1. In Jacksonville, home to many military families from nearby Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, the city is hosting “Stars, Stripes & Sounds” on June 14 at the Jacksonville Commons Festival Grounds.
Across North Carolina, communities are observing three important patriotic commemorations in June: Women Veterans Day (June 12), Flag Day (June 14), and the U.S. Army Birthday (June 14). Together, these observances recognize military service, national heritage and the sacri ces made by generations of Americans. Women Veterans Day honors the contributions of women who have served in the armed forces and commemorates the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act on June 12, 1948, which granted women permanent status in the U.S. military. North Carolina’s 2026 proclamation highlights the state’s long history of women’s military service, from the Revolutionary War to today’s armed forces. Flag Day marks the adoption of the United States ag on June 14, 1777, and encourages citizens to re ect on the values of freedom, democracy and national unity represented by the ag. Communities often celebrate with ceremonies, ag displays and veterans’ events. The same day also marks the birthday of the U.S. Army, founded on June 14, 1775, making 2026 the Army’s 251st year of service. Across North Carolina, military installations, veterans organizations and civic groups are recognizing the Army’s
WEST
from WNC, SC
Transylvania County Multiple re crews responded to a large structure re in Transylvania County near the North Carolina-South Carolina state line early Monday morning in the Cedar Mountain community.
According to Cedar Mountain Fire and Rescue President Jimmy Jones, all of the residents in the home were safely evacuated, and there were no injuries. He told local outlets that all of the crews from Transylvania County responded to the re, as well as crews from Henderson County and also Greenville County in South Carolina.
“The structure was fully involved when we arrived, and all of the residents were evacuated safely,” he said. Jones said crews fought the blaze for several hours and were nally able to get the re under control in the late morning. “The re caused a considerable amount of damage to the home,” he said. The cause is under investigation.
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2. Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington is hosting a “Raise the Flag | Own a Flag Flown Over Battleship North Carolina” event.
Army Birthday June 14
3. To mark the 251st birthday of the U.S. Army, North Carolina's largest military community, Fort Bragg, will recognize the occasion through military ceremonies, unit celebrations and community events.
PIEDMONT
Commissioners approve county budget, increase Winston-Salem property taxes
Forsyth County Forsyth County commissioners have passed a budget of more than $600 million, including an increase to the property tax rate and funding for the county school district. The budget will increase the property tax rate by 1.7 cents, bringing the rate to 55.4 cents per $100. The budget approved will give the school district a base budget of $179 million, as well as a “reserve account” of $1.3 million for exceptional children’s sta ng.
WGHP
Suspect sought after hit-and-run kills 5-year-old
Guilford County
The High Point Police Department is asking for the community’s help identifying a driver and vehicle after a 5-year-old boy was killed in a hit-and-run last Friday. Around 5 p.m., High Point 911 got a call about someone lying in the road near the intersection of East Russell Avenue and Hines Street, according to a HPPD news release. The driver left the scene, but investigators believe the suspect’s vehicle is a gray Ford Focus or Ford Fiesta, possibly from model years 2012-2018.
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O cials say perfume kidnapping scheme unveri ed
Randolph County The Randolph County Sheri ’s O ce is pushing back against a viral social media warning that claims women are being targeted by strangers o ering perfume samples as part of a kidnapping scheme. Deputies said they are not aware of any veri ed incidents of the alleged tactic occurring in Randolph County. The sheri ’s o ce also noted that similar warnings have circulated online for years in various forms, typically without con rmed details or supporting law enforcement reports. O cials are urging residents via social media to verify information before sharing it online. The sheri ’s o ce did not dismiss personal safety concerns entirely, encouraging people to stay aware of their surroundings and use caution when approached by strangers. Anyone who feels uncomfortable during an encounter or witnesses suspicious activity is asked to trust their instincts and contact law enforcement. Residents who believe a crime has occurred are urged to report it immediately.
EAST
Missing kayaker’s body recovered from lake
Halifax County The search for a missing Roanoke Rapids Lake kayaker came to an end after other kayakers found his body Saturday, according to the Halifax County Sheri ’s O ce. Angel Rafael Aparicio Martinez went missing on May 14 after the two-person kayak he and his friend were in capsized in the lake. Martinez’s friend was rescued by responders from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department. Local outlets report that Martinez gave the kayak’s only lifejacket to his friend before it overturned. Martinez is survived by a young daughter.
WXII
Convict accidentally released from Wayne County jail caught in Lee County
Wayne County A convicted felon who was accidentally released from the Wayne County Jail was captured when deputies in Lee County raided a home last week, o cials said in a press statement. The rearrest happened after deputies obtained a warrant for a Sanford home to search for Jonathon Michael Jackson, 39, where he was found inside a house and apprehended, the release said. Jackson faces multiple drug charges and child endangerment. There has been no update on the accidental release.
WNCN
Morehead City welcomes back anglers, visitors for Big Rock Carteret County The 68th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament o cially got underway Monday as anglers head o shore in pursuit of blue marlin and a share of millions in prize money. Fishing days for the tournament run June 8-13, with participating boats allowed to sh four of the six available days. Lines are scheduled to be in the water from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each shing day. Daily weigh-ins at Big Rock Landing are open to the public. Game sh are expected to arrive between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., while blue marlin weigh-ins will take place whenever qualifying sh are boated and return to the docks. The tournament kicked o over the weekend with the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament, which raises money for cancer research and local charitable causes. The annual competition is one of the nation’s largest and longest-running sport shing tournaments, and it has become a signature event on N.C.’s Crystal Coast, drawing anglers, spectators and tourists from across the country.
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Carolina join those unlocking more opportunities for students through the Education Freedom Tax Credit,” McMahon wrote. “Thanks to the legislature for standing strong for Tar Heel families!” McMahon included a previous post linking to her op - ed at North State Journal on the matter, which coincided with her visit to North Carolina earlier this year urging Stein to enroll the state in the program. Stein has maintained he wanted to receive o cial federal guidance rst, which he reiterated in his statement on the veto override.
“I vetoed House Bill 87 because at the time we were awaiting sound guidance from the federal government before opting in. Despite not receiving that guidance yet, the General Assembly decided to opt the state into the program,” Stein said.
“I see potential opportunities for public school students to bene t from this program. We are working on a solution to make it easy for North Carolinians like me who
Flesh-eating cattle parasite spreads beyond Texas as new cases found
Additional screwworm instances are expected to occur
By Je rey Collins
The Associated Press
THREE MORE cases of the New World screwworm have been con rmed, including one outside the main cluster in Texas, demonstrating the di culty of stopping a resurgent pest that could devastate the nation’s cattle industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Monday.
The screwworm is actually a y larva that eats living esh instead of dead material. The ies lay eggs in open wounds of animals like cattle, but wildlife, pets and occasionally even humans can be infested. The government has a program to breed sterile male ies and drop swarms of them from planes to mate with wild females, which kept screwworm contained at the southern end of Panama for decades.
So far, there are ve conrmed cases: three calves and a goat in Texas and a dog from neighboring Lea County, New Mexico. The dog, which the USDA initially reported as a Texas case, lives in New Mexico and was reclassi ed as the rst in that state. The animal’s travel history is being investigated.
The rst two screwworm cases were discovered last week in calves a few miles apart in south Texas. A case was announced Monday in a calf in La Salle County, southwest of San Antonio, and in a goat in Gillespie County, west of Austin.
Scientists expect new cases could pop up in the coming days and weeks, but it doesn’t mean screwworm is spreading rapidly, said Edward Burgess, a University of Florida entomologist who studies the y.
“When that rst case is seen, everyone is being vigilant and
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins holds a news conference with ranchers, researchers and o cials at the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, Texas, on Monday.
their eyes are on it more intensely,” Burgess said. “And when you are looking for something, you are more likely to see it.”
Screwworm gets its name from the maggots’ habit of burrowing — or screwing — into a wound, according to the USDA.
The agency and the U.S. cattle industry have been racing to prevent an outbreak since screwworm was detected in Mexico late in 2024. The USDA has been dropping sterile ies in south Texas since February and is working to both increase sterile y production in plants outside the U.S. and build a $750 million y factory in Texas.
So far, screwworm’s reappearance hasn’t greatly a ected beef prices, which are already near record levels because there are fewer cows in the United States. Although the parasite attacks live cattle, it does not infest meat or fruit. There are also
a dozen government-approved medications to treat livestock.
Canada temporarily stopped importing cattle, horses or other livestock from Texas on Friday. The parasites prefer humid areas where temperatures are at least 77 F, making them more of a summer problem up north.
Burgess said the long-term solution — breeding sterile male ies — is months away. Since wild female ies mate just once, if that encounter is with a sterile male, outbreaks can eventually be halted as the ies die out.
The goal is to have enough sterile ies to stop the pests from returning in 2027 after the winter kills o most of them, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said at a news conference at the U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville, Texas. Scientists are also working
on ways to sterilize only male ies to make the program even more e ective.
Texas o cials encouraged ranchers to keep a close eye on their herds and local wildlife. There are now a 24-hour screwworm hotline and a website and map for reported cases.
“This is a highly treatable condition if you act on it immediately,” Republican Gov. Greg Abbott said.
However, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller — who lost the recent Republican primary to a candidate backed by Abbott — said the federal response will take too long and risks crippling the cattle industry. Instead, he says a poison bait could eliminate the screwworm problem in a few months, even if the USDA and other experts say the bait hasn’t been proven e ective and could poison other
Anthropic urges industry coordination to allow ‘pause’ in AI development if risks grow
There are concerns humans could lose control of arti cial intelligence
By Kelvin Chan and Matt O’Brien
The Associated Press
ANTHROPIC is proposing that the world’s top articial intelligence companies come up with a coordinated way to pause development of advanced AI systems, warning the technology is improving so quickly there’s a risk humans would lose control.
The company behind the Claude chatbot said in a blog post Thursday that as cutting-edge AI gets increasingly faster at carrying out tasks, “it would be good for the world to have the option to slow or temporarily pause” its development.
Anthropic said its internal research institute plans to explore the issue in collaboration with others and “take actions” to help build the systems for a credible slowdown or pause, without being more speci c.
Anthropic rival OpenAI argued for a di erent approach in a report published last Wednesday, saying that “democratic governments — not private companies acting alone — must ultimately determine the rules, safeguards, and accountability mechanisms.”
“Our view is that decisions about the pace of AI innovation should not be left to any one lab, company, or special interest group,” it said.
AI models are getting faster, with rapid increases in how quickly they can carry out software tasks like coding on their own, Anthropic said in its post.
Based on current trends and
Anthropic is urging additional safeguards as arti cial intelligence expands and cybersecurity threats increase.
given enough computing power, an AI system could be able to design and develop its own successor, in what is known as “recursive self-improvement.”
Self-building AI would be a major technological milestone that would bring bene ts in science, healthcare and other areas, Anthropic said, but it “also might increase the risks of humans losing control over AI systems.” Some tech industry gures have long warned of such a scenario.
Anthropic’s post comes after a di erent warning this week from a team of researchers at the University of Toronto that showed how AI tools could be used to create a new kind of AI “worm” that adapts its hacking strategy as it spreads from device to device and takes over a vast computing network.
“I think it’s really important that people understand that it’s not just the biggest, most powerful language models that pose the security concerns,”
“Anything connected to the internet is now at risk because of how low the cost has become to mount these cyberattacks.”
Nicolas Papernot, University of Toronto
lead researcher
lead researcher Nicolas Papernot said in an interview.
The authors of the Anthropic post, company co-founder Jack Clark and Marina Favaro, head of its research institute, said the pause would be used to enable “societal structures and alignment research” to keep up with AI advances. Alignment is industry shorthand for making sure the technology matches human values and intentions.
The proposed coordination would let advanced AI labs verify that global rivals have ac-
Apple unveils new AI features with privacy focus
Cupertino, Calif.
Apple unveiled new arti cial intelligence features at its annual developers conference beginning Monday, the last one featuring CEO Tim Cook before he turns his post over to John Ternus in September. The Worldwide Developers Conference, which attracts thousands of developers from some 65 countries to Apple’s Silicon Valley headquarters, usually focuses on software, in contrast to the fall unveiling of the latest iPhones. Apple showed o updates on new AI features and capabilities with a focus on day-to-day use and privacy.
S&P 500 operator decides against fast-tracking “MegaCap” IPOs
S&P Dow Jones Indices has decided not to change its guidelines for including large “MegaCap” companies in its stock indexes. The index committee announced last Thursday that it considered feedback from market participants but chose to maintain its current criteria for the S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400 and S&P SmallCap 600. Unlike Nasdaq, which recently updated its guidelines to quickly add large companies after their IPOs, S&P believes its approach o ers substantial market coverage and sector balance. This decision comes as major AI companies in the U.S. prepare for signi cant IPOs.
Treasury warns banks of “red ags” tied to illegal aliens
tually stopped or slowed their work, “and that a bad actor could not use the auspices of a coordinated slowdown to jump ahead in secret.”
The company said a coordinated global mechanism is needed because without it a slowdown in AI development could let the “least cautious” players catch up and add to pressure on companies and governments as they make tough choices about AI safety.
Anthropic’s post comes as the company and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI race to sell shares on the stock market, in an IPO that could value Anthropic at nearly $1 trillion dollars.
Papernot noti ed Canadian cybersecurity authorities prior to releasing his report, which shows how researchers developed the worm in a laboratory by using an “open-source” AI tool that is easy for software developers to cheaply access and modify.
“In the past, cyber attackers would focus on targets that are very high value,” he said. “Banking systems, hospitals, electricity grids, water treatment systems, schools.”
Papernot agreed that there should be more collaboration between companies, government agencies and academic researchers to develop countermeasures as AI-powered hacking tools supercharge the search for computer vulnerabilities.
“That old laptop you have in your basement that you don’t check on regularly doesn’t seem like a very high-value target, but it can be used as a launch pad to attack these higher-value targets,” he said. “Anything connected to the internet is now at risk because of how low the cost has become to mount these cyberattacks.”
Washington, D.C. The Treasury’s nancial crimes unit is warning banks about the risks of serving people living in the country illegally. It is part of the Trump administration’s e orts to tighten immigration controls. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, issued guidance last Friday following an executive order by President Donald Trump in May. The order requires banks to scrutinize customers’ citizenship more closely. However, it is less aggressive than initially expected, as it does not mandate collecting citizenship information. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized preventing illegal aliens from exploiting nancial institutions.
French Gates donates $215M toward women’s health worldwide
Melinda French Gates is expanding her e orts to improve women’s health worldwide, pledging $215 million for contraceptive access and maternal care, as well as initiatives for middle-aged women. This brings her total donations for women’s health to more than $600 million in the past two years. French Gates emphasized that women’s health is fundamental to her work through Pivotal, her philanthropic and investment organization. The funding includes $40 million for mental health support in Africa and $10 million to improve menopause care in the U.S.
Broadway revivals, ‘Liberation’ win big at Tony Awards
Eighty-year-old John Lithgow earned his third Tony
By Mark Kennedy
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — “Schmigadoon!” an adaptation of an Apple TV series that gently mocks big, brassy Broadway shows, won the best new musical Tony Award on a night when actor John Lithgow and playwright Bess Wohl made history.
The musical parodies golden-age Broadway classics like “The Music Man” and “Oklahoma!” centered on a modern-day couple nding themselves in a “Brigadoon”-like fantasyland where the wholesome townspeople keep breaking into song. The win is a redemption for creator Cinco Paul, whose TV series was canceled after two seasons. He won Tonys for the score and the book Sunday.
“Sometimes singing, dancing, jokes and a happy ending are all you need,” said producer Lorne Michaels, the creator of “Saturday Night Live,” after the win.
The win for “Schmigadoon!” also completes what some uno cially call a “studio EGOT,” giving the producing company credits for winning awards at all four major ceremonies. Apple already has Emmys for comedies “Ted Lasso” and “The Studio,” the Oscar for best picture for “CODA” and a Grammy via Chris Stapleton’s contribution to the “F1” soundtrack.
Who took home Tony Awards
The prize for the best new play went to Wohl’s “Liberation,” about a consciousness-raising women’s group in 1970s Ohio, which earlier this year also won the Pulitzer Prize for drama.
Wohl’s play collects stories from second-wave feminists from all walks of life as they tackle misogyny, racism and traditional gender roles. Wohl is only the fourth woman to win a best play Tony, joining Wendy Wasserstein, Yasmina Reza and Frances Goodrich.
“I want to honor women everywhere who have the courage to use their voice,” said Wohl, who thanked her mom, daughters and female producers. “And to all the girls out there: May you speak your truth, and may the world be wise enough to listen.”
“Liberation” joins a list of 18 plays that have won the Pulitzer Prize for drama and the Tony Award in the same year.
The Tony for best play revival went to “Death of a Salesman,” Arthur Miller’s masterpiece that looks at the unraveling of the American Dream. It won the 1949 Tony for best new play and best revival crowns in 1984, 1999 and 2012.
It earned a leading six Tonys: “Roseanne” star Laurie Metcalf won her third Tony for playing Willy Loman’s wife opposite Nathan Lane in the revival, which also won for lighting, scenic design and sound design. Joe Mantello won best director for a play.
“Ragtime,” “Giant” and other standout plays
“Ragtime” — a big, soaring musical that depicts an America being remade by immigration, racial violence, industrial wealth and political unrest — won the best musical revival.
Caissie Levy, who was Broad-
way’s rst Elsa in “Frozen,” won her rst Tony for playing the matriarch of a wealthy suburban family in “Ragtime.” She thanked all the babysitters who let her become both a mother and a Broadway performer. Moments later, Joshua Henry, a four-time nominee, won his rst Tony as Coalhouse Walker Jr. in “Ragtime.” “Even in the face of pain and tragedy, he found a way to be heard,” Henry said of his character. “Every artist in this room, every artist at home, ght — ght to be heard.”
Lithgow won his third Tony for best lead actor in a play for “Giant,” playing children’s writer Roald Dahl in Mark Rosenblatt’s production set in 1983, when the author is facing intense backlash for his antisemitic comments. At 80, he is the oldest man ever to win a competitive acting Tony.
“Two Tony bookends with 53 years between them,” he said. “In those years, I have worked with hundreds of just fantastic theater artists. I’ve had dozens and dozens of ecstatic moments on the stage, but I have to tell you right now, this moment has got to be one of the best.”
Shoshana Bean, who won best featured actress in a musical for playing a single mom in “The Lost Boys,” echoed the themes of “Liberation” in her speech.
Marlon and Shawn Wayans returned for the horror parody
By Bob Garver The Sun
FROM THE FIFTH “Scream” movie proving a shockingly strong January release in 2022 to “Backrooms” opening to more than $81 million just last weekend, the past few years have been some of the best ever for the horror genre. So it makes sense that this would be a good time to revive the “Scary Movie” franchise and spoof some contemporary classics. And not only are franchise mainstays Anna Faris and Regina Hall back for this sixth installment after missing the fth, but originators Marlon and Shawn Wayans return after absences from the third, fourth and fth. Everything is in place for this silly movie to give its audience a seriously good time, but it turns out the movie itself is an unfunny joke.
Following an actually promising opening sequence featuring recent Golden Globe winner Teyana Taylor, the loose premise kicks in as a new Ghostface is terrorizing the families of Cindy Campbell (Faris) and Brenda Meeks (Hall). Cindy, now a parody of Jamie Lee Curtis in the recent “Halloween” reboot, has
estranged daughters Sara (Olivia Rose Keegan) and Tuesday (Savannah Lee Nassif), based on sisters Sam and Tara from the 2022 “Scream” (with Tuesday also a spoof of Wednesday Addams, because Jenna Ortega has played both Tara and Wednesday). Brenda, a parody of Octavia Spencer in “Ma,” has son Brad (Gregg Wayans) and nonbinary child Dei (Sydney Park), based on twins Chad and Mindy from the 2022 “Scream.” Since the 2022 “Scream” is apparently the only movie being parodied that the lmmakers have watched closely, you can probably guess how Sara’s boyfriend Jack (Cameron Scott Roberts) and Brad’s girlfriend Elle (Ruby Snowber) gure in.
Of course, Cindy and Brenda aren’t the only familiar faces. Brenda’s stoner brother Shorty (Marlon Wayans) still lives in town, attending the same school as his niece and nephew because he’s too stupid to graduate. Brenda’s ex-gay (though still very gay) ex-boyfriend Ray (Shawn Wayans) is also back in the picture. Other returning characters include bumbling Ofcer Doofy (Dave Sheridan, also the voice of Ghostface), reporter Gail Hailstorm (Cheri Oteri, here to parody Demi Moore in “The Substance”), weirdo Hanson (Chris Elliott, doing Nicolas Cage in “Longlegs”) and presumed original killer Bobby
John Lithgow accepts the award for best performance by a leading actor in a play for “Giant” during the 79th Tony Awards on Sunday in New York.
“This is for the mamas,” she said. “This is for the single mamas. This is for my single mama. You are the wild heroes. This is for the incredible army of women that surround and uplift me.”
“Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” which reimagines the 1980s classic feline musical as a celebration of queer ballroom culture, won for best direction of a musical by Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch.
“We honor the black and brown trans women and gay men who were ballroom’s pioneers, as well as today’s icons, and our cast of astonishing triple-threats, including people from their 20s to their 80s, and every decade in between,” Levingston said.
Lesley Manville, an Oscar nominee for “Phantom Thread,” won best lead actress in a play, making her Broadway debut in a modern retelling of Sophocles’ classic tragedy “Oedipus.”
Pink’s performance as host
Pink, the Tony’s host, started the show spinning and then dangling uncomfortably from a harness over the stage, dressed like Peter Pan. Former host Neil Patrick Harris stepped in to suggest the rst-time host just be herself.
“You’re Pink, Pink. You can do anything,” he told her.
After lifting Harris o the stage with her legs, Pink relented to his suggestion, added a top hat and belted out “Lady Marmalade” with contributions from dozens of performers, including Lea Michele and Megan Thee Stallion — and about 170 performers.
In her opening remarks, Pink, who has not yet gotten a Broadway credit, called herself theater’s second-biggest fan after her teenage daughter, Willow. “I’m not here just to steal people’s wigs, although I will be doing that. I’m here to celebrate the hardest-working people in show business,” she said.
“Schmigadoon!” and “Death of a Salesman” each went into the main telecast with a lead of three Tonys after a preshow on Pluto TV hosted by Laura Benanti and Tituss Burgess that announced the more technical awards. Qween Jean became the rst openly trans Tony winner ever for making the costumes for “Cats: The Jellicle Ball.”
Plenty of medleys, dance sequences
After the big opening number, Pink was generally a genial, exuberant gure, popping up in new out ts for a few self-deprecating bits, but then roaring to life when leading a very convincing “All That Jazz” as “Chicago” celebrated its 30th anniversary, with the pop singer nailing the Bob Fosse-inspired choreography.
The In Memoriam section was led by Leslie Odom Jr. singing a powerful “Without You” from “Rent,” honoring such lost gures as actors Robert Duvall, Robert Redford and Diane Keaton, as well as playwright Tom Stoppard. Rachel Zegler then stunned with a version of “What I Did For Love” from “A Chorus Line,” which last year celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Other performances included the original lead cast members of “The Book of Mormon” — Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells, Rory O’Malley and Nikki M. James — reuniting to celebrate its 15th anniversary.
(Jon Abrahams, o ering little more than a “Smile”).
The movie blows one opportunity after another to get in juicy gags about the recent glut of successful horror movies. “Sinners”? The movie can’t do more than set a series of sex jokes at a church and have corny white people show up uninvited at a black party. “Weapons”? This movie knows about “the run,” but can’t have its characters do anything funnier than yell “Six Seven” and get hit by a car, this franchise’s go-to lazy way of ending a scene. The only parody that really worked at my screening (and it did work — the audience was roaring) was of an animated movie that I’m not
sure quali es as “scary,” though I guess demons are in the vicinity of scary. There’s minimal heart at work in this new version of “Scary Movie” and even less brain. I know to expect “dumb” humor from this franchise, but the people who made this movie simply didn’t do their homework. Example: A character goes over the top with emotion in one scene, and another character corrects her: “Stop trying to win an Oscar. It’ll never happen for a horror movie. Just ask Demi Moore.” Yes, Moore did lose in her Oscar bid for “The Substance” (to 2022 “Scream” cast member Mikey Madison), but you know who did win an
Oscar for a horror movie? Amy Madigan for “Weapons.” I could overlook that blunder — even in a movie that parodies “Weapons” — if there hadn’t been a reference in the beginning of the movie to Teyana Taylor losing the Oscar that Madigan won. How can I care about this “Scary Movie” when it doesn’t care about its own scary movies?
Grade: C-
“Scary Movie” is rated R for crude sexual content, graphic nudity, strong violence, drug content and language throughout. Its running time is 96 minutes.
RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION / AP PHOTO
Olivia Rose Keegan arrives at the premiere of “Scary Movie” at the Paramount Theatre in Los Angeles.
CHARLES SYKES / INVISION VIA AP
Stanley Cup nal comes to Raleigh
Capacity crowds lled Lenovo Center, with thousands more outside at a watch party, while the Carolina Hurricanes played in their rst Stanley Cup nal game in 20 years. The Canes split the rst two games with the Golden Knights in two of the most exciting Cup games in recent years before heading back to Vegas to continue the series.
CUMBERLAND
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Mildred Jones Johnson a/k/a Mildred J. Johnson a/k/a Mildred M. Johnson Cumberland County Estate File No.
26E000811-250 All persons, rms and corporations
having claims against Mildred Jones Johnson a/k/a Mildred J. Johnson
a/k/a Mildred M. Johnson, Deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Barbara Gail Johnson, Executor of the Estate of Mildred Jones Johnson a/k/a Mildred J. Johnson a/k/a Mildred M. Johnson, at 3274 Rocky River Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312, on or before the 28th day of August, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of Mildred Jones Johnson a/k/a Mildred J. Johnson a/k/a Mildred M. Johnson are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 28th day of May, 2026. Barbara Gail Johnson, Executor of the Estate of Mildred Jones Johnson a/k/a Mildred J. Johnson a/k/a Mildred M. Johnson Williford McCauley - Attorney for the Estate of Mildred Jones Johnson a/k/a Mildred J. Johnson a/k/a Mildred M. Johnson Mailing address: P. O. Box 53606 Fayetteville, NC 28305 Physical address: 235 Green Street Fayetteville, NC 28301
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 25E000075 -250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Ella Jeanne Arno, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 11th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 11th day of June 2026. Jennifer L. Arno, Administrator of the Ella Jeanne Arno Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 06/11, 06/18, 06/25, 07/02 NOTICE
Legal Notice: Estate of Muriel Hogue Notice is hereby given that on the 19th day of May 2026, Letters Testamentary/ Administration were granted to the undersigned by the Cumberland County, North Carolina Probate Court for the Estate of Muriel Hogue, deceased (Estate File/Docket Number: 26E000827250) All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them to the undersigned at the address below on or before August 28th, 2026, or be forever barred. May 28st, 2026 Deborah Bushway P.O. Box 62 Acworth, NH 03601
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Wilbert Barefoot, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Caroliina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporation having claims against Wilbert Barefoot to present their claims in care of the undersigned Executor at the below address shown on or before September 10, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, rms and corporation indebted to Wilbert Barefoot, please make immediate payment to the Estate of Wilbert Barefoot.
This the 4th day of June, 2026. Name of Fiduciary: Sylvia B. Maxwell Fiduciary Capacity: Executor ESTATE OF WILBERT BAREFOOT, Deceased Sylvia B. Maxwell 600 Carolina Village Road, Apt. 279 Hendersonville, NC 28792 PUBLISH ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: June 4, 2026, June 11,2026, June 18, 2026 and June 25, 2026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor/Administrator of the Estate of Michael David Batson, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the September 11, 2026 deadline, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment. This the 11th day of June 2026. Jacob Lee Michael Batson, Personal Representative 1235 Tom Starling Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306 Estate of Michael David Batson, Deceased
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 26E000569 -250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Joyce Edwards Carter, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 2517 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305, on or before August 28, 2026, 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. Dated this 28th day of May, 2026. Lela C. Clark, Executor of the Estate of Joyce Edwards Carter NICOLE A. CORLEY MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A. N.C.
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E000405 -250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator cta of the Estate of Calvin Curry, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 21st day of August 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 21st day of May 2026. Wanda Michelle McDonald, Administrator cta of the Calvin Curry Estate Haymount Law, PC Attorney for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11
Notice To Creditors
The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Sylvia Davis Edwards, 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 28th day of August, 2026, (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 descendent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 28th day of May, 2026. James Edward Edwards II 1075 Cashwell Rd Autryville, NC, 28318 Of the Estate of Sylvia Davis Edwards, Deceased
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File No. 26E000303-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY
ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE
The undersigned having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of ERIC ALAN GORE, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 4th day of September, 2026 (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 persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This the 4th day of June, 2026. Erica Marie Gore Administrator of the Estate of Eric Alan Gore 121 Aviation Way Lebanon, TN 37090 910 -920 -5856
Notice to Creditors
The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Abadesa Ramos, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hearby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 28th day of August, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedant are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 28th day of May, 2026 Olivia Jean-Louis 1108 Contanche St., Apt. A, Greenville, NC, 27858 Of the Estate of Abadesa Ramos, Deceased
NOTICE
In the general court of Justice Superior Court Division before the Clerk Estate File #25E000677-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County Administrator Notice The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Kenneth Wendell Peterson, deceased, January 14, 2025 of Cumberland County. This is to notify all persons having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 4th day of September, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 4th day of June, 2026. Mailing Address for Claims Probate Court
CUMBERLAND PO Box 363 Fayetteville NC 28302 Administrator of the Estate of Kenneth Wendell Peterson
NOTICE TO CREDITORS:
All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of the deceased David Lonnie Jerkins of Fayetteville, North Carolina of Cumberland County are hereby noti ed to present them veri ed to the listed address below on or before 8/28/26, or this notice will be pleaded in bar for their recovery. All persons indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
Executor of Estate: David Matthew Jerkins (Executor of Estate of David Lonnie Jerkins) Address: 4565 River Pkwy Atlanta, Ga 30339 Apt E.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
The undersigned, having quali ed as Chasity Johnson of the Estate of Margaret Johnson, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before August 21st, 2026, (which is the date 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 the 21st day of May, 2026. Chasity Johnson Administrator / Executor 6277 Lakehaven Drive Fayetteville, NC 28304 In the Matter of the Estate of Margaret Johnson, Deceased.
EXECUTOR’S NOTICE
In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File # 26E000747-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Shirley B. Barefoot aka Shirley Barefoot Barefoot, Deceased 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 August 21, 2026 at 51 Bunnlevel Erwin Road, Bunnlevel, North Carolina 28323, 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 21st day of May, 2026 Charles D. Nowiski, Executor Estate of Shirley B. Barefoot aka Shirley Barefoot Barefoot, deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC Post O ce Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 (910) 485 -8899
05/21/2026, 05/28/2026, 06/04/2026 and 06/11/2026
NOTICE
ADMINISTRATOR’S
EXECUTOR’S NOTICE In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File #26E000870 -250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA County of Cumberland
The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of John H. Morrison, John Henry Morrison, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 4th day of September, (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 persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 4th day of June 2026. Betty Morrison 511 Canyon Court Fayetteville, NC 28303
Executor of the estate of John H. Morrison, John Henry Morrison, Deceased
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA
CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
Administrator’s Notice
26E000755 -250
The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Lisa M. Marchant, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 4th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 4th day of June 2026. John Warok, Executor for Lisa M. Marchant Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 06/04, 06/11, 06/18, 06/25
NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division County of Cumberland Estate File # 26E000814 -250
Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice
The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Mary Elouise Lambert a/k/a Mary Hudson Lambert , 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 28th day of August, 2026, (which is three months after the day of the rst publication of this Notice) or the Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 28th day of May, 2026.
Stephen B. Lambert Administrator 3910 Stone Street Hope Mills, NC 28348 Of the Estate of Mary Elouise Lambert a/k/a Mary Hudson Lambert, Deceased
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E000849 -250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Grace Elizabeth Jones, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 4th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 4th day of June 2026. Karla Dunigan, Administrator for Grace Elizabeth Jones Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600
Publish: 06/04, 06/11, 06/18, 06/25
NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of ROBERT LEON TAFT late 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 21 day of August , 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the said Estate, please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 13 day of May, 2026. Gabrielle Perkins Administrator 4759 Darroch rd Lillington, NC 27546
NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court Of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File # 26E000 -250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Marjorie Petty Johnson, decease, 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 28th day of August, 2026 (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 22nd day of May, 2026. Melissa Johnson Bradley Administrator/Executor 5220 Merriman Road Roanoke, VA 24018 Of the Estate of Marjorie Petty Johnson, Deceased
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Cumberland COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Estate File #26E000863-250 Executor’s Notice Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Jesus Guadalupe Sandoval, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claims to the undersigned on or before the 4th day of September 2026, (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 30th day of May, 2026. Carmen Sandoval, 928 Orchard Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28303, Executor of the estate of Jesus Guadalupe Sandoval, deceased June 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA
CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E000801-250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Glenn Kyle Johnson, Jr., deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 21st day of August 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 21st day of May 2026. Claire Alyce Johnson, Administrator of the Glenn Kyle Johnson, Jr. Estate Haymount Law, PC Attorney for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 05/21, 05/28, 06/04, 06/11
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA
CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 21E001283-250
The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Dorothy Howell Ray, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 4th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 4th day of June 2026. Alice Marie Shipman Fozard, Executor for Dorothy Howell Ray Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 06/04, 06/11, 06/18, 06/25
Administrator’s / Executor’s Notice State of North Carolina County of Cumberland IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Estate File #26E000868-250
The undersigned, having quali ed as Elyse Lynette Roach of the Estate of Ellis Leonard Roach, Jr., 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 11th day of September, 2026, (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 4th day of June, 2026 Signature: _Elyse Lynette Roach [Elyse Lynette Roach], Administrator/ Executor 7196 Beaver Run Drive Fayetteville, NC 28314 Of the Estate of Ellis Leonard Roach, Jr, Deceased
Notice to Creditors
Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Billy Earl Robinson, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the decedent to the undersigned at the address below on or before August 21, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment.
This the 14th day of May 2026. Sabrina Robinson, Executor Estate of Billy Earl Robinson 7616 Oakberry Drive Raleigh NC 27616
NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF FLORENCE W. TESCH
DECEASED ESTATE FILE: 26E000921-250 Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Florence W. Tesch, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before September 11, 2026 or be barred from their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate are asked to please make immediate payment. This 11th day of June, 2026 Donna T. Williams Executor 112 Conch St Holden Beach, NC 28462
NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA County
Cumberland Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Virginia Lee Terry, Late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 7536 McFrench Drive Fayetteville, North Carolina 28311 on or before August 28, 2026, 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. Dated this 19th day of May ,2026. Paula E Jencks Executor of the Estate of Virginia Lee Terry.
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 25E000851-250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Bruce Christopher Thompson, Sr., deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 11th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 11th day of June 2026. Shawanda Thompson, Administrator of the Bruce Christopher Thompson, Sr. Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 06/11, 06/18, 06/25, 07/02
NOTICE
FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28306 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18/26
payment. This 21st day of May, 2026. Janet H. West Administratrix CTA c/o ELIZABETH W. MURPHY KELLY, WEST & MURPHY, P.A. Attorneys at Law 900 South Main Street Post O ce Box
NOTICE
CUMBERLAND
J. WEST DECEASED 26E000305 -250
AND DEBTORS
CTA
of Betsy J. West, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before August 21, 2026, or be barred from their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate are asked to please make immediate payment.
This 21st day of May, 2026. Janet H. West Administratrix CTA c/o ELIZABETH W. MURPHY KELLY, WEST & MURPHY, P.A. Attorneys at Law 900 South Main Street Post O ce Box 1118 Lillington, North Carolina 27546
NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK Estate File: 26E000746 -250
ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Roy Wayne Walters, deceased, late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the August 28, 2026, (which date is three months after the day of the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleased in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 19th day of May, 2026. Rhonda W. Cottle, Administrator 4442 S. Main Street Hope Mills, NC 28348 Of the Estate of Roy Wayne Walters, Deceased
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
State of North Carolina Cumberland County In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Lerlene Walcott (Petitioner) v. Gale Walcott and Keith Walcott, Jr. (Respondents) File No. 25SP000894 -250 To: GALE WALCOTT 928 East 81st Street Brooklyn, NY 11236 Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you have been led in the aboveentitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is Petition to Partition real property located at 848 Durwood Drive, Fayetteville, Cumberland County, NC, Parcel ID 0429 -48- 6398 and being further described as follows: BEING all of Lot 78, ROLLINGWOOD, SECTION 2, according to the plat thereof,
SOLUTIONS FROM LAST WEEK
UNC heads to College World Series, B3
the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT
NBA Bulls broadcaster King, player on 3 of Chicago’s NBA championship teams, dead at 59
Chicago Stacey King, who played on three consecutive NBA championship teams with the Chicago Bulls from 1991-93 before returning to the organization as an Emmy-winning broadcaster, died at 59. King played from 1989-97 during an NBA career that also included stops in Minnesota, Miami, Boston and Dallas. He later spent more than two decades as a commentator on Bulls games and delighted fans with his memorable calls and nicknames.
