did,” MaryBeth said of selling her wares.

The DeTuros grew up across the street from each other on Long Island in New York. They dated as teens, but when he joined the military they went their separate ways.

“He got married. I got married. We lost touch with each other for decades. … Things changed, and we reconnected,” MaryBeth said. “He was in California, and I was in Long Island at that time. We got back together, and we’ve been married over 20 years now. It was one of those meant-to-be things; I never forgot him, he never forgot me. You just never know what’s going to happen.” Warsaw has been very welcoming to the new store, and customers have come in from all over eastern N.C. to purchase wares posted online.

“People come in and ask about what else Warsaw has to o er,” MaryBeth said. “I would love to see this whole town come back to life. Maybe doing this will make others think they should bring their business here too.”

homestead

and Thursdays during the school year, and summer camps are available once a month during the summer break.

“My Mission is to o er a high-quality education through experiential learning in God’s creation and on our farm,” Kim said. “Kids are given time to learn, explore and play outdoors. They are encouraged and taught through child-led methods that consider the whole person: mind, body, spirit.”

Some of the kids most excited about the farm are the ones with a lot of screen time at home.

“They come here and have the chance to see things and do things here that they wouldn’t normally be able to see,” Josh said. “They miss it when they are not here.”

One of the favorite spots for the kids is the Fairy Garden, an outdoor play area sheltered by trees. At the Fairy Garden, there is a mud kitchen for kids to make stu with mud, water and foraged items from the land. There is also a sand pit seeded with fossils and hammocks to hang out in. During Nature School, students eat their lunch and play at the Fairy Garden. During the summer, the Stroud kids jump in a golf cart to go back to the Fairy Garden and play.

In the future, they hope to host community events like Homeschool Swap Shop and outdoor movie nights on the farm.

“It’s not as much about pushing products as it is about giving back to the community,” they said.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@duplinjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

MaryBeth DeTuro stands inside Hen & Houndstooth Antiques and Collectibles in Warsaw.

REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Teens nd their roots at ag immersion camp

Serving Duplin’s most vulnerable

Feed Our Hungry Children delivers vital nutrition and hope one backpack at a time

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

WALLACE — Anyone who makes regular trips to the local grocery store knows it’s economically challenging to feed any family these days. It is especially hard on families living in homes experiencing what some people call “more month than money.”

As a result, the statistics are concerning. It’s estimated about 3,560 children in Duplin County are living in homes with food insecurity. A ministry in Duplin County is helping feed those children on a large scale.

COURTESY OF CONNIE PERKINS

Mike Stone, a volunteer with Feed Our Hungry Children ministry, unloads a truck full of food items that will be distributed to children across Duplin County who are in food insecure homes.

the weekends,” Perkins said.

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

HIGH SCHOOL students from across the state stepped out of the classroom and into the elds during the 2025 Supervised Agricultural Education Experience Institute program, which took place during the second week of July.

The camp provided an in-depth introduction to the agricultural industry, highlighting the essential role it plays in North Carolina’s economy. Hosted by the University of Mount Olive and supported by the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, the program allowed students to gain rsthand knowledge of modern agriculture through direct exposure to farms, agribusinesses and industry professionals.

Instead of traditional classroom learning, participants engaged in experiential learning by touring active farms and agribusiness operations. These included crop elds, dairy farms, swine production facili-

“It doesn’t just teach students about agriculture — it shows them where they belong in it.”

Edward Croom

ties and a veteran- owned meat ranch.

“What makes SAE Camp so special is that it doesn’t just teach students about agriculture — it shows them where they belong in it,” said UMO President Edward Croom.

Students had the opportunity to see rsthand how agricultural products are cultivated, processed and brought to market. Each location served as a case study for a speci c sector of agriculture, allowing students to observe various production methods, technologies and business models.

The camp also focused on agricultural literacy and career awareness. Through workshops and discussions led by advisers, students explored how skills in science, technology and business directly apply to agriculture.

“It’s about showing young people the breadth of opportu-

nity in this industry and helping them nd their place in it,” said Edward Olive, UMO’s Lois G. Agribusiness Center director.

Students learned how to document their experiences using the Agricultural Experience Tracker, an essential tool for those pursuing agricultural education and FFA projects. Advisers received professional development training on how to guide students through these experiences following the camp.

“I came from a rural area, but I had never seen the diversity of agriculture like this,” said Leah Canada, a middle school adviser. “The kids light up when they see it all — and I do too.”

The program highlighted the variety of career paths available in agriculture, including farming, animal science, marketing, education and agribusiness management.

“Whether they go on to be farmers, agribusiness professionals, educators or advocates, this experience plants a seed of purpose that will grow for years to come,” Croom said.

Croom expressed his appreciation to the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission for supporting the weeklong overnight camp, which was free for students and teachers.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Section 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 and applicable State funding, or combination thereof.

This is to inform the public that a public hearing will be held on the proposed Duplin County Community Transportation Program Application to be submitted to the North Carolina Department of Transportation no later than October 03, 2025. The public hearing will be held on August 04, 2025 at 6:00pm before the (governing board) Duplin County Board of County Commissioners.

Those interested in attending the public hearing and needing either auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or a language translator should contact Ashlie D. Strickland on or before July 31, 2025, at telephone number 910-296-2333 or via email at ashlie. strickland@duplinnc.gov.

AV SO DE AUDIENC A PUBLICA Sección 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 y fondos estatales aplicables, o una combinación de ellos.

Esto es para informar al público que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública sobre la Solicitud propuesta para el Programa de Transporte Comunitario _del Condado de Duplin_ que se presentará al Departamento de Transporte de Carolina del Norte a lo más tardado el 3 de Octubre 2025. La audiencia pública se llevará a cabo el día 4 de Agosto 2025 a las 6:00 PM ante (junta de gobierno) los Comisionado del Condado de Duplin Las personas interesadas en asistir a la audiencia pública y que necesiten ayuda y servicios auxiliares conforme a la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) o un traductor de idiomas deben comunicarse con Ashlie D. Strickland en o antes del día 31 de Julio 2025 al número de teléfono (910) 296-2333 o por correo electrónico a shlie.strickland@duplinnc.gov

The Community Transportation Program provides assistance to coordinate existing transportation programs operating in Duplin County The total estimated amount

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PUBLICA

Sección 5311 (ADTAP), 5310, 5339, 5307 y fondos estatales aplicables, o una combinación de ellos.

Esto es para informar al público que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública sobre la Solicitud propuesta para el Programa de Transporte Comunitario del Condado de Duplin que se presentará al Departamento de Transporte de Carolina del Norte a lo más tardado el 3 de Octubre 2025. La audiencia pública se llevará a cabo el día 4 de Agosto 2025 a las 6:00 PM ante (junta de gobierno) los Comisionados del Condado de Duplin.

Las personas interesadas en asistir a la audiencia pública y que necesiten ayuda y servicios auxiliares conforme a la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) o un traductor de idiomas deben comunicarse con Ashlie D. Strickland en o antes del día 31 de Julio 2025, al número de teléfono (910) 296-2333 o por correo electrónico a ashlie.strickland@duplinnc.gov.

El Programa de Transporte Comunitario brinda asistencia para coordinar los programas de transporte existentes que operan, en el condado de Duplin así como también brinda opciones y servicios de transporte para las comunidades dentro de esta área de servicio. Estos servicios se proporcionan actualmente utilizando vehículos de transporte público, como camionetas equipadas con ascensores y vehículos de tránsito ligeros. Los servicios son rendidos por medio del

Departamento de Transporte Público del Condado de Duplin. La cantidad total estimada solicitada para el período del 1 de Julio de 2026 al 30 de Junio de 2027. Esta aplicación puede ser Transporte Público del Condado de Duplin desde las 8 AM hasta las 5 PM. Los comentarios escritos deben dirigirse a Ashlie D. Strickland antes del día 31 de Julio 2025.

Feed Our Hungry Children, associated with Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries, is currently led by co-directors Connie Perkins and Jim Perry. Duplin Journal spoke with Perkins about the work of feeding Duplin County’s children in need. She said the history of the ministry dates back to 2009.

“Faye Sellars read an article in what I believe was the Wilmington paper about children not having su cient food on the weekends,” Perkins said.

“She told her husband what she read, and he said, ‘If there are children hungry there on weekends, I’m sure there are children that are hungry here too.’”

From that conversation, Feed Our Hungry Children was born.

After many years, Sellars eventually contacted Perkins and said she thought it was time to pass the torch of operating the ministry. That’s when Perkins and Perry took the reins.

In the early part of the ministry, the focus was on helping children who did not qualify for free or reduced lunches at school but were still a ected by economic challenges within their families. They were the ones left behind because they could not a ord lunch at school. Feed Our Hungry Children turned to churches and began collecting donations to pay for school lunches for those children.

Eventually, school systems began providing free lunches.

“As for school lunches, if they’re getting free lunches there, they probably don’t have su cient food on

body in the future — this time with the proper framework in place. Timing played a crucial role. Part of the impetus for the change stemmed from a review. Miller said the administration discovered the county had a narrow window, as outlined in General Statute 153A-155, to pass a resolution in the current scal year to adjust the Room Occupancy Tax rate. Missing the deadline would have delayed any action for another year.

“We’re still working through the process. We do have a long-term plan, but it’s developing as we nd out more and more what was being done,” Miller told Duplin Journal during an interview Tuesday.

The two sta members previously employed by the TDA — a director and a deputy director — are no longer with the county as a result of the dissolution.

Miller emphasized that local input remains a vital part of the transition, adding that they met with the folks who are impacted by the change.

“We’re hearing what people have to say — the people that are potentially impacted,” said Miller. “And we’re taking their thoughts and recommendations seriously, and we’re going to move forward.”

In the meantime, tourism responsibilities will not be neglected.

The ministry stepped in and began focusing on food backpacks for the weekends, as well as during the week during the summer. So far this year, Feed Our Hungry Children has distributed 8,052 backpacks to children in need. This summer, an additional 750 backpacks have been given to children who do not have transportation to reach one of the school system’s nutrition sites open during the summer months.

According to Perkins, the ministry locates those children who can’t make it to nutrition sites by reaching out to social workers in the county.

While the contents in the backpacks vary, Perkins opened one and shared its contents with Duplin Journal. The backpack contained a microwaveable container of spaghetti, Pop-Tarts, a can of beans and franks, a fruit cup of diced peaches and a squeeze pack of apple sauce. It also contained a pack of peanut butter crackers, two oatmeal cakes and two bottles of water.

The Feed Our Hungry Children backpack ministry currently serves students at ve Duplin County schools.

Perkins said she and Perry met on the afternoon of her interview with Duplin Journal to begin the process of gearing up for the upcoming school year.

Distributing more than 8,800 food backpacks so far this year has not been an inexpensive endeavor. The ministry is dependent on contributions from churches, organizations, businesses and individuals to accomplish their mission.

“The tourism positions will be absorbed,” said Miller. “Those duties will be reassigned to other people that are in-house now.”

Carrie Shields, the assistant county manager, will continue to oversee tourism from the county’s perspective, a role she has already been fullling.

“As you know, the tourism and tourism employees were employees of the TDA,” Miller told Duplin Journal. “Now that the TDA has been dissolved, I would imagine Carrie will continue to oversee tourism from an administrative standpoint.” Miller also indicated the funds previously allocated to the TDA would remain dedicated to tourism.

“Every penny of that, of the occupancy tax collections, by state statute, have to remain with tourism,” he explained.

Interestingly, despite lowering the Room Occupancy Tax rate, which previously funded tourism initiatives, the county may actually come out ahead nancially.

“The gross loss would be about $58,000,” said Miller, “but because of the reduction in salaries, it’ll actually be a positive, I don’t know, $100,000 swing for the county in funds that are allocated for tourism.”

While tourism e orts will continue under a newly restructured, county-led model, the reduced tax rate could enhance Duplin County’s competitiveness in attracting visitors and lodging partners.

TOURISM from page A1

The weeklong camp gives high schoolers hands-on farm experience and a fresh perspective on agriculture

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

Students in the Supervised Agricultural Education Experience Institute learned about a variety of row crops, including cotton, corn, wheat, soybeans and peanuts.

DUPLIN SPORTS

ACL injuries have become an unstoppable epidemic

Even with medical advancements, the most common sports injury is still damaging

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — The Detroit Lions ruled defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike out for the season with a torn ACL, a tough break for a team expected to compete for a Super Bowl berth before training camp even started. That caused an alarm bell to go o . Didn’t Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs have that same injury, as well as NBA all-pros and Olympians Kyrie Irving and Damien Lillard?

A similar alarm rang in the locker room at East Duplin as ve players were slammed with knee injuries, and of course they play more than one sport to the impact of missing time is key. All but one were ACL related. Anamarie Rodgriguez, who longtime soccer coach Joey Jones calls, “his best female scorer,” was forced out of soccer just before the state playo s. Hoopsters Ava Noble and Zakoya Farrior also had knee injuries and were sidelined. Noble’s was an ACL. Farrior had an operation on her knee to repair around the ACL, but not ofcially the ACL. Noble, a rising junior who desires to play softball in college,

wasn’t able to play either sport in 2024-25.

Gridiron players Noah LeBlanc and Luke Hall also have ACL issues. LeBlanc, a transfer from Richlands who will be a junior, had his big fall two months ago.

Every year, more than 200,000 people in the U.S. go under the surgeon’s knife for ACL reconstruction. And while recovery time is from nine to 12 months before athletes return to the eld, many are not the same as before their injury.

East Duplin saw that in 2014 when Jonisha McCoy averaged 16 points and 8.1 rebounds as a sophomore and had

Wallace-Rose Hill and James Kenan are the top schools

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Perhaps the NCHSAA got it correct when placing football super powers Wallace-Rose Hill and James Kenan in the same conference.

Adding neighboring East Duplin or Clinton would have been too much for one league. And after all, isn’t realignment all about making sure football, the revenue sport for schools, has parity.

The push from four classi cations to eight has watered down football and will allow many schools with awful records into the playo s.

To not qualify in a classi cation takes a lot of serious work, as 48 of 58 teams in 3A will qualify.

Clinton and ED, both of

which are regrouping, are in the East Central with a group of schools that do not put fear in sports fans or players — Trask, South Lenoir, Southwest Onlsow and Pender. Expect a two-dog race, but will it be the same for JK and WRH in the Swine Valley Conference?

Most likely. But Midway and Princeton will be sti er competition this season and in the years to come. Spring Creek, Goldsboro and Rosewood shouldn’t be able to hold serve against Duplin two 3A schools.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

Goldsboro program has sunk to new lows

Coaches scream, “But they have great athletes.”

Perhaps, but everything else is missing in Goldsboro, which

North Duplin and Lakewood don’t like one another and tend to go “beast mode”

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — North Duplin and Rosewood have knocked heads on a football eld for more than 50 years, and it’s meant something because both were in the same conference most seasons.

That streak will end this fall as the Eagles become the lone 2A in the Swine Valley 3A Conference, though they will con-

tinue their rivalry with the Rebels.

Yet the game against ND’s ercest football rival, Lakewood, will remain a black-and-blue fall classic between two physical league teams that just don’t like one another and tend to bring out the beast-mode mentality on both sides.

The Rebels, Lakewood, Hobbton and Union remain in the Carolina Conference, which is exclusively 2A schools, sans 1A holdout East Columbus.

The NCHSAA’s realignment committee also shifted West Bladen and West Columbus to the league, giving the Rebels

six conference games. That’s a nice change since ND had just four league games the previous four seasons, and thus one bad game could echo over a season.

With all that as a backdrop, expect the hottest teams from the old CC — North Duplin and Lakewood — to be kingpins of the Carolina Conference.

Don’t be surprised if Hobbton changes direction. Union and the three CC newcomers will struggle to be near the top of the pack.

Here’s a quick rundown on the new league.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

No team in the Carolina Conference or otherwise stopped ND senior Carell Phillips from going over 100 yards last season.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

The knee takes the biggest beating in sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball and football.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL WRH and JK split two close games last season, and the action was physical in both a airs.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE

Baylor James

Wallace Diamond Youth 8U, baseball

Baylor James isn’t thinking about school this week. All that matter is how his team will play in the 8U Diamond Youth World Series.

Wallace, the runner-up in North Carolina, opens play Thursday in the Coach Pitch tournament in Riegelwood.

James is the son of Bubba and Joy Chambers. This is the only Duplin County team in either the Dixie or Diamond Youth World Series.

Other team members include Carter Lovelace, Johnny Cooper, Axton Pickett, Nathaniel Paylor, Walker Rivenbark, William Blackwell, Grayson Donnelly, Xander Peterson, Bryson Powell, Jack Newton and Tate Bradshaw. Cory Lovelace, Blake Peterson, Cory Blackwell, Bubba James and Steven Paylor are the coaches.

Duplin 14U team is runner-up in Dixie Youth State Tournament

The Duplin County Dixie Youth 14U team endured a six-game stretch to nish second in the state last weekend at Town Creek Park in Winneba (near Leland). The team, which has players from all over the county, includes Konnor Sholar, kneeling from left, Chance Kibbey, Hatch Becher, JJ Rouse, JC Williams, Gage Kildow; standing, Sammy Mojica, Brayden Jones, Hayes Lanier, Silas Jarman, Hayden Foy and Brayden Miller. Coaches are Dwaine Jarman, Ryan Lanier, Matthew Marshburn and David Miller.

Hungry Panthers enter as overwhelming league favorite

Clinton, Pender and a cast of wanna-bes will be aiming to strike down East Duplin

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — East Duplin caught a huge break when the nal version of realignment took powerhouse Havelock out of the East Central Conference.

That and the downtrodden program at Clinton made the Panthers the overwhelming choice to rebound and capture the league crown.

This time, they will contend with James Kenan and Wallace-Rose Hill as independent foes, as both are in the Swine Valley 3A Conference.

ED fell to both of its smaller-sized neighbors, but the Panthers are in the 4A ECC that has little fanfare with mediocre opponents such as Trask, South Lenior and Southwest Onslow. Pender too might fall into that group, though the Panthers clearly have a superior program. The Pats will be over their heads facing Battle Holley’s team.

Panthers put reputation on the “line”

It’s hard to say East Duplin is rebuilding, but that’s the case for its two lines and defense following a rare 6-6 season. It’s Battle Holley’s worst showing since going 3-4 during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season.

But ED returned to form by going 11-2, 15-1 and 10-2.

The best moment of the 2024 campaign was a 33-13 upset of No. 9 St. Pauls in the rst round of the playo s.

But ED must play Panthers football up front and allow less than 23 points as they did in 2024, which also featured losses to Richlands, West Craven (twice) and Kinston.

The season marks a now-or-never spot for fullback Shawn Davis, who ran for more than 2,600 yards and scored 37 touchdowns the previous two seasons.

Davis was hurt last season and never found his way as a lead man on the superstar highway for running backs.

If he gets there, the Panthers will be back on track as a dominant team.

Finding running back Aaron Hall (799 yards, 9 TDs) might have been the best happening last fall. Having quarterback Branson Norris (26 -71 for 404 yards) healthy at the start of the season is another positive factor.

And if Keeshon Mckinnie (455 yards rushing) can stay o the injury list, his production could double.

Sophomore RB/DB Dwayne Davis could also develop into a playmaker in Holley’s Wing-T o ense that can chew up the clock and end with touchdowns.

What in the world will Clinton look like?

A proud program took ve giant steps backward last fall as Clinton fell to 2-8 after going 15-1 in 2023 and winning an East Region title. And the Dark Horses had many dark Fridays. They were outscored 146-7 during losses to

WRH, Northside-Jacksonville, Lumberton and Whiteville. Setbacks to Midway and Princeton followed. They won two of their nal four games, though Fairmont and West Bladen had two combined wins.

So much for talk of the school’s ve state titles. Former player Johnny Boykin was there to pick up the pieces when Cory Johnson exited the state with a few Dark Horse players and others from across the state.

Johnson had to forfeit games at Marlboro County shortly before playing for a conference title. Clinton fans had a collective sigh amid what could only be described as a scandal. It wasn’t a death certi cate for the Dark Horses, who will beat at least half of the teams in the ECC this fall.

Here’s why: Clinton’s football pedigree is too big to be pounded into the ground. The Dark Horses had basically a junior varsity team last fall. Expect them to begin to grow and ex their gridiron muscles.

Johnson did great damage to the program, but he wasn’t able to kill the feeder system. Here is the other “why”: limited talent from other teams in the ECC, sans ED.

Eanes’ Patriots have outside shot at being a contender

Pender, which went 10-4 last season, still has coach Tom Eanes, who has an 85-54 career mark and can develop talent. He’s succeeded when others could not — Bob Lewis (25-36), Gary Lewis (16 -54) and Glenn Sellers (30-40). Eanes is the winningest coach in Patriots history.

The Patriots averaged 41 points last fall from a team that rushed for 5,250 yards, including senior Jeremiah Johnson (2,636 yards, 43 TDs).

Four running back returnees combined for just 360 yards last fall. Yet half of Pender’s wins came from weaklings, Lejeune, West Columbus, East Columbus, Union and Chatham Central, which had a combined record of 8-45.

Titans look to advance o base line

Trask has had winning marks the past three seasons (6-5, 6-5, 7-3) after going 0- 9 in 2021. They were 15-24 the previous four seasons.

But the Titans will have their third new coach in three

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Adoption of the Town of Rose Hill Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Rose Hill, North Carolina, will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM or shortly thereafter, to consider adoption of the Town of Rose Hill Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The meeting will be held at

years as Ty Lovette takes over in Rocky Point. His top running back is junior Jaiden Young (1,240, 11 TDs).

Even so, Trask is on a three-year push (19-13) that ranks among the school’s best ever during a span of three or more seasons.

And while that’s a positive, the Titans will have to do more than that just to be a middleof-the-pack player the ECC.

Blue Devils struggles in the league continues

South Lenoir went 5-34 in a tougher ECC the previous four years, and much of the same is expected in Deep Branch in the fall.

But the Blue Devils will be in the mix in games against Lejeune, Spring Creek, Jones Senior and sister school North Lenoir, but only because of the rivalry.

Wins will be scarce otherwise, meaning in the ECC. South Lenoir went 0-10 last season and scored a mere 34 points while giving up a whopping 495.

That alone is enough for some fans to ask, “When does basketball season start?”

The great mystery of the Stallions’ demise

Southwest Onslow and ED are the lone 5A schools in the ECC. The other four are 4A schools.

Yet no one has fully explained how the Stallions program went from winning four state state titles (2000, ’03, ’04 and ’12) and were runners-up three times (1999, 2012 and ’13) under head coach Phil Padgett (295-69).

But SWO has been in shambles since 2019 (15-30) and unable to beat even mediocre teams. Stallions lost only one game by less than a touchdown, so they took some hard hits.

Former player Charlie Dempsey sustained success from the past, and now ex-Stallion Zach Garvey takes over and is all but starting from the beginning.

Here’s where they are a week before teams can practice: facing the reality that they only beat South Lenior and Goldsboro last season.

The Stallions are miles away from the glory days yet in a spot to start building.

So that schools can once again be in awe of the Stallions before they march onto the eld.

That’s likely a two- to three-year project.

the Rose Hill Town Hall, 103 SE Railroad Street, Rose Hill, North Carolina. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend.

Copies of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan are available for review by the public at Town Hall during normal o ce hours. The public is encouraged to review the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and to attend the public hearing. For additional information, please contact the Town at 910-289-3159.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ED’s comeback tour starts on opening night when Battle Holley’s club faces archrival Wallace-Rose Hill.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Beulaville Post 511 joins Legion staples at State Tournament

A seven-game winning streak and sweep of Tabor City put Post 511 in the big tournament

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — A temporary lack of interest in baseball and the COVID-19 pandemic put an end to Duplin County’s American Legion team.

Beulaville Post 511 returned in spectacular fashion by going 11-4 and earning a spot in the American Legion State Tournament this weekend in Cherryville. Post 511 manager Brandon Thigpen worked frantically following the high school season to put together a team of East Central Conference all-stars, included players from his East Duplin squad.

Not many would have expected Post 511 to make the eight-team State Tournament, but a seven-game winning streak and sweep of No. 2 seed Tabor City in the Area 2 playo s paved the way. Beulaville won the best-of- ve series in three games. They will be joined in Cherryville by the following Legion teams:

• Wilmington Post 10 (22-7)

Perennial contender won Area

Leopards and Rebels are clearcut favorites

North Duplin lost one time last season — 26-20 in the third round of the 1A playo s to Lakewood, who won 10 games for the second-consecutive season.

The Rebels won the regular season bout 43-24 to capture the league crown. In fact, ND stomped every foe on its schedule, sans Hobbton. ND had to rally to beat the Wildcats 34 -31 in what was supposed to be the regular season nale.

ND and Lakewood clash Sept. 19 in Roseboro. It’s their usual conference opener, and neither school needs to hold a pep rally to get the players excited.

Leopard head coach John Holt, who played and coached at Appalachian State and coached at Western Carolina and Georgia State, has a running back that can dominate a game.

Calvin Lacewell ran for 1,095 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, averaging 7.9 yards per carry as a sophomore, and more will be expected from the 5-foot-9, 200-pound bull with cleats.

Linebacker Dashaun Carr (117 tackles) is a force on the other side of the fall.

Lakewood will also have a strong o ensive line and solid defense, both of which are foundation to the program.

Yet the Leopards were a mediocre 15-27 from 2019-23. Another turn of the wheel came when James Lewis led Lakewood to a 39-17 stretch from 2014-17.

ND, meanwhile, is similarly built.

Its defense allowed just 12.8 points per game, while the offense put up 30.6. They run the football and

2 and have captured four state titles and been runner-up four times.

Garner Nation (22-3)

• Rowan County Post 342 (26-9)

• Union County Post 535 (22-7) Pitt County Post 39 (17-5)

• Beaufort County Post 511 (18-5) Asheboro Post 70 (26-1)

Post 511’s (11-4) season started with two losses in three games, and they had three- and two-game streaks, though they have clearly not played the number of games as the other seven nalists.

Jaxson Smith and Kyle Kern have been the workhorses on the mound.

Smith, a rising senior at Clinton, has thrown a team-high 242⁄3 innings and has an ERA of 2.55. He’s struck out 30 and walked just ve. Kern, Mr. Baseball in Duplin County and one of the strikeout

dare you to stop them between the tackles. Head coach Hugh Martin’s Wing-T o ense keeps the ball for long stretches of time and then deposits it into the end zone.

Carell Phillips (1,913 yards, 31 TDs) led Duplin in yards and scores in 2024.

Vance Carter (573 yards, 6 TDs) is solid but not as dynamic a runner as Phillips.

ND returns nearly everyone but defensive end Isaac Davis, quarterback Luke Kelly and DB/RB Donavan Armwood. Middle linebacker Ethan Turnage, defensive end Trashawn Ru n, and linebackers Noah Quintanilla and Garris Warren bring a wealth of experience. Ru n will play at NC State in 2026.

The Rebels are built for now and could still be upset over losing to the Leopards in the playo s.

Scronce’s Wildcats play spoiler role

New Hobbton coach Adam Scronce had less than three weeks to coach the Wildcats before its opener against 3A Midway. His team will play Lakewood and North Duplin in its nal two regular season tilts.

Yet Scronce and company could make up ground when playing the other four league foes.

He replaced Joe Salas, who was 38-42 the last seven seasons before being red.

He had just two .500 seasons. Hobbton’s struggles go further. The Wildcats were 11-68 from 2011-17. They’ve had only three .500 or better seasons since 2008.

The athletes are in Newton Grove, and Scronce has begun teaching the principals of the Wing-T he learned under Jack Holley, the state’s No. 2 all-time winner.

Eagles land in middle of CC

East Bladen returns four key o ensive players from last season’s 5-7 club, but mediocrity lives in the Eagles’ heart.

EB is 22-26 in its last four seasons, very removed from its 50-16 ledger from 2014-18. They were fourth to White -

pitchers in the state while playing his senior season for East Duplin, whi ed 29 and walked 11 in 211⁄3 frames. He’s 2-1 with a save. Cole Jarman and Christian Wooten have combined for 25 innings, a 3-1 mark with 21 strikeouts and 12 walks.

The Post 511 bats have hit .299 with Jake Howard (.425), Cole Jarman (.389) and Austin Clements (.414) leading the way. But the foursome have gotten help from Smith (.341), Blayden Pridgen (.321), Gage Howard (.304) and rising Panthers senior Sawyer Marshburn (.294). ED’s Jack Tuck has raised his average to .250 following a slow beginning.

Two more big tournaments possible

Defending champ Wayne County Post 11 did not make the cut to advance.

Action in Cherryville will continue until July 30.

From there, the champ advances to the Southeast Region Tournament, which runs from Aug. 6-10 at McCray Park in Asheboro.

The American Legion World Series is at Keeter Stadium in Veterans Park in Shelby. It runs Aug. 14-19.

ville (13-2), South Columbus (8-3) and Pender (10-4) in the Waccamaw 1A/2A Conference last fall.

Quarterback Kewone Maynor (559 rushing yards, 9 TDs), and running backs Dashon Campbell (750 yards, 8 TDs) and Torean Cogdell (353 yards, 3 TDs) give East Bladen a chance to rise above .500.

Spartans, Gators are bottom feeders

Union, East Columbus and West Columbus were a combined 3-29 last season.

Based on previous success or lack thereof Union is the pick to sweep the bottom of the conference.

The Spartan have gone 2-26 in the CC the previous four seasons and were “lucky” enough to make the 1A playo s last winter.

But the winless streak continued during a 51-0 loss to North Moore in which the visitors had to drive 212 miles to end 0-11.

East Columbus, 8-34 in the past four falls, did not win a game in 2024 as it did in 2014. The team had one each in 2015, 2016 and 2017. They Gators have been over .500 just one time since 2008. Vikings nd winning ways under Williamson

The past four seasons at West Columbus has been about as good as any in recent history.

While Lamont Williamson’s club went 3-8 last season, it followed 12-2, 9-4 and 6-6 campaigns. The 30-20 mark puts salve on a seven-year stretch from 2011-17 in which the Vikings were 16-68.

Junior running backs DJ Graham (560 yards) and Christ Norton (428 yards) will pace the Vikings attack this fall.

CC from page B1

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Gage Howard is tied for second in hits this summer for Beulaville Post 511.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

did fairly well when in the ECC a few years ago.

The Cougars were 1-9 last fall and 8-36 since leaving the ECC (that had ED, JK and WRH) ve years ago. It’s particularly alarming since the Neuse River 2A was a minor league conference in football compared to the ECC.

Goldsboro isn’t without hope, yet more than a handful of victories is almost impossible to fathom.

Will Gators be able to eld a team the entire season?

It’s a valid question considering the past. Spring Creek and Jones Senior belong in a leauge of their own, one that usually horrible Lejeune (4-7 last fall but 6-36 in the last four years) would t up until last season.

Few do football worse, and the argument for eliminating it is strong in Gator World.

But the rural Wayne County school is stubborn and wants to t in, apparently, even if they stick out like a swollen ankle.

Competitive?

The Gators will be fortunate to score a token touchdown late in the fourth quarter when the opposition empties its bench.

They went 6-32 the past four years and were 3-50 from 2009-13. Their best and only .500 season was 2005’s 6-6 mark.

Will 2A Rosewood to be overwhelmed?

Rosewood, the lone 2A in the Swine Conference, isn’t ready to face the big boys week in and week out.

The Eagles have softened since longtime coach Robert Britt left after the ’23 season.

Head coach Josh Smith, the

o ensive coordinator for more than a decade, has struggled to the tune of a 13-12 mark in two seasons.

That e ort won’t work in the Swine Valley, leaving the Eagles just above the basement-living Gators.

Running back Bryson Hobbs (900 yards, 9 TDs) returns, but Smith lost quarterback Hunter Sasser (1,113 yards, 19 TDs, 9 interceptions) and will be backpedaling to move the football.

Raiders built to compete this year

Midway, which went 8-3 last season, might be the sleeper

to have ACL surgery in the o season.

She missed her junior season and returned in 2016 to net 14.3 points and 6.8 boards per game, yet she was clearly not the same player, and that lost edge transferred to her college years at NC A&T.

Unpreventable tears

One of ve athletes will have an ACL tear during their career, and one of six from that group will have a second tear.

The risk during a competition is seven times greater than in practice, and 75% will have a tear without direct contact.

Soccer, basketball, volleyball and football have the most ACL injuries as the knee is stressed by quick stops, change of direction, jumping, planting, landing and through direct contact.

The ligaments separate into two pieces or are torn o the bone in ACL injuries. Often other parts of the knee is damaged, such as in meniscus tears and damage to other cartilage and ligaments.

“It’s the most common serious injury aside from ankle sprains,” said Heather Houston, the trainer at East Duplin. “You can’t prevent them from happening, even given the best training.”

Houston suggested an aggressive approach before and after the injury.

“It’s about building up the muscles around the knee before a surgery and then working hard and being dedicated to recovery,” she said. “And I’ll stress that you have to be dedicated to it.”

Females more at risk than males

Females are up to nine times more likely to su er an ACL tear.

They tend to use the muscle in front of the thigh (quadriceps) when cutting and jumping as opposed to using the hamstrings, put-

pick in the Swine Conference. If quarterback Tanner Williams (53-117 for 701 yards, 7 TDs) and running backs Gehemiah Blue (113-779, 10 TDs) and Nathue Myles (51-557, 5 TDs) step up, the Raiders could be in the mix for a league title.

But it will take much more than o ense for coach Barrett Sloan’s club to nab Swine victories.

Midway is 28-17 in the past four seasons and had a big win over JK before it left the ECC.

The Raiders fell to JK 41-6 and were blown out in theirnal two games against St. Pauls (59-22) and Greene Central (41- 6).

ting too much pressure on the tibia, the larger of the two lower leg bone. Hamstrings actually work to pull the tibia backward. So females overuse the ACL and underuse the hamstrings.

“Females tend to tear their ACL in noncontact situations many times because most of their weight in on one leg,” said Dr. Anderew Cosgarea in reporting to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, who mentioned “hormonal uctuations that can affect ligament laxity” as uctuating estrogen levels impact the ACL’s stiness and stability.

Oh, and while it’s a health issue, an ACL surgery carries a $17,000 and $25,000 price tag.

Recovery time is a bummer

Here’s the problem: Many athletes, will never be the same after an ACL surgery. ACL repair is becoming more common, and the surgery may produce a better range of motion and faster than a complete tear down and rebuild of the joint.

“The medical and sports communities are working hard on ACL treatment and prevention,” said Dr. Jon Kornegay, a physician for ECU Health in Duplin and the head coach of the girls’ basketball team at North Duplin. “A good deal of it is biomechanical and workload management. But we don’t have a clear medi-

Jacob Holland, a 6-foot-5, 240 defensive lineman and tight end, and Kash Johnson and John Williams, who are both 6-3 and 300 pounds, will need to control the line of scrimmage for Midway to be successful.

The “other” Bulldogs have two dynamic runners

Princeton, which beat East Duplin three consecutive times, including the 2022 season in which the Panthers won a 2A title, is a scary prospect for Swine Valley schools.

Head coach Travis Gaster’s single-wing o ense bowled over foes for the better part of eight years before going 7-5 last fall. They were 9-4 in 2023, which followed 12-2, 13-1, 10-2 and 9-1 campaigns.

He’s 85-34 leading the Bulldogs and second all-time to Harvey Brooks (110-78) in school history. His father, Jack Gaster (230-72-3), won three state titles for Albemarle.

Princeton, which sells out for o ense, returns sophomore Teo McPhatter (233-1,739, 27 TDs) and Austin LeWallen (161-1,1136, 18 TDs)

Dawgs, Tigers are measuring sticks for Swine teams

Any school that nds a way to beat either JK or WRH early in league play could be in line for at least a share of the Swine title since the Tigers and Dawgs collide on Halloween in Warsaw for the season nale for both schools.

JK broke a 13-game skid against WRH last season in the third round of the playo s by the slimest of margins — 14-13 in overtime as the Dawgs failed to convert a two-point conversion against a defense led by the

ACL surgery will keep an athlete o the eld for eight to 12 months — and when they return they will need time to adjust.

cal answer for all the causes of it.”

Dr. Anthony Phillips, a UNC physician, said plyometric training, strength training and neuromuscular training will reduce the risk of having an ACL problem.

Females develop lower body power through plyometric training and help with proper jumping and landing techniques.

Strength training focuses on strength imbalances between the quads and hamstrings.

Neuromuscular training focuses on increasing the stability of the knee joint. It deals “muscle ring patterns” that increase the knee’s stability.

Less severe ACL injuries can heal on their own with the proper rest and rehabilitation, but when the injury crosses the bridge to where surgery is required, there is seemingly no return.

“They’ve come a long way in regard to the surgery itself,” said Kornegay. “It used to be the end for a lot of people.”

Currently the injury is followed by dark cloud of recovery.

Most need a year. Some can do it in eight months. Others fail completely. And yes, some do fully recover.

Research says preventative measures can be very e ective. Not many coaches address the problem until it is a problem. Therein lies the real problem.

state’s leading tackler, Hassan Kornegay.

Ten of the previous a airs were not close encounters as WRH beat its rival into the ground with lopsided scores.

Key returnees for the Tigers include quarterback Eli Avent (62-125 for 1,022 and 11 TDs), running back David Zeleya (483 yards rushing, 250 receiving), FB/DL Cal Avent (30-156, 93 tackles) and TE/WR Chris Hill, OL/DL Alex Vasquez and DB/ RB Zamarion Smith.

Yet the loss of Kornegay, Ty Morrisey, Josh Mitchell and Denario Bailey cannot be overstated.

Defensive coordinator John Bert Avent has to nd an identity for the Tigers without ve iron-tough defenders with attitudes to match.

WRH is without longtime o ensive coordinator Adam Scronce, and that’s a big a loss as losing running back Irving Brown to Ohio University.

Yet it opens the door to Jamarae Lamb (1,361 yards, 8 TDs), though every team will be expecting his number to be called on most plays.

Another back — Jamari Carr, Darrius McCrimmon, Matthew Wells, Adrian Glover, Devon Sloan — will slip in and become a second option. Top defensive players back include defensive linemen Adrian Allen, Will Brooks, Jeremiah Baker and Kha’jyre Murphy.

Despite a brutal nonconference slate, WRH went 9-4, though the Bulldogs had their rst ECC slip in four years with a 18-15 setback to North Lenoir. They regrouped for consecutive wins over Kinston, ED and JK to nish the season and tie JK for the ECC crown. Teams can begin to practice July 31.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#25E001253-300

The undersigned, DONNA RENEE KENNEDY MCGEE, having quali ed on the 26TH DAY of JUNE, 2025, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of PATRICK D. MCDOWELL, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 3RD Day of OCTOBER 2025, 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 3RD Day of JULY 2025. DONNA RENEE KENNEDY MCGEE, EXECUTOR 372 LYMAN RD. BEULAVILLE, NC 28518 Run dates: Jy3,10,17,24p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#25E001212-300

The undersigned, CHARLES L. WILSON, having quali ed on the 4TH DAY of JUNE, 2025, as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of JAMES LLOYD WILSON, deceased, of DUPLIN County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 3RD Day of OCTOBER 2025, 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 3RD Day of JULY 2025. CHARLES L. WILSON, ADMINISTRATOR 64 MUSTANG POINT BOULEVARD ROCKY POINT, NC 28457 Run dates: Jy3,10,17,24p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY

FILE#25E001266-300 The undersigned, ANGELA N. GLASPIE, having quali ed on the 7TH DAY of JULY, 2025, as EXECUTOR of the Estate of EMMA

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

This distance to the end zone was the di erence in JK advancing to the fourth round of the playo and WRH ending its season. The win broke a 13-game skid for the Tigers.

ACL from page B1

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

obituaries

William “Billy” Smith

July 12, 1952 – July 16, 2025

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, William “Billy” Smith, age 73, of Teachey, North Carolina, left many friends and family deeply saddened as he unexpectantly left this earthly life for his eternal rest with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was born on July 12, 1952, in Onslow County, the son of the late Earl and Dollie Mae Walton Smith. Billy, as he was known, was preceded in death by his siblings Ervin Smith, Mae Ezzell and Margaret Guyer. Surviving to cherish his memory is his devoted daughter, Gerri Lynn Smith DeBose and husband Jason of Rose Hill; his sons William Tracy Smith and wife Victoria of Teachey and Joseph Harrell and wife Morgan of Teachey; grandchildren Rachel Mobley, Dominic Samuels, Holly Smith, Colten Harrell, Miranda Harrell, Everley Harrell, and Bradley DeBose; great grandson Noah Ramirez; brother Tommy Smith of Rose Hill; sister Linda Lanier of South Carolina; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and too many friends to count that loved Billy dearly. Billy was the best ‘Daddy’ and ‘PaPa’ in the world. He was a simple man who feared God, loved his fellowman and a true friend to so many. Billy loved his family, who were his whole life and were always there for them. His grandchildren and great-grandson were the apple of his eye. With a heart full of love and compassion, Billy coached baseball for hundreds of kids for many years during his life. After he had to give up coaching, Billy was always at his grandchildren’s games and was their number one supporter. He was a great provider for his family in many ways.

Billy loved people and people loved Billy. Billy loved Wallace, North Carolina. His favorite pastime was going to the Piggly Wiggly in Wallace where he met several friends, ate lunch or sat around discussing the world’s problems, guns, hunting and/or shing. Billy also enjoyed going to Walmart and gun shops and he always found someone to talk to. He was truly loved by everyone who knew him. Billy will surely be missed by so many, but cherished memories will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, at First Assembly of God of Wallace with Pastor Leo Bracken o ciating.

The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m., one hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment will be at Rock sh Memorial Cemetery following the funeral service.

Annie Pearl Cavenaugh Bray

June 10, 1937 – July 15, 2025

Annie Pearl Cavenaugh Bray, age 88, of Wallace left this earthly life for her eternal rest on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

She was born on June 10, 1937, in Duplin County, the daughter of the late Isaiah and Florence Cavenaugh. Mrs. Bray was also preceded in death by the father of her son Raymond North Bray; her siblings Aubrey Cavenaugh, Virgie Pro tt, John David Cavenaugh, Bertie Gilbert and Ray Cavenaugh. Surviving is her devoted son Tony Bray of Raleigh; grandchildren Jessica Bray Knott and husband Shane, Joshua Adam Bray and friend Kerry Brobston and Jacob Benjamin Bray and ancé Alema Shaw; great grandchildren Jaxon Knott and Adalyne Knott; brother Aaron Cavenaugh and wife Jenny of Wallace; sisters-in-law Doris Cavenaugh of Wallace and Mary Lou Cavenaugh; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Annie Pearl dearly.