TENNIS
Zverev, Andreeva win French Open
Paris Alexander Zverev is nally a Grand Slam champion. In his fourth major nal, Zverev beat Flavio Cobolli for the French Open title. Russian Mirra Andreeva, 19, ended the run of 114th-ranked Polish quali er Maja Chwalinska with a victory in the women’s nal, becoming the youngest player to win the women’s singles title since Monica Seles in 1992.
MLB Misiorowski throws 103.7-mph pitch, fastest by starter since tracking began in 2008
Denver Milwaukee Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski threw a 103.7-mph pitch, the fastest by a starter since tracking began in 2008. The 24-year-old right-hander played for the Carolina Mudcats in 2022 and 2023. Misiorowski has thrown the 12 fastest pitches by a starter since 2008. He threw 52 pitches 100 mph or faster in the game at Coors Field.
Staal thriving on hockey’s biggest stage
The Hurricanes captain has been the team’s top producer through three games
By Ryan Henkel North State Journal
JORDAN STAAL HAS been the heartbeat of the Carolina Hurricanes for a long time.
The 37-year-old centerman is a leader in every sense of the word for the organization, both on and o the ice.
A model of consistency, Staal is a player who never takes a day o , playing “the right way” every single game, and that’s what inspires the rest of his teammates to follow his lead.
“He leads by example, and
“We’re not here today without Jordan
I can promise you that.”
Rod Brind’Amour, Hurricanes coach
that means that he plays hard every game and leads us everywhere,” said Andrei Svechnikov. “He’s probably the hardest worker I’ve ever seen.”
That’s been the case for “Jordo” since he arrived in Raleigh 14 years ago, and it’s only continued to grow year after year, especially when he took on the captaincy starting in 2019.
He’s now led his team to the biggest stage in hockey.
“I’ve known Jordo for every year that he’s been here,” said Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour. “I’ve been with him and watched his maturation as a player, as a captain, as a leader, and as a person. It’s been pretty impressive. This guy is world class. I cannot say enough good things about him. We’re very lucky and super fortunate for a guy like that to be our leader.”
Staal has always been one of hockey’s most consistent play-
Hurricanes’ Daniels constant as Brind’Amour’s right-hand man
The longtime assistant brings experience and a soft touch to Carolina’s bench
By Cory Lavalette North State Journal
RALEIGH — Je Daniels starts each practice the same way. The Hurricanes assistant coach comes down the tunnel from the locker room, plucks a stick of gum from a bin near the bench door and steps onto the ice. He takes a stride toward the red line and ips the wrapper into the area between the benches. It’s a noticeable ritual for a longtime member of the Hurricanes family who is often in the background but is now on hockey’s biggest stage. Much is made of Brind’Amour’s ties to the franchise. Acquired in a trade by Carolina nearly 26½ years ago, Brind’Amour has become synonymous with the Hurri-
canes and Raleigh. He captained Carolina’s lone Stanley Cup team in 2006, married the daughter of an NC State icon and has rea rmed his legendary status over the last eight seasons by revitalizing
the franchise and leading it to the Stanley Cup nal. Daniels has even longer ties to the franchise. He was with the Whalers in 1996-97 and played two games for the Hurricanes the follow-
ers, and there are very few defensive specialists who are as good as him. He has been a top-10 nisher in voting for the Selke Trophy, given annually to the NHL’s best defensive forward, seven times in his career. And while he’s always been dependable for Carolina, in the Stanley Cup nal, he’s taken his game to another level. Fresh o his rst 20-goal season since 2016, the Hurricanes
See STAAL, page B3
“We both call Raleigh home, so it was personal for us to get it back on track.”
Je Daniels, Hurricanes assistant coach
ing year in their rst season in North Carolina. He returned to the franchise in 1999 and has been part of it since: as an assistant coach on the ’06 Cup team, an AHL head coach and general manager in two cities, and a scout.
When Brind’Amour was hired in 2018, one of his rst moves was to bring Daniels back to the Hurricanes’ bench.
“I was scouting the game in Charlotte, and he was down to watch it, and we talked a little bit up the stands,” Daniels said. “And I think we both were on the same page on how he wanted to do things, and I completely agree with it. I jumped at the opportunity to get back here and work with Roddy.”
Like it was for Brind’Amour, it was more than a job for
STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Je Daniels returned to the Hurricanes bench in 2018, reuniting with Rod Brind’Amour as an assistant coach — the same role he held when Brind’Amour captained Carolina to its only Stanley Cup in 2006.
STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL
Jordan Staal (11), Jordan Martinook (48) and Nikolaj Ehlers celebrate a goal during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final June 2 in Raleigh.
STAN GILLILAND FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL Jordan Staal has scored a goal in each of the rst three games of the Stanley Cup nal.
Staal.
THURSDAY 6.11.26
TRENDING
Ned Jarrett: The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and longtime broadcaster died of natural causes at his home in Newton at 93. Jarrett entered the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2011 after 50 career wins, including championships in 1961 and 1965. His son, Dale, won the Cup Series in 1999, making them the second father-son combination with championships, joining the Pettys.
Nyan Brown:
The Mallard Creek runner’s disquali cation for celebrating a state title as he crossed the nish line has been overturned. After an appeal, the NCHSAA named the school Class 8A co-state champions and co-winners of the 4x400-relay along with the schools initially awarded the wins. Brown was penalized for holding up ve ngers to signal Mallard Creek’s consecutive indoor and outdoor state titles.
LuJames Groover:
The former NC State and Charlotte in elder and second-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft made his big league debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks after being called up from Triple-A Reno. He went 0 for 4 in his MLB debut Friday, then got his rst hit the following day. Groover played for the 49ers in 2021 and the Wolfpack in 2022 and 2023.
Beyond the box score
POTENT QUOTABLES
“Pay Danhausen human money to uncurse
this team.”
WWE wrestler Danhausen on X after the Vegas Golden Knights played a Cameo video of Danhausen casting a curse on the Carolina Hurricanes on the scoreboard.
“Reports of my demise or retirement are greatly exaggerated.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, when asked on his 74th birthday about the succession plan for his job.
PRIME NUMBER
Shifts skated by Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup nal for a total of 35:47, two days after taking a puck to the face o an 87.3-mph shot from Carolina’s Nikolaj Ehlers.
NASCAR
Denny Hamlin went from the rear to rst again, winning at Michigan International Speedway to earn his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory. Just like last week’s win when he was penalized for jumping the start, Hamlin quali ed rst at Michigan but dropped to the back at the green ag because of a penalty for unapproved adjustments. He took the lead with 38 laps remaining.
J.T. Poston won the Memorial, just not the way anyone have imagined. The Hickory and Western Carolina product lost a four-shot lead before winning in a playo against Ryan Gerard. The victory gives Poston, who now has four PGA Tour victories, a spot in the next three majors.
Ten-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson is retiring from the NFL to take a job with CBS Sports. He’ll be an analyst on CBS’s Sunday NFL pregame show. The former NC State quarterback played 14 seasons with Seattle, Denver, Pittsburgh and the New York Giants.
The Aug. 29 NC State-Virginia football game won’t be the rst college football game played in South America. Event organizers determined the game could not be conducted in Rio de Janeiro, and the game was moved from Brazil to the Cavaliers’ home eld. The ACC, schools, ESPN and the NCAA are working to keep the game on the scheduled date.
STAN GILLILAND FOR NSJ
PAUL SANCYA / AP PHOTO
KARL DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO
Hull sends UNC to Omaha with walk-o double
The Tar Heels are in the CWS for the 13th time
By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal
BY THE TIME North Carolina center elder Owen Hull walked up to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning of Sunday’s Super Regional nale, the Tar Heels were safe.
All the missteps leading up to that point — Walker McDu e giving up a grand slam to lose Game 1 and the crucial fth-inning home run by Southern California’s Andrew Lamb to put the Trojans ahead by two in Game 3 — no longer mattered. For Hull, the choices were to get on base, go to extra innings or send the Tar Heels to Omaha, and the rst two could’ve led to the last option eventually.
But Hull chose to speed up the process.
Facing two outs with two runners on base in a game tied at three runs apiece, Hull smashed a double to deep left eld, scoring Carter French and walking o UNC’s second College World Series appearance in three seasons with a 4-3 win.
“I think they were just trying to throw an extra fastball away, and he was aggressive,” UNC coach Scott Forbes said. “Reminded me of the same type of swing that Michael Busch started to take as he progressed in his career. But man, that was an unbelievable moment for me to watch that ball fall and watch (French) cross that plate.”
The build up to the comple -
tion of UNC’s comeback was a journey of second chances.
With UNC trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the eighth inning, Macon Winslow, who was 0 for 2, landed his rst hit of the game to score Hull and bring the Tar Heels within one run.
Then in the top of the ninth inning, McDu e relieved Jackson Rose on the mound with one out. McDu e, making his rst appearance since Game 1, hit his rst batter on an 0-2 count, but he kept the Trojans scoreless with the help of his defense making two outs on ground balls.
“Kid’s a stud,” Forbes said of McDu e. “I saw his mom and
dad coming o the elevator after Friday and they looked pretty dejected, and I said, ‘Hey, he’s going to be out there at a big moment.’ You probably don’t want to hear that because your heart rate’s going to go up even more, but, you know, that happens. I tell our guys all the time you can’t be a late-inning reliever without a really short memory.”
Following a groundout to start the bottom of the ninth inning, Cooper Nicholson walked, forcing USC to relieve Adam Troy with Chase Herrell on the mound.
French singled to right eld to send Nicholson to third, and in
the next at-bat, Jake Scha ner’s sac y allowed Nicholson to tag up and score the tying run.
Gavin Gallaher preceded Hull’s at-bat with a walk.
With a 2-0 count, Hull popped the ball up beyond the left foul line and in reach for a possible third out, but USC third baseman Maddox Riske misjudged its fall. Instead of walking back to the dugout for the 10th inning, Hull got back in the batter’s box and got the game-winner to land fair on the next pitch.
“I have no words to describe it,” Hull said. “I’m out here having as much fun as I can, and there’s no other group of boys and a coach that I’d rather play
“I have no words to describe it.”
Owen Hull
for, and I love this team so much.”
Hull nished the game 4 for 5 with four doubles, two RBIs and a run. McDu e earned the win on the mound despite Caden Glauber starting and pitching the rst seven innings.
After USC’s o ense had its way in a 9-5 Game 1 decision, UNC pitcher Jason DeCaro hushed the Trojans’ bats in the Tar Heels’ 4-0 Game 2 victory.
DeCaro struck out eight batters, walked one and allowed two hits in a complete game.
“They’re an aggressive team, so just going right after guys,” DeCaro said after Game 2. “Before that ninth inning, Coach Gaines came up to me, and he was like, ‘You’re in control, so pitch like it.’”
UNC will start its 13th College World Series against Ole Miss on Friday at 7 p.m.
Last year, the Tar Heels found themselves in a similar situation of hosting Game 3 of the Super Regional. They landed on the other side of a 4-3 decision to Arizona, ending a promising season in disappointing fashion.
Now a quest for redemption starts for the events of 2024.
“Failure is the best teacher,” Forbes said. “I’ve learned as a coach to not let it take a loss to be focused on what I need to be focused on, but you know, it can set you up for greater things.”
UNC hopes trip No. 13 to Omaha turns into lucky one
By Shawn Krest North State Journal
FOR THE FIFTH time in six years, a team from North Carolina is headed to the College World Series. The North Carolina Tar Heels head to Omaha as one of eight teams competing for the NCAA baseball title. The Heels also went in 2024 and are making their 13th trip to Omaha, the second-most College World Series berths by any team that has yet to win a title.
The Heels rst made the trip to Omaha in 1960. Their rst win in Omaha came in 1978. After going in 1989, the team was shut out of the CWS for 17 years. The new century opened a golden age for the program, as UNC went seven times in a 13-year span, including four straight years from 2006 to 2009. Carolina was national runner-up in 2006 and 2007. After also going in 2011, 2013 and 2018, UNC has a six-year drought before the current cluster of CWS berths.
The Tar Heels enter play in Omaha with a 19-25 record in the College World Series over the history of the program. It’s the second-most wins by any team in this year’s eld, behind Texas’ 88-65 mark. The Longhorns have also won the event six times, most recently in 2005.
Half the eld has previously won the College World Series. Joining Texas are Ole Miss, winners in 2022, Oklahoma — two-time winners, most recently in 1994 — and Georgia, which won in 1990.
Those four former champi-
STAAL from page B1
captain is continuing to produce with goals in each of the rst three games of the series with the Golden Knights.
He’s just the second player his age or older to accomplish that feat, and Staal’s production has almost exclusively been all in clutch moments.
The veteran centerman scored an equalizer in Game 1, a late, go-ahead goal in Game 2, and he not only helped spur the Canes’ four-goal rally in Game 3 with the third goal in a 39-second span, but he also had the primary assist on Svechnikov’s
ons have something else in common — they all come out of the SEC, which also sent Alabama to Omaha. UNC is one of three non-SEC teams to advance, joining rst-time CWS competitors West Virginia, out of the Big 12, and Troy from the Sun Belt.
The Tar Heels also have the second-most wins of any team in the eld for the current season, entering with a 50-12-1 mark. Georgia has one more win than the Heels.
Play begins Friday in the double-elimination tournament to get down to a championship series between the nal two teams. Here’s a look at the eld.
Georgia
The Bulldogs were the No. 3 national seed in the NCAA Tournament and are the top remaining seed. Georgia is the early favorite to win the CWS, although
tying goal to force overtime. “I think he’s somebody that relishes in these opportunities,” said alternate captain Jordan Martinook. “He knows how important these games and this time of year is. It brings the best out of people, and obviously he’s one of the guys that it brings the best out in.”
Staal is no stranger to scoring in the nal either, having potted three goals also across two trips to the nal with Pittsburgh in 2008 and 2009. But beyond the goals, Staal is also continuing to play the dominant defensive game he’s been known
UNC’s Jake Scha ner runs to rst base during an NCAA Tournament game.
the Bulldogs got a tough draw, with three of the top four remaining seeds in their half of the bracket. Georgia barely survived its super regional series with Mississippi State, needing an eighth inning rally to win the rst game 13-12 and a ninth-inning rally to send Game 2 to extras, where the Dawgs won 11-9. Georgia is led by Daniel Jackson, the rst catcher in NCAA history to have 25 homers and 25 steals in a season. He also won the Triple Crown and was SEC Player of the Year.
UNC
The Tar Heels entered as the No. 5 seed. UNC got a very bene cial draw in the CWS bracket, needing to oust one other ranked team — No. 16 West Virginia — to reach the championship series. The Heels also have both CWS rst-timers in
for throughout his career.
Through three games, the Hurricanes captain has been on the ice for two ve-on- ve goals against (three for) despite getting the toughest matchups on the team.
Staal has also outchanced his opponents 53-38 overall in his minutes, and with a 66.2% faceo win rate, he’s allowing his team to control possession almost constantly while he’s on the ice.
“He’s obviously been leading us all playo s,” Brind’Amour said. “Just watch how he’s playing. That’s all you have to see. He has an advantage. He’s a
19-25
UNC’s all-time CWS record, the second-most wins in this year’s eld
their half of the bracket. UNC went undefeated in its regional, then dropped the opener to USC in the supers. The Tar Heels needed a ninth-inning rally in Game 3 to earn the trip. Shortstop Jake Scha ner and pitcher Jason DeCaro are the Tar Heels to watch.
Texas
The Longhorns were seeded No. 6 in the tourney and have yet to lose, scoring 10 or more runs in three of their ve games. Texas, making its 39th CWS appearance, is led by out elder Aiden Robbins and pitcher Dylan Volantis.
Alabama
The Crimson Tide received the No. 7 seed and also haven’t lost in the NCAAs this year. They also haven’t scored less than seven runs in their tournament run. Shortstop Justin LeBron, who had 40 steals this year to go with 16 homers, is the top player on the team.
West Virginia
The Mountaineers were the
big man, and this is a big man’s game. But he’s dragging us into this for sure.”
What’s even more impressive is just the way that Staal has been able to be so e ective at an age where many players’ careers have trailed o . It all goes back to his consistency and the way he prepares himself physically and mentally for the everyday grind of life and hockey.
“He takes care of himself so well,” said Martinook, who’s played alongside Staal for eight seasons.
“He’s in incredible shape, and he just doesn’t cheat the game.”
16th national seed and were the rst team in the CWS eld after sweeping Cal Poly with 29 runs in two games. Players to watch include catcher/second baseman Gavin Kelly and pitcher Maxx Yehl.
Troy
The Trojans hosted a super regional despite not hosting a regional after upsets knocked out ve of the top six seeds in that section of the bracket. At 32-29 entering the tournament, they were a bit of a surprise at-large team. Troy is led by second baseman Aaron Piasecki, a .350 hitter who rarely swings and misses. DH Jabe Borho also has more homers and RBIs in the NCAA tourney than he did all season.
Oklahoma
The Sooners were one of two CWS teams to be on the road for both the regional and super regional rounds, opening play in Atlanta before playing at Kansas. The Sooners knocked o the Big 12 champion Jayhawks by a combined 21-3 score. Catcher Brendan Brock is the Sooner to watch.
Ole Miss
The Rebels were the other CWS team that didn’t host either weekend. Ole Miss went from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Auburn. Ole Miss has yet to lose in the tournament and is led by pitcher Cade Townsend.
“It’s also his mental approach to life,” Brind’Amour said. “He takes every day as it comes and tries his best. He takes his job seriously, and he’s a special athlete. I can’t say enough good things. He’s 37, but he’s playing like he did when he was 27, and it’s because he cares about what he’s doing.”
Staal has been a constant for Carolina, a leader who embodies the system and the commitment the team demands, and he’s been one of the main driving forces for the team’s success.
“We’re not here today without Jordan Staal,” Brind’Amour said. “I can promise you that.”
BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO
UNC’s Owen Hull, pictured in March, sent the Tar Heels to the College World Series with a walk-o hit.
BEN MCKEOWN / AP PHOTO
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament underway in Morehead City
The annual competition runs through Saturday
By Jesse Deal North State Journal
MOREHEAD CITY — The 68th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament opened its main shing competition this week as two qualifying blue marlin reached the scales at Big Rock Landing.
The tournament, held along the Morehead City waterfront, began its main shing days on Monday and runs through Saturday.
Boats from across the country headed o shore in pursuit of blue marlin and a share of the tournament’s $9.04 million purse; participating boats may sh four of the six days, with lines in the water from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
The rst blue marlin of the tournament arrived at the scales Monday afternoon, giving Morehead City-based Savanna Leigh the early lead. Tournament o cials said the boat rst reported a hookup at 9:42 a.m. before boating the sh at 11:56 a.m.
Savanna Leigh reached Big Rock Landing shortly before 2 p.m., where the blue marlin weighed 439.2 pounds. The sh was the early rst-place
“There’s a lot of excitement in the air this year.”
Tommy Bennett, Big Rock Charity Committee chairman
catch and was worth $5.6 million as of Monday.
“We had an idea that she was legal, over 400 pounds,” said Troy Pate, captain of Savanna Leigh. “I knew it was a legal sh, so it was just a matter of whether we wanted to quit what we were doing.”
Savanna Leigh was one of 219 boats shing as the tournament opened its main competition.
Free Ranger also brought a blue marlin to the dock after hooking up at 12:09 p.m. Tournament o cials announced the sh had been boated at about 1:27 p.m. It weighed 436.2 pounds, putting Free Ranger in second place behind Savanna Leigh.
Both catches fell short of qualifying for the Fabulous Fisherman prize of $871,250, which requires a sh weighing more than 500 pounds.
“The way this thing is set up, if you catch the right sh at the right time, you could win
$6.2 million,” said Tommy Bennett, chairman of the Big Rock Charity Committee. “There’s a lot of excitement in the air this year. There’s a Super 20 category that was not won last year. It’s a very speci c pot of money — $1.4 million was left on the table last year, and now it’s rolled over into this year.”
The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is one of the nation’s largest and longest-running sport shing tournaments, and it has become a signature event on the state’s Crystal Coast.
Daily weigh-ins at Big Rock Landing are open to the public. Game sh are generally expected between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., while qualifying blue marlin are weighed as they return to the docks.
Monday also produced several early leaders in the gamesh divisions.
In the tuna division, Peggy took the top two spots. Doug Abrams weighed a 34-pound tuna, while Beau Abrams followed with a 29.6-pound tuna.
The wahoo division also saw movement on Day 1. Cullen Sharpe, shing aboard Magic Moment, moved into rst place with a 53.4-pound wahoo. John Seegers, aboard End Game, followed in second with a 38.2-pound wahoo.
In the dolphin division, Keaton Gilleece, sh-
ing aboard Doc Fees, weighed a 66.1-pound dolphin. If the sh holds, it would be worth $569,500 in the Parker Boats Level VII Dolphin winner -take-all division. David Allard, aboard Gamekeeper, was in second place with a 42.2-pound dolphin.
The tournament weekend began with the 29th annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament, which supports cancer research and local charitable causes. The Lady Angler event wrapped up Saturday with a eet of 252 boats recording 123 releases: 33 blue marlin, 37 white marlin and 53 sail sh.
Bobojo nished rst in the Level I and Level III bill sh release winner-take-all divisions. The crew released four blue marlin and one sail sh to secure the top spot on the
Knicks fever sweeps New York for NBA Finals
Celebrities and New York royalty show up to support the Knicks
By Stephen Whyno and Brian Mahoney
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Inside Madison Square Garden, Spike Lee wore a Knicks jersey with Pope Leo’s name on the back. On the concourse and the street, fans in blue and orange cheered and chanted. Watch parties sprung up all over the city, including one at a Brooklyn funeral home. Knicks fever reached a new peak Monday night, with New York hosting Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Shouts of “Let’s go Knicks!” and “Knicks in four!” were heard throughout midtown Manhattan, with spirits up even as tight security measures for the presence of President Donald Trump caused hourslong lines to get in.
The excitement extended until just about the nal buzzer, when the Spurs nished o a 115-111 victory that ended New York’s 13-game postseason winning streak. San Antonio trimmed its series de cit to 2-1 and avoided getting pushed to the brink of elimination. With the Knicks in the nals for the rst time since 1999 and leading the best-of-seven series 2-0, their rst home game this round was a hot ticket. The get-in price exceeded the average cost of rent in the biggest U.S. city.
Daniels to get the Hurricanes back to relevance.
“We’ve been through some good times,” Daniels said. “We won a Cup, we saw the team struggle a bit. We both call Raleigh home, so it was personal for us to get it back on track.”
During Brind’Amour’s eight seasons, all playo berths, the one constant at his side on the bench has been “Killer.”
The story behind the nickname for the genial, soft-spoken Daniels — he also goes by JD — goes back to COVID-19.
“A couple guys had it, so they had to get skated, and I think it was (Brett Pesce) and Nino (Niederreiter),” Daniels said.
“This is my son here, so taking him to the nals, you can’t really put a price on the experience,” said Greg Weldon, who ew in from Florida to attend a nals game as he did when New York won it all in 1970 and ’73. “It’s like that commercial: The tickets, ridiculous; the hassle getting in, ridiculous — the experience, priceless.”
The cheapest upper-deck seats available were going for over $5,000 on resale platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek and VividSeats. The experience of being court-
“Great players, great people — they didn’t want to get skated. So I had to skate them. … So I don’t know if it was Pesh or Nino who started calling me Killer, and the guys just stuck with it.”
It’s an ironic nickname for a coach who seems to be universally adored by the Carolina players.
“I love dealing with him every day,” Seth Jarvis said. “He puts up with me a lot, which is amazing. But the work he does with the forwards, the video, the stu you guys don’t see behind the scenes, the after-practice work, he’s awesome.”
Svechnikov, who has worked with Daniels since being the second overall draft pick in 2018, echoed that sentiment, calling
side carried a $75,000 price tag.
“I don’t care who you are, that’s a lot of money for a ticket,” said guard Jose Alvarado, a New York native who was planning a viewing party in Brooklyn and pointed out his Queens high school also is hosting one. “People that could afford it, we’re grateful with them coming out, and it just shows you our team is really special and we’re doing something here that hasn’t been done in a long time.”
The hoopla for Game 3 included the appearance by Trump,
him “an unbelievable person, just fun to be around.”
Jarvis and Svechnikov are among several of the Hurricanes’ players who have beneted from working with Daniels, who Brind’Amour says is responsible for molding young players into polished NHLers — contributors who have helped lead the team back to a Cupnal.
“He’s the guy that’s really brought along all these young players,” Brind’Amour said. “He sits with them every day, goes over everything. Svechnikov, since he’s been here eight years, every day. Every game sitting with him and Jarvis and Blake. He takes all the guys and works with him.”
booed by fans when he was shown on arena video screens. Also in attendance was New York mayor Zohran Mamdani. A-list Big Apple royalty included Yankees Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, Giants two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Eli Manning and Knicks Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing. The celebrity guest list was also long. In addition to Lee, well-known Knicks fans Ben Stiller and Timothee Chalamet were courtside, as were New York-based performers DJ Khaled and Fat Joe. Showing up
It’s a role Daniels has embraced.
“That’s the most enjoyment for me is just working with those young guys,” Daniels said.
Daniels, a few weeks shy of his 58th birthday, spent seven seasons as a head coach with Carolina’s AHL a liates in Albany and Charlotte teaching younger players, but the role of an NHL assistant is often also about being a positive sounding board.
“As an assistant coach, you’ve just got to follow up,” Daniels said. “When the head coach has those conversations, whether it’s one on one or calls a guy out in a group setting, just follow up and just be that good cop or just that positive mindset. ‘Hey, it happens, over
leaderboard, winning $117,513. Outnumbered moved into second place after releasing a blue marlin with seven minutes left in shing. The crew released three blue marlin and earned $28,942.50. Shenandoah nished third with two blue marlin and two sail sh released, earning $19,295.
In the dolphin division, Marsh Madness claimed the top prize with a 53.4-pound dolphin, earning $123,420. The payout included $19,295 in Level I and $104,125 in the Level II winner-take-all category. Sensation nished second with a 32.9-pound mahi and earned $12,863.33. In the wahoo division, Miss Cassea led the way with a 50.5-pound wahoo and earned $19,295. Honey Hush nished second with a 47.6-pound wahoo, earning $12,863.33.
“I don’t care who you are, that’s a lot of money for a ticket.”
Knicks guard Jose Alvarado on the $75,000 price tag
for the nals were actor Daniel Radcli e, “Law & Order SVU” co-stars Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni, comedian Dave Chappelle and pro wrestler Danhausen, who earned attention by cursing, then un-cursing the Knicks during their run to the nals.
Trump’s presence led to the cancellation of a planned watch party outside the arena. There was instead one a few blocks away in Bryant Park, which included police intervening in at least one altercation among people gathered, according to video from the scene.
O cers also shut down an unauthorized viewing party when the game was projected onto the side of a building on 33rd Street not far from The Garden.
The possibility of a sweep drove ticket prices up to more than $10,000 apiece over the weekend, and the price is about the same for an if-necessary Game 6, which is more likely now after San Antonio guaranteed a Game 5 back in Texas.
Fewer than 20,000 people will get the opportunity to attend each night in the Big Apple. Alvarado knows far more will be watching on television all over.
“The people that can’t a ord it, we improvise,” he said. “We’re New Yorkers. We’re going to nd a way to watch a game, and that’s what we’re doing.”
and done with. Let’s move on, and let’s be great the next day.’” Jordan Martinook said Daniels “is always there,” be it on the bench, at practice or in the lm room.
“I feel like him and Roddy really bounce a lot of stu o each other, and he’s just dialed in on the bench,” Martinook said.
Daniels was there when Brind’Amour the player lifted the Stanley Cup in 2006. Two decades later, he’s again with Brind’Amour trying to do it again.
“He bleeds Carolina Hurricanes because he’s been here for so long,” Eric Robinson said, “and I think that passion shines through.”
DANIELS from page B1
COURTESY BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN TOURNAMENT
The Savanna Leigh crew poses with the rst blue marlin of the 2026 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO
Filmmaker and famous Knicks fan Spike Lee cheers Monday during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Je rey R. Baker, having quali ed on the 15th day of May, 2026, as Administrator of the Estate of Iris Faye Baker (26E000610-640), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 31st day of August, 2026, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 28th day of May 2026. Je rey R. Baker Administrator ESTATE OF IRIS FAYE BAKER David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: May 28, 2026 June 4, 2026 June 11, 2026 June 18, 2026
NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, CHRISTOPHER BULLARD, having quali ed as the Administrator of the Estate of JOANNE HELTON BRYAN, Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said CHRISTOPHER BULLARD, at the address set out below, on or before August 20, 2026, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same. All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below. This the 15th day of May, 2026.
CHRISTOPHER BULLARD Administrator OF ESTATE OF JOANNE HELTON BRYAN c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Monica A. Carroll, having quali ed on the 3rd day of June, 2026, as Executor of the Estate of Marilyn F. Collins (26E000657-640), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 14th day of September, 2026, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 11th day of June 2026. Monica A. Carroll Executor ESTATE OF MARILYN F. COLLINS
David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: June 11, 2026 June 18, 2026 June 25, 2026 July 2, 2026
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Je rey P. Hamill, having quali ed on the 29th day of May, 2026, as Executor of the Estate of Jo A. Hamill (26E000635-640), deceased, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said Estate that they must present them to the undersigned at DAVID E. ANDERSON, PLLC, 9111 Market Street, Suite A, Wilmington, North Carolina, 28411, on or before the 14th day of September, 2026, or the claims will be forever barred thereafter, and this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons, rms, and corporations indebted to said Estate will please make prompt payment to the undersigned at the above address. This 11th day of June 2026. Je rey P. Hamill
Executor ESTATE OF JO A. HAMILL David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: June 11, 2026 June 18, 2026 June 25, 2026 July 2, 2026
NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 24CVS000935-640
JAMES LIONELLE, CHRISTIE LIONELLE.and GINA GITTO, Individuals Plainti s, Vs. BONNIE L. GITTO, Absentee Defendant
AMENDED NOTICE AND ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE TO: BONNIE L. GITTO AND ALL PERSONS WHO WOULD HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF BONNIE L. GITTO IF SHE WERE DECEASED:
Take notice that Plainti s have led an action under N.C.G.S. Chapter 28A alleging that Defendant BONNIE L. GITTO has been missing from her place of residence since May of 2018 and that her whereabouts remain unknown. Plainti s demand that the Court appoint JAMES LIONELLE as the permanent receiver of Defendant’s property and that the Court ultimately determine whether Defendant has died, and if so, issue a nding that she is dead. The Court has appointed JAMES LIONELLE temporary receiver and he has led the required inventory of Defendant’s property. All persons who claim an interest in Defendant’s property if she were dead shall le a written statement of the nature and extent of the interest claimed in the property with the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court, 316 Princess Street, Wilmington, N.C. 28401 not later than June 26, 2026. The Defendant and all such persons shall appear before the Court at the New Hanover County Courthouse, 316 Princess Street, Wilmington, N.C. on July 6, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. and show cause why a permanent receiver should not be appointed to hold and dispose of the property under the provisions of Chapter 28C. This hearing will be held in courtoom 400. THIS the 22nd of May, 2026 5/22/2026 10:35:27 AM Superior Court Judge Ricardo Jensen
NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned, CAROLINE STODDART, having quali ed as the Administrator of the Estate of ANNE CECILIA PRATA, Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said CAROLINE STODDART, at the address set out below, on or before August 20, 2026, or this notice may be pleaded in bar of any payment or recovery of same.
All persons indebted to said Decedent will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below.
This the 15th day of May, 2026.
CAROLINE STODDART Administrator OF ESTATE OF ANNE CECILIA PRATA
c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405
RANDOLPH
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having quali ed as Administrator CTA of the Estate of Vicki Ellen White Buie aka Vicki Ellen Buie, late of Randolph County, North Carolina and Volusia County, Florida, 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 Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before September 7, 2026, 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 4th day of June, 2026
Kelly Boyd aka Kelly Grace Evans Boyd Administrator CTA of the Estate of Vicki Ellen White Buie aka Vicki Ellen Buie Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043
PUBL/DATES: 06/04/26 06/11/26 06/18/26 06/25/26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having quali ed as Administrator CTA of the Estate of Henry Gunnar Carlson, Jr., 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 Ivey & Eggleston, Attorneys at Law, 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, North Carolina 27203, on or before September 14, 2026, 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 11th day of June, 2026
Cynthia Jeanne Carlson Administrator CTA of the Estate of Henry Gunnar Carlson, Jr. Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043
PUBL/DATES: 06/11/26 06/18/26 06/25/26 07/02/26
NOTICE
Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Harvey Green Nall, aka Harvey G. Nall, Jr., 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 August 21, 2026, 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 21st day of May, 2026
Steven Wayne Garner, Executor of the Estate of Harvey Green Nall, Aka Harvey G. Nall, Jr., deceased TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 2445 Asheboro, NC 27204 (336) 953-4661
PUBL/DATES: 05/21/26 05/28/26 06/04/26 06/11/26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Esther Susan Hooper Howlett aka Esther Hooper Howlett, 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 787 Seashore Drive, Atlantic, NC 28511, on or before August 31, 2026, 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 28th day of May, 2026
Michelle Renee Taylor Executor of the Estate of Esther Susan Hooper Howlett aka Esther Hooper Howlett 787 Seashore Dr. Atlantic, NC 28511
PUBL/DATES: 05/28/26 06/04/26 06/11/26 06/18/26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Wayne Reginald Brooks of Randolph County, NC, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Executor at the Law O ce of Andrew J. Weiner, 113 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC 27203 on or before September 14th 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in
LT LLC, Plainti , vs. LAUIRE ANN MCCOY, Defendant. TO: LAUIRE ANN MCCOY TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above-captioned action. The nature of the relief sought
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY 26 SP 000435-250
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale
contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Ivory Joe Murphy and Verna P. Murphy, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $79,900.00, to Decision One Mortgage, LLC, a Limited Liability Company, Mortgagee, dated May 21st, 2001 and recorded on May 29th, 2001 in Book 5479, Page 0619, and subsequently modi ed by Loan Modi cation recorded on August 21st, 2025 in Book 12311 at Page 0236, 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 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Cumberland County, North Carolina, and the holder of the note evidencing said
26SP000172-250 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Titio Alexander Council and Shannon Council to Madison Settlement Services, Trustee(s), which was dated September 10, 2009 and recorded on September 17, 2009 in Book 8246 at Page 774, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.
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 June 17, 2026 at 01:30 PM, and will sell
The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: The Deed of Trust recorded on March 4, 1993, in Book 3922 at Page 0298 in the Cumberland County Registry was drafted and recorded in a manner su cient to give a reasonable title searcher notice of its claim to a lien in the amount of $65,761.00 on the Property located at 206 Eppingdale Drive, Spring Lake, North Carolina 28390.
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 June 23rd, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Lying and being situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 67, in a subdivision known as Warrenwood Estates, according to a Plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 25, Page 31, Cumberland County registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 956 Sunbury Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311 Tax ID: 0429-79-6656 Third party purchasers must pay the 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
to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE CITY OF SPRING LAKE, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT NO. 8 IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS DEERFIELD, SECTION 4, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF THE SAME DULY RECORDED IN BOOK OF PLATS 54, PAGE 41, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA.
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Said property is commonly known as 1306 Koinonia Drive, Spring Lake, NC 28390.
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
The Deed of Trust recorded in Book 3922 at Page 0298 in the Cumberland County Registry is a valid rst lien on the Property and that its lien is superior to the claims of all other Defendants in this action. Plainti ’s valid, rst position lien or trust on the Property be foreclosed by judicial sale pursuant to the provisions of N.C.G.S. § 1-339.1, et seq., by Jeremy B. Wilkins as Commissioner especially appointed by the Court to serve without bond, with proceeds of the sale applied as follows: To the cost of this action; To the compensation allowed by the Court for a person holding the sale pursuant to the N.C.G.S. § 1-339.11; To the amount due to the Plainti under the Loan, Note and Deed of Trust, including reasonable fees and costs provided therein; and
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 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
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 Titio Alexander Council.
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
, v. Daphne Cosand; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); North Carolina Housing Finance Agency; United Management II, Inc.; J&D Managements, LLC; FTL Finance Defendant(s). NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the Order for Judicial Sale dated May 21, 2026, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Cumberland County courthouse at 1:30 PM on June 24, 2026, 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 by Daphne Cosand, dated March 8, 2021 to secure the original principal amount of $147,283.00, and recorded in Book No. 11051, at Page 121 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.
The surplus, if any, to be paid to the O ce of the Clerk of Superior Court pending a determination of those persons entitled thereto. That the Property shall be sold at a public sale to the highest bidder. In the alternative, that the Court declares the Borrowers/Mortgagors hold the Property described herein subject to a constructive trust and equitable lien to the bene t of the Plainti , consistent in all regards with the terms and conditions of
property is/are Ivory Joe Murphy and Verna P. Murphy. 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
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 the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have
This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax 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. 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 re-sale. 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. 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 lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is 21st day of May, 2026.