Annie Pearl was a loving mother, caring grandmother and greatgrandmother who loved her family dearly. She was a simple woman who worked hard all her life to provide for her and Tony. Annie Pearl worked numerous jobs, including National Spinning, being a waitress at Register’s and Dot’s Grill, selling Travelers Insurance, and running a country store and restaurant in the Northeast community. Annie Pearl’s favorite job was running a paper route for Star News, which she did for over 30 years. She felt most free when she was delivering papers. She enjoyed ancestry and being around people. Annie Pearl believed that ‘the more you give, the more you will get back. ’ She will surely be missed but will never be forgotten. Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Cavenaugh Cemetery, Hwy 41 E, Wallace, NC, with Reverend Kevin Peterson o ciating.

Lee Ernest Giddings

March 23, 1948 –July 15, 2025

Lee Ernest Giddings, age 77, of Wallace passed away unexpectantly on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. He was born on March 23, 1948, in New York; the son of the late Ernest and Lila Giddings. Mr. Giddings was also preceded in death by his beloved wife Gail Hutterman Giddings and his brother Harold Giddings. Surviving are his son Joe Giddings and wife Anne of Wilmington; grandchildren Paytan Giddings Granda and husband Jacob, and Sydney Giddings; soon-to-arrive granddaughter Makayla Jordan Granda; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved Lee dearly.

Lee was a loving father and caring grandfather who loved his family with all his heart. He enjoyed being outside in God’s beautiful world whether it be hunting, shing or spending time with friends and family. Lee will surely be missed but never forgotten. At Lee’s request, there will be no services at this time. Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wallace.

Rinda Kay Brinkley Willard

Aug. 6, 1949 – July 19, 2025

Rinda Kay Brinkley Willard passed from her earthly life during the early evening of July 19, 2025, while at home. Born on August 6, 1949, she is the daughter of the late Buren Uriah Brinkley Sr. and Elene Carter Brinkley. She was also preceded in death by her husband—Bruce Carroll Willard; sisters—Blenda Faye McLamb and Peggy Glenda Sholar; and brother—Buren Brinkley Jr.

Left to cherish her memory are her children; Samantha Swinson and husband Frankie of Pender County, her oldest son Duaine Cavenaugh and wife Tanya of Duplin County, and her baby boy Will Canady and wife Katie of Duplin County; grandchildren— Baylie Thornton and husband William of Duplin County, Bradley Knowles and wife Anna of Harnett County, Brantly Hobbs and Ashleigh Guidry of Wake County, Allena “Alyie” Matthews and husband Marshall of Duplin County, and Holly Eye and Aiden of Spartanburg (SC); great grandchildren—Lauren, Braylie, Brinkley, Lacey, Savannah, Logan, Dallas, Wrendly, Carsyn, Ryan, Lucas, and Carter; and her stepchildren and stepgrandchildren.

Mrs. Willard chose to spend most of her adult life caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In her philosophy, “the more family there was, the better she liked it”. Her most favorite thing on earth was loving the grandchildren. At di erent points in her life, she worked for Billy’s Pork & Beef Center and Walmart. While being a softhearted lady, she was something of a jokester and is described by family as “spicy and spunky”. At the same time, one did not have a desire to make her angry with them. Cooking for family and friends was one of the special joys in her life. These same friends would become family in a short period of time, if they were not careful. Other pleasures in her life were sewing, puzzles, and iPad games.

The family will greet friends at a visitation set for Tuesday, July 22, from 6 until 8 p.m. in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home. A graveside service is set for Wednesday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m. at the Potts Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Willard, NC.

Padgett Funeral is proudly serving the Willard family.

Jerry Dean Simmons

Sept. 28, 1946 – July 19, 2025

Jerry Dean Simmons, 78, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the Wallace Health and Rehab. Center, Wallace, NC

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Survivors: Spouse: Gail Simmons, Richlands, NC

Son: Robert Hall, Richlands, NC

Daughter: Melissa Hall, Chinquapin, NC

Niece: Tracy Simmons

Kornegay

Nephew: Will Simmons

In lieu of owers, memorial gifts may be made to Beulaville Fire Department, 205 North Wilson Ave. Beulaville, NC 28518.

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Simmons family.

Joseph Leonard Wallace Jr.

Dec. 9, 1935 – July 16, 2025

Joseph Leonard Wallace Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the afternoon hours of July 16, 2025. He passed away peacefully in the home he loved, surrounded by family.

He was born on December 9, 1935, in the Duplin County town of Teachey, the only child of Joseph Leonard Wallace, Sr., and Eunice Wells Wallace. He greatly admired his father and adored his mother, who often called him Sonny. At age ve, Joe Jr. and his parents moved “down the railroad tracks” to Wallace, where he spent his formative years surrounded by extended family, classmates and some exceptional friends. He frequently recalled his childhood and teenage years spent in Wallace with great fondness, having produced lifelong, special friendships.

After graduation from Wallace High School in 1954, where he excelled in sports, he attended East Carolina College and began a long devotion and love for the Pirates, which he later passed down to his family.

In 1957, Joe, Jr. began his banking career at The Bank of Eastern North Carolina in Wallace. A few short years later, he would meet the love of his life, Judith Blake Wallace, after she started working at the bank. They married in 1963 and enjoyed 62 years of marriage until her passing in January 2025. He dearly loved Judy and her passing greatly a ected him. She was his life partner and supported him in all his endeavors. They were a perfect team and a shining example of true devotion and love.

In 1973, their family moved

Sonja Carole Lanier Hanchey

Feb. 22, 1943 – July 15, 2025

Sonja Carole Lanier Hanchey, age 82, of Wallace, North Carolina, passed away early Tuesday morning, July 15, 2025, at her home. She was born February 22, 1943, in Duplin County; the daughter of the late John Edward and Hazel Madeline Sholar Lanier. Mrs. Hanchey was also preceded in death by her devoted husband of 60 years, William Gerald Hanchey.

Mrs. Hanchey was in the rst graduating class of Practical Nursing – LPN at James Sprunt Community College. She received her RN in 1973. She proudly began her career in the hospital caring for the needs of others. She was a long-time dedicated member of Northeast Free Will Baptist Church. Surviving to cherish her memory is her daughter, Deanna Hanchey and ancé Gregg Blanchard; her son, Edward Jerald Hanchey and wife, Tracie, all of Wallace; grandchildren, Kora Hanchey, Heather Cole and husband, Tommie, and Jonathan English and wife, Danielle; great grandchildren, Grayson English, Wyatt English, Keegan English,

to Sanford and began a journey with some exceptional friends to start Mid-South Bank and Trust, where he served as President and later CEO and Chairman of the Board. Together, working with their very special Mid-South Family, the bank ourished and quickly grew from one branch in Sanford to several across the Sandhills and Central portions of North Carolina. He and Judy often spoke of how very fortunate they were to be associated with Mid-South Bank and all the remarkable people who made up their “Bank Family.”

Joe, Jr. was a loyal and supporting father to his three children and their spouses throughout every stage of their lives, putting their needs ahead of his own. He always wanted to know everything going on in their lives, helping them navigate all the highs and lows, which he did with his grandchildren as well.

For many years, Joe, Jr. and Judy were members of First Baptist Church in Sanford, and after returning full-time to his hometown of Wallace in 2014, they joined Wallace Presbyterian Church.

Joe, Jr. is survived by his beloved children Lynn Alexander (Matt), Blake Wallace (Leah) and Dave Wallace (Kendra). Also surviving him are his precious grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, who he adored, Winston Barger (Matt), Morgan Benning eld (Drew), Wells Wallace, Joe Wallace, III, Kaylie Robinson, Camden Wallace, Lawson Benning eld, Tate Benning eld, Beau Barger and Bennett Barger. In lieu of owers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the building fund of the Wallace Presbyterian Church.

The family would like to express our sincere appreciation for all the prayers, calls, texts, cards, visits and food during the last several months. Further, the family is truly grateful to Dr. Danny Pate and the entire Duplin County ECU Hospice Team—especially Shanda Bass, DeAnne Batchelor and Leigh Ann Underhill.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10 a.m., at Rock sh Cemetery on Highway 41 in Wallace. Casual, purple and gold dress is encouraged.

Brody Cole, and Kynsley Cole; sister Glenda Scronce of Wallace; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who loved Sonja dearly. Sonja was a loving wife and caring mother, grandmother and sister. She was a woman of uncommon character, beauty and grace; and to those who knew her, “an instrument of God’s love on this earth.” Sonja was always a busy woman caring for her family and taking care of sick people, still she found time to serve her church and community. With a big heart and love for people, Sonja taught Allied Heath Science and was very involved with HOSA. While teaching she developed special relationships with her students. She loved to travel, and her favorite trip was to Israel where she was baptized in the Jordan River. Sonja loved owers, crocheting and cross stitching. Most of all, she loved the Lord and although she will be truly missed, her family and friends are glad to know she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Funeral service will be held at Northeast PFWB Church at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, with her pastor, Reverend Kevin Peterson, o ciating.

The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m., one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memorial Park, Watha, NC. The family gives special thanks to Ms. Tarell Teachey, Ms. Linda Lanier, Ms. Pam Cole and the sta of Gentiva Hospice for the love and great care you gave to Sonja during her illness.

Memorial donations may be given in memory of Sonja Hanchey to Northeast PFWB Church, 4910 NC-41, Wallace, NC 28466.

More obituaries

Michael Ray Tartt

March 2, 1952 – July 19, 2025

Michael Ray Tartt, age 73, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 19, 2025, in Chinquapin, North Carolina. He was born on March 2, 1952, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Paul Wesley Tartt and Ethel Register Tartt.

Michael was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

He married his soul mate, Pamela Melvin Tartt, in 1972. They shared 22 joyful years of marriage until her passing in 1994. Their love for each other and the Lord was beautifully apparent to all who knew them.

A proud Wildcat, Michael graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington. He went on to enjoy a career at CP&L as a lineman for many years. He later received a B.A. in Accounting from Miller Motte Business College. With a head for numbers, he was great at math, taxes and sudoku. As an avid puzzler, he also loved doing jigsaws, crosswords, word searches and any other type of brain teaser.

Devout in his Christian Faith, Michael loved the Lord and was loved in his community. He served as a deacon for many years while attending Myrtle Grove Baptist Church and Whispering Pines Baptist Church, both in Wilmington. He loved his Cedar Fork Baptist Church family in Beulaville as well. Michael will be remembered for his strength, wisdom, silliness,

loving heart, unwavering faith and willingness to help others. On the surface, he appeared quiet and reserved, but the more anyone got to know him, the more his friendly, humorous and playful nature emerged. He told the best “Dad jokes”. Michael had a smile that could light up a room, and dance moves that were just as bright. He was an enormously gifted singer who loved singing in his high school and church choirs. Ever a big sports fan, Michael enjoyed playing golf and softball, as well as watching all kinds of televised sports.

Michael is preceded in death by his beloved wife Pamela, his parents and his twin sister, Gloria Gardner.

He is survived by his children, Kerri Mitchell (William), Marylou Tartt, Justin Tartt and Sabrina Tartt. He is also survived by his siblings, Joyce Lanier (Lane) and Paul Tartt (Donna). He drew immense joy from his relationship as “Poppie” to his three cherished grandsons, Hayden and Ben Mitchell and Trevor Tartt. He deeply loved his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and “Outlaws”.

While it is impossible to summarize the legacy of Michael’s life brie y, the impact of his love, kindness and support will remain in the hearts of his loved ones for eternity.

In lieu of owers, the family requests that donations be made to Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, or another foster care and adoption charity, to honor Michael and Pamela’s own priceless gift of love to children in need.

Funeral Service:

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

7 p.m.

With visitation at 6 p.m. Community Funeral Home, Beulaville, NC

Graveside Service: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

3 p.m. Oleander Memorial Gardens, Wilmington, NC

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Tartt family.

The Rose Hill event brought hope and help to local veterans

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

ROSE HILL — The Duplin

County Stand Down event held July 18 in Rose Hill became a powerful example of community collaboration and grassroots support for veterans.

Drawing more than 60 attendees — many of them veterans — the event provided not only practical help like hygiene kits and medical screenings but also a heartfelt sense of gratitude and connection.

Free Bibles and thank-you bags helped lift spirits, while a freshly grilled BBQ chicken lunch o ered a taste of local hospitality.

The event was organized by Spiritual Destiny International Ministries, Inc., a mobile nonpro t that travels to bring ser-

“In a disaster, everything shuts down so we can help assist with what’s going on.”

Tammy Weeks

vices directly to those in need. For founder Deniece Cole, the work is deeply personal. Inspired by the struggles of her stepfather, Freddie Beckett, an 80-year-old Vietnam veteran exposed to Agent Orange, Cole has dedicated her life to connecting veterans and others with critical resources.

“Spiritual Destiny was founded in 2005 in order to connect people to the right resources,” said Cole.

More than 15 organizations were on-site with information about their services. The North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran A airs, Legal

Aid of NC, Duplin County Social Services, Disability Rights of NC, Eastern Carolina Human Services Agency, Disabled American Veterans, Substance Use Coalition, Services for the Blind, Marine Federal Credit Union, United Healthcare, National Association of Black Veterans, NC Works and Smith eld Foods were some of the vendors participating in the event.

The venue itself — the historic Charity High School, now home to the Charity Mission Center — added depth to the day’s message. Once an all-black high school, the building now serves as a base for NC Baptists on Mission to carry out community-focused projects like disaster response and construction assistance.

Tammy Weeks of the Charity Mission Center explained that the facility is a disaster response/mission camp.

“In a disaster, everything shuts down, so we can help assist with what’s going on.”

Veterans gathered at the Charity Mission Center in Rose Hill on July 18 for the Duplin Stand Down. This event connected veterans with essential services and support.

More than 15 organizations were present, o ering medical screenings, resources, free Bibles and thank-you bags.

Stanly NewS Journal

Boating holiday

N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission o cers were training on Lake Tillery this week, with nearly a dozen boats spotted on the water Monday. Four NCWRC boats, along with a pontoon boat, cruised the lake on the hot summer day.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump administration withdraws from UNESCO again

United Nations

The Trump administration has announced that it will once again withdraw from the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO. The move Tuesday was expect and has the U.S. further retreating from international organizations. The decision to pull U.S. funding and participation from UNESCO comes two years after the Biden administration rejoined following a controversial, ve -year absence that began during President Donald Trump’s rst term. The White House cited similar concerns as it did in 2018, saying it believes U.S. involvement is not in its national interest and accusing the agency promoting anti-Israel speech. The UNESCO chief said she “deeply” regrets the U.S. decision but the agency “has prepared for it.” She denied accusations of anti-Israel bias.

Pentagon tightens rules on medical waivers to join the military

Washington, D.C.

The Pentagon says people with congestive heart failure, undergoing treatment for schizophrenia or who have a history of paraphilic disorders will no longer be eligible for a medical waiver to serve in the military. The guidance signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and issued Tuesday updates a list of conditions that disqualify potential recruits from service. Waivers have long been granted for a long list of medical conditions including asthma or past sports injuries. Hegseth says the change will help ensure the physical and mental capabilities of service members.

Albemarle city council reviews new study for business center

ElectriCities of N.C. sponsored the report

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — At the Albemarle City Council meeting on Monday night, councilmembers were presented with the Speculative Building Feasibility Study conducted for the Albemarle Business Center.

Sponsored by ElectriCities of N.C., in partnership with the Albemarle’s Economic Development Department, the study was designed to determine if a spec building program would be successful for the ABC — a 282-acre industrial park located adjacent to N.C. 24/27 and U.S. 52 — and to present recommendations to the council.

Crystal Morphis, founder and CEO of Creative Eco -

Crystal Morphis, founder and CEO of Creative Economic Development

addresses the council with the study’s results.

nomic Development Consulting, addressed the council with the study’s results in favor of the project, revealing that a proposed 100,000 to

200,000 square-foot concrete spec building would add up to a $8.5 million cost. Site preparation work and other contingencies would cost

Community to weigh in on Stanly County Schools at Thursday forum

The event will be held at the Farm Bureau

Livestock Arena

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Ques-

tions, concerns and ideas regarding the future of the local public school district will be expressed by community members Thursday night at the Better Stanly County Schools Forum.

Organized by the recently developed “Reclaiming Greatness in Stanly County Schools” Facebook group, the forum will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the Farm Bureau

Livestock Arena in Albemarle.

Anyone with any connection or a liation to the SCS system is invited to attend the forum, where public discussions and presentations will take place on school consolidation, “mega schools” and the direction that the Stanly County Board of Education is going with its funding plans.

“Right now, decisions are being made that will shape the future of our schools and our kids for decades to come,” event co-organizer Andrew Mullis said in a post. “This isn’t just about buildings or budgets. It’s about whether we create schools that build

“Right now, decisions are being made that will shape the future of our schools and our kids for decades to come.”

Andrew Mullis, event co-organizer

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

the conversation”

North State Journal

(USPS 518620)

(ISSN 2471-1365)

Neal Robbins, Publisher

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Charles Curcio, Reporter

Jesse Deal, Reporter

PJ Ward-Brown, Photographer

BUSINESS

David Guy, Advertising Manager

Published Wednesday and Sunday as part of North State Journal

New Leaders named for the Albemarle Rotary Club

The organization will continue its support for scholarships, leadership and nonpro t programs

By Melinda Burris Stanly County Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle Rotary Club has ofcially installed new o cers for the 2025–26 year, naming George Crooker president and Louisa Jane Hartsell as president-elect.

Crooker, the former president-elect of the club, has been training to take charge for the last three years, attending seminars held in Greensboro and meeting with other president-elects across the state and the region. Crooker is director of the Stanly County YMCA.

“We are a strong club with excellent leadership that will continue to prepare for the future.”

George Crooker, new Albemarle Rotary Club president

STANLY

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County:

July 26

Sprinkle & Splash

10 a.m. to noon

Annual Subscription Price: $100.00

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:

invite everyone to join us!

“I am humbled to be chosen as the president of such a prestigious Rotary Club, which has a past history of presidents that I truly love and respect!” the new president said. “I am excited to be collaborating with President-Elect Louisa Jane Hartsell, sharing her tremendous talents and vision for our future. We are a strong club with excellent leadership that will continue to prepare for the future.”

Echoing Crooker’s emphasis on the importance of service, Hartsell said, “It’s an honor to be named president-elect of the Albemarle Rotary Club. I’m especially

excited to be serving alongside President George Crooker as we carry out a shared two-year vision to align and energize our club.”

The new president-elect made it clear the focus of the new leadership team would be community-oriented.

“Together we’re working to create a more connected, purposeful and forward-thinking Rotary Club — one that re ects the heart of our members and the needs of our community,” Hartsell said. “I believe in the power of service above self, and I’m proud to help lead that mission right here in Albemarle.”

Several other members were installed into leadership positions with Melissa Smith being named president nom-

inee, Adrian Shepherd assuming the role of treasurer, James Shepherd appointed assistant treasurer and Bob Sweet named sergeant at arms. Members appointed to the club’s board of directors were Kasey Brooks, Dr. Bill Burnside, Erica Church, Jan Goetz, Martha Hughes, Elizabeth Underwood Kasimir, Janet McClure and Mandi Rogers.

Along with continuing to promote annual charitable events that have become tradition in Albemarle, Crooker said funding and sponsorship of causes related to Alzheimer’s and dementia research, along with an emphasis on endeavors to eliminate polio disease across the globe, will be front and center on the club’s agenda. There are more than 46,000 rotary clubs in 200 countries. The Albemarle chapter meets each Thursday at noon at Atrium Health Stanly’s Magnolia Room; visitors and those interested in pursuing membership are welcome to attend.

Free water fun event. Children can play in sprinklers and participate in fun yard games. Be dressed to get wet and be sure to bring sunscreen, a chair/blanket and everything else you’ll need.

240 Lions Club Drive Locust

July 28

Color & Connect:

Drop In 9:30-11:30 a.m.

For those who need some relaxing “me”

July 17

July 15

• Demecus Rhamad Hooker, 27, was arrested for assault on a female and injury to personal property.

July 16

• Cancel Christian Rodriguez, 35, was arrested for assault causing serious bodily injury.

• Christopher Wesley Alcott, 35, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and hit and run leaving the scene with property damage.

• Jennifer Lynn Russell, 30, was arrested for resisting a public o cer.

• Christopher Dale Williamson, 37, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill.

July 18

• Mark Jerome Hartsell, 39, was arrested for attempted breaking or entering a building and larceny after breaking or entering.

• Dustin James Barlow, 38, was arrested for possession of a rearm by a felon.

• Alston Dale Mcswain, 30, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

July 19

• Marcus Dwayne Sturdivant, 51, was arrested for assault causing physical injury to a detention employee, littering, disorderly conduct, attempted rst-degree murder, habitual misdemeanor assault, assault by strangulation, false imprisonment, and communicating threats.

July 20

• Russelvelt Dominic Deshawn Toles, 23, was arrested for driving while impaired, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and failure to maintain lane control.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements to be published in Stanly News Journal. community@stanlynewsjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon The Stanly County Veterans Meeting will be held on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. at VFW Post 2908 in Albemarle. All veterans are welcome to attend the meeting and voice any concerns. The Veterans Day Parade and the activities planned for the Veterans Weekend will be discussed. Any business, organization or clubs that wish to be in the parade can contact the council at 704-438-8286.

July 31

Locust

This producers-only market o ers fresh produce, homemade foods and crafts by local creators. Conveniently located across the street from Locust Elementary School. Open May through September.

Corner of 24/27 and Vella Drive Locust

Shake, Rattle & Roll 10:45-11:15 a.m.

Music and movement class for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. These classes are designed to promote emotional, cognitive, and social development, improve social skills, and encourage caregiver/ child bonding.

Albemarle Main Library 133 E. Main St. Albemarle

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

How the world flipped in 6 months

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners.

IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS, the entire world has been turned upside down. There is no longer such a thing as conventional wisdom or the status quo.

The unthinkable has become the banal.

Take illegal immigration — remember the 10,000 daily illegal entries under former President Joe Biden?

Recall the only solution was supposedly “comprehensive immigration reform” — a euphemism for mass amnesties.

Now there is no such thing as daily new illegal immigration. It simply disappeared with commonsense enforcement of existing immigration laws — and a new president.

How about the 40,000-50,000 shortfall in military recruitment?

Remember all the causes that the generals cited for their inability to enlist soldiers: generational gangs, obesity, drugs and sti competition with private industry?

And now?

In just six months, recruitment targets are already met; the issue is mostly moot.

Why? The new Pentagon ipped the old, canceling its racist DEI programs and assuring the rural, middle-class Americans — especially white males — that they were not systemically racist after all.

Instead, they were reinvited to enlist as the critical combat cohort who died at twice their demographic share in Iraq and Afghanistan.

How about the “end of the NATO crisis,” supposedly brought on by a bullying U.S.?

Now the vast majority of NATO members have met their pledges to spend 2% of gross domestic product on defense, which will soon increase to 5%.

Iconic neutrals like Sweden and Finland have become frontline NATO nations, arming to the teeth. The smiling NATO secretary-general even called Trump the “daddy” of the alliance

What about indomitable, all-powerful, theocratic Iran, the scourge of the Middle East for nearly 50 years?

Although it had never won a war in the last half-century, its terrorist surrogates— Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis — were supposedly too dangerous to provoke.

Now?

Most of their expeditionary terrorists are neutered, and their leaders are in hiding or dead. Iran has no air force, no real navy, no air defenses and no active nuclear weapons program.

Its safety apparently depends only on the mood of the U.S. or Israel on any given day not to y into its airspace and take out its missiles, nuclear sites, generals or theocrats at will.

What happened to the supposedly inevitable recession, hyperin ation, stock market collapse, unemployment spikes and global trade war that last spring economists assured us would hit by summer?

Job growth is strong, and April’s in ation rate is the lowest in four years. GDP is still steady. The stock market hit a record high. Trade partners are renegotiating their surpluses with the U.S.

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners. It seems their preexisting and mostly undisclosed pro ts were large enough to a ord reasonable U.S. symmetrical tari s.

For now, news of tax cuts, deregulation, “drill, baby, drill” energy policies displacing Green New Deal strangulation and $8-$10 trillion in potential foreign investment has encouraged — rather than deterred — business.

Then there were our marquee elite universities, whose prestige, riches, and powerful alumni made them answerable to no one.

JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON / AP PHOTO

President Donald Trump, rst lady Melania Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth applaud during attend a military parade commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary, coinciding with the president’s 79th birthday, on June 14 in Washington, D.C.

And now, after the executive and congressional crackdown on their decades of hubris?

Supposedly brilliant university presidents have resigned in shame. The public has caught on to their grant surcharge gouging.

Campuses have backed o their arrogant de ance of the Supreme Court’s civil rights rulings.

They are panicked about the public exposure of their systemic antisemitism.

They are scrambling to explain away their institutionalized ideological bias, tawdry pro tmaking schemes and mass recruitment of wealthy foreign students from illiberal regimes.

So the mighty Ivy League powerhouses are now humbling themselves to cut a deal to save their nancial hides and hopefully return to their proper mission of disinterested education.

What happened to the trans juggernaut of sex as a social construct and its bookend gospel that biological men could dominate women’s sports?

People woke up. They were no longer afraid to state that sex is binary and biologically determined. And biological men who dominate women’s sports are bullies, not heroes.

Where are the millionaire-scamming architects of Black Lives Matter now? Where is the “DEI now, tomorrow and forever” conventional wisdom?

Where is professor Ibram X. Kendi and his $30,000 Zoom lessons on how to ght racism by being racist?

They have all been exposed as the race hustlers they always were. Their creed that it is OK for supposed victims to be racist victimizers themselves was exposed as an absurd con.

So what ipped everything?

We were living in an “emperor has no clothes” make-believe world for the last few years. The people knew establishment narratives were absurd, and our supposed experts were even more ridiculous.

But few — until now — had the guts to scream “the emperor is naked” to dispel the fantasies.

When they nally did, reality returned. Victor Davis Hanson, a senior contributor for The Daily Signal, is a classicist and historian at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and host of The Victor Davis Hanson Show. This article was rst published by The Daily Signal.

From vision to advocacy: Building a rural tech economy in Stanly County

I STARTED WITH a simple yet urgent mission: to create a mental health app that serves rural America — especially black men and boys — who are often overlooked in both health care and tech innovation. But what I quickly discovered was a much larger problem: In places like Stanly County, we lack the infrastructure that startups in metro areas take for granted. There are few — if any — incubators, accelerators or funding networks to help people like me bring visionary ideas to life.

This realization shifted my focus. I began advocating for a Tech Economy Committee at the local and state level. Why? Because without a foundation for innovation, rural communities will continue to be left behind in the digital age.

First we must educate. Then we can innovate.

Currently, less than 2% of venture capital and angel funding reaches rural America. That statistic is more than just a number — it’s a warning. If we don’t act now, our communities will continue to be left out of the economic growth driven by technology and entrepreneurship.

We must position ourselves not just to survive, but to lead. Rural voices matter. Rural innovation matters. And rural dreams, like mine, deserve the chance to become reality.

Roddrick Howell Albemarle

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

COLUMN | VICTOR DAVIS HANSON

Oakboro celebrates Fourth of July with annual Fire Queen pageant, talent show

“If you don’t have quality industrial buildings available, then you do miss out on a lot of opportunities.”

Crystal Morphis, founder and CEO of Creative Economic Development Consulting

“That is much more expensive than it used to be a few years ago because of the escalation of construction costs and overall development costs,” Morphis said.

She explained that spec building programs are an economic development strategy to attract private sector investment and well-paying jobs because more than half of companies looking to expand prefer to move into an existing building rath-

Pageant

County Fire Queen Pageant.

Requirements for contestants are that she must live within the re district she plans to represent, not be married or ever have been married, as well as not being currently or ever pregnant.

“The Fire Queens should represent their re departments with pride and integrity,”

according to the festival website. Winners of the pageant receive a $500 college scholarship, funded by the Oakboro Fire Department Ladies’ Auxillary. Audrey Torelli was the 2025 winner of the pageant and also claimed Miss Cogeniality honors.

First runner-up in the pageant went to Jillian Bailey, who represented the Aquadale Fire Department.

The annual talent show also gathered 20 contestants, 10 each in both the youth and adult categories.

In the youth category, Johanna Ellerbee won rst place, while Kynleigh Alexander took second place and Layla Whitley was third.

For the adult division, the E-Vessel of Praise took rst, with Savannah Bennett winning second place and Michael Lanier earning third.

er than wait for one to be built.

While councilmembers were presented with the information about the spec program recommendations, no action was required at this time.

“If you don’t have quality industrial buildings available, then you do miss out on a lot of opportunities,” Morphis added. “We worked with (Albemarle EDC Director) Lindsay Almond’s o ce to determine that in 2024, Albemarle missed 67 opportunities to respond to requests for information from ex-

panding companies because of the lack of quality available industrial buildings. Those missed opportunities are things that we like to track in economic development.”

She noted that the ABC is “a very appealing industrial park” and a prime candidate for a spec building program.

“Think of it as an economic development strategy as one more tool that you have to market to companies,” Morphis said. Construction on the center be-

gan in June 2019, following the city’s purchase of the 282-acre parcel for about $1.8 million; the center’s rst build-ready pad within the park was completed in February 2024.

Per city o cials, the land will be able to accommodate anything from a 20,000 square-foot facility to a million square-foot facility, with parcels from 5 acres to 121 acres.

The Albemarle City Council is set to hold its next regular meeting Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Audrey Torelli (left) and Jillian Bailey were the winners of the 2025 Stanly County Fire Queen Pageant.

The talent winners, from left, were Layla Whitley, Kynleigh Alexander, Johanna Ellerbee, E-Vessel of Praise, Savannah Bennett and Michael Lanier.

Ascend Academy celebrates rst year of teaching reading, math to children

The Norwood-based academy, hosted by New Life Direction Ministries, taught science and math to children in a new four-week program

By Charles Curcio Stanly News Journal

A NEW SUMMER reading and math program based in Norwood celebrated its 25 participants with a eld day and awards ceremony this past Friday.

The Ascent Summer Academy, hosted by New Life Direction Ministries in Norwood on College Street, taught students in rising grades 1-5 reading, math and life skills in a program which started June 17, took one week o for the Fourth of July and ended last Friday.

Most of the students returned Friday for the ceremony, with seven students being honored for having perfect attendance.

The academy, free for the students, ran from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays through Thursdays, with the goals stated ahead to prepare students for the upcoming academic year while providing a nurturing environment, enhancing skills and building up the kids’ condence in themselves.

CHARLES CURCIO / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

Students enjoy racing during eld day for the rst Ascend Summer Academy at New Life Direction Ministries in Norwood.

“It was ordained by God. It was amazing.”

Georgette Edgerton, Ascend Summer Academy lead instructor

Georgette Edgerton, lead instructor for the academy, said she and Anita Owens-Scott — co-founder and pastor of New Life Direction Ministries with her husband, Mike — discussed hosting the ve-week program last December at a Christmas party.

“I tutor kids during the school

year,” Edgerton said. “I had about 28 kids that I tutored at my home.”

The two decided to put on a summer academy for kids, and Scott volunteered the use of the church building.

“All I needed was a venue,” Edgerton said. “I think parents ought to have a source, and I do summer reading.”

Using her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, Edgerton set up the program while seeking donations for snacks and juices to provide a meal for students.

“It was ordained by God,” Edgerton said. “It was amazing.”

Not online did the Scotts pro-

vide the air-conditioned building during the hot summer but also all the printing and copying needs for the academy.

Every day, students read out loud a mantra regarding respect:

“Respect is showing consideration for yourself, other people and their property, treating others as you would want to be treated. We show respect when we are sensitive to the feelings of other people. When we treat someone with respect, we show they are valuable to su. Respect is having an appreciation for other people’s di erences and cultures. We show respect by how we talk to someone, the tone of voice used, and the meaning of our words. Just as important is how we listen while someone is speaking to us. When people tease, spread gossip and call people names, they are not only disrespecting someone else, they are disrespecting themselves.”

Each student had the chance to lead the entire academy in reciting the respect card every day.

Every day, students lled out a paper re ecting on the information and values they learned, stressing the use of complete sentences.

“I wanted (the kids) to become independent learners. Self-directed learners don’t depend wholeheartedly on your teacher,”

Edgerton said. “Teachers are amazing facilitators, but their job is to facilitate. Your job is to learn, and if you don’t get it from them, ask questions. If you still don’t get it, here are resources because people aren’t smart because they’re smart people. Smart people actually know how to use resources.”

The educational topics went beyond just reading and math, she added, noting musician Dexter Hinson and Jasmine Scott, the Scotts’ daughter who teaches art in Charlotte, both put on programs for students.

Students for the academy came from across Stanly and surrounding counties, with two coming from New Jersey to stay with family and attend the academy.

Edgerton said she wants to continue the program next year and possibly expand the number of students, along with welcoming in retired teachers to help with the added instructional needs of an expanded roster.

“We started with respect. My husband came up with, ‘This is the Day the Lord has made,’” she said. “You get to choose to and rejoice, be glad. … I’m so thankful and grateful (the Academy) happened. I’m so glad we didn’t just talk about it.”

Over 5 million aboveground pools recalled after deaths

Reports say nine children have drowned

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold across the U.S. and Canada over the last two decades are being recalled after nine drowning deaths were reported.

The recall covers a range of Bestway, Intex Recreation and Polygroup pools that were sold by major retailers as far back as 2002. According to Monday notices published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, these pools have compression straps running along the outside of the product — which “may create a

FORUM from page A1

people up or systems that wear them down. Consolidation might look like progress, but in many communities, it’s led to bigger schools, less safety, overcrowded classrooms, exhausted teachers, lost community identity, and kids slipping through the cracks. We can do better.”

Recently, the school board has come under re by some

foothold” for small children and allow them to access the water unattended.

That can pose a serious drowning risk, the safety regulators warn. To date, the CPSC believes nine children across the U.S. have drowned after gaining access to these now-recalled pools in this way. Those deaths occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old. No additional fatalities have been reported in Canada.

Consumers in possession of these pools are urged to immediately contact Bestway, Intex and/ or Polygroup to receive a free repair kit — which will consist of a rope to replace the compression strap. Owners of these pools

critics alleging that it has failed to be transparent or forthright about the direction it is taking.

Last month, the board decided to move forward with a facilities assessment by Moseley Architects that will make an evaluation of long-term planning for high school facilities within the district.

The SCS Capital Improvement Planning Committee has targeted a school consolidation

should otherwise ensure that small children cannot access the pool without supervision, regulators note — and could alternatively drain the pool until the repair is made.

All of the pools being recalled are 48 inches or taller — and can be identi ed by brand and model names listed on both the CPSC and Health Canada’s recall notices. Sales of the pools ranged by model and location, but date as far back to 2002 and as recently as 2025. About 5 million of these now-recalled pools were sold across the U.S. — including both online and in-stores at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco and Amazon. Another 266,000 were sold in Canada.

plan that would re gure the county’s high schools with new buildings and increased enrollment numbers, potentially combining individual community high schools into larger schools.

Community forum organizers are hoping that a large group of parents, teachers, students and community leaders will attend the event so that a wide range of opinions can be shared in a public environment.

The “Reclaiming Greatness in Stanly County Schools” group has described its goals in a mission statement.

“This group is for parents, teachers, students, and community members who believe our schools deserve better, and we’re ready to speak up,” it said. “We’re here to share concerns and ideas, stay informed about school board meetings and decisions, organize for bet-

ter resources, leadership, and transparency, reclaim the greatness Stanly County schools once had — and take it even further.”

School board members have each been invited to the Better Stanly County Schools Forum; Board Member Meghan Almond con rmed she will be speaking at the event and answering questions asked by the public.

CPSC VIA AP

A child uses the compression strap to stand on aboveground pool.

James Dee Burris Sr.

April 25, 1942 – July 18, 2025

James Dee Burris Sr., age 83, of Lula, GA, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Quinton Harvey and Faith Lee Burris; former wife, Betty Taylor Burris; brother, Harvey Burris; sister, Martha Kepley. Mr. Burris is survived

OBITUARIES

by his wife of 10 years, Lynda Anne Bartosh of Lula, GA; children, Beth (Richard) Hinson of Albemarle, NC, Jan (Carl) Brewer of Buford, GA, Joy (Michael) Bales of Dacula, GA, James “Jimmy” (Melanie) Burris Jr. of Lula, GA; Eight grandchildren; Five greatgrandchildren; brother, David Burris of Albemarle, NC; several nieces, nephews and cousins; his dog and best friend, “Sparky”. Mr. Burris was born on April 25, 1942, in Albemarle, NC and graduated from Badin High School. He was retired from General Motors as a Driver and managed Hunting Land in Laurens County, GA. He loved sitting in his recliner and watching TV. Grit was his favorite TV show. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the State Room at Flanigan Funeral Home to celebrate Mr. Burris’ life.

MARY ELIZABETH HARDY DORTON

MARCH 13, 1937 – JULY 17, 2025

Mary Elizabeth Hardy Dorton, 88, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2025. Funeral Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church, located at 101 Vance St., Kannapolis, NC 28081. Rev. John Futterer will be o ciating. Burial will occur at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church Cemetery, located at 9400 Gold Hill Rd, Mt Pleasant, NC 28124. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 1:30-2:45 p.m.

Mary was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina and grew up on a 60-acre family farm. As a child, she immediately excelled in school with excellent grades and was very proud of achieving state honors as a 4-H Club participant. After high school, she attended Lenoir Rhyne College and earned a teacher’s degree. She taught school in the Kannapolis City School System for 31 years, mostly 4th and 5th grade children.

She was preceded in death by the Reverend Richard Dorton, her husband of 25 years (1983), and son Richard Dorton Jr., (2022). She is survived by her daughter, Fonda D. Crooker (George), and grandchildren, Matthew Crooker (Ann Marie), and Daniel Crooker.

She has always been heavily involved in Kimball Lutheran Church, singing in the choir, playing the piano, teaching bible school, and on several committees and councils. She has a huge love for travel, as she has seen a good part of the world, visiting over 21 countries. Some of her highlights have been riding Camels in Australia, and swimming with turtles in the Galapagos Islands. Her other interests include gardening, reading, the beach, and animals (especially dogs and cats).

Later in life, she loved both the sta and her friends at Spring Arbor Assisted Living Center and could be seen at almost every activity they had. She lived a wonderful, fruitful life, and was adored by many.

The Crooker family would like to thank the sta of both Spring Arbor Assisted Living Center and Tillery Compassionate Care Hospice of Albemarle for all of their support and care.

In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church in Kannapolis or Tillery Compassionate Care of Albemarle (960 N 1st St, Albemarle, NC 28001).

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ actor, dead at 54 in Costa Rica drowning

supporting actor in a comedy in 1986. Actor Viola Davis was among those giving tribute Monday.

By Javier Cordoba and Andrew Dalton

The Associated Press

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who as teenage son Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” was central to a cultural phenomenon that helped de ne the 1980s, died at 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, authorities there said Monday.

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department said Warner drowned Sunday afternoon on a beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean.

“He was rescued by people on the beach,” the department’s initial report said, but rst responders from Costa Rica’s Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue.

Warner created many TV moments etched in the memories of Generation X children and their parents, including a pilot-episode argument with Cosby about grades and careers, and another episode where Theo tries in vain to hide his ear piercing from his dad.

Theo was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cosby’s Cli Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad’s Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, and he would be one of the prime representations of American teenage life and Black boyhood on a show that was the most popular in America for much of its run from 1984 to 1992.

“Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend. He was absolutely so familiar, and we rejoiced at how TV got it right!!”, The Oscar winner said on Instagram. “But Malcolm got it right ... we reveled in your life and are gutted by this loss.”

The Cosby legacy

Like the rest of the “Cosby Show” cast, Warner had to contend with the sexual assault allegations against its titular star, whose conviction in a Pennsylvania court was later overturned.

Warner told the Associated Press in 2015 that the show’s legacy was “tarnished.”

“My biggest concern is when it comes to images of people of color on television and lm,” Warner said. “We’ve always had ‘The Cosby Show’ to hold up against that. And the fact that we no longer have that, that’s the thing that saddens me the most because in a few generations the Huxtables will have been just a fairy tale.” Representatives for Cosby declined immediate comment.

Life after Theo

Warner’s rst major post-”Cosby” role came on the sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie,” co-starring with comedian Eddie Gri n in the popular series on the defunct UPN network from 1996 to 2000.

“My heart is heavy right now,” Gri n said on Instagram Monday. “Rest easy my brother for you have Won in life and now you have won forever eternal bliss..”

Theo was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cli Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad’s Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom.

Warner also worked as a director, helming episodes of “Malcolm & Eddie,” “Read Between the Lines,” “The Resident” and “All That.”

An actor’s childhood

Warner, named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, was born in 1970 in Jersey City, New Jersey. His mother, Pamela Warner, served as his manager when he began pursuing acting at age 9.

In the early 1980s, he made guest appearances on the TV shows “Matt Houston” — his rst credit — and “Fame.” Warner was 13 when he landed the role of Theo in an audition after a broad search for the right child actor.

Cosby was a major star at the time, and the show was certain to be widely seen, but few could’ve predicted the huge phenomenon it would become.

For many the lasting image of Theo, and of Warner, is of him wearing a badly botched mock designer shirt sewed by his sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet. The “Gordon Gartrell” shirt later became a memeable image: Anthony Mackie wore one on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon and the pro le picture on Warner’s Instagram shows a toddler sporting one.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ northstatejournal.com

Warner worked for more than 40 years as an actor and director, also starring in the sitcoms “Malcolm & Eddie” and “Read Between the Lines,” and in the medical drama “The Resident.”

His nal credits came in TV guest roles, including a dramatic four-episode arc last year on the network procedural “9-1-1,” where he played a nurse who was a long-term survivor of a terrible re.

“I grew up with a maniacal obsession with not wanting to be one of those ‘where are they now kids,’” Warner told The Associated Press in 2015. “I feel very blessed to be able to have all of these avenues of expression ... to be where I am now and nally at a place where I can let go of that worry about having a life after ‘Cosby.’”

He played Theo Huxtable for eight seasons, appearing in each of the 197 episodes of “The Cosby Show” and earning an Emmy nomination for

In the 2010s, he starred opposite Tracee Ellis Ross as a family-blending couple for two seasons on the BET sitcom “Read Between The Lines.” He also had a role as O.J. Simpson’s friend Al Cowlings on “American Crime Story” and was a series regular on Fox’s “The Resident.”

“First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my rst TV husband,” Ross said on Instagram. “My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant.” Warner’s lm roles included the 2008 rom-com “Fool’s Gold” with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. A poet and a musician, Warner was a Grammy winner, for best traditional R&B performance, and was nominated for best spoken word poetry album for “Hiding in Plain View.”

Warner would develop a love-hate relationship with the character.

“Theo was very good to me. And I think that show and that role is timeless. And I’m very proud of that role,” Warner said in a recent podcast interview, while noting that he’d tried to separate himself from the role and for years would recoil when fans addressed him as Theo.

“Part of the distancing for me is not wanting to see how much of Malcolm is in Theo. I remember doing the show and I always thought that Theo is corny. I want Theo to be cooler,” he told Melyssa Ford on her “Hot & Bothered” podcast.

“Somebody called me America’s favorite white Black boy. And I was 15. ... It hurt me. ... That’s cultural trauma.” Warner was married with a young daughter, but chose to not publicly disclose their names. His representatives declined immediate comment on his death.

The actor played the beloved son Theo Huxtable

DANNY MOLOSHOK / INVISION / AP

Actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner poses for a portrait in 2015.

STANLY SPORTS

Wampus Cats go 1-1 in two-game home stand

Uwharrie fell to a game under .500 with three regular-season games left

By Charles Curio Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Uwharrie Wampus Cats regular season continues to approach its end of the regular season as the Cats hosted a pair of home games Friday and Saturday night.

Uwharrie nishes the regular season with three games this week. The Cats host the Carolina Disco Turkeys on Thursday at 7 p.m., travel to Winston-Salem Friday to face the Turkeys, then round out the regular season Sunday against the Greensboro Yard Goats.

A postseason tournament is scheduled to start July 29 at Rich Park in Mocksville to include the Wampus Cats.

Friday’s game

Uwharrie 6, Troutman Dawgs 5

The phrase “Cardiac Cats” has been used to describe many

teams winning close games or coming from behind, such as the Carolina Panthers in the 2003 season.

With Albemarle’s collegiate wood bat team, the phrase worked again as Uwharrie rallied from a four-run de cit and hung on to claim another one-run win at home, 6-5 on Friday.

A solo home run in the second and two RBI singles in the fourth put Troutman up 4-0 before the Cats answered in the bottom of the fourth.

With two on and two out, Carson Whitehead reached on a dropped third strike, and an errant throw scored Blake McKinney. West Stanly’s Ben Mecimore followed with a two-RBI single to right scoring Whitehead and Shaked Baruch to pull within a run at 4-3.

In the bottom of the fth, another former West Stanly Colt, Jett Thomas, gave Uwharrie the lead, driving in two runs with a single to left.

Whitehead’s RBI sacri ce y to right eld in the bottom of the seventh turned out to be a critical run for the Cats. Troutman scored a run in the eighth to

12-6

Uwharrie’s 2025 home record

make it 6-5, then loaded the bases in the ninth with a walk and two hit batters and two outs. Mecimore then struck out the next batter to end the game.

Jesse Osbourne started on the mound for the Cats and earned the victory, allowing one earned run on ve hits with ve walks and ve strikeouts. Mecimore earned the save for Uwharrie.

Saturday’s game

Queen City Corndogs 5, Uwharrie 3 (7 innings)

The Corndogs of the Southern Collegiate Baseball League took the lead early and never trailed, handing the Wampus Cats a 5-3 home loss and dropping them to 12-13-1 on the season.

Ido Peled took the loss for the Cats, allowing two earned runs on two hits in one inning

on the mound. Skylar Faircloth pitched the next 42⁄3 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits in relief, while Rylan Furr and Malik Foster pitched thenal 12⁄3 innings. The Corndogs (15-14) took a 2-0 lead in the top of the rst with an RBI single and a sac y, but the Cats answered with a Whitehead RBI single in the bottom of the inning.

Queen City made it 4-1 with two runs in the sixth, and again

Pfei er University names new golf coach

PGA pro Drew MacBern brings more than a decade of experience to the Falcons

Stanly News Journal sta

THE PFEIFFER University athletic department added a veteran golf coach this week for the school’s men’s and women’s golf team.

Drew MacBean is a PGA Class A-12 golf professional, meaning he is registered with the PGA to coach at the university level.

MacBean has coached golf for more than 10 years and comes to the school from the Combine Academy in Charlotte, which is

a private boys’ boarding school.

He led the Academy to consecutive CAA4SC state championships the past two seasons, and his players have won 39 different individual tournaments along with many nishes in the top 10 on the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour. A total of 19 former student-athletes coached by MacBean have advanced to play at all three NCAA division levels and other college levels.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach MacBean to Pfei er,” said Interim Athletic Director Je Childress. “His track record of building successful programs and developing student-athletes both on and o the course makes him a perfect t for our university.”

“His track record of building successful programs and developing student-athletes both on and o the course makes him a perfect t for our university.”

Pfei er interim athletic director Je Childress.

Prior to Combine Academy, MacBean rebuilt the golf programs at Millsaps College (2018–21), Marion Military Institute (2016–18), and Alcorn State University (2015–16) with

Uwharrie answered in the bottom of the same frame. Connor Lindsey, another former West Stanly Colt, drove in Thomas with a one-out in eld single, then McKinney scored Cruise Arnold with a line drive to right to pull the Cats within one 4-3. In the top of the seventh, a passed ball pushed the Corndogs’ lead to two. The Cats got a leado walk in the bottom of the seventh but could not move the runner further.

a demonstrated ability to recruit talent in the United States and abroad.

His teams won 22 tournaments, with 14 earning invidiual medalist honors, along with have 12 players named All-Conference. MAcBean also coached at UNC Pembroke and Erskine College as an assistant coach. A graduate of Campbell University with a degree in business administration and a minor in professional golf management, MacBean also holds a master’s in education from Greenville University.

“I’m honored to join the Pfei er community and excited to lead the golf programs into a new era,” MacBean said. “I look forward to building a culture of excellence, integrity, and competitive success.”

MacBean is a member of the Carolinas PGA and has had a PGA membership since 2013.

Jesse Osborne earned the win for the Cats in Friday’s home win versus the Troutman Dawgs.

PJ WARD-BROWN / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

West Stanly’s Ben Mecimore came up big for the Wampus Cats last week.

NCAA BASKETBALL

Boozer, Flagg

take home ESPYs

Duke’s incoming freshman star and the most recent Blue Devil to play that role both won awards at the ESPYs. The annual award show created by ESPN named Cooper Flagg the best male college athlete. Flagg beat out Oklahoma state wrestler Wyatt Hendrickson, Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter and Cornell lacrosse star CJ Kirst. Cameron Boozer, who is headed to Duke, was named the Gatorade male high school athlete of the year, beating out Alabama quarterback recruit Keelon Russell, Pirates draft pick Seth Hernandez, track stars Charlie Vause and Tate Taylor, and UNC soccer recruit Dan Klink.

NBA Anthony signs with Bucks

Milwaukee Former UNC point guard Cole Anthony signed with the Milwaukee Bucks and will get the chance to start for the Eastern Conference contender. Anthony, who spent his rst ve seasons in the NBA with Orlando, was traded to Memphis this o season. He was expected to back up Ja Morant but instead agreed to a buyout with the Grizzlies and was released, freeing him up to sign with the Bucks.

NFL Construction halted at new Titans Stadium after noose found at site Nashville, Tenn. Construction on a new enclosed stadium for the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tennessee, has been halted after a noose was found at the construction site. Metro Nashville Police are investigating. The Tennessee Builders Alliance, a joint venture partnership on the stadium, says it suspended construction at the site after the “racist and hateful” symbol was discovered this week. A statement to news outlets said, “We are requiring additional antibias training for every person on site, and work will resume only after a site-wide stand- down focused on inclusion and respect.”

The four-day scouting event begins Thursday

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

NEW LONDON — Bronx

Carter, a rising freshman at North Stanly High School, has accepted an invitation to compete in this week’s Prep Baseball Junior Future Games (Class of 2029/30) premier scouting showcase in Emerson, Georgia.

The left-handed out elder and rst baseman is now a member of the event’s Team North Carolina roster and will receive the “unique opportunity of competing against other top-level players while representing his respective state in a high-level atmosphere,” according to Prep Baseball Report.

As an o shoot of the Future Games event for older players, the 12th annual Junior Future Games — scheduled for Thursday through Sunday at the LakePoint Sports Complex — is an invitation-only national scouting event where players will be observed by a selection of MLB and college scouts.

“Huge congrats to Comet Bronx Carter for making the Junior Future Games,” North Stanly Athletics said in a statement. “Your hard work is paying o — can’t wait to see what’s next!” Carter, 14, received strong marks from Prep Baseball’s scouting department on July 1 when he was evaluated along-

side his South Charlotte Panthers travel ball teammates.

At the plate, he recorded a maximum hitting exit velocity of 86.2 mph.

The rst day of the Junior Future Games is a full workout consisting of a 60-yard dash, batting practice, pitching evaluations, in eld and out eld drills, and exit velocity measurements in front of scouts and coaches.

Carter’s showcase with

Team North Carolina is set for 5 p.m. Thursday night. The remainder of the event shifts to team-based games and scrimmages, with a tournament-style format where every invitee competes in exhibition matchups.

“The Junior Future Games serve as a preview for young players to compete at a high level as well, featuring a three-game guarantee and single-elimination bracket play to

West Stanly to host second annual Stanly County Jamboree

The event will feature eight varsity football teams

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

OAKBORO — Back for another year, the second annual Stanly County Jamboree preseason football event will take place at West Stanly High School on Aug 8 at 6 p.m.

The county’s four high school varsity football teams — West Stanly, North Stanly, South Stanly and Albemarle — will be joined by Hunter Huss, Central Cabarrus, Langtree Charter Academy and Concord as the eight schools participate in a series of head-to-head ex-

North

hibition games at Larry Wagner Stadium.

Launched last year at North Stanly’s R.N. Je ery Stadium, the scrimmage-style event will o er controlled, simultaneous preseason matchups to showcase local talent and promote the upcoming football season.

“Supporters, parents and community — it’s time to show your support,” North Stanly

coach Chad Little said in an event advertisement. “The NS Football program will share the pro ts from this event with the surrounding high schools. Please help us out and support NS Football at this event. We need you there! Roll Comets!” Little previously explained that the Stanly County Jamboree is designed to build the county’s “football brand” and that together the four local high schools will work together to make this an annual event.

“I personally think it is great that all four Stanly County high school head coaches have come together to make this happen,” he said. We all care about the future of Stanco football.”

determine a champion,” Dylan Grenz, an associate scout with Prep Baseball Report, wrote for the website Sunday. “Both the Senior and Junior Future Games are seen by over 300 college coaches from across the country every year.”

All participants will also receive a Prep Baseball website pro le complete with a picture, veri ed statistics and videos, along with a Mizuno jersey and hat.

Hosting responsibilities are set to rotate annually among the schools.

As a collaborative e ort between the local coaches, the jamboree also doubles as a fundraiser with ticket revenue shared among the schools. General admission entrance tickets for the Stanly County Jamboree are available online at gofan.co for $10. Additionally, 50/50 ra e tickets for the event are on sale at ze y.com.

With games running at the same time, the simultaneous 35-minute scrimmages will be played at the scoreboard end and eld house end of the eld. Teams will get 10 o ensive plays from the 40-yard line to the end zones.

The local 2025 high school football season will o cially kick o Aug. 22 when West Stanly hosts South Stanly, North Stanly hosts Community School of Davidson, and Albemarle travels to College Prep and Leadership Academy.

COURTESY PREP BASEBALL NORTH CAROLINA

North Stanly High School rising freshman Bronx Carter is set to play in the Prep Baseball Junior Future Games.

Hamlin survives rain delay, overtime nish to win for 2nd straight year at Dover

Distractions and rain couldn’t slow Hamlin in his fourth win of the year

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

DOVER, Del. — Denny Hamlin shook o a setback in his court battle with NASCAR, shrugged o old tire concerns once he took a late lead ahead of a rain delay and survived a late charge from his teammate to go back-to-back at Dover Motor Speedway for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s series-best fourth victory of the season.

“I just love that I’m able to still do it at a high level,” Hamlin said. “Every morning when I wake up, I just hope I still got what I had yesterday.”

Hamlin won in the No. 11 Toyota for the second straight time at Dover to add to wins this season at Martinsville, Darlington and Michigan.

Hamlin has 58 Cup Series victories, leaving him two short of Kevin Harvick for 10th on the career list. The veteran Virginia driver might hit that mark this season as he chases his rst career Cup championship.

Hamlin is on the Cup Series’ short list of greatest drivers to never win a championship. He won’t let the void on an otherwise stellar resume full of Hall of Fame credentials de ne

how he feels about his career. Hamlin says it’s trophies, not titles, not he celebrates the most.

“If we do, we do. If we don’t, we don’t,” Hamlin said. “I care about wins. I want more trophies, more trophies, more trophies. When I’m done, I want to be in the list of that top -10 all-time winners. That will mean more than any other accomplishment.” Hamlin took the checkered

ag days after he su ered a setback in court with his own 23XI Racing team’s federal antitrust suit against NASCAR. Last Thursday, a federal judge rejected a request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to continue racing with charters while they battle NASCAR in court, meaning their six cars will race as open entries this weekend at Dover, next week at Indianapolis and perhaps longer than that

in a move the teams say would put them at risk of going out of business. Hamlin vowed this weekend “all will be exposed” if the case goes to its scheduled Dec. 1 trial date. The courtroom drama hasn’t a ected Hamlin’s performance on the track. Hamlin held o JGR teammate Chase Briscoe for the victory. Hendrick Motorsports drivers took the next two spots, with Alex Bowman

third and Kyle Larson fourth. Hamlin held o Larson down the stretch last season to earn the second of his three career wins at the Monster Mile.

The rst July Cup race at Dover since 1969 started with steamy weather, and drivers battled the conditions inside the car during a relatively clean race until rain fell late and red- agged the race with 14 laps left. Hamlin said during the break he changed his resuit — temperatures inside the car soared to 140 degrees, and sweat kept dripping inside his visor.

He also returned to the car after the 56-minute delay with old tires. Hamlin had enough to win on cool tires at Dover and park the Toyota in Victory Lane.

There was never any real consideration to pit with the lead for fresh tires.

“We need wins,” crew chief Chris Gayle said. “How can we manufacture some way to give ourselves more opportunity for that to happen? Might not pan out, but we de nitely weren’t going to do it doing the same thing as everybody else. That was our train of thought there, and thankfully it worked out and we held on.”

He became the 19th Cup driver to win three times at Dover and the 13th driver to win consecutive races on the mile concrete track.

“I just studied some of the greats here,” Hamlin said. “I was very fortunate to have Martin Truex as a teammate. Jimmie Johnson, watching him win (11) times here. You learn from the greats and you change your game to match it, you have success like this.”

Rex White, NASCAR’s oldest living champion, dead at 95

The Taylorsville native won 28 Cup races

By Jenna Fryer

The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — Rex White, who was the NASCAR Cup Series’ oldest living champion and a 2015 inductee into the Hall of Fame, has died. He was 95. NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame con rmed White’s death last Friday. No additional details were provided.

“Rex epitomized the formative days of NASCAR — a true pioneer whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our sport,” NASCAR chairman Jim France said. “His hard work, dedication and talent allowed him to make a living doing what he loved most — racing cars. He was the model of consistency — nishing in the top ve in nearly half of his races — and dominated the short tracks.

“On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I want to o er our condolences to the friends and family of Rex White.”

White won the 1960 Cup Series title and 28 Cup races in a career that spanned 233 starts across nine seasons. He led the nal ve laps in 1958 at Champion Speedway in Fayetteville to earn his rst career victory and scored 13 top- ve nishes in 22 starts.

White won ve more races the next season but didn’t earn

“I saw automobiles as transportation, not the symbol of an upcoming billion-dollar sport.”

Rex White

his lone championship until 1960, when he won six times in 44 starts. He won seven times the next year, when he was runner-up to fellow Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett in the championship standings.

White then won eight times in 1962 but nished fth in the standings as he competed in only 37 of the 53 races that year. White never contested a complete season at a time when NASCAR ran as many as 62 times a year.

White notched a career-high six victories at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, where NASCAR this year returned after a lengthy absence.

He also won three times at North Wilkesboro Speedway and two times at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia.

Born during the Great Depression and raised in Taylorsville, White su ered from polio as a child, and the disease altered his gait for most of his life.

He had an early interest in cars and was working on the family Model T by the time he was 8. He had learned how to drive

two years earlier using a neighbor’s truck.

“I was unaware the car on which I labored represented hope to people around me, frustration to those trying to stop illegal moonshine,” he said. “I saw automobiles as transportation, not the symbol of an upcoming billion-dollar sport.”

White purchased his rst car in 1954 when a relative of his wife helped him with the $600 needed to buy a 1937 Ford. He immediately began racing as a means to earn a living.

White ran his rst race in the Sportsman division at West Lanham Speedway in Maryland. He went on to win the championship in his rookie season of the Sportsman division.

He moved up to NASCAR two years later, and by the time he won the championship ve seasons later, he was named both NASCAR’s most popular driver and driver of the year.

“Growing up on a North Carolina farm, Rex familiarized himself with all things mechanical and enjoyed driving anything with wheels,” said Winston Kelly, executive director for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “Rex was among NASCAR’s pioneers who remained very visible at tracks and industry events for years. He was a dedicated ambassador who enjoyed supporting any event or activity he was requested to participate in.

“NASCAR has lost one of its true pioneers.”

DERIK HAMILTON / AP PHOTO

Denny Hamlin crosses the nish line to win Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway.

HORACE CORT / AP PHOTO

Rex White, left, poses with the trophy he won for nishing rst in the 1962 Dixie 400 in Atlanta.

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Seeking skilled artist with an eye for color matching to do art restorations. I anticipate work will require acrylics and some airbrush. No deadlines. Call or text 704-322-1376. Email bdavis34@carolina.rr.com.

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BOBBY RUSHING, JR.; Heirs of Timothy Boyd Rushing:

TIMOTHY RUSHING, JR.;

Adjunct Instructor, Field Experience ObservationResidency Licensure (EEP)

Part-Time

Adjunct Instructor, Carolina Auction Academy

Adjunct Instructor Carolina Auction Academy

Adjunct Instructor, Nurse Aide I & II Programs

Adjunct Instructor, Carpentry/Building Construction

Adjunct Instructor, Carpentry/Building Construction

Adjunct Instructor, Plumbing

Adjunct Instructor, Electrical Systems Technology

Adjunct Instructor Electrical Systems Technology

Adjunct Instructor, Radiography

Adjunct Instructor EMS (EMT Continuing Ed)

Adjunct Instructor, Nurse Aide I & II Programs

Adjunct Instructor, Real Estate

Adjunct Instructor, EMS Clinical Practicum

MIRANDA RUSHING; ERNEST B. RUSHING; TRAVIS L. RUSHING; MARY R. STEWART; Heirs of Elijah Wright; Heirs of Lois Wright Bennett: JAMES W. BENNETT, JR; KAREN RENA BENNETT; DAREN BENNETT; CHRISTOPHER S. BENNETT; and those persons born, unborn, and/or minors of BETTY TURNER, interested in the premises hereinafter described whose names are unknown to and cannot, after due diligence, be ascertained by the Petitioner, Respondents.

Assistant, Eagle’s One Stop

Adjunct Instructor, Plumbing

Adjunct Instructor, Nurse Aide I & II Programs

Housekeeping

Adjunct Instructor, Real Estate

Adjunct Instructor Plumbing

Specialist, Learning (Part-Time) Revised

Assistant, Eagle’s One Stop

Adjunct Instructor Real Estate

Tutor/Assistance, Access to Achievement

Housekeeping

Specialist, Allied Health Learning (Part-Time)

Tutoring Specialist, Academic Support Center

Specialist, Learning Revised

Sta , Food Service

TO:

MARY HELEN WRIGHT WILLIAMS

EUNICE WRIGHT KENDALL

BONNIE WRIGHT HINSON

JAMES SWARINGEN

JOWANNA FISHER

AUSTRALIA WRIGHT

EARL JUNIOR WRIGHT

WILLIAM JAMIA WRIGHT

TYSEAN WRIGHT

WILHEMINA W. GREEN

DENISE W. HARRIS

RACHEL W. THREADGILL

MARY TYSON WRIGHT

Tutoring Specialist, Academic Support Center

Tutoring Specialist Academic Support Center

Job descriptions are on our website. Please complete an online application at www.stanly.edu/college-information/ employment-opportunities.

Job descriptions are on our website. Please complete an online application at www.stanly.e du/colle ge-information/ employment-opp ortunities.

CLARK WRIGHT, JR.

AARON WRIGHT

EARL O. WRIGHT

LADEBORAH W. BRUTON

BERNICE W. WANCHIA

ANGEL W. JOHNSON

TORRENCE LOUIE FUNDERBURK

TORRENA FUNDERBURK SMITH

BOBBY RUSHING, JR.

TIMOTHY RUSHING, JR.

MIRANDA RUSHING

ERNEST. B. RUSHING TRAVIS L. RUSHING

MARY R. STEWART

JAMES W. BENNETT, JR.

KAREN RENA BENNETT

DAREN BENNETT

CHRISTOPHER S. BENNETT

TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the aboveentitled Special Proceeding. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Petition for sale of real estate located at 242 Pearl Street, Albemarle, North Carolina to make assets.

Petition for sale of real estate located at Vacant O NC 740 Hwy, Badin, North Carolina to make assets.

FILE NO. 25E000386-830 Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of James Vernon McSwain deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, This is to notify

having claims against the Estate of

Vernon McSwain to present them to the undersigned on or before October 2nd, 2025, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 2ND day of July, 2025 Joy LeAnne McSwain Swaringen 36701 Silver Springs Rd Norwood, NC 28128

NOTICE NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF STANLY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24CVS-00060-830 AWM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plainti , v. TED RUSSELL, Take notice that a Complaint has been led in the above-entitled action. The Plainti is seeking a judgment against you. You are noti ed that you have a right to le a written answer to the Plainti within forty (40) days of the date that this notice is published; and upon your failure to le an answer within the time prescribed, the Plainti will le a motion asking the Court to grant the judgment. This the _____ day of July, 2025. Christerfer Purkey, Attorney for Plainti , NC Bar 53584 P.O. Box 192 Albemarle NC 28002

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000380-830 Having quali ed as EXECUTOR of the estate of Carolyn S Dunn deceased, of Stanly County,

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than September 2, 2025 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. A hearing shall be held at 10:00 A.M. September 3, 2025 in the o ce of the Clerk of Superior Court, Room #301 of the Stanly County Courthouse, 201 S. Second St., Albemarle, NC 28001. All interested parties should appear. This the ____ day of July, 2025.

MARK T. LOWDER M.T. Lowder & Associates Attorney for Petitioner P.O. Box 1284 Albemarle, NC 28002 704-982-8558 Run Ad: July 23, 30 and August 6, 2025

NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000409-830 Having quali ed as Administrator of the

Madonna, ‘Happy Gilmore 2,’ Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd team up

Madonna drops her highly anticipated album “Veronica Electronica” on Friday

The Associated Press

ADAM SANDLER’S hockey player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore returning for a second movie and Madonna’s long-rumored album “Veronica Electronica” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming offerings worth your time: Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd playing father and daughter in the horror-comedy “Death of a Unicorn,” gamers get a pirate adventure with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Judge Judy rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video, “Justice on Trial.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

It’s been almost 30 years since we rst met Sandler’s most famous character, but Sandler nally got the gang back together for a sequel. “Happy Gilmore 2,” coming to Net ix on Friday, brings back many familiar faces, including Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller and Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, alongside an army of new co-stars from Bad Bunny to Post Malone as well as a few familiar faces in the golf world.

“If elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emeraldhued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love ‘Wicked,’ well then, you will likely love this lm.”

Jocelyn Noveck, AP Film Writer

This time around, Happy also has kids, including four hockey goon sons played by Ethan Cutkosky (“Shameless”), Conor Sherry (“Shake Shack”), Maxwell Jacob Friedman (a pro wrestler) and newcomer Philip Schneider. Here’s hoping it’s as quotable as the rst — we’ve been needing some new Sandlerisms.

November, and “Wicked: For Good,” is coming fast. What better time to catch up with “Wicked,” which begins streaming on Prime Video on Friday? In her review for The Associated Press, Jocelyn Noveck wrote that it might convert a nonmusical lover into one, but that, “if people breaking into song delights rather than ummoxes you, if elaborate dance numbers in village squares

and fantastical nightclubs and emerald-hued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love ‘Wicked,’ well then, you will likely love this lm.”

Ortega and Rudd play father and daughter in the horror-comedy “Death of a Unicorn” about, well, just that (and also exploitative billionaires). It was met with mixed reviews: Some enjoyed the chemistry of the characters and the fun it has with its outlandish plot, while others saw those efforts as strained and hollow. You can decide for yourself when it hits HBO Max on Friday. Richard E. Grant and Will Poulter also star.

MUSIC TO STREAM

It is the stu of pop music mythology. Madonna’s long-rumored album “Veronica Electronica” — originally conceived as a remix companion to 1998’s blockbuster “Ray of Light” —nally arrives Friday. It is that and more. Begin with the new-to-fans original demo of “Gone, Gone, Gone.”

The second and nal part of an expansive documentary series on the life and career of Billy Joel hits HBO Max on Friday. And it’s not too late to catch up on the rst half of “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” either. It’s an in-depth look at the beloved singer-songwriter, replete with never-before-seen performance footage and more. Rock ’n’ roll fans, listen up. On

Friday, the original Alice Cooper band lineup reunites to release “The Revenge Of Alice Cooper,” the rst album in over 50 years to feature that original lineup. It gives the album a sort of revived spirit — all high-octane ri s.

SERIES TO STREAM

Judy Sheindlin, beloved for her syndicated series “Judge Judy” that ended production in 2021 after 25 years, rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video. In “Justice on Trial,” actual criminal court cases are recreated by trial lawyers with Sheindlin presiding over the courtroom. Will she nd the right decision was made? Find out now on Prime Video. Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow star in “The Hunting Wives” for Net ix. It’s based on a thriller mystery novel by May Cobb. Snow plays Sophie, a woman whose husband’s job requires trading the East Coast for east Texas. She’s a sh out of water until she meets Margot (Akerman,) the queen bee of a group of women known as the Hunting Wives. These wives aren’t trading recipes or having tea — they like to party. Sophie nds Margot’s carefree lifestyle and con dence to be intoxicating until she gets caught up in a murder investigation. All eight episodes dropped Monday.

A new Hulu miniseries called “Washington Black” is also based

on a book of the same name, but this one was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2018. Set in the early 1800s, Wash — short for George Washington Black — is born into slavery in Barbados. Wash’s talent for art and curiosity catches the attention of a scientist named Titch (played by Tom Ellis), who encourages his education and creativity. When danger strikes, Titch and Wash escape in a hot-air balloon that lands in Nova Scotia. The series follows Wash’s adventures as he grows into a man played by newcomer Ernest Kingsley Jr. Sterling K. Brown is an executive producer and also has a role in the show. Stream the episodes now.

An acclaimed British crime drama called “Code of Silence” comes to BritBox on Thursday. Rose Ayling-Ellis plays a deaf cafeteria worker who begins working with the local police because of her ability to read lips. This new world is exhilarating but also dangerous. The show has already been renewed for a second season.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Last year’s Black Myth: Wukong turned Chinese folklore into a blockbuster game, and another Chinese studio is hoping to repeat that success with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. It tells the tale of a pirate who wakes up with amnesia and a bad case of “feathering” — not only is she sprouting blue plumage, but it’s driving her insane. The adventure takes place during the end of the Ming Dynasty in the 1600s, and Chengdu-based developer Leenzee Games promises a mix of historical gures and supernatural monsters. Take ight Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.

ADOPTABLE FRIENDS

Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega star in “Death of a Unicorn.”

Solution to last week’s puzzle

Solution to this week’s puzzles

Boating holiday

N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission o cers were training on Lake Tillery this week, with nearly a dozen boats spotted on the water Monday.

Four NCWRC boats, along with a pontoon boat, cruised the lake on the hot summer day.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump administration withdraws from UNESCO again United Nations

The Trump administration has announced it will once again withdraw from the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO.

The move Tuesday was expect and has the U.S. further retreating from international organizations. The decision comes two years after the Biden administration rejoined following a controversial, ve-year absence that began during President Donald Trump’s rst term. The White House cited similar concerns as it did in 2018, saying it believes U.S. involvement is not in its national interest and accusing the agency promoting anti-Israel speech. The UNESCO chief said she “deeply” regrets the U.S. decision but the agency “has prepared for it.” She denied accusations of anti-Israel bias.

Pentagon tightens medical waivers rules to join military Washington, D.C.

The Pentagon says people with congestive heart failure, undergoing treatment for schizophrenia or who have a history of paraphilic disorders will no longer be eligible for a medical waiver to serve in the military. The guidance signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and issued Tuesday updates conditions that disqualify recruits from service. Waivers have long been granted for a long list of medical conditions. Hegseth says the change will help ensure the physical and mental capabilities of service members.

$2.00

Governor declares state of emergency in Forsyth

Josh Stein’s declaration means additional funds will be available to the county from the state and feds

By Bob Sutton Twin City Herald

A STATE OF emergency was declared by Gov. Josh Stein in Forsyth County, as well as a dozen other central North Carolina counties following severe ooding and other e ects from Tropical Storm Chantal.

The release from the governor’s o ce said the state of emergency was issued “to facilitate and support long-term recovery e orts from ooding caused by Tropical Storm Chantal.”

“We must do everything we

can to support them as they get back on their feet.”

Gov. Josh Stein

A state of emergency is primarily a nancial move, freeing up state and federal funds to cover additional costs, like overtime, for government agencies.

“Tropical Storm Chantal cost some of our neighbors their lives and others their livelihood and property. We must do everything we can to support them as they get back on their feet,” Stein said in the re-

lease. “This state of emergency will help get North Carolinians the support they need and enable the state to seek out potential funding to help communities rebuild.”

Other counties included in the state of emergency are Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Guilford, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person, Randolph and Wake.

The brunt of the July 7 storm impacted Orange, Chatham, Alamance and Durham counties.

“The Division of Emergency Management is working with local o cials to assess the scope of damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal,” the release said. “As the full damage assessment is completed in concert with relevant federal

partners, the declaration along with the assessment analysis will determine possible additional support that residents, businesses, and local governments may receive to accelerate the recovery process and support expenses incurred during the response phase of the disaster.”

In a related but separate announcement, North Carolina Attorney General Je Jackson announced the state’s price gouging laws have been implemented in the impacted counties. The same 13 counties were listed in his announcement. The state of emergency triggered the anti-price gouging edict.

“If you see a business charging more for essential goods or services than they should, le a complaint with our o ce right away,” Jackson said. “We will do everything we can to hold bad actors responsible.”

These measures stay in place for 30 days and can be extended.

2026 Senate map tough for Democrats, Republicans have their own headaches

Dems need to net four seats to retake the majority

By Thomas Beaumont and Jill Colvin The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republicans are encountering early headaches in Senate races viewed as pivotal to maintaining the party’s majority in next year’s midterm elections, with recruitment failures, open primaries, in ghting and a president who has been sitting on the sidelines. Democrats still face an uphill battle. They need to net four seats to retake the majority, and most of the 2026 contests are in states that Republican President Donald Trump easily won last November.

But Democrats see reasons for hope in Republicans’ challenges. They include a nasty primary in Texas that could jeopardize a seat Republicans have held for decades. In North Carolina and Georgia, the GOP still lacks a clear eld of candidates. Trump’s in uence dials up the uncertainty as he decides whether to ex his inuential endorsement to stave o intraparty ghts.

Republicans stress that it remains early in the election cycle and say there is still plenty of time for candidates to establish themselves and Trump to wade in. The president, said White House political director James Blair, has been working closely with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R- S.D.).

“I won’t get ahead of the

See SENATE, page A4

MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR TWIN CITY HERALD

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, speaks at a campaign rally in Greensboro last November.

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Hillsborough man convicted of killing wife dies after four decades on death row

Robert Peede was convicted in Florida in 1984

The Associated Press

STARKE, Fla. — A man convicted of killing his estranged wife has died after spending

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

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

more than four decades on Florida’s death row.

Robert Peede, 81, died Monday at Florida State Prison in Starke, according to Florida Department of Corrections records. His cause of death wasn’t immediately reported. Peede was convicted in 1984 of murdering his estranged wife, Darla Peede, a year earlier. According to court records, Robert Peede drove from his home in North Carolina to Florida in March 1983 with the intention of making his wife return to North Carolina with him. During the drive back, Peede stopped just outside of

Orlando and fatally stabbed his wife in the neck, prosecutors said. Her body was later found dumped in a wooded area of Georgia. When Peede was arrested at his home in Hillsborough, Darla Peede’s car was parked outside. Its interior was heavily bloodstained.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ actor, dead at 54 in Costa Rica drowning

The actor played the beloved son Theo Huxtable

By Javier Cordoba and Andrew Dalton The Associated Press

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica —

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who played teenage son Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has died at age 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, authorities there said. Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department said Monday that Warner drowned Sunday afternoon on a beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean.

“He was rescued by people on the beach,” the department’s initial report said, but rst responders from Costa Rica’s Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue. Warner created many TV moments etched in the memories of Generation X children and their parents, including a pilot-episode argument with Bill Cosby’s Cli Huxtable about money and an ear piercing he tries to hide from his dad. His Theo was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cli Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad’s Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, and he would be one of the prime representations of American teenage boyhood on a show that was the most popular in

MOLOSHOK / INVISION / AP Actor and musician

America for much of its run from 1984 to 1992.

He played the role for eight seasons in all 197 episodes, winning an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy in 1986. For many, the lasting image of the character, and of Warner, is of him wearing a badly botched mock designer shirt sewed by his sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet. Warner later appeared on the sitcom “Malcolm & Ed-

Warner poses for a portrait in 2015.

die,” co-starring with comedian Eddie Gri n in the series on the defunct UPN network from 1996 to 2000. And in the 2010s he starred opposite Tracee Ellis Ross as a family-blending couple for two seasons on the BET sitcom “Read Between The Lines.” He also had a role as O.J. Simpson’s friend Al Cowlings on “American Crime Story” and was a series regular on Fox’s “The Resident.” His lm roles include the

2008 rom-com “Fool’s Gold” with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. A poet and musician, Warner was a Grammy winner for best traditional R&B performance, and he was nominated for best spoken word poetry album for “Hiding in Plain View.” Warner was married with a daughter, but their names were not publicly disclosed. Warner’s representatives declined immediate comment.

CURT ANDERSON / AP PHOTO Clouds hover over the entrance of the Florida State Prison in Starke, Florida, in 2023.

DANNY

Malcolm-Jamal

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

How the world

flipped

IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS, the entire world has been turned upside down. There is no longer such a thing as conventional wisdom or the status quo.

The unthinkable has become the banal.

Take illegal immigration — remember the 10,000 daily illegal entries under former President Joe Biden?

in 6 months

Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis — were supposedly too dangerous to provoke.

Now?

Most of their expeditionary terrorists are neutered, and their leaders are in hiding or dead. Iran has no air force, no real navy, no air defenses and no active nuclear weapons program.

Recall the only solution was supposedly “comprehensive immigration reform” — a euphemism for mass amnesties.

Now there is no such thing as daily new illegal immigration. It simply disappeared with commonsense enforcement of existing immigration laws — and a new president.

How about the 40,000 -50,000 shortfall in military recruitment?

Remember all the causes that the generals cited for their inability to enlist soldiers: generational gangs, obesity, drugs and sti competition with private industry?

And now?

In just six months, recruitment targets are already met; the issue is mostly moot.

Why? The new Pentagon ipped the old, canceling its racist DEI programs and assuring the rural, middle-class Americans — especially white males — that they were not systemically racist after all.

Instead, they were reinvited to enlist as the critical combat cohort who died at twice their demographic share in Iraq and Afghanistan.

How about the “end of the NATO crisis,” supposedly brought on by a bullying U.S.?

Now the vast majority of NATO members have met their pledges to spend 2% of gross domestic product on defense, which will soon increase to 5%.

Iconic neutrals like Sweden and Finland have become frontline NATO nations, arming to the teeth. The smiling NATO secretarygeneral even called Trump the “daddy” of the alliance.

What about indomitable, all-powerful, theocratic Iran, the scourge of the Middle East for nearly 50 years?

Although it had never won a war in the last half-century, its terrorist surrogates—

Its safety apparently depends only on the mood of the U.S. or Israel on any given day not to y into its airspace and take out its missiles, nuclear sites, generals or theocrats at will.

What happened to the supposedly inevitable recession, hyperin ation, stock market collapse, unemployment spikes and global trade war that last spring economists assured us would hit by summer?

Job growth is strong, and April’s in ation rate is the lowest in four years. GDP is still steady. The stock market hit a record high. Trade partners are renegotiating their surpluses with the U.S.

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners. It seems their preexisting and mostly undisclosed pro ts were large enough to a ord reasonable U.S. symmetrical tari s.

For now, news of tax cuts, deregulation, “drill, baby, drill” energy policies displacing Green New Deal strangulation and $8-$10 trillion in potential foreign investment has encouraged — rather than deterred — business.

Then there were our marquee elite universities, whose prestige, riches, and powerful alumni made them answerable to no one. And now, after the executive and congressional crackdown on their decades of hubris?

Supposedly brilliant university presidents have resigned in shame. The public has caught on to their grant surcharge gouging.

Campuses have backed o their arrogant de ance of the Supreme Court’s civil rights rulings.

They are panicked about the public

Barack Obama’s message to Democrats: Toughen up

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners. At the fundraiser, Obama encouraged the rich Democrats in attendance to give money to the Democratic National Committee.

“IT’S GOING TO REQUIRE a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions. And it’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up,” former President Barack Obama told Democratic donors at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee last Friday night. “What I have been surprised by is the degree to which I’ve seen people who, when I was president, or progressives, liberals, stood for all kinds of stu , who seem like they’re kind of cowed and intimidated and shrinking away from just asserting what they believe, or at least what they said they believe.” Toughen up? Who? How?

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have been out there holding rallies and public events, meeting with voters, talking plenty tough. What about Barack and Michelle? Are they ready to put aside their Hollywood production deals and get back in the trenches to save our democracy? We need them, desperately.

In excerpts of his remarks distributed by his o ce, Obama targeted the law rms he said had been willing to “set aside the law ... not because, by the way, that they’re going to be thrown in

jail, but because they might lose a few clients and might not be able to nish that kitchen rehab at their Hampton house. I’m not impressed.”

I have many friends and colleagues in the law rms that settled with the president and in the law rms that stood up and fought him. I didn’t hear about any kitchen rehabs in the Hamptons; President Donald Trump was threatening to destroy their rms. I have the greatest respect for those institutions that have stood up to Trump and the federal judges who have supported them. But I don’t blame those who have tried to stave o Trump’s attacks.

I do blame those who have chosen this moment to be silent or engage in blame games or refuse to stand up even though they face no jeopardy. That includes former presidents like Obama himself, who has been playing by an old set of rules in which former presidents don’t criticize their successors. That’s ne when our democracy is not in peril, which it is. What is Barack Obama going to do about it?

At the fundraiser, Obama encouraged the rich Democrats in attendance to give money to the Democratic National Committee. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. As president, Obama had no use for the DNC; as The New

exposure of their systemic antisemitism. They are scrambling to explain away their institutionalized ideological bias, tawdry pro t-making schemes and mass recruitment of wealthy foreign students from illiberal regimes. So the mighty Ivy League powerhouses are now humbling themselves to cut a deal to save their nancial hides and hopefully return to their proper mission of disinterested education. What happened to the trans juggernaut of sex as a social construct and its bookend gospel that biological men could dominate women’s sports?

People woke up. They were no longer afraid to state that sex is binary and biologically determined. And biological men who dominate women’s sports are bullies, not heroes. Where are the millionaire-scamming architects of Black Lives Matter now? Where is the “DEI now, tomorrow and forever” conventional wisdom?

Where is professor Ibram X. Kendi and his $30,000 Zoom lessons on how to ght racism by being racist? They have all been exposed as the race hustlers they always were. Their creed that it is OK for supposed victims to be racist victimizers themselves was exposed as an absurd con.

So what ipped everything?

We were living in an “emperor has no clothes” make-believe world for the last few years. The people knew establishment narratives were absurd, and our supposed experts were even more ridiculous. But few — until now — had the guts to scream “the emperor is naked” to dispel the fantasies.

When they nally did, reality returned.

Victor Davis Hanson, a senior contributor for The Daily Signal, is a classicist and historian at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and host of “The Victor Davis Hanson Show.” This article was rst published by The Daily Signal.

York Times reported, “his own aides worked to diminish” the o cial party apparatus. And now, with a DNC wracked by internal divisions and in ghting, it is somehow the answer? To what? The DNC is part of the problem. So is the party establishment. What is New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand doing going on the radio and suggesting that the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York is an antisemite who wants a jihad against New York’s Jews? What is former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo doing abandoning the Democratic Party in his desperate e ort to regain power? He had his chance, and he blew it. The voters spoke. Is he listening? We need new leaders and new faces, and to get there, we need the leaders who people did trust — leaders like Barack and Michelle Obama, and Bill and Hillary Clinton — to help make that happen. They need to get out there on the stump, along with Bernie and AOC and show a united party willing to listen. Money is not the reason we lost the election. We misread the room. We weren’t listening.

Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.

COLUMN | VICTOR DAVIS HANSON

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

Over 5 million aboveground pools recalled after deaths

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — More than 5.2 million aboveground swimming pools sold across the U.S. and Canada over the last two decades are being recalled after nine drowning deaths were reported.

The recall covers a range of Bestway, Intex Recreation and Polygroup pools that were sold by major retailers as far back as 2002. According to Monday notices published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, these pools have compression straps running along the outside of the product — which “may create a foothold” for small children and allow them to access the water unattended.

That can pose a serious drowning risk, the safety regulators warn. To date, the CPSC believes nine children across the U.S. have drowned after gaining access to these now-recalled pools in this way. Those deaths occurred between 2007 and 2022, involving children between the ages of 22 months and 3 years old. No additional fatalities have been reported in Canada.