Grady I. Ingle, NC State Bar No. 16692 Attorney for Comissioner, Ingle Law Firm, PA 13801 Reese Blvd West Suite 160 Huntersville, NC 28078 (980) 771-0717
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 June 17, 2026 at 01:30 PM, and will sell
Said property is commonly known as 5562 Quietwood Pl, Fayetteville, NC 28304.
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 AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
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 June 17, 2026 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: BEING all of Lot 243, in a subdivision known as Beaver Creek South, Section Three, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 79, Page 2, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cumberland County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of Lot 274, in a subdivision known as COLLEGE LAKES, SECTION III, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 25, Page 6, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina.
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Said property is commonly known as 5414 Rodwell Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28311.
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 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 Lolita Campbell.
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
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 Victor Gilmer and Teresa Gilmer.
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
If the
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
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.
D. Faircloth and Thomas C. Curie, dated October 19, 2016 to secure the original principal amount of $240,000.00, and recorded in Book 6012 at Page 95 of the
Hanover County Public Registry.
terms of the
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: 401 Monterey Drive, Wilmington, NC 28409 Tax Parcel ID: R07112+-006-010-000 Present Record Owners: Thomas C. Curie The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Thomas C. Curie. 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,
Deed of Trust
26SP000059-640
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NORTH CAROLINA, NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale
contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Phillip C. Stadermann and Lauren Stadermann a/k/a Lauren M. Stadermann to Fidelity National Title Insurance Co., A Nebraska Corp., Trustee(s), which was dated February 5, 2019 and recorded on February 5, 2019 in Book RB 6193 at Page 2036, New Hanover County Registry, North Carolina.
VILLAS AT LANDFALL, AS SHOWN ON RECORDED MAP IN MAP BOOK 30 AT PAGE 166, NEW HANOVER COUNTY REGISTRY, TO WHICH MAP REFERENCE IS MADE FOR A MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIPTION.
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Said property is commonly known as 2004 Seawind Ln, Wilmington, NC 28405.
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 June 16, 2026 at 01:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in New Hanover County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOTS 34 AND 34A, LAKESIDE
26SP000188-640 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NORTH CAROLINA, NEW HANOVER COUNTY
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by J. Michael Grimes and Alice Grimes to William R. Echols, Trustee(s), which was dated November 28, 2011 and recorded on December 29, 2011 in Book 5608 at Page 835, New Hanover County Registry, North Carolina.
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 June 16, 2026 at 01:00 PM, and will sell
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 AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in New Hanover County, North Carolina, to wit:
The following described property: All of Lots 5 in Beacon Woods Subdivision, Section 1, as the same is shown on map recorded in Map Book 35 Page 170 in the New Hanover County Registry. State of North Carolina. Assessor’s Parcel Number: R07119-011005-000
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Said property is commonly known as 5428 Wood Ridge Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409.
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 AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR
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 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 New Hanover County courthouse at 11:00AM on June 25, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in New Hanover County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed James A. Hansen and Kelly Hansen, dated July 10, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $133,200.00, and recorded in Book 5049 at Page 1537 of the New Hanover 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: 309 Brook eld Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405 Tax Parcel ID: R04207-007-006-000 Present Record Owners:
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 Phillip C. Stadermann and wife, Lauren Stadermann.
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
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 J. Michael Grimes.
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
Kelly Gurganious Hansen The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Kelly Gurganious Hansen. 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 associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid
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
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 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 New Hanover County courthouse at 11:00AM on June 25, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in New Hanover County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Raymond Patro and Mary Patro, dated September 13, 2024 to secure the original principal amount of $324,700.00, and recorded in Book 6729 at Page 2824 of the New Hanover 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: 1809 County Drive North, Castle Hayne, NC 28429 Tax Parcel ID: R03307-001-033-000
to Patriot Title, LLC, Trustee(s), dated September 8, 2009, and recorded in Book No. 3295, at Page 272 in Onslow 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 Onslow 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 Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on June 24, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot Numbered FIFTY-FIVE (55), Phase III, Ashcroft at The Commons as shown on map of same recorded in Map Book 49, Page 9 of the Onslow County Registry, said map is hereby referenced for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 409 Ashcroft Drive, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Tax ID No 345K213 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).
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 the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if
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 lease
Present Record Owners: Mary Patro The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Mary Patro. 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 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.
Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. 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
and
NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION UNION COUNTY 26SP000250-890 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CHASITY BRADLEY AND JONATHAN BRYAN DATED MAY 19, 2023 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8711 AT PAGE 555 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE
page 341 Union County Registry), and running thence with the South Elm Street right of way, South 0-57-13 West 116.97 feet to an old iron on backside of curb, thence with the line of the B.H. Walters property two calls as follows: 1st., South 77-49-59 West 160.10 feet to an iron, 2nd. North 15-48-37 West 115.20 feet to an old iron a corner of the Thelma B. Hinson property (Deed Book 499 at page 059, Union County Registry), thence with line of the said Hinson property, North 78-14-00 East 73.01 feet to an iron, thence with the line of the aforesaid Tucker property North 78-05-25 East 120.97 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING, and containing .46 acres more or less all according to a survey by Walter L. Gordon, NCRLS, dated June 23, 1992. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Said property is commonly known as 208 S Elm St, Marshville, NC 28103.
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 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 Union County courthouse at 11:00AM on June 25, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Union County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Chasity Bradley and Jonathan Bryan, dated May 19, 2023 to secure the original principal amount of $420,247.00, and recorded in Book 8711 at Page 555 of the Union 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: 936 Scotch Meadows Loop, Monroe, NC 28110 Tax Parcel ID: 09143243
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 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 Doris Smith.
Present Record Owners: Chasity Bradley and Jonathan Bryan The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Chasity Bradley and Jonathan Bryan. 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
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
executed by Kimberly Danielle Flynn to Philip R. Mahoney, Trustee(s), which was dated September 29, 2023 and recorded on September 29, 2023 in Book 8789 at Page 102, Union County Registry, North Carolina. 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 June 16, 2026 at 12:30 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Union County, North Carolina, to wit:
NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF Wake GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25SP002641-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE UNDER THAT POWER OF SALE. GRANTED IN THE Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Wake eld Estates, Phase III, RECORDED AT BOOK 7707, page 569, AND AS AMENDED Wake County Registry CONCERNING Elizabeth Chung, widow of Theodore Chung NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE OF ASSOCIATION’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Wake eld Estates, Phase III recorded at Book 7707, Page 569, as amended Wake County Registry; and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness secured by said Declaration and failure of performance of the stipulations and agreements therein contained, and pursuant to the Order
BEGINNING at a point in the center line of North Carolina Highway #200, which point is located 610.1 feet from a point in the centerline of N.C. Highway #200, marking a common line with Worth Broome’s line, now or formerly; thence from said beginning point, three (3) new lines as follows: 1st, North 40-8-58 West 328.94 feet to a point evidenced by an iron; 2nd, North 73-3918 East 150.96 feet to a point evidenced by an iron; and 3rd, South 50-35-42 East 263.98 feet to a point in the centerline of NC Highway #200; thence with the centerline of said highway, South 47-15 West 185.12 feet to the point and place of beginning and containing 1.08 acres; more or less, as shown on map of survey dated August 17, 1989, by Walter L. Gordon, NCRLS, L-1372. Property 1: 04-279-038-D
5016 Lancaster Highway, Monroe, NC 28112
Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Said property is commonly known as 5016 Lancaster Hwy, 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
entered in 25SP002641-910, Superior Court of Wake County, North Carolina, the undersigned Trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate located in Wake County, North Carolina:
Legal Description: Lying and being in New Light Township, Wake County, North Carolina, in Wake eld Estates, Phase V, and being more particularly described as Lot No. 61 of Wake eld Estates, Phase V, as said Lot is shown on a plat by Matthew D. Foster, Registered Land Surveyor, Derward W. Baker & Assciates, P.A., dated September 30, 1997, revised February 17, 1998, revised May 17, 1998, revised July 6, 1998, revised July 22, 1998, revised August 5, 1998, and revised August 11, 1998, and recorded in the Wake County, North Carolina Registry in Book of Maps 1998, Pages 1583 and 1584 said Plat being incorporated by reference as if fully set out herein (and referred to herein as the “Plat”). Being also known as 1720 Talbot Ridge Street Wake Forest, NC 27587.
ALSO BEING that property described in that deed recorded at Deed Book 17407, Page 1810 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina.
Present Legal Owners: Elizabeth Chung, widow of Theodore Chung Property Address: 1720 Talbot Ridge Street Wake Forest, NC 27587-6299
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 Kimberly Danielle Flynn, a single person.
An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor
A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, or Seven Hundred Fifty and 00/100 Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price so bid in cash or certi ed check at the time the Trustee tenders to him a deed for the property or attempts to tender such deed and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price so bid at that time, he shall remain liable on his bid. This sale will be held open ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
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 knowledge of the Trustee.
If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Trustee, in his sole discretion, if he 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.
The real estate will be sold subject to any and all superior liens, including taxes and special assessments, if any.
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”.
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
Upon the conclusion of the sale 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 this Court.
If you occupy the property pursuant to a rental agreement please note that any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving notice of said 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 (homeowner) 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 termination.
The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. EXCEPT IN THE INSTANCE OF BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY
The
If
COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF THE BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.
Date and Hour for Sale: June 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Place of Sale: Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Date of this Notice: May 8, 2026
The Ford Firm, PLLC, Trustee for Wake eld Estates Homeowners Association, Inc. ALLEN STAHL & KILBOURNE, PLLC /s/ James W. Kilbourne, Jr. James W. Kilbourne, Jr. N.C. Bar No.: 24354 3739
, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $143,146.66, to CitiFinancial Services, Inc., Mortgagee, dated February 15th, 2007 and recorded on February 16th, 2007 in Book 012402, Page 01154, Wake 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 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Wake 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 Wake County, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM on June
16th, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: All that certain parcel of land in City of Wendell, Wake County, State of NC, as more fully described in Book 010001 Page 02753 ID#126417, being known and designated as Lot 1, Margaret Montague property, led in Book of Maps 1983 at Page 1122. Being the same property conveyed by Fee Simple Deed from Susan Munro and Mitchell G. Wagner to Susan Munro, dated 03/26/2003 recorded on 03/27/2003 in Book 010001, Page 02753 in Wake County records, State of NC. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 2612 Edgemont Rd, Wendell, NC 27591 Tax ID: 0126417 Third party purchasers must pay the 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 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/are Susan Munro . PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for
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
is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the e ective date of termination. 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 the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe 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. Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee By: January N. Taylor, NCSB #33512 David Neill, NCSB #23396 Olivia S. Sings, NCSB# 54991 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) jtaylor@mtglaw.com dneill@mtglaw.com osings@mtglaw.com 25-004103-01
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF Wake
GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26SP000358-910
IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE UNDER THAT POWER OF SALE. GRANTED IN THE Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Lakestone Village Townhomes, RECORDED AT BOOK 12164, page 1265, AND AS AMENDED Wake County Registry CONCERNING Katie Moriah Clark Blalock and spouse, if any
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE OF ASSOCIATION’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE
Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Lakestone Village Townhomes recorded at Book 12164, Page 1265, as amended Wake County Registry; and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness secured by
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
26SP000832-910
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Mohamed Hossien Chizari (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Mohamed Hossien Chizari) to Hutchens, Senter, Kellam & Pettit, P.A. dba Hutchens Law Firm, Trustee(s), dated November 4, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 19201, at Page 1321 in Wake 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 Wake 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 Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on June 22, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate
said Declaration and failure of performance of the stipulations and agreements therein contained, and pursuant to the Order entered in 26SP000358-910, Superior Court of Wake County, North Carolina, the undersigned Trustee will expose for sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate located in Wake County, North Carolina:
Legal Description: Being all of Lot 42, Lakestone Village Townhomes, Block N, as shown on that nal subdivision plat recorded in Book of Maps 2016, Page 2187, Wake County Registry.
ALSO BEING that property described in that deed recorded at Deed Book 19447, Page 2000 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina.
Present Legal Owners: Katie Moriah Clark Blalock and spouse, if any
Property Address: 1327 Lakestone Village Ln Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, or Seven Hundred Fifty and 00/100 Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder
situated in Raleigh in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Situated in the County of Wake, State of North Carolina: Being all of Lot 5, Grove Park Townhomes as shown in Book of Maps, recorded in Book 2010 at Page 529, Wake County Registry. Including the Unit located thereon; said Unit being located at 2118 Scarlet Maple Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. Being the same property conveyed by Deed recorded in Book 015115, Page 01417 of the Wake County, North Carolina records. Subject to all easements, covenants, conditions, reservations, leases and restrictions of record, all legal highways, all rights of way, all zoning, building and other laws, ordinances and regulations, all rights of tenants in possession, and all real estate taxes and assessments not yet due and payable.
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
shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price so bid in cash or certi ed check at the time the Trustee tenders to him a deed for the
or
to tender such deed and should said successful bidder fail to pay
purchase price so bid at that time, he shall remain liable on his bid. This sale will be held open ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. 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 knowledge of the Trustee.
If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Trustee, in his sole discretion, if he 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.
The real estate will be sold subject to any and all superior liens, including taxes and special assessments, if any.
Upon the conclusion of the sale an order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S.§45-21.29 in favor
Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. 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
of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of this Court.
If you occupy the property pursuant to a rental agreement please note that any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving notice of said 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 (homeowner) has not cured the default at the time the tenant
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
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 Wake 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 Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on June 22, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Holly Springs in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at an iron stake in the Northern margin of the Holly Springs-Bass Lake Road, said iron stake being the Southwest corner of Lot #81, of the Bernard F. McLeod, Jr. property Holly Springs, North Carolina; thence North 55 degrees 25 minutes West with the Northern Margin of the above mentioned road 75.0 feet; thence North 35 degrees 15 minutes East 177.3 feet; thence South 72 degrees 15 minutes East 78.4 feet to an iron stake corner, said iron stake being the North West corner of the above mentioned Lot #81; thence South 35 degrees 15 minutes West with the west line of lot #81 200.0 feet to the BEGINNING CORNER; and being .32/100 of an acre, and being carved from the Eastern portion of Lot #80 and being number Lot #80-A from this date on. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at Lot 80-A Bass Lake Road, Holly Springs, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 0078365 Tax ID: 0659403694 Property Address: 415 Bass Lake Rd, Holly Springs, NC 27540
26SP000612-910
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY
Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Solomon Mugirakamaro and Jeanne Mutesi to J Douglas McCarthy, Trustee(s), which was dated January 6, 2023 and recorded on January 6, 2023 in Book 19238 at Page 1, Wake County Registry, North Carolina.
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 June 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell
AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
25SP002114-910
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by John Warrick, III and Renee A. Warrick (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Majestic Group, LLC and Parris Alexander Bryant) to Moore & Alphin, PLLC, Trustee(s), dated September 15, 2023, and recorded in Book No. 019434, at Page 02618 in Wake 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 Wake 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 Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on June 15, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate
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.
to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 33, Perry Farms Subdivision, Phase 3, per plat and survey thereof recorded on Book of Maps 2021, Pages 1381-1384, inclusive, Wake County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Said property is commonly known as 1145 Duke Farm Dr, Wake Forest, NC 27587.
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 AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
situated in Wendell in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in the Town of Wendell, Marks Creek Township, Wake County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: All of Lot 58, of Watson Tract Subdivision, as shown on a map recorded in Book of Maps 2022, Pages 2422-2427, Wake County Registry, to which map reference is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 609 Embrun Run, Wendell, North Carolina. Property Address: 609 Embrun Run, Wendell, NC 27591 PIN/PARCEL NO.: 0503177
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
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). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. 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
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 Solomon Mugirakamaro and Jeanne Mutesi.
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
Hundred Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. 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,
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 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
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
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
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,
NOTICE
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAKE
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
25SP001764-910
IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY GABRIEL E. LOPEZ AND CAITLIN LOPEZ DATED JULY 22, 2020 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 017978, AT PAGE 01161 IN THE WAKE 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 perform the agreements therein contained
NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF WAKE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 24SP001091-910 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY THURST DERNELL LISCOMB AND ANGELA TURNER LISCOMB DATED NOVEMBER 29, 2005 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 11715, AT PAGE 248 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA
NOTICE OF SALE
or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on June 17, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Wake County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 157, Liberty Station Subdivision, Phase 2, as shown on that map recorded in Book of Maps 2022, Pages 14571461, Wake County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.
Said property is commonly known as 322 Hacksaw Trl, Raleigh, NC 27610.
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 AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED.
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 Wake County courthouse at 10:00 AM on June 24, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Gabriel E. Lopez; Caitlin Lopez, dated July 22, 2020 to secure the original principal amount of $490,000.00, and recorded in Book No. 017978, at Page 01161 of the Wake 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: 4853 Winterwood Drive, Raleigh, NC 27613
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 perform the agreements therein contained 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 Wake County courthouse at 10:00 AM on June 17, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Thurst Dernell Liscomb; Angela Turner Liscomb a/k/a Angela Tucker Liscomb, dated November 29, 2005 to secure the original principal amount of $108,000.00, and recorded in book no. 11715, at page 248 of the Wake 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: 7413 Stuart Drive, Raleigh, NC 27615
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION WAKE COUNTY 18SP002354-910
IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY MAURICE LORANZO LEE AND TRACY LEE DATED OCTOBER 13, 2004 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 11058 AT PAGE 1787 IN THE WAKE 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 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 Wake County courthouse at 11:00AM on June 25, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Wake County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Maurice Loranzo Lee and Tracy Lee, dated October 13, 2004 to secure the original principal amount of $172,000.00, and recorded in Book 11058 at Page 1787 of the Wake 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: 113 Saint Johns St, Knightdale, NC 27545 Tax Parcel ID: 0291255 Present Record Owners: Maurice Loranzo Lee
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
25SP002522-910
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Tinna Bartlett (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Tinna Bartlett) to Scott Everett, Trustee(s), dated July 28, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 017988, at Page 00656 in Wake 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 Wake 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 Wake County Courthouse door, the Salisbury Street entrance in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:30 PM on June 22, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate
situated in Zebulon in the County of Wake, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 5 of Cedar Stone Subdivision, Phase One, as depicted In Book of Maps 1986, Page 501, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 7517 and 7521 Riley Hill Road, Zebulon, North Carolina.
Parcel ID: 0155245 Property Address: 7517 Riley Hill Road, Zebulon, NC 27597 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). Should the property be purchased by a third party, 31 CFR 1031.320 requires certain qualifying residential real estate transactions to be reported
will expose for re-sale at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate located in Wake County, North Carolina:
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 Jaden W. Terrance and spouse, Jesse M. Terrance. 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
Tax Parcel ID: 0169164
The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Gabriel E. Lopez and Caitlin Lopez. 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
Tax Parcel ID: 0000820 Present Record Owners: Thurst Dernell Liscomb
The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Thurst Dernell Liscomb.
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
The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Maurice Loranzo Lee. 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 associated with the foreclosure. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00),
to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in this proceeding, you may be required to provide all applicable identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. 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.
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,
TENANTS
subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax 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. 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
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
Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. The date of this
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
RECORDED AT BOOK 3535, page 9, AND AS AMENDED Wake County Registry CONCERNING Valence Dante Modeste and spouse, if any NOTICE OF RE-SALE NOTICE OF ASSOCIATION’S RE-SALE OF REAL ESTATE
Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the Declaration of Condominium for Sweetbriar Condominium recorded at Book 3535, Page 9, as amended Wake County Registry; and because of default in the payment of the indebtedness secured by said Declaration and failure of performance of the stipulations and agreements therein contained, and pursuant to the Order entered in 23SP003517-910, Superior Court of Wake County, North Carolina, and the failure of the original high bidder to complete the purchase, the undersigned Trustee
Legal Description: Being all of Unit 5820-202 Sweetbriar Condominium as referred to in that certain Declaration of Condominium for Sweetbriar Condominium dated August 13, 1985 and recorded August 13, 1985 in Book 3535, pages 9 through 85, inclusive, Wake County Registry, and as more particularly depicted on the Plat and Plans for Sweetbrier Condominium recorded in Condominium File No. 88 Wake County Registry, to which Declaration, plat and Plans are incorporated herein by reference. Being also known as 5820 Pointer Drive, #202, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609.
ALSO BEING that property described in that deed recorded at Deed Book 18458, Page 1209 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Wake County, North Carolina.
Present Legal Owners: Valence Dante Modeste and spouse, if any
A Certi ed Check ONLY (no personal checks) deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, or Seven Hundred Fifty and 00/100 Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered at the time of the sale. Any successful bidder shall be required to tender the full balance of the purchase price so bid in cash or certi ed check at the time the Trustee tenders to him a deed for the property or attempts to tender such deed and should said successful bidder fail to pay the full balance purchase price so bid at that
of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of this Court.
of the Trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Trustee, in his sole discretion, if he 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. The real estate will be sold subject to any and all superior liens, including taxes and special assessments, if any. Upon the conclusion of the sale an order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C.G.S.§45-21.29 in favor
If you occupy the property pursuant to a rental agreement please note that any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving notice of said 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 (homeowner) 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 termination. The sale will be held open for ten (10) days for upset bids as required by law. THIS IS A COMMUNICATION FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMUNICATION IS TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. EXCEPT IN THE INSTANCE OF BANKRUPTCY PROTECTION. IF YOU ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE BANKRUPTCY COURT OR HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED AS A RESULT OF THE BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING, THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN
TO YOU PURSUANT TO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT AND FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY.
Date and Hour for Sale: June 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Place of Sale: Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Date of this Notice: May 8, 2026
Trustee F. Todd Whitlow of Brownlee, Whitlow & Praet, PLLC, Trustee for Sweetbriar Condominium Association, Inc. ALLEN STAHL & KILBOURNE, PLLC
Glory restored
The mural painted by Bynum’s Clyde Jones in downtown Pittsboro has been full restored, thanks to community donations and the work of local artist Thomas Begley. The town added an informational medallion, with a dedication to Jones who died in December, to the mural at 49 W. Salisbury St.
BRIEF
Social Security’s retirement trust fund faces funding shortfall 1 year earlier
Washington, D.C. Social Security’s retirement trust fund is projected to face a funding shortfall in 2032, a year earlier than previously expected. That’s according to an annual report released Tuesday. Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund will be unable to pay full bene ts in 2033, unchanged from last year’s estimate. Rising health care costs and government spending contributed to the projected depletion dates. The programs will continue issuing bene ts after those dates, but at reduced amounts. The trustees emphasize the urgency of changes, but political challenges remain. AARP’s CEO is urging Congress to act, highlighting the importance of the bene ts for retirees.
OpenAI les con dential SEC paperwork for IPO, opening door to Wall Street debut
OpenAI has led preliminary paperwork to potentially become a publicly traded company. The company announced Monday it has submitted con dential documents to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. OpenAI says it hasn’t decided on timing yet, as there are advantages to staying private. The move follows Anthropic’s June announcement of its own IPO plans. Both companies are following SpaceX, which is also pursuing an IPO.
$2.00
CCS honors board chair with facility renaming
The Gary Leonard Gymnasium will be part of the Bennett School project
By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record
PITTSBORO — The Chatham County Schools Board of Education surprised Board Chair Gary Leonard with a special honor.
Central High School, as well as multiple years on the Board of Education.
“This is something that will last well beyond most of us, and I think it’s important that we celebrate certain things and certain people when we have the opportunity to do so,” Jackson said.
At the board’s June 1 meeting, the board voted to rename the Bennett School gymnasium the Gary Leonard Gymnasium.
“Few individuals have dedicated such breadth and length of service to Chatham County Schools,” said Superintendent Anthony Jackson. “Fewer still have done so with such consistency, humility, and commitment.”
“This is one I was not expecting and certainly don’t deserve,” Leonard said. “But thank you, and I appreciate it.”
Leonard has a long history with Chatham County Schools, having served as a teacher, coach, athletic director at both Bennett School and Chatham
Staal takes over, Hurricanes even series with 5-3 Game 4 win
The Carolina captain scored twice, including the game winner
By Cory Lavalette Chatham News & Record
LAS VEGAS — Jordan Staal made sure the Hurricanes re-
turned to Raleigh with the Stanley Cup nal tied at two games apiece.
Staal scored twice in Game 4, including the game-winning goal in the third period on a falling backhanded swipe, to lead Carolina to a 5-3 win in and force a best-of three showdown to crown the Stanley Cup cham-
pion. Game 5 is Thursday at 8 p.m. at Lenovo Center.
“It’s a good time to get hot, there’s no question,” said Staal, who has scored ve times in the series, including in all four games. “I’ll contribute any way I can. The puck’s going in for me, and I’ll take it.”
Staal’s second goal to put the
Trump o cials went after dozens of colleges; now rules for all of academia being rewritten
“It gives us an opportunity to talk about where we might agree with the administration.”
Ted Mitchell, American Council on Education president
Federal rulemaking o ers a durable strategy after court orders blocked targeted funding cuts
By Collin Binkley
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A year ago, the White House was unleashing a blitz on higher education. At one campus after another, Trump o cials opened investigations and cut federal funding unless schools fell in line with the Republican president’s political agenda.
Now, after a campaign that put dozens of universities under investigation, President
Donald Trump’s administration is taking a wider approach, moving to rewrite the federal rules that govern all of higher education. Demands that were being pressed on individual schools are being written into the ne print for thousands of U.S. universities.
“We’re coming over the higher education system and course correcting,” Nicholas Kent, undersecretary for the Education Department, said in an Associated Press interview. Unlike investigations that target individual campuses, he said the new tactic has power “to a ect 6,000 institutions.”
The board also approved two Teach Chatham Scholarship agreements.
The program aims to increase the pipeline of teachers
Hurricanes ahead for good will likely go down as the most memorable of his career.
With the game tied 3-3 in the third period, Staal pressured Shea Theodore behind the Vegas goal line, and the Golden Knights defenseman’s pass hit Staal and de ected in front of the net to Carolina right wing Seth Jarvis. Jarvis deked and tried to lift a backhand into the net, but Carter Hart (23 saves) made the stop. Jarvis retrieved the puck against four Vegas players and
THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
THURSDAY 6.11.26
Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) scores on Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) during the third period in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup, Tuesday in Las Vegas.
CANES from page A1
got it to Nikolaj Ehlers, who quickly forehanded the puck across to Staal at Hart’s left.
“I almost missed the pass because it was kind of rolling,” Ehlers said.
The pass caused Staal to swing his hips, and as he fell to the ice, he made a backhanded swing at the puck, which slid past Hart and into the net at 6:32 to give the Hurricanes the lead.
“I wasn’t sure exactly if it went in, and I heard everyone go quiet,” Staal said. “I heard some guys yelling. And then, I don’t know, man. I was in my own world. It was an incredible moment, obviously. And I just let a big yell and then celebrated with the guys.”
Carolina then prevented the Golden Knights from getting the equalizer, and Ehlers scored a full-ice empty-net goal — his third point of the night — to secure the victory.
CRIME LOG
June 1
• Paul Edward Gunter, 54, was arrested for tra cking in methamphetamine; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance; and conspiracy to tra c methamphetamine, and other charges.
• John Mark Ellington, 62, was arrested for indecent liberties with a child.
June 2
• Brian Kent Moore, 31, was arrested for felony possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and misuse of the 911 system.
• Marcos Diaz Garcia, 48, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, hit and run leaving the scene of a property damage accident and driving on a revoked license, and other charges.
June 5
• Cory Terell Wilkerson, 36, was arrested for driving while impaired.
• Larry D. Ware, 28, was arrested for breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft, nancial card theft and felony conspiracy, and other charges.
• Jessie McKenley Cameron, 39, was arrested for driving while impaired.
June 6
• Aleaha Renne Marr, 32, was arrested for driving while impaired.
June 7
• Vander Ray Mote, 61, was arrested for possession of a rearm by a felon.
• Austin Robert Ge ken, 36, was arrested for misdemeanor child abuse, simple assault and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
• Sara Glovier Smith, 40, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny.
• Peter John Mein, 66, was arrested for possession of a rearm by a felon.
Brandon Bussi — the mystery starter after coach Rod Brind’Amour refused to reveal who would be in net before the game — made eight of his 17 saves in the nal period to secure the win in his rst career playo start.
“The next win’s always the best one,” Bussi said when asked where he ranked the victory in his career. “So that’s all I’ll say for that.”
Just like the rst three games of the series, Game 4 featured lead changes, disallowed goals and overall chaos.
Carolina scored twice in the rst 3:28 to take an early 2-0 lead.
O an o ensive zone faceo ,
Carolina defenseman Jalen Chat eld took a shot that was wide of the Vegas net. But the
lively boards — which played a role on the Golden Knights’ double-overtime winner in Game 3 — bene ted the Hurricanes this time, and Logan Stankoven got the puck and shoveled it past Hart for a 1-0 lead 66 seconds into the game.
The goal was Stankoven’s team-best 11th of the postseason.
Carolina doubled its lead just over two minutes later.
Just after a Hurricanes power play expired, Taylor Hall sent a pass across to Jackson Blake, who banged in his sixth goal of the playo s and made the score 2-0 at 3:28.
“It sets up the game great,” Stankoven said. “If you put a couple in early, you’re not gripping the stick as tight. … (Our line) needed a statement game to come out and contribute, and that’s what we did. And now we’ve just got to keep it going.”
Vegas halved the lead at 7:22.
Golden Knights captain Mark Stone, stopped by Bussi on a breakaway on Vegas’ rst shot of the game, got the second shot on a breakaway as well. This time he nished, cutting Carolina’s lead to 2-1.
But the Hurricanes’ power play, not given credit for the Blake goal earlier in the period, made sure there was no doubt on its second chance.
With Vegas down a player due a too-many-men penalty, Shayne Gostisbehere red a shot that hit Hart. But Staal battled defensemen Jeremy Lauzon and Brayden McNabb in front of the net to get to the rebound and score at 12:48.
“I went o four di erent guys and just kind of sat there for me,” Staal said of being in front of the crease. “So you’ve got to be there.”
Vegas coach John Tortorel-
CHATHAM happening
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Chatham County.
June 12
Beach Music Series: Chairmen of the Board
7 p.m.
la succinctly described Staal’s game and series.
“He’s killing us in front of the net,” he said. Vegas appeared to cut the lead back to one just before the rst period horn, but replay showed that McNabb’s one-timer entered the goal after the clock struck zero.
“We de nitely got a little bit of a lucky break there,” Blake said.
The second period continued to be a struggle for the Hurricanes. The Golden Knights got the de cit back to one when defenseman Rasmus Andersson set up William Karlsson for a one-timer that beat Bussi to make it 3-2 at 4:22 of the middle frame. Then right after Carolina killed o a penalty, Brett Howden scored his playo -leading 14th goal, shooting between the legs of Carolina defenseman K’Andre Miller and past Bussi to even the score at 17:08 of the second.
That set the stage for Staal, the longtime shutdown center who has taken an o ensive star turn in the series.
“We’re putting some good players with him that now can really bring out the other side of him,” Brind’Amour said. “Everyone knew he was a good defensive player, but he’s got some real o ensive abilities too. Just for whatever reason now, the goals are going in.”
Notes: Frederik Andersen did not dress, with Brind’Amour saying goalie coach Paul Schonfelder told him the veteran goalie needed rest. Pyotr Kochetkov served as the backup goalie. … Staal won 12 of 16 faceo s. … Forwards Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nicolas Deslauriers, and defenseman Mike Reilly were healthy scratches for Carolina.
Central Electric providing grants to local educators to fund innovative projects
Teachers, are you looking for new opportunities to fund projects for your classroom?
Central Electric is awarding up to $15,000 in Bright Ideas education grants to local educators in K-12 classrooms for the 2026-27 school year. Educators in K-12 classrooms with creative ideas for learning projects are encouraged to apply for a grant up to $2,000. Grant applications will be accepted through Sept. 15. However, it pays to apply early.
All teachers who submit their applications by the early bird deadline of Aug. 15 will be entered into a drawing for one of ve $100 Visa gi cards. Scan the QR code or visit NCBrightIdeas.com for more information or to apply!
The Chairmen of the Board, one of the Carolinas’ premier beach and soul acts, headline the fth installment of MOSAIC at Chatham Park’s free outdoor 2026 Beach Music Series. Lawn opens at 6 p.m.; free admission with registration required.
Philip H. Kohl MOSAIC Family Commons 457 Freedom Parkway Pittsboro
Library Prom
6 p.m.
Chatham Community Library hosts Library Prom from 6-9 p.m. at the Holmes Family Meeting Room. The event is free and open to the public.
Chatham Community Library 197 N.C. Highway 87 N Pittsboro
June 13
Author Talk: Frank Hyman
10 a.m.
The N.C. author and garden writer presents at the Holmes Family Meeting Room. Hyman has written widely on backyard chickens, gardening and mushroom foraging, with columns in six national magazines and books, including “How to Forage for Mushrooms without Dying.”
Chatham Community Library
197 N.C. Highway 87 N Pittsboro
Friends of Wren Memorial Library Silent Auction
The Friends of Wren Memorial Library hold a weeklong silent auction of donated books, artwork, collectibles and specialty gifts running through Saturday. Proceeds support library programming and services; visitors may browse and bid during business hours.
Wren Memorial Library
500 N. 2nd Ave. Siler City
June 14
Pittsboro Wine Fest
2 p.m.
Vino!! Wine Shop presents tastings of more than 44 wines from 11 vendors worldwide, with food by 39 West Catering and live music by Mondo Guitaro. Tickets are $60 per person, available at Vino!! Wine Shop by cash or check only. Forest Hall at Chatham Marketplace 480 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro
JOHN LOCHER / AP PHOTO
FDA OKs rst new sunscreen ingredient in more than 25 years
The ingredient protects both UVA and UVB rays without mineral sunscreens’ white residue
By Matthew Perrone
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON., D.C. —
Federal health regulators on Tuesday signed o on the rst new sunscreen ingredient for the U.S. market in more than 25 years, giving Americans access to a skin-protecting chemical long used in Europe and other parts of the world.
The Food and Drug Administration says the ingredient, bemotrizinol, met the agency’s standards for protecting from dangerous ultraviolet rays while causing little irritation or absorption into the skin. The ingredient is safe for adults and children 6 months and older, the agency stated in a release.
Bemotrizinol will initially be sold in the U.S. by the Dutch manufacturer DSM Nutritional Products under the brand name Parsol Shield, which is expected to launch later in the year. After an 18-month exclusivity period, the ingredient will be available for use by other manufacturers.
E orts to introduce new sunscreen products have been bogged down for decades by the FDA’s bureaucratic system for updating its lists of safe nonprescription drug ingredients. Bemotrizinol is the rst ingredient to go through a streamlined process authorized by Congress in 2020.
Experts say bemotrizinol will ll an important niche in the U.S. market: protecting against both ultraviolet A and B rays while not leaving white streaks associated with mineral-based sunscreens.
“For decades, Americans have used outdated sunscreen tech
Church News
OAKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
As Oakley Baptist Church (2300 Siler CityGlendon Road, Siler City) seeks to begin its next chapter, we are enjoying hearing a word from the Lord from various old and new friends. Our service begins at 10:30 a.m., but we also have Sunday School classes for every member of the family at 9:30 a.m. We would be blessed if you joined us for any and all of these speakers in the coming weeks.
June 14 – Gary McCollough
We look forward to meeting you at any of these services and in the future, and invite you to pray with us as we seek a new pastor. To learn more, go to oakleybaptist.org or email us at oakleybaptistchurch@gmail.com.
“For decades, Americans have used outdated sunscreen tech while the rest of the world moved forward.”
David Andrews, Environmental Working Group
while the rest of the world moved forward,” said David Andrews of the Environmental Working Group. “The approval of bemotrizinol will help change that.”
Andrews’ group has long pushed the FDA to tighten sunscreen standards and allow new ingredients on the market. Under FDA rules, all sunscreens must protect against UVB rays, which cause most sunburn, as well as UVA rays that pose the greatest risk of skin cancer and wrinkles.
Currently available chemical-blocking ingredients only protect against one or the other. Companies generally mix the chemicals in combination to
achieve “broad spectrum protection.”
Mineral-based ingredients, including zinc oxide, block both UVA and UVB but leave a chalky white residue.
Bemotrizinol was authorized by European authorities in 1999 and rst led with the FDA for review in 2005.
“The FDA is committed to ensuring the American consumer has access to the most e ective and safe therapies, including over-the-counter products like sunscreens,” said Dr. Mike Davis, acting director of FDA’s drug center.
The FDA has been gradually updating its standards for sunscreens. In 2011, the agency banned terms like “waterproof,” which regulators said was misleading, and required that all sunscreens lter out UVA and UVB rays. Previously some formulas only protected against UVB.
In 2021, the FDA proposed additional measures — including capping SPF numbers and requiring stronger UVA protection — but those have not been completed.
Trial for the man charged in Ukrainian woman’s killing on train is delayed for mental health reasons
Mental health experts found his competency could be restored with medication therapy
The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE — A man charged in the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a North Carolina commuter train cannot currently stand trial because of his mental illness and will undergo medical treatment to try to restore his competency, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.
Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, faces a federal charge of causing death on a mass transportation system in the killing of 23-yearold Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, a charge that is punishable by death. A separate state case against Brown in which he is charged with rst-degree murder is on pause pending the outcome of the federal case.
At the request of Brown’s at-
Community members hold candles as they gather for a vigil honoring the life of Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed on a commuter train last September in Charlotte.
torneys, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell found that their client is not currently competent to stand trial and ordered him to spend up to four months in a prison medical facility to try to restore his competency.
Defense attorneys said in a court ling Tuesday that Brown insisted that they provide the judge with the following information: “I would like to tell the court I have a body emergency. Someone has full access to my body and they are controlling me wrongfully. And law enforcement refuses to investigate it. And it requires for an investigation. When describing the technology someone was using I was misdiagnosed with schizophrenia.”
Brown told his lawyers he wants a court order directing law enforcement to investigate his body emergency, they wrote.
A forensic evaluation by federal mental health examiners was led under seal in the federal case in April. It found that
Brown “is presently not competent to stand trial, but that his prognosis for restoration to competency is favorable with appropriate medication therapy,” the judge wrote in his order.
Brown “is su ering from a mental disease or defect that renders him unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings or to assist properly in his defense,” Bell wrote.
The judge ordered Brown committed to the custody of the attorney general for hospitalization and treatment “to determine whether there is a substantial probability” that Brown will be able to proceed “in the foreseeable future.”
Once that period is over, the judge will determine whether Brown’s competency has been restored and whether the case can move forward, whether continued treatment is needed or whether Brown cannot be made competent, the judge wrote.
VBS at Oakley Baptist Church is coming! Join Us For Kingdom Quest – June 22-26. Dinner begins at 5:45 p.m. and program ends at 8 p.m.
Faith, Fellowship and Fun! Go to myvbs.org/oakleyvbs2026 to sign up!
LOVES CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH
Loves Creek Baptist Church invites you to come to our Sea Explorers Vacation Bible School Kick-O on Saturday, June 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with hot dogs, nachos, crafts and games. Our VBS continues June 28 through July 1 from 6-8:30pm nightly. All kids/youth ages 4 years to 12 years are invited!
There will be snacks, Bible stories and crafts each night, and our closing night, July 1, there will be a commencement followed by pizza and fellowship.
We are located at 1745 East 11th St. (Highway 64) in Siler City right across from Bojangles. We’d love to see you there as we discover God’s Truth Beneath the Waves! Please come and bring a friend.
RIVES CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH
Vacation Bible School June 14–17 6-8:15 p.m.
“Illumination Station: Shining a Light on Who Jesus Really Is”
Special ceremony and hotdog supper for families on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
4338 Rives Chapel Church Road, Siler City, NC Website: Riveschapelbaptist.com Facebook: Rives Chapel Baptist Church
CORINTH AME ZION CHURCH
The Missionary Department of Corinth AME Zion Church at 491 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Siler City is sponsoring a clothes giveaway this Saturday, June 13 starting at 8 a.m. We will not only have clothes but other items as well. Thank you for your support.
SPIRITUAL WAR WITH EVIL!
Bible study: Matthew 3:1-16. Church of Living Water; Preacher: James Mitchell.
America needs patriots to make a stand against all the evil that is trying to destroy our nation. The Democratic Party has been taken over by demonic spirits. They are trying to divide our Black, Brown, and White brothers and sisters. Biden/Harris brought in millions of illegals and criminals who are killing our citizens. These illegals are taking our jobs and billions of our taxpayers’ dollars through fraud. Democrats are paying the protesters who are assaulting our ICE law enforcement. Democrats who run states aren’t doing anything about all the fraud and waste. President Trump is making America safe again, prosperous again, and getting the illegals and criminals out of America. We are in a spiritual war with evil! We need preachers like John the Baptist in this evil time! Democratic politicians and you who stand with them, repent and be saved from the wrath of God that is coming! Brothers and sisters, let’s pray that hearts are opened up to God’s forgiveness. We cast out demonic spirits, in Jesus’ Name! I pray for all, in Jesus’ Name. Hold on to your faith.
ASHLEY LANDIS / AP PHOTO
A man applies sunscreen to a woman’s arm before a spring training baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Chicago White Sox in Phoenix, Feb. 28, 2024.
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
Blessing of the bikes
For all our di erences, we want the same things — our needs met, and to love and be loved.
WE HOSTED A BLESSING of the bikes last Sunday evening at church. My neighbor, who owns a motorcycle repair shop, invited a bunch of riders, and they pulled into the parking lot, revving the engines of their magni cent metal steeds. Several young families in our neighborhood bicycled to the event, the parents leading their brood like ducklings in a row. We grilled hot dogs and veggie burgers. We served slabs of watermelon and bowls of ice cream. We had just enough food for everyone. As they ate, leather-clad bikers talked shop about crankshafts and timing chains. Toddlers and grandmothers kicked o their sandals and giggled at each other. Older children left the picnic tables to play a game of Frisbee. I spoke with a young woman who wanted to grow up and become a pastor. Another young man told me that he
COLUMN | BOB WACHS
hadn’t been to church in a long time. As a child, he witnessed things that were clearly unloving, despite what people said about Jesus. So much evil had been done in God’s name. Before the blessing of the bikes that morning in Sunday worship, our congregation re ected upon the story of Abraham, who God promised would have descendants more numerous than the stars in the sky. Today’s Christians around the world are part of that legacy, yet we too often limit the blessing to a small tribe of people who look like or think like us. Such hypocrisy and judgment turns people away. Christians are often our own worst ambassadors.
I was inspired by the diverse fellowship of people who gathered at church, each one as unique and wondrous as their bike. For all our di erences, we want the same things — our needs met, and to love and be
loved. I prayed over each bike, asking for safety and traveling mercies as well as the joy of the open road. This simple, heartfelt blessing seemed to land with each rider, young and young at heart. The meaning was less about the words and more about the gesture of care.
Anyone can speak a blessing; you don’t have to be a pastor. A blessing is about naming the good that is already present and expressing hope for the future that we all share. The blessing is also in recognition of the gift. I was most moved by one of the youngest bikers who sat atop his little bike and declared, “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!”
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.
Urge to return home keen this time of year
Most of the time, the alums are worn out after the game, and dancing is the last thing on their minds.
WE’RE HAVING BASEBALL games, weddings and graduations. It must be June.
Add to that another feature of the times — church homecoming services — and we’ll know for sure we’re in the sixth month.
“Homecoming” can mean many things. In autumn, it’s that event around a football game, usually against a team the home folks think is a “patsy” so the ol’ alums can enjoy a good pasting by the local boys. At other schools, depending on the school, the boys may be the girls, and it may be a volleyball match at another time of the year.
But whatever, the idea is the same — get the old folks back, have a game, maybe a meal, throw in a dance if the school administration isn’t afraid of a rumble of some sort.
Of course, most of the time, the alums are worn out after the game, and dancing is the last thing on their minds.
That gala event, however, is not the “homecoming” of which I speak and have considerable experience, both as an attendee and a participant, especially with that part still known in many places as “dinner on the grounds.”
Many a good chicken has given his all in the name of fried drumsticks through the years: I’m proud to say I was there for many of them.
It’s not, however, the meal that’s the only drawing card. It’s important and enjoyable, sure. But it is, I believe, that yearning and drawing back to something basic that pulls us to church homecomings.
As a youngster I knew the fourth
Sunday of May — which is almost June — was the annual homecoming at my boyhood church. And as that youngster, I liked part of the day but didn’t especially care for other parts. I would tolerate the Sunday morning service, partly because my father “encouraged” me to do so. Later, as I began to think not so much as a child, I came to listen to what was being said and to glean something meaningful from it.
For a number of years there would be an afternoon music service, to which my mother always went and to which, until I could drive, she also played the encouraging card. After I got my driving license I’d slip away, with permission, and my folks would catch a ride home or I’d come back for them. Then, in time, that afternoon service went the way of all esh, becoming a precious memory.
I won’t lie to you: lunch was a big deal ... and always good — enough fried chicken, ham biscuits, deviled eggs and potato salad to feed the National Football League. And tomato sandwiches — I always preferred those made the night before with lots of Duke’s mayonnaise, wrapped in wax paper and allowed to absorb some of the morning heat. Soggy ... but man, were they good. Ditto for the desserts. Some I didn’t recognize and couldn’t name, but it didn’t matter. My favorite was chocolate somethingoranother on top of chocolate stu with chocolate drizzled on the whole thing. Today, as far as I’m concerned, chocolate remains one of the basic food groups.
And then there was the tea. I will go against all things Southern here and call it “sweet” tea, although anybody worth their salt reared south of Durham knows that’s the only kind. What made it so good was it came out of a metal drum with a faucet on it. Folks just came by and poured in what they had made so the nal product might not be something you could duplicate later but it was more than drinkable. Usually there was homemade lemonade in a metal washtub, as well, complete with a metal dipper.
By now as I write this, I’m several things — hungry, thirsty, nostalgic, which is what homecomings are all about — see old friends, make new ones and acknowledge that all of us, if we’ll admit, have within us the same thing that makes swallows y back to Capistrano yearly and compels salmon to leave the ocean, swimming upstream to where they were hatched so they, too, can lay their eggs.
The good news is we can have more than one home as we move through life. I consider myself fortunate to have a couple or so, places where you’re accepted and welcomed. I’ve long ago given up trying to gure it all out, where that all comes from. I’m pretty sure it’s part of the Divine that’s in us all.
Now I just go ... and enjoy. May it be so for you, as well.
Bob Wachs is a native of Chatham County and emeritus editor at Chatham News & Record. He serves as pastor of Bear Creek Baptist Church.
COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN
Apex predator? Begone.
Jeez, the joys of being human and accepting certain frailties.
Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor. COLUMN
Historically, I was Ms. Sarcasm during my teens and 20s, seriously approaching apex predator status. Hanging my head in sheer embarrassment, recalling how my sarcasm, likely, hurt people. I was funny, cutting (oh, so cutting) and chock full of puns. A reliable attention-getter for the young me who just craved attention.
Sigh.
How did yours truly, Ms. Sarcasm, nd herself exiting apex predator territory into, of all places, pollyanna-land?
Well, it did help to grow up … oh, and excavate some rock solid values … but my body (particularly my painful and persnickety left hip) betrays me, occasionally, and opens the cave to my napping apex predator. My very own apex predator peers out of the cave, slowly looking ’round … maybe a passerby to munch on?
Painful to watch a putative, peaceful Quaker (me) explode into an apex threat. I hadn’t (yet) bitten someone’s head o , but my temper’s much-shortened fuse needed only a spark to let ’er y. Someone looking at me the wrong way? Whatever …
Oh, yay, universe! Up popped a simple passport for rediscovering my sanity. Said
| DAVID HARSANYI
passport arrived in the form of my favorite unhealthy, but oh-so-happy-making beverage, Diet Dr. Pepper. Jeez, the joys of being human and accepting certain frailties. (One of mine is Diet Dr Pepper. I won’t list the others!)
There was a knock on my front door. I barely tamped down my apex predator energy (who’s bothering me?!) as I limped to answer. It was a neighbor and good friend. He was gently waving a six-pack of Diet Dr Pepper, explaining it had chased him down several aisles at the grocery store, plaintively calling my name. Responding as the good and caring man he is, my friend took custody of the bawling six-pack and lovingly carried it to my front steps. My cranky apex predator suddenly realized I felt seen, a lifelong sore spot for me. Ms. Predator slunk back into her cave. My head was happily poking up among the clouds, in Pollyanna territory, while joyfully swigging Diet Dr Pepper. Just needed to feel seen … as do most of us.
The SPLC’s real scam
How can any reputable media outlet ever use the SPLC as a source again?
IT TURNS OUT that the most generous funder of white supremacist groups in the United States was likely the Southern Poverty Law Center.
At least that’s what the Department of Justice’s superseding indictment against the SPLC alleges.
The organization secretly paid informants to engage in the active promotion and funding of racist groups while denouncing and “ ghting” the very same groups in public. The SPLC purportedly created ctitious entities to hide funding from their donors.
The SPLC, for instance, is accused of bankrolling the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally, paying a leader nearly $300,000 to post racist messages, organize and even transport people to the infamous Charlottesville protest, where one person was killed.
In another instance, a pair of white supremacists who approached the SPLC about leaving the Klan were encouraged to stay in the group and recruit new members. Given salaries, the two men were allegedly reimbursed for the costs of their activities, including those “incurred for cross-burning events, to include the wood and fuel used.”
In the end, I’m not sure what the legal jeopardy there is in engaging in this brand of duplicitous activity, but it is without a doubt corrupt, fraudulent, immoral and bad for the country.
Many people correctly point out that SPLC is merely interested in keeping white supremacist groups operational to justify its existence. White nationalists and identitarian groups have no genuine political power or support, so it makes sense that SPLC and other groups would prop them up for fundraising. The notion that Americans live in a nation of deep -seated systemic and cultural racism is a foundational belief of the American left. Having a bunch of cartoonishly racist groups running around the country not only perpetuates the myth but helps raise money.
But a far more vital objective of the SPLC is destroying the reputations of e ective legitimate organizations that are involved in mainstream political debates that have absolutely nothing to do with racism or extremism.
The purpose of the “hate” maps and enemies’ lists compiled by SPLC isn’t to alert Americans about local skinheads but to associate those skinheads with the American College of Pediatricians, Family Research Council, Ben Carson, Turning Point USA, American Family Association and Moms for Liberty.
In 2016, for instance, the SPLC “Hate and Extremism” list added Alliance
BE IN TOUCH
Defending Freedom, a highly e ective legal organization that’s won multiple religious freedom cases in front of the Supreme Court. Oftentimes the ADF represents minority clients. Its most high-pro le case involved Jack Phillips, the persecuted cake maker from Colorado whose First Amendment rights were stripped by the government. But the group also takes on cases regarding state funding for abortion or the biological males competing in girls’ sports.
You may disagree with ADF’s positions on those issues, but only an extremist progressive actually considers it a “hate” group worthy of inclusion on a list with “neo - confederates.” It’s not the pinhead “Neo Volkisch” that concerns the SPLC, it’s the impressive lawyer with the ADF.
By making their case to the press, these conservatives are wisely appealing to the SPLC’s most powerful source of in uence.
Yet the SPLC’s “hate list” has been treated as an authoritative source on extremism by virtually every legacy media outlet for years.
During the height of BLM protests and riots, The New York Times cited the SPLC as an unimpeachable authority on hate groups in hundreds of stories over a one-year span. The group was cited by the paper thousands of times over the previous decade. That’s a single media organization. From the mid-2010s through 2025, when the SPLC was sending millions to prop up the worst right-wing extremists in the country, virtually any story about rising extremism on NBC News featured the SPLC.
The question is, how can any reputable media outlet, much less a government agency, ever use the SPLC as a source again?
They’ll try. Even now, outlets like The Associated Press refer to the SPLC as a “civil rights” group. The SPLC, formed in 1971 by civil rights activists in Montgomery, Alabama, hasn’t been ghting for the rights of African Americans for a long time. By the mid-1980s, the SPLC had already shifted away from the civil rights ght to rooting out “right-wing extremism.” In 1986, the entire legal sta , save founder Morris Dees (who was pushed out of the organization in 2019 after allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination), quit over the change.
The SPLC, probably super uous when it was formed, has long been a shady left-wing activist group with a near-billion- dollar endowment. The new indictment only further con rms it was worse than we thought.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
Having di cult conversations
THEY ARE CALLED di cult conversations for a reason. But the ironic thing is, for the most part, the di culty is almost always in starting the conversation, not in the reaction to the topic itself. I know from my experiences that most people are self-aware enough that if I think there is a real problem that needs addressing, they do too. The problem is they don’t want to start the conversation either, so it festers. And that makes it harder on both sides.
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age.
As someone who has managed many people in my professional career, one of the most surprisingly di cult conversations I ever had illustrates this. One of my employees was underperforming badly. Missing deadlines, showing up late for meetings, unreliable work product, almost everything was o . But he was (and still is) a great person to be around, and everyone liked him. So I delayed the conversation and hoped it would get better. It didn’t.
When it was nally time for his formal end-of-year review, I was very honest with him and told him that if he continued to perform the way he had that he would be terminated in the coming months. I’ll never forget the look on his face when, rather than being defensive, angry or even surprised, he simply responded, “Thank you for being so honest. I needed to hear that.”
Approached correctly, you are likely to have a similar experience when you broach di cult nancial conversations. It’s not that people are unaware they should communicate on these topics, it’s that to discuss someone’s nancial success, or lack thereof, can feel like a crude judgment. Or to discuss someone’s death can feel like you don’t appropriately value their life. In fact, when broached with care and respect, the most common response is a thank you for bringing it up — they have wanted to talk about it too.
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age.
Whether you are in high school and want to consider what college you can a ord to attend or if you are my age and have elderly parents you need to discuss wishes for care and their wills with, it always feels invasive. But the alternative is so much worse — you need to nd a way today to begin those conversations.
There are too many examples of kids working hard to get into a college they can’t possibly pay for, and too many examples of parents passing away without communicating their wishes and intents. My retirement team here at the department would also want me to remind you that while you’re having those conversations, please be sure that everyone has updated their nancial bene ciaries and other legal designations to align with their current wishes!
Remember that nancial success, or lack of success, is not a referendum on someone’s worth. And eventually, no matter who you are, someone else will have to deal with your nancial a airs, despite how much you want to keep them to yourself. So spend some time today guring out how to talk to your parents, signi cant other or kids about money. Discuss goals, dreams and intent. And you’ll likely be surprised by just how happy they are that you did.
Brad Briner is state treasurer of North Carolina.
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.
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COLUMN
obituaries
Philip Jason Frazier
June 1, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Philip Jason Frazier, age 54, of Siler City, NC on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro, NC. He is survived by his parents Thomas Earle Frazier and Carol P. Frazier, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins
He was a proud graduate of Oak Ridge Military Academy class of 1989, and furthered his service commitment by enlisting in the US. Army where
Donald Ray Maness
Jan. 6, 1943 – June 6, 2026
Donald Ray Maness, 83, of Siler City, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on January 6, 1943, Donald was raised in High Falls, North Carolina. He was the son of the late Mack Maness and Mamie Maness and was preceded in death by his brother, Wilbert Maness.
Donald proudly served his country in the United States Army, a role that remained one of the greatest sources of pride throughout his life. Being a veteran was an important part of who he was, and he carried a deep love and respect for his country throughout his 83 years. A skilled master upholsterer and supervisor, Donald was known for his craftsmanship, strong work ethic, and dedication to doing a job right. He took pride in his work and earned the respect of those who worked alongside him.
Donald found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved spending time shing, took great pride in keeping his yard looking its best, and rarely missed an opportunity to enjoy breakfast at the local café with friends and familiar faces. He appreciated the simple blessings of life and the people who shared them with him.
While Donald was proud of his work and military service, nothing mattered more to him than his family. He loved his wife, Jane, with all his heart, was a devoted father to his daughter, Laurin, and cherished his role as “Big Daddy” to his grandchildren. Known to Jackson and Charlotte as Big Daddy, he took immense pride in them and found great joy in watching
he served for seven years in the 82nd Airborne Division. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army he worked maintenance within the apartment management sector.
Jason’s (better known as P.J.) life was enriched by his many passions. He was deeply involved in the rodeo community, both as a bull rider and a judge. His love for sports also extended to softball and coaching baseball, where he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with young athletes. Additionally, he cherished the times spent duck hunting with his close friend Berry Craven, (B.J.).
Jason was a member of Piney Grove Methodist Church, Siler City. There will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date, where family, friends, and all who were touched by his life will gather to honor and remember him. May he rest in peace and eternal happiness.
Memorials may be made to:
Pinay Grove Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 9. Siler City, NC 27344 or N.C. High School Rodeo Association, 215 Button Branch Lane, Lagrange, NC 28551
them grow. They brought him endless joy, and few things made him happier than talking about them and celebrating their accomplishments. Though often a man of few words, there was never any doubt about how deeply he loved his family.
Donald was a faithful member of Fall Creek Baptist Church and found strength and comfort in his faith throughout his life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane McLaurin Maness; his daughter, Laurin Maness Lance and husband, Nathan Lance, of Inman, South Carolina; his grandchildren, Jackson Gray Councilman of Columbia, South Carolina, and Charlotte Jane Boyd of Inman, South Carolina; and his brothers, Michael Maness of Rockingham, North Carolina, and Dale Maness and wife, Lisa of High Falls, North Carolina. Donald will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering patriotism, dedication to his family, and the kindness he showed to those around him. Though he will be deeply missed, his family nds comfort in the memories they shared and in the legacy of love, hard work, and devotion he leaves behind.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the hospice team whose compassionate care, guidance, and support allowed Donald to spend his nal days peacefully at home, surrounded by those he loved most. Their kindness during this di cult time will never be forgotten.
In lieu of owers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, Disable American Veterans, 707 Pinehurst Ave., Carthage, NC 28327 or Rockingham AMVETS, Post 316, c/o John Patrick, 304 Freeman Mill Rd., Hamlet, NC 28315.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Siler City.
The family will receive friends after the service in the Fellowship Hall. Joyce-Brady Chapel will be open from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 for friends to sign the register. Condolences may be o ered online at www.joycebradychapel. com
Joyce-Brady Chapel of Bennett is honored to serve the Maness family.
Gordon S. Wood, eminent scholar of the American Revolution, dead at 92
The historian’s in uential works shaped scholarly understanding of America’s founding for generations
By Hillel Italie The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Gordon S. Wood, the eminent and prolific scholar who forged a highly in uential and sharply debated narrative of the country’s early years of independence through such prize-winning works as “The Creation of the American Republic” and “The Radicalism of the American Revolution,” has died. He was 92. Wood, a professor emeritus at Brown University, died Sunday after being struck by a car in a supermarket parking lot in East Providence, Rhode Island, according to police.
Author of dozens of books and essays, Wood never gained the mass audience of historians like David McCullough and Doris Kearns Goodwin, but his ndings became standard references for discussions about the formation of the U.S. and the legacy of the revolution. Many peers regarded the white-haired, mild-looking Wood as the embodiment of the learned, traditional historian, guided by facts rather than ideology.
In 2011, President Barack Obama presented him a National Humanities Medal “for scholarship that provides insight into the founding of the nation and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.”
In recent years, younger academics increasingly alleged that Wood was too well-established, the epitome of the old-school historian who minimized the lives of slaves, women and Indigenous people. John L. Brooke, a history professor at Ohio State University, would fault him for “a distinct avoidance of interpretative paradox and complexity,” even as he cited Wood’s “scale and scholarly enterprise.”
His success was immediate and lasting. His rst book, “The Creation of the American Republic,” won the Bancroft Prize in 1970 and lived on with generations of students who embraced and contended with Wood’s ndings that the Constitution was unintentionally subversive, a document devised by elites that led to “the destruction of the very social world
they had sought to maintain.” His “The Radicalism of the American Revolution” won the Pulitzer in 1993, and the epic “Empire of Liberty” was a nalist in 2009. Wood did welcome scholarly breakthroughs, notably Annette Gordon-Reed’s “persuasive contextual case” that the enslaved Sally Hemings bore some of Thomas Je erson’s children. In “Empire of Liberty,” which covered the years 1789 to 1815, he included lengthy passages on slavery and called it a cancer “eating away at the message of liberty and equality.”
At other times, Wood angrily resisted new approaches. He was a prominent critic of The New York Times’ Pulitzer Prize winning 1619 Project and its contention — later amended — that maintaining slavery was a key motivation for the American Revolution. He alleged that the project encouraged a sense “victimhood” and feeling “aggrieved,” even as he acknowledged he hadn’t read most of it. He would counter that the founders, even such plantation owners as Je erson and James Madison, believed — mistakenly — that slavery would die a natural death and the revolution itself energized the American abolitionist movement.
“We all want justice, but not at the expense of truth,” he wrote in 2019, adding, in a widely disputed statement, “I don’t know of any colonist who said that they wanted independence in order to preserve their slaves.”
Wood was born into history: His hometown, Concord, Massachusetts, had been the residence of Ralph Waldo Emerson,
Henry David Thoreau and Louisa May Alcott, among others. But his passion for the subject he later mastered did not arise until college. Wood found his high school history education unbearable, su ering through classes in which the teacher simply read from a textbook. Wood did admire his Latin instructor, who encouraged him to attend Tufts University, from which he graduated summa cum laude. He received a master’s and doctorate from Harvard University and studied under a celebrated Revolutionary War historian Bernard Bailyn, whose documentation of the intellectual forces behind independence in his landmark “The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution” Wood would build upon in “The Creation of the American Republic.”
In his introduction to “The Idea of America,” published in 2011, Wood looked back on his own work and the evolution of scholarship in his lifetime. He noted the many errors of the country’s founders but warned against scolding historical gures because of mistakes which seem obvious now, what he and others call “Presentism.”
“The drama, indeed the tragedy of history, comes from our understanding of the tension that existed between the conscious wills and intentions of the participants in the past and the underlying conditions that constrained their actions and shaped their future,” he wrote.
“If the study of history teaches anything, it teaches us the limitations of life. It ought to produce prudence and humility.”
Actor Anthony Head, known for ‘Bu y the Vampire Slayer,’ dead at 72
His career encompassed television, lm, stage performances and musical theater roles
By Jill Lawless and Brian Melley The Associated Press
LONDON — Anthony Head, the suave, smooth-voiced British actor known for roles in “Bu y the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso,” has died, his family said Friday. He was 72.
Head’s daughters, actors Emily and Daisy Head, told the Press Association news agency that the actor passed away due to complications from pneumonia.
The stage and TV performer became well known to British audiences in the 1980s as one half of a will-they, won’t-they
romantic couple in a series of ads for Nescafe Gold Blend instant co ee. The ads were later reshot for a U.S. audience for Taster’s Choice.
Head achieved wider fame as librarian Rupert Giles, mentor to the title character in the cult-favorite supernatural series “Bu y the Vampire Slayer,” which ran from 1997 to 2003. He most recently played Rupert Mannion, the villainous ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s character Rebecca, in “Ted Lasso.”
“Our grief is far greater than the hole he has left behind, but we know his legacy will live on, in the shows he was a part of, and in the audiences that love them,” his daughters said.
“How lucky we are to know we are able to watch him doing what he loved, even when he is no longer with us.”
Head was born in London on Feb. 20, 1954, to Sea eld Head, a documentary lmmaker, and Helen Shingler, an actor. His older brother, Murray, is also an actor. Other notable roles included playing Geo rey Howe, the deputy to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, played by Meryl Streep, in the Oscar-winning “The Iron Lady.” Head portrayed a prime minister himself in the sketch comedy show “Little Britain,” as well as King Uther Pendragon, the father of Prince Arthur, in the “Merlin” TV series. He also appeared in “Motherland,” Manchild” and “Silent Witness,” along with acting in many plays, musicals and recording music as a singer. He was predeceased by his longtime partner, animal welfare activist Sarah Fisher, 61, in 2025.
PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS / AP PHOTO
President Barack Obama, right, presents a National Humanities Medal to author, historian and Brown University professor emeritus Gordon Wood during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 2, 2011.
A judge credited social media perfectionism for driving the mullet’s global comeback
By James Brooks The Associated Press
COPENHAGEN — Business in the front, party in the back.
A packed Danish crowd celebrated on Saturday the much-maligned but enduring mullet hairstyle, de ned by very short hair at the front and longer hair at the back.
Denmark’s raucous 2026 Mullet Championship, presented on an outdoor stage in central Copenhagen, attracted 12 well-coi ed competitors and more than a thousand spectators to the evening’s “mane” event.
Organizer Ste en Stiw Weber, a 37-year-old electrician, said the championships, now in their fourth year, began after he had a hair transplant and chose to grow out a mullet.
After realizing he couldn’t compete in a mullet competition in the United States because he wasn’t a U.S. citizen, Stiw Weber started his own in Denmark.
“I was like, OK, I have to do it on my own here in Denmark,” he said while smiling.
Competitors in Saturday’s
championships were evaluated on their cuts’ style, uniqueness, and overall performance and “mullet moves,” explained judge Bobby Agren.
Contestants were given 60 seconds each to perform on stage to showcase their cuts.
“I like the nesse, the twist, the nostalgia. I like it if it looks ridiculous or maybe ugly in
a beautiful way,” said Agren, who owns two hair salons in Copenhagen.
“I think in our culture, when everything must … be perfect on social media and everything like that, I think that’s why people have to stand out from the crowd,” said Stiw Weber.
The event featured an array of over-the-top performances, in-
Competitor Martin Sedolf performs as character pro wrestler “Benny Bacchus” at Denmark’s Mullet Championship in central Copenhagen on Saturday.
to distribute points to the competitors.
Forty-three-year-old construction worker Thomas Berg eventually took home the top prize after wowing judges by frantically jumping on a trampoline while clad in neon green gym wear. He completed his mullet haircut with an orange headband. “I think it’s just funny. It’s just a big party,” said a smiling Berg after collecting his prize. “It’s just nice to be a bit outside the box.”
Though mullets have likely been around longer than there have been barbers, the Oxford English Dictionary cites hip-hop legends the Beastie Boys for helping popularize the term mullet with the song “Mullet Head” on their 1994 recording “Ill Communication.” The short-in-the-front, longin-the-back coi ure was popularized by ice hockey players and ’80s musicians but later fell out of favor.
Fashion magazine Vogue reportedly once described the mullet as “history’s most divisive hairstyle.”
cluding beer-swilling, body-popping, and a live saxophone show.
One competitor even wore a mullet haircut styled to resemble the Danish ag.
The crowd screamed and chanted with their energy seemingly feeding directly into the various performers on stage.
After every performance, judges held up scorecards
FACILITY from page A1 in the district by recruiting current Chatham County Students.
Each student in the partnership program will receive a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500 annually for four years) and are promised a teaching position in the district once they meet all the licensure requirements for North Carolina.
In turn, those students will be required to ful ll a four-year teaching commitment, else they will be required to repay any tuition paid for by the scholarship.
“Last year, we had the privilege of awarding one scholarship and this year, we have the privilege of awarding two scholarships,” Burton said.
The two recipients are both Chatham Central High School seniors: Peyton Douglas, who will attend NC State,
But in recent years, the mullet has seen a global resurgence — British magazine i-D declared 2020 “the year of the mullet” as the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered hair salons and lockdown-weary citizens let their locks ow.
Numerous mullet competitions are now staged around the world. Belgium hosted the European Mullet Cup last month. “It comes back every 20-30 years. There’s always a circular motion in fashion,” said Agren, the Denmark mullet competition judge.
and Landon Johnson, who will attend Central Carolina Community College before transferring to a four-year institution.
Finally, the board approved the surplusing of around 0.7 acres of property located near JS Waters School.
The property was previously used as part of the school’s on-site wastewater treatment before they joined the Town of Goldston’s sewer system
The reason for surplusing it now is because the district was approached by a nearby land owner about purchasing the parcel.
The board of education rst has to o er it to the county commissioners, but should they refuse, the parcel will be put up for bid at a price just under $4,500.
The Chatham County Schools Board of Education will next meet July 13.
JAMES BROOKS / AP PHOTO
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PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
A public hearing will be held by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Monday, June 15, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The public hearing will be held in the courtroom of the Historic Courthouse in Pittsboro, North Carolina at 9 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro NC 27312.
Additional information is available at the Chatham County Planning Department o ce. Speakers are requested to sign up at the meeting prior to the hearing. You may also sign up on the county website prior to the meeting at www.chathamcountync.gov by selecting the heading County Government, then Commissioner Meetings, then Public Comment. The public hearing may be continued to another date at the discretion of the Board of Commissioners.
The purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive input, both written and oral, on the issues listed below.
Legislative Request:
1. A legislative rezoning public hearing requested on Parcel 10737, located at 4051 Silk Hope Gum Springs Rd., being approximately 20.736 acres, to rezone from R-1 Residential to Conditional District Regional Business (CD-RB) for grounds and facilities for outdoor sports or games (i.e. cricket elds), Hadley Township.
Testimony is required to be given under oath during the evidentiary hearing for the following item: Quasi-Judicial Request:
1. A quasi-judicial public hearing requested by Lockley Holdings, LLC for a Special Use Permit for a contractor’s storage yard and staging area on parcel 9390, located at 1656 Campbell Road, Bear Creek, NC, being an area of 3.9 acres out of the 10.02acre tract.
Substantial changes may be made following the public hearing due to verbal or written comments received or based on the Board’s discussions.
Notice to people with special needs: If you have audio or visual impairment, unique accessibility requirements or need language assistance, please call the number listed below prior to the hearing and assistance may be provided.
If you have any questions or comments concerning these issues, please call the Chatham County Planning Department at 919-542-8204, or write to P.O. Box 54, Pittsboro N.C. 27312.
NOTICE OF TAX FORECLOSURE SALE
Under and by virtue of an order of the District Court of Chatham County, North Carolina, made and entered in the action entitled COUNTY OF CHATHAM vs. HUBERT MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, and all possible heirs and assignees of HUBERT MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, DERRY MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, and all possible heirs and assignees of DERRY MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, THOMAS MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, and all possible heirs and assignees of THOMAS MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, WENDELL MATTHEWS A/K/A ANTHONY WENDELL MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, and all possible heirs and assignees of WENDELL MATTHEWS A/K/A ANTHONY WENDELL MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, FRANCES MCCORMICK and spouse, if any, and all possible heirs and assignees of FRANCES MCCORMICK and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, RAY MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, and all possible heirs and assignees of RAY MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, FRANK MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, and all possible heirs and assignees of FRANK MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, FREDERICK H. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, and all possible heirs and assignees of FREDERICK H. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, DORA LEE MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, and all possible heirs and assignees of DORA LEE MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, THE HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND DEVISEES OF WILLIAM MATTHEWS, JR. and spouse, if any, which may include MICHAEL R. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, KAREN S. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, THE HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND DEVISEES OF LORI MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, and THE HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND DEVISEES OF MICHELLE MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, which may include PATRICE L. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, THE HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND DEVISEES OF JAMES E. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, which may include MILDRED M. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, THE HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND DEVISEES OF PAMELA COLE A/K/A PAMELA MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, which may include FREEMAN O. COLE, JR. and spouse, if any, LELAH B. BAKER and spouse, if any, DAPHNE S. BAKER A/K/A DAPHNE BIAGAS and spouse, if any, BRADLEY W. BAKER and spouse, if any, LAURA DENISE MATTHEWS A/K/A LAURA MARSH and spouse, if any, THERL R. MATTHEWS A/K/A THURL R. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, JAMIE D. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, JERROLD L. MATTHEWS A/K/A GERROLD L. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, JONATHAN E. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, THE HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND DEVISEES OF DONALD MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, which may include DONNA P. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, THE HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND DEVISEES OF KEVIN TERRELL MATTHEWS A/K/A TERRELL MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, and THE HEIRS, ASSIGNS AND DEVISEES OF EARL B. MATTHEWS and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, et al, 19CVD000838-180, the undersigned Commissioner will on the 17th day of June, 2026, o er for sale and sell for cash, to the last and highest bidder at public auction at the courthouse door in Chatham County, North Carolina, Pittsboro, North Carolina at 12:00 o’clock, noon, the following described real property, lying and being in Gulf Township, State and County aforesaid, and more particularly described as follows: All of that certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in Gulf Township, Chatham County, North Carolina, and more described as follows: Being Lot No. 5 of the plat and survey entitled Horton Park as surveyed by R.H. Hancock, Surveyor, on August 26, 1959, and recorded in Chatham County Registry, Plat Book 6, Page 48. and being a portion of the lands heretofore conveyed by Burton C. Jessup and wife, to H.L. Oldham and wife. Subject to restrictive covenants and easements of record. Parcel Identi cation Number: 0010107
The undersigned Commissioner makes no warranties in connection with this property and speci cally disclaims any warranties as to title and habitability. This property is being sold as is, without opinion as to title or any other matter.
This sale will be made subject to all outstanding city and county taxes and all local improvement assessments against the above described property not included in the judgment in the above-entitled cause. A cash deposit of 20 percent of the successful bid will be required. In addition, the successful bidder will be required, at the time the Deed is recorded to pay for recording fees and revenue stamps assessed by the Chatham County Register of Deeds.
This sale is subject to upset bid as set forth in N.C.G.S. Section 1-339.25.
This the 27th day of May, 2026. Mark D. Bardill/Mark B. Bardill, Commissioner P.O. Box 25 Trenton, NC 28585
Publication dates: June 4, 2026 June 11, 2026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Thomas Earle Tillman, 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 19th of August, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment.
This May 21, 2026. Gillian Tillman, Executor Estate of Thomas Earle Tillman
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of ROBIN LOU FLYER, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before September 12, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This the 11th day of June, 2026.