Consumers in possession of these pools are urged to immediately contact Bestway, Intex and/or Polygroup to receive a free repair kit — which will consist of a rope to replace the compression strap. Owners of these pools should otherwise ensure that small children cannot access the pool without super-

from page A1

president but look, him and leader Thune have been very aligned. I expect them to be aligned and work closely,” he said.

Trump’s timing, allies say, also re ects the far more disciplined approach by him and his political operation, which are determined for Republicans to gain seats in both the Senate and the House.

Here’s what’s happening in some key Senate races.

Will North Carolina have a Trump on the ballot?

The surprise retirement announcement by two -term Sen. Thom Tillis has set o a frenzied search for a replacement in a state widely seen as Democrats’ top pickup opportunity. He had repeatedly clashed with Trump, including over Medicaid changes in the tax cut bill, leading the president to threaten to back a primary challenger.

All eyes are now on Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, who is mulling whether to run in her home state as other potential candidates stand by.

A familiar national Republican face as co - chair of the Republican National Committee during Trump’s 2024 campaign, Lara Trump is now a Fox News Channel host. She also had been a visible surrogate during previous campaigns, often promoting her North Carolina roots and the fact that she named her daughter Carolina.

Having a Trump on the ballot could boost a party that has struggled to motivate its most fervent base when Donald Trump is not running. But Lara Trump currently lives in Florida and has so far sounded muted on the prospect of a Senate run.

Other potential contenders include RNC chair Michael Whatley, who led North Carolina’s GOP before taking the national reins and is considered a strong fundraiser and Trump loyalist, and rst-term Reps. Pat Harrigan and Brad Knott. While Lara Trump and Whatley are better known nationally, Harrigan is a West Point graduate and Knott is a former federal prosecutor. Democrats are waiting on a decision from former two -term Gov. Roy Cooper, who is seen as a formidable candidate by both parties in a state Trump carried by just 3.2 percentage points last year. Former Rep. Wiley Nickel has entered the race, but

A child uses the compression strap to stand on aboveground pool.

vision, regulators note — and could alternatively drain the pool until the repair is made.

All of the pools being recalled are 48 inches or taller — and

it’s unclear what he would do if Cooper ran.

An ugly Texas brawl

Democrats have long dreamed of winning statewide o ce in this ruby red state. Could a nasty GOP primary be their ticket?

National Republicans and GOP Senate strategists are ringing alarm bells amid concerns that state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing a bevy of personal and ethical questions, could prevail over Sen. John Cornyn for the nomination.

They fear Paxton would be a disastrous general election candidate, forcing Republicans to invest tens of millions of dollars they believe would be better spent in other states.

Texans for a Conservative Majority, a super political action committee supporting Cornyn, a onetime Trump critic, began airing television ads this past week promoting his support for Trump’s package of tax breaks and spending cuts.

Don’t expect the upbeat tone from the pro - Cornyn super PAC to hold long. Paxton was acquitted after a Republican-led impeachment trial in 2023 over allegations of bribery and abuse of o ce, which also exposed an extramarital a air. His wife, Angela, led for divorce on July 10, referring to “recent discoveries” in announcing her decision to end her marriage of 38 years “on biblical grounds.”

“Ken Paxton has embarrassed himself, his family, and we look forward to exposing just how bad he’s embarrassed our state in the coming months,” said Aaron Whitehead, the super PAC’s executive director. Trump adviser Chris LaCivita, who comanaged Trump’s 2024 campaign, is advising the group.

But Cornyn has had a cool relationship with Trump over the years, while Paxton is a longtime Trump ally. And Paxton raised more than three times as much as Cornyn in the second quarter, $2.9 million compared with $804,000, according to Federal Elections Commission reports.

Rep. Wesley Hunt is also weighing a run.

Will Trump be persuaded to endorse or will he choose to steer clear?

In Georgia, a pickup opportunity with no candidate yet

Republicans see Georgia and the seat

can be identi ed by brand and model names listed on both the CPSC and Health Canada’s recall notices. Sales of the pools ranged by model and location,

crat Jon Osso as one of their best pickup opportunities. But the party remains in search of a well-known challenger after failing to persuade term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp to run.

A growing potential eld includes Reps. Buddy Carter, Mike Collins and Rich McCormick, Insurance Commissioner John King and Derek Dooley, a former University of Tennessee football coach. The president is still meeting with possible candidates and is expected by many to wait to weigh in until his team has fully screened them and assessed their chances.

Osso took in more than $10 million in the second quarter of the year, according to federal lings, after raising $11 million from January through March. He ended June with more than $15.5 million cash on hand.

That money will matter in what is sure to be an expensive general election. The Senate races in 2020, when Osso and Raphael Warnock narrowly won and ipped control to Democrats, cost more than $900 million combined.

Michigan GOP waits on Trump

Republicans hope the retirement of Democratic Sen. Gary Peters and a crowded, expensive Democratic primary will help them capture a seat that has eluded them for more than three decades. Here, too, all eyes are on Trump.

Republicans are rallying around former Rep. Mike Rogers, who came within 20,000 votes in 2024 against thenRep. Elissa Slotkin and had Trump’s endorsement. Rogers now appears to have momentum behind him, with the support of Thune, the National Republican Senatorial Committee and former Trump campaign veterans LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio.

But other Republicans could complicate things. Rep. Bill Huizenga has said he is waiting for guidance from the president on whether he should run.

“When people are asking why haven’t you announced or what are you going to do, it’s like, look, I want to get the man’s input, all right?” Huizenga told reporters last month. A spokesperson for Huizenga added that the congressman has spoken to Trump on the phone multiple times and has yet to be told not to run.

Still, White House o cials have on more than one occasion encouraged Huizenga to stay in the House, according

but date as far back to 2002 and as recently as 2025. About 5 million of these now-recalled pools were sold across the U.S. — including

both online and in-stores at major retailers like Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Costco and Amazon. Another 266,000 were sold in Canada.

to one person familiar with the conversations who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions and spoke only on condition of anonymity.

Democrats have their own messy primary, with state Sen. Mallory McMorrow up against Rep. Haley Stevens, state Rep. Joe Tate, and former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El- Sayed.

They were pleased to see that, even without any declared challengers, Rogers’ main campaign account raised just $745,000 during the second quarter, lagging Huizenga and several Democrats. (He brought in another nearly $779,000 through a separate joint fundraising committee.) McMorrow, by comparison, raised more than $2.1 million.

In Louisiana, another Trump antagonist faces voters

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy has faced scrutiny from his party, in no small part for his 2021 vote to convict Trump after the president’s second impeachment. Will Trump seek retribution against the twoterm senator or ultimately back him?

Though Cassidy already faces two primary challengers, Louisiana is a reliably Republican state, which Trump won last year by 22 percentage points. Democrats are hoping a strong contender — potentially former Gov. John Bel Edwards, who has attracted Republican votes in the past — might mount a competitive challenge. Republicans are awaiting word on whether Rep. Julia Letlow will run. In May, Gov. Je Landry and Trump privately discussed the two -term con-

gresswoman entering the race.

Letlow and Landry appeared together at a congressional fundraiser for her in Lafayette, outside her northeast Louisiana district, on June 30, fueling speculation about her plans. The governor’s discussion with Trump of a new challenger to Cassidy re ects the Trump base’s unease with the senator, not simply over the impeachment vote but also Cassidy’s concerns about installing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the nation’s health secretary. Cassidy ultimately backed Kennedy, a move some saw as an e ort to ease tensions.

Among Cassidy’s Republican challengers so far are state Treasurer John Fleming and state Sen. Blake Miguez. Letlow, serving in the seat her husband held before he died of COVID -19, is considered a rising star in the Louisiana GOP.

A wavering incumbent in Iowa

Two-term Republican Sen. Joni Ernst has not said whether she plans to seek a third term. Ernst would be expected to win in the state Trump carried by 13 percentage points last year. But she has come under some criticism from Iowa Republicans, including for saying she needed to hear more from Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, before committing to support his nomination amid allegations of sexual assault that Hegseth denied.

The senator, a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, eventually voted to con rm him.

Though a nal decision awaits, Ernst has named a 2026 campaign manager and has scheduled her annual Iowa fundraiser for October.

SENATE

Reports say nine children have drowned

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

Lara Trump waves to the audience as President Donald Trump speaks at a bill signing event at the White House earlier this month.

Forsyth SPORTS

Hamlin survives rain delay, overtime nish to win for 2nd straight year at Dover

Distractions and rain couldn’t slow Hamlin in his fourth win of the year

By Dan Gelston

The Associated Press

DOVER, Del. — Denny

Hamlin shook o a setback in his court battle with NASCAR, shrugged o old tire concerns once he took a late lead ahead of a rain delay and survived a late charge from his teammate to go back-to-back at Dover Motor Speedway for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s series-best fourth victory of the season.

“I just love that I’m able to still do it at a high level,” Hamlin said. “Every morning when I wake up, I just hope I still got what I had yesterday.”

Hamlin won in the No. 11 Toyota for the second straight time at Dover to add to wins this season at Martinsville, Darlington and Michigan.

Hamlin has 58 Cup Series victories, leaving him two short of Kevin Harvick for 10th on the career list. The veteran Virginia driver might hit that mark this season as he chases his rst career Cup championship.

Hamlin is on the Cup Series’ short list of greatest drivers to never win a championship. He won’t let the void on an otherwise stellar resume full of Hall of Fame credentials de ne how he feels about his career.

Hamlin says it’s trophies, not titles, not he celebrates the most

“If we do, we do. If we don’t, we don’t,” Hamlin said. “I care about wins. I want more trophies, more trophies, more trophies. When I’m done, I want to be in the list of that top -10 all-time winners. That will mean more than any other accomplishment.”

Hamlin took the checkered ag days after he su ered a setback in court with his own 23XI Racing team’s federal antitrust suit against NASCAR.

Last Thursday, a federal judge rejected a request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to continue racing with charters while they battle NASCAR in court, meaning their six cars will race as open entries this weekend at

“Every morning when I wake up, I just hope I still got what I had yesterday.

Denny Hamlin

Dover, next week at Indianapolis and perhaps longer than that in a move the teams say would put them at risk of going out of business.

Hamlin vowed this weekend

“all will be exposed” if the case goes to its scheduled Dec. 1 trial date.

The courtroom drama hasn’t a ected Hamlin’s performance on the track. Hamlin held o JGR teammate Chase Briscoe for the victory. Hendrick Motorsports drivers took the next two spots, with Alex Bowman third and Kyle Larson fourth.

Hamlin held o Larson down the stretch last season to earn the second of his three career wins at the Monster Mile.

The rst July Cup race at Dover since 1969 started with steamy weather, and drivers battled the conditions inside the car during a relatively clean race until rain fell late and red- agged the race with 14 laps left. Hamlin said during

the break he changed his resuit — temperatures inside the car soared to 140 degrees, and sweat kept dripping inside his visor.

He also returned to the car after the 56-minute delay with old tires. Hamlin had enough to win on cool tires at Dover and park the Toyota in Victory Lane.

There was never any real consideration to pit with the lead for fresh tires.

“We need wins,” crew chief Chris Gayle said. “How can we manufacture some way to give ourselves more opportunity for that to happen? Might not pan out, but we de nitely weren’t going to do it doing the same thing as everybody else. That was our train of thought there, and thankfully it worked out and we held on.”

He became the 19th Cup driver to win three times at Dover and the 13th driver to win consecutive races on the mile concrete track.

“I just studied some of the greats here,” Hamlin said. “I was very fortunate to have Martin Truex as a teammate. Jimmie Johnson, watching him win (11) times here. You learn from the greats and you change your game to match it, you have success like this.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Allie Cox

East Forsyth, softball

Allie Cox is a rising junior pitcher for the East Forsyth softball team. Allie was among the class 4A West leaders in strikeouts ( fth) and wins (10th) last season and earned a spot on the N.C. Softball Coaches Association all-state team.

She’s also come up big pitching on the summer baseball circuit. Cox pitched in the Atlanta Legacy Showcase earlier this month and struck out 26 in 13 innings. She then went on to the Top of the Mountain Showcase, where she fanned 12 in six innings. She didn’t allow an earned run in either event.

Rex White, NASCAR’s oldest living champion, dead at 95

The Taylorsville native won 28 Cup races

By Jenna Fryer

The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — Rex White, who was the NASCAR Cup Series’ oldest living champion and a 2015 inductee into the Hall of Fame, has died. He was 95. NASCAR and the NASCAR Hall of Fame con rmed White’s death last Friday. No additional details were provided.

“Rex epitomized the formative days of NASCAR — a true pioneer whose contributions helped shape the foundation of our sport,” NASCAR chairman Jim France said. “His hard work, dedication and talent allowed him to make a living doing what he loved most — racing cars. He was the model of consistency — nishing in the top ve in nearly half of his races — and dominated the short tracks.

“On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I want to o er our condolences to the friends and family of Rex White.”

White won the 1960 Cup Series title and 28 Cup races in a career that spanned 233 starts across nine seasons. He led the nal ve laps in 1958 at Champion Speedway in Fayetteville to earn his rst career victory and scored 13 top- ve nishes in 22 starts.

White won ve more races the next season but didn’t earn his lone championship until 1960, when he won six times in 44 starts. He won seven times the next year, when he was runner-up to fellow Hall of Famer Ned Jarrett in the championship standings.

“I saw automobiles as transportation, not the symbol of an upcoming billion-dollar sport.”

Rex White

White then won eight times in 1962 but nished fth in the standings as he competed in only 37 of the 53 races that year. White never contested a complete season at a time when NASCAR ran as many as 62 times a year.

White notched a career-high six victories at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, where NASCAR this year returned after a lengthy absence. He also won three times at North Wilkesboro Speedway and two times at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia.

Born during the Great Depression and raised in Taylorsville, White su ered from polio as a child, and the disease altered his gait for most of his life.

He had an early interest in cars and was working on the family Model T by the time he was 8. He had learned how to drive two years earlier using a neighbor’s truck.

“I was unaware the car on which I labored represented hope to people around me, frustration to those trying to stop illegal moonshine,” he said. “I saw automobiles as transportation, not the symbol of an upcoming billion-dollar sport.”

White purchased his rst car in 1954 when a relative of his wife helped him with the $600 needed to buy a 1937 Ford. He

immediately began racing as a means to earn a living.

White ran his rst race in the Sportsman division at West Lanham Speedway in Maryland. He went on to win the championship in his rookie season of the Sportsman division.

He moved up to NASCAR two years later, and by the time

he won the championship ve seasons later, he was named both NASCAR’s most popular driver and driver of the year.

“Growing up on a North Carolina farm, Rex familiarized himself with all things mechanical and enjoyed driving anything with wheels,” said Winston Kelly, executive director

for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“Rex was among NASCAR’s pioneers who remained very visible at tracks and industry events for years. He was a dedicated ambassador who enjoyed supporting any event or activity he was requested to participate in.

“NASCAR has lost one of its true pioneers.”

DERIK HAMILTON / AP PHOTO

Denny Hamlin crosses the nish line to win Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway.

HORACE CORT / AP PHOTO

Rex White, left, poses with the trophy he won for nishing rst in the 1962 Dixie 400 in Atlanta.

SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA BASKETBALL

Boozer, Flagg

take home ESPYs

Duke’s incoming freshman star and the most recent Blue Devil to play that role both won awards at the ESPYs. The annual award show created by ESPN named Cooper Flagg the best male college athlete. Flagg beat out Oklahoma state wrestler Wyatt Hendrickson, Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter and Cornell lacrosse star CJ Kirst. Cameron Boozer, who is headed to Duke, was named the Gatorade male high school athlete of the year, beating out Alabama quarterback recruit Keelon Russell, Pirates draft pick Seth Hernandez, track stars Charlie Vause and Tate Taylor, and UNC soccer recruit Dan Klink.

NBA Anthony signs with Bucks

Milwaukee Former UNC point guard Cole Anthony signed with the Milwaukee Bucks and will get the chance to start for the Eastern Conference contender. Anthony, who spent his rst ve seasons in the NBA with Orlando, was traded to Memphis this o season. He was expected to back up Ja Morant but instead agreed to a buyout with the Grizzlies and was released, freeing him up to sign with the Bucks.

NFL Construction halted at new Titans Stadium after noose found at site

Nashville, Tenn.

Construction on a new enclosed stadium for the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tennessee, has been halted after a noose was found at the construction site. Metro Nashville Police are investigating. The Tennessee Builders Alliance, a joint venture partnership on the stadium, says it suspended construction at the site after the “racist and hateful” symbol was discovered this week. A statement to news outlets said, “We are requiring additional antibias training for every person on site, and work will resume only after a site-wide stand- down focused on inclusion and respect.”

MLB Diamondbacks

All-Star Marte placed on restricted list following burglary

Phoenix Arizona Diamondbacks

All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte has been placed on the restricted list after his home was burglarized during the All-Star break. Marte was not in the lineup as he deals with what Scottsdale police called a “high-dollar residential burglary” involving stolen personal items and jewelry while he and his family were in Atlanta for the All-Star Game. No one was home during the break-in.

Oliver’s Erie Moon Mammoths debut in front of record crowd

The HBO host unveiled his rebrand of a minor league team

By Joe Reedy The Associated Press

ERIE, Pa. — Besides being a fan, John Oliver has had a certain a nity for minor league baseball.

On Saturday, the comedian and host of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” saw his latest crazy creation set out into the world as the Erie Moon Mammoths made their debut in front of a record crowd of 7,070 at UPMC Park.

“We’re sending our furry child out into the world and you are the custodian of it. Now, please be careful with our child,” Oliver said a couple hours before the Moon Mammoths took the eld against the Chesapeake Oyster Catchers.

Oliver spotlighted Minor League Baseball promotions and alternate nicknames during “Last Week Tonight” on May 4. At the end of the segment, Oliver invited teams to send in proposals why they should get rebranded by the show’s sta .

Forty-seven teams sent in pitches, including the Erie SeaWolves, the Double-A a liate of the Detroit Tigers.

Erie president Greg Coleman sent a list of 11 reasons why they were the perfect candidate, including: “The SeaWolves play baseball nowhere near the sea.”

“To have so many teams expressing interest was really edifying,” Oliver said. “I think it kind of validates the fact that we thought there was something special about minor league baseball. We thought this would be a group of people that would respond to the ludicrous idea that we had.”

Erie was announced as the winner May 18. After six weeks of research by Oliver and his sta , the Moon Mammoths were unveiled on June 29. That included the mascot named Fuzz, a purple woolly mammoth wearing a space helmet.

“Erie did stand out to us as being, you know, uniquely eccentric,” Oliver said. “And I say that as both a compliment and an insult, which is the biggest compliment there is. There was something about the Moon

“Erie did stand out to us as being, you know, uniquely eccentric. And I say that as both a compliment and an insult, which is the biggest compliment there is.”

John Oliver

Mammoth that spoke to us for being particularly odd. It felt like it could make a baseball team’s theme. You could almost see the logo in your head, and it felt like something to be extra surprising.”

The fact this came together in less than three months is a minor miracle. It usually takes 16 months for a team to have an alternate identity approved and then take the eld.

also led the crowd in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch. The cap and jersey that Oliver wore for the rst pitch are going to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Moon Mammoths will be back on Aug. 19 as well as Sept. 12 and 13. There will be at least four Moon Mammoths games next season.

Sche er dominates in British Open victory

The world’s No. 1 player now needs the U.S. Open for a career Grand Slam

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — The enormous yellow scoreboard above the 18th green at Royal Portrush perfectly illustrated the state of golf these days. Scottie Sche er’s name was at the top. No one was close.

That’s how it was in the British Open, when Sche er never gave anyone a chance.

That’s how it is in the sport, a level of dominance not seen since Tiger Woods.

“He is the bar that we’re all trying to get to,” Masters champion Rory McIlroy said. “In a historical context, you could argue that there’s only maybe two or three players in the history of the game that have been on a run the one that Scottie’s been on here for the last 24 to 36 months. Incredibly impressive.”

Sche er not only won his second major this year — and fourth in the last three years — he captured the third leg of the career Grand Slam, now missing only the U.S. Open.

“Being able to walk up 18 with the tournament in hand is a really tough thing to describe. It’s a really cool feeling. I have a lot of gratitude towards being able to accomplish something like this,” Sche er said, the silver claret

“I thought we had a good chance when I sent it in. And then when we were selected, it was a little surreal,” Coleman said. “And since then working with the “Last Week Tonight” team, they’ve been wonderful and detail oriented.”

“Being able to walk up 18 with the tournament in hand is a really tough thing to describe. It’s a really cool feeling.”

Sche er

Scottie

jug on the table next to him.

“It’s taken a lot of work — not only a lot of work, but it takes a lot of patience,” he said. “It’s a high level of focus over 72 holes of a tournament. This was, I felt like, one of my best performances mentally.”

The emotions he showed were telling.

Until he had his name etched on golf’s oldest trophy, Schefer had a week marked by his extraordinary insight on how he views winning. He said celebrations last only a few minutes. He has wondered, “What’s the point?”

On the golf course, his biggest st pump was for a par on the sixth hole. As he crouched to line up his birdie putt on the 18th, he rested his head on his hand with a slight smile of deep satisfaction. When he tapped in the nal putt, he plucked the ball from the cup and put it in his pocket as if he had just won a regular PGA Tour event.

But when he nally found his family — wife Meredith, 15-month-old son Bennett and

Coleman said since the Moon Mammoths were unveiled, the team has done the equivalent of four years of online sales in three weeks. The line of people waiting to get into the team store, which was located in left eld, stretched out to near home plate in the concourse area. In addition to throwing out the rst pitch, Oliver was a batboy during one inning and

“I love minor league baseball. There is a special eccentricity to it,” Oliver said. “It felt like a nice t with our show because minor league baseball, as you know, is willing to try anything. That was proven by the fact that over half the league was willing to sight unseen, rebrand and put their trust in the hands of a group of people who are objectively untrustworthy. That’s a bad decision, and it’s that kind of bad decision making that I love about minor league baseball.”

his parents — Sche er went crazy. He thrust both arms in the air, pumped both arms, screamed and threw his cap in the air. That’s what it’s all about for the 29-year-old from Texas.

McIlroy had referred to the outcome as “inevitable” when Sche er built a four-shot lead going into the nal round, and it was every bit of that. Sche er’s one wobble was a double bogey on No. 8 when it took two shots to get out of a fairway bunker. That ended his streak of 32 consecutive holes without a bogey. Sche er birdied the next hole. He played the back nine with eight pars and a birdie because that’s all he needed. No one could catch him.

“I played with him the rst two days, and honestly I thought he was going to birdie every hole. It was incredible to watch,” Shane Lowry said. “If Scottie’s

feet stayed stable and his swing looked like Adam Scott’s, we’d be talking about him in the same words as Tiger Woods. ... His bad shots are really good. That’s when you know he’s really good.” Sche er, who nished at 17-under 267, won for the fourth time this year. He now has won 20 times worldwide in the last 30 months. This was the 11th straight time he turned a 54 -hole lead into a victory.

“I don’t think we thought the gol ng world would see someone as dominant as Tiger come through so soon, and here’s Scottie sort of taking that throne of dominance,” said Xander Schau ele, the defending champion who tied for seventh.

“You can’t even say he’s on a run. He’s just been killing it for over two years now,” he said. “He’s a tough man to beat, and when you see his name up on the leaderboard, it sucks for us.”

FRANCISCO SECO / AP PHOTO

Scottie Sche er poses for photographers with his son Bennett and the claret jug after winning the British Open on Sunday.

JOE REEDY / AP PHOTO

John Oliver prepares to throw the rst pitch at the debut game for the rebranded Erie Moon Mammoths.

the stream

Madonna, ‘Happy Gilmore 2,’ Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd team up

Madonna drops her highly anticipated album “Veronica Electronica” on Friday

The Associated Press

ADAM SANDLER’S hockey player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore returning for a second movie and Madonna’s long-rumored album “Veronica Electronica” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time: Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd playing father and daughter in the horror-comedy “Death of a Unicorn,” gamers get a pirate adventure with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Judge Judy rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video, “Justice on Trial.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

It’s been almost 30 years since we rst met Sandler’s most famous character, but Sandler nally got the gang back together for a sequel. “Happy Gilmore 2,” coming to Netix on Friday, brings back many familiar faces, including Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller and Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, alongside an army of new co-stars from Bad Bunny to Post Malone as well as a few familiar faces in the golf world. This time around, Happy also has kids, including four hockey goon sons played by Ethan Cutkosky (“Shameless”), Conor Sherry (“Shake Shack”), Maxwell Jacob Friedman (a pro wrestler) and newcomer Philip Schneider. Here’s hoping it’s as quotable as the rst — we’ve been needing some new Sandlerisms.

November, and “Wicked: For Good,” is coming fast. What better time to catch up with “Wicked,” which begins streaming on Prime Video on Friday? In her review for The Associated Press, Jocelyn Noveck wrote that it might convert a nonmusical lover into one, but that, “if people breaking into song delights rather than ummoxes you, if elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emerald-hued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love ‘Wicked,’ well then, you will likely love this lm.”

Ortega and Rudd play father and daughter in the hor-

ror-comedy “Death of a Unicorn” about, well, just that (and also exploitative billionaires). It was met with mixed reviews: Some enjoyed the chemistry of the characters and the fun it has with its outlandish plot, while others saw those e orts as strained and hollow. You can decide for yourself when it hits HBO Max on Friday. Richard E. Grant and Will Poulter also star.

MUSIC TO STREAM

It is the stu of pop music mythology. Madonna’s long-rumored album “Veronica Electronica” — originally conceived as a remix companion to 1998’s blockbuster “Ray of Light” — nally arrives Friday. It is that and more. Begin with the new-to-fans original demo of “Gone, Gone, Gone.”

The second and nal part of an expansive documentary series on the life and career of Bil-

ly Joel hits HBO Max on Friday. And it’s not too late to catch up on the rst half of “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” either. It’s an in-depth look at the beloved singer-songwriter, replete with never-before-seen performance footage and more.

Rock ’n’ roll fans, listen up. On Friday, the original Alice Cooper band lineup reunites to release “The Revenge Of Alice Cooper,” the rst album in over 50 years to feature that original lineup. It gives the album a sort of revived spirit — all high-octane ri s.

SERIES TO STREAM

Judy Sheindlin, beloved for her syndicated series “Judge Judy” that ended production in 2021 after 25 years, rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video. In “Justice on Trial,” actual criminal court cases are recreated by trial lawyers with Sheindlin pre-

siding over the courtroom. Will she nd the right decision was made? Find out now on Prime Video.

Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow star in “The Hunting Wives” for Net ix. It’s based on a thriller mystery novel by May Cobb. Snow plays Sophie, a woman whose husband’s job requires trading the East Coast for east Texas. She’s a sh out of water until she meets Margot (Akerman,) the queen bee of a group of women known as the Hunting Wives. These wives aren’t trading recipes or having tea — they like to party. Sophie nds Margot’s carefree lifestyle and con dence to be intoxicating until she gets caught up in a murder investigation. All eight episodes dropped Monday. A new Hulu miniseries called “Washington Black” is also based on a book of the same name, but this one was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in

“If elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emerald-hued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love ‘Wicked,’ well then, you will likely love this lm.”

Jocelyn Noveck, AP Film Writer

2018. Set in the early 1800s, Wash — short for George Washington Black — is born into slavery in Barbados. Wash’s talent for art and curiosity catches the attention of a scientist named Titch (played by Tom Ellis), who encourages his education and creativity. When danger strikes, Titch and Wash escape in a hot-air balloon that lands in Nova Scotia. The series follows Wash’s adventures as he grows into a man played by newcomer Ernest Kingsley Jr. Sterling K. Brown is an executive producer and also has a role in the show. Stream the episodes now.

An acclaimed British crime drama called “Code of Silence” comes to BritBox on Thursday. Rose Ayling-Ellis plays a deaf cafeteria worker who begins working with the local police because of her ability to read lips. This new world is exhilarating but also dangerous. The show has already been renewed for a second season.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Last year’s Black Myth: Wukong turned Chinese folklore into a blockbuster game, and another Chinese studio is hoping to repeat that success with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. It tells the tale of a pirate who wakes up with amnesia and a bad case of “feathering” — not only is she sprouting blue plumage, but it’s driving her insane. The adventure takes place during the end of the Ming Dynasty in the 1600s, and Chengdu-based developer Leenzee Games promises a mix of historical gures and supernatural monsters. Take ight Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.

Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega star in “Death of a Unicorn.”

UNIVERSAL PICTURES VIA AP

The hit lm “Wicked,” staring Cynthia Erivo, left and Ariana Grande, begins streaming Friday on Prime Video.

STATE & NATION

Funders commit $1B toward developing arti cial intelligence for frontline workers

Gates and others will o er grants through NextLadder Ventures

By Thalia Beaty The Associated Press

A COALITION of funders, including the Gates Foundation and Ballmer Group, will spend $1 billion over 15 years to help develop arti cial intelligence tools for public defenders, parole o cers, social workers and others who help Americans in precarious situations.

The funders announced Thursday that they will create a new entity, NextLadder Ventures, to o er grants and investments to nonpro ts and for-pro ts to develop tools for those who often manage huge caseloads with few resources.

“The solutions that we’re investing in, the hundreds of entrepreneurs that are going to bring forward solutions that incorporate leading edge technologies, are going to do it by coming alongside people who are living through some of the struggles in the economy,” said Brian Hooks, CEO of Stand Together, a nonpro t started by Kansas-based billionaire Charles Koch.

The other funders include hedge fund founder John Overdeck and Valhalla Foundation, which was started by Inuit cofounder Steve Cook and his wife Signe Ostby. Ballmer Group is the philanthropy of former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie. The funders declined to reveal the exactnancial commitments made by each of the contributors.

The point of investing in these AI tools is to spur economic mo -

bility, a focus all the funders share, they said. The funders believe there are many ideas for how AI technologies could help match people with resources after a disaster or an eviction, for example, or help a parole o cer close out more cases for people who have met all of the criteria but are waiting for the paperwork to be processed.

“As we traded notes on where we were making investments and where we saw broader gaps in the sector, it was readily apparent that there was a real opportunity to come together as a group of cofunders and cofounders to establish a new kind of investment organization,” said Kevin Bromer, who leads the technology and data strategy at Ballmer Group.

He will also serve as a member on NextLadder’s board, which will include three independent board members and representatives from the other funders.

NextLadder will be led by Ryan Rippel, who previously directed the Gates Foundation’s economic mobility portfolio. The funder group has not yet determined if NextLadder will incorporate as a nonprofit or a for pro t organization but said any returns they make from investments will go back into funding new initiatives.

Jim Fruchterman, founder of Tech Matters and author of the recent book “Technology for Good,” said he expects NextLadder to mostly fund nonpro ts if they want to accomplish their mission of reaching the poorest people and places. He said he was optimistic about their focus on serving frontline workers rather than trying to replace them.

“The nonpro t sector is about

humans helping humans,” Fruchterman said. “And if instead of in icting the AI on poor people, or people in need, we’re saying, ‘Hey, you’re a frontline worker. What’s the crappiest part of your job that is the least productive?’ And they’ll tell you and if you work on that, you are likely to be more successful.”

NextLadder will partner with AI company Anthropic, which will o er technical expertise and access to its technologies to the nonpro ts and companies it invests in. Anthropic has committed around $1.5 million annually to the partnership, said Elizabeth Kelly, its head of bene cial deployments, which is a team that focuses on giving back to society.

“We want to hand-hold grantees through their use of Claude with the same care and commitment we provide to our largest enterprise customers,” Kelly said, referencing Anthropic’s large language model.

Hooks, of Stand Together, said philanthropy can reduce the riskiness of these types of investments and o er organizations more time to prove out their ideas.

“If we’re successful, this will be the rst capital to demonstrate what’s possible,” Hooks said.

Suzy Madigan, who is the Responsible AI Lead at Care International UK, has researched the risks and bene ts of using AI tools in humanitarian contexts. She said she’s seen a rush to explore how AI technologies might ll in gaps as funding has been cut.

“The rise of arti cial intelligence being deployed in more sensitive contexts brings some really important new ethical

and governance questions because it can actually exacerbate increasing inequalities, even when there were good intentions behind it,” said Madigan.

The key to not harming vulnerable communities is to involve them in every step of developing, deploying and assessing AI tools and to ensure that those tools do not replace frontline workers, she said. Researchers like those at the Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in humanitarian action have studied some of the risks associated with using AI tools when interacting with sensitive populations or handling highstakes interactions, for example, in humanitarian contexts. They recommend assessing whether AI is the best tool to solve the problem and, crucially, if it works reliably and accurately enough in high-risk settings. They also recommend assessing

tools for bias, considering privacy protections and weighing the cost of potential dependence on a speci c provider.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology also emphasizes that trustworthy AI systems should be accountable to users and that it should be possible to explain or trace how a tool arrived at a certain conclusion or decision.

Hooks emphasized that any AI tools NextLadder invests in will be shaped by the needs and feedback of these frontline workers. Tools that don’t work for them, won’t succeed, he said. Even with the potential risks of AI tools, he said it’s imperative that groups that are struggling to move up the economic ladder have access to new technologies.

“The idea that we would deprive those who are struggling in our country from the bene ts of the leading edge solutions is unacceptable,” Hooks said.

Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte returns in late August

The “PSL” is a fan favorite, loved (or hated) by many

By Dee-Ann Durbin

Associated Press

The

WANT A LITTLE autumn in your August? You’re in luck.

Starbucks said Monday that its Pumpkin Spice Latte will return to store menus in the U.S. and Canada on Aug. 26.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is Starbucks’ most popular seasonal beverage, with hundreds of millions sold since the espresso drink’s 2003 launch. It’s also produced a host of imitations. Dunkin’ introduced pumpkin- avored drinks in 2007; it will beat Starbucks to market this year when its fall menu debuts Aug. 20. McDonald’s introduced a pumpkin spice latte in 2013.

Here’s a look at the Pumpkin

Spice Latte by the numbers:

100: Number of Starbucks stores that sold the Pumpkin Spice Latte during a test run

in Vancouver and Washington in 2003. The following year it launched nationally.

79: Number of markets where

Starbucks sold the Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2024. At the time, the company had stores in 85 markets around the world. It now operates in 88 markets.

$36.2 billion: Starbucks’ net revenue in its 2024 scal year, which ended last September. Starbucks’ net revenue was $4.1 billion in 2003, when the Pumpkin Spiace Latte rst went on sale.

33.8%: Increase in mentions of pumpkin spice on U.S. menus between the fall of 2014 and the fall of 2024, according to Technomic.

4: Number of spices in McCormick’s Pumpkin Pie Spice. They are cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice.

2022: The year Merriam-Webster added “pumpkin spice” to the dictionary. Less common, it said, is the term “pumpkin pie spice.”

3: The Pumpkin Spice Latte

was the third seasonal beverage introduced by Starbucks, after the Eggnog Latte and the Peppermint Mocha. Sept. 8: Date the Pumpkin Spice Latte went on sale in 2015. The on-sale date has edged earlier since then.

24%: Amount foot tra c rose at U.S. Starbucks last year on Aug. 22, the day the Pumpkin Spice Latte went on sale, according to Placer.ai. The company compared tra c that Thursday to the previous eight Thursdays.

45.5%: Amount foot trafc rose at Starbucks stores in North Dakota on Aug. 22, 2024, the most of any state, according to Placer.ai. Foot tra c in Mississippi rose the least, at 4.8%.

42,000: Number of members of the Leaf Rakers Society, a private Facebook group Starbucks created in 2018 to celebrate fall all year long.

PETER MORGAN / AP PHOTO

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte has become a seasonal phenomenon for the co ee powerhouse.

LINDSEY WASSON / AP PHOTO

Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman poses for a portrait at the Gates Foundation campus in Seattle earlier this year.

Randolph record

Boating holiday

N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission o cers were training on Lake Tillery this week, with nearly a dozen boats spotted on the water Monday. Four NCWRC boats, along with a pontoon boat, cruised the lake on the hot summer day.

WHAT’S HAPPENING RCSS continuing with budget reductions

Trump administration withdraws from UNESCO again

United Nations

The Trump administration has announced it will once again withdraw from the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO.

The move Tuesday was expect and has the U.S. further retreating from international organizations. The decision comes two years after the Biden administration rejoined following a controversial, ve-year absence that began during President Donald Trump’s rst term. The White House cited similar concerns as it did in 2018, saying it believes U.S. involvement is not in its national interest and accusing the agency promoting anti-Israel speech. The UNESCO chief said she “deeply” regrets the U.S. decision but the agency “has prepared for it.” She denied accusations of anti-Israel bias.

Pentagon tightens medical waivers rules to join military Washington, D.C.

The Pentagon says people with congestive heart failure, undergoing treatment for schizophrenia or who have a history of paraphilic disorders will no longer be eligible for a medical waiver to serve in the military. The guidance signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and issued Tuesday updates conditions that disqualify recruits from service. Waivers have long been granted for a long list of medical conditions. Hegseth says the change will help ensure the physical and mental capabilities of service members.

The school system is planning for a reduction in state supplemented low wealth funding

By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Randolph County School System is continuing to work toward reducing its budget in the face of anticipated state and federal cuts.

The Randolph County Schools Board of Education were presented with the district’s Budget Reduction Plan No. 2, which is aimed at addressing the expected disparity between the low wealth funding they received last year and what they’re expected to receive this year, at its July 21 regular business meeting.

“We’re not losing our low-wealth money, but we are losing $2,485,370 of low-wealth money compared to what we had in 2024 -25,” said Superin-

tendent Stephen Gainey. “So it’s a reduction. We’ve heard different opinions on what’s going to happen, but when we got to the end of June, we felt like we needed to start moving toward addressing that.”

The Low Wealth Supplemental Funding is a supple

ment given to school systems in low-wealth counties — those whose ability to generate reve

nue to support public schools is below the state average — by the state of North Carolina.

However, the current rumor is that those funding formulas are going to be changed fairly drastically in the upcoming state budget.

“I’ve heard so many stories on this, and legislative people will tell you one thing this week and another thing next week,” said Board Chair Gary Cook.

“A conversation I just had two weeks ago was that it’s pretty much done,” said board member Tracy Boyles. “It’s going away. We’re basically be -

“We haven’t touched a single person’s job as far as them losing employment.” Superintendent Stephen Gainey

ing told not to bank on your low-wealth funding as it’s probably going to be gone.”

So to address this assumed de cit, the district is working to come up with additional funds.

According to Gainey, the plan is to rst see if the district can drum up $1.3 million in budget reductions and then utilize around $1.2 million in fund balance to cover the remaining amount so that they can get going with the school year.

“Eventually, we’re going to lose all of this $2.485 million,” Gainey said. “We’re going to lose it all, it’s just a matter

Asheboro will need primaries for mayor, city council races

Most contests for mayor around the county have only one candidate

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — There will be primaries for the mayoral race and city council seats in Asheboro for the fall elections.

Two candidates — Brett Thompson and Jennyfer Bucardo — entered the mayoral race last Friday, which was the nal day for candidates to le.

They’ll join sitting city council members Eddie Burks and Joey Trogdon looking to replace retiring mayor David Smith. They led for spots on the ballot on the rst day of the ling period. For city council, there are 14

candidates for four seats on the 2025 ballot.

The council candidates are incumbents Kelly Heath and William McCaskill, along with Phillip Cheek, Al LaPrade, Mary Joan Pugh, Phil Skeen, Dave Thomas, Jimmy E rd, Kate Snuggs, Joel McClosky, Kevin Garcia Cordova, Timothy Woodle, Pamela Vuncannon and Aaron McLendon.

The primary will be Oct. 7 in Asheboro. The general election comes Nov. 4.

The mayor’s race will be reduced to two candidates. The city council competition will be trimmed to eight candidates.

Primaries are required if more than two mayoral candidates and more than eight city council candidates led.

In Asheboro, council members Walker Mo tt and Clark

Bell chose not to seek another term. Cheek holds an elected o ce on the Asheboro City Schools Board of Education. The Asheboro City Schools Board of Education has four candidates — Hilda DeCortez (incumbent), Mikayla Cassidy, Michael Brown and Brad Thomas.

Board members Cheek, Linda Cranford and Michael Smith chose not to run.

Other municipalities

Outside of Asheboro, only one mayor’s race in Randolph County has more than one candidate. In Randleman, J.W. Gaster is making a bid to unseat mayor Gary Betts Sr. For the Board of Alderman,

of when I do believe based on what we’re hearing.”

According to the superintendent, the district has made adjustments to various vacant positions, including combining two elementary media specialist positions and two counselor positions into singular positions, respectively, reducing another vacant media specialist position by 50% and freezing both a vacant digital teaching and learning specialist position, and a vacant human resources director position at the Central O cer for six months.

These actions have resulted in savings of approximately $333,000.

RCSS also made reductions in copier and printer costs totalling around $165,000, for a combined amount of savings of just under $500,000 in reductions.

“We’ve already made big headway toward the $1.3 million, the in-between goal for this $2.485 million, and we

the Ward 2 candidates are incumbent Melissa Blalock and Craig Hancock, while Ward 3 has incumbent Nancy Henderson as the lone candidate.

• Liberty Mayor Filmore York will be unopposed for another term.

Commissioner candidates are Mayor Pro Tem Larry Coble, incumbents Terry Caviness and Tyson Nixon, along with Rebekkah Glass.

• In Seagrove, Mayor David Fernandez is unopposed as he attempts to remain in his position.

Candidates for town commissioners are Jeremy Steinhart, Kevin McBride and incumbents Ed Walker and Sandra Walker.

• Staley Mayor Karen Scotton is unopposed.

Town commissioner candidates are Brooke Boswell and incumbents Lori Lynn Langley, Faye Johnson and Sherri Martin for four seats.

• In Franklinville, Ben Harman will seek to become mayor

MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR RANDOLPH RECORD

THURSDAY 7.24.25

Randolph listed as part of state of emergency

The county is among those the governor and attorney general included for special attention following Tropical Storm Chantal

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

RANDOLPH County was included in Gov. Josh Stein’s state of emergency issued last week for several counties in central North Carolina that were still coping with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal.

The release from the governor’s o ce said the state of emergency was issued “to facilitate and support long-term recovery e orts from ooding caused by Tropical Storm Chantal.”

This makes state and federal funds available to assist the 13 counties listed.

“Tropical Storm Chantal cost some of our neighbors their lives and others their livelihood and property. We must

RCSS from page A1 haven’t touched a single person’s job as far as them losing employment,” Gainey said. “So the key here is going to be that when opportunities present themselves, we’re taking advantage of them.