Lynn Marie Flyer
Executor of the Estate of Robin Lou Flyer
177 Pine View Acres P.O. Box 535
Goldston, NC 27252
Leigh Anne Kasias Wyatt Early Harris Wheeler LLP 1912 Eastchester Drive, Ste 400 High Point, NC 27265
336-884-4444 Publication dates: June 11, 18, 25; July 2, 2026.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY
The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of THOMAS R. FLYER, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before September 12, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This the 11th day of June, 2026.
Lynn Marie Flyer
Executor of the Estate of Thomas R. Flyer
177 Pine View Acres P.O. Box 535 Goldston, NC 27252
Leigh Anne Kasias Wyatt Early Harris Wheeler LLP 1912 Eastchester Drive, Ste 400 High Point, NC 27265
336-884-4444 Publication dates: June 11, 18, 25; July 2, 2026.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of MARGERY KEASLER, 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 4th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 4th day of June, 2026. COLIN DEKEERSGIETER, ADMINISTRATOR ESTATE OF MARGERY KEASLER
NOTICE
ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations holding claims against Charles Albert Lewis, Jr., deceased, of Chatham County, NC are noti ed to exhibit same to the undersigned on or before September 7, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This June 4th, 2026. Mark O. Costley, Exec., c/o Clarity Legal Group, PO Box 2207, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.
NORTH CAROLINA
CHATHAM COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE
The undersigned, having quali ed on the 30th day of April, 2026, as Executor of the Estate of James E. Merkel, deceased, of Chatham 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 21st day of August, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment to the undersigned.
This 21st day of May, 2026. Hugh T. Merkel, Executor of the Estate of James E. Merkel c/o Gwendolyn C. Brooks Kennon Craver, PLLC 4011 University Drive, Suite 300 Durham, North Carolina 27707
THE CHATHAM NEWS: 5/21/2026, 5/28/2026, 6/4/206, and 6/11/2026
CHATHAM COUNTY PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing in accordance with NCGS 158-7.1 on Monday, June 15th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Historic Courthouse, located at 9 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro, NC to consider a request for an economic development incentive grant. The anticipated new capital investment for Mosaic Hospitality LLC is $14 million. The Chatham County Board of Commissioners believes that this project will stimulate the local economy and will provide local economic bene ts for the residents of Chatham County through an increase in sales tax revenues and the increased purchases of local goods and services. The public is invited to attend the hearing to express their viewpoints. Persons having questions may contact County Clerk Jenifer Johnson at 919-5428200, jenifer.johnson@chathamcountync.gov Those wishing to speak may sign up on the county website or submit written comments to the Town Clerk Jenifer Johnson at PO Box 1809, Pittsboro, NC 27312 or jenifer.johnson@chathamcountync.gov.
NOTICE
ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against George Richard Meinig, Jr., deceased, of Chatham, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before September 11th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 11th day of June, 2026. Ms. Janet Meinig, Executor Estate of George Richard Meinig, Jr. c/o Roberson Law Firm 1829 E. Franklin St., Ste. 800C Chapel Hill, NC 27514 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2
Notice to creditors
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
26E000103-180
Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Mark Beals, deceased, 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 at the following address on or before August 28, 2026 or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment.
This the 18th day of May, 2026. Ashley Hensley, Administrator Estate of Mark Beals 1761 North Main Street Goldston NC 27252
NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF CARL EUGENE RENZ
TAKE NOTICE: All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against Carl Eugene Renz, deceased, are noti ed to exhibit them to Nancy Jane Donahue, Administrator of the Estate, at the following address: c/o Harvell and Collins, P. A., 1107 Bridges Street, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557 on or before August 28, 2026, or be forever barred from their recovery. Debtors of decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Administrator. Cecil S. Harvell Harvell and Collins, P.A.
Attorney for the Estate of Carl Eugene Renz, Deceased 1107 Bridges Street Morehead City, North Carolina 28557
Publish: Thursday, May 28, 2026; Thursday, June 4, 2026; Thursday, June 11, 2026; and Thursday, June 18, 2026.
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS
CHATHAM COUNTY HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Clyde William Jones 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 2nd day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
This the 26th day of May, 2026.
Robert Earl Jones, Executor
Of the Estate of Clyde William Jones
3183 White Oak Way
Staley, North Carolina 27355
MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
BOX 629
SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850
4tp
NOTICE
NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS
CHATHAM COUNTY HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Hoyle Edwin Beckwith of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.
This the 4th day of June, 2026.
Daniel Kevin Beckwith, Executor Of the Estate of Hoyle Edwin Beckwith 139 Black Horse Run Bear Creek, North Carolina 27207 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE
ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850
4tp
EXECUTORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against KATHIE SUE ASHKENES, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, are hereby noti ed to present their claims by mailing them to Lenfestey, Maxie & Burger, PLLC , attorneys for the Executor of the Estate, at 127 W. Hargett Street, Suite 301, PMB 190, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601, on or before the 13th day of September, 2026, or such claims will be forever barred. Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Estate through its attorneys. File No.: 26E000305-180 This the 11th day of June, 2026. Alex Daniel Ashkenes, Executor of the Estate J11, 18, 25 and 2
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
ESTATE OF PAUL LESLIE SANDERS FILE NO. 26E000278-180
The undersigned, Regina Leigh McCoy, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Paul Leslie Sanders, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at 42 Carson Ct, Pittsboro, NC 27312 on or before the 21st day of August 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This the 21st day of May 2026. Chatham News & Record May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 2026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS:
Chatham County, North Carolina
RE: THE ESTATE OF KENNETH CARO– 26E000190-
180 Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of KENNETH CARO, deceased, Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 19th of, August, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. This the 15th day of May, 2026. Nicholas Young, Executor DSR Legal, PLLC PO Box 51596 Durham, NC 27717 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 2026
Notice to Creditors
Estate of Barbara J. Swartz ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against Barbara J Swartz, deceased, of Chatham County, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before 9/4/2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 4th day of June, 2026. Arthur H Swartz, Executor 2819 Ferdinand Ct. Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 c/o Hopler, Wilms & Hanna, PLLC 2314 S. Miami Blvd. Suite 151 Durham, NC 27703 6/4,11,18,25, 2026
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000226-180 The undersigned ROBERT L. HAITHCOX AND CHARLOTTE E. HAITHCOX, having quali ed on the 17TH Day of APRIL 2026 as CO-EXECUTORS of the Estate of EDNA N. HAITHCOX, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 11TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 11TH DAY OF JUNE 2026. ROBERT L. HAITHCOX, CO-EXECUTOR 3555 OLD HWY 1 PO BOX 232 MONCURE, NC 27559 CHARLOTTE E. HAITHCOX, CO-EXECUTOR 3557 OLD HWY 1 PO BOX 146 MONCURE, NC 27559 Run dates: J11,18,J25,Jy2
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#26E000292-180 The undersigned, ROBERT DOWLING, having quali ed on the 28TH Day of MAY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of EILEEN DOWLING, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 4TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 4TH DAY OF JUNE 2026. ROBERT DOWLING, EXECUTOR 1536 PATHWAY DRIVE CARRBORO, NC 27510 Run dates: J4,11,25,Jy2p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#26E000275-180 The undersigned, SUSAN E. WELSH-ARDOIN, having quali ed on the 19TH Day of MAY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of JAMES ROTH CONRAD, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 28TH Day OF AUGUST 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 28TH DAY OF MAY 2026. SUSAN E. WELSH-ARDOIN, EXECUTOR 5901 WHATSIT LANE RALEIGH, NC 27603 Run dates: M28,J4,11,25p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY
FILE#26E000236-180 The undersigned LATOYA D. FOX, having quali ed on the 22ND Day of APRIL 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of JUNE TAYLOR ISAAC FOX, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 4TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 4TH DAY OF JUNE 2026. LATOYA D. FOX, ADMINISTRATOR 97 RILEY LANE SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: J4,11,18,J25
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000194-180 The undersigned SUSAN GILLIAM RAAF, having quali ed on the 8TH Day of APRIL 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of PHILLIP LESLIE GILLIAM, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 21ST Day OF AUGUST 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 21ST DAY OF MAY 2026. SUSAN GILLIAM RAAF, EXECUTOR 912 FITTS STREET SANFORD, NC 27330 Run dates: M21,28,J4,11p
NOTICE
Public Notice of Availability of Statement of Activity Preserving Home,
Cuba’s iconic antique cars sit idle as US energy blockade deepens fuel crisis
Drivers face monthlong waits through a government fuel app for rationed gasoline
By Martin Silva Rey The Associated Press
HAVANA — A worsening fuel crisis across Cuba is testing the island’s famed “almendrones,” the vintage American cars that serve as vital shared taxis and embody the island’s ingenuity and endurance.
These days, many of the iconic gas-guzzling antique cars sit idle, casualties of fuel shortages that have gripped Cuba since January and that Cuban ocials blame on a U.S. energy blockade.
Outside his modest concrete-block home on a dirt road in Las Minas, a town of about 2,000 people on the outskirts of Havana, Diriel Valdez is restoring a 1951 Chevrolet Deluxe. The burgundy body is intact and the original engine still works. Finding fuel for it, however, is another matter.
Valdez is among thousands of Cubans waiting for fuel through a government reservation app that, for many, has become a symbol of the shortages
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The shift comes after federal judges blocked Trump’s administration from making crippling cuts at Harvard and the University of California, Los Angeles. It also follows a mass exodus in civil rights lawyers who traditionally guide investigations against universities. Still, Trump hasn’t backed down from his campaign to end what he calls “wokeness” run amok in academia. Through regulation, the administration is going after many of the same targets it hammered with investigations — diversity, equity and inclusion policies, transgender athletes, antisemitism and a variety of practices perceived as anti-white discrimination.
Several U.S. agencies propose new rules
One new rule being proposed by the Education Department would overhaul the system that decides which colleges can receive federal money, known as the accreditation process. Among other changes, the proposal would require accreditors to make sure colleges have “intellectual diversity,” a veiled call for more conservative voices.
Many people in higher education are alarmed by a proposal from the O ce of Management and Budget that would order agencies to ensure federal grants “advance the President’s policy priorities.” Trump o cials would verify that grants aren’t used to promote DEI, “anti-American values” or anything denying “the sex binary in humans,” according to the proposal issued last week. An OMB spokesperson said the rule aims to promote transparency.
Another proposal from the General Services Administration would require federal grant recipients, including universities and their contractors, to certify they don’t have DEI policies deemed unlawful by the administration.
At least 11 new rules have
it was designed to manage. “I signed up in February. ... I’m still somewhere around No. 2,800,” said the 27-year- old who runs an auto body shop from his home.
The reward for the wait would be 20 liters (5.3 gallons) of gasoline — enough fuel, Valdez says, to get him to the beach.
Almendrones represent Cuban improvisation
The name almendrón comes from the Spanish word for almond, a reference to the rounded shape of the large American sedans imported before Cuba’s 1959 revolution.
For decades, sanctions, shortages and limited imports forced Cuban mechanics to become masters of improvisation.
Engines were swapped, bodies rebuilt and replacement parts sourced from wherever they could be found.
On a recent night in Havana, as another blackout darkened much of the city, taxi driver Leonardo Daniel González steered a friend’s glowing purple 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster through the darkness.
“These cars are passed down from generation to gen-
“These cars are passed down from generation to generation. I had one that belonged to my great-grandfather. It went from him to my grandfather, then to my father, and then to me.”
Leonardo Daniel González, taxi driver
eration,” said González, 30. “I had one that belonged to my great-grandfather. It went from him to my grandfather, then to my father, and then to me.”
The wait for fuel
Cuba is experiencing one of its most severe energy crises in years. The population, already battered by decades of economic crises and shortages, is now navigating daily blackouts that can last up to 20 hours in some parts of the island.
The country produces only about 40% of the fuel it consumes and depends heavily on imports to keep its power plants
Massachusetts.
been proposed at the Education Department, including one aimed at “streamlining the process” to cut money for schools that violate the Trump administration’s interpretation of civil rights law.
Making federal rules can take months of debate in humdrum bureaucratic processes.
But unlike earlier strategies that tested the limits of White House power, the rulemaking process is a widely accepted route to establish federal policy into law — without needing to go through Congress.
Some in higher education welcome the change. Unlike last year’s attacks, the new approach opens the door for a conversation, said Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, which represents college and university presidents.
“We’re playing a game that has rules and referees, and that’s good,” said Mitchell, a former Education Department ofcial under President Barack Obama, a Democrat. “It gives us an opportunity to talk about where we might agree with the administration. That was impossible to do when these were just straight-on attacks.”
The administration launches fewer new investigations
Meantime, the Education and Justice departments have announced fewer higher-education investigations, issuing news releases on roughly a dozen at U.S. universities so far this year. In the same span last year, they announced more than 70, according to an AP analysis. The exact number of new investigations is unclear — a public database has not been updated since January 2025.
Kent said the Education Department will continue to open investigations as needed, describing it as using a “scalpel to cut out the bad.” But he said colleges have started to come to heel on the administration’s priorities.
“Folks realize that it’s a new day and that we’re paying attention,” Kent said.
The vast majority of the investigations opened last year are still open. The White House struck deals with Columbia, Brown and a handful of other campuses, but most cases are unresolved with no public update in months.
Catherine Lhamon, who led the Education Department’s Of-
running and its transportation network moving.
Since January, the Trump administration has tightened sanctions on Cuba as an element of its ongoing pressure campaign against the island’s communist government.
Trump also threatened tari s on countries that sell or transport oil to Cuba, further complicating the island’s e orts to secure fuel supplies. Just a single Russian tanker has delivered oil to the island nation since then.
Standing beside his Chevrolet in Las Minas, Valdez, who runs the auto body shop, said the fuel shortage is also a ecting his livelihood. He learned auto-body work from his stepfather and has been repairing classic cars since he was 13.
“People don’t want to do major repairs anymore,” he said. “A lot of them have their cars parked. They don’t have much hope that they’ll be circulating the way they used to.”
Almendrones persist even with electric vehicles
As gasoline becomes harder to obtain, many drivers are turning to Cuba’s black market, where fuel can often be found
ce for Civil Rights under President Joe Biden, a Democrat, said the barrage of investigations amounted to “performance art” that grabbed attention but had little impact. After pushback from schools, she said, the Trump administration is backing o .
“It stopped putting itself in a position to lose,” said Lhamon, who now leads the Edley Center on Law and Democracy at the University of California, Berkeley. Still, some ghts have intensied. The White House has doubled down on battles with Harvard and UCLA after federal judges blocked the administration from cutting o research funding from the campuses.
The Justice Department has sued Harvard and UCLA four times since February, alleging that both campuses tolerated antisemitism and that Harvard refused to release admissions data sought by the administration. Leaders of both universities say they have worked to ght antisemitism.
Admissions cases become a top priority
A White House o cial said the investigative slowdown is also the result of a mounting focus on college admissions. The administration has been building cases against colleges accused of considering race in admissions decisions even after the Supreme Court struck down afrmative action. Those investigations can take more time because they require large data collections, said the o cial, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy. Some of those cases are now coming to bear.
The Justice Department recently concluded that medical schools at Yale and UCLA discriminated against white and Asian American students by allegedly favoring Black and Latino applicants. The universities have defended their ad-
more quickly, though at signicantly higher prices that can reach up to $8 per liter ($30 per gallon).
Omar Everleny Pérez, a former economist at the University of Havana’s Center of Cuban Economic Studies, said the country’s transportation system still depends heavily on almendrones because modern vehicles remain out of reach for most Cubans.
“They’ve been vital to the transportation of ordinary Cubans,” he said. “Not only in Havana but throughout the country.”
New vehicles have become available in Cuba in recent years, but at prices far beyond the reach of most state-sector workers, Pérez said. That has helped keep the aging American cars on the road, even as a di erent future is beginning to emerge on Cuba’s streets.
Electric motorcycles imported from China have become increasingly common. Small electric vehicles are also appearing, aided by a growing network of solar-powered charging stations promoted by the government as part of its push toward renewable energy.
Back in Havana, González is not ready to write o the almendrones. Despite the lack of fuel and a sharp decline in tourism, he can still make a living o the old Chevrolet.
“There are ... several WhatsApp groups for us to nd rides and so on,” said González. “But tourism in Cuba is in very bad shape.”
missions processes, saying they were rigorous and based on merit.
Trump o cials are taking a hard-line approach against any use of race in admissions, clashing with colleges that invite students to discuss their race in application essays. In its 2023 decision, the Supreme Court said nothing stops schools from considering how applicants’ race speaks to broader qualities.
“We are making sure,” Kent said, “that we are elevating our best and our brightest and that we’re not putting the thumb on the scale because of somebody’s skin color.”
Higher education has already been changed
Facing last year’s blitz, many campuses quietly made changes to avoid scrutiny. Some closed DEI o ces. The NCAA moved to limit transgender athletes. Universities from UCLA to Columbia tightened campus protest rules after pro-Palestinian demonstrations were the subject of federal investigations.
Research has been scaled back as top schools face continued funding cuts.
In the classroom, there’s been a chilling e ect as professors fear that what they say or teach could attract federal attention, said Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors.
Still, he’s optimistic the balance of power is shifting in universities’ favor. Students and faculty members on several campuses built pressure to reject a White House invitation last fall to sign on to aspects of Trump’s agenda in exchange for favorable access to research funding, he said. The AAUP has brought several lawsuits against the administration, including one that stopped funding cuts at UCLA.
“The sector is getting its feet under it, and it’s only getting stronger,” Wolfson said. “I can promise you that we will ght them tooth and nail.”
COLLEGES
STEVEN SENNE / AP PHOTO
People take photos near a John Harvard statue on the Harvard campus in January 2024, in Cambridge,
CHATHAM SPORTS
time a couple of weeks ago, and it just clicked. I think last year was kind of what got us slow was a lot of people didn’t really know each other, and then later on in the season, we started really like realizing, ‘Hey, these are my guys now.’”
Chatham County Yardbirds
By Asheebo Rojas
Chatham News & Record
Chatham American Legion Senior
Chatham American Legion held its own against the big boys last week.
Post 305 and the Chatham County Yardbirds tied 4-4 in an interleague matchup at Braxton Field on June 1.
Chatham trailed the Yardbirds 4-1 when Bubba Sims hit a three-run homer to left eld for the tie.
“(Sims) is an outstanding play-
er,” Marsh said. “He keeps everybody loose. I mean, he’s the type of guy that’s going to come in here, even if he’s struggling, he’s still going to keep everybody up. He’s ready to go no matter what.”
Sims, who nished 2 for 4 from the plate with a run, pitched the rst three innings and two outs of the game, but relief Brett Phillips kept the Yardbirds scoreless with four strikeouts, three walks and two hits allowed the rest of the night.
The Yardbirds’ three-run lead began in the third inning. An RBI double by Gabriel Ferrell followed by a Nick Papciak sac y
that scored Jack Bolte gave Chatham County a 2-0 advantage in the third inning.
In the fourth inning, Northwood alum Jackson Shaner scored Andrew Riedel after his ground ball caused an error. Chatham Charter alum Aidan Allred immediately followed with a single to send Shaner home for the Yardbirds’ fourth score.
Allred nished the night 2 for 4 with a run and an RBI.
Post 305 followed the draw with a 9-6 loss to the Garner Nationals the next night.
Garner rallied from down 4-1 with four runs in each of the
fourth and fth innings. Nate Mizelle led Garner at the plate, going 3 for 3 with three RBIs and two runs.
Chatham landed six hits to Garner’s 11 as Landon Moser hit two home runs, and Jaedyn Rader homered on the third pitch of the game.
With the loss, Chatham fell to 5-3 in American Legion play.
Post 305 has already matched its win total from last summer.
“As a team, I think we’ve really come together really quickly,” Marsh said. “And I think that’s what has helped a lot. Because a lot of these guys aren’t at the same school, met for the rst
The Yardbirds have yet to nd their wings this summer. Following the tie against Post 305, Chatham County has lost ve straight games (four of which were at home), including four against Old North State League opponents.
The Yardbirds fell to the Carolina Pirates (nonleague) 14-10, the Wake Forest Fungo 10-3, the Raleigh Red Oaks 16 -3, the Clayton Clover 9-6 and Wake Forest once again 19-1 leading up to Monday.
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
FOR MANY TEAMS, individuals and entire schools, the 2025-26 high school sports season in Chatham County was one to remember. Even in a di erent landscape created by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s move to eight classi cations, the county’s athletic programs, now spread into four conferences instead of two, saw plenty of history being made.
Whether it was for a state title or a glimpse of a bright future, this season was one of breakthroughs. Many teams reached new heights as rst-time
Graeme Stewart is the 1A Coach of the Year
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
THE NORTH CAROLINA
Soccer Coaches Association released its girls’ soccer postseason awards last week.
Chatham County, which boasted a state champion in Woods Charter, had 10 players and one coach selected across the NCSCA’s All-State and All-Region teams this spring. Here are the local postseason honorees.
Graeme Stewart (Woods Charter)
Woods Charter coach Graeme Stewart earned 1A Coach of the Year honors. Stewart led the Wolves to an undefeated season and their fourth state championship appearance in ve seasons.
Woods Charter was dominant in their championship run as it posted 15 clean sheets and allowed one goal in four playo games. Prior to the playo s, the Wolves won their fth straight conference title, extending their conference win streak to 52 games.
nabel Unah received All-State and Midstate 1A-3A Al-Region honors. This is Unah’s second All-State selection. This spring, the striker recorded 36 goals on 62 shots and 16 assists. She scored multiple goals in 10 games, including ve against Ascend Leadership on March 18.
Woods Charter junior Lucy Poitras picked up her second All-State selection while earning Midstate 1A-3A honors. Poitras was a signi cant part of the Wolves’ championship run this season, leading the team in goals (42) and shots (105). From the middle of the season through the playo s, Poitras played through a hamstring injury, and in the state championship, she notched a hat trick and the game MVP award.
Sulema Arias (Northwood, All-State, All-Region)
Northwood senior Sulema
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Chatham County shortstop Aidan Allred attempts to tag a runner out.
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD Seaforth football coach Tolbert Matthews gets a shower after
Landon Moser
Chatham American Legion, baseball
Chatham American Legion catcher Landon Moser earns athlete of the week honors for the week of June 1.
In a 9-6 loss to the Garner Nationals on June 2, Moser hit two home runs and drove in a team-best two RBIs. He nished the game 2 for 3 with two runs. Against the Yardbirds on June 1, Moser went 1 for 4 with a run.
Moser is coming o his senior season at Jordan-Matthews. This season, he earned NCBCA 4A All-State honors.
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During that stretch, Chatham County gave up 11 home runs, and ve came in Sunday’s 18-run loss to Wake Forest.
The Yardbirds are 1-9-1 overall and 1-8 in ONSL play as of Monday. They sit at the bot-
tom of the Piedmont division.
Chatham Junior Legion and Pittsboro
The Chatham Junior Legion team and Pittsboro split their two-game series last week. Pittsboro scored three runs
Chatham Central, Northwood lead NCBCA award selections
Landon Moser is Jordan-Matthews’ lone All-State player
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
THE NORTH CAROLINA Baseball Coaches Association released its postseason awards last week.
Chatham County had ve high school players named to the NCBCA All-State teams and one named to its All-Region teams. Here are the local All-State and All-Region selections.
Brett Phillips (Chatham Central, 1A All-State)
Chatham Central shortstop Brett Phillips earned 1A/2A All-State honors for his junior season. It is his rst All-State selection. Phillips batted .352 and logged 25 hits, 29 runs (teamhigh), 18 RBIs, eight doubles, a triple and two home runs (teamhigh). He also led the Bears on the mound, notching a 4-2 record and three saves. In 17 appearances (402⁄3 innings), Phillips struck out 61 batters and recorded a 2.06 ERA.
Westley Brower (Chatham Central, 1A All-State)
Chatham Central third baseman Westley Brower led the Bears in batting average (.468), hits (37) and RBIs (30) while logging 11 doubles and 20 runs to earn his rst All-State selection. His best game of the season came in an 18-2 win over South Davidson in which he went 3 for 3, including two doubles, with two runs and ve RBIs.
Finn Sullivan (Northwood, 3A All-State)
Northwood junior Finn Sullivan earned All-State honors for the rst time. As one part of the Chargers’ one-two punch on the mound, Sullivan logged 98 strikeouts, a 1.00 ERA, nine earned runs and limited op-
in the seventh inning to take the first game 9-6 on June 1. In the top of the final inning, Chatham walked four Pittsboro batters, and three of them scored on pitches that went out of the catcher’s reach.
Bryson Sanders went 1 for 2
Northwood’s Finn
6
Players earn All-State or All-Region honors
ponents to a .150 batting average. At the plate, Sullivan batted .380 with 27 hits, ve doubles, two triples, two home runs, 27 RBIs and seven stolen bases.
Riley D’Angelo (Northwood, 3A All-State)
Northwood sophomore Riley D’Angelo made the All-State team for the rst time. D’Angelo batted .455 with 33 hits, eight doubles, two home runs, 24 runs, 16 RBIs and 16 stolen bases this spring. As the other part of the Chargers’ dynamic pitching duo, he achieved a 2.50 ERA with 70 strikeouts and 15 earned runs in 42 innings. Opposing batters hit .125 against D’Angelo.
and led Pittsboro with three runs.
Chatham responded with a 13-1 run rule win over Pittsboro on June 4 thanks to a big night from Iker Vicente. Vicente went 2 for 2 with two runs and a team-best three RBIs. On the mound, Chatham’s
Landon Moser (Jordan-Matthews, 4A All-State)
Jordan-Matthews catcher
Landon Moser earned his rst All-State selection. As one of two senior Jets, Moser led the team in batting average (.508), on-base percentage (.628), hits (31), doubles (15), runs (21), RBIs (20) and home runs (four). He also set career highs in all the aforementioned stats. On the mound, Moser logged a 5.61 ERA in 11 appearances. He struck out 49 batters, notching double-digit strikeouts in two games this season. Dylan Perry (Northwood, All-Region)
Northwood senior Dylan Perry was the only Chatham County player to earn All-Region honors for Region 5. Perry batted .391 with 29 hits, seven doubles, two triples, 12 RBIs, 21 runs and 12 stolen bases.
Mason Hayes struck out five batters and allowed two hits and one earned run.
Chatham improved to 3-3 after last week’s slate.
After losses to Cary (10 - 6) on June 2 and High Point (11-7) on June 3, Pittsboro fell to 1-4 on the season.
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
DIAMOND
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Sullivan earned NCBCA All-State honors for the rst time.
Schedule, roster for Chatham County Post 292
The team will play double-headers at 6:30 p.m.
By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record
CHATHAM COUNTY Post
292 is approaching opening day.
Post 292’s 19U squad will begin its USA Softball Heroes League season Monday against Wayne at Jordan-Matthews High School. All matchups this season will be double-headers beginning at 6:30 p.m. Post 292 will play all its home games at Jordan-Matthews.
Timbo Allred will coach the team this season. Holly Clark, the coach at Jordan-Matthews, and Mark Clark will be the assistants.
Last year, the local softball team went 4-3, including a win in the Heroes League state tournament. Rain cancellations shortened Chatham County’s schedule and abruptly ended the team’s state title hopes.
Chatham County is now two
from page B1
Arias is an All-State athlete for the rst time. Arias scored 15 goals and led the Chargers in assists (28) and points (58). She recorded multiple assists in nine games this spring. Arias also earned Midstate 1A-3A All-Region honors.
Gwyn Williams (All-State, All-Region)
Northwood senior Gwyn Williams earned her rst All- State selection, and she picked up Midstate 1A-3A All-Regio honors. The goalkeeper logged a career-best 125 saves and posted nine shutouts. She notched at least 10 saves in four games this spring.
Katie Leonard (Seaforth, All-State, All-Region)
Seaforth senior Katie Leonard made the All-State team for the second time while also earning a Burlington 4A-6A All-Region nod. Leonard nished the spring with 11 shutouts, including a 9-0 victory over South Granville in the playo s.
Madilyn Bolejack (Northwood All-Region)
years from its inaugural season in 2024. That summer, the team went 10-6, including a seven-game win streak in June. Here’s a look at Chatham County’s roster and schedule for this season.
Roster (High School/ college, stats)
Ryleigh Bryson (Bailey’s Grove Baptist); Emma Burke (Chatham Central, .387 BA, 25 hits, 27 RBIs, nine doubles in 2025); Marcy Clark (Jordan-Matthews); Calissa Clendenin (North Moore/Pfei er, .333 BA, one hit, three runs, two RBIs in freshman season at Pfei er); Aubrey Covington (North Moore, .205 BA, nine hits, six RBIs, 12 runs in 2026); Adelyn Davis (Lee County, .231 BA, 12 hits, 10 runs, three RBIs, three doubles in 2026); Abigail Johnson (Seaforth, .290 BA, 18 hits, 25 runs, eight RBIs, two doubles, one home run in 2026); Taylor Hussey (Chatham Charter, .360 BA, 18 hits, 16 runs, four doubles, three triples in 2026); Maddie Wingerter (Chatham Central, .242,
15 hits, 15 runs, eight RBIs, two triples in 2026); Piper Josey (Chatham Central); Kinley Jordan (Jordan-Matthews); Ellie Lambert (North Moore); Kelsey Morris (Jordan-Matthews); Ella Parks (Jordan-Matthews); Cassie Stallone (Grace Christian, .143 BA, one hit, seven runs, one RBI in 2026); Logan Thompson (Northwood, .321 BA, 25 hits, 26 RBIs, 17 runs, six doubles, 2.18 ERA, 174 strikeouts, 13-0 record in 2026); Presley Walters (Chatham Charter); Rylee Welch (North Moore, .321 BA, nine hits, nine runs, four RBIs, four doubles in 2026)
Schedule
June 15 — vs. Wayne; June 17 — vs. Wake; June 22 — at Wayne (Spring Creek High School); July 8 — vs. Orange; July 13 — at Orange (Chapel Hill High School); July 15 — at Wake (Middle Creek High School); July 27 — at Orange (Chapel Hill High School); July 29 — vs. Wake; Aug. 3-4 — Postseason tournament (Springwood Park in Burlington)
Northwood sophomore Madilyn Bolejack earned a spot on the Midstate 1A-3A All-Region team. The mid elder scored nine goals this spring and logged four assists. Bolejack’s best game of the season came against Northern Durham in March when she scored two goals.
Leah Marshall (Woods Charter, All-Region)
Woods Charter mid elder Leah Marshall was the only
freshman to earn a Midstate 1A-3A All-Region selection. Marshall took the second-most shots for the Wolves (84) and logged 28 goals and 18 assists.
She scored multiple goals in seven games this spring, including three hat tricks and a ve-goal performance against River Mill in April.
Wesley Oliver (Woods Charter, All-Region)
Woods Charter’s defensive senior leader Wesley Oliver was selected to the Midstate 1A-3A All-Region team. Oliver scored two goals and recorded an assist this spring. She was part of a defense that posted 15 shutouts, including a stretch of eight straight clean sheets from mid-April to the beginning of May.
Sydney Nezos (Seaforth, All-Region)
Seaforth senior Sydney Nezos made the Burlington 4A-6A All-Region team. The defender recorded a career-high 111 steals this past season and nished her high school career with 402 steals.
So a Viana (Seaforth, All Region)
Seaforth senior So a Viana earned a Burlington 4A- 6A All-Region selection this spring. The standout striker led the Hawks in goals (25) and assists (12). She logged six games with at least three goals, scoring four goals in three contests. Viana, a two-time All-State selection, nished her high school career with 167 goals and 108 assists.
ASHEEBO ROJAS / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Chatham Post 292’s defense gets o the eld in a 2025 game.
SOCCER
GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD
Leah Marshall, left, Lucy Poitras, middle, and Wesley Oliver, front right, earned postseason honors from the NCSCA.
Hamlin goes back to front again to win Cup race at Michigan
on a three-wide pass during a restart with 38 laps remaining, sweeping into rst around Spire Racing teammates Daniel Suarez and Carson Hocevar, a home-state favorite.
The Associated Press
BROOKLYN, Mich. — Denny Hamlin went from the rear to rst again Sunday, winning at Michigan International Speedway to earn his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory.
Just like last week’s win at Nashville Superspeedway, when the Joe Gibbs Racing car started on the pole position but was penalized for jumping the start, Hamlin quali ed rst at Michigan but dropped to the back at the green ag because of a penalty for unapproved adjustments to his No. 11 Toyota. Hamlin patiently worked his way to the front over 400 miles. He took the lead for good
It’s the 63rd career victory for Hamlin, tying the late Kyle Busch for ninth on the Cup Series’ all-time win list.
“Great job, guys,” Hamlin radioed his crew. “Great car. Unbelievable. We love you, KB.”
Erik Jones (another Michigan native) nished second, followed by Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson and Hocevar.
Crash causes red
The race was stopped with 51 laps remaining to repair a damaged SAFER barrier after a hard crash involving Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott.
During a restart on the 148th lap, the drivers were running side
by side for second. Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet bobbled and skidded up the track into Bell’s No. 20 Toyota, which shot into the outside wall at the 2-mile oval where speeds top 200 mph.
The impact with Bell’s Camry severely deformed the SAFER barrier, which is comprised of steel and foam to absorb energy in wrecks. A red ag was displayed for 20 minutes to x the damaged section of the barrier.
Both drivers climbed from their cars and walked to an ambulance for a trip to the track’s in eld care center. Elliott patted Bell on the shoulder and apologized for the wreck before they entered the ambulance.
“I’m ne; it was totally my fault,” Elliott said. “I feel really bad for Bell, just taking him out. I was trying to run on the bottom and make use of our fresh tires and at least get to second and hopefully stay side by side with
“Great job, guys. Great car. Unbelievable. We love you, KB.”
Denny Hamlin, on radio with his crew after winning
him. I got in there and got free and thought I was going to spin and was committing to spin out, and as soon as I started to commit to spinning, it just hooked up and hooked a right. Unfortunately, it sent Christopher into the wall super hard, and then me shortly there behind.
“Just racing really hard. I felt like that was kind of a turning point in the race. We needed to make something happen. I stepped over the line again and paid for it. … I just told him I’m sorry. Obviously, it was not on purpose.”
Rough rookie season
A nightmarish debut season in the Cup Series continued for Connor Zilisch, who crashed twice in the first eight laps and finished last in the 37-car field. The Trackhouse Racing driver has finished outside the top 30 the past three races and is still seeking the first top 10 of his rookie campaign.
“I was really loose, but it’s just unfortunate,” Zilisch said. “Another short race for us. We’ll go try and get them at Pocono next week.”
Up next
The Cup Series will make its lone trip this season to Pocono Raceway on Sunday. Chase Briscoe won last year to earn his rst victory with Joe Gibbs Racing.
REWIND from page B1
soccer teams were the county’s only team state champions this season. For Northwood, it was the rst boys’ team title in school history. At the state championship meet, junior Ben Altenburg (the meet’s Most Outstanding Performer) set a new 3A meet record in pole vault, and the boys’ 4x400 team put the Chargers atop the team standings by winning the nal event of the day. For Woods Charter, the triumphant 3-0 win over Summit Charter in the state title game secured the rst team state championship in the school’s history. The Wolves had reached the state nal three straight times from 2022-24 but fell short against Christ the King each trip. Junior Lucy Poitras notched a hat trick, earning championship game MVP honors.
Here are the individual state champions from this school year (school, sport/event).
• Torris Price (Chatham Charter, indoor track 1,000 and 1,600 and outdoor track 1,600; won rst state championship in Chatham Charter history)
Ezra Roebuck (Northwood, indoor track 300 and outdoor track 400)
Ben Altenburg (Northwood, indoor track 55 hurdles and pole vault and outdoor track pole vault)
• Kamarie Hadley (Jordan-Matthews, outdoor track long jump)
Ryan Yoder (Seaforth, indoor track pole vault and outdoor
Jesse Eskelund (Chatham Central, swimming 50 free and 100 free; won rst swimming state title in Chatham Central history)
• Sydney Burleigh (Seaforth, swimming 200 IM and 100 y)
• Colton Roberts (Seaforth, swimming 500 free)
Northwood boys 4x400 (Tequone Moore, Juan Sanchez, Ben Altenburg and Ezra Roebuck won the indoor title; Moore, Altenburg, Roebuck and Wyatt Webster won the outdoor title)
OTHER TOP MOMENTS
Jordan-Matthews’ historic football season
The Jets won their season opener over Carrboro by a point and proceeded to beat their next three opponents by more than 30 points. Finishing the year with a 5-6 record, Jordan-Matthews achieved its best win percentage since 2012, most wins since 2013 and made its rst playo appearance also since 2013.
Seaforth football’s breakout year
In the rst year under coach Tolbert Matthews, the Hawks
beat rival Northwood for the rst time, set a new single season wins record (six) and claimed their rst conference title. They also made their rst playo appearance, coming from behind in the nal minutes at South Brunswick to earn their rst playo win.
Seaforth volleyball returns to the state championship
Cedar Ridge had the Hawks’ number all regular season, going 3-0 in their rst three matchups. It was no secret that Seaforth’s conference foes would stand in the way of another state title appearance. In the fourth round, the Hawks won when it mattered, taking down top-seeded Cedar Ridge 3-1 for a spot in the regionalnal. On the road against Person, Seaforth came back from down 2-0 to advance to the state championship.