“Do I think everyone is going to be completely happy with this? Maybe not, I don’t know how I’d feel as a prin-

CRIME LOG

July 16

• Joshua Daniel Prestwood, 39, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for possession of a rearm by a felon.

July 17

• Tricia Lauren Cranford, 35, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances, child abuse, possession of schedule III controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Daylon Neal Wall, 27, of Winston-Salem, was arrested by RCSO for rstdegree sexual exploitation of a minor.

do everything we can to support them as they get back on their feet,” Stein said in the release. “This state of emergency will help get North Carolinians the support they need and enable the state to seek out potential funding to help communities rebuild.”

Other counties included in the state of emergency are Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Lee, Moore, Orange, Person and Wake. Based on most reports, the brunt of the July 7 storm impacted Orange, Chatham, Alamance and Durham counties.

Randolph County was included in a stream of storm advisories and warnings that included ash ooding across multiple days. The communities in eastern Randolph County such as Ramseur and Staley were frequently listed on the watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service.

“The Division of Emergency Management is working with local o cials to assess the scope of damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal,” the

cipal, but I also know how it feels to sit across the desk from people and tell them that they were no longer employed.”

Gainey also stated that starting July 1, the school system put a hiring freeze in place for nonclassroom certied jobs at the school level.

“One of the things we have to be careful with in all of this is that we have to be watch-

July 18

• William Chad Whitt, 47, of Randleman, was arrested by RCSO for possession of schedule II controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Marlena Young, 35, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for possession of methamphetamine, identity theft, possession of schedule II controlled substance, possession of marijuana, resisting a public o cer, possession of drug paraphernalia, ctitious registration, and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

• Randall Dwayne Wright, 58, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for possession of methamphetamine.

• Brittani Nicole Hayes, 38,

release said. “As the full damage assessment is completed in concert with relevant federal partners, the declaration along with the assessment analysis will determine possible additional support that residents, businesses, and local governments may receive to accelerate the recovery process and support expenses incurred during the response phase of the disaster.”

In a related but separate announcement, North Carolina Attorney General Je Jackson announced the state’s price gouging laws have been implemented in the impacted counties. The same 13 counties were listed in his announcement. The state of emergency triggered the anti-price gouging edict.

“If you see a business charging more for essential goods or services than they should, le a complaint with our o ce right away,” Jackson said. “We will do everything we can to hold bad actors responsible.” These laws stay in place for 30 days.

ing what becomes vacant and what can we do with it,” Gainey said. “Is there something we can do or is there not? We’re going to be very careful with that because we want to have school, but we also have to move toward the $2.485 million because I don’t think it’s coming back.”

The Randolph County Schools Board of Education will next meet Aug. 18.

of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Kenneth Lee Armstrong, 61, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Preston Eugene Tinnin, 59, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

July 20

• Joseph Daniel Allred, 43, of Randleman, was arrested by RCSO for discharging a rearm into an enclosure, going armed to terrorize people, assault with a deadly weapon, assault by pointing a gun, and carrying a concealed gun.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@randolphrecord.com | Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

Randolph Guide

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

July 25

Pop-up Picnic in the Park Date Night

1-5 p.m.

Each pop-up picnic sunset date night for couples is self-guided, allowing you to attend at the time of your choice. All you need is a mobile device and an Internet connection to access your Digital Date Nite Box. Guided activities included are Quality Time with a discount code for food delivery to the park; Acts of Service with custom couple-coupons; Gifts featuring a “Digital Love Jar,” a Couple Games App and more.

N. Asheboro Park 1939 Canoy Drive Asheboro

Friday Night Sunset Series: Held every Friday, May-August 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Admission for 21-plus is $8 per person. A variety of homemade concessions are available for purchase, including hard cider, local wine, craft beer and a variety of seasonal cocktails. Admission does not include food or drink but does cover musical performances.

Millstone Creek Orchards 506 Parks Crossroads Church Road Ramseur

July 26, 28 & 30

City of Asheboro Farmers Market

7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fresh seasonal produce, farm-fresh products, baked goods, and a variety of owers and plants are available for purchase directly from local farmers. Open weekly on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through the end of October. 134 S. Church St. Asheboro

PRIMARIES from page A1

as the only person on the ballot for that position. Incumbent A.C. Hurley isn’t on the ballot.

Franklinville council members Billy Farias and Richard Goodwin have led to keep their seats, while Sara Nieblas and Joe Dawkins have entered the race.

• In Ramseur, David Neve, Diana Brower and Jesse Hembree are candidates for two town commissioner positions. Brower is an incumbent, while Joy Kearns opted not to run to keep her seat.

• In Thomasville, with a small sliver of the population in Randolph County, JacQuez Johnson, Wendy Sellars and Raleigh York Jr. are vying to be mayor. For city council, there are 12 candidates.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

How the world flipped in 6 months

IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS, the entire world has been turned upside down. There is no longer such a thing as conventional wisdom or the status quo.

The unthinkable has become the banal.

Take illegal immigration — remember the 10,000 daily illegal entries under former President Joe Biden?

Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis — were supposedly too dangerous to provoke.

Now?

Most of their expeditionary terrorists are neutered, and their leaders are in hiding or dead. Iran has no air force, no real navy, no air defenses and no active nuclear weapons program.

exposure of their systemic antisemitism. They are scrambling to explain away their institutionalized ideological bias, tawdry pro t-making schemes and mass recruitment of wealthy foreign students from illiberal regimes.

Recall the only solution was supposedly “comprehensive immigration reform” — a euphemism for mass amnesties.

Now there is no such thing as daily new illegal immigration. It simply disappeared with commonsense enforcement of existing immigration laws — and a new president.

How about the 40,000 -50,000 shortfall in military recruitment?

Remember all the causes that the generals cited for their inability to enlist soldiers: generational gangs, obesity, drugs and sti competition with private industry?

And now?

In just six months, recruitment targets are already met; the issue is mostly moot.

Why? The new Pentagon ipped the old, canceling its racist DEI programs and assuring the rural, middle-class Americans — especially white males — that they were not systemically racist after all.

Instead, they were reinvited to enlist as the critical combat cohort who died at twice their demographic share in Iraq and Afghanistan.

How about the “end of the NATO crisis,” supposedly brought on by a bullying U.S.?

Now the vast majority of NATO members have met their pledges to spend 2% of gross domestic product on defense, which will soon increase to 5%.

Iconic neutrals like Sweden and Finland have become frontline NATO nations, arming to the teeth. The smiling NATO secretarygeneral even called Trump the “daddy” of the alliance

What about indomitable, all-powerful, theocratic Iran, the scourge of the Middle East for nearly 50 years?

Although it had never won a war in the last half-century, its terrorist surrogates—

Its safety apparently depends only on the mood of the U.S. or Israel on any given day not to y into its airspace and take out its missiles, nuclear sites, generals or theocrats at will.

What happened to the supposedly inevitable recession, hyperin ation, stock market collapse, unemployment spikes and global trade war that last spring economists assured us would hit by summer?

Job growth is strong, and April’s in ation rate is the lowest in four years. GDP is still steady. The stock market hit a record high. Trade partners are renegotiating their surpluses with the U.S.

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners. It seems their preexisting and mostly undisclosed pro ts were large enough to a ord reasonable U.S. symmetrical tari s.

For now, news of tax cuts, deregulation, “drill, baby, drill” energy policies displacing Green New Deal strangulation and $8-$10 trillion in potential foreign investment has encouraged — rather than deterred — business.

Then there were our marquee elite universities, whose prestige, riches, and powerful alumni made them answerable to no one. And now, after the executive and congressional crackdown on their decades of hubris?

Supposedly brilliant university presidents have resigned in shame. The public has caught on to their grant surcharge gouging.

Campuses have backed o their arrogant de ance of the Supreme Court’s civil rights rulings.

They are panicked about the public

Barack Obama’s message to Democrats: Toughen

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners. At the fundraiser, Obama encouraged the rich Democrats in attendance to give money to the Democratic National Committee.

“IT’S GOING TO REQUIRE a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions. And it’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up,” former President Barack Obama told Democratic donors at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee last Friday night. “What I have been surprised by is the degree to which I’ve seen people who, when I was president, or progressives, liberals, stood for all kinds of stu , who seem like they’re kind of cowed and intimidated and shrinking away from just asserting what they believe, or at least what they said they believe.” Toughen up? Who? How?

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have been out there holding rallies and public events, meeting with voters, talking plenty tough. What about Barack and Michelle? Are they ready to put aside their Hollywood production deals and get back in the trenches to save our democracy? We need them, desperately.

In excerpts of his remarks distributed by his o ce, Obama targeted the law rms he said had been willing to “set aside the law ... not because, by the way, that they’re going to be thrown in

up

jail, but because they might lose a few clients and might not be able to nish that kitchen rehab at their Hampton house. I’m not impressed.”

I have many friends and colleagues in the law rms that settled with the president and in the law rms that stood up and fought him. I didn’t hear about any kitchen rehabs in the Hamptons; President Donald Trump was threatening to destroy their rms. I have the greatest respect for those institutions that have stood up to Trump and the federal judges who have supported them. But I don’t blame those who have tried to stave o Trump’s attacks.

I do blame those who have chosen this moment to be silent or engage in blame games or refuse to stand up even though they face no jeopardy. That includes former presidents like Obama himself, who has been playing by an old set of rules in which former presidents don’t criticize their successors. That’s ne when our democracy is not in peril, which it is. What is Barack Obama going to do about it?

At the fundraiser, Obama encouraged the rich Democrats in attendance to give money to the Democratic National Committee. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. As president, Obama had no use for the DNC; as The New

So the mighty Ivy League powerhouses are now humbling themselves to cut a deal to save their nancial hides and hopefully return to their proper mission of disinterested education. What happened to the trans juggernaut of sex as a social construct and its bookend gospel that biological men could dominate women’s sports?

People woke up. They were no longer afraid to state that sex is binary and biologically determined. And biological men who dominate women’s sports are bullies, not heroes. Where are the millionaire-scamming architects of Black Lives Matter now? Where is the “DEI now, tomorrow and forever” conventional wisdom?

Where is professor Ibram X. Kendi and his $30,000 Zoom lessons on how to ght racism by being racist? They have all been exposed as the race hustlers they always were. Their creed that it is OK for supposed victims to be racist victimizers themselves was exposed as an absurd con.

So what ipped everything?

We were living in an “emperor has no clothes” make-believe world for the last few years. The people knew establishment narratives were absurd, and our supposed experts were even more ridiculous. But few — until now — had the guts to scream “the emperor is naked” to dispel the fantasies.

When they nally did, reality returned.

Victor Davis Hanson, a senior contributor for The Daily Signal, is a classicist and historian at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and host of “The Victor Davis Hanson Show.” This article was rst published by The Daily Signal.

York Times reported, “his own aides worked to diminish” the o cial party apparatus. And now, with a DNC wracked by internal divisions and in ghting, it is somehow the answer? To what? The DNC is part of the problem. So is the party establishment. What is New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand doing going on the radio and suggesting that the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York is an antisemite who wants a jihad against New York’s Jews? What is former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo doing abandoning the Democratic Party in his desperate e ort to regain power? He had his chance, and he blew it. The voters spoke. Is he listening? We need new leaders and new faces, and to get there, we need the leaders who people did trust — leaders like Barack and Michelle Obama, and Bill and Hillary Clinton — to help make that happen. They need to get out there on the stump, along with Bernie and AOC and show a united party willing to listen. Money is not the reason we lost the election. We misread the room. We weren’t listening.

Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.

COLUMN | VICTOR DAVIS HANSON

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

Charles Carson Lewis

July 14, 1946 – July 19, 2025

Charles Carson Lewis, 79, of Asheboro, NC, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 14, 1946, in Statesville, NC, Charles was a devoted father to sons Jonathan and Phillip, and a loving grandaddy to his ve grandchildren. He was a dedicated educator, sharing both his love of mathematics education and word puns with thousands of students, spanning a 43-year career in public education.

Charles always wanted to be a teacher. After graduating from Statesville High School in 1964, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1968 majoring in math education, Charles embarked on his career in education, where he had a tremendous impact on his students and the wider community. Charles started his teaching profession with junior high instruction across NC, including stops at Quail Hollow, Proximity, Swann (formerly Aycock), and Guy B. Phillips schools before obtaining his master’s degree at Chapel Hill in math education.

He found his true calling for teaching at the high school level. After a brief stint at Western Guilford High School; he moved to Asheboro to raise his family and enjoyed almost 30 years of instruction at Asheboro High School. If he wasn’t at the chalkboard instructing students or collaborating with his many treasured colleagues, you could nd him running the clock at the high school football and basketball games and watching his sons’ sporting events. After retirement from Asheboro High School, he taught at Randolph Community College for three years. Charles also had an unwavering faith and was very active at Browers Chapel Global Methodist Church by teaching Sunday School, helping with services, and holding administrative roles. He was an avid golfer for most of his life and loved to travel to visit family. He also loved watching his grandchildren’s many pursuits in athletics, band, and theatre. Charles also enjoyed tending to the lawn at his farm house and spending time with his cat Buddy.

Charles is survived by his son Jonathan Lewis and ancé Christy Roberts, and his son Phillip and wife Candice Lewis. He will be greatly missed by his ve devoted grandchildren: Julie, Ryan, Landon, Chase, and Bennett. He leaves behind his beloved brother and sister-inlaw, Barry and Patricia Lewis, and their children Barry Jr. and Bryan Lewis, and families. He is also survived by his nieces-inlaw Sue Swengros, Ann Freeman Sykes, Kay Freeman, nephewsin-law Charles Freeman and Mark York, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents Harvey (Buster) and Ruth Duncan Lewis, and aunt Mildred Duncan.

Charles’s commitment to his faith, family, friends, and community was extremely important to him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family will receive guests at a visitation at Ridge Funeral Home in Asheboro, NC, on Friday, July 25 from 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held the following morning on Saturday, July 26 at 10 a.m., at Browers Chapel Global Methodist Church (1030 Browers Chapel Road, Asheboro). The Browers’ funeral will comprise a chapel service and graveside service. The family invites all guests to an informal reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall on-site.

In lieu of owers, donations may be made to the Randolph Hospice House of Asheboro or the Browers Chapel Road Cemetery fund.

obituaries

Adam Craig Frazier

Sept. 28, 1993 – July 15, 2025

Adam Craig Frazier, born on September 28, 1993, in Randolph County, passed away on July 15, 2025, at Wesley Long Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 31 years old.

A man of the land, Adam was a ninth-generation dairy farmer who started with his granddaddy in “barn-school” at the age of two. He worked alongside his father, continuing the legacy of McCain Dairy while still nding time to aggravate his sisters. Adam was a loving and devoted husband to Rachel, the love of his life for over nine years, and a proud father to their son, Austin, who brought him immense joy. After spending his days working on the farm, Adam’s favorite part of every day was coming home to the warm smile of his wife, and the joyful laughter of his beautiful son. In his free time, Adam found joy in playing music with his bluegrass band, playing his upright bass, lovingly referred to as his “blonde girlfriend”, hunting and relaxing on the water with a shing pole in hand.

He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Lane Frazier, Jack Stephens, and Terry McCain; his grandmother, Sigrid McCain; and his aunt, Robin Parrish.

He leaves behind his wife, Rachel Prillaman Frazier, and their son, Austin Holt Frazier, to cherish his memory. He is also survived by his parents, William Craig and Kirsten McCain Frazier, of Sophia; his parents-inlaw, Mark and Tracy Prillaman of Cedar Square; his grandmother, Lovier Stephens; his sisters, Kerri Beth Frazier and Terri Lane Frazier, both of Randleman; his nephew, Turner Wayne Wood of Sophia; his sister-in-law, Brittany Prillaman, and nephew Colton Prillaman, of Cedar Square; and his grandparents-in-law, Lane and Patsy Coble of Cedar Square.

A celebration of Adam’s life will be held at Midway Wesleyan Church in Randleman on Monday, July 21, 2025. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m., with a memorial to follow.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to their extended family, the employees of McCain Dairy, Chance Parrish, and the sta of Wesley Long ICU for all the support and care provided during and after Adam’s courageous ght with cancer.

Truly a man of hard work, faith and love, Adam’s warmth, dedication, and spirit will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

Midstate Cremation & Funeral Service is honored to assist the family of Mr. Adam Craig Frazier.

Melissa Sue Duncan Turner

May 27, 1979 – July 17, 2025

Melissa Sue Duncan Turner, age 46, of Trinity passed away on July 17, 2025, at her home.

Mrs. Turner was born in Welch, WV, on May 27, 1979, to Charles and Debra Fraysier Duncan, who preceded her in death. Melissa was employed in the hotel industry for 27 years. Melissa was an avid reader. She was a big animal lover, taking in strays and owning birds. Melissa was a huge fan of the NC Zoo, renewing her membership year after year.

She is survived by her husband, Jason Ray Turner; daughter, Haley Nicole Grona (Jamie); granddaughter, Stella Nova Turner and granddaughter on the way, Penelope Jade Grona; son, Jason Nathaniel “Bubba” Turner; brothers, Samuel Gravely of High Point and Charles Dwayne Duncan of Asheboro; and several other family members.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. A private family burial will be held.

Toby Ann Brady Williams

July 23, 1940 – July 18, 2025

Toby Ann Brady Williams, age 85, passed away Friday, July 18, 2025, at home with her family by her side. Toby graduated from Randleman High in 1958.

Toby was born to James Brady and Florence Ingold Brady in Asheboro in 1940.

Toby was married to George Williams and loved cooking with him at Jitterburger in Randleman. She loved her family and her grandbabies. She also loved doing and helping other people.

Toby is preceded in death by husband George Williams, parents James Brady and Florence Ingold Brady, and brother Jimmy Brady.

Toby is survived by son Dean Hardister (Beverly), daughter Carol Hardister of Randleman. One brother, Wayne Brady (Brenda) Randleman, two sisters, Nancy Talbert and Lynn Hudson of Randleman. Grandchildren Jackson and Jenna Hardister.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Randolph Memorial Park, Asheboro, N.C.

In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Hospice of Asheboro, 446 Vision Drive, Asheboro, N.C. 27203.

Pugh Funeral Home Randleman has the honor of

Jearldine Joyce Purvis

May 20, 1937 – July 17, 2025

Jearldine Joyce Purvis, 88, of Asheboro left her earthly home Thursday, July 17, 2025, at High Point Medical Center. She was born on May 20, 1937, in Pinnacle, Stokes County, North Carolina, to Silas and Annie Victoria Joyce. Jearldine was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, and great-greatgrandmother who was loved deeply and will be dearly missed. One of Jearl’s joys in life was cooking; she was a wonderful cook. She would always invite her family over for Sunday dinner, saying “I don’t have much”, but would have a full spread prepared when they arrived. Jearl loved to garden, and there was nothing that did not thrive under her care. Often, you could nd Jearl in her recliner doing word searches. Jearl was an avid Atlanta Braves fan, always wanting to know when the next game was.

Jearldine was preceded in death by her parents, Silas Ham Joyce and Annie Victoria Pruitt Joyce; loving husband, Donald Purvis; daughter, Annette Wansley; grandsons, Joshua Wansley and Shane Tysinger; great-grandsons, Landin and Davin King; brothers, Reed Joyce, Charlie Ray Joyce, John Joyce, Codell Joyce, and Calvin Joyce; sisters, Alma Cockman, May Gibson, Pearl Patterson, and Sarah Oliver.

Jearldine is survived by her daughter, Donna Miller, and son, Joey Purvis (Karen); sister, Pat Brown; grandchildren, Lisa Brewer (Kevin), Kyle Sizemore, Taylor Miller (Ashley), Bo Wansley (Aimee), Kiesha Miller, Heath Wansley (Crystal), Loren Purvis, Andrea Carter (Tyler), Rebecca Purvis; great grandchildren, Tanner Tysinger, Austin Varner (Hannah), Garrett Brewer (Chloe), Bladin Sizemore, Chloe Sizemore, McKinley Miller, Madelyn Miller, Avery Wansley (Emma), Addyson Wansley, Alaster Wansley, Cora Hutto, Brittney Hutto, Harley Hutto, Heath Wansley (Alana), Havanna Wansley, and Halaina Wansley; great great grandchild, Serenity Hutto; and feline companion, Mitsy.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 4:30-6 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, 7811 Pisgah Covered Bridge Road in Asheboro, with Pastor Howard Mo t o ciating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Pugh Funeral Home is honored to serve the Purvis family.

Traci Lane Lunsford Turner

Jan. 12, 1959 – July 17, 2025

Traci Lane Lunsford Turner, age 66, of Sophia, passed away peacefully at her home on July 17, 2025, with her beloved English Masti , Tank, by her side.

Traci was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Donald and Dolores Bentley Lunsford. She was the co-owner and payroll secretary of Caraway Mobile Home Movers. Though she occasionally lled in as lead driver, for the most part she had a comfortable role—one she carried out with dedication and pride.

Traci had a passion for shopping that truly soothed her soul. She loved Belk’s,”Goodwilling” and any type of Thrift Shop. Her home was always decorated new for the season and never looking the same.

In her younger years, she took pride in cooking— known for her fried chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, fried collards and homemade biscuits. These were our family favorites. (No matter how perfect they were, she’d still take one bite and say, “This ain’t no good.”

She loved going out dancing and horseback riding. She was always most excited about Harley Davidson’s, the sound of a roaring engine, (with a special love for her much talked about white Trans Am). Weekend nights at Caraway Speedway were her favorite, as well as going to the drag-strip and watching the NASCAR race.

Traci never could turn down a stray dog. They all held a special place in her heart, especially her well known English Masti s; Lily and Tank, who were her constant companions and support right up to the end.

Traci leaves behind her daughters Kelli Church (Lee) of Thomasville and Bambi Church (Gerald) of Lexington; her Son, Andrew Turner of Randleman. Also a devoted bonus daughter, Brittney Ford of Mebane, whom she welcomed into her heart at ve years old— Brittney’s steadfast love and care continued right to the very end.

Also leaving behind her grandchildren, Lillian, Lauren, Emily, Brianna, Jesse, Zac, Zeth, Dalton and Levi, all of which she deeply adored as well as great grandchildren, Hagen and Kathryn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Dolores Bensley Lunsford; her brother, Rodney Lunsford; her rstborn grandson, Caleb James(23); and her loving life partner, Thomas Cox, to whom she “owes it all.” She also leaves behind a wonderful sister, Pam Howard of Burlington and Jan Lunsford of Benson.

Traci was a friend to all—she had the biggest heart and would give you the shirt o her back. No matter who you were or where you came from, she’d risk it all and take you in as family. In honor of her legacy, may we spread kindness to strangers, thrift-shop instead of buying new, feed a stray animal—and, when the opportunity arises, watch a race, dance and hop on a Harley Davidson.

The family will receive friends at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro, Wednesday, July 23 at 6 p.m. following a memorial at 7 p.m.

Lois Patricia Simmons

May 13, 1957 – July 14, 2025

Lois Patricia Simmons, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) honors graduate from the College of DAA, the University of Cincinnati, listed by Business Week magazine many times as the most creative program on Earth, was in her fth decade of executive zoo management and remained Director CEO of the NC ZOO in Asheboro, NC. She was a three time NC gubernatorial appointee (Josh Stein, Roy A. Cooper and Pat McCrory) when she died Monday 14 July 2025 at her home with her husband, Bruce Simmons (Ph.D., LL.M., J.D., M.Div., CPM), her child, Franklin B. Simmons IV (MBA), and the family pack of AKC dogs at her bed side. She was in the very capable and loving hands of Randolph County hospice. If questioned about the value of federal education support, Patricia praised her selection as a

Gwendolyn Bryant Dunn

July 19, 1962 – July 19, 2025

Gwendolyn Bryant Dunn, 63, of Siler City, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Funeral Services, 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Love In Action COGOP, 902 W. Swannanoa Ave. Liberty, NC 27298

O ciating, Bishop David Bing of Destiny COGOP. Burial will follow at Jordan Grove AME Zion Church.

Gwendolyn was born in Washington, D.C., on July 19, 1962, and was a long-time resident of Siler City. She was a 1980 graduate of Jordan Matthews High School and spent many years as a beautician. Ms. Dunn also worked for over 20 years at Tele ex. Gwendolyn loved diamond art and enjoyed talking and checking in on others. She loved spending time with her friends and family, especially her granddaughter. She was a faithful member of Destiny COGOP in Goldston and also enjoyed singing. Ms. Dunn was preceded in death by her father, Walter LeVert Bryant, husband, Darien Black, as well as several aunts and uncles.

Survivors: daughter, Stephanie Dunn of Graham, sons, Craigory Dunn and wife Janean of Apex and Christopher Dunn of Siler City, mother, Stella Brooks Burnette of Siler City, sister, Sharon Bryant of Raleigh, brother, Dwight Bryant and wife Lisa of High Point, grandchild, Ava Dunn, neices and nephews, NaQuan Bryant, Dexter Richardson, Dominique Richardson, Shandi Richardson, and Shondra Richardson and aunts, uncles, Norma Jean Mordecai and husband Andre of Siler City, Helen Bumbray and husband Jose of Washington DC, Solomon Bryant of Washington DC, Robert Headen and wife Karen of Durham, and Eva Morgan and husband George of Wilkesboro, and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.

Visitation from 2-2:45 p.m. on Sunday at Love In Action COGOP, Liberty.

Arrangements by Lo in Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ramseur.

recipient of a Pell grant.

Patricia additionally wanted to acknowledge Roger Sherman, CEO (deceased), Akron Childrens’ Medical Center, for his decades of support encouragement and mentoring and to all those in NC and Randolph County who recruited and supported her at the NC Zoo. Dr. David Jones, who for over two decades was Director of the NC Zoo, recruited Patricia to become his successor. The City of Asheboro, in recognition for her community contributions, at the June 2025 city council meeting presented her representatives with their key to our city.

As Director for almost eleven years, she was supported by many NC residents, corporations, foundations, nonpro ts, legislators, and governors in her raising a couple hundred million dollars in order to double the number of continents and exhibits at the NC Zoo. The rst continent, Asia, will o cially open June, 2026. Australia opens two years later.

With her team, she raised current annual NC Zoo attendance to over one million visitors per either calendar or scal year. Should the next ve years be like the last ve years, a doubling of continents might lead to a doubling of annual attendance. This brings another hundred million dollars into Randolph and surrounding counties. Through a Keynesian multiplier analysis, this equates to bringing ten thousand, fty thousand dollars per year jobs to our larger neighborhood.

Nathan Arlo Cox

Feb. 6, 1932 – July 15, 2025

Nathan Arlo Cox, 93, of Ramseur, went home to the arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro.

Funeral Services, 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Parks Crossroads Christian Church, Ramseur, with Military Honors by the Randolph County Honor Guard.

O ciating, Rev. Todd Nance, Mr. Brian Smith. Burial, Parks Crossroads Christian Church, Ramseur.

Nathan was a native and lifelong resident of Ramseur.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was employed for many years at Acme McCrary as a xer. Nathan was a faithful and active member of Parks Crossroads Christian Church where he shared the love of Christ while serving as a deacon and singing in the choir.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who was always quick with a smile and an encouraging word. Nathan was preceded in death by his wife Ada Mo tt Cox, his son Christopher R. Cox, his daughter-in-law, Jamey Crabtree Cox, his parents, Ralph and Nannie Pope Cox, his sisters, Mildred Lutterloh and Wincey Stanley, and his brothers, Worth Cox and Dean Cox.

Survivors: son Steve Cox, of Aberdeen, daughter-inlaw, Julie Strickland Cox, of Portland OR, brother, Gregg Cox and wife Betty, of Ramseur, grandchildren, Alicia Blake and husband, Dylan, of Nashville, TN, Stephen K. Cox and wife, McLean, of Seven Lakes, greatgrandchildren, Collyer Cox, and Rowan Cox.

NC Zoo is an AZA accredited zoo. It also is BGCI accredited for its botanical gardens. It is a candidate for becoming an accredited arboretum and for becoming an AAM accredited museum. In 2024 and 2025, Newsweek magazine rated the NC Zoo as America’s number one zoo. Patricia served four years as chairwoman and president of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and an active member of its the AZA Accreditation Commission. Patricia was executive secretary of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). Among her numerous recognitions and achievements, Patricia was one of 100 hand-selected CEO’s worldwide to be a Founding Fellow of the National Arts Strategies Chief Executive Program, a program designed to tackle global challenges for non-pro t organizations.

In her family vacations and her professional travels across ve continents and fty plus countries, including the Galapagos Islands, Patricia visited in excess of 250 zoos and aquariums, over 100 museums, and hundreds of Botanical gardens and arboretums. She was hosted by the King and Queen of Sweden. She met a Roman Catholic Pope. She ate lunch with the second Lord of Gilwell, the son of Robert S.S. Baden Powell, founder of Scouting. She was admitted into the Kentucky Derby along with Colonel Harland Sanders. Many world famous athletes, such as, but not limited to, Jack Nicholas,

Carmen PerezCruz

Oct. 23, 1922 – July 20, 2025

Carmen Perez-Cruz, 102, of Asheboro, passed away at her home on July 20, 2025, surrounded by her family.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Ridge Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jon Shook o ciating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park.

Mrs. Perez-Cruz was born in Puerto Rico on October 23, 1922, to the late Isidoro Perez and Olivia Cruz. She worked as a knitter and crocheted for many years. Carmen was always a happy person, and you never saw her without a smile or when she wasn’t laughing. She was a member of Baileys Grove Baptist Church, Spanish Department. Mrs. Perez-Cruz was a prayer warrior and a sel ess woman. She loved to give to those in need.

In addition to her parents, Carmen is preceded in death by her husband, Emilio Santos, son, Roberto Santos, and many brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughters, Lucia Slone and Carmen Gloria Santos (Russ Walker), a special niece, Tete Pagan, and several grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, and great-greatgrandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 23, from 6-8 p.m. at Ridge Funeral Home.

Paul War eld, and Larry Czonka, also supported her zoo building endeavors.

Patricia was Director and CEO of the nonpro t Akron Zoological Association for thirty-one and a half years. Her leadership built it from being closed with four employees and few exhibits to becoming one of the forty largest zoos in the USA. She was supported by City of Akron Mayors: Ray Roy, Thomas C. Sawyer, and Donald L. Plusquellic. Her recruited successor, Doug Piekarz, was recently selected to the Trustees of AZA. Upon her retirement, she was presented the key to the City of Akron. She achieved a Master’s Degree in Arts Management from the University of Akron.

Patricia was survived by her mother-in-law, Ruth P. (Franklin) Simmons of Sarasota County, Florida and her sisterin-law, Susan E. Simmons of Naples, Florida. Her nephew Joseph E. (Lindsay) Budde Jr. (grandnephews Parker, Cooper, and Gri n, and grandniece Elizabeth) of Liberty Township, Ohio. Her niece Hannah E. (Dr. Luke Botting) Budde (grandnephew Jack and grandniece Lucy) of Spring eld, Virginia and nephew Franklin W. (Hannah) Budde of Centennial, Colorado.

Visitation from 1:45-2:45 p.m. on Sunday, Parks Crossroads Christian Church, Ramseur.

Patricia grew up on a trout farm in Ohio. As a member of the hereditary May ower Society, her ancestors were signatories of the rst governing compact in what would become the USA. Several US Presidents (Adams, FDR, Bushes) claim May ower descent through her Cushman lineage. Her grandfather created, and her father managed, the Zanes eld Rod and Gun Club. Her aunt was, over many decades, the executive secretary to various P&G CEOs. Her great grandfather was the artist of the o cial presidential portrait of Warren Harding. Patricia was predeceased by her beloved brother Byron Gager Cushman and her parents, Warren Scott and Mildred Lois Cushman, Zanes eld, Ohio. Patricia is survived by her sister Barbara (David) Stout of Newark, Ohio, nieces, Aimee (Bryan) Bell (grandnieces Katie, Avery and grandnephews Jack, Grady) of Loveland, Ohio, Susan (Brad) Riley (grandnieces Ella, Abby, and Leah) of Newark, Ohio, Jennifer (Jonathan) Rodriguez (grandniece Kensington, and grandnephews Kylan, Kamden) of Heath, Ohio, and nephew Tim (Jamie) Stout (grandniece Magnolia and grandnephews Maddox, Marek, Mackson) of Granville, Ohio.

William Wayne Hoover

Sept. 24, 1947 –July 20, 2025

Gay Kiser Moon, 77, of Seagrove, died Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Randolph Health in Asheboro.

Funeral Services, 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Randolph Memorial Park Chapel, Asheboro.

O ciating, Rev. Mark Beane, Rev. Junior Baker.

Gay was a native and lifelong resident of Randolph County. She was previously employed with the John Plant in Ramseur and attended Grace Community Fellowship Church. Gay enjoyed being “Nana” for the past 26 years to her grandchildren who she dearly loved. She was preceded in death by her parents, W.C. and Ruby Gatlin Kiser and brother, Royce Kiser. Survivors: husband, Charlie Moon, of the home, sons, Timothy Ray Moon and wife, Amy, of Asheboro, Michael Lane Moon and wife, Tessa, of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, sister, Joy Kiser Moon and husband, Jimmy, of Seagrove, grandchildren, Amber Seemar and husband, Ben, Nolan Ray Moon, sisterin-law, Charlene Highsmith, of Greenville, SC and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements by Lo in Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ramseur.

Memorials may be made to Grace Community Fellowship Church Building Fund, 7500 US Hwy. 64 E, Ramseur, NC 27316.

Family requests that in lieu of owers and other remembrances that donations be made to bronze statute NC Zoo Society, 4403 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205.

Patricia will lie in repose Friday 18 July from 1 p.m. until family visitation beginning at 6 p.m. and again Saturday 19 July prior to half-hour service that begins at 2 p.m. NC Zoo attire preferred. Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203. Burial will be later in Southlawn Cemetery, Coshocton, Ohio 43812.

Austin David Sutphin

April 5, 2000 – July 17, 2025

Austin David Sutphin passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025. Austin was employed by APT in Asheboro. He loved all kinds of music and especially enjoyed playing the guitar. Being with his family was very special to Austin and helping out his grandparents was something he would do anytime and would do anything for them. All of his younger family members looked up to Austin and adored him very much. Austin and his family want everyone to know of his love of God. He truly will be missed. Austin is survived by his parents, Kevin and Beth Sutphin of the home, two sisters, Kailie and Savanna Sutphin of the home. Paternal grandparents Kenneth and Shannon Sutphin of Sophia, maternal grandparents Mack and Janet Sams of Greensboro and paternal great-grandmother Katherine Summerlin of Randleman. Also surviving Austin are many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him very much.

Funeral Services for Austin will be held 2:30 p.m., on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Trinity Holiness Church, Plain eld Church Rd, Sophia, NC, with Rev. Tim Cole, Rev. John Marlow and Pastor Steve Roberson conducting the service. Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 1-2:20 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. In lieu of owers, the family is requesting donations be made in memory of Austin to Trinity Holiness Church 5017 Plain eld Road, Sophia, NC, 27350. Pugh Funeral Home Randleman is honored to be working with the Sutphin family.

STATE & NATION

Funders commit $1B toward developing arti cial intelligence for frontline workers

Gates and others will o er grants through NextLadder Ventures

By Thalia Beaty The Associated Press

A COALITION of funders, including the Gates Foundation and Ballmer Group, will spend $1 billion over 15 years to help develop arti cial intelligence tools for public defenders, parole o cers, social workers and others who help Americans in precarious situations.

The funders announced Thursday that they will create a new entity, NextLadder Ventures, to o er grants and investments to nonpro ts and for-pro ts to develop tools for those who often manage huge caseloads with few resources.

“The solutions that we’re investing in, the hundreds of entrepreneurs that are going to bring forward solutions that incorporate leading edge technologies, are going to do it by coming alongside people who are living through some of the struggles in the economy,” said Brian Hooks, CEO of Stand Together, a nonpro t started by Kansas-based billionaire Charles Koch.

The other funders include hedge fund founder John Overdeck and Valhalla Foundation, which was started by Inuit cofounder Steve Cook and his wife Signe Ostby. Ballmer Group is the philanthropy of former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie. The funders declined to reveal the exactnancial commitments made by each of the contributors.

The point of investing in these AI tools is to spur economic mo -

bility, a focus all the funders share, they said. The funders believe there are many ideas for how AI technologies could help match people with resources after a disaster or an eviction, for example, or help a parole o cer close out more cases for people who have met all of the criteria but are waiting for the paperwork to be processed.

“As we traded notes on where we were making investments and where we saw broader gaps in the sector, it was readily apparent that there was a real opportunity to come together as a group of cofunders and cofounders to establish a new kind of investment organization,” said Kevin Bromer, who leads the technology and data strategy at Ballmer Group.

He will also serve as a member on NextLadder’s board, which will include three independent board members and representatives from the other funders.

NextLadder will be led by Ryan Rippel, who previously directed the Gates Foundation’s economic mobility portfolio. The funder group has not yet determined if NextLadder will incorporate as a nonprofit or a for pro t organization but said any returns they make from investments will go back into funding new initiatives.

Jim Fruchterman, founder of Tech Matters and author of the recent book “Technology for Good,” said he expects NextLadder to mostly fund nonpro ts if they want to accomplish their mission of reaching the poorest people and places. He said he was optimistic about their focus on serving frontline workers rather than trying to replace them.

“The nonpro t sector is about

humans helping humans,” Fruchterman said. “And if instead of in icting the AI on poor people, or people in need, we’re saying, ‘Hey, you’re a frontline worker. What’s the crappiest part of your job that is the least productive?’ And they’ll tell you and if you work on that, you are likely to be more successful.”

NextLadder will partner with AI company Anthropic, which will o er technical expertise and access to its technologies to the nonpro ts and companies it invests in. Anthropic has committed around $1.5 million annually to the partnership, said Elizabeth Kelly, its head of bene cial deployments, which is a team that focuses on giving back to society.

“We want to hand-hold grantees through their use of Claude with the same care and commitment we provide to our largest enterprise customers,” Kelly said, referencing Anthropic’s large language model.

Hooks, of Stand Together, said philanthropy can reduce the riskiness of these types of investments and o er organizations more time to prove out their ideas.

“If we’re successful, this will be the rst capital to demonstrate what’s possible,” Hooks said.

Suzy Madigan, who is the Responsible AI Lead at Care International UK, has researched the risks and bene ts of using AI tools in humanitarian contexts. She said she’s seen a rush to explore how AI technologies might ll in gaps as funding has been cut.

“The rise of arti cial intelligence being deployed in more sensitive contexts brings some really important new ethical

and governance questions because it can actually exacerbate increasing inequalities, even when there were good intentions behind it,” said Madigan.

The key to not harming vulnerable communities is to involve them in every step of developing, deploying and assessing AI tools and to ensure that those tools do not replace frontline workers, she said. Researchers like those at the Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in humanitarian action have studied some of the risks associated with using AI tools when interacting with sensitive populations or handling highstakes interactions, for example, in humanitarian contexts. They recommend assessing whether AI is the best tool to solve the problem and, crucially, if it works reliably and accurately enough in high-risk settings. They also recommend assessing

tools for bias, considering privacy protections and weighing the cost of potential dependence on a speci c provider.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology also emphasizes that trustworthy AI systems should be accountable to users and that it should be possible to explain or trace how a tool arrived at a certain conclusion or decision.

Hooks emphasized that any AI tools NextLadder invests in will be shaped by the needs and feedback of these frontline workers. Tools that don’t work for them, won’t succeed, he said. Even with the potential risks of AI tools, he said it’s imperative that groups that are struggling to move up the economic ladder have access to new technologies.

“The idea that we would deprive those who are struggling in our country from the bene ts of the leading edge solutions is unacceptable,” Hooks said.

Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte returns in late August

The “PSL” is a fan favorite, loved (or hated) by many

By Dee-Ann Durbin

The Associated Press

WANT A LITTLE autumn in your August? You’re in luck.

Starbucks said Monday that its Pumpkin Spice Latte will return to store menus in the U.S. and Canada on Aug. 26.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is Starbucks’ most popular seasonal beverage, with hundreds of millions sold since the espresso drink’s 2003 launch. It’s also produced a host of imitations. Dunkin’ introduced pumpkin- avored drinks in 2007; it will beat Starbucks to market this year when its fall menu debuts Aug. 20. McDonald’s introduced a pumpkin spice latte in 2013.

Here’s a look at the Pumpkin

Spice Latte by the numbers: 100: Number of Starbucks stores that sold the Pumpkin Spice Latte during a test run

in Vancouver and Washington in 2003. The following year it launched nationally.

79: Number of markets where

Starbucks sold the Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2024. At the time, the company had stores in 85 markets around the world. It now operates in 88 markets.

$36.2 billion: Starbucks’ net revenue in its 2024 scal year, which ended last September. Starbucks’ net revenue was $4.1 billion in 2003, when the Pumpkin Spiace Latte rst went on sale.

33.8%: Increase in mentions of pumpkin spice on U.S. menus between the fall of 2014 and the fall of 2024, according to Technomic.

4: Number of spices in McCormick’s Pumpkin Pie Spice. They are cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice.

2022: The year Merriam-Webster added “pumpkin spice” to the dictionary. Less common, it said, is the term “pumpkin pie spice.”

3: The Pumpkin Spice Latte

was the third seasonal beverage introduced by Starbucks, after the Eggnog Latte and the Peppermint Mocha.

Sept. 8: Date the Pumpkin Spice Latte went on sale in 2015. The on-sale date has edged earlier since then.

24%: Amount foot tra c rose at U.S. Starbucks last year on Aug. 22, the day the Pumpkin Spice Latte went on sale, according to Placer.ai. The company compared tra c that Thursday to the previous eight Thursdays.

45.5%: Amount foot trafc rose at Starbucks stores in North Dakota on Aug. 22, 2024, the most of any state, according to Placer.ai. Foot tra c in Mississippi rose the least, at 4.8%.

42,000: Number of members of the Leaf Rakers Society, a private Facebook group Starbucks created in 2018 to celebrate fall all year long.

PETER MORGAN / AP PHOTO

LINDSEY WASSON / AP PHOTO

Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman poses for a portrait at the Gates Foundation campus in Seattle earlier this year.

RandolpH SPORTS

Walker content to pin future on baseball

The Randleman athlete has stepped away from wrestling after becoming a state champion

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

RANDLEMAN — When Braxton Walker left the mats in late February at the state tournament in Greensboro, he had just put on a dominating performance across three days.

As a Randleman senior, he demolished the state’s best 215-pounders in Class 2A in alarming fashion.

That turned out to be satisfying enough for Walker.

“This is it for me,” he said at the time. “On to bigger things with baseball.”

So he was nished on the mats, picking up 130-some vic-

“Nothing I can change about it now, but I ended it completely the way I wanted to.” Braxton Walker,

tories in high school. Three of those in this year’s state tournament were technical falls, with the other a 14-2 manhandling of Seaforth’s Ethan Kuball in the championship match.

“My goal was to try to tech fall everybody in the state tournament. I almost got it,” he said. “I de nitely kicked into another gear. Obviously, I had a lot of wins in the regular season. I got to the state tournament, had the most con dence I ever had in my

life on the mat, and it showed.”

He nally experienced the ultimate thrill at the states, something that perhaps had been brewing.

“Wouldn’t trade nothing to be standing here,” he said at the time. “It has been a long journey. All this time in my life, worked hard seven days a week, two or three times a day. There’s nothing like it.”

Walker established credentials the past few years that made him a state contender. He also took determined and calculated approaches well in advance of his nal season.

He said he had been at about 180 pounds as a junior, when he placed fourth in the states at 190. The willingness to go to the 215-pound class required certain preparation.

See WALKER, page B3

Asheboro hires baseball coach from Atkins to ll latest opening

With another vacancy, the Blue Comets turned to a man who has coached at several levels

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Jamey May sees the potential for big things in high school baseball for Asheboro.

That drew him to the coaching opening, and he has been hired to take charge of the Blue Comets.

“Asheboro is a baseball hotbed,” May said. “Post 45 (in American Legion baseball) has always been very successful. It has always been a good baseball town.”

May will be the Asheboro program’s fourth coach in a three-year stretch after Glen Hunt lled in on an interim basis for the 2025 season.

May spent the past three school years as an assistant athletics director at Atkins, where he was this year’s

baseball coach. He previously started the junior varsity baseball team at the school. As the only high school in a standalone district, the Asheboro vacancy appealed to May.

See MAY, page B2

“The school teams have always been my passion.”

Jamey May, Asheboro baseball coach

Braxton Walker of Randleman had control of the situations in becoming a Class 2A champion as a senior wrestler during the state tournament.

Post 45 waits on regional

spots in the state tournament.

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — Randolph County Post 45 came up short in its bid to reach the American Legion state tournament. Post 45 was eliminated in the Area 3 semi nals, falling in four games of a best-of- ve series against Union County Post 535 last week. Yet the season hasn’t ended for Randolph County, which will be the host team for next month’s Southeast Regional. But Post 45 will sit on a 23-8 record waiting for that opportunity after it was derailed in the Area 3 playo s.

“Little slow getting started some nights,” Post 45 manager Ronnie Pugh said. Union County won 2-1 in last week’s Game 4 to clinch a spot in the state tournament in Cherryville. Union County then defeated Rowan County 4-0 in Sunday’s one-game Area 3 nal in Salisbury after both teams had secured

Post 535 broke a tie with a sixth-inning run o Randolph County starter Braxton Walker in Game 4 at Wingate University’s eld. Walker is a Wingate commit.

Jake Riddle, who had two hits, singled and scored Post 45’s run on Carter Brown’s rst-inning triple. In Game 3, Post 45 had a ve-run lead vanish before responding with a ve-run fth inning in a 13-6 road victory. Brown racked up three hits and Sean Jennison was the winning pitcher.

Game 2 was rough for Post 45, with starting pitcher Parker Kines failing to record an out while facing ve batters, leaving with a 2-0 de cit and the bases loaded at McCrary Park. The rst pitch from Drew Harmon resulted in a two-run single from Grayson Slusher. Randolph County’s Ethan Willard doubled to begin the bottom of the rst and went to third base on a wild pitch, but the next three batters were retired without Willard advancing. It went from bad to worse for Post 45, which gave up seven runs in the second.

PHOTOS BY PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Randleman’s Braxton Walker, top, locks up with an opponent during this year’s state tournament in Greensboro.

The American Legion team lost in the Area 3 semi nals

COURTESY PHOTO

Jamey May has coached at various levels in a short time.

Randleman athlete

Ben Luck

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Asheboro, football / baseball

Luck was a key player for the Blue Comets in football and baseball.

A receiver, he was third on the 2024 football team in receptions and receiving yards, making a couple of touchdown catches. He had similar production as a junior, when he also made a couple of TD grabs.

An out elder, he gave the Blue Comets good range on defense. He shared the team lead with three triples during the 2025 season.

Luck is going to Division II Ferrum to play baseball.

During the summer, we recognize seniors from the past school year.

Practices to begin soon for fall sports teams

Randolph Record sta

TEAMS IN THE NORTH Carolina High School Athletic Association can begin practices for the fall season next week.

The rst day for o cial practices is Wednesday. Many teams have been holding oseason workouts for the past couple of months, though this is another dead week for NCHSAA members. Fall sports are cross country, football, girls’ golf, boys’ soccer, girls’ tennis and volleyball. Competition against outside opponents can begin Aug. 11 with the exception of football, which has an opening date of Aug. 22. Football teams can hold scrimmages prior to that.

Injuries strike area players in CPL

Summer collegiate baseball teams go through changes as season winds down

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — A heel injury resulted in a premature end to the season for Asheboro ZooKeepers utility player Hunter Atkins.

The former Randleman standout said the ailment didn’t heal right away and continued to be an aggravation. Atkins said a few weeks ago that it appeared he might be nished for the summer season.

He said the injury occurred running out a ground ball at Finch Field against the High Point-Thomasville HiToms in a Coastal Plain League game.

Atkins hit .250 with a double and drove in a run in four CPL games this year. He also played for the ZooKeepers last summer, when he was a Coastal Plain League all-star.

Atkins was a starting outelder this year for Division II power Catawba as a redshirt freshman. He said that has been rewarding.

“I love it,” he said. “The camaraderie is insane.”

Parks returns from injury

Former Southwestern Randolph baseball standout Tyler Parks su ered a scary injury in a Coastal Plain League game.

Playing for the High Point-Thomasville HiToms in a June 17 home game at Finch Field, he was hit in the face by a pitch.

Parks, who was in the lead-

o position and playing as the third baseman, took an 89 -mph fastball from Martinsville right-hander Trey Ludy, a Radford pitcher during the collegiate season, in the face. Parks didn’t fall to the ground, but he was dazed as there was blood. He made it to rst base but was removed from the game.

“He was in shock,” HiToms coach Rob Shore said. “I don’t think he knew what happened.”

Parks batted .269 with the HiToms prior to the injury. He returned to action July 11.

Parks, 20, also has entered the transfer portal. He spent two seasons in the UNC program but never appeared in a game for the Tar Heels.

Shore said a college team can bene t from having Parks on the team.

“He can help out somebody a lot,” Shore said.

• Former Randleman pitcher Drake Purvis made four appearances with the HiToms, with the last one June 22. He had a 0-3 record and 8.19 earned run average.

After a June 23 game at McCrary Park, he said he would likely be pitching all summer with the HiToms, but those plans apparently changed.

Purvis pitched 482⁄3 innings with a 7-0 record and 3.33 earned run average this year for Gaston College, a junior college power. He said he planned to be back there for another season.

Five ex-Asheboro players selected

Of 33 players with Coastal Plain League ties selected in last week’s baseball am-

ateur draft, a league-high ve former Asheboro players were picked.

Florida State shortstop Alex Lodise, the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Player of the Year, played brie y for the ZooKeepers in 2023 after competing as a North Florida freshman. He was a second-round pick of the Atlanta Braves.

UNC Greensboro pitcher Danny Thompson, selected in the eighth round by the Toronto Blue Jays, played for the ZooKeepers in 2023.

Central Missouri’s Chase Heath, a catcher last year for the ZooKeepers, was picked in the 20th round by the St. Louis Cardinals.

A pair of 2021 Asheboro players were picked — in elder Wyatt Henseler, then of the University of Pennsylvania and most recently of Texas A&M, went to the Washington Nationals in the ninth round, and pitcher Cannon Pickell of Western Carolina was picked by the Miami Marlins in the 20th round.

Recent results

On Sunday, the ZooKeepers gave up 10 runs across a three-inning stretch late in the game in a 14-9 road loss to High Point-Thomasville. Rylen Stockton and Jake Gri th homered for Asheboro. Carter Daniels pitched six innings, but took the loss.

Asheboro split four games last week vs. the Boone Bigfoots, with the home team winning each time. Seojun Oh hit a two-out single to break an eighth-inning tie in the ZooKeepers’ 4-3 victory. Caleb Cockerham was the winning pitcher with one shutout inning of relief. David McGeorge was the winner in Asheboro’s 5-4 decision, with Jeremy Reyes notching three hits.

The ZooKeepers also suffered an 8-1 home loss to the Holly Springs Salamanders.

Results uctuate for Post 81 through season

The Liberty team had successful stretches despite roster inconsistencies

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

LIBERTY — There were numerous twists and turns for Liberty Post 81 during the American Legion baseball season.

After a rough start, the team went on a roll in divisional play and later reached the second round of the Area 3 playo s.

“It has been a roller coaster,”

“That’s super attractive to me,” he said. “(The administration is) super passionate about athletics.”

May’s baseball coaching has covered several levels in recent years. It began when he was a co-coach of Kernersville Post 36’s American Legion team while he was in college.

“That’s when I got my feet wet in coaching,” he said.

He became involved in a

manager Nate Cockman said.

“It’s always fun.”

Post 81 nished with a 10-14 record.

There was largely a revolving door of available players for Liberty, but the team made the most of it. Chance Holdaway, who played di erent spots in the eld, said the pitching became worn down at times.

“Sometimes we don’t have the guys,” he said.

In elder/pitcher Cade McCallum said the team’s roster had quality, though pointing out the di culties connected to having only nine players available for some games.

coaching capacity for a travel team with USA Prime and was an assistant coach at Walkertown. Now he’s the coach of the High Point Hushpuppies in the Old North State League, which is a collegiate summer circuit. “The school teams have always been my passion,” May said.

Atkins, a Class 3A team before the recent realignment, was 9-16 during May’s season in charge. The Cam-

Pitcher/shortstop

Mark King and catcher Eli Holland, both former high school players for Southern Alamance, were key producers for Post 81.

“They’ve been a big help,” Cockman said.

Holland provided power with his bat and regular production, while King was atop the order and the most consistent and durable pitcher.

Cockman said among the goals was identifying a core group. With roster concerns on many nights, he said the approach was to focus on who was available and let the rest take care of itself.

There were times that up to three players from Post 81’s junior Legion program were in the lineup for the top team. Even then, those players were able to come through from the bottom of the batting order.

els won four of their last ve games. May graduated from East Forsyth in 2015. After a redshirt season at Belmont Abbey, he spent a season at Rockingham Community College and then nished playing two seasons at William Peace. Asheboro alums Davis Gore, an out elder, and Connor Adams, a pitcher, are with the Hushpuppies. May, 28, will teach physical education at the school.

BOB SUTTON / RANDOLPH RECORD

Eli Holland, left, and Mark King were key additions for Post 81 this year.

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

Greensboro Woolworth’s desegregates, Tuskegee experiment exposed

JULY 24

1567: Mary, Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate her throne to her 1-year-old son, James.

1847: Mormon leader Brigham Young and his followers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah.

1866: Tennessee became the rst state to be readmitted to the Union after the Civil War.

1915: The SS Eastland, carrying more than 2,500 passengers, capsized at Chicago’s Clark Street Bridge, killing an estimated 844 people.

JULY 25

1866: Ulysses S. Grant was named General of the Army of the United States, the rst ocer to hold the rank.

1956: The SS Andrea Doria collided with the Stockholm o the New England coast, killing 51 people before sinking the next morning.

1960: A Woolworth’s in Greensboro ended its whites-only lunch counter policy after nearly six months of sit-in protests.

1972: The Tuskegee syphilis experiment was exposed, revealing that black men were left untreated for decades so researchers could study the disease — more than 100 died.

JULY 26

1775: The Continental Congress established a Post O ce and appointed Benjamin Franklin its Postmaster-General.

1947: President Truman signed the National Security Act, creating the CIA and re -

GOOGLE ART PROJECT VIA WIKIPEDIA

Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh who is among the most famous and in uential gures in the history of Western art, died by suicide on July 29, 1890, at age 37.

organizing the U.S. military.

1953: Fidel Castro began his revolt against Fulgencio Batista in an unsuccessful attack on an army barracks in eastern Cuba.

1990: President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, prohibiting discrimination based on mental or physical disabilities.

JULY 27

1789: President George Washington signed a measure establishing the Department of Foreign A airs, forerunner of the Department of State.

1909: During the rst ocial test of the U.S. Army’s rst airplane, Orville Wright ew himself and a passenger, Lt. Frank Lahm, above Fort Myer, Virginia, for one hour and 12 minutes.

1940: Billboard magazine published its rst “music popularity chart” listing best-selling retail records.

1953: The Korean Armi-

stice Agreement was signed at Panmunjom, ending three years of ghting on the Korean peninsula that killed an estimated 4 million people.

JULY 28

1794: Maximilien Robespierre and Louis Antoine de Saint-Just were executed by guillotine during the French Revolution.

1914: World War I began as Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

1965: President Lyndon B. Johnson announced he was increasing the number of American troops in South Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000.

JULY 29

1890: Artist Vincent van Gogh, 37, died of an apparent self-in icted gunshot wound in Auvers-sur-Oise, France.

1921: Adolf Hitler became the leader of the National Socialist German Workers’ (Nazi) Party.

1954: The rst volume of JRR Tolkien’s novel “The Lord of the Rings” (“The Fellowship of the Ring”) was published.

1981: Britain’s Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

JULY 30

1619: The rst representative assembly in Colonial America convened in Jamestown in the Virginia Colony.

1916: German saboteurs blew up a munitions plant on Black Tom, an island near Jersey City, New Jersey, killing about a dozen people.

1956: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a measure making “In God We Trust” the national motto, replacing “E Pluribus Unum.”

Teenager Brinkley wins at Caraway

Speedway honored some of its past greats during prerace ceremonies

Randolph Record sta

SOPHIA — On a night when many old-timers were recognized on the 60th anniversary celebration at Caraway Speedway, a teenager became one of the headliners.

Bryson Brinkley, 15, was the winner in the Limited Late Models division Saturday night.

The night included the induction of Dennis Setzer, Greg Marlowe, David Hyder, Stephen Grimes and Mike Skinner into the track’s Wall of Fame. All except for Skinner attended the ceremony, though the former driver sent a video. The ceremony was held prior to the night’s race card.

Other winners were Justin Hathcock (Chargers), Jaxon Casper (602 Modi eds), Tyler Bush (Mini Stocks), Jeremy Kidd (UCARs) and Steven Collins (Crown Vics).

The track’s next scheduled race night is Aug. 2.

from page B1

“I’m going to lift as hard as I can,” he said. “Everybody says I’m pretty tall for my size. You see anybody else my height (at 6-foot-4), they’re usually pretty big. In my mind, I was undersized, so I did everything I can to make sure I was going to be the right size to come here and compete at the highest level. And it worked. It’s not just that. Mindset is a huge thing too.”

He weighed in at 215.6 pounds on the last day, when there was an allowance for a slight increase.

At the beginning of the season, he su ered an ankle injury in the rst tournament. That meant he missed about three weeks of action.

He returned as good as ever.

“It’s always about improvement for me,” Walker said.

Finishing on top

Even before he obliterated opponents, Walker was hard to miss at First Horizon Coliseum, his owing blond hair whipping around as the tossed foes to the mat.

That stemmed from an annual rite for baseball’s postseason at Randleman. He has been going blond since he was a freshman.

“I love the way it looks,” he said.

More importantly, he had the right complexion of wrestling moves.

And the mindset was on point as well.

“A quote that I said through my mind for every match: ‘Birds don’t think about ying, they just do it,’” Walker said. “This is my last tournament, why not let it y? Going to give it all I got.”

The motivation came from all angles, even in the form of what Walker considered a lack of respect.

“It appeared that I came in there as an underdog in the rankings, for some reason,” he said. “I don’t know why they wouldn’t count on me, but they know it now.”

On the day of the state nals, there was a baseball presence — Randleman’s team turned out. Walker gave them something to get excited about.

“I didn’t know the whole team was going to be here. I thought a few

guys were coming,” he said. “It’s just awesome. … I look up and I just see a wave of orange and blue. They were all up there screaming and yelling.”

Then came the senior baseball season with the Tigers and a late spring and summer as a rst baseman and pitcher for Randolph County Post 45 in American Legion baseball. The next stop will be with Division II Wingate’s baseball program.

For Walker, wrestling had been a huge part of his teenage years, complete with a state championship.

“Not just three days, the last six years of my life,” he said at the state tournament. “I’m going to miss it, but now I’ve got to switch to baseball, leave this in the past. Nothing I can change about it now, but I ended it completely the way I wanted to.”

So even with the rousing success, it was ne to let that be the lasting impression.

“Countless hours of work. Late nights, early mornings,” he said. “Doing everything I possibly could to make sure I was going to end up on top. Wrestling, nished on top, want to stay that way.”

WALKER

AP PHOTO

Prince Charles and his rst wife Diana, Princess of Wales, wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their marriage July 29, 1981, at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Colbert, Stewart sharp critics of ‘60 Minutes’ deal

The cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was announced last Thursday

By David Bauder

The Associated Press

NEW YORK— This isn’t a joke. They’ve made that clear.

CBS “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert condemned parent company Paramount Global’s settlement of President Donald Trump’s lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” story as a “big fat bribe” during his rst show back from a vacation.

Colbert followed “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart’s attack of the deal one week earlier. Stewart works for Comedy Central, also owned by Paramount, making the two comics the most visible internal critics of the $16 million settlement that was announced on July 1.

Colbert’s “bribe” reference was to the pending sale of Paramount to Skydance Media, which needs Trump administration approval. Critics of the deal that ended Trump’s lawsuit over the newsmagazine’s editing of its interview last fall with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris suggested it was primarily to clear a hurdle to that sale.

“I am o ended,” Colbert said in his monologue last Monday night. “I don’t know if anything — anything — will repair my trust in this company. But, just taking a stab at it, I’d say $16 million would help.”

“I don’t know if anything — anything — will repair my trust in this company. But, just taking a stab at it, I’d say $16 million would help.”

Stephen Colbert

He said the technical name in legal circles for the deal was “big fat bribe.”

Jon Stewart terms it ‘shameful’

Stewart began discussing the “shameful settlement” on his show a week earlier when he was “interrupted” by a fake Arby’s ad on the screen. “That’s why it was so wrong,” he said upon his “return.”

He discussed the deal in greater detail with the show’s guest, retired “60 Minutes” correspondent Steve Kroft, making his views clear through a series of leading questions.

“I would assume internally, this is devastating to the people who work in a place that pride themselves on contextual, good journalism?” Stewart asked.

“Devastating is a good word,” Kroft replied.

A handful of media reports in the past two weeks have speculated that Skydance boss David Ellison might try to curry favor with Trump by eliminating the comics’ jobs if the sale is approved.

It would be easier to get rid of Stewart, since he works one night a week at a network that no longer produces much orig-

inal content. Colbert is the ratings leader in late-night broadcast television, however, and is a relentless Trump critic.

The antipathy is mutual. Trump called Colbert “a complete and total loser” in a Truth Social post last fall, suggesting CBS was wasting its money on him.”

Colbert slips in a quip

Colbert alluded to reports about his job security in his monologue, pointing to the mustache he grew during his vacation. “OK, OK, but how are they going to put pressure on Stephen Colbert, if they can’t nd him?” he joked.

Colbert and Stewart both earned Emmy nominations this week for outstanding talk series. Together with ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel, all three nominees are tough on Trump.

CBS News journalists have largely been quiet publicly since the settlement’s announcement. Two top executives, CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon and “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens, both quit or were forced out prior to the settlement for making their dissatisfaction about the idea known internally.

The nal episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” is set to air in May 2026.

SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

Daniel O’Malley’s ‘Royal Gambit’ nds magic in murder of royal family member

A witty, supernatural mystery that is perfect for beach days and fans of British humor

By Connie Panzariello

The Associated Press

AUTHOR DANIEL O’Mal-

ley returns to the world of his series he started with “The Rook” with “Royal Gambit,” an enjoyable and sometimes unwieldy novel about the supernatural operatives of a paranormal secret service investigating a string of bizarre murders.

Gambit centers around the aristocratic Lady Alexandra Mondegreen (Alix) and her investigation into the mysterious murder of her childhood friend, the Prince of Wales. Alix has the unique talent of being able to shatter bones with just a touch of her hand, but she is resented by the other members of the service for the perceived favoritism that comes with her noble title. Her youth was spent as a secret bodyguard to Princess Louise, the woman who now nds herself next in line to the throne. This connection proves useful as the agency’s way into investigating who at the palace (or outside of it) could be responsible for the death of the heir apparent and gives Alix a chance to prove her worth as an asset to the agency.

O’Malley nds humor in showing how these agents with strange and sometimes absurd powers (one senior o cial can turn into a stegosaurus at will)

LITTLE, BROWN & CO. VIA AP

“Royal Gambit” author Daniel O’Malley also wrote “The Rook,” “Stiletto” and “Blitz.”

adhere to the same bureaucracy and hierarchies as any other government organization. Along with coming to work on time and navigating o ce politics, there is a chance you will be the victim of a dinosaur stampede or watch your colleague turn into a tree. Alix also emerges as a compelling heroine, driven by her ambition to rise within the ranks of the Checquy and prove herself, yet deeply committed to uncovering the truth behind the tragedy that struck a family she has genuine a ection for. A highlight of the book is her sometimes awkward but humorous journey as a new la-

“Royal Gambit” is the fourth novel of The Checquy Files series

dy-in-waiting to the princess, having to balance garden lunches with dangerous missions.

Although intended as a stand-alone story, O’Malley assumes readers will quickly grasp the complexities of this world and how it operates without much prior knowledge. However, keeping track of the extensive rules and traditions of this secret service and upper-crust English society makes it di cult to keep engaged in the mystery at hand. The book gets bogged down in its mythology and is slow to give us plot developments. Further challenging the pacing of the novel are the constant additions to an over-large cast of characters, all with di erent supernatural abilities or aristocratic titles. All of these elements lead to a clunky conclusion that too easily ties up loose ends and loses the impact of the tragedy that started the story. The book would have bene ted from more clever twists and paranormal action as opposed to heavy exposition about this super-secret agency and the people who run it. Ultimately, this makes for a fun, elevated beach read for those who enjoy their mystery novels with supernatural leanings and a dry British sense of humor.

YUKI IWAMURA / AP PHOTO

Jennifer Lopez is 56, Mick Jagger hits 82, blues legend Buddy Guy celebrates 89

The Associated Press

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

JULY 24

Actor Robert Hays (“Airplane!”) is 78. Actor Michael Richards (“Seinfeld”) is 76. Actor Lynda Carter is 74. Actor-singer Kristin Chenoweth is 57. Actor-singer Jennifer Lopez is 56.

JULY 25

Singer-guitarist Bruce Woodley of The Seekers is 83. Drummer Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds is 82. Actor Matt LeBlanc (“Joey,” “Friends”) is 58.

JULY 26

Singer Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones is 82. Actor Helen Mirren is 80. Drummer Roger Taylor of Queen is 76. Actor Sandra Bullock is 61.

JULY 27

Olympic gold medal gure skater Peggy Fleming is 77. Comedian-actor-writer Carol Leifer is 69. Comedian Maya Rudolph is 53.

JULY 28

“Gar eld” creator Jim Davis is 80. TV producer Dick Ebersol is 78. Actor Sally Struthers is 78. Architect Santiago Calatrava is 74. Actor Lori Loughlin is 61.

JULY 29

Documentary lmmaker Ken Burns is 72. Style guru Tim Gunn is 72. Rock singer-musician Geddy Lee (Rush) is 72. Country singer Martina McBride is 59.

JULY 30

Actor and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is

the stream

Madonna, ‘Happy Gilmore 2,’ Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd team up

Madonna drops her highly anticipated album “Veronica Electronica” on Friday

The Associated Press

ADAM SANDLER’S hockey player-turned-golfer Happy Gilmore returning for a second movie and Madonna’s long-rumored album “Veronica Electronica” are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time: Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd playing father and daughter in the horror-comedy “Death of a Unicorn,” gamers get a pirate adventure with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Judge Judy rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video, “Justice on Trial.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

It’s been almost 30 years since we rst met Sandler’s most famous character, but Sandler nally got the gang back together for a sequel. “Happy Gilmore 2,” coming to Netix on Friday, brings back many familiar faces, including Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller and Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, alongside an army of new co-stars from Bad Bunny to Post Malone as well as a few familiar faces in the golf world. This time around, Happy also has kids, including four hockey goon sons played by Ethan Cutkosky (“Shameless”), Conor Sherry (“Shake Shack”), Maxwell Jacob Friedman (a pro wrestler) and newcomer Philip Schneider. Here’s hoping it’s as quotable as the rst — we’ve been needing some new Sandlerisms.

November, and “Wicked: For Good,” is coming fast. What better time to catch up with “Wicked,” which begins streaming on Prime Video on Friday? In her review for The Associated Press, Jocelyn Noveck wrote that it might convert a nonmusical lover into one, but that, “if people breaking into song delights rather than ummoxes you, if elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emerald-hued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love ‘Wicked,’ well then, you will likely love this lm.”

Ortega and Rudd play father and daughter in the hor-

ror-comedy “Death of a Unicorn” about, well, just that (and also exploitative billionaires). It was met with mixed reviews: Some enjoyed the chemistry of the characters and the fun it has with its outlandish plot, while others saw those e orts as strained and hollow. You can decide for yourself when it hits HBO Max on Friday. Richard E. Grant and Will Poulter also star.

MUSIC TO STREAM

It is the stu of pop music mythology. Madonna’s long-rumored album “Veronica Electronica” — originally conceived as a remix companion to 1998’s blockbuster “Ray of Light” — nally arrives Friday. It is that and more. Begin with the new-to-fans original demo of “Gone, Gone, Gone.”

The second and nal part of an expansive documentary series on the life and career of Bil-

ly Joel hits HBO Max on Friday. And it’s not too late to catch up on the rst half of “Billy Joel: And So It Goes,” either. It’s an in-depth look at the beloved singer-songwriter, replete with never-before-seen performance footage and more.

Rock ’n’ roll fans, listen up. On Friday, the original Alice Cooper band lineup reunites to release “The Revenge Of Alice Cooper,” the rst album in over 50 years to feature that original lineup. It gives the album a sort of revived spirit — all high-octane ri s.

SERIES TO STREAM

Judy Sheindlin, beloved for her syndicated series “Judge Judy” that ended production in 2021 after 25 years, rules on true crime in her new series for Prime Video. In “Justice on Trial,” actual criminal court cases are recreated by trial lawyers with Sheindlin pre-

siding over the courtroom. Will she nd the right decision was made? Find out now on Prime Video.

Malin Akerman and Brittany Snow star in “The Hunting Wives” for Net ix. It’s based on a thriller mystery novel by May Cobb. Snow plays Sophie, a woman whose husband’s job requires trading the East Coast for east Texas. She’s a sh out of water until she meets Margot (Akerman,) the queen bee of a group of women known as the Hunting Wives. These wives aren’t trading recipes or having tea — they like to party. Sophie nds Margot’s carefree lifestyle and con dence to be intoxicating until she gets caught up in a murder investigation. All eight episodes dropped Monday. A new Hulu miniseries called “Washington Black” is also based on a book of the same name, but this one was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in

“If elaborate dance numbers in village squares and fantastical nightclubs and emeraldhued cities make perfect sense to you, and especially if you already love ‘Wicked,’ well then, you will likely love this lm.”

Jocelyn Noveck, AP Film Writer

2018. Set in the early 1800s, Wash — short for George Washington Black — is born into slavery in Barbados. Wash’s talent for art and curiosity catches the attention of a scientist named Titch (played by Tom Ellis), who encourages his education and creativity. When danger strikes, Titch and Wash escape in a hot-air balloon that lands in Nova Scotia. The series follows Wash’s adventures as he grows into a man played by newcomer Ernest Kingsley Jr. Sterling K. Brown is an executive producer and also has a role in the show. Stream the episodes now.

An acclaimed British crime drama called “Code of Silence” comes to BritBox on Thursday. Rose Ayling-Ellis plays a deaf cafeteria worker who begins working with the local police because of her ability to read lips. This new world is exhilarating but also dangerous. The show has already been renewed for a second season.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Last year’s Black Myth: Wukong turned Chinese folklore into a blockbuster game, and another Chinese studio is hoping to repeat that success with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. It tells the tale of a pirate who wakes up with amnesia and a bad case of “feathering” — not only is she sprouting blue plumage, but it’s driving her insane. The adventure takes place during the end of the Ming Dynasty in the 1600s, and Chengdu-based developer Leenzee Games promises a mix of historical gures and supernatural monsters. Take ight Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S or PC.

Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega star in “Death of a Unicorn.”

UNIVERSAL PICTURES VIA AP

The hit lm “Wicked,” staring Cynthia Erivo, left and Ariana Grande, begins streaming Friday on Prime Video.

HOKE COUNTY

Boating holiday

N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission o cers were training on Lake Tillery this week, with nearly a dozen boats spotted on the water Monday. Four NCWRC boats, along with a pontoon boat, cruised the lake on the hot summer day.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump administration withdraws from UNESCO again United Nations

The Trump administration has announced it will once again withdraw from the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO. The move Tuesday was expect and has the U.S. further retreating from international organizations. The decision comes two years after the Biden administration rejoined following a controversial, ve-year absence that began during President Donald Trump’s rst term. The White House cited similar concerns as it did in 2018, saying it believes U.S. involvement is not in its national interest and accusing the agency promoting antiIsrael speech. The UNESCO chief said she “deeply” regrets the U.S. decision but the agency “has prepared for it.” She denied accusations of anti-Israel bias.

Pentagon tightens medical waivers rules to join military Washington, D.C. The Pentagon says people with congestive heart failure, undergoing treatment for schizophrenia or who have a history of paraphilic disorders will no longer be eligible for a medical waiver to serve in the military. The guidance signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and issued Tuesday updates conditions that disqualify recruits from service. Waivers have long been granted for a long list of medical conditions. Hegseth says the change will help ensure the physical and mental capabilities of service members.

Commissioners approve nancial aid for World Series-bound team

The Hoke County Padres will represent the state at the DBB 14U World Series

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD — The Hoke County Board of Commissioners had two big recognitions at its July 21 agenda.

The board rst recognized the Hoke County Padres, the county’s rst 14U Dixie Boys’ Baseball state champions.

The Padres dropped the opening game in the state tournament, which was held in Winnabow, before rattling o six straight wins to capture the title.

They will now represent Hoke County and the state of North Carolina at the 2025 DBB 14U World Series in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, from July 26-30.

“First of all, I want to say congratulations,” said Vice Chair Harry Southerland. “Me and (Commissioner Allen Thomas)

and a few others, we were athletes, but we never did what you guys did. What you guys have done is truly amazing. We really appreciate that, and we will honor the fact that we actually have a team going to the 2025 World Series.”

Along with the recognition, the board also approved providing nancial assistance to the team, initially for an amount up to $20,000, but also granting the county manager permission to go above that if need be to help cover all of the travel costs.

“These are our children and we have to do everything in our power to support them, and we will,” said Chairman James Leach.

“We want to make sure our players, their travel is taken care of, their meals and rooms are taken care of, along with the coaches,” said Commissioner Tony Hunt.

Thomas also emplored the board to look into hiring a professional driver for the team

“These are our children and we have to do everything in our power to support them, and we will.”

Chairman James Leach

for the long trek to Mississippi.

“I have concerns over the possibility of a parent or a coach driving 11, 12 hours if they’re not accustomed to doing that,” Thomas said. “I know if I just so happened to be coaching and you wanted me to drive our most precious commodities for 12 hours, and I’m not used to doing that, that’s too much of a liability on my shoulders.”

The board also recognized Deputy Medic Lee Black, who, on the morning of July 14, responded to a re call and removed an 82-year-old occupant from a single-family dwelling

that had smoke billowing out of it.

“In my professional opinion, the quick actions of Deputy Medic Lee Black going above and beyond contributed to a life being saved,” said Fire Marshal Bryan Marley.

“I’m just doing my job to help our community and our county be the best it can be,” Black said.

The board presented Black with a framed resolution dedicating his actions.

“It’s truly an honor, on behalf of Hoke County, to recognize a man who has actively gone beyond the call of duty to save one of us,” Southerland said. “He is truly our brother and truly our brother’s keeper.”

Finally, the board approved the sale of property located at 202 North Highland Road for the sale price of nearly $6,650.

The Hoke County Board of Commissioners will next meet Aug. 4.

2026 Senate map tough for Democrats, Republicans have their own headaches

Dems need to net four seats to retake the majority

By Thomas Beaumont and Jill Colvin The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republicans are encountering early headaches in Senate races viewed as pivotal to maintaining the party’s majority in next year’s midterm elections, with recruitment failures, open primaries, in ghting and a president who has been sitting on the sidelines.

Democrats still face an uphill battle. They need to net four seats to retake the majority, and most of the 2026 con-

tests are in states that Republican President Donald Trump easily won last November.

But Democrats see reasons for hope in Republicans’ challenges. They include a nasty primary in Texas that could jeopardize a seat Republicans have held for decades. In North Carolina and Georgia, the GOP still lacks a clear eld of candidates. Trump’s in uence dials up the uncertainty as he decides whether to ex his inuential endorsement to stave o intraparty ghts. Republicans stress that it remains early in the election cycle and say there is still plenty of time for candidates to establish themselves and Trump

THE HOKE COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, speaks at a campaign rally in Greensboro last November.

MY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Robert Peede was convicted in Florida in 1984

The Associated Press

STARKE, Fla. — A man convicted of killing his estranged wife has died after spending more than four decades on Florida’s death row.

Robert Peede, 81, died Monday at Florida State Prison in Starke, according to Florida Department of Corrections records. His cause of death wasn’t immediately reported.

Peede was convicted in 1984 of murdering his estranged wife, Darla Peede, a year earlier.

According to court records, Robert Peede drove from his home in North Carolina to Florida in March 1983 with the intention of making his wife return to North Carolina with him.

During the drive back, Peede stopped just outside of Orlando and fatally stabbed his wife in the neck, prosecutors said. Her body was later found dumped in a wooded area of Georgia. When Peede was arrested at his home in Hillsborough, Darla Peede’s car was parked outside. Its interior was heavily bloodstained.

CURT ANDERSON / AP PHOTO

Clouds hover over the entrance of the Florida State Prison in Starke, Florida, in 2023.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

VISUAL VOICES

How the world

flipped

IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS, the entire world has been turned upside down. There is no longer such a thing as conventional wisdom or the status quo.

The unthinkable has become the banal.

Take illegal immigration — remember the 10,000 daily illegal entries under former President Joe Biden?

in 6 months

Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis — were supposedly too dangerous to provoke.

Now?

Most of their expeditionary terrorists are neutered, and their leaders are in hiding or dead. Iran has no air force, no real navy, no air defenses and no active nuclear weapons program.

exposure of their systemic antisemitism. They are scrambling to explain away their institutionalized ideological bias, tawdry pro t-making schemes and mass recruitment of wealthy foreign students from illiberal regimes.

Recall the only solution was supposedly “comprehensive immigration reform” — a euphemism for mass amnesties.

Now there is no such thing as daily new illegal immigration. It simply disappeared with commonsense enforcement of existing immigration laws — and a new president.

How about the 40,000-50,000 shortfall in military recruitment?

Remember all the causes that the generals cited for their inability to enlist soldiers: generational gangs, obesity, drugs and sti competition with private industry?

And now?

In just six months, recruitment targets are already met; the issue is mostly moot.

Why? The new Pentagon ipped the old, canceling its racist DEI programs and assuring the rural, middle-class Americans — especially white males — that they were not systemically racist after all.

Instead, they were reinvited to enlist as the critical combat cohort who died at twice their demographic share in Iraq and Afghanistan.

How about the “end of the NATO crisis,” supposedly brought on by a bullying U.S.?

Now the vast majority of NATO members have met their pledges to spend 2% of gross domestic product on defense, which will soon increase to 5%.

Iconic neutrals like Sweden and Finland have become frontline NATO nations, arming to the teeth. The smiling NATO secretarygeneral even called Trump the “daddy” of the alliance.

What about indomitable, all-powerful, theocratic Iran, the scourge of the Middle East for nearly 50 years?

Although it had never won a war in the last half-century, its terrorist surrogates—

Its safety apparently depends only on the mood of the U.S. or Israel on any given day not to y into its airspace and take out its missiles, nuclear sites, generals or theocrats at will.

What happened to the supposedly inevitable recession, hyperin ation, stock market collapse, unemployment spikes and global trade war that last spring economists assured us would hit by summer?

Job growth is strong, and April’s in ation rate is the lowest in four years. GDP is still steady. The stock market hit a record high. Trade partners are renegotiating their surpluses with the U.S.

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners. It seems their preexisting and mostly undisclosed pro ts were large enough to a ord reasonable U.S. symmetrical tari s.

For now, news of tax cuts, deregulation, “drill, baby, drill” energy policies displacing Green New Deal strangulation and $8-$10 trillion in potential foreign investment has encouraged — rather than deterred — business.

Then there were our marquee elite universities, whose prestige, riches, and powerful alumni made them answerable to no one. And now, after the executive and congressional crackdown on their decades of hubris?

Supposedly brilliant university presidents have resigned in shame. The public has caught on to their grant surcharge gouging.

Campuses have backed o their arrogant de ance of the Supreme Court’s civil rights rulings.

They are panicked about the public

Barack Obama’s message to Democrats: Toughen up

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners. At the fundraiser, Obama encouraged the rich Democrats in attendance to give money to the Democratic National Committee.

“IT’S GOING TO REQUIRE a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions. And it’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up,” former President Barack Obama told Democratic donors at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee last Friday night. “What I have been surprised by is the degree to which I’ve seen people who, when I was president, or progressives, liberals, stood for all kinds of stu , who seem like they’re kind of cowed and intimidated and shrinking away from just asserting what they believe, or at least what they said they believe.”

Toughen up? Who? How?

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have been out there holding rallies and public events, meeting with voters, talking plenty tough. What about Barack and Michelle? Are they ready to put aside their Hollywood production deals and get back in the trenches to save our democracy? We need them, desperately.

In excerpts of his remarks distributed by his o ce, Obama targeted the law rms he said had been willing to “set aside the law ... not because, by the way, that they’re going to be thrown in

jail, but because they might lose a few clients and might not be able to nish that kitchen rehab at their Hampton house. I’m not impressed.”

I have many friends and colleagues in the law rms that settled with the president and in the law rms that stood up and fought him. I didn’t hear about any kitchen rehabs in the Hamptons; President Donald Trump was threatening to destroy their rms. I have the greatest respect for those institutions that have stood up to Trump and the federal judges who have supported them. But I don’t blame those who have tried to stave o Trump’s attacks.

I do blame those who have chosen this moment to be silent or engage in blame games or refuse to stand up even though they face no jeopardy. That includes former presidents like Obama himself, who has been playing by an old set of rules in which former presidents don’t criticize their successors. That’s ne when our democracy is not in peril, which it is. What is Barack Obama going to do about it?

At the fundraiser, Obama encouraged the rich Democrats in attendance to give money to the Democratic National Committee. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. As president, Obama had no use for the DNC; as The New

So the mighty Ivy League powerhouses are now humbling themselves to cut a deal to save their nancial hides and hopefully return to their proper mission of disinterested education.

What happened to the trans juggernaut of sex as a social construct and its bookend gospel that biological men could dominate women’s sports?

People woke up. They were no longer afraid to state that sex is binary and biologically determined. And biological men who dominate women’s sports are bullies, not heroes. Where are the millionaire-scamming architects of Black Lives Matter now? Where is the “DEI now, tomorrow and forever” conventional wisdom?

Where is professor Ibram X. Kendi and his $30,000 Zoom lessons on how to ght racism by being racist?

They have all been exposed as the race hustlers they always were. Their creed that it is OK for supposed victims to be racist victimizers themselves was exposed as an absurd con.

So what ipped everything?

We were living in an “emperor has no clothes” make-believe world for the last few years. The people knew establishment narratives were absurd, and our supposed experts were even more ridiculous.

But few — until now — had the guts to scream “the emperor is naked” to dispel the fantasies.

When they nally did, reality returned.

Victor Davis Hanson, a senior contributor for The Daily Signal, is a classicist and historian at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and host of “The Victor Davis Hanson Show.” This article was rst published by The Daily Signal.

York Times reported, “his own aides worked to diminish” the o cial party apparatus. And now, with a DNC wracked by internal divisions and in ghting, it is somehow the answer? To what? The DNC is part of the problem. So is the party establishment. What is New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand doing going on the radio and suggesting that the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York is an antisemite who wants a jihad against New York’s Jews? What is former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo doing abandoning the Democratic Party in his desperate e ort to regain power? He had his chance, and he blew it. The voters spoke. Is he listening? We need new leaders and new faces, and to get there, we need the leaders who people did trust — leaders like Barack and Michelle Obama, and Bill and Hillary Clinton — to help make that happen. They need to get out there on the stump, along with Bernie and AOC and show a united party willing to listen. Money is not the reason we lost the election. We misread the room. We weren’t listening.

Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.

COLUMN | VICTOR DAVIS HANSON

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

to wade in. The president, said White House political director James Blair, has been working closely with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).

“I won’t get ahead of the president but look, him and leader Thune have been very aligned. I expect them to be aligned and work closely,” he said.

Trump’s timing, allies say, also re ects the far more disciplined approach by him and his political operation, which are determined for Republicans to gain seats in both the Senate and the House.

Here’s what’s happening in some key Senate races. Will North Carolina have a Trump on the ballot?

The surprise retirement announcement by two-term Sen. Thom Tillis has set o a frenzied search for a replacement in a state widely seen as Democrats’ top pickup opportunity. He had repeatedly clashed with Trump, including over Medicaid changes in the tax cut bill, leading the president to threaten to back a primary challenger.

All eyes are now on Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, who is mulling whether to run in her home state as other potential candidates stand by.

A familiar national Republican face as co-chair of the Republican National Committee during Trump’s 2024 campaign, Lara Trump is now a Fox News Channel host. She also had been a visible surrogate during previous campaigns, often promoting her North Carolina roots and the fact that she named her daughter Carolina.