Woods Charter volleyball makes dominant run
The Wolves saw little resistance in the regular season, losing just one game and winning 18 by straight sets before the postseason. The dominance carried into the playo s as Woods Charter made its deepest run in volleyball and dropped one set before falling to Falls Lake 3-0 in the regional nal.
Northwood wins a girls’ ag championship
Girls’ ag came to Chatham County this year, and in a league with Northwood, Seaforth, Jordan-Matthews, Eastern Alamance and Southeast Alamance, the Chargers came out on top.
Northwood girls reach basketball regional
Coming out of winter break, the Chargers put their heads down and won 14 straight games all the way up to their rst regional nal appearance since 2022. Only the eventual state champions had an answer for Northwood when the calendar turned to 2026.
Woods Charter’s boys’ basketball team earns rst playo win
The Wolves stretch of thrilling wins at the end of the year continued into the postseason. Woods Charter defeated Phoenix Academy at home in the rst round of the state playo s, picking up the team’s rst playo win. Just prior to that, Woods Charter beat Chatham Charter on a buzzer beater to advance to the conference tournament championship, and it then upset Southern Wake to claim the conference tournament title.
Seaforth boys’ basketball sweeps the conference
The Hawks won the Big Seven 4A/5A regular season title and won their rst conference tournament championship with an overtime win over South Granville. Seaforth nished with the best winning percentage in program history.
Northwood boys’ basketball’s continued dominance
The Chargers continued their regular season conference win streak (excluding tournament games), extending it to 72 straight games since the 2020-21 season. Senior Cam Fowler was
a huge part of the team’s success, notching a career-high 22.3 points per game and setting a school scoring record of 51 points with 11 threes (also a school record) against North Moore.
Jordan-Matthews wrestling’s big year
Jordan-Matthews saw its rst 100-win wrestler in senior Jakari Blue, and Alexandra Zumano Garcia placed fourth in the 1A-4A girls’ state tournament (114 pounds). The Jets had 12 wrestlers qualify for regionals and sent three to states.
Seaforth baseball reaches the state championship series
The No. 9-seeded Hawks went matched every challenge on the way to becoming state runners-up, including taking down top-seeded Hunt on the road in the third round. Seaforth was the lowest seeded baseball team in the statenals across all classi cations.
Northwood softball’s turnaround
The Chargers went from 4-11 in 2025 to 15-11 this spring with many freshmen, especially pitcher Logan Thompson, taking on major roles. Freshman Ruby Parks set a new single season stolen bases record, and the Chargers won their rst playo game since 2017. Northwood girls’ soccer wins rst conference title since 1997
After years of coming close, the Chargers nally broke down the door of a conference championship.
The comeback victory ties him with Kyle Busch on the career win list
PAUL SANCYA / AP PHOTO
Denny Hamlin drives during his NASCAR Cup Series win Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.
SIDELINE REPORT
NFL
Broncos linebacker Cooper arrested on domestic violence charges
Englewood, Colo.
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper has been arrested on domestic violence charges. Jail records show he faces two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief. The Broncos said last Friday they are aware of the situation and are gathering more information. Cooper, a seventh-round draft pick from Ohio State in 2021, is entering his sixth season with the team. He has started every game since 2023 and has 311⁄2 career sacks.
UFC Lawsuit seeks to stop UFC ght on White House South Lawn for Trump’s birthday
New York
A federal lawsuit seeks to halt the upcoming UFC ght card on the White House South Lawn as part of the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The ling contends the event violates National Park Service regulations prohibiting sporting events on federal parklands. It also says Congress didn’t consent to the construction of the event space and no environmental review was conducted.
NHL
Meehan, one of rst Sabres, in uential GM, dead at 79
Bu alo, N.Y. Gerry Meehan, one of the Bu alo Sabres’ rst players who went on to an in uential role as the team’s general manager, died at 79. The Sabres announced that he died last Friday. The cause and location of death were not immediately available. Meehan was from Toronto but essentially adopted Bu alo as his hometown as a player and executive. As GM, he was responsible for acquiring eventual Hall of Famers Dominik Hasek, Pat LaFontaine, Alexander Mogilny and Dale Hawerchuk spanning the late 1980s and early 1990s.
WORLD CUP
Tentative deal in place, stadium workers near LA say, averting strike ahead of World Cup
Los Angeles Stadium workers near Los Angeles say they have reached a tentative contract deal, averting a strike ahead of the U.S. men’s soccer team’s opening World Cup match. The union representing 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks and dishwashers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, voted last week to authorize a strike after contract talks had stalled with the stadium’s food service provider, Legends Global. Workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 were seeking pay increases, protections from subcontracting and security on the job amid ramped-up immigration enforcement. Eight matches are scheduled for SoFi Stadium starting Friday.
Colts QB Jones takes another signi cant step in way back from torn Achilles tendon
The former Duke quarterback was cleared to participate in drills
By Michael Marot The Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones was cleared to participate in seven-on-seven drills Monday, marking yet another signi cant step in his comeback from a torn right Achilles tendon.
Coach Shane Steichen hinted last week that Jones’ workload may increase during this week’s workouts. Jones has been throwing throughout Indy’s o season team activities, which began in April. Throughout the process, Jones has made steady progress, though he’s not expected to do full-team workouts until players report to training camp in July.
“To get him out there in seven-on-seven was huge, to get him in the fold, running plays with the guys,” Steichen said.
“It just feels more like you’re back in the swing of things and back a part of it.”
Daniel Jones
“We’ll keep that trend going, probably through the end of OTAs and then, obviously, get him into team stu at training camp. It’s spring, we don’t play for a while, so we’ve got to be smart with his injury. But he’s making great progress.”
Jones has not played since early December when he suffered the injury during a loss at Jacksonville. He also was playing with a broken bone in his left leg.
The two injuries derailed the Colts’ strong start. He wasn’t the same after the leg injury and missed the rest of the season after getting hurt against the Jaguars.
Jones spoke with reporters last week but was not available Monday.
“You just feel more a part of it, I think, prepping for practice
and the meetings, being a part of the walkthroughs, kind of going through the plays, being back there with the quarterbacks talking through things,” Jones said last Wednesday. “It just feels more like you’re back in the swing of things and back a part of it. So it’s been good this week to be back.”
The Colts continue to believe Jones is on schedule, perhaps even slightly ahead of schedule, in his recovery and remain hopeful the former Duke star and New York Giants draft pick will start the Sept. 13 season opener against Baltimore.
Jones also believes he’ll be ready for Week 1 after signing a two-year contract extension worth up to $100 million in March.
But the depth chart behind Jones remains clouded.
Steichen reiterated Monday that Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall draft pick in 2023, and Riley Leonard, a late-round pick in 2025, continue to share the snaps with Indy’s starting o ense while Jones sits out. Richardson and Leonard are competing to be Jones’ backup.
Longtime Los Angeles Chargers backup Easton Stick joined the mix Monday when Indy signed the free agent and released Seth Henigan. Steichen served as the Chargers quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for two of the six seasons Stick was with Los Angeles. Stick was with the Atlanta Falcons last year.
“We wanted to get him in, get him up to speed with everything, a really good competitor,” Steichen said while describing Stick. “He’s really smart, has some familiarity with the o ense. Obviously, things have changed, but we’ll get him in here, get him up to speed and see where it goes.”
And they’ll keep monitoring Jones, too.
“He’s been throwing routes with the guys, and we’re telling him ‘Don’t scramble, it’s seven-on-seven, be smart in these situations, if it’s not there throw it out of bounds or if you want to drop it on the ground, I’m good with that,’” Steichen said. “But, yeah, he looked good out there today.”
Poston loses 4-shot lead, comes up clutch to win Memorial in playo
The former Western Carolina golfer held o former Tar Heel Ryan Gerard
By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press
DUBLIN, Ohio — J.T. Poston built a four-shot lead Sunday morning in the rain-delayed Memorial and won the biggest tournament of his career. It just turned out to be a lot more work than he would have imagined.
Poston, a Hickory native and former Western Carolina golfer, lost his lead after 12 holes, then made a 7-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to salvage an even-par 72 and force a playo with Ryan Gerard. He then won on the second extra hole when Gerard missed a 6-foot par putt.
Gerard, a Raleigh-born UNC alum, made a 40-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole to brie y take the lead, closed with a 68 and didn’t really make a mistake over the nal four hours until the nal putt. So ended the longest day for both of them — 33 holes, including 13 in the morning to complete the third round and two playo holes. But what a payo for Poston in so many ways. He had not nished in the top 20
in his previous 13 tournaments this year. And then he delivered the goods and celebrated with a handshake with tournament host Jack Nicklaus.
“A lot of holes, a lot of grit,” Poston said. “Obviously didn’t play my best rst 12, 13 holes, but I told myself I knew I was going to shake Jack’s hand walking o 18, and I wanted to be proud of that handshake regardless of how it turned out. So I’m thrilled it happened this way.”
The perks went beyond the $4 million prize. Poston earned a spot in the next three majors with one great week — high enough in the world ranking to avoid a 36-hole quali er Mon-
day for the U.S. Open, the one British Open spot available this week, and a return to the Masters. They nished at 12-under 276 after Poston and Gerard pulled away from what had been a ve-way tie for the lead with an hour to go in the tournament. Tommy Fleetwood drilled a fairway metal to 5 feet for eagle on the par-5 15th. Wyndham Clark made a late surge. Sam Burns was never too far behind. All of them were at 11 under heading to the nal few holes.
Clark, who made birdie on the 16th to reach 11 under, closed with two pars for a
67. He wound up alone in third, one shot out of the playo . Fleetwood hit into the rough with his rst three shots on the 17th and had to scramble for bogey. He shot 68. Burns also missed the 17th fairway, and his next shot tumbled back down the rough and settled on the bridge over a small creek. He hit that to 40 feet, and his long par putt peeked into the cup and somehow stayed out. A 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th narrowly missed. He shot 69 and tied for fourth with Fleetwood.
Two storm stoppages Saturday led to the marathon Sunday. Poston did some of his best work in the morning, running o three straight birdies on the back nine for a 69 for a four-shot lead.
He had a long three-putt bogey on the third, but as Burns and Gerard and Clark began to inch closer, Poston was missing fairways and losing ground — another three-putt bogey on the ninth from long range, a bogey from deep rough on the par-3 12th, and a weak par putt from 10 feet on the 13th to fall behind for the rst time.
But he followed with an 18-foot birdie putt on the 14th, an up-and-down from the bunker for birdie on the par-5 15th and a 12-foot par save on the 17th hole when he couldn’t afford another mistake.
SUE OGROCKI / AP PHOTO
J.T. Poston celebrates after winning the Memorial golf tournament Sunday in Dublin, Ohio.
MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones throws at the team’s practice last week.
this week in history
Escape from Alcatraz, Medgar Evers killed at 37, British victory at Bunker Hill
The Associated Press
JUNE 11
1509: England’s King Henry VIII married his rst wife, Catherine of Aragon.
1962: Frank Morris, Clarence Anglin and John Anglin, prisoners at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in San Francisco Bay, staged an escape, leaving the island on a makeshift raft. They were never found or heard from again.
1963: The University of Alabama was desegregated as Vivian Malone and James Hood became the rst two black students allowed to enroll in classes; Alabama segregationist and Gov. George Wallace initially blocked the doorway to the auditorium where course registration was taking place, delivering a speech before deferring to National Guard orders to move.
JUNE 12
1963: Civil rights leader Medgar Evers, 37, was shot and killed outside his home in Jackson, Mississippi.
1978: David Berkowitz was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for each of the six “Son of Sam” killings committed in New York City over the previous two years.
1987: President Ronald Reagan, during a visit to the divided German city of Berlin, exhorted Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall.”
JUNE 13
1966: The Supreme Court
Thurgood Marshall smiles after President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated him to the U.S. Supreme Court on June 13, 1967.
ruled in Miranda v. Arizona that criminal suspects had to be informed of their constitutional rights to remain silent and to consult an attorney.
1967: President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Solicitor General Thurgood Marshall to become the rst non-white justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
1971: The New York Times began publishing excerpts of the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret study of America’s involvement in Vietnam since 1945 that had been leaked to the paper by military analyst Daniel Ellsberg.
JUNE 14
1775: The Continental Army, forerunner of the United States Army, was created by the Second Continental Congress.
1846: A group of U.S. settlers in Sonoma proclaimed the breakaway state of the California Republic, declaring independence from Mexico.
1940: German troops entered Paris during World War II; the same day, the Nazis transported
their rst prisoners to the Auschwitz concentration camp in German-occupied Poland.
JUNE 15
1215: King John of England a xed his seal to the Magna Carta, a charter that limited the power of the monarchy.
1775: The Second Continental Congress unanimously appointed George Washington commander of the Continental Army.
1934: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, now the most-visited national park in the United States, was established by Congress.
JUNE 16
1858: Accepting the Illinois Republican Party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate, Abraham Lincoln delivered his “House Divided” speech, arguing the nation could not endure permanently half slave and half free.
1884: LaMarcus Thompson opened the Switchback Railway at Coney Island, New York, the rst commercially successful roller coaster.
1903: The Ford Motor Company was incorporated in Detroit.
JUNE 17
1775: The Battle of Bunker Hill ended in a British victory, though British forces su ered heavy casualties.
1930: President Herbert Hoover signed the Smoot-Hawley Tari Act, raising U.S. tari s and triggering retaliatory measures from other countries.
1994: O.J. Simpson was arrested and charged with the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman following a widely televised slow-speed police chase in Southern California.
HENRY GRIFFIN / AP PHOTO
JOSEPH R. VILLARIN / AP PHOTO
A white Ford Bronco carrying O.J. Simpson is followed by police during a slow-speed chase on Los Angeles freeways June 17, 1994.
LaBeouf pleads guilty, gets probation for punching Mardi Gras bargoers
The actor faced misdemeanor battery and petty theft charges in 2020
By Jack Brook The Associated Press / Report for America
NEW ORLEANS — Actor Shia LaBeouf was sentenced to probation last Wednesday after pleading guilty to punching three people outside a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras.
LaBeouf must attend an alcohol treatment program under the sentence handed down by an Orleans Parish judge, according to Sarah Chervinsky, an attorney for the actor.
LaBeouf, most widely known for his starring roles in 2007’s “Transformers” and in 2008’s “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull,” had been released on bail following his arrest near the city’s historic French Quarter. Video of the Feb. 17 encounter shows a shirtless LaBeouf outside a bar shoving one person to the ground and hitting another person in the face, “causing his nose to possibly dislocate,” ac-
said there was “no evidence it was about bias or prejudice.” Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said in a statement that his o ce consulted with the victims to ensure their support before o ering LaBeouf the plea deal.
Je rey Damnit, a local entertainer whom police identi ed as Je rey Klein, said he was one of the people attacked by LaBeouf. He has said LaBeouf had pushed him from behind at the bar earlier in the night, shouting homophobic slurs and threatening his life.
cording to a New Orleans police report.
LaBeouf pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery.
Orleans Parish Judge Juana Marine-Lombard handed the actor a six-month suspended sentence and two years of probation. LaBeouf also must stay away from the victims and the bar.
Chervinsky said LaBeouf wanted “to take accountability for his part in what happened” and called it a “minor Mardi Gras bar tussle.” Chervinsky
Damnit’s attorney said his client hopes LaBeouf’s behavior improves after the actor undergoes substance abuse treatment.
“In New Orleans, we are all equal, we should all feel safe, and we don’t treat people di erent based upon relative fame,” attorney Michael Kennedy said.
After LaBeouf was charged in February, a judge ordered him to return to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Days later, LaBeouf denied having a “drinking problem” in an interview with journalist and YouTuber Andrew Cal-
laghan. LaBeouf said he doubted rehab would help him. He told Callaghan that the issues leading to his aggressive behavior during Mardi Gras were more rooted in “anger and ego” than alcohol.
LaBeouf also said that “big gay people are scary to me.”
“When I’m standing by myself and three gay dudes are next to me touching my leg, I get scared,” he told Callaghan. “I’m sorry. If that’s homophobic, then I’m that.”
LaBeouf, who converted to Catholicism a few years ago, has had several run-ins with the law during his career, including a 2017 New York City arrest on suspicion of assault that happened during a livestream.
While on location in Georgia lming “The Peanut Butter Falcon” later that year, he was arrested for public drunkenness and accused of disorderly conduct and obstruction and sentenced to probation.
That year, the English singer and actor FKA Twigs, whose legal name is Tahliah Barnett, also led a lawsuit alleging LaBeouf was physically and emotionally abusive to her.
Actors’ union approves 4-year contract with studios, streamers
Actor Sean Astin serves as president of SAG-AFTRA
By Andrew Dalton
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — Television and movie actors last Thursday voted overwhelmingly to ratify a four-year contract with studios and streaming services, a month after their union leaders negotiated a deal they say provides protections against synthetic actors created by articial intelligence. The rati cation was widely expected, and a walkout never seemed to be in the cards during drama-free negotiations, but the vote assures there will be no repeat of the 2023 actor and writer strikes that seriously shook the entertainment industry.
More than 90% of votes from members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists approved of the agreement, with about 19% of eligible voters casting ballots.
Like the Writers Guild of America, whose members approved their own contract April 24, the actors’ new deal is for four years instead of the usual three, providing an extra layer of labor stability in the industry.
Actor Sean Astin, president
“These deals demonstrate what is possible when the industry works toward practical solutions.”
Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
of SAG-AFTRA, said in a statement that the contract “delivers meaningful gains in compensation, strengthens protections around arti cial intelligence and digital identity, reinforces the long-term security of members’ bene t plans and recognizes the realities of how performers work today.”
The contract says AI performers must bring “signi cant additional value” over a live actor or a digital capture of them if producers are to use them. Union leaders say this and other provisions will keep use of AI actors minimal.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which negotiates for a coalition of Hollywood’s major studios, streamers and production companies, congratulated the union on the rati cation.
“SAG-AFTRA’s leadership brought a genuine commitment to partnership, and together with the WGA agreement, these
a strike in 2023,
deals demonstrate what is possible when the industry works toward practical solutions,” the alliance said in a statement.
May
AMPTP negotiators have been in contract talks with the Directors Guild of America since
11. The negotiations
are the rst under new DGA president Christopher Nolan. That contract is set to expire June 30.
CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO
After
The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have reached an agreement protecting them from the threat of arti cial intelligence.
LEWIS JOLY / INVISION / AP PHOTO
Actor Shia LaBeouf arrives at the premiere of the lm “The Phoenician Scheme” at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival in 2025.
famous birthdays this week
Kenny Wayne Shepherd celebrates 49, Tim Allen turns 72, Marla Gibbs is 95, Joe Piscopo hits 75
The Associated Press
JUNE 11
Drummer Bernard Purdie is 87. International Motorsports Hall of Famer Jackie Stewart is 87. Actor Roscoe Orman is 82.
Actor Adrienne Barbeau is 81. Rock musician Frank Beard (ZZ Top) is 77. Singer Graham Russell (Air Supply) is 76. Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana is 70.
JUNE 12
Actor Sonia Manzano is 76. Olympic track gold medalist Gwen Torrence is 61. Actor Rick Ho man is 56. Actor-comedian Finesse Mitchell is 54. Actor Jason Mewes is 52. Blues musician Kenny Wayne Shepherd is 49.
JUNE 13
Actor Malcolm McDowell is 83. Actor Stellan Skarsgård is 75. Actor Richard Thomas is 75. Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Weaver is 75. Actor-comedian Tim Allen is 72. Actor Ally Sheedy is 64. Musician Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) is 56.
JUNE 14
Actor Marla Gibbs is 95. U.S. President Donald Trump is 80. Olympic speed skating gold medalist Eric Heiden is 68. Jazz musician Marcus Miller is 67. Singer Boy George is 65. Tennis Hall of Famer Ste Graf is 57.
JUNE 15
Baseball Hall of Famer Billy Williams is 88. Former MLB player and manager Dusty Baker is 77. Actor-comedian Jim Belushi is 72. Actor Julie Hagerty is 71. Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs is 68. Actor Helen Hunt is 63. Actor Courteney Cox is 62. Rapper-actor Ice Cube is 57.
JUNE 16
Author Joyce Carol Oates is 88. Country singer Billy “Crash” Craddock is 87. R&B singer Eddie Levert is 84. Boxing Hall of Famer Roberto Durán is 75. Pop
Gino Vannelli
JUNE 17
Filmmaker Ken Loach is 90. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is 83. Musician Barry Manilow is 83. Comedian Joe Piscopo is 75. Filmmaker Bobby Farrelly is 68. Actor Thomas Haden Church is 66. Actor Greg Kinnear is 63. Actor Jason Patric is 60. Actor-comedian Will Forte is 56.
singer
is 74. Actor Laurie Metcalf is 71. Golfer Phil Mickelson is 56.
MARK VON HOLDEN / INVISION VIA AP
Actor Marla Gibbs turns 95 on Sunday.
MARTIN MEISSNER / AP PHOTO Musician Boy George turns 65 on Sunday.
RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION VIA AP Rapper and actor Ice Cube turns 57 on Monday.
the stream
‘Michael,’ Bonnaroo, new Olivia Rodrigo, Keith Urban albums
Keith Urban goes yacht rock with “Flow State”
The Associated Press
THE STREAMING service debut of “Michael” and new albums from Olivia Rodrigo and Keith Urban are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: the new season of “Sweet Magnolias,” a new YA series “Every Year After” and the survival game “Solarpunk.”
MOVIES TO STREAM
The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” is still moonwalking its way to $900 million in theaters, but it’s available to watch at home — for $24.99 — on major platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video and YouTube. Antoine Fuqua’s movie, starring Jaafar Jackson, was sanctioned by Jackson’s estate and its producers include the estate’s executors. In his review for The Associated Press, lm writer Jake Coyle wrote that the movie “slides a sequin glove over the pop star’s tarnished legacy, shrouding Michael Jackson’s complications with a conventional biopic that, if you cover your ears, sounds great.”
Kate Hudson’s Oscar-nominated performance in “Song Sung Blue” will be on Netix starting Saturday. She plays Claire Sardina, one half of a Neil Diamond tribute act from Milwaukee, opposite Hugh Jackman in a lm that Mark Kennedy, in his AP review, called “big-hearted but misguided.”
Now that Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni ended their legal feud over the acrimonious production of “It Ends With Us,” perhaps it’s time to give the romantic drama a rewatch? It is now streaming. In his review, Kennedy called it “uneven” in its attempt to “balance the realities of domestic violence inside a rom-com and a female-empowerment movie.”
And you can’t go wrong with Abbas Kiarostami’s “Where is the Friend’s House,” which will be available Friday on Kanopy. Greta Gerwig, in an interview with The Criterion Channel, said it is “a perfect lm.”
MUSIC TO STREAM
First, she was “SOUR.” Then, she had “GUTS.” Now she’s abandoned four-letter words for the mouthful “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.”
Such are the musical and emotional complications of Rodrigo, a popstar for those who love depth of feeling and ’80s guitar pop. Her third album is prepped to be her best one yet, from the
butter ies-in-the-stomach, The Cure-referencing “Drop Dead” to, well, “The Cure,” with its early contender for “best bridge of the year.” Run, don’t walk. Welcome to music festival season! For those who love artists across genres and generations but aren’t big on getting o the couch, Disney+ and Hulu o er a solution. They’ll stream a few of the biggest U.S. fests this year, kicking things o with
“Michael” slides a sequin glove over the pop star’s tarnished legacy, shrouding Michael Jackson’s complications with a conventional biopic that, if you cover your ears, sounds great.”
Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on Thursday through Friday. Log on, settle in and enjoy The Strokes, Noah Kahan, Skrillex, RÜFÜS DU SOL and more. Urban hath returned — and now, the four-time Grammy Award-winning country music superstar is into yacht rock. “Flow State,” out Friday, is comprised of 10 covers — including a reimagination of Bread’s “The Guitar Man” with John Mayer and Walter Egan’s “Magnet and Steel” with Little Big Town. The sole original is “We Go Back,” with Michael McDonald, and it stands up to the rest of the collection. Get into that soft West Coast sound.
Also back in the fold: Rapper Rick Ross, who releases “Set in Stone” on Friday. Little has been revealed about the 19-track release, but if it is anything like the single “Minks in Miami” — a collaboration with French Montana and Max B that features a hook interpolating Rare Earth’s 1971 hit “I Just Want to Celebrate” — listeners are in for a treat.
SERIES TO STREAM
With “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and now “O Campus,” Prime Video remains committed to the YA/romance space. Its newest o ering is “Every Year After,” an eight-episode series based on a novel by Carley Fortune. It follows Percy (Sadie Soverall) and Sam (played by Matt Cornett), whose childhood friendship turned romantic before complications pulled them apart. A family tragedy reunites them and stirs up old feelings. All episodes are streaming now. “Sweet Magnolias” returns for its fth season Thursday on Net ix. JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Heather Headley and Brooke Elliott play lifelong friends living in a small town in South Carolina. Together, they navigate relationships, parenting and their careers.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
With so many steampunk and cyberpunk games out there, perhaps it’s time to move on to “Solarpunk.” The goal in this survival game from German indie studio Cyberwave is to design a new culture using renewable energy sources like sunlight, wind and water. Your home is on an island oating in the sky, and you’ll want to build an airship to travel to other islands. It’s all kind of chill compared to the dystopias you typically expect in this genre, and you can team up with friends as you try to create a pollution-free paradise. Take ight on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2 or PC.
While you’re waiting for the next NBA Finals game, why not hit the court with “NBA The Run,” a 3-on-3 street basketball throwdown? It’s the debut release from Play By Play Studios, and the developers are trying to recreate the vibe of arcade classics like “NBA Jam.” That means head-spinning footwork, gravity-defying dunks and balls that may burst into ame. There are 32 pros on the roster, including Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Jalen
of the New York Knicks, and the courts bounce from New York to Beijing. Tipo on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.
Brunson
VIA AP
Jaafar Jackson stars as Michael Jackson in “Michael.”
SARAH SHATZ / FOCUS FEATURES VIA AP
“Song Sung Blue” starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman hits Net ix on Saturday.
NICOLE RIVELLI / SONY PICTURES VIA AP
The romantic drama “It Ends With Us” with Just Baldoni and Blake Lively is streaming now.
Duplin Journal
National initiative puts UMO at forefront of precision agriculture
University of Mount Olive Precision Agriculture Program Coordinator Jesse Gilsinger, center, discusses the university’s new EAVision J150 spray drone with students from the House of Raeford Farms School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. Turn to A6 for the story.
Controlled agricultural burns expected across
Duplin County
Residents may notice visible smoke across parts of Duplin County in the coming weeks as farmers conduct controlled burns in harvested wheat elds, according to Duplin County Public Safety agricultural guidance. O cials said the res are intentionally set and carefully managed as part of standard farming operations used to remove leftover crop residue, manage pests and prepare elds for the next planting season. Residents are advised that, in most cases, the smoke is expected and not an emergency. However, o cials encourage the public to remain alert. If a re appears to be spreading beyond its intended area or seems out of control, residents should call 911 immediately.
Cedar Fork community club meeting
Beulaville
The Cedar Fork Community Club will hold its monthly meeting on June 16 at 7 p.m. at 1412 Cedar Fork Road in Beulaville. The club meets each month to discuss and support community activities.
Community blood drive
Kenansville St. John’s Lodge #13 will host a community blood drive on Tuesday, June 23, from 1 to 6 p.m. at 113 Lodge Street in Kenansville. Organizers say there is a critical need for blood donations and are encouraging eligible donors to participate in the event.
$2.00
Herring named to National Pork Board
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
MOUNT OLIVE — Duplin
County pork producer Chad Herring will help guide national policy and priorities for the U.S. pork industry after being appointed to the National Pork Board by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
Herring, a Mount Olive farmer and executive director of NC
Transition turbulence surfaces at sheri ’s o ce the BRIEF this week
Outgoing and incoming leaders clash over access, sta ng and the road ahead
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Tensions over the upcoming leadership change at the Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce have surfaced publicly, with outgoing Sheri
Farm Families, was one of ve pork producers selected this year to serve on the 15-member board. The National Pork Board oversees the Pork Checko program and directs investments in research, consumer education and promotion e orts designed to strengthen demand for pork and support producers nationwide. For Herring, the appointment
See HERRING, page A6
Stratton Stokes and incoming Sheri Eric Southerland o ering di ering accounts of how preparations for the change in leadership are being handled.
“I o ered my assistance, only for him to propose two ill-conceived options.”
Sheri Stratton Stokes
In a statement posted to social media last week directed at sheri ’s o ce sta , Southerland, who is running unopposed in the November election, criticized current leadership and characterized the current transition as unusually restrictive compared to historical precedents in Duplin County. He claims that past sheri s were given “unrestricted access” before taking o ce. He also warned of what he described
Beulaville adopts budget without tax or utility increases
The mayor praised e orts to keep Beulaville clean through consistent code enforcement
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — Beulaville residents will not see higher property taxes or utility rates under the town’s proposed 2026-27 budget after commissioners voted to strip the increases during the June 1 meeting in Beulaville. The spending plan still provides a 2.5% raise for town employees.
Town Manager Lori Williams gave updates on Public Works projects nearing completion and responded to concerns about road conditions.
“The dips in the road on
Chasen are being addressed by DOT, and it has been proposed that Highway 41 will be repaved over the next year,” Williams told the board. Williams also said that an extension request on the water and sewer project has been submitted to the state for approval.
Police Chief Karl Mobley shared that the Beulaville Police Department has been working with state and local agencies investigating a string of shootings reported across the county since April. Mobley said that a shooting in the town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, led investigators to obtain a search warrant that resulted in the recovery of three weapons in May. He stated
See BEULAVILLE, page A5
“It takes establishing rules and sticking to them to make a town clean.”
Mayor Hutch Jones
as complacency within the agency’s leadership. In response, Stokes issued a separate public statement defending his administration and outlining multiple instances in which he said he facilitated access for Southerland, including facility tours, discussions on personnel matters, and the sharing of salary information. Stokes said he has encouraged
See SHERIFF, page A2
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE
The Duplin County pork producer joins a 15-member board overseeing the Pork Checko program
COURTESY PHOTO
Chad Herring gives a tour of his family’s pork farm to local students.
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open communication between his sta and the incoming administration.
“I met with my command sta , prompting them to reach out to Mr. Southerland. Rumors of impending demotions and rings were swirling, and I wanted my sta to make timely informed decisions without fear. I made it clear there would be no retaliation for this outreach. Many sta members have since communicated with him directly,” said Stokes.
Stokes also characterized Southerland’s claims as misleading and said his administration has acted in good faith to support a smooth transition. Stokes said unrestricted access is not standard practice.
“Southerland falsely claims I had unrestricted access to the Sheri ’s O ce before my rst election,” said Stokes. “While Sheri Wallace was supportive, I had no real knowledge of day-to-day operations or decision-making until a couple weeks before my swearing-in.”
Stokes said he has met with Southerland on at least two occasions, including a visit to the county’s new detention center on May 19, where he said he answered questions and provided a tour of the facility.
“I spent several hours with Mr. Southerland at the new detention center, answering his questions and showcasing the facility,” Stokes said. “He expressed interest in hiring a candidate for a captain position and requested the hourly starting salary, which I promptly provided.”
The sheri further said that
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Federal spending package directs funding to Duplin County projects
The legislation includes $1.8 million for local infrastructure improvements in Kenansville and Warsaw
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
A FEDERAL SPENDING package approved in Congress includes targeted funding for infrastructure and public facilities in Duplin County as part of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027, according to congressional documents.
The legislation includes Community Project Funding allocations for multiple projects across North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District, with a portion directed to Duplin County. In Duplin County, the bill allocates $800,000 for construction of a public safety building in Kenansville and $1 million for renovations at James Ke-
during their rst meeting on March 17 meeting, Southerland proposed potential sta ng changes, in which Stokes would either appoint him as chief deputy prior to taking o ce or vacate the o ce early and allow Southerland to assume leadership before the end of Stokes’ term.
“I o ered my assistance, only for him to propose two ill-conceived options,” said Stokes. “I have made it clear that I believed both options would create confusion and harm the o ce’s integrity.”
Following the election, Stokes said he and the county commissioners also received an anonymous letter requesting that he step down before the end of his term to allow Southerland to assume o ce earlier than scheduled.
“The lack of a return address or identifying information speaks volumes about the sender. I appreciate the County Commissioners who reached out to express their concern and support for the o ce,” Stokes said.
In an interview with Duplin Journal, Southerland con rmed
nan High School in Warsaw.
The projects are part of broader funding intended to support local infrastructure, public services and workforce development initiatives.
Additional funding in the package supports rural development and continues funding for water and wastewater systems, as well as rural housing programs, it includes investments in rural broadband and increases loan authority for rural electric, business, and industry programs to meet rising demand.
“It is my privilege to be a strong advocate in Washington for our way of life, and ght for commonsense policies and federal funding to help our communities thrive,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.
The legislation also includes investments in agricultural research as well as nutrition assistance for low-income families. Federal documents describe these provisions as part of ongoing e orts to support rural communities and strengthen domestic agriculture and food
that “changes in leadership” are coming, speci cally targeting top administrative sta . Southerland shared that the new administrative sta will begin on his rst day in o ce.
“Some of those will be from within the o ce and others will come from outside,” Southerland told Duplin Journal. “Most of the individuals in current administrative positions have reached out to me and we have discussed their roles and responsibilities. Some of those individuals can retire, and they will ultimately decide whether to retire or continue in their new roles.”
Southerland said that he based these decisions on his law enforcement experience and feedback from citizens, state and local law enforcement o cials.
Southerland raised concerns about sta ng levels and workload distribution within the agency. He said that as individuals rise in rank, they have fewer responsibilities, often working a Monday through Friday schedule while the patrol division is chronically short-sta ed.
He shared that while the pa-
systems. The bill eliminates the Rural Partners Network initiative and removes funding for climate hubs, climate corps and Biden-era regulations that dictate how livestock is raised.
Beyond Duplin County, the funding package includes additional Community Project Funding allocations in neighboring areas, including workforce training and emergency services infrastructure projects in Lenoir County.
The appropriations act also outlines provisions related to agricultural competitiveness and national security, including measures addressing foreign ownership of agricultural land and support for domestic research initiatives.
“I am proud to have passed a robust appropriations package that protects America’s food and drug supply, prioritizes the nation’s health, improves our national security, and saves taxpayer dollars. Additionally, I am grateful to have secured over $3.5 million in Community Project Funding for our communities,” said Murphy.
trol division is sometimes operating with only three deputies per shift there are many high-ranking “40-hour employees” such as captains, lieutenants, and detectives, who “never leave the o ce to help out.”
Southerland said he intends to implement a policy where command sta must “step up and work to ll in the gaps” when shifts are short.
“These issues have lingered for many years, predating Sheri Stokes’ administration,” Southerland explained.
Southerland said he nds it incomprehensible that these administrative leaders are only expected to work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, while patrol deputies face heavy workloads and exhausting schedules.
“It is not uncommon for a patrol deputy working night shift to work all night long, then be on call for mental commitments and be expected to make those transports,” said Southerland. “This sometimes results in the deputy working all day, even though command sta knows that the patrol o cer worked all night and is scheduled to work the following night.”
He added that he expects command sta to work alongside personnel to ll gaps in short-sta ed shifts, even if it requires working evenings, weekends, or holidays when necessary.
“The previously mentioned mindset … works perfectly in a retail or white collar job, however it doesn’t always t in a law enforcement position,” said Southerland. “I will lead by example, I will not be a Monday to Friday, 8 to 5 sheri .”
Share with your community! Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@duplinjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon.
June 13
Beach Brew & Que
The Duplin Events Center will host Beach Brew & Que, a summer kicko event featuring barbecue, live beach music and daylong entertainment. Live music includes performances by I-42 Band, The Embers and Jim Quick & Coastline.
195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville
Small Town Sunday Concert
5 p.m.
Country music act Small Town Sunday performs at the Born Anew Blessing Barn, preceded by a community dinner. The barn serves as a community resource center in Beulaville.
645 North Blizzardtown Road, Beulaville
June 19 -20
Juneteenth Story Walk
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Two-day outdoor story walk featuring The Story of Juneteenth, with programming led by STEM Educator Battista Bennett on the Cowan Museum’s grounds.
411 S. Main St., Kenansville
June 20
Wallace-Pender Airport 72nd Anniversary Fly-In
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Wallace-Pender Airport will mark its 72nd anniversary with a y-in event open to pilots and the public. Pilots will land free, with recognition for the furthest distance traveled. Activities will include barbecue meals by Poston Baptist Church Mobile Kitchen, as well as classic cars, tractors, music and children’s games.
250 Henderson Field Road, Wallace
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Duplin County.
Stokes Sutherland
O cials ag delays, un nished work in Duplin industrial project
O cials identi ed about $200,000 remaining in un nished contract work
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — Progress in Industrial Parks across Duplin County was the focus of discussion at the June 5 Economic Development board meeting.