Having a Trump on the ballot could boost a party that has struggled to motivate its most fervent base when Donald Trump is not running. But Lara Trump currently lives in Florida and has so far sounded muted on the prospect of a Senate run.

Other potential contenders include RNC chair Michael Whatley, who led North Carolina’s GOP before taking the national reins and is considered a strong fundraiser and Trump loyalist, and rst-term Reps. Pat Harrigan and Brad Knott. While Lara Trump and Whatley are better known nationally, Harrigan is a West Point graduate and Knott is a former federal prosecutor.

Democrats are waiting on a decision from former two-term Gov. Roy Cooper, who is seen as a formidable candidate by both parties in a state Trump carried by just 3.2 percentage points last year. Former Rep. Wiley Nickel has entered the race, but it’s unclear what he would do if Cooper ran.

An ugly Texas brawl

Democrats have long dreamed of winning statewide o ce in this ruby red state. Could a nasty GOP primary be their ticket?

National Republicans and GOP Senate strategists are ringing alarm bells amid concerns that state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing a bevy of personal and ethical questions, could prevail

over Sen. John Cornyn for the nomination.

They fear Paxton would be a disastrous general election candidate, forcing Republicans to invest tens of millions of dollars they believe would be better spent in other states.

Texans for a Conservative Majority, a super political action committee supporting Cornyn, a onetime Trump critic, began airing television ads this past week promoting his support for Trump’s package of tax breaks and spending cuts.

Don’t expect the upbeat tone from the pro-Cornyn super PAC to hold long. Paxton was acquitted after a Republican-led impeachment trial in 2023 over allegations of bribery and abuse of o ce, which also exposed an extramarital a air. His wife, Angela, led for divorce on July 10, referring to “recent discoveries” in announcing her decision to end her marriage of 38 years “on biblical grounds.”

“Ken Paxton has embarrassed himself, his family, and we look forward to exposing just how bad he’s embarrassed our state in the coming months,” said Aaron Whitehead, the super PAC’s executive director.

Trump adviser Chris LaCivita, who comanaged Trump’s 2024 campaign, is advising the group.

But Cornyn has had a cool relationship with Trump over the years, while Paxton is a longtime Trump ally. And Paxton raised more than three times as much as Cornyn in the second quarter, $2.9 million compared with $804,000, according to Federal Elections Commission reports.

Rep. Wesley Hunt is also weighing a run.

Will Trump be persuaded to endorse or will he choose to steer clear?

In Georgia, a pickup opportunity with no candidate yet

Republicans see Georgia and the seat held by Democrat Jon

Osso as one of their best pickup opportunities. But the party remains in search of a well-known challenger after failing to persuade term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp to run.

A growing potential eld includes Reps. Buddy Carter, Mike Collins and Rich McCormick, Insurance Commissioner John King and Derek Dooley, a former University of Tennessee football coach. The president is still meeting with possible candidates and is expected by many to wait to weigh in until his team has fully screened them and assessed their chances.

Osso took in more than $10 million in the second quarter of the year, according to federal lings, after raising $11 million from January through March. He ended June with more than $15.5 million cash on hand.

That money will matter in what is sure to be an expensive general election. The Senate races in 2020, when Osso and Raphael Warnock narrowly won and ipped control to Democrats, cost more than $900 million combined.

Michigan GOP waits on Trump

Republicans hope the retirement of Democratic Sen. Gary Peters and a crowded, expensive Democratic primary will help them capture a seat that has eluded them for more than three decades. Here, too, all eyes are on Trump.

Republicans are rallying around former Rep. Mike Rogers, who came within 20,000 votes in 2024 against then-Rep. Elissa Slotkin and had Trump’s endorsement. Rogers now appears to have momentum behind him, with the support of Thune, the National Republican Senatorial Committee and former Trump campaign veterans LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio.

But other Republicans could complicate things. Rep. Bill Huizenga has said he is waiting

Integrity Open Arms Residents of the Month

Frederick Lee Faison

Robert General has been a resident at Open Arms since August 2021. He was born in South Carolina, relocated to Richmond Virginia and later moved to North Carolina. Robert enjoys BINGO, church and knitting. He is a joy to have here at Open Arms Retirement Center.

for guidance from the president on whether he should run.

“When people are asking why haven’t you announced or what are you going to do, it’s like, look, I want to get the man’s input, all right?” Huizenga told reporters last month. A spokesperson for Huizenga added that the congressman has spoken to Trump on the phone multiple times and has yet to be told not to run.

Still, White House o cials have on more than one occasion encouraged Huizenga to stay in the House, according to one person familiar with the conversations who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions and spoke only on condition of anonymity.

Democrats have their own messy primary, with state Sen. Mallory McMorrow up against Rep. Haley Stevens, state Rep. Joe Tate, and former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed. They were pleased to see that, even without any declared challengers, Rogers’ main campaign account raised just $745,000 during the second quarter, lagging Huizenga and several Democrats. (He brought in another nearly $779,000 through a separate joint fundraising committee.) McMorrow, by comparison, raised more than $2.1 million.

In Louisiana, another Trump antagonist faces voters

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy has faced scrutiny from his party, in no small part for his 2021 vote to convict Trump after the president’s second impeachment. Will Trump seek retribution against the two-term senator or ultimately back him?

Though Cassidy already faces two primary challengers, Louisiana is a reliably Republican state, which Trump won last year by 22 percentage points. Democrats are hoping a strong contender — potentially former Gov. John Bel Edwards, who has attracted Republican votes

in the past — might mount a competitive challenge.

Republicans are awaiting word on whether Rep. Julia Letlow will run. In May, Gov. Je Landry and Trump privately discussed the two-term congresswoman entering the race.

Letlow and Landry appeared together at a congressional fundraiser for her in Lafayette, outside her northeast Louisiana district, on June 30, fueling speculation about her plans.

The governor’s discussion with Trump of a new challenger to Cassidy re ects the Trump base’s unease with the senator, not simply over the impeachment vote but also Cassidy’s concerns about installing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the nation’s health secretary. Cassidy ultimately backed Kennedy, a move some saw as an e ort to ease tensions.

Among Cassidy’s Republican challengers so far are state Treasurer John Fleming and state Sen. Blake Miguez. Letlow, serving in the seat her husband held before he died of COVID-19, is considered a rising star in the Louisiana GOP. A wavering incumbent in Iowa

Two-term Republican Sen. Joni Ernst has not said whether she plans to seek a third term. Ernst would be expected to win in the state Trump carried by 13 percentage points last year. But she has come under some criticism from Iowa Republicans, including for saying she needed to hear more from Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, before committing to support his nomination amid allegations of sexual assault that Hegseth denied.

The senator, a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, eventually voted to con rm him. Though a nal decision awaits, Ernst has named a 2026 campaign manager and has scheduled her annual Iowa fundraiser for October.

Frederick Lee Faison is a housekeeper with Integrity Open Arms Retirement Center and has been with the company for a little over a year. During his time off he enjoys gardening, studying the bible and working with his dogs. Frederick loves to interact with the residents as if they were his adopted aunts, uncles and grandparents, which fills his day with a sense of accomplishment.

Mrs. Florence Herbert has been a resident here since May 2021. She moved to North Carolina from Pennsylvania to escape the bad weather. Florence enjoys word searches, BINGO, watching TV and spending time with her friends on the Special Care Unit at Integrity Open Arms.

Mrs. Betty Purcell is from Raeford, North Carolina. She moved into our assisted living this past June. Besides being the mother of two, she worked for many years at Burlington Mills. Betty enjoys church, watching youtube and doing word searches.

THANK YOU, Frederick, for a job well done!

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

Lara Trump waves to the audience as President Donald Trump speaks at a bill signing event at the White House earlier this month.

HOKE SPORTS

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Hoke County 14U all-stars

The Hoke County 14U all-stars completed their run to the state title with a 4-0 win over Duplin in the Dixie Youth championships.

The team now heads to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, this week to compete for the national title in the Dixie Boys Baseball World Series.

ACL knee injuries have become an unstoppable epidemic

Even with medical advancements, the most common sports injury is still damaging

By Michael Jaenicke North State Journal

THE DETROIT Lions ruled defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike out for the season with a torn ACL, a tough break for a team expected to compete for a Super Bowl berth before training camp even started. That caused an alarm bell to go o .

Didn’t Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs have that same injury, as well as NBA all-pros and Olympians Kyrie Irving and Damien Lillard?

A similar ring came in locker rooms at high schools across North Carolina, where multiple players are slammed with knee injuries each year, and of course they play more than one sport to the impact of missing time is key.

One N.C. soccer coach saw “his best female scorer” forced o the pitch just before the state playo s. Basketball, softball and football players around North Carolina have all missed signi cant time.

Every year more than 200,000 people in the U.S. go under the surgeon’s knife for ACL reconstruction. And while recovery time is from nine to 12 months before athletes return to the eld, many are not the same as before their injury.

Unpreventable tears

One of ve athletes will have an ACL tear during their career and one of six from that group will have a second tear.

The risk during a competition is seven times greater than in practice and 75% will have a tear without direct contact.

Soccer, basketball, volleyball and football have the most ACL injuries as the knee is stressed by quick stops, change of direction, jumping, planting, landing and through direct contact.

The ligaments separate into two pieces or is torn o the bone in ACL injuries. Often other parts of the knee is damaged, such as in meniscus tears and damage to other cartilage and ligaments.

“It’s the most common serious injury aside from ankle sprains,” said Heather Houston, the train-

er at East Duplin. “You can’t prevent them from happening, even given the best training.”

Females more at risk than males

Females are up to nine times more likely to su er an ACL tear.

They tend to use the muscle in front of the thigh (quadriceps) when cutting and jumping, as opposed to using the hamstrings, putting too much pressure on the lower leg bone (tibia). Hamstrings actually work to pull the tibia backwards. So females overuse the ACL and underuse the hamstrings.

While it’s a health issue, an ACL surgery also carries a $17,000 and $25,000 price tag.

Recovery time is a bummer

Here’s the problem: many athletes, will never be the same after an ACL surgery. ACL repair is becoming more common, and that surgery may produce a better range of motion and faster than a complete tear down and rebuild of the joint.

“The medical and sports

communities are working hard on ACL treatment and prevention,” said Dr. Jon Kornegay, a physician for ECU Health and coach of a high school girls basketball team. “A good deal of it is bio mechanical and workload management. But we don’t

have a clear medical answer for all the causes of it.”

Anthony Phillips, a UNC physician at UNC, said plyometric training, strength training and neuromuscular training will reduce the risk of having an ACL problem.

Females develop lower body power through plyometric training and help with proper jumping and landing techniques.

Strength training focuses on strength imbalances between the quads and hamstrings.

Neuromuscular training focuses on increasing the stability of the knee joint. It deals “muscle ring patterns” that increase the knee’s stability.

Less severe ACL injuries can heal on their own with the proper rest and rehabilitation, but when the injury crosses the bridge to where surgery is required there is seemingly no return.

“They’ve come a long way in regard to the surgery itself,” said Kornegay. “It used to be the end for a lot of people.”

Currently the injury is followed by dark cloud of recovery. Most need a year. Some can do it in eight months. Others fail completely. And yes, some do fully recover. Research says preventative measures can be very e ective. Not many coaches address the problem until it is a problem. Therein lies the real problem.

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The knee takes the biggest beating in sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball and football. An ACL joint is damaged by jumping, landing, changing directions quickly or sudden stops.

EDWARDO PUAC / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

ACL surgery will keep an athlete o the eld for eight to 12 months – and when they return they will need time to adjust.

Hamlin survives rain delay, overtime nish to win at Dover

Distractions and rain

couldn’t slow Hamlin in his fourth win of the year

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

DOVER, Del. — Denny Hamlin shook o a setback in his court battle with NASCAR, shrugged o old tire concerns once he took a late lead ahead of a rain delay and survived a late charge from his teammate to go back-to-back at Dover Motor Speedway for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s series-best fourth victory of the season.

“I just love that I’m able to still do it at a high level,” Hamlin said. “Every morning when I wake up, I just hope I still got what I had yesterday.”

Hamlin won in the No. 11 Toyota for the second straight time at Dover to add to wins this season at Martinsville, Darlington and Michigan.

Hamlin has 58 Cup Series victories, leaving him two short of Kevin Harvick for 10th on the career list. The veteran Virginia driver might hit that mark this season as he chases his rst career Cup championship.

Hamlin is on the Cup Series’ short list of greatest drivers to never win a championship. He won’t let the void on an otherwise stellar resume full of Hall of Fame credentials de ne how he feels about his career.

Hamlin says it’s trophies, not titles, not he celebrates the most.

“If we do, we do. If we don’t, we don’t,” Hamlin said. “I care about wins. I want more trophies, more trophies, more trophies. When I’m done, I want to be in the list of that top -10 all-time winners. That will mean more than any other accomplishment.”

Hamlin took the checkered ag days after he suffered a setback in court with

“Every

his own 23XI Racing team’s federal antitrust suit against NASCAR.

Last Thursday, a federal judge rejected a request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to continue racing with charters while they battle NASCAR in court, meaning their six cars will race as open entries this weekend at Dover, next week at Indianapolis and perhaps longer than that in a move the teams say would put them at risk of going out of business.

Hamlin vowed this weekend “all will be exposed” if the case goes to its scheduled Dec. 1 trial date.

The courtroom drama hasn’t a ected Hamlin’s performance on the track. Hamlin held o JGR teammate Chase Briscoe for the victory. Hendrick Motorsports drivers took the next two spots, with Alex Bowman third and Kyle Larson fourth.

Hamlin held o Larson down the stretch last season to earn the second of his three career wins at the Monster Mile.

The rst July Cup race at Dover since 1969 started with steamy weather, and drivers battled the conditions inside the car during a relatively clean race until rain fell late and redagged the race with 14 laps left.

Hamlin said during the break he changed his resuit — temperatures inside the car soared to 140 degrees, and sweat kept dripping inside his visor.

He also returned to the car after the 56-minute delay with old tires. Hamlin had enough to win on cool tires at Dover and

park the Toyota in Victory Lane. There was never any real consideration to pit with the lead for fresh tires.

“We need wins,” crew chief Chris Gayle said. “How can we manufacture some way to give ourselves more opportunity for that to happen? Might not pan out, but we de nitely weren’t going to do it doing the same thing as everybody else. That was our train of thought there, and thankfully it worked out and we held on.”

He became the 19th Cup driver to win three times at Dover and the 13th driver to win consecutive races on the mile concrete track.

“I just studied some of the greats here,” Hamlin said. “I was very fortunate to have Martin Truex as a teammate. Jimmie Johnson, watching him win (11) times here. You learn from the greats and you change your game to match it, you have success like this.”

SIDELINE REPORT

NCAA BASKETBALL

Boozer, Flagg take home ESPYs

Duke’s incoming freshman star and the most recent Blue Devil to play that role both won awards at the ESPYs. The annual award show created by ESPN named Cooper Flagg the best male college athlete. Flagg beat out Oklahoma state wrestler Wyatt Hendrickson, Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter and Cornell lacrosse star CJ Kirst. Cameron Boozer, who is headed to Duke, was named the Gatorade male high school athlete of the year, beating out Alabama quarterback recruit Keelon Russell, Pirates draft pick Seth Hernandez, track stars Charlie Vause and Tate Taylor, and UNC soccer recruit Dan Klink.

NBA Anthony signs with Bucks

Milwaukee Former UNC point guard Cole Anthony signed with the Milwaukee Bucks and will get the chance to start for the Eastern Conference contender. Anthony, who spent his rst ve seasons in the NBA with Orlando, was traded to Memphis this o season. He was expected to back up Ja Morant but instead agreed to a buyout with the Grizzlies and was released, freeing him up to sign with the Bucks.

NFL Construction halted at new Titans Stadium after noose found at site Nashville, Tenn. Construction on a new enclosed stadium for the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tennessee, has been halted after a noose was found at the construction site. Metro Nashville Police are investigating. The Tennessee Builders Alliance, a joint venture partnership on the stadium, says it suspended construction at the site after the “racist and hateful” symbol was discovered this week. A statement to news outlets said, “We are requiring additional antibias training for every person on site, and work will resume only after a site-wide stand- down focused on inclusion and respect.”

MLB Diamondbacks

All-Star Marte placed on restricted list following burglary

Phoenix Arizona Diamondbacks AllStar second baseman Ketel Marte has been placed on the restricted list after his home was burglarized during the All-Star break. Marte was not in the lineup as he deals with what Scottsdale police called a “high-dollar residential burglary” involving stolen personal items and jewelry while he and his family were in Atlanta for the All-Star Game. No one was home during the break-in.

Denny Hamlin crosses the nish line to win Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway.

Ronald Livingston McNeill

Aug. 23, 1943 – July 14, 2025

Mr. Ronald Livingston McNeill, age 81, of Raleigh, North Carolina, was born on August 23, 1943, to the late Pope McNeill and the late Dorothy Elizabeth Chavis McNeill in Robeson County, North Carolina. He departed this life on July 14, 2025, at WakeMed Cary Hospital, Cary, North Carolina. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Royce McNeill, and his twin sister, Sandra Long.

Mr. Ronald leaves to cherish his memories one son: Jonathan McNeill, three brothers: Larry McNeill (Glinda), Terry McNeill (Silver Lee), Linden McNeill (Evelyn), three sisters: June Smith, Nyra Wagoner, Glenda Warren (Milton), a host of nieces and nephews, special friends of the Raleigh area, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

obituaries

Ray Bullard

Dec. 13, 1950 – July 15, 2025

Mr. Ray Bullard, age 65 of Maxton, North Carolina, was born on December 13, 1959, to the late Claudia “West” Bullard and the late Alfair Locklear Bullard in Robeson County, North Carolina. He departed this life on July 15, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Along with his family, he was preceded in death by his siblings Lindora Bullard, James Bullard, Harviline Bullard, Dot Bullard, Doug Bullard, John Allen Bullard, Tommy Bullard, and Curly Bullard. He leaves to cherish his memories one brother, Garland Bullard, and wife Maggie Bullard of Maxton, North Carolina, and a host of other family and friends.

Donald Ray Jernigan

June 9, 1957 – July 19, 2025

Donald Ray Jernigan, of Raeford, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the age of 68.

He was born on June 9, 1957, to the late Nash and Inez Jernigan.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Jane Jernigan; and his two brothers, Charlie Kinlaw (Janice) and Jerry Jernigan.

Ray was a faithful member of Rock Grove Baptist Church. He was a hardworking man and would do anything for anybody. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Martha Gonzales; children, Teddy Jernigan (Nina), Kristina Ledezma (Jorge), Walter Cummings (Sherry), and Angel Emanuel; numerous grandchildren and greatgrandchildren; his sister, Dale Bryant (James); and his two brothers, Robert Jernigan and Kenny Kinlaw (Cynthia).

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Rock Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Betty Louise Parks

Feb. 26, 1926 – July 16, 2025

Funeral Services for Betty Louise Parks, 99, of Fayetteville, NC, and formerly of DePeyster, NY, will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Oswegatchie Mausoleum. Entombment will follow. Visitation will be held prior to funeral services from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the Oswegatchie Mausoleum Chapel.

Mrs. Parks passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 16, at Autumn Care of Raeford, North Carolina. Betty is survived by a daughter, Kathleen Whiteford of DeKalb Junction, NY; grandchildren, Jared Wells of Watertown, NY; Heather Wells of Raeford, NC and husband Jason; Lynnley Whiteford and wife Sonia of Coaticook, Qc; Greatgrandchildren Alexander Owens

of Virginia Beach, VA and wife Lynda; Kaylee Fawcett of Raeford, NC and husband Nick, Julianna Sawyer, Raeford, NC, Emma Whiteford, Coaticook, Qc, Woods and Canyon Wells of Watertown, NY; and great great grandchildren Matheo Owens, Elijah Owens, and Marcus Fawcett. Betty is predeceased by her parents, Llewelyn and Katherine Billings, Husband Donald J. Parks, and son, Malcolm R. “Mac” Parks. Betty was born on February 26, 1926, in Madrid, NY, the daughter of the late Llewelyn and Katherine (Ryle) Billings. She graduated from Heuvelton Central School. On September 1, 1945, she married Donald J. Parks in Richville, NY. Donald predeceased her on November 24, 2005. Together, Betty and Donald owned and operated a dairy farm in DePeyster from 1945 until their retirement in 1979. After retiring, they moved to DeKalb, where they continued enjoying life on their farm, Parks Breezy Knoll. There, they raised standardbred racehorses and spent meaningful time with family and friends. Betty had a wide range of interests and hobbies. She especially enjoyed square dancing with the Skirts and Flirts, Round dancing, gardening and tending to her many ower beds, quilting, attending horse races, and in her later years in NC, she always enjoyed a few rounds of BINGO and her doggie Annabelle.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ actor, dead at 54 in Costa Rica drowning

The actor played the beloved son Theo Huxtable

By Javier Cordoba and Andrew Dalton The Associated Press

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who played teenage son Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” has died at age 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, authorities there said.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@ northstatejournal.com

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department said Monday that Warner drowned Sunday afternoon on a beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. He was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limon province when a current pulled him deeper into the ocean.

“He was rescued by peo-

ple on the beach,” the department’s initial report said, but rst responders from Costa Rica’s Red Cross found him without vital signs and he was taken to the morgue.

Warner created many TV moments etched in the memories of Generation X children and their parents, including a pilot-episode argument with Bill Cosby’s Cli Huxtable about money and an ear piercing he tries to hide from his dad. His Theo was the only son among four daughters in the household of Cli Huxtable and Phylicia Rashad’s Clair Huxtable on the NBC sitcom, and he would be one of the prime representations of American teenage boyhood on a show that was the most popular in America for much of its run from 1984 to 1992. He played the role for eight

seasons in all 197 episodes, winning an Emmy nomination for supporting actor in a comedy in 1986. For many, the lasting image of the character, and of Warner, is of him wearing a badly botched mock designer shirt sewed by his sister Denise, played by Lisa Bonet.

Warner later appeared on the sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie,” co-starring with comedian Eddie Gri n in the series on the defunct UPN network from 1996 to 2000. And in the 2010s he starred opposite Tracee Ellis Ross as a family-blending couple for two seasons on the BET sitcom “Read Between The Lines.” He also had a role as O.J. Simpson’s friend Al Cowlings on “American Crime Story” and was a series regular on Fox’s “The Resident.” His lm roles include the 2008 rom-com “Fool’s Gold” with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. A poet and musician, Warner was a Grammy winner for best traditional R&B performance, and he was nominated for best spoken word poetry album for “Hiding in Plain View.”

Warner was married with a daughter, but their names were not publicly disclosed. Warner’s representatives declined immediate comment.

DANNY MOLOSHOK / INVISION / AP

Actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner poses for a portrait in 2015.

STATE & NATION

Funders commit $1B toward developing arti cial intelligence for frontline workers

Gates and others will o er grants through NextLadder Ventures

By Thalia Beaty The Associated Press

A COALITION of funders, including the Gates Foundation and Ballmer Group, will spend $1 billion over 15 years to help develop arti cial intelligence tools for public defenders, parole o cers, social workers and others who help Americans in precarious situations.

The funders announced Thursday that they will create a new entity, NextLadder Ventures, to o er grants and investments to nonpro ts and for-pro ts to develop tools for those who often manage huge caseloads with few resources.

“The solutions that we’re investing in, the hundreds of entrepreneurs that are going to bring forward solutions that incorporate leading edge technologies, are going to do it by coming alongside people who are living through some of the struggles in the economy,” said Brian Hooks, CEO of Stand Together, a nonpro t started by Kansas-based billionaire Charles Koch.

The other funders include hedge fund founder John Overdeck and Valhalla Foundation, which was started by Inuit cofounder Steve Cook and his wife Signe Ostby. Ballmer Group is the philanthropy of former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie. The funders declined to reveal the exactnancial commitments made by each of the contributors.

The point of investing in these AI tools is to spur economic mo -

bility, a focus all the funders share, they said. The funders believe there are many ideas for how AI technologies could help match people with resources after a disaster or an eviction, for example, or help a parole o cer close out more cases for people who have met all of the criteria but are waiting for the paperwork to be processed.

“As we traded notes on where we were making investments and where we saw broader gaps in the sector, it was readily apparent that there was a real opportunity to come together as a group of cofunders and cofounders to establish a new kind of investment organization,” said Kevin Bromer, who leads the technology and data strategy at Ballmer Group.

He will also serve as a member on NextLadder’s board, which will include three independent board members and representatives from the other funders.

NextLadder will be led by Ryan Rippel, who previously directed the Gates Foundation’s economic mobility portfolio. The funder group has not yet determined if NextLadder will incorporate as a nonprofit or a for pro t organization but said any returns they make from investments will go back into funding new initiatives.

Jim Fruchterman, founder of Tech Matters and author of the recent book “Technology for Good,” said he expects NextLadder to mostly fund nonpro ts if they want to accomplish their mission of reaching the poorest people and places. He said he was optimistic about their focus on serving frontline workers rather than trying to replace them.

“The nonpro t sector is about

humans helping humans,” Fruchterman said. “And if instead of in icting the AI on poor people, or people in need, we’re saying, ‘Hey, you’re a frontline worker. What’s the crappiest part of your job that is the least productive?’ And they’ll tell you and if you work on that, you are likely to be more successful.”

NextLadder will partner with AI company Anthropic, which will o er technical expertise and access to its technologies to the nonpro ts and companies it invests in. Anthropic has committed around $1.5 million annually to the partnership, said Elizabeth Kelly, its head of bene cial deployments, which is a team that focuses on giving back to society.

“We want to hand-hold grantees through their use of Claude with the same care and commitment we provide to our largest enterprise customers,” Kelly said, referencing Anthropic’s large language model.

Hooks, of Stand Together, said philanthropy can reduce the riskiness of these types of investments and o er organizations more time to prove out their ideas.

“If we’re successful, this will be the rst capital to demonstrate what’s possible,” Hooks said.

Suzy Madigan, who is the Responsible AI Lead at Care International UK, has researched the risks and bene ts of using AI tools in humanitarian contexts. She said she’s seen a rush to explore how AI technologies might ll in gaps as funding has been cut.

“The rise of arti cial intelligence being deployed in more sensitive contexts brings some really important new ethical

and governance questions because it can actually exacerbate increasing inequalities, even when there were good intentions behind it,” said Madigan.

The key to not harming vulnerable communities is to involve them in every step of developing, deploying and assessing AI tools and to ensure that those tools do not replace frontline workers, she said. Researchers like those at the Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in humanitarian action have studied some of the risks associated with using AI tools when interacting with sensitive populations or handling highstakes interactions, for example, in humanitarian contexts. They recommend assessing whether AI is the best tool to solve the problem and, crucially, if it works reliably and accurately enough in high-risk settings. They also recommend assessing

tools for bias, considering privacy protections and weighing the cost of potential dependence on a speci c provider.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology also emphasizes that trustworthy AI systems should be accountable to users and that it should be possible to explain or trace how a tool arrived at a certain conclusion or decision.

Hooks emphasized that any AI tools NextLadder invests in will be shaped by the needs and feedback of these frontline workers. Tools that don’t work for them, won’t succeed, he said. Even with the potential risks of AI tools, he said it’s imperative that groups that are struggling to move up the economic ladder have access to new technologies.

“The idea that we would deprive those who are struggling in our country from the bene ts of the leading edge solutions is unacceptable,” Hooks said.

Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte returns in late August

The “PSL” is a fan favorite, loved (or hated) by many

By Dee-Ann Durbin

Associated Press

The

WANT A LITTLE autumn in your August? You’re in luck.

Starbucks said Monday that its Pumpkin Spice Latte will return to store menus in the U.S. and Canada on Aug. 26.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is Starbucks’ most popular seasonal beverage, with hundreds of millions sold since the espresso drink’s 2003 launch. It’s also produced a host of imitations. Dunkin’ introduced pumpkin- avored drinks in 2007; it will beat Starbucks to market this year when its fall menu debuts Aug. 20. McDonald’s introduced a pumpkin spice latte in 2013.

Here’s a look at the Pumpkin

Spice Latte by the numbers:

100: Number of Starbucks stores that sold the Pumpkin Spice Latte during a test run

in Vancouver and Washington in 2003. The following year it launched nationally.

79: Number of markets where

Starbucks sold the Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2024. At the time, the company had stores in 85 markets around the world. It now operates in 88 markets.

$36.2 billion: Starbucks’ net revenue in its 2024 scal year, which ended last September. Starbucks’ net revenue was $4.1 billion in 2003, when the Pumpkin Spiace Latte rst went on sale.

33.8%: Increase in mentions of pumpkin spice on U.S. menus between the fall of 2014 and the fall of 2024, according to Technomic.

4: Number of spices in McCormick’s Pumpkin Pie Spice. They are cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice.

2022: The year Merriam-Webster added “pumpkin spice” to the dictionary. Less common, it said, is the term “pumpkin pie spice.”

3: The Pumpkin Spice Latte

was the third seasonal beverage introduced by Starbucks, after the Eggnog Latte and the Peppermint Mocha. Sept. 8: Date the Pumpkin Spice Latte went on sale in 2015. The on-sale date has edged earlier since then.

24%: Amount foot tra c rose at U.S. Starbucks last year on Aug. 22, the day the Pumpkin Spice Latte went on sale, according to Placer.ai. The company compared tra c that Thursday to the previous eight Thursdays.

45.5%: Amount foot trafc rose at Starbucks stores in North Dakota on Aug. 22, 2024, the most of any state, according to Placer.ai. Foot tra c in Mississippi rose the least, at 4.8%.

42,000: Number of members of the Leaf Rakers Society, a private Facebook group Starbucks created in 2018 to celebrate fall all year long.

PETER MORGAN / AP PHOTO

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte has become a seasonal phenomenon for the co ee powerhouse.

LINDSEY WASSON / AP PHOTO

Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman poses for a portrait at the Gates Foundation campus in Seattle earlier this year.

MOORE COUNTY

Boating holiday

N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission o cers were training on Lake Tillery this week, with nearly a dozen boats spotted on the water Monday.

Four NCWRC boats, along with a pontoon boat, cruised the lake on the hot summer day.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump administration withdraws from UNESCO again

United Nations

The Trump administration has announced it will once again withdraw from the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO. The move Tuesday was expect and has the U.S. further retreating from international organizations. The decision comes two years after the Biden administration rejoined following a controversial, ve-year absence that began during President Donald Trump’s rst term. The White House cited similar concerns as it did in 2018, saying it believes U.S. involvement is not in its national interest and accusing the agency promoting anti-Israel speech. The UNESCO chief said she “deeply” regrets the U.S. decision but the agency “has prepared for it.” She denied accusations of anti-Israel bias.

Pentagon tightens medical waivers rules to join military

Washington, D.C.

The Pentagon says people with congestive heart failure, undergoing treatment for schizophrenia or who have a history of paraphilic disorders will no longer be eligible for a medical waiver to serve in the military. The guidance signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and issued Tuesday updates conditions that disqualify recruits from service. Waivers have long been granted for a long list of medical conditions. Hegseth says the change will help ensure the physical and mental capabilities of service members.

$2.00

Governor declares state of emergency in Moore County

Josh Stein’s declaration means additional funds will be available to the county from the state and feds

By Bob Sutton North State Journal

A STATE OF emergency was declared by Gov. Josh Stein in Moore County, as well as a dozen other central North Carolina counties following severe ooding and other e ects from Tropical Storm Chantal.

The release from the governor’s o ce said the state of emergency was issued “to facilitate and support long-term recovery e orts from ooding caused by Tropical Storm Chantal.”

“Tropical

Storm Chantal cost some of our neighbors their lives and others their livelihood and property. We must do everything we can to support them as they get back on their feet.”

Gov. Josh Stein

A state of emergency is primarily a nancial move, freeing up state and federal funds to cover additional costs, like overtime, for government agencies.

“Tropical Storm Chantal cost some of our neighbors their lives

and others their livelihood and property. We must do everything we can to support them as they get back on their feet,” Stein said in the release. “This state of emergency will help get North Carolinians the support they need and enable the state to seek out potential funding to help communities rebuild.”

Other counties included in the state of emergency are Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Lee, Orange, Person, Randolph and Wake.

The brunt of the July 7 storm impacted Orange, Chatham, Alamance and Durham counties.

“The Division of Emergency Management is working with local o cials to assess the scope of damage caused by Tropical Storm Chantal,” the release

said. “As the full damage assessment is completed in concert with relevant federal partners, the declaration along with the assessment analysis will determine possible additional support that residents, businesses, and local governments may receive to accelerate the recovery process and support expenses incurred during the response phase of the disaster.”

In a related but separate announcement, North Carolina Attorney General Je Jackson announced the state’s price gouging laws have been implemented in the impacted counties. The same 13 counties were listed in his announcement. The state of emergency triggered the anti-price gouging edict.

“If you see a business charging more for essential goods or services than they should, le a complaint with our o ce right away,” Jackson said. “We will do everything we can to hold bad actors responsible.”

These measures stay in place for 30 days and can be extended.

2026 Senate map tough for Democrats, Republicans have their own headaches

Dems need to net four seats to retake the majority

By Thomas Beaumont and Jill Colvin The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republicans are encountering early headaches in Senate races viewed as pivotal to maintaining the party’s majority in next year’s midterm elections, with recruitment failures, open primaries, in ghting and a president who has been sitting on the sidelines. Democrats still face an uphill battle. They need to net four seats to retake the majority, and most of the 2026 contests are in states that Republican President Donald Trump easily won last November.

But Democrats see reasons for hope in Republicans’ challenges. They include a nasty primary in Texas that could jeopardize a seat Republicans have held for decades. In North Carolina and Georgia, the GOP still lacks a clear eld of candidates. Trump’s in uence dials up the uncertainty as he decides whether to ex his inuential endorsement to stave o intraparty ghts.

Republicans stress that it remains early in the election cycle and say there is still plenty of time for candidates to establish themselves and Trump to wade in. The president, said White House political director James Blair, has been working closely with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-

“I won’t get ahead of the

See SENATE, page A4

THE MOORE COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

Michael Whatley, chairman of the Republican National Committee, speaks at a campaign rally in Greensboro last November.

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7.24.25

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Hillsborough man convicted of killing wife dies after 4 decades on death row

Robert Peede was convicted in Florida in 1984

The Associated Press

STARKE, Fla. — A man convicted of killing his estranged wife has died after spending more than four decades on Florida’s death row. Robert Peede, 81, died Monday at Florida State Prison in Starke, according to Florida Department of Corrections records. His cause of death wasn’t immediately reported.

During the drive back, Peede stopped just outside of Orlando and fatally stabbed his wife in the neck, prosecutors said.

Peede was convicted in 1984 of murdering his estranged wife, Darla Peede, a year earlier. According to court records,

Robert Peede drove from his home in North Carolina to Florida in March 1983 with the intention of making his wife return to North Carolina with him.

During the drive back, Peede stopped just outside of Orlando and fatally stabbed his wife in the neck, prosecutors said. Her body was later found dumped in a wooded area of Georgia. When Peede was arrested at his home in Hillsborough, Darla Peede’s car was parked outside. Its interior was heavily bloodstained.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

July 24-26

Moore County Historical Association: Shaw House and Property Tours

1-4 p.m.

We stand corrected

To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

CRIME LOG

July 15

• Jaquan Terrell Hill, 30, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for eeing/eluding arrest with a motor vehicle.

• Kenytta Lavon French, 46, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for felony larceny.

• Jamar Brooks Hailey, 42, was arrested by Moore County Sheri ’s O ce (MCSO) for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

July 16

• Brian Lee Etheridge, 60, was arrested by MCSO for possessing methamphetamine.

Devine Devante Barrett, 32, was arrested by MCSO for breaking or entering with intent to terrorize or injure occupant.

July 17

Christopher Kant Verbal, 28, was arrested by MCSO for tra cking in opium or heroin.

July 18

• Zaahidah Aakifah Coley, 19, was arrested by MCSO for felony child abuse causing serious injury.

Antonio Hernandez Gonzalez, 31, was arrested by MCSO for statutory rape of a child 15 or younger.

July 19

• Rahsaan Lee Young, 26, was arrested by MCSO for obtaining property by false pretense.

Gerald Shawnrell Bloom eld, 34, was arrested by MCSO for rst-degree murder.

Coca-Cola bringing cane-sugar version of trademark cola to US

President Donald Trump had promoted the new product a few days ago

By Dee-Ann Durbin

The Associated Press

COCA-COLA said Tuesday it will add a cane -sugar version of its trademark cola to its U.S. lineup this fall, con rming a recent announcement by President Donald Trump.

Trump said in a social media post last week that Coca- Cola had agreed to use real cane sugar in its agship product in the U.S., which has been sweetened with high fructose

corn syrup since the 1980s. Coke didn’t immediately conrm the change but promised new o erings soon.

On Tuesday, Coca- Cola Chairman and CEO James Quincey said Coke will expand its product range “to reect consumer interest in differentiated experiences.”

“We appreciate the president’s enthusiasm for our Coca- Cola brand,” Quincey said in a conference call with investors Tuesday. “We are denitely looking to use the whole tool kit of available sweetening options.”

Quincey noted that Coke uses cane sugar in some oth-

er U.S. drinks, like its Simply brand lemonade and Honest Tea. Coke has also sold Mexican Coke, which is made with cane sugar, in the U.S. since 2005.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to innovate and see whether there’s an intersection of new ideas and where consumer preferences are evolving,” Quincey said. “It’s a good sign that the industry, including ourselves, are trying lots of di erent things.”

Rivals PepsiCo and Dr Pepper have been selling versions of their trademark colas sweetened with cane sugar in the U.S. since 2009.

Quincey said consumer demand for its products improved in the second quarter in many markets, including China, Europe, Africa and North America.

“I would I would say overall that the global economy and the global consumer remains resilient,” Quincey said.

The Moore County Historical Association’s Shaw House grounds and properties are open for tours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons. Tours are free and open to all ages. Enjoy learning about the impressive history of Moore County.

Shaw House 110 Morganton Road Southern Pines

July

25-26

Cosmic Bowling 6-11:55 p.m.

Sandhills Bowling Center presents an evening of Cosmic Bowling every Friday and Saturday night. Enjoy two hours of bowling for between $5.50 and $17 per person based on age. Free shoe rental.

Sandhills Bowling Center 1680 N.C. Highway 5 Aberdeen

July 26

Moore County Farmers Market

8 a.m. to noon

A vast and varied selection of fresh produce, canned goods, including honey and fruit preserves and baked goods has earned this producers-only farmers market has a reputation as one of the best in the region. Visitors are treated to musical performances and complimentary appetizers prepared by local chefs from fresh regional ingredients every Saturday in the summer.

156 SE Broad St. Southern Pines

U Pick Lavender at Lazy Fox Lavender Farm

11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Spend the day in the country exploring the farm and enjoy seeing chickens and sheep. Visitors enjoy the beauty and scent of fresh lavender, which can be cut and purchased by the bundle. A gift shop and an ice cream truck are also on the grounds. Admission is $5 each for adults and kids 2-plus. (Children under the age of 2 are admitted for free.)

272 Edgewood Road Cameron

CURT ANDERSON / AP PHOTO Clouds hover over the entrance of the Florida State Prison in Starke, Florida, in 2023.

THE CONVERSATION

Neal Robbins, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

How the world

flipped

IN LESS THAN SIX MONTHS, the entire world has been turned upside down. There is no longer such a thing as conventional wisdom or the status quo.

The unthinkable has become the banal.

Take illegal immigration — remember the 10,000 daily illegal entries under former President Joe Biden?

in 6 months

Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis — were supposedly too dangerous to provoke.

Now?

Most of their expeditionary terrorists are neutered, and their leaders are in hiding or dead. Iran has no air force, no real navy, no air defenses and no active nuclear weapons program.

Recall the only solution was supposedly “comprehensive immigration reform” — a euphemism for mass amnesties.

Now there is no such thing as daily new illegal immigration. It simply disappeared with commonsense enforcement of existing immigration laws — and a new president.

How about the 40,000 -50,000 shortfall in military recruitment?

Remember all the causes that the generals cited for their inability to enlist soldiers: generational gangs, obesity, drugs and sti competition with private industry?

And now?

In just six months, recruitment targets are already met; the issue is mostly moot.

Why? The new Pentagon ipped the old, canceling its racist DEI programs and assuring the rural, middle-class Americans — especially white males — that they were not systemically racist after all.

Instead, they were reinvited to enlist as the critical combat cohort who died at twice their demographic share in Iraq and Afghanistan.

How about the “end of the NATO crisis,” supposedly brought on by a bullying U.S.?

Now the vast majority of NATO members have met their pledges to spend 2% of gross domestic product on defense, which will soon increase to 5%.

Iconic neutrals like Sweden and Finland have become frontline NATO nations, arming to the teeth. The smiling NATO secretarygeneral even called Trump the “daddy” of the alliance.

What about indomitable, all-powerful, theocratic Iran, the scourge of the Middle East for nearly 50 years?

Although it had never won a war in the last half-century, its terrorist surrogates—

Its safety apparently depends only on the mood of the U.S. or Israel on any given day not to y into its airspace and take out its missiles, nuclear sites, generals or theocrats at will.

What happened to the supposedly inevitable recession, hyperin ation, stock market collapse, unemployment spikes and global trade war that last spring economists assured us would hit by summer?

Job growth is strong, and April’s in ation rate is the lowest in four years. GDP is still steady. The stock market hit a record high. Trade partners are renegotiating their surpluses with the U.S.

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners. It seems their preexisting and mostly undisclosed pro ts were large enough to a ord reasonable U.S. symmetrical tari s.

For now, news of tax cuts, deregulation, “drill, baby, drill” energy policies displacing Green New Deal strangulation and $8-$10 trillion in potential foreign investment has encouraged — rather than deterred — business.

Then there were our marquee elite universities, whose prestige, riches, and powerful alumni made them answerable to no one. And now, after the executive and congressional crackdown on their decades of hubris?

Supposedly brilliant university presidents have resigned in shame. The public has caught on to their grant surcharge gouging.

Campuses have backed o their arrogant de ance of the Supreme Court’s civil rights rulings.

They are panicked about the public

Barack Obama’s message to Democrats: Toughen up

It turns out that staying in the U.S. consumer market is the top priority of our trading partners. At the fundraiser, Obama encouraged the rich Democrats in attendance to give money to the Democratic National Committee.

“IT’S GOING TO REQUIRE a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions. And it’s going to require Democrats to just toughen up,” former President Barack Obama told Democratic donors at a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee last Friday night. “What I have been surprised by is the degree to which I’ve seen people who, when I was president, or progressives, liberals, stood for all kinds of stu , who seem like they’re kind of cowed and intimidated and shrinking away from just asserting what they believe, or at least what they said they believe.” Toughen up? Who? How?

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have been out there holding rallies and public events, meeting with voters, talking plenty tough. What about Barack and Michelle? Are they ready to put aside their Hollywood production deals and get back in the trenches to save our democracy? We need them, desperately.

In excerpts of his remarks distributed by his o ce, Obama targeted the law rms he said had been willing to “set aside the law ... not because, by the way, that they’re going to be thrown in

jail, but because they might lose a few clients and might not be able to nish that kitchen rehab at their Hampton house. I’m not impressed.”

I have many friends and colleagues in the law rms that settled with the president and in the law rms that stood up and fought him. I didn’t hear about any kitchen rehabs in the Hamptons; President Donald Trump was threatening to destroy their rms. I have the greatest respect for those institutions that have stood up to Trump and the federal judges who have supported them. But I don’t blame those who have tried to stave o Trump’s attacks.

I do blame those who have chosen this moment to be silent or engage in blame games or refuse to stand up even though they face no jeopardy. That includes former presidents like Obama himself, who has been playing by an old set of rules in which former presidents don’t criticize their successors. That’s ne when our democracy is not in peril, which it is. What is Barack Obama going to do about it?

At the fundraiser, Obama encouraged the rich Democrats in attendance to give money to the Democratic National Committee. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. As president, Obama had no use for the DNC; as The New

exposure of their systemic antisemitism. They are scrambling to explain away their institutionalized ideological bias, tawdry pro t-making schemes and mass recruitment of wealthy foreign students from illiberal regimes. So the mighty Ivy League powerhouses are now humbling themselves to cut a deal to save their nancial hides and hopefully return to their proper mission of disinterested education. What happened to the trans juggernaut of sex as a social construct and its bookend gospel that biological men could dominate women’s sports?

People woke up. They were no longer afraid to state that sex is binary and biologically determined. And biological men who dominate women’s sports are bullies, not heroes. Where are the millionaire-scamming architects of Black Lives Matter now? Where is the “DEI now, tomorrow and forever” conventional wisdom?

Where is professor Ibram X. Kendi and his $30,000 Zoom lessons on how to ght racism by being racist? They have all been exposed as the race hustlers they always were. Their creed that it is OK for supposed victims to be racist victimizers themselves was exposed as an absurd con.

So what ipped everything?

We were living in an “emperor has no clothes” make-believe world for the last few years. The people knew establishment narratives were absurd, and our supposed experts were even more ridiculous. But few — until now — had the guts to scream “the emperor is naked” to dispel the fantasies.

When they nally did, reality returned.

Victor Davis Hanson, a senior contributor for The Daily Signal, is a classicist and historian at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and host of “The Victor Davis Hanson Show.” This article was rst published by The Daily Signal.

York Times reported, “his own aides worked to diminish” the o cial party apparatus. And now, with a DNC wracked by internal divisions and in ghting, it is somehow the answer? To what? The DNC is part of the problem. So is the party establishment. What is New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand doing going on the radio and suggesting that the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York is an antisemite who wants a jihad against New York’s Jews? What is former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo doing abandoning the Democratic Party in his desperate e ort to regain power? He had his chance, and he blew it. The voters spoke. Is he listening? We need new leaders and new faces, and to get there, we need the leaders who people did trust — leaders like Barack and Michelle Obama, and Bill and Hillary Clinton — to help make that happen. They need to get out there on the stump, along with Bernie and AOC and show a united party willing to listen. Money is not the reason we lost the election. We misread the room. We weren’t listening.

Susan Estrich is a lawyer, professor, author and political commentator.

COLUMN | VICTOR DAVIS HANSON

COLUMN | SUSAN ESTRICH

president but look, him and leader Thune have been very aligned. I expect them to be aligned and work closely,” he said.

Trump’s timing, allies say, also re ects the far more disciplined approach by him and his political operation, which are determined for Republicans to gain seats in both the Senate and the House.

Here’s what’s happening in some key Senate races.

Will North Carolina have a Trump on the ballot?

The surprise retirement announcement by two -term Sen. Thom Tillis has set o a frenzied search for a replacement in a state widely seen as Democrats’ top pickup opportunity. He had repeatedly clashed with Trump, including over Medicaid changes in the tax cut bill, leading the president to threaten to back a primary challenger.

All eyes are now on Lara Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, who is mulling whether to run in her home state as other potential candidates stand by.

A familiar national Republican face as co - chair of the Republican National Committee during Trump’s 2024 campaign, Lara Trump is now a Fox News Channel host. She also had been a visible surrogate during previous campaigns, often promoting her North Carolina roots and the fact that she named her daughter Carolina.

Having a Trump on the ballot could boost a party that has struggled to motivate its most fervent base when Donald Trump is not running. But Lara Trump currently lives in Florida and has so far sounded muted on the prospect of a Senate run.

Other potential contenders include RNC chair Michael Whatley, who led North Carolina’s GOP before taking the national reins and is considered a strong fundraiser and Trump loyalist, and rst-term Reps. Pat Harrigan and Brad Knott. While Lara Trump and Whatley are better known nationally, Harrigan is a West Point graduate and Knott is a former federal prosecutor.

Democrats are waiting on a decision from former two -term Gov. Roy Cooper, who is seen as a formidable candidate by both parties in a state Trump carried by just 3.2 percentage points last year. Former Rep. Wiley Nickel has entered the race, but it’s unclear what he would do if Cooper ran.

An ugly Texas brawl

Democrats have long dreamed of winning statewide o ce in this ruby red state. Could a nasty GOP primary be their ticket?

National Republicans and GOP Senate strategists are ringing alarm bells amid concerns that state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is facing

a bevy of personal and ethical questions, could prevail over Sen. John Cornyn for the nomination.

They fear Paxton would be a disastrous general election candidate, forcing Republicans to invest tens of millions of dollars they believe would be better spent in other states.

Texans for a Conservative Majority, a super political action committee supporting Cornyn, a onetime Trump critic, began airing television ads this past week promoting his support for Trump’s package of tax breaks and spending cuts.

Don’t expect the upbeat tone from the pro - Cornyn super PAC to hold long. Paxton was acquitted after a Republican-led impeachment trial in 2023 over allegations of bribery and abuse of o ce, which also exposed an extramarital a air. His wife, Angela, led for divorce on July 10, referring to “recent discoveries” in announcing her decision to end her marriage of 38 years “on biblical grounds.”

“Ken Paxton has embarrassed himself, his family, and we look forward to exposing just how bad he’s embarrassed our state in the coming months,” said Aaron Whitehead, the super PAC’s executive director. Trump adviser Chris LaCivita, who comanaged Trump’s 2024 campaign, is advising the group.

But Cornyn has had a cool relationship with Trump over the years, while Paxton is a longtime Trump ally. And Paxton raised more than three times as much as Cornyn in the second quarter, $2.9 million compared with $804,000, according to Federal Elections Commission reports.

Rep. Wesley Hunt is also weighing a run.

Will Trump be persuaded to endorse or will he choose to steer clear?

In Georgia, a pickup opportunity with no candidate yet

Republicans see Georgia

and the seat held by Democrat Jon Osso as one of their best pickup opportunities. But the party remains in search of a well-known challenger after failing to persuade term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp to run.

A growing potential eld includes Reps. Buddy Carter, Mike Collins and Rich McCormick, Insurance Commissioner John King and Derek Dooley, a former University of Tennessee football coach. The president is still meeting with possible candidates and is expected by many to wait to weigh in until his team has fully screened them and assessed their chances.

Osso took in more than $10 million in the second quarter of the year, according to federal lings, after raising $11 million from January through March. He ended June with more than $15.5 million cash on hand.

That money will matter in what is sure to be an expensive general election. The Senate races in 2020, when Osso and Raphael Warnock narrowly won and ipped control to Democrats, cost more than $900 million combined.

Michigan GOP waits on Trump

Republicans hope the retirement of Democratic Sen. Gary Peters and a crowded, expensive Democratic primary will help them capture a seat that has eluded them for more than three decades. Here, too, all eyes are on Trump.

Republicans are rallying around former Rep. Mike Rogers, who came within 20,000 votes in 2024 against thenRep. Elissa Slotkin and had Trump’s endorsement. Rogers now appears to have momentum behind him, with the support of Thune, the National Republican Senatorial Committee and former Trump campaign veterans LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio.

But other Republicans could complicate things. Rep. Bill

Huizenga has said he is waiting for guidance from the president on whether he should run.

“When people are asking why haven’t you announced or what are you going to do, it’s like, look, I want to get the man’s input, all right?” Huizenga told reporters last month. A spokesperson for Huizenga added that the congressman has spoken to Trump on the phone multiple times and has yet to be told not to run.

Still, White House o cials have on more than one occasion encouraged Huizenga to stay in the House, according to one person familiar with the conversations who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private discussions and spoke only on condition of anonymity.

Democrats have their own messy primary, with state Sen. Mallory McMorrow up against Rep. Haley Stevens, state Rep. Joe Tate, and former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El- Sayed.

They were pleased to see that, even without any declared challengers, Rogers’ main campaign account raised just $745,000 during the second quarter, lagging Huizenga and several Democrats. (He brought in another nearly $779,000 through a separate joint fundraising committee.) McMorrow, by comparison, raised more than $2.1 million.

In Louisiana, another Trump antagonist faces voters

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy has faced scrutiny from his party, in no small part for his 2021 vote to convict Trump after the president’s second impeachment. Will Trump seek retribution against the twoterm senator or ultimately back him?

Though Cassidy already faces two primary challengers, Louisiana is a reliably Republican state, which Trump won last year by 22 percentage points. Democrats are hoping a strong contender — potentially

former Gov. John Bel Edwards, who has attracted Republican votes in the past — might mount a competitive challenge. Republicans are awaiting word on whether Rep. Julia Letlow will run. In May, Gov. Je Landry and Trump privately discussed the two -term congresswoman entering the race. Letlow and Landry appeared together at a congressional fundraiser for her in Lafayette, outside her northeast Louisiana district, on June 30, fueling speculation about her plans.

The governor’s discussion with Trump of a new challenger to Cassidy re ects the Trump base’s unease with the senator, not simply over the impeachment vote but also Cassidy’s concerns about installing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the nation’s health secretary. Cassidy ultimately backed Kennedy, a move some saw as an e ort to ease tensions.

Among Cassidy’s Republican challengers so far are state Treasurer John Fleming and state Sen. Blake Miguez. Letlow, serving in the seat her husband held before he died of COVID -19, is considered a rising star in the Louisiana GOP.

A wavering incumbent in Iowa

Two-term Republican Sen. Joni Ernst has not said whether she plans to seek a third term. Ernst would be expected to win in the state Trump carried by 13 percentage points last year. But she has come under some criticism from Iowa Republicans, including for saying she needed to hear more from Trump’s pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, before committing to support his nomination amid allegations of sexual assault that Hegseth denied.

The senator, a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, eventually voted to con rm him.

Though a nal decision awaits, Ernst has named a 2026 campaign manager and has scheduled her annual Iowa fundraiser for October.

ALEX BRANDON / AP PHOTO

Lara Trump waves to the audience as President Donald Trump speaks at a bill signing event at the White House earlier this month.

MOORE SPORTS

ACL knee injuries have become an unstoppable epidemic

Even with medical advancements, the most common sports injury is still damaging

By Michael Jaenicke North State Journal

THE DETROIT Lions ruled

defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike out for the season with a torn ACL, a tough break for a team expected to compete for a Super Bowl berth before training camp even started. That caused an alarm bell to go o .

Didn’t Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs have that same injury, as well as NBA all-pros and Olympians Kyrie Irving and Damien Lillard?

A similar ring came in locker rooms at high schools across North Carolina, where multiple players are slammed with knee injuries each year, and of course they play more than one sport to the impact of missing time is key.

One N.C. soccer coach saw “his best female scorer” forced o the pitch just before the state playo s. Basketball, softball and football players around North Carolina have all missed signi cant time. Every year more than 200,000 people in the U.S. go under the surgeon’s knife for ACL reconstruction. And while recovery time is from nine to 12 months before athletes return to the eld, many are not the same as before their injury.

Unpreventable tears

One of ve athletes will have an ACL tear during their career and one of six from that group will have a second tear.

The risk during a competition is seven times greater than in practice and 75% will have a tear without direct contact.

Soccer, basketball, volleyball and football have the most ACL injuries as the knee is stressed by quick stops, change of direction, jumping, planting, landing and through direct contact.

The ligaments separate into two pieces or is torn o the bone in ACL injuries. Often other parts of the knee is damaged, such as in meniscus tears and damage to other cartilage and ligaments.

ACL surgery will keep an athlete o the eld for eight to 12 months – and when they return they will need

“It’s the most common serious injury aside from ankle sprains,” said Heather Houston, the trainer at East Duplin. “You can’t prevent them from happening, even given the best training.”

Females more at risk than males

Females are up to nine times more likely to su er an ACL tear.

They tend to use the muscle in front of the thigh (quadriceps) when cutting and jumping, as opposed to using the hamstrings, putting too much pressure on the lower leg bone (tibia). Hamstrings actually work to pull the tibia backwards. So females overuse the ACL and underuse the hamstrings.

While it’s a health issue, an ACL surgery also carries a $17,000 and $25,000 price tag.

Recovery time is a bummer

Here’s the problem: many athletes, will never be the same after an ACL surgery. ACL repair is becoming more common, and that surgery may produce a better range of motion and faster than a complete tear down and rebuild of the joint.

“The medical and sports communities are working hard on ACL treatment and prevention,” said Dr. Jon Kornegay, a physician for ECU Health and coach of a high school girls basketball team. “A good deal

of it is bio mechanical and work-load management. But we don’t have a clear medical answer for all the causes of it.”

Anthony Phillips, a UNC physician at UNC, said plyometric training, strength training and neuromuscular training will reduce the risk of having an ACL problem.

Females develop lower body power through plyometric training and help with proper jumping and landing techniques.

Strength training focuses on strength imbalances between the quads and hamstrings.

Neuromuscular training focuses on increasing the stability of the knee joint. It deals “muscle ring patterns” that increase the knee’s stability.

Less severe ACL injuries can heal on their own with the proper rest and rehabilitation, but when the injury crosses the bridge to where surgery is required there is seemingly no return.

“They’ve come a long way in regard to the surgery itself,” said Kornegay. “It used to be the end for a lot of people.”

Currently the injury is followed by dark cloud of recovery.

Most need a year. Some can do it in eight months. Others fail completely. And yes, some do fully recover.

Research says preventative measures can be very e ective. Not many coaches address the problem until it is a problem.

Therein lies the real problem.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kingsley Donaldson

Union Pines, basketball

Kingsley Donaldson is a rising senior on the Union Pines basketball team. He led the Sandhills Conference in double-doubles last season while nishing second in the league in rebounding and averaging 12.6 points.

The 6-foot-6 post player was named MVP of the Charlotte Big Shots AAU event in April, and he came up big again in the July edition of Big Shots in Charlotte. He scored 15 and 27 points in his rst two games, leading the Sandhills Cyclones to the 17U championship game, where he added 12 points in a losing e ort.

Donaldson’s summer performance helped him pick up his rst college o er, from Fisher College, last week.

Hamlin survives rain delay, overtime nish to win for 2nd straight year at Dover

Distractions and rain couldn’t slow Hamlin in his fourth win of the year

By Dan Gelston The Associated Press

DOVER, Del. — Denny

Hamlin shook o a setback in his court battle with NASCAR, shrugged o old tire concerns once he took a late lead ahead of a rain delay and survived a late charge from his teammate to go back-to-back at Dover Motor Speedway for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver’s series-best fourth victory of the season.

“I just love that I’m able to still do it at a high level,” Hamlin said. “Every morning when I wake up, I just hope I still got what I had yesterday.”

Hamlin won in the No. 11 Toyota for the second straight time at Dover to add to wins this season at Martinsville, Darlington and Michigan.

Hamlin has 58 Cup Series victories, leaving him two short of Kevin Harvick for 10th on the career list. The veteran Virginia driver might hit that mark this season as he chases his rst career Cup championship.

Hamlin is on the Cup Series’ short list of greatest drivers to never win a championship. He

won’t let the void on an otherwise stellar resume full of Hall of Fame credentials de ne how he feels about his career. Hamlin says it’s trophies, not titles, not he celebrates the most.

“If we do, we do. If we don’t, we don’t,” Hamlin said. “I care about wins. I want more trophies, more trophies, more trophies. When I’m done, I want to be in the list of that top -10 all-time winners. That will mean more than any other accomplishment.”

Hamlin took the checkered ag days after he su ered a setback in court with his own 23XI Racing team’s federal antitrust suit against NASCAR. Last Thursday, a federal judge rejected a request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to continue racing with charters while they battle NASCAR in court, meaning their six cars will race as open entries this weekend at Dover, next week at Indianapolis and perhaps longer than that in a move the teams say would

put them at risk of going out of business. Hamlin vowed this weekend

“all will be exposed” if the case goes to its scheduled Dec. 1 trial date. The courtroom drama hasn’t a ected Hamlin’s performance on the track. Hamlin held o JGR teammate Chase Briscoe for the victory. Hendrick Motorsports drivers took the next two spots, with Alex Bowman third and Kyle Larson fourth. Hamlin held o Larson down the stretch last season to

earn the second of his three career wins at the Monster Mile.

The rst July Cup race at Dover since 1969 started with steamy weather, and drivers battled the conditions inside the car during a relatively clean race until rain fell late and red- agged the race with 14 laps left. Hamlin said during the break he changed his resuit — temperatures inside the car soared to 140 degrees, and sweat kept dripping inside his visor.

He also returned to the car after the 56-minute delay with old tires. Hamlin had enough to win on cool tires at Dover and park the Toyota in Victory Lane. There was never any real consideration to pit with the lead for fresh tires.

“We need wins,” crew chief Chris Gayle said. “How can we manufacture some way to give ourselves more opportunity for that to happen? Might not pan out, but we de nitely weren’t going to do it doing the same thing as everybody else. That was our train of thought there, and thankfully it worked out and we held on.”

He became the 19th Cup driver to win three times at Dover and the 13th driver to win consecutive races on the mile concrete track.

“I just studied some of the greats here,” Hamlin said. “I was very fortunate to have Martin Truex as a teammate. Jimmie Johnson, watching him win (11) times here. You learn from the greats and you change your game to match it, you have success like this.”

EDWARDO PUAC / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

time to adjust.

DERIK HAMILTON / AP PHOTO

Denny Hamlin crosses the nish line to win Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway.

Robert Alexander Glisson

Nov. 4, 1946 – July 17, 2025

Robert Alexander Glisson, 78 of Aberdeen, passed away on July 17, 2025 at his home.

Born on November 4, 1946 in High Point, NC, to the late Clyde and Hazel Glisson, Robert was a faithful member of Turning Point Worship Center for over 20 years. He was dedicated to the Lord and serving others as an ordained minister and teaching Bible College. In his early life, Robert was a policeman before getting into the automotive industry. He later worked as a manager for numerous Auto Body Shops for over 40+ years. He was an active member of the Elks Lodge and a Mason for many years. He will be remembered as a simple man, always sharply dressed that loved his family deeply, loved his animals, shing at the lake, and shag dancing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Steve Glisson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Glisson; four children, Jennifer Deberry (Logan), Tracie Sanchez (Frank), David Glisson (Teresa) and Craig Glisson; brother, Kenneth Glisson; sister, Ann Tucker; grandchildren, Keelie (Brandon), Lukas (Chloe), Lexi (Dillon), Justin, Alex and great grandchildren, Sadie, Rubie and Jasper; also survived by many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 3-4 p.m. at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines with a memorial service to follow at 4 p.m.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Doris Ann Harris

Dec. 11, 1932 – July 13, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beloved mother, Doris Ann Harris, who left us peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 92. She was born on December 11, 1932, in Pulaski, Virginia, to the late Archie and Marjorie Boadwine.

After retiring, she and my father moved to Southern Pines in June of 1978, where naturally they took up the game of golf. She volunteered at First Health Moore Regional Hospital for over 19 years with 5,151 hours. She loved reading and working in her yard. My mother was a devoted Christian and had a generous and loving spirit. She will be deeply missed by her daughter Melissa Harris Tressler. She was preceded in death by her loving, devoted husband, Howard, and beloved “fur baby,” Chloe; her brother, Archie Boadwine Jr.; and her brother, William “P-nut” Boadwine.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 2 at 1 p.m. at The Village Chapel in Pinehurst.

If roses grow in heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me, Place them in my Mother’s arms, and tell her they’re from me. Tell her I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for awhile. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Leo Ganster

Oct. 11, 1940 – July 13, 2025

Leo Ganster, 84, of Pinehurst, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025, after extended illnesses. He fought the good ght for eight years. His family is planning a memorial service for him in early September.

Denise R. Duncan

April 29, 1956 – July 15, 2025

Denise R. Duncan, 69, of Robbins, passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at St. Joseph of the Pines.

Born on April 29, 1956, in Moore County, she was a daughter of the late Ray and Louise Ragsdale.

Denise worked at Beacon Ridge Golf Club as an administrative assistant. She enjoyed reading and, above all else, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister: Linda Hogan; and a brother: Louis Ragsdale.

Denise is survived by her children: Jennifer Lunsford and boyfriend Brian, Chuck Duncan and girlfriend Stephanie, Chrystal Boyd and husband Paul; grandchildren: Jessie (Morgan), Jayden, Cerenity, Paul, India, Samantha, Tia (Cameron), Jake, Kayden; great-grandchildren: Luke, Mason and Evelyn.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Kennedy Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Pine Rest Cemetery in Robbins.

Donald James Terry

Nov. 17, 1961 – July 17, 2025

Donald James Terry, 63, departed this life on July 17, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Hillside Memorial Park. A viewing and visitation will be held from 1 until 5 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Purcell Funeral Home.

The Terry family will receive visitors at 5421 Crestline Road, Laurinburg, NC, starting Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 1until 7:30 p.m. daily.

Services are entrusted to Purcell Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Michael Forrest Mason

Nov. 26, 1946 – July 17, 2025

Michael Forrest Mason, 78, of Pinehurst, passed peacefully at Terra Bella in Southern Pines on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Born in Olney, Illinois, November 26, 1946, he was the son of the late Mack and Marcellla Anspach Mason. Mike grew up in Robinson, IL, and after his high school graduation, went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University, where he met his wife of 55 years, Ms. Susan Henderson. Mike went on to serve in the U.S. Navy. After his honorable discharge, he continued his education, obtaining a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Mike owned the Clover Energy Investment Company in Illinois before relocating to North Carolina in 1988. Mike had been an independent Investments Advisor. While his talents were in the nancial elds, his joy was with helping his friends and family and working on their horse farm.

Mike was the loving husband of Susan Mason. He was the father of Chris Mason, wife Kristi, and Cassie Stefanik, and her husband, Rick. He was the grandfather of Ryan, Evan and Kylie. Mike was preceded in death by his beloved Jack Russel, Spike. He is also survived by his brother Milo Mason and sisters Monalu Mason, Melody Nelson and Meleah Olandese.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of owers, donations in his memory may be made to FirsthHealth, Engaged Brain, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC, 28374.

Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst.

Illie Baker Sr.

Oct. 24, 1957 – July 14, 2025

Mr. Illie Baker Sr., 67, of Aberdeen, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Monday, July 14, 2025, at FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care in West End, North Carolina. Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Illie Baker Sr., in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina.

Thomas M. McKenrick

June 22, 1947 – July 14, 2025

Thomas M. McKenrick, 78, of Cameron, NC, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14 at FirstHealth Cardiology Reid Heart Center in Pinehurst, NC, surrounded by his family. There will be a Celebration of Life in Cameron in October. The Boles Funeral Home & Crematorium in Southern Pines, NC, is assisting the family.

Tom was born on June 22, 1947, in Clinton, Iowa, the son of Samuel J. and Evelyn (Tyler) McKenrick, of Camanche, Iowa. Tom was a proud1965 graduate of Camanche High School. He attended Clinton Community College and later received his BS from Southern Illinois University. Tom served in the U.S. Navy for 12 years aboard nuclear submarines.

Tom was an avid supporter of the Green Bay Packers and Iowa Hawkeyes. He also loved NASCAR and most other sports. He was a hunter and spent many wonderful days hunting with his father near Camanche.

Tom is survived by his wife, Brenda, of Cameron. He is also survived by his daughter, Nancy VanDyk, of Camanche, and sisters Jane McKenrick and Linda (McKenrick) Menke and brother-in-law, Ken Zarling. Tom’s marriage to Brenda extended his family to include Joe (Jeanette) Wood of Cameron and Ray (Ashley) Wood of Dubuque, IA. Tom also leaves behind several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Jackson Wood.

Memorials may be made to FirstHealth Cardiology Reid Heart Center in Pinehurst, NC. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home.

Allie Grier Bennett Johnson

July 15, 1939 – July 16, 2025

Allie Grier Bennett Johnson, age 86, died Wednesday, July 16, 2025. She was born on July 15, 1939, to Howard R. and Lucy E. Atkins in Moore County, NC.

She grew up on Paint Hill Farm in Moore County. One of her most cherished childhood memories was horseback riding with the brother-in-law, who was the owner of the farm. His name was Adlai Stevenson, and he was the Democratic candidate in the presidential election in 1952. He would tell her about his campaign and that he would take her to the White House; however, she never could go since Eisenhower won the election that year. She worked at various businesses in Moore County through the years, such as Carolina Soap and Candle, Roses Store, where she served as trouble shooter and manager of many stores, Russell’s Fish House and Graham and Currie Well Drilling and Plumbing.

She has been a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church since 1955. She fondly remembers attending Vacation Bible School while sitting on cinder blocks outside the cinder block church building and having Kool-Aid and cookies.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Derek Alan Johnson, and her brother, Jack M. Bennett.

She is survived by her sisterin-law Ann Bennett of Southern Pines, a nephew, Christopher S. Bennett of Carthage, and a niece, Laura A. Bennett of Southern Pines, many nieces and nephews and wonderful cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be directed to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 2237 Camp Easter Rd., Carthage, NC 28327. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home.

Larry Smith

Nov. 16, 1949 – July 17, 2025

Mr. Larry R. Smith, 75, of Sanford, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

“At the request of the family, they are not accepting any visitors at this time.”

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Larry R. Smith in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.

Raymond H. Barnes

April 14, 1925 – July 16, 2025

Raymond H. Barnes, 100, of Southern Pines, NC, passed away on July 16, 2025. He is predeceased by his devoted wife, Barbara, who passed away in December 2021. They celebrated 73 years of marriage together prior to Barbara’s passing. He is also predeceased by his sister, Elaine B. Hubbard, and his brother, R. Marshall Barnes. He is survived by his three loving children, Craig M. Barnes (Joy), Paul F. Barnes (Sharon), and Christine B. Boran. He was blessed with four grandchildren (Annette, Walter, Peter, and Paul), seven great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Raymond was born to Frederick M. Barnes and Mabelle S. Barnes in Jersey City, NJ. He graduated from Hackensack (NJ) High School in 1941 and attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, for two years while working as a volunteer part-time radio announcer. After serving in WWII with the U.S. Navy as an Aerial Gunnery Instructor, he entered the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana, IL, in 1946, majoring in commerce and journalism and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. While there, he worked part-time for WDWS CBS Radio, selling radio time. It was on campus that he met Barbara, and they were married in Peoria, IL, in June 1948. They had three children, Craig, Paul, and Christine. The family lived for 38 years in Clarendon Hills, IL, a western suburb of Chicago.

In 1950 he accepted a position at Kiwanis Magazine as an Advertising Manager. In 1951, he became an Advertising Representative for National Geographic Magazine in their Chicago o ce. In 1963 he accepted the position of MidWest Advertising Manager for Scholastic Inc. until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of Union Church of Hinsdale, IL, for 22 years, serving on the Board of Elders, Mission Committee, Stewardship Committee; and later became a member of Christ Church of Oak Brook, Oak Brook, IL, for 18 years, serving on the Board of Elders, Stewardship Committee, Missions Committee, and Media Committee. He established weekly radio broadcasts over WBBM and helped initiate weekly television broadcasts over WFLD. He was a member of The Union League Club and the Executives Club of Chicago, and he and the family were charter members of the Salt Creek Swim and Tennis Club in Hinsdale, IL.

After retirement in 1988, he

John “Duck” Henry Raphael Brown

April 5, 1946 – July 17, 2025

Mr. John Henry Raphael Brown, 79, of Jackson Hamlet Community of Aberdeen, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. John Henry Raphael Brown in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina.

and Barbara moved to Seven Lakes West, NC, and built a house on Lake Auman where they enjoyed swimming, boating, and water skiing for 20 years. He and Barbara also became members of The Village Chapel in Pinehurst, NC, where he served on the Board of Trustees. He established the Missions Program there and was its Chair for many years. He spearheaded the Village Chapel Radio Ministry that began in 2002 on WIOZ, WLHC, and WJRM, which later developed into weekly onehour radio broadcasts of the Village Chapel church services on WJRM. He chaired the Stewardship Committee for The Village Chapel for 7 years, and in 1993 helped organize the Interfaith Food Pantry in Aberdeen, for which The Village Chapel is a founding partner. He was a member of the Sandhills Food Bank Advisory Council for 10 years and its President for two terms.

Throughout his long life he participated in many other activities, including loving his dogs, and building their houses. He had many hobbies outside of his work and volunteer activities. He was an expert radio-control model plane enthusiast since the age of 6. He was a founding member of the Woodlands Aero Modelers in the western suburbs of Chicago. Through the years, he was appreciated by his many radio-control club members and followers and for his skilled ying of his planes and for his famed red ying lawnmower and his beloved WWI bi-plane RC model Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny”, both built from scratch in his home workshop. Later, he initiated and founded the Seven Lakes Aeromodelers Club in 1988. In 2011, he, his aeromodeler club members, and Ray’s RC model “Jenny” were featured on WRAL’s Tar Heel Traveler. The Jenny was acquired by the Seven Lakes Aeromodelers Club in 2020, own several times, and later was donated to the North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame in Asheboro, NC, in 2021. It is presently displayed in Hanger 1.

He was an avid photographer, a great writer of letters to friends and family, a lover of his dogs and all animals, played tennis with Barbara and friends at Salt Creek Club, Hinsdale, and later at Beacon Ridge Country Club in Seven Lakes, NC, was an active lap swimmer weekly for over 30 years. He enjoyed many skiing trips with Barbara and the kids in the early days in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, appreciated many varieties of genres of music, with Classical his favorite, and maintained many friends throughout his years. He will be missed for his humor, leadership, friendliness, and loving care of his family. In Spring this year, family gathered and celebrated with him the joy and blessings of his 100th birthday.

Interment will be private. Memorial donations may be made to any of the following organizations: The Village Chapel, Pinehurst, NC; The Sandhills Food Bank, Southern Pines, NC; or FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, Pinehurst, NC. Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.

Mozella M. (McLeod) Graham

April 2, 1942 – July 18, 2025

Mrs. Mozella M. (McLeod) Graham, 83, of Cameron, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Mozella M. (McLeod) Graham in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.

Fredrick “Fred” Healy

Nov. 25, 1940 – July 16, 2025

Frederick “Fred” Healy was born on November 25, 1940, in Monticello, NY, to Joseph Frederick Healy and Vivienne June de Maille. He was the beloved brother of Richard Healy and Kathleen Bidonde (Bob). As a young child, his family relocated to The Bronx, where his lifelong love for the Yankees began. By age ten, they settled in Port Washington, NY.

Fred attended both the University of Virginia and Hofstra University, ultimately earning his bachelor’s degree at Hofstra along with the additional credits needed for New York State teacher certi cation.

Fred devoted 32 years of his life to education, beginning as a mathematics teacher at Hicksville Junior High School. He later moved to Hicksville High School, where he continued teaching math-adding computer programming and calculus to his course load. Beyond the classroom, Fred was a passionate coach, mentoring athletes in cross country, junior high and junior varsity baseball, girls’ junior varsity softball, bowling, and golf. His golf teams quali ed twice for the New York State high school championships. Fred believed in every one of his students and athletes, ensuring all had the chance to grow, play, and reach their own potential. He found true joy in their success.

Even after retiring, Fred continued to support and encourage others by tutoring students in math and SAT preparation. His love of teaching never faded-he found real ful llment in helping young people build con dence and reach their goals, whether in a classroom, on a playing eld, or across the kitchen table.

It was at Hicksville Junior High where Fred met the love of

David Lewis Atwell

July 29, 1965 – July 13, 2025

David Lewis Atwell, 59, of Aberdeen, passed away on July 13, 2025, at the Reid Heart Center.

David, known by family and friends as “Dave,” was born on July 29, 1965, in Tampa, Florida, to Wilfred J. Atwell of Aberdeen and the late Janice Atwell.

He is survived by his sister, Melody Atwell Nance (Steven), niece, Laura Nance Blakely (Michael), and great-niece, Claire Anne Blakley of Kernersville.

Dave was a skilled locksmith, and his work can be found throughout many local businesses, homes, and cars. No service is planned at this time.

In lieu of owers, donations can be made to the Reid Heart Center in David’s memory. Our family would like to thank the wonderful sta at the Reid Heart Center for the concerns and compassionate care given to David. We would also like to thank Powell Funeral Home for their services.

his life, Lydia (née Suglia), who arrived as a student teacher in his classroom. They were married on November 25, 1972-sharing a wedding date with Fred’s birthday. Together, they had one daughter, Jill Erin, Fred’s pride and joy.

Fred and Lydia made their home in Bethpage, Farmingdale, and Smithtown, NY before relocating in June 2000 to Pinewild, where they became parishioners of Sacred Heart Church and regular participants in Eucharistic Adoration.

Fred never met a sport he didn’t love-or excel at. In his youth, he played CYO baseball and competed for the New York State Championship at the teen level. He was even recruited by the Detroit Tigers as a pitcher but chose to pursue a college education insteadnever regretting that decision, as it ultimately led him to Lydia. At UVA, Fred took up boxing and competed in numerous bouts. Over the years, he remained active as a bowler (with a high series of 787), basketball player, black sh sherman, and accomplished golfer. At Pinewild, he was a member of the PMGA until back issues ended his time on the course. During his playing days, he and his partner Howie won the PMGA Blazer Tournament, and he and Lydia won the Husband-Wife Low Net Tournament in 2005.

Fred was also a gifted photographer, serving as the o cial photographer for the Nassau County High School Basketball Tournament.

Fred had a deep love of nature and adventure. In his younger years, he traveled solo across the country, falling in love with the beauty of the American landscape and even dreaming of homesteading in Alaska. Though life took him down a di erent path, that spirit of wonder, simplicity, and strength stayed with him always.

Above all, Fred was kind. He was warm, patient, and endlessly loving-a gentle giant with the sweetest heart. His quiet strength, protective presence, and unwavering love made those closest to him feel safe and cherished. He loved with his whole being- ercely, sel essly, and without condition. His daughter Jill always knew she was deeply loved and wholly accepted, every single day of her life.

Fred is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Lydia, and their cherished daughter, Jill.

STATE & NATION

Funders commit $1B toward developing arti cial intelligence for frontline workers

Gates and others will o er grants through NextLadder Ventures

By Thalia Beaty

The Associated Press

A COALITION of funders, including the Gates Foundation and Ballmer Group, will spend $1 billion over 15 years to help develop arti cial intelligence tools for public defenders, parole o cers, social workers and others who help Americans in precarious situations.

The funders announced Thursday that they will create a new entity, NextLadder Ventures, to o er grants and investments to nonpro ts and for-pro ts to develop tools for those who often manage huge caseloads with few resources.

“The solutions that we’re investing in, the hundreds of entrepreneurs that are going to bring forward solutions that incorporate leading edge technologies, are going to do it by coming alongside people who are living through some of the struggles in the economy,” said Brian Hooks, CEO of Stand Together, a nonpro t started by Kansas-based billionaire Charles Koch.

The other funders include hedge fund founder John Overdeck and Valhalla Foundation, which was started by Inuit cofounder Steve Cook and his wife Signe Ostby. Ballmer Group is the philanthropy of former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie. The funders declined to reveal the exactnancial commitments made by each of the contributors.

The point of investing in these AI tools is to spur economic mo -

bility, a focus all the funders share, they said. The funders believe there are many ideas for how AI technologies could help match people with resources after a disaster or an eviction, for example, or help a parole o cer close out more cases for people who have met all of the criteria but are waiting for the paperwork to be processed.

“As we traded notes on where we were making investments and where we saw broader gaps in the sector, it was readily apparent that there was a real opportunity to come together as a group of cofunders and cofounders to establish a new kind of investment organization,” said Kevin Bromer, who leads the technology and data strategy at Ballmer Group.

He will also serve as a member on NextLadder’s board, which will include three independent board members and representatives from the other funders.

NextLadder will be led by Ryan Rippel, who previously directed the Gates Foundation’s economic mobility portfolio. The funder group has not yet determined if NextLadder will incorporate as a nonprofit or a for pro t organization but said any returns they make from investments will go back into funding new initiatives.

Jim Fruchterman, founder of Tech Matters and author of the recent book “Technology for Good,” said he expects NextLadder to mostly fund nonpro ts if they want to accomplish their mission of reaching the poorest people and places. He said he was optimistic about their focus on serving frontline workers rather than trying to replace them.

“The nonpro t sector is about

humans helping humans,” Fruchterman said. “And if instead of in icting the AI on poor people, or people in need, we’re saying, ‘Hey, you’re a frontline worker. What’s the crappiest part of your job that is the least productive?’ And they’ll tell you and if you work on that, you are likely to be more successful.”

NextLadder will partner with AI company Anthropic, which will o er technical expertise and access to its technologies to the nonpro ts and companies it invests in. Anthropic has committed around $1.5 million annually to the partnership, said Elizabeth Kelly, its head of bene cial deployments, which is a team that focuses on giving back to society.

“We want to hand-hold grantees through their use of Claude with the same care and commitment we provide to our largest enterprise customers,” Kelly said, referencing Anthropic’s large language model.

Hooks, of Stand Together, said philanthropy can reduce the riskiness of these types of investments and o er organizations more time to prove out their ideas.

“If we’re successful, this will be the rst capital to demonstrate what’s possible,” Hooks said.

Suzy Madigan, who is the Responsible AI Lead at Care International UK, has researched the risks and bene ts of using AI tools in humanitarian contexts. She said she’s seen a rush to explore how AI technologies might ll in gaps as funding has been cut.

“The rise of arti cial intelligence being deployed in more sensitive contexts brings some really important new ethical

and governance questions because it can actually exacerbate increasing inequalities, even when there were good intentions behind it,” said Madigan.

The key to not harming vulnerable communities is to involve them in every step of developing, deploying and assessing AI tools and to ensure that those tools do not replace frontline workers, she said.

Researchers like those at the Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in humanitarian action have studied some of the risks associated with using AI tools when interacting with sensitive populations or handling highstakes interactions, for example, in humanitarian contexts.

They recommend assessing whether AI is the best tool to solve the problem and, crucially, if it works reliably and accurately enough in high-risk settings. They also recommend assessing

tools for bias, considering privacy protections and weighing the cost of potential dependence on a speci c provider.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology also emphasizes that trustworthy AI systems should be accountable to users and that it should be possible to explain or trace how a tool arrived at a certain conclusion or decision.

Hooks emphasized that any AI tools NextLadder invests in will be shaped by the needs and feedback of these frontline workers. Tools that don’t work for them, won’t succeed, he said. Even with the potential risks of AI tools, he said it’s imperative that groups that are struggling to move up the economic ladder have access to new technologies.

“The idea that we would deprive those who are struggling in our country from the bene ts of the leading edge solutions is unacceptable,” Hooks said.

Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte returns in late August

The “PSL” is a fan favorite, loved (or hated) by many

By Dee-Ann Durbin

Associated Press

The

WANT A LITTLE autumn in your August? You’re in luck.

Starbucks said Monday that its Pumpkin Spice Latte will return to store menus in the U.S. and Canada on Aug. 26.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte is Starbucks’ most popular seasonal beverage, with hundreds of millions sold since the espresso drink’s 2003 launch. It’s also produced a host of imitations. Dunkin’ introduced pumpkin- avored drinks in 2007; it will beat Starbucks to market this year when its fall menu debuts Aug. 20. McDonald’s introduced a pumpkin spice latte in 2013.

Here’s a look at the Pumpkin

Spice Latte by the numbers:

100: Number of Starbucks stores that sold the Pumpkin Spice Latte during a test run

in Vancouver and Washington in 2003. The following year it launched nationally.

79: Number of markets where

Starbucks sold the Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2024. At the time, the company had stores in 85 markets around the world. It now operates in 88 markets.

$36.2 billion: Starbucks’ net revenue in its 2024 scal year, which ended last September. Starbucks’ net revenue was $4.1 billion in 2003, when the Pumpkin Spiace Latte rst went on sale.

33.8%: Increase in mentions of pumpkin spice on U.S. menus between the fall of 2014 and the fall of 2024, according to Technomic.

4: Number of spices in McCormick’s Pumpkin Pie Spice. They are cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice.

2022: The year Merriam-Webster added “pumpkin spice” to the dictionary. Less common, it said, is the term “pumpkin pie spice.”

3: The Pumpkin Spice Latte

was the third seasonal beverage introduced by Starbucks, after the Eggnog Latte and the Peppermint Mocha. Sept. 8: Date the Pumpkin Spice Latte went on sale in 2015. The on-sale date has edged earlier since then.

24%: Amount foot tra c rose at U.S. Starbucks last year on Aug. 22, the day the Pumpkin Spice Latte went on sale, according to Placer.ai. The company compared tra c that Thursday to the previous eight Thursdays.

45.5%: Amount foot trafc rose at Starbucks stores in North Dakota on Aug. 22, 2024, the most of any state, according to Placer.ai. Foot tra c in Mississippi rose the least, at 4.8%.

42,000: Number of members of the Leaf Rakers Society, a private Facebook group Starbucks created in 2018 to celebrate fall all year long.

PETER MORGAN / AP PHOTO

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte has become a seasonal phenomenon for the co ee powerhouse.

LINDSEY WASSON / AP PHOTO Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman poses for a portrait at the Gates Foundation campus in Seattle earlier this year.