The board decided to move the ditch repair project from a change order to an informal bid process to ensure competitive pricing. While the ditch currently looks like a “mess,” ocials noted that it is not impeding construction and all erosion and sedimentation issues are currently contained.
“We are waiting for two more bids,” said Executive Director Scotty Summerlin. Daniels and Daniels is expected to be a primary bidder for a ditch repair project at the airport because their subcontractors are already mobilized on-site for other projects, o cials believe they will be highly competitive and
di cult to beat in the bidding process.
The board discussed that there was a punch list of unnished items that has been outstanding for six months or more.
“Approximately $200,000 of contract work is left to do,” Summerlin said.
Board members expressed frustration with the lack of progress and recommended no more funds should be advanced until the engineer con rms the work is complete.
Phase two of the project involves clearing a 50-acre tract.
The master development plan for this area was recently modi ed to navigate around jurisdictional wetlands. F&S Grading was selected as the low bidder to do the work, and was scheduled for nal approval by the Board of Commissioners on June 15.
The board recommended approval of a $94,997 proposal for construction administration and third-party testing.
The board approved a work authorization allowing Parrish and Partners to act as a con-
tractor coordinator and manager reviewing contractor pay applications and coordinating third-party testing.
Shell buildings at SouthPark and AirPark were also discussed.
“Upon payment of our last request, we will close out the rst part of the project at budget with two 50,000-square -foot shell buildings at two separate locations for $6 million,” Summerlin said. As of June 5, the EDC has received the keys to both buildings and is processing the nal payment with Daniels and Daniels.
“No Duplin county dollars were spent on these projects,” said Board Chairman Charlie Farrior.
The board also discussed the new 30,000-square-foot shell building planned for the AirPark. This is a design-build project awarded to Daniels and Daniels. A major bene t of this speci c lot is that the county owns the land behind it. Unlike the existing 50,000-square -foot shells at South Park and Air Park, which were described as “landlocked,” this new building
can be expanded signi cantly — potentially up to 100,000 or 150,000 square feet — by utilizing adjacent acreage. Construction on the short-term stay housing project at the AirPark was briefly paused because of a change order needed for Riverwild of Clayton while “last minute unforeseen” issues were resolved, but the project is moving forward following the recommendation of the change order.
Although there are nine lots, the current plan is to initially construct ve structures, skipping some lots in the layout. The commission approved a $79,497 change order to install water, sewer, and electrical utilities for all nine lots upfront. This strategy is intended to prevent the need to cut into new concrete driveways or dig under culverts when the remaining four units are eventually built. The utility work includes a “sewer bore” to connect two of the homes to the system. Additionally, the change order covers the installation of gutters and downspouts to manage site drainage
“We planned for the dirt quality to be poor there and make us have to spend a lot of money moving dirt, but it came back with an 80% pass rate. That’s freeing up approximately $15,000 from that part of the budget to put toward creating a sewer bore. We need sewer bores to put utilities to all nine lots — not just the ve we are installing now — as well as gutters and downspouts for drainage,” Summerlin explained.
A $10,000 matching grant from Duke Energy was discussed and approved for WestPark. “It makes the property shovel ready,” Carrie Shields explained. “If we are good stewards with this, it positions us for the exact same (aid) in other parks.”
The board engaged in an extensive discussion regarding the potential for data centers in Duplin County, focusing on the massive infrastructure requirements and legislative shifts surrounding them. Carrie Shields said that in Duplin County only Beulaville and Wallace possess enough power to even be considered for a data center
The board concluded that Duplin County must be mindful of the signi cant impacts on local resources and the necessity of educating the community before pursuing such projects
The board approved moving the July meeting to July 10.
The town also adjusted insurance options and operational systems
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE
TOWN Manager Anna West presented highlights of the town’s proposed 2026-27 scal year budget to the town board on June 2, emphasizing it took some cuts to create a balanced budget that calls for no tax increases.
“We’ve estimated our budget next year being $1,345.003.36,” West told the board.
West said while there were cuts made in certain areas to accomplish a balanced budget, the budget does call for salary increases, particularly for the police department.
“We did increase the salaries to where it was more marketable for the o cers to stay with us,” she said. “We lowered other things to make up the di erence.”
West also told the board that, like other communities, she is looking into health insurance options for town employees amid rising premiums and copays. She said she had arranged a conference call with the Hill Group, along with the town manager of Magnolia, to discuss insurance options with the rm.
Meanwhile, sta at town hall have been busy transitioning back to their previous software system, FMS. The town had switched to a new software system, Black Mountain, that had been recommended by the League of Municipalities. The sta tried for months to adapt the new software to their needs but found it burdensome. West said all the data will have to be entered into the FMS system by
the end of June to be ready for the new scal year.
The board is required to hold a public hearing on the proposed budget by the end of June, so they voted to have the hearing on June 22 at 6 p.m. It is possible they could vote to approve the budget at the end of the hearing.
In other business, Kenans-
ville Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Brown told the board that Kenan Park had been busy since the dedication of the new $500,000 playground. She said the newly completed basketball courts have also been a draw. She also expressed concern over having enough volunteers
to coach this upcoming season.
“Right now, we have 50 kids signed up for volleyball. That’s the most kids we’ve ever had sign up for volleyball,” she said.
“So far, I’ve only had two people come through to volunteer to coach.”
Brown says she is going to contact the University of Mount
Olive to see if they may have students wishing to volunteer, adding she can’t use any high school students this year because their summer schedule for workouts will interfere.
In addition, Brown said they are working on beginning a ag football and a fall soccer program this year.
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
The mayor and members of the Kenansville Board of Commissioners look on as town manager Anna West, third from right, points out highlights in the proposed budget for the next scal year.
THE CONVERSATION
COLUMN | BRAD BRINER
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
Having di cult conversations
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age.
THEY ARE CALLED di cult conversations for a reason.
But the ironic thing is, for the most part, the di culty is almost always in starting the conversation, not in the reaction to the topic itself. I know from my experiences that most people are self-aware enough that if I think there is a real problem that needs addressing, they do too. The problem is they don’t want to start the conversation either, so it festers. And that makes it harder on both sides.
As someone who has managed many people in my professional career, one of the most surprisingly di cult conversations I ever had illustrates this. One of my employees was underperforming badly. Missing deadlines, showing up late for meetings, unreliable work product, almost everything was o . But he was (and still is) a great person to be around, and everyone liked him. So I delayed the conversation and hoped it would get better. It didn’t.
When it was nally time for his formal end-of-year review, I was very honest with him and told him that if he continued to perform the way he had that he would be terminated in the coming months. I’ll never forget the look on his face when, rather than being defensive, angry or even surprised, he simply responded, “Thank you for being so honest. I needed to hear that.”
Approached correctly, you are likely to have a similar experience when you broach di cult nancial conversations. It’s not that people are unaware they should communicate on these topics, it’s that to discuss someone’s nancial success, or lack thereof, can feel like a crude judgment. Or to discuss someone’s death can feel like you don’t appropriately value their life. In fact,
LETTERS
The UDO’s hidden land grab
I’m writing to sound the alarm on a hidden trap in the Duplin County Uni ed Development Ordinance (UDO) is stripping local families of land rights. Page 81, line 7 bans new homes within 1,000 feet of commercial livestock facilities. Quietly passed to shield corporations from nuisance lawsuits — like the historic Joey Carter and Smith eld litigation — it has back red on our citizens.
In Potters Hill, a fourth-generation family farm is being carved up. A local woman wanting to move onto her grandparents’ historic homesite was blocked. Her land perked, the existing septic passed, and the survey was complete. Yet, due to this corporate-protection bu er, 75% of her family land is legally unlivable. The county demands 100% of property taxes but strips 75% of the use.
This is an unjust regulatory taking. The federal lawsuits happened because corporate integrators refused to upgrade open-air waste technology, failing to respect long-term neighbors. Instead of forcing multi-billion-dollar corporations to be better neighbors, Duplin County used a blunt zoning rule to clear out local residents. Now, our family farms pay the price. They cannot survive if children and grandchildren are legally barred from living on the property to manage it.
We must protect our agricultural roots, but we must protect our people rst. On July 13, 2026, the county is holding a public hearing to receive UDO comments. Every landowner, farmer and neighbor must show up. We must demand that the Board of Commissioners insert a “Family Subdivision Exemption” so direct descendants can build homes on their inherited heritage.
Sincerely,
Ti any Ferrell, Pink Hill
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
when broached with care and respect, the most common response is a thank you for bringing it up — they have wanted to talk about it too.
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age. Whether you are in high school and want to consider what college you can a ord to attend or if you are my age and have elderly parents you need to discuss wishes for care and their wills with, it always feels invasive. But the alternative is so much worse — you need to nd a way today to begin those conversations.
There are too many examples of kids working hard to get into a college they can’t possibly pay for, and too many examples of parents passing away without communicating their wishes and intents. My retirement team here at the department would also want me to remind you that while you’re having those conversations, please be sure that everyone has updated their nancial bene ciaries and other legal designations to align with their current wishes!
Remember that nancial success, or lack of success, is not a referendum on someone’s worth. And eventually, no matter who you are, someone else will have to deal with your nancial a airs, despite how much you want to keep them to yourself. So spend some time today guring out how to talk to your parents, signi cant other or kids about money. Discuss goals, dreams and intent. And you’ll likely be surprised by just how happy they are that you did.
Brad Briner is state treasurer of North Carolina.
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
The SPLC’s real scam
IT TURNS OUT that the most generous funder of white supremacist groups in the United States was likely the Southern Poverty Law Center.
At least that’s what the Department of Justice’s superseding indictment against the SPLC alleges.
The organization secretly paid informants to engage in the active promotion and funding of racist groups while denouncing and “ ghting” the very same groups in public. The SPLC purportedly created ctitious entities to hide funding from their donors.
The SPLC, for instance, is accused of bankrolling the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally, paying a leader nearly $300,000 to post racist messages, organize and even transport people to the infamous Charlottesville protest, where one person was killed.
In another instance, a pair of white supremacists who approached the SPLC about leaving the Klan were encouraged to stay in the group and recruit new members. Given salaries, the two men were allegedly reimbursed for the costs of their activities, including those “incurred for cross-burning events, to include the wood and fuel used.”
In the end, I’m not sure what the legal jeopardy there is in engaging in this brand of duplicitous activity, but it is without a doubt corrupt, fraudulent, immoral and bad for the country.
Many people correctly point out that SPLC is merely interested in keeping white supremacist groups operational to justify its existence. White nationalists and identitarian groups have no genuine political power or support, so it makes sense that SPLC and other groups would prop them up for fundraising. The notion that Americans live in a nation of deep-seated systemic and cultural racism is a foundational belief of the American left. Having a bunch of cartoonishly racist groups running around the country not only perpetuates the myth but helps raise money.
But a far more vital objective of the SPLC is destroying the reputations of e ective legitimate organizations that are involved in mainstream political debates that have absolutely nothing to do with racism or extremism.
The purpose of the “hate” maps and enemies’ lists compiled by SPLC isn’t to alert Americans about local skinheads but to associate those skinheads with the American College of Pediatricians, Family Research Council, Ben Carson, Turning Point USA, American Family Association and Moms for Liberty.
In 2016, for instance, the SPLC “Hate and Extremism” list added Alliance Defending Freedom, a highly e ective legal
organization that’s won multiple religious freedom cases in front of the Supreme Court. Oftentimes the ADF represents minority clients. Its most high-pro le case involved Jack Phillips, the persecuted cake maker from Colorado whose First Amendment rights were stripped by the government. But the group also takes on cases regarding state funding for abortion or the biological males competing in girls’ sports.
You may disagree with ADF’s positions on those issues, but only an extremist progressive actually considers it a “hate” group worthy of inclusion on a list with “neo-confederates.” It’s not the pinhead “Neo Volkisch” that concerns the SPLC, it’s the impressive lawyer with the ADF.
By making their case to the press, these conservatives are wisely appealing to the SPLC’s most powerful source of in uence.
Yet the SPLC’s “hate list” has been treated as an authoritative source on extremism by virtually every legacy media outlet for years.
During the height of BLM protests and riots, The New York Times cited the SPLC as an unimpeachable authority on hate groups in hundreds of stories over a one-year span. The group was cited by the paper thousands of times over the previous decade. That’s a single media organization. From the mid-2010s through 2025, when the SPLC was sending millions to prop up the worst right-wing extremists in the country, virtually any story about rising extremism on NBC News featured the SPLC.
The question is, how can any reputable media outlet, much less a government agency, ever use the SPLC as a source again?
They’ll try. Even now, outlets like The Associated Press refer to the SPLC as a “civil rights” group. The SPLC, formed in 1971 by civil rights activists in Montgomery, Alabama, hasn’t been ghting for the rights of African Americans for a long time. By the mid-1980s, the SPLC had already shifted away from the civil rights ght to rooting out “right-wing extremism.”
In 1986, the entire legal sta , save founder Morris Dees (who was pushed out of the organization in 2019 after allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination), quit over the change.
The SPLC, probably super uous when it was formed, has long been a shady left-wing activist group with a near-billion-dollar endowment. The new indictment only further con rms it was worse than we thought.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
How can any reputable media outlet ever use the SPLC as a source again?
Duplin schools see leadership shift as district approves new appointments, retirements
Three principals and two assistant principals were named across multiple Duplin County schools as part of district-wide personnel changes
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — The Duplin County Board of Education approved a wave of leadership changes that will reshape several school campuses ahead of the 2026–2027 academic year, as the district simultaneously marked the retirement of multiple longtime educators. Superintendent Daren Tyndall recommended a series of reclassifications and appointments spanning school administration and student services, part of what district officials described as an effort to strengthen leadership continuity across schools.
Among the changes announced on June 2, Robert Ross was named director of student support services and athletics for Duplin County Schools, effective Aug. 1. In the district’s school-level leadership, Mayshelle Newkirk-Tate will become principal of Rose Hill–Magnolia Elementary School, while Beverly Sholar was ap -
pointed principal of East Duplin High School. Both will begin their roles July 1. Emily Sandlin will take over as principal of Beulaville Elementary School effective Aug. 1. Additional shifts include Renee McCoy as assistant principal at Rose Hill–Magnolia Elementary and Misty Ross as assistant principal at Beulaville Elementary, also effective this summer.
Tyndall said the appointments reflect both appreciation for current leadership
and confidence in the administrators stepping into new roles.
“We are grateful for the dedication and commitment these individuals have shown to our students, schools and community,” Tyndall said. “As they step into new roles and responsibilities, we are confident they will continue making a positive difference in the lives of children.”
The board also recognized the retirement of Scott Ballard, Ivy Dowe, Kristen Hall, Lillie Lanier and Ronald Moore. Tyndall said the retirees leave behind a lasting impact.
“Retirement marks the close of an important chapter for these individuals,” he said. “Their dedication to students, commitment to excellence and investment in others have left a lasting legacy that will continue to be felt across our schools for years to come.”
Duplin schools celebrate students
O cials report rising graduation and pro ciency rates
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
KENANSVILLE — The June School Board meeting recognized a special group of students and teachers for their achievements.
Robert Ross recognized student athlete Adrian Glover, a junior at Wallace-Rose Hill, Glover represented the school at the state competition and won the NCHSAA 3A state champion in boys’ 200-meter dash.
He shared that Glover “has track in his blood” and highlighted family members who have represented Duplin County in the sport.
Felicia Brown presented the Grow Your Own Scholarship to future educators, London Brown, Selma Hernandez, Zachary Fisher and Olivia Spring eld. Brown explained that the Grow Your Own Scholarship serves as a loan of $5,000 per year for a maximum of four years. Recipients repay the scholarship by committing to work in Duplin County Schools for six years after graduation.
Erica Edwards presented Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Grants to teachers Amy Bostic of B. F. Grady Elementary and Victoria Newkirk
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that the investigation remains active.
Code Enforcement Officer Jamie Rogers said he had nothing to report because “everyone’s doing their part” to keep the town clean.
Mayor Hutch Jones took the opportunity to thank Rogers and Williams for the success of their efforts.
“It takes establishing rules and sticking to them to make a town clean,” Jones said. “I want to thank you both for what you have done to develop those processes.”
The board also revisited a proposal to sell a landlocked parcel on Park Street to Bert Properties after the company submitted a revised request.
of Kenansville Elementary School.
Clareta Sutton, on behalf of the Emotions Organization and the Stand For Children Day Committee, shared plans for a weeklong program in Warsaw focused on athletic team rules, emergency resources and encouraging students to attend church and strengthen their faith.
She also discussed concerns about the growing prevalence of vaping among youth and encouraged schools to take a more active role in addressing the issue.
“I think it needs to be worked on when you nd out about the issue, so the student can get the help that they need,” Sutton said.
Erica Jones shared the CTE Local Application Report for the next biannual plan and funding. “The CTE concentrators–students who complete whole CTE pathways — graduation rate did increase every year for the past four years and is currently above 98.6% … our pro ciency rate has risen from 62.2% in 2021-22 to 74.72% in 2024-25. Another very notable and proud marker is that our CTE concentrator rate is 94.5% — way above the state and county goals … with a credential attainment rate of 82.48% which placed our district in the top 10 for credential attainment for the second year in a row,” Jones said.
Representatives Rob Stevens and Chad Lambert explained that they were willing to purchase additional land, eliminating concerns about future road access across public land, and would complete updated surveys. The company’s original request involved approximately 0.127 acres needed to finalize plans for four residential lots. Because the revised proposal no longer required the town to provide paving or access to an existing roadway, board members agreed to sell both the original parcel and an additional strip of land that currently blocks road access. The sale will give Bert Properties ownership of all town-owned property west of Park Street, contingent upon
SPRING 2026 JAMES SPRUNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE HONORS LIST
President’s List for Spring 2026
Students who have earned a grade point average of 4.0 and have earned a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit in any one semester, qualify for the President’s List.
Albertson
• Julie Schuster Murphy
Beulaville
• Owen Michael Greene
Madison Grace Kornegay
Chinquapin
Sonya Gail Ramsey
Faison
• Jacob Louis Roberts
Kenansville
• Keira Michelle Baker
• Laney Victoria Bell
• Wendy Boone Best
Bella Grace Brooks
Shahmeek Darby
John Michael Gutierrez
Angelica Zabala Howard
Robbyn Elena Marino
Trey Don Marino
Camden David Norwood
Sienna Marie Pender
Magnolia
• Alexander Shane Dudley
Braswell
• Kenadi Grace Gideons
• Sandra Janeth Mendieta Rodas
• Karla Yamith Milla Diaz
• Dexter Demont Moses
Marshall T Sanders
Hudson Graham Tieman
Pink Hill
Ariel Eden Kennedy
Madelyn Danielle Sawyer
Rose Hill
• Elizabeth Fonseca
• Calyn Renae’ Melvin
Teachey
She gave a brief overview of the biannual needs assessment completed in partnership with James Sprunt Community College. Areas of need included electrical systems, project management and drone technology, along with upgrades to school lab facilities to meet current industry standards.
Jones reported that CTE is projected to receive a 10% reduction in funding and lose one teaching position because of anticipated state and federal funding cuts. Partnerships with James Sprunt Community College, industry donations and grants have been able to help fund program development beyond government funding.
The board approved a consent agenda that included the 2026-27 CTE local application for funding, the 2026 -27 school board meeting calendar, school resource o cer contracts, updated policies, several service agreements and four additional paid rst-responder positions for the winter sports season.
Two substantial technology upgrades were also approved using Public School Building Capital Funds: $81,430 for device replacements and $1,595,000 to replace all intercom systems in the school district.
The board then entered closed session for personnel matters.
completion of a new survey. The total acreage involved is expected to be about 0.279 acres.
The board also approved an estimate of $11,000 to provide replacement privacy fencing between two properties around the park.
Before adjourning, the board discussed the Beulaville Volunteer Fire Department’s request to reinstall a warning siren in town. A siren was previously mounted on a tower in town until the structure was removed in 2003. Board members discussed the possibility of installing the siren at Town Hall to maintain a centralized location for emergency notifications. The meeting adjourned shortly thereafter.
below a B are named to the Dean’s List.
Albertson
Elenny Andres
Natalie B Villagrez
• Ashley Dariely Zaldivar
Beulaville
• Michael Alicea
• Nathaly Isabel Benitez
• Kirstin Danielle Brown
• Gary Allen Hatcher
Addyson Gray Jarman
Aliicia Jazzlynn Rowe
Patrick Owen Southerland
Chase Lee Whaley
Calypso
Braylon Jasean Lee
Chinquapin
• Hannah Leigh Dutton
• Jocelyn Guzman
• Kaitlyn Elizabeth Maready
• Briana Amelia Pavucek
Faison
Jared C Lee
Kenansville
Emma Layne Brown
• Tashena Rose Farghueson
• Robbiana Denise Virginia Fields
• Alyson Garcia
• Stephany Garcia Garcia
• Ava Claire Jones
• Aleyana Kendria Walker
Magnolia
Aiden Terrell Chasten
Edin Moises Gomez Delcid
Patrick James Allen Hotaling
Katie Lynn Kentrolis
Marissa Nichole Smith
Patricia Delois Wilson
Mount Olive
• Mason Alexander Dixon
• Arnulfo Ramirez
Pink Hill
• Morgan Brook Brown
• Sydney Lynn Cannon
Hunter Ryan Whaley
• Ernell Jordan Monroe Kobe Keshawn Moore
Mario Alejandro Nunez Martinez
Jose Rey Orellana
Isabella Grace Parker Wallace
• Brevin Thomas Carter
• Kesha Davis
• Jaleiny Briana Laracuente
Midence
• Samantha Nichole Lofton
• Rebekah Renee Marlin
• Yaslin Nahomy Melendez Santos
• Heather Nicole Muggelberg
• Ava Katherine Robbins
• Austin Lee Shoe
Vanessa Erin Watkins
Warsaw
Danna Campos Oliva
Shamya Quantasia Johnson
Mara Esmaralda Romo Lizama
• Marely Giselle Rosales
• Mikyah Nevaeh Turns
• Alice Wallace Wilson
Dean’s List for Spring 2026
Students who have earned a grade point average of 3.50 –3.99 and have earned a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit in any one semester with no grades
Rose Hill
Jennifer R Batchelor
Braxtyn Moriah Newkirk
Andrea Daniela Ortega Matute
• Matthew Rivers Robinson
• Madilyn Christine Wilson
Teachey
• Carmesha Cromartie Arriola
• Aracely Palacios Arriola
Wallace
Justin L Adams
Jonathan Davis Barnette
Adeline Cavenaugh
Brodie Kade Du
Ellen Harper Hu man
Jocelyn Charlotte Jones
Courtney Anne Smith
• Jossel Aldair Vega Claro
• Egan Brandon Willie
• Wesley James Willison
Warsaw
• Jennifer Aileen Cervantes
Hernandez
Jerson Oswaldo Lizardo
Judith Morales Dominquez
Yasmin Miguel Ramirez
Adriana Mikayla Rhodes
Chloe Leanne Straughn
Elmita Isabeye Velasquez Sales
Ruth Marie Webb
BEULAVILLE
McCoy Sholar Sandlin
Robert Ross Misty Ross NewkirkTate
Drone partnership elevates precision agriculture education, research
UMO will use the EAVision J150 spray drone for research and farmer education programs
By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal
STUDENTS IN THE University of Mount Olive’s Precision Agriculture program will soon gain hands-on experience with one of the latest tools in modern farming after the university was selected to participate in the Agri Spray Drones Academic Partner Initiative.
According to UMO o cials, the university is one of only 15 nationwide chosen for the program. UMO received an EAVision J150 agricultural spray drone through a partnership between Agri Spray Drones and EAVision.
The drone will be used to enhance classroom instruction, support research projects and provide outreach opportunities for farmers and future agricultural professionals.
The addition of the drone gives students direct exposure to technology that is becoming increasingly important across the agricultural industry. Through
The drone utilizes advanced technology to detect and avoid obstacles such as trees, poles and power lines.
coursework in precision agriculture, students will learn drone operation, maintenance, safety procedures and FAA certi cation requirements while working with equipment current-
ly being adopted by producers.
The EAVision J150 features a 20-gallon tank, can cover more than 60 acres per hour, and uses LiDAR technology to navigate elds and avoid obstacles such
as trees, poles and power lines. University o cials say the drone will also create new research opportunities. Beginning this summer, faculty and students will use the technolo -
“Technology like this represents the future of agriculture.”
Jesse Gilsinger, University of Mount Olive Precision Agriculture Program Coordinator
gy in studies involving cucumber downy mildew control and soybean fungicide and insecticide applications. The projects will compare drone applications with traditional groundbased methods and could provide valuable information for growers across the southeastern United States.
Beyond academics and research, the drone will support community engagement efforts through farmer eld days, workforce development initiatives and the university’s annual FFA Precision Agriculture Contest.
Jesse Gilsinger, UMO’s Precision Agriculture Program Coordinator, said the university’s selection re ects its commitment to advancing agricultural education and helping farmers evaluate new technologies that can improve e ciency and pro tability.
“Technology like this represents the future of agriculture,” Gilsinger said. “The message to prospective students is clear — UMO is committed to staying on the cutting edge.”
Faison approves raises as anniversary celebration nears
Town o cials approve employee pay increases and address personnel matters
By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal
FAISON — Town of Faison officials approved employee raises, personnel changes and event preparations during a busy June board meeting that included planning for youth sports, firefighter fundraising and the town’s upcoming 250th celebration.
Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Scott shared that adult volleyball season
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represents the culmination of years of involvement in agricultural leadership and advocacy.
“I was very excited and honored to be selected by my fellow pork producers from across the nation and then con rmed by Secretary Rollins,” Herring told Duplin Journal, adding that this opportunity “would not have been possible without the many mentors and friends” in North Carolina Pork production “who have invested in me along the way.”
Herring manages Herring Pork Producers, a family farming operation that raises nursery pigs in eastern North Carolina. He has also become a familiar face in agricultural outreach through NC Farm Families, a grassroots organization focused on connecting consumers with
is in full swing. “We have 13 teams and the competition is fierce; you should come see the games,” Scott said.
The board approved the Fire Department’s request to use the town gym for their Sportsman Fundraiser in September at no charge, with the strict condition that no firearms are allowed inside the building.
Scott and Executive Administrator Jimmy Tyndall reported passing their permits and endorsements to get a Class-B CDL license.
“We are both just waiting on the DMV for drive time, but we are poised to be ready for the afterschool program
agriculture and supporting farm families across the state.
The National Pork Board’s strategic plan focuses on driving long-term pork value, strengthening industry partnerships and improving the health and well-being of both pigs and producers. Herring said he is particularly interested in e orts to expand pork consumption and advance the industry’s National Swine Health Strategy.
“I’m especially excited about the work being done to grow demand through our ‘Taste What Pork Can Do’ consumer campaign,” he said. “Younger generations are eating di erently than previous generations, and it’s important that we stay ahead of changing trends and ensure pork remains a relevant, appealing choice on their plates.”
Herring said he is also en-
to start in the fall,” Tyndall said. Mayor Billy Ward recommended a $1,000 salary increase for them both pending they pass the driving test and get their school bus endorsements. The board approved the increase as well as a 3% merit and 2% COLA salary increase for all employees. Because Anne Letchworth is retiring at the end of June, the board approved a resolution to allow Carmen Gonzalez to become the new tax collector for the town. The board also approved adding Gonzalez and the new Town Clerk Mandy Taylor, to town financial accounts for administrative access. The board also ap -
couraged by e orts to improve swine health through the National Swine Health Strategy.
“This collaborative e ort has the potential to make a meaningful impact for producers across the country,” he added.
Herring also pointed to swine health as one of the industry’s most pressing challenges.
“Without question, demand for pork and swine health are two of the biggest challenges facing our industry today,” Herring said. “If you ask pig farmers in North Carolina what keeps them up at night, many will point to PRRS and PEDV, diseases that continue to impact the health and productivity of our herds.”
PRRS, or Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, and PEDV, or Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, are highly contagious swine diseas-
proved adding Heather Ward, Mayor Billy Ward’s wife, to the Cemetery Committee.
In other business
The town has issued civil citations to the owners of the supermarket building for various maintenance issues, with nes accumulating since Feb. 1. Due to ongoing noncompliance regarding weed and grass overgrowth, the town intends to hire a third party to clean the property before the 250th celebration and bill the owner for the cost.
The board highlighted the opening of a new downtown business called “Down on Main
es that can a ect pig health and productivity.
Herring said the National Swine Health Strategy provides a framework for addressing those concerns, with the longterm goal of reducing and ultimately eliminating the diseases that a ect pork production.
Herring said North Carolina’s highly integrated pork production system gives the state a unique perspective on issues a ecting producers nationwide. As the nation’s third-largest pork-producing state, North Carolina plays a signi cant role in the industry and faces many of the same challenges confronting producers across the country.
“Having spent my entire career working within this system and remaining actively involved in the day-to-day operations of our family farm, I bring a prac-
Street” and encouraged residents to support it. The park recently received upgrades, including a new cement pad and a sling shelter at the concession stand.
The town’s 250th anniversary celebration is scheduled for June 27 at 5 p.m., featuring music by Pocket, food trucks and vendors.
Following a closed session, the board addressed the status of employee Payton Holland. The board approved a motion to suspend him for one week without pay and mandated that he must take and pass his pesticide exam on June 30 (or the next available date); failure to pass will result in termination.
tical, on-the-ground producer perspective to the National Pork Board,” he said.
Roy Lee Lindsey, CEO of the North Carolina Pork Council, said Herring’s experience as both a producer and advocate will strengthen North Carolina’s voice at the national level.
“Chad represents the very best of North Carolina agriculture,” said Lindsey. “He is a dedicated farmer, a respected leader and a tireless advocate for our industry.”
Herring succeeds fellow North Carolina producer Santiago Vazquez, whose term on the National Pork Board ends this year, continuing the state’s representation on the National Pork Board as it works to address issues ranging from animal health and sustainability to consumer demand and global market opportunities.
Jesse Gilsinger, center, shows students an agri spray drone which features a 20-gallon tank and can cover more than 60 acres per hour.
HERRING
DUPLIN CUP 2025-26
Football sets pace for Tigers’ run to the Cup
JK went to the East Region nal in football and had successful runs in basketball to rule as the top Duplin sports school in 2025-26
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Winning can be as contagious as an out-of-control wild re.
James Kenan got hot early in the 2025-26 academic season and the momentum lifted the Tigers to the Duplin Cup, given to the best sports school in the county.
JK was better than its three sister schools in part because of how the Tiger females performed across the board.
But it all started two weeks before the start of school when the JK began its gridiron quest.
The Tigers went 12-2 and won the Swine Valley Conference before bowing out to Kinston in the East Region nal.
The all-state softball star was a golden nd for ND in volleyball and basketball
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — Lilly Fulghum is often not the fastest, nor strongest or most skilled on her athletic surface for a given sport.
She’s a Division I signee at Charlotte, where she will play softball.
Her talent-development and direction hasn’t been altered since well before she took North
CO-MALE ATHLETE
JK used the talent and leadership skills of Jeremiah Hall and Eli Avent to contend in football and basketball
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
WARSAW — Jeremiah Hall was a superstar running the football last fall for James Kenan. Quarterback Eli Avent was a star when called upon and did some big things in his own right. Hall and Avent continued to do what they had always done after JK went 12-2 and lost to Kinston in the East Region nal.
They got ready for basketball.
Hall became an all-Duplin and all-Swine Valley Conference selection by placing numbers in every statistical category.
Avent often started, though he seemed to play as well coming o the bench.
JK had its best season since 2016-17 as a teamwork approach was carried from the gridiron to the hardcourts.
Avent, who will play baseball at Carteret Community College, went on to have a banner diamond season, while Hall, who is heading to Fayetteville State to play football, was mainly a pinch runner. Separating their skills over the course of three seasons is so di cult that making them Co-Male Athlete of the Year is tting.
Duplin to the 1A nals in 2023.
Three years later she delivered the Rebels to the 2A nals and is Female Athlete of the Year in Duplin County.
Even so, it is her competitive drive that turned her from average to all-star level in volleyball and basketball.
Fulghum captured the crown by beating out Wallace-Rose Hill’s Jansley Page (all-state volleyball, all-conference softball, basketball), East Duplin’s Anamarie Rodriguez (all-ECC soccer and track) and Kinsey Cave (all-ECC basketball and softball) and James Kenan’s Y’Anna Rivers (all-
SVC basketball, volleyball) and her basketball teammate Abby Rose (all-CC basketball, soccer).
To the opposition in softball, Fulghum was a multi-skilled all-around player, capable of torching them from inside the circle and at shortstop, while hitting for power, and average and being a top-level baserunner. While few could match her bat speed, she was a menace on the bases because of the way she played the game. If the opposition falls asleep,
PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Six Tigers swarm to the football during a fourth-round playo win over Farmville Central. JK went 12-2 and fell in the East Region nal to Kinston.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Jeremiah Hall, left, and Eli Avent were key senior leaders on and o the gridiron, basketball court and baseball diamond for JK.
Lilly Fulgham has been a feared hitter for four seasons.
Y’Anna Rivers
Zamarion Smith
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE
Ava Noble
East Duplin, softball
Softball season hasn’t ended for Ava Noble, and the word in Panther land is that she’s returning to basketball in the winter.
Noble, who su ered a knee injury and was forced to leave the hoops world, made up for any lost attention she would have garnered this spring on the diamond.
The junior was third in the Journal-area in hitting (.569 with nine doubles, ve triples, three home runs, 40 runs and 25 RBIs) and is playing for Region 2 in the BODYARMOR State Games, which will be played June 23-24 in Greensboro.
Noble, the MVP of the ECCC, hit .538 her freshman campaign as a sign that she was going to make a huge impact on East Duplin’s program.
While she was third to North Duplin’s Lilly Fulghum (.586) and Gracie Higginbotham in average, Noble bashed a county-high 46 hits, which was 12 more than Fulghum and seven more than Higginbotham, who shared the pitching duties.
Noble’s hits broke the school record set by Kari Westerbeek.
All three are in the running for Ms. Softball, which will be announced later this month.
Noble also appears to be a candidate for next season’s Female Athlete of the Year.
She is a dream for any coach given her bat, elding, speed, skills, competitiveness and sports IQ.
Rebels’ Warren caps banner career with all-state honors
ND senior Garris Warren smacked and pitched his way onto the 13-player all-star squad
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
CALYPSO — Garris War -
ren silenced his critics to become the lone Duplin County player on the North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association’s postseason all-state list.
The North Duplin senior smacked 33 hits in 68 atbats (.600) and also proved he could pitch with the best hurlers around.
Warren was one of 13 players on the 2A list, which included 2A Pitcher of the Year Cameron Copley of Voyager Academy. Both Warren and Copley yielded two hits during the 2-1 Viking win in the second round of the playo s.
He also proved himself during a 13-0 loss to 2A champ Rosewood on April 22. Warren gave up three runs in 52⁄3 frames and after he exited, the hot-hitting Eagles tacked up 10 runs in the seventh.
Warren had a pair of strong outings during close losses to Hobbton (2-1 and 5-4) that pushed ND to a tie with East Bladen in the Carolina Conference standings.
The CC had two more allstate players – Rosewood’s Robbie Boren and Hobbton’s Ayden Lawson. Hayesville’s Jackson Sellers was the 2A Player of the Year.
East Duplin had several possible all-state candidates in 4A.
But the coaches turned away from catcher Shawn Marshburn (.479, 34 hits), shortstop Jack Tuck (.429, 21 runs, 17 RBIs) and Gavin Holmes (.460, 34 hits, 13 RBIs), who was an all-state player in 2A last season when there were four and not eight classi cations.
James Kenan’s Eli Avent (.500, 27 hits, 23 stolen bases,
16 RBIs) was also left o the 3A list.
Warren hit safely in all but two Rebel games, while boasting a .652 on-base-mark and .782 slugging percentage, scoring 25 times and knocking in 15 runs. He struck out just three times in 68 at-bats and left only 14 runners on base when he stepped into the situation. His nal whi came on March 31. Warren hit .298 with seven doubles as a junior and had a career mark of .352 with 82 hits in 83 games the past four seasons. ND (10-7, 8-4) had another tough loss that hit hard, falling 14-13 in eight innings to East
The following are all-ECC players for spring sports in 2026 as selected by the league’s coaches.
BASEBALL
Player of Year: Sawyer Marshburn, East
Duplin
Pitcher of Year: Brayden Jones, East Duplin
All-ECC
South Lenoir: Braden Barnett, Noah Rouse, Gage Howard, Austin Clements
Southwest Onslow: Kannon Hu man, Cole Jarman, Tito Escalera
East Duplin: Brayden Jones, Sawyer Marshburn, Gavin Holmes, Jack Tuck, JP Murphy and Hayes Lanier
Clinton: Henry Bass, Tyler Hall
Pender: Sean Cummings
Trask: Brantley Lunsford
GOLF
Player of Year: Kenly Welborn,** East
Duplin
All-ECC
• East Duplin: (5) Kenly Welborn, Rylee
Herring, Rivers Robinson, Charles Smith, Sawyer Whaley SOCCER
Columbus on March 10. A setback to East Bladen dropped the Rebels to 1-3. They rallied for wins in six of their next seven games and then three in a row, which ended with a 10-0 rst-round triumph over Eno River Academy.
And while just a little more might have been expected from the Rebels, no one could ever say Warren wasn’t a star between the lines and a leader outside of them. Warren was an all-Duplin DB/LB last fall with 46 tackles and three interceptions. He had six picks during his junior campaign. ND went 19-3 over two seasons with Warren in its lineup.
Turner, Ansley Hunter, Leighton Davis
South Lenoir: Makenzie Herring, Jade Sasnett, Rylan Wade, Carley Boone, Jersey Sasnett, Lily Cole
Trask: Jaylen Reece-Murray, Lauren Hall, Dava Bullard, Taylor Sparkman
Pender: Kaylee Woodcock, Kenyatta
Jacobs
SWO: Whitney Grissett
Clinton: Niah Torres
TENNIS
Player of Year: Camden Parker, Clinton
All-Conference
Clinton: Camden Parker, James Sinclair, Cullen Brewer, Will Johnson
East Duplin: Seth Brown, Parker Dupree
Pender: Jayden Lopez
BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD
Track & Field MVP: Branson Norris, East Duplin
All-ECC
East Duplin: Brandon Norris, Keeshon McKinnie, Zach Ball, James Matas, D.J. Davis, Ali Flow, Aaron Hall
South Lenoir: Kole Burkett, Jamison
Gautier, Jack Rouse, Wesley Vernon, Isaiah Howard, John Jones, Eric Fields
Southwest:Zavier Davis
Trask: Sawyer Davis
GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD
Track and Field MVP: Zy’Ashia Newton, East Duplin
TRACK MVP: Angela Hernandez, East Duplin
FIELD MVP: Andrea Scarborough, East Duplin
All-ECC
East Duplin: Zy’Ashia Newton, Angela Hernandez, Andrea Scarborough, Kate Miller, Brooklyn Bryan, Anna Brown, Anamarie Rodriguez, Tabor Holley, Alaina Delarosa, JaKayla Carr
Trask: Sophie Williamson, Alexis Wilson, Mati McPherson, Janiya Kelly-Green, Laila
Ballard South Lenoir: Bryanna Poole
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Garris Warren was the ace of the ND sta and in the past two falls made 10 interceptions for the Rebels’ grid team.
ECC HONOR ROLL SPRING 2026
Post 511 returns host of talent from state tournament team
Beulaville American Legion Post 511’s baseball team seeks to hold onto the winning tradition it had in 2025
By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal
BEULAVILLE — Last summer, the Beulaville American Legion Post 511 baseball team may have exceeded expectations by earning a spot in the State Tournament.
A ock of players from that squad return, seven of whom have signed to play college baseball and one still under the 19-year age limit to play in the Senior Legion ball.
“Last year’s success doesn’t entitle us to go back and it’s going to be harder,” said manager Brandon Thigpen, who coaches East Duplin in the spring. ““Every independent game except one or two were teams in the state playo s last year.
“We played 12 games last year (before the tournament) and we’re looking at 17 games. The most we want is 21 and those all have to be played before the playo s on July 4.
Post 511 made the Elite Eight by shocking perennial power Wilmington Post 10 to nab the Area II slot.
Gone from that squad are Jake Howard, Kyle Kern and Christian Coples.
Returnee Gage Howard (.413) of South Lenoir and new addition Carson Tew (.523) of Midway will have a chance to work as middle in elders before both play at the University of Mount Olive next spring.
SL’s Cole Jarman (.500, nine doubles, 15 RBIs) and Clinton’s Henry Bass (.440) will suit up for Southeastern Community in Whiteville, while James Kenan’s Eli Avent (.508) and ED’s
she made them pay, sort of in the same way a pitcher is punished for throwing one down the middle of the plate.
Her statistics were mindboggling.
Fulghum hit .586 with 11 doubles, four triples, seven home runs and 39 RBIs. But also count her 41 runs, 11 walks and 6-1 hurling mark.
Crazier still are her career numbers.
She hit .609 with 37 doubles, 16 triples, 31 home runs, scoring 158 times and driving in 127 runs. Fulghum struck out just eight times in 317 at-bats. So, a pitcher would have to be both good and lucky to get her to whi .
The right-hander, who will not pitch in college, went 39-6. Made herself better in volleyball, basketball
Fulghum came into her own in two other sports during her senior campaign, especially in basketball.
ND lost star guard Addy Higginbotham (Wingate for softball) and 6-foot center Tatewayna Faison (Fayetteville Tech), both of
Head Coach: Brandon Thigpen (ED)
Assistant coach: Justin Carroll (Midway)
Sawyer Marshburn (.460) and Clinton’s Henry Bass (.440) will be teammates at Carteret Community College in Morehead City. ED’s Sawyer Marshburn (.460) will join second-year player Jaxon Smith at Lenoir Community in Kinston.
Marshburn is expected to share the catching duties with returnee Austin Clements, a rising senior at NL. Panther in elder Gavin Holmes (.460) and two younger ED pitchers, Brayden Jones (the ECC Pitcher of the Year) and Silas Jarman, will look for playing time on a talented team.
Smith enters as the ace of the sta with NL sophomore Daniel Boyette, Bass, Clements and SWO’s Cole Jarman (6-2) in the rotation.
South Lenoir’s Reed Da-
vis (.571) and Braden Barnett (.463) will likewise look to contribute for a club that is built from players from seven high schools.
Post 511 went 12-6 last year and will play most of its games at ED, though three will be played at Midway, whose head coach Justin Carroll.
Thigpen, though, is busy with life outside of baseball. He and his wife Mary Susan watched Fielding Beasley Thigpen enter this world on June 2. The couple’s boy was delivered eight weeks early and weighed 1 pound, 16 ounces.
“We’re still taking slow steps, but I think there are a lot of returnees who have gured out the expectations at 511,” said Thigpen, who is 135-66 and has won ECC titles in ’26 and ’23 at ED since taking over in 2017.
Lilly Fulghum brought e ort on the volleyball court.
whom had 1,000-point careers. The Rebels had one shooter – Abby Rose – though lacking ball-handling and height to go hard in the paint. It clicked like never before for Fulghum, who averaged 12.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2.6 steals. And while she didn’t get to the 1,000-point plateau, Fulghum helped ND (18-8) get its fth-straight season with 18 or more wins. She made steady prog-
No other county team got beyond the third round and JK handled 4A East Duplin (27-21) and 3A Wallace-Rose Hill (2821 and 26-7), while not playing 2A North Duplin.
The Tigers were not just beating the competition, they were destroying the enemy, outscoring foes 605-254.
Even a 30-7 loss to the Vikings could not dampen the spirits of athletes or diminish a great accomplishment. While the Tigers have gone 12-2 in consecutive seasons. It hasn’t been that long since they were struggling big-time as JK went 26-34 from ’17 to ’22.
The winning campaign took its toll on players, though the Tigers seemed to love playing together. So, instead of a mass exodus, JK’s players put on basketball sneakers.
They could rest on their football laurels the rest of their lives.
There were still games to be played.
Senior football players Zamarion Smith, Jeremiah Hall, CJ Hill, David Zeleya and Eli Avent joined sophomore Kentrell Morrisey, the Tigers carved out an 18-6 mark, with half of their losses to SVC winner Goldsboro (21-5).
JK lost back-to-back games once and had winning streaks of three-, ve- and eight-games.
The Tiger girls turned back the clock to 2012 when JK went 23-6 under Wendy Lanier.
Led by Co.-Ms. Basketball, Y’anna Rivers, JK, like the boys, had to deal with a powerful Goldsboro team.
The Tigers (20-5) lost four times to the Cougars, including a third-round setback as Goldsboro would go on to win the 3A title.
JK beat ED twice and also had impressive victories against three larger schools -- Ashley, Jacksonville and Topsail during the Christmas break.
While WRH won a 3A boys’ soccer title and advanced to the fourth round in volleyball and saw its boys’ (18-6) and girls’ (17-11) basketball teams have success, JK, ED and ND trailed in the Cup standings entering the spring.
ED’s girls (20-7) recovered to win an ECC title, and its boys (12-12) also took home the same trophy in a bit of a surprise.
After losing to JK for the second-straight season, the Panther football team (9-3) won the ECC. Battle Holley’s gang was shot down in the third round by SouthWest Edgecombe 44-41.
ND, which won the Cup the
WORLD CUP
previous two seasons, scored big in football, girls hoops and softball.
A 26-22 setback to Lakewood forged a rst-place tie in football with the Rebels (10-2) and Hobbton (7-5) in the Carolina Conference.
ND fell 34-28 in two overtimes to Holmes in the third round of the playo s.
The loss didn’t outshine the performances RB Carell Phillips had in the fall (222-2,049, 28 touchdowns) and during his career (522-4,876, 70 touchdowns). Or did it bother the toast to Rebel head coach Hugh Martin, who coached ND for the 20th consecutive season.
WRH’s Jamarae Lamb (275 -2,426, 30 touchdowns) and ED’s Shawn Davis (1,676 -1,207, 16 touchdowns) and JK’s Hall (182-2,060, 27 touchdowns) all have banner seasons running the football.
The Rebel softball team (19 - 4) was one win from winning a 2A title. ND was led by Lilly Fulghum, Gracie Higginbotham, Marissa Bernal and Ady Spence.
Abby Rose (1.62 points per game) and Fulghum (12.3) paced the Rebels’ hoops squad to a second-place nish in the CC and an 18-8 mark.
Fulghum, Bernal and Maggie Brown (100 kills) paced ND to a runner-up spot in volleyball in the fall.
But ND’s basketball (1511) and baseball (10-7) came up short in key CC games as the Rebels nished third and fourth, respectively, in the league. That more than anything led to a downward push from No. 1 for ND.
ED captured ECC crowns in baseball (14-6), girls’ soccer (17-7-2) and shared the crown in softball (19-4) with South Lenoir for a fantastic spring. While JK (13-6) had a breakthrough girls’ soccer season, so did WRH (13-9).
Yet no one kicked the ball like the WRH boys (19-4-1) who won Duplin County’s rst team title in a major sport since ED nabbed its rst state title in football in 2022.
The fall was big for volleyball teams at ED and WRH. WRH rode the play of all-state 3A players Angelina Cavallaro, Jansley Page and Gabby Debnam to a 21-3 mark to tie Midway for the SVC title. Kinsey Cave, Zoe Cavanaugh and Karsyn Parker went 1-1 vs. the Bulldogs, while winning the ECC and nishing 22-3. Both squads had their season end in the fourth round of the playo s.
Tentative deal in place, stadium workers near LA say, averting strike ahead of World Cup
Los Angeles Stadium workers near Los Angeles say they have reached a tentative contract deal, averting a strike ahead of the U.S. men’s soccer team’s opening World Cup match. The union representing 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks and dishwashers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, voted last week to authorize a strike after contract talks had stalled with the stadium’s food service provider, Legends Global. Workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 were seeking pay increases, protections from subcontracting and security on the job amid ramped-up immigration enforcement. Eight matches are scheduled for SoFi Stadium starting Friday.
ress in volleyball in helping ND go 17-8 and nab a rstround playo win over Southside-Chocowinity. Early in the season, Fulghum notched her 1,000th-career assist. She had 386 for the season to go along with 63 kills and 151 digs. Former Rebel teammates Higginbotham and Reece Outlaw were the top female athlete in 2024-25 and 2023 -24, respectively.
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
FULGHUM
EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL
Noah Rouse hit .559 in the spring for South Lenoir.
Hamlin goes back to front again to win Cup race at Michigan
The comeback victory ties him with Kyle Busch on the career win list
The Associated Press
BROOKLYN, Mich. — Denny Hamlin went from the rear to rst again Sunday, winning at Michigan International Speedway to earn his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory.
Just like last week’s win at Nashville Superspeedway, when the Joe Gibbs Racing car started on the pole position but was penalized for jumping the start, Hamlin quali ed rst at Michigan but dropped to the back at the green ag because of a penalty for unapproved adjustments to his No. 11 Toyota.
Hamlin patiently worked his way to the front over 400 miles.
He took the lead for good on a three-wide pass during a restart with 38 laps remaining, sweeping into rst around Spire Racing teammates Daniel Suarez and Carson Hocevar, a home-state favorite.
It’s the 63rd career victory for Hamlin, tying the late Kyle Busch for ninth on the Cup Series’ all-time win list.
“Great job, guys,” Hamlin radioed his crew. “Great car. Unbelievable. We love you, KB.”
Erik Jones (another Michigan native) nished second, followed by Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson and Hocevar.
Crash causes red
The race was stopped with 51 laps remaining to repair a damaged SAFER barrier after a hard crash involving Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott.
“Great job, guys. Great car. Unbelievable. We love you, KB.”
Denny Hamlin, on radio with his crew after winning
During a restart on the 148th lap, the drivers were running side by side for second. Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet bobbled and skidded up the track into Bell’s No. 20 Toyota, which shot into the outside wall at the 2-mile oval where speeds top 200 mph.
The impact with Bell’s Camry severely deformed the SAFER barrier, which is comprised of steel and foam to absorb energy in wrecks. A red ag was displayed for 20 minutes to
x the damaged section of the barrier. Both drivers climbed from their cars and walked to an ambulance for a trip to the track’s in eld care center. Elliott patted Bell on the shoulder and apologized for the wreck before they entered the ambulance.
“I’m ne; it was totally my fault,” Elliott said. “I feel really bad for Bell, just taking him out. I was trying to run on the bottom and make use of our fresh tires and at least get to second and hopefully stay side by side with him. I got in there and got free and thought I was going to spin and was committing to spin out, and as soon as I started to commit to spinning, it just hooked up and hooked a right. Unfortunately, it sent Christopher into the wall super hard, and then me shortly there behind.
“Just racing really hard. I felt like that was kind of a turning point in the race. We needed to make something happen. I stepped over the line again and paid for it. … I just told him I’m sorry. Obviously, it was not on purpose.”
Rough rookie season
A nightmarish debut season in the Cup Series continued for Connor Zilisch, who crashed twice in the rst eight laps and nished last in the 37-car eld. The Trackhouse Racing driver has nished outside the top 30 the past three races and is still seeking the rst top 10 of his rookie campaign.
“I was really loose, but it’s just unfortunate,” Zilisch said. “Another short race for us. We’ll go try and get them at Pocono next week.”
Up next
The Cup Series will make its lone trip this season to Pocono Raceway on Sunday. Chase Briscoe won last year to earn his rst victory with Joe Gibbs Racing.
DUO from page B1
Coming off a 12-2 season, football was the most talked-about sport around the Warsaw-Kenansville-Magnolia communities.
Both honorees had special seasons.
Hall was third in the state in rushing (2,060) in 3A and ninth among all classifications and set a school record for rushing at JK. He was 13th in the state in touchdowns.
Avent was likewise an instrumental signal caller and accounted for more than 1,000 yards of offense.
He threw 14 touchdown passes while connecting on 47 of 77 for 875 yards in an offense that runs the football up the middle. He had seven running scores, which totaled another 259 yards.
Both Hall (133-1,150, 14 touchdowns) and Avent (62105 for 1,022 yards, 11 touchdowns, nine rushing scores) were coming off solid junior seasons. Avent tossed a pair of touchdown passes to beat Princeton, Midway and C.B. Aycock and ran for two scores in two rivalry wins over WRH, including a 26-7 conquest in
which he carried the ball 13 times for 138 yards.
Indeed, that’s what he would do if left unattended.
Hall was a lightning bolt who struck quickly, often somewhat silently emerging from a pile or juking past defenders that all but had him trapped.
He averaged a whopping 11.3 yards per carry and 147.1 per game. Hall scored four times on Princeton, three against Farmville Central, Southern Nash and Goldsboro, Spring Creek and twice against Rosewood and Ayden-Grifton. The
lone game he didn’t touch the endzone was a second-round triumph over WRH.
Hall did a bit of everything in basketball, including being a glue that held the Tigers together.
He averaged 6.6 points, 5.1 boards, 5.2 assists and 4.1 steals and was an unselfish player with the ball.
Avent hit for 8.4 points and averaged 2.1 assists as JK went 18-6. It was the most wins since Darryl McCaster, John Brooks and Tedarius Wallace paced the Tigers to a 19-7 mark a decade ago.
Avent hit .500 in baseball,
though the Tigers were 6-10.
The duo captured the award by overcoming teammate Zamarion Smith (allSVC football and basketball), ED’s Shawn Davis (all-ECC football, basketball, track and field), WRH’s Matthew Wells (football, basketball, track) and Felix Funes (all-state soccer, MVP of 3A final) and ND’s Carell Phillips (basketball, track, all-CC in football) and Garris Warren (football, all-state baseball).
WRH Irving Brown (Ohio University) won the award last year. ND’s Dujuan Armwood wore the crown to end the
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – TOWN OF KENANSVILLE
Date: Monday, June 22nd,
Place: Kenansville
Where: 141 Routledge Road, Kenansville,
Purpose: To hear and record public
(MondayFriday, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m.). Notice is further given that the adoption of the FY 26-27 Budget and Budget Ordinance may be considered at the Board’s special-called meeting held on June 22nd, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Kenansville Town Hall at 141 Routledge Road, Kenansville, NC 28349.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PAUL SANCYA / AP PHOTO
Denny Hamlin drives during his NASCAR Cup Series win Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.
obituaries
Emily Mary Colt
March 11, 1984 –May 29, 2026
It is with great sorrow and sadness that Emily Mary Colt, age 42, of Rose Hill, North Carolina left this world way too soon on Friday, May 29, 2026.
She was born March 11, 1984, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to William “Bill” and Mary Russo Colt of Pennsylvania. She was the oldest of ve children.
Emily was the life of her family. She was a simple lady who enjoyed the simplest things in life but her greatest joy was her family. She loved Edgar with all her heart along with her parents and siblings. But Emily didn’t stop with family. She loved everyone. She loved life and lived it to its fullest. Being a cheerful young lady and full of love she never met a stranger. In fact, everyone Emily met became her best friend. She loved her career as an arts and music teacher where she taught children much more than art and music. She taught them to love each other and how to make the world a better place. Emily adored her students and was loved in return. With a big heart, she took care of everyone and would give the shirt o her back to whoever needed it. Emily was a beautiful lady inside and out. She would light up any room she entered with her sweet personality and joyful spirit.
Emily was loved by everyone but especially by those in the Clinton community where she touched so many young lives through the years. Emily will surely be missed but never forgotten.
Surviving in addition to her mother and father, is her loving husband, Edgar Moncada of the home; her sisters, Rose Colt of Cambridge, PA and Maria Colt and husband, Nathaniel of Kensington, MD; brothers, William Colt of Erie, PA and Domonic Colt of McKean, PA; mother and father-in-law, Angela Moncada and Manuel Treto; stepbrother, Stephen Treto and wife, Jennie; maternal grandmother, Theresa Russo; nephews, Stephen and Gabriel Treto; her precious fur babies, Cooper, Chance, Rocky, Cleo and Torro and numerous extended family and friends that loved Emily dearly.
Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel, 612 S Norwood Street, Wallace, NC 28466.
The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service at the funeral home.
Faye
Nov. 14, 1956 – June 1, 2026
Carol Faye Jenkins, 69, of Leland, NC entered eternal rest June 1, 2026 at her residence. A Celebration of Life service will be noon Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Hooper’s Chapel Baptist Church, 3627 Dogwood Road, Leland, NC. Public viewing one hour prior to the service from 11 a.m. – noon. Interment following the service at Jenkins-McClearn Cemetery in Leland, NC.
Betty Nevis
Jan. 28, 1943-May 29, 2026
It is with profound sadness and the deepest love that we announce the peaceful transition of our beloved Mother/Grandma into her eternal rest.
Surrounded by family and everlasting love she nished her race with grace, faith and style on May 29th 2026.
She was born to farmers in the harsh winter of 1943- as the oldest of 5 children- the weight of her station in the family required her to take on the adult roles of helping tend the farm and managing the family-becoming a secondary mother to her siblings. This created an unbreakable bond between them and they have remained close all their lives.
Early adulthood found her married with 3 beautiful childrenJoe, Je and Judy and she raised them happily even through the most di cult times, until they made their way successfully into the world.
Her heart had such a love for children that she also became a foster mom to kids in need while she was rearing her own. Showing Love was an unspoken language she mastered, and she shared it with everyone she met- never meeting a stranger.
When her older children were grown with families of their own, she was happily surprised to learn that she was expecting her last child- Amy Though the dynamic seemed strange to a lot of people, she never waivered.
She poured her complete self into her children and we are eternally grateful. From those 4 children have come many grandchildren and some greatgrandchildren, all of which she loved dearly and was a signi cant presence in their lives with her guidance and wisdom. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, the lights of her life and the stars in her crown.
And although there are many small souls she never got a chance to meet while here- she gets to love on them today and for the rest of eternity, until we can all reunite again.
Equally as important as her family was her relationship with God. Anyone that knew her personally understands that her life was dedicated to the service of Christ and the church. She was faithful in her personal relationship with God and shared her knowledge and understanding of the scriptures with all who desired to learn.
Most notable was her gift of music… sharing the word through song was truly her passion. Her hands running down keys of ivory and black or her ngers dancing across the pulled strings of her guitar are memories rooted in the very deepest parts of our hearts. Always singing, always praising and always in the state of worship… precious memories. She thought of it not as work but as a privilege and it gave her joy ful lling her calling. Upon being called home she was greeted by multiple family members who have been patiently waiting to see her again.
As for those of us who remain: Joe, Je , Judy, Amy Grandchildren: Melissa, Joseph, Allen, Kepsia, Carlos, Gabriel and Tavyn.
Visitation took place on June 5 at Pink Hill Funeral Home followed by the funeral service and a private burial.
Avonna Johnson
Friday, May 29, 2026
Avonna H. Johnson, 88, loving mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026, at her home surrounded by her children.
Avonna was preceded in death by her husband, Charles C. Johnson; father, Charles B. Harrison; mother, Mable K. Harrison; brother, Gene “Bro” Harrison and son-in-law, Sam Colie..
Avonna was a 1956 graduate of Jones Senoir High School and a retired bookkeeper for Deep Run Water Corporation. She loved sports whether watching her children and grandchildren play or looking at baseball and basketball on TV. She enjoyed her many trips to Walmart and sh stew on Fridays at Fat Baby’s.
Avonna is survived by her daughters, Kathy Jones (Carl), Jennifer Smith (Briley); and. son, Gary Johnson (Tracy); brother, Bobby Harrison; grandchildren, Charlie Colie (Lara), Eddie Colie, Jake Johnson, Josh Johnson, Madison Howard (Justin), Mary Grace Beyer, Adam Jones, Erin Williams (Tyler), Allison Siebel, Emily Smith and Caroline Smith. She is also survived by her greatgrandchildren, Luke Colie, Kelly Colie, Mason Howard, Jackson Howard, Emma Williams, Jackson Williams, Isabel Siebel, William Siebel, Jackson Rogers, Emmie Rogers, and Christopher Rogers; special cousin and caregiver, Mollie Dawson; several brothers-in- law and cousins who called her by her childhood nickname “Honey” and fur baby Raven. A special thank you to 3HC and nurse Gwen for their compassionate care of our mother. Visitation took place on June 2, 2026 at Pink Hill Funeral Home. Graveside service was held on June 3 at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.
Lawrence Arnold Stroud
May 14, 1948 ~ June 6, 2026
Lawrence Arnold Stroud, 78, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 6, 2026. He was a loving husband and father.
Lawrence is survived by his wife, Debrah King Stroud; son, Seth Stroud; daughters, Jennifer Frederick, Bryan Chambers, and Rikki Sanderson; brothers, Jerry Stroud and Marion “Burr” Stroud. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 5 greatgrandchildren. Memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Pink Hill Funeral Home.
QUINN MCGOWEN FUNERAL HOME
Patrick Filippone
June 3, 2026
Patrick R. Filippone of Wallace (NC) departed his earthly life early on Tuesday morning while a resident of Wallace Gardens in Wallace (NC). Born on Dec. 2, 1949, he is the son of the late Frank and Antoinette Filippone. He was also preceded in death by a sister—Elise Testa.
Left to cherish his memory are his children—Marisa Sara Filippone of Easthampton (MA) and Samantha Nicole Filippone and son-in-law Chad Tuttle of Wilmington (NC); grandchild— Forest Abeles of Easthampton (MA); and nephew—Matthew Testa of Howell (NJ).
Mr. Filippone was born in Newark (NJ). He worked a great deal of his career in the insurance industry as an insurance analyst. He had a great love of baseball, especially for the New York Yankees. He also had a tremendous love of music with emphasis in “rock” with groups such as Procol Harum. No services are planned at this point in time.
Harold Cruse
June 4, 2026
Harold Scott Cruse, 56, entered his Eternal Home on Thursday, June 4, 2026. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Cruse; grandparents, Donnie and Mildred Craft, Daniel and Luvenia Cruse; and special aunt, Estelle Sanderson.
Scott worked for 25 years at Electrolux and was an avid Carolina fan. He loved country music and the beach. He loved children and was really good with them. Scott was a faithful member of Friendship Free Will Baptist Church in Pink Hill where he served as an usher and was a church trustee.
Scott is survived by his mother, Joyce Cruse; aunts, Carolyn Jones, Jane Short and Shelia Jenkins and uncles, Bobby Craft (Ellen), Donald “Duck” Craft, Thomas Cruse and Billy Cruse. Funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026 at Pink Hill Funeral Home. Visitation will follow the service. Entombment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill. Scott was a compassionate soul and will be greatly missed.
Erma Atkinson
Oct. 7, 1936 – June 4, 2026
For 89 years our world was blessed by the life of Erma Howard Atkinson. On Thursday, June 4, 2026 Erma was welcomed into her heavenly home.
Born October 7, 1936 in Onslow County Erma was the daughter of Thomas Simpson Howard and Katie Basden Howard. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband, Claude McRoney Atkinson; daughters, Wanda Kay Grant, Ellen Miller and Peggy Eury; brothers, Simpson “Bud” Howard and Vernon Whaley Sr.; sisters, Mae Carter and Thelma Craft; great, great, great granddaughter, Raelynn Atkinson; her beloved canine companion, Oreo River. Erma graduated from Beulaville High School in 1955. Early in Erma’s life she was a telephone operator in Jacksonville, NC and San Anna, CA. She met and married Claude in 1980 and they both worked at New Hanover County Animal Control. Erma and Claude moved to Pender County in 1986 where they had a big vegetable garden together sharing the fruits of their labors with family and folks in the community. Erma later worked at GE in housekeeping for 11 years before retiring at the age of 70. Erma loved and prayed for everyone and told them about Jesus. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of faith, love, and words of wisdom will live on in the hearts of family and friends forever.
Surviving are her children, Dereta G. Atkinson (Anthony), Lester L. Grant, Ginny Gentry (Ken), John Dombroski, Kristin Dombroski, Cynthia A. Rivenbark (Jason), Arlan Atkinson (Rebecca) and Susan Hunter (Edward); twenty-two grandchildren including Elizabeth Atkinson who lived with and helped to care for Erma; thirty-two great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Gracie Atkinson, Rosa Pierce, and Nancy Whaley; brothers-inlaw, Donald Atkinson, Lawerence Atkinson (Debbie), and Vinnie Atkinson; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Not to be forgotten her fur buddy, Ariel Daisy.
Funeral service will be 11:00 am Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Jordan’s Chapel Methodist Church with Pastor Darren Poe and Pastor Lenier Furr o ciating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 10:00 am at the church.
Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall. A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.
Carol
Jenkins
Duplin hog farmer marks 36 years in agriculture
Jane Munoz grew up on a family farm and now helps train the next generation of workers at Murphy Family Farms
By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal
JANE MUNOZ knows her way around a farm. She should, she grew up in a farm family.
“My father had a pig and cow farm, and we grew crops like tobacco, corn and beans,” Munoz said in a recent interview with Duplin Journal.
Naturally, she was a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) in high school.
In her senior year, her father died. That brought work on the family farm to a halt. “I decided to go to James Sprunt (Community College) for two years for animal science,” Munoz said. While attending JSCC, she worked for Murphy Family Farms.
“I decided I didn’t have to continue going to school, so I just started working with Mur-
phy’s fulltime. I’ve been there ever since.”
This month, Munoz will celebrate her 36th year working for Murphy Family Farms. Today, she is the manager of a sow farm, which has evolved
into work involving much more than just hog farming.
“I do a lot of training and a lot of predicting future animals on our farm,” she said. “I have to do a lot of charts and graphs to predict what we’re go -
ing to be selling in the future.”
On the training part of her job, she says she is required to train her employees on the work required to do on hog farms. In essence, she is passing along her years of ex-
perience to thos new in the business.
Speaking of training, Munoz considered at one time becoming a teacher. In a sense she has become a teacher, just an onthe-job one.
She says those interested in agriculture as a career have many opportunities today through internships. She said local operations, including Murphy, Smith eld and Prestige, all o er internships to young people. She said she believes FFA is a great resource, too.
At a recent pork event in Clinton, called Pork Forward, both N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Ray Starling, general counsel for N.C. Chamber, shared encouraging numbers for animal agriculture, which has been a major contributor to Duplin County’s economy for years.
When Munoz, with her years of experience in the industry, was asked if she thought the pork industry’s future looked bright, Munoz’s answer was straightforward.
“Yes, it does.”
MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL
Jane Munoz stands at the edge of a sow farm she manages in rural Duplin County.
Stanly NewS Journal
THE
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Social Security’s retirement trust fund faces funding shortfall
1 year earlier
Washington, D.C. Social Security’s retirement trust fund is projected to face a funding shortfall in 2032, a year earlier than previously expected. That’s according to an annual report released Tuesday. Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund will be unable to pay full bene ts in 2033, unchanged from last year’s estimate. Rising health care costs and government spending contributed to the projected depletion dates. The programs will continue issuing bene ts after those dates, but at reduced amounts. The trustees emphasize the urgency of changes, but political challenges remain. AARP’s CEO is urging Congress to act, highlighting the importance of the bene ts for retirees.
OpenAI les con dential SEC paperwork for IPO, opening door to Wall Street debut
OpenAI has led preliminary paperwork to potentially become a publicly traded company. The company announced Monday it has submitted con dential documents to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. OpenAI says it hasn’t decided on timing yet, as there are advantages to staying private. The move follows Anthropic’s June announcement of its own IPO plans. Both companies are following SpaceX, which is also pursuing an IPO. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman mentioned last fall that an IPO was the “most likely path” due to the company’s size and capital needs.
Flesh-eating cattle parasite spreads beyond Texas as new screwworm cases found
Three more cases of the New World screwworm have been con rmed, including one outside Texas, demonstrating the di culty of stopping a pest that could potentially devastate the nation’s cattle industry. The USDA announced Monday the new cases were found in a dog from New Mexico and hundreds of miles away in a goat and calf in Texas. The screwworm is actually a y, which produces a larva that eats live esh instead of dead material. Before it was eradicated in the 1960s, the y was an annual warm-weather scourge of cattle ranchers.
Stanly commissioners approve county appointments
Membership decisions were presented for three boards
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Commissioners lled several board seats this week while delaying action on one pending appointment. On Monday night, commissioners were presented with appointments for the Region F Aging Advisory Commit-
tee Board, Economic Development Commission Board and Stanly Community College Board of Trustees.
The rst item was presented by Pamela Sullivan, senior services director, who said the county is seeking to ll several positions on the RFAAC, including two delegate positions for two-year terms and one alternate position for a one-year term.
The lone volunteer application — submitted by Kimberly Blackburn — had been vetted by the Centralina Area Agency on Aging with a request
that she be appointed as a delegate for a two-year term effective July 1 through June 30, 2028. Sullivan was asked about the vetting process and
Stanly board approves criminal justice CTE course
“We
whether she could personally contact Blackburn before commissioners voted on the appointment, since Sullivan said she had not spoken with Blackburn herself.
“It doesn’t have to happen at this meeting,” Sullivan said of the commissioners’ decision. “I think if you have some reservations on it, we can ask her to attend a meeting and bring her in if you would like.” Commissioners opted to table the appointment until next month.
County Manager Andy Lucas next presented the EDC appointment item, asking commissioners to consider ve members, one from each district, for two-year terms expiring May 31, 2028.
Five EDC board member
Mandy Melton, CTE director
Albemarle police will teach the new course
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — A criminal justice course is coming soon to Stanly County Schools through a new partnership with the Albemarle Police Department.
On June 2, the Stanly County Board of Education voted 7-0 to approve the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) course, which will be based at Albemarle High School but open to high school students from across the county.
CTE Director Mandy
Melton said the idea for the course came after Albemarle Police Chief Ryan Manley spoke to the district about creating a new opportunity for students interested in law enforcement.
“We were approached by Chief Manley about adding a criminal justice course at Albemarle High School, which we felt would be a great complement to our re ghter program, medical assisting and other courses around public safety,” Melton said.
District leaders also met with Lt. David Salyers, who presented the curriculum proposed for the course. The program will begin as an
STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL
A judge credited social media perfectionism for driving the mullet’s global comeback
By James Brooks The Associated Press
COPENHAGEN — Business in the front, party in the back.
A packed Danish crowd celebrated on Saturday the much-maligned but enduring mullet hairstyle, de ned by very short hair at the front and longer hair at the back.
Denmark’s raucous 2026 Mullet Championship, presented on an outdoor stage in central Copenhagen, attracted 12 well-coi ed competitors and more than a thousand spectators to the evening’s “mane” event.
Organizer Ste en Stiw Weber, a 37-year-old electrician, said the championships, now in their fourth year, began after he had a hair transplant and chose to grow out a mullet.
After realizing he couldn’t compete in a mullet competition in the United States because he wasn’t a U.S. citizen, Stiw Weber started his own in Denmark.
“I was like, OK, I have to do it on my own here in Denmark,” he said while smiling.
Competitors in Saturday’s championships were evaluated on their cuts’ style, uniqueness, and overall performance and “mullet moves,” explained judge Bobby Agren.
Contestants were given 60 seconds each to perform on stage to showcase their cuts.
“I like the nesse, the twist, the nostalgia. I like it if it looks ridiculous or maybe ugly in a beautiful way,” said Agren, who owns two hair salons in Copenhagen.
“I think in our culture, when everything must … be perfect on social media and everything
like that, I think that’s why people have to stand out from the crowd,” said Stiw Weber.
The event featured an array of over-the-top performances, including beer-swilling, body-popping, and a live saxophone show. One competitor even wore a mullet haircut styled to resemble the Danish ag.
The crowd screamed and chanted with their energy seemingly feeding directly into the various performers on stage.
After every performance, judges held up scorecards to distribute points to the competitors.
Forty-three-year-old construction worker Thomas Berg eventually took home the top prize after wowing judges by frantically jumping on a trampoline while clad in neon green gym wear. He completed his mullet haircut with an orange headband. “I think it’s just funny. It’s just a big party,” said a smiling Berg after collecting his prize. “It’s just nice to be a bit outside the box.”
Though mullets have likely been around longer than there
have been barbers, the Oxford English Dictionary cites hip-hop legends the Beastie Boys for helping popularize the term mullet with the song “Mullet Head” on their 1994 recording “Ill Communication.”
The short-in-the-front, long-in-the-back coi ure was popularized by ice hockey players and ’80s musicians but later fell out of favor.
Fashion magazine Vogue reportedly once described the mullet as “history’s most divisive hairstyle.”
But in recent years, the mullet has seen a global resurgence — British magazine i-D declared 2020 “the year of the mullet” as the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered hair salons and lockdown-weary citizens let their locks ow.
Numerous mullet competitions are now staged around the world. Belgium hosted the European Mullet Cup last month.
“It comes back every 20 to 30 years. There’s always a circular motion in fashion,” said Agren, the Denmark mullet competition judge.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County.
June 13
Albemarle Academy of Dance Recital noon and 6 p.m.
The Albemarle Academy of Dance presents its annual recital with a matinee and evening performance.
entry fees bene ting Alzheimer’s and dementia research through the Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust program. Awards go to top nishers in seven age groups; packet pickup is Friday, June 12, from 3 to 6 p.m. at The Independent Bistro at 251 W. Main St. Stanly County YMCA Park 115 C.B. Crook Drive Albemarle
June 15 Make Music Day Pre-Event Drop-In Craft
Stanly County Public Library branches o er a free drop-in rhythm shaker craft for all ages throughout the week leading up to Make Music Stanly
JAMES BROOKS / AP PHOTO
Competitor Martin Sedolf performs as character pro wrestler “Benny Bacchus” at Denmark’s Mullet Championship in central Copenhagen on Saturday.
THE CONVERSATION
Trip
Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Having di cult conversations
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age.
THEY ARE CALLED di cult conversations for a reason. But the ironic thing is, for the most part, the di culty is almost always in starting the conversation, not in the reaction to the topic itself. I know from my experiences that most people are self-aware enough that if I think there is a real problem that needs addressing, they do too. The problem is they don’t want to start the conversation either, so it festers. And that makes it harder on both sides.
As someone who has managed many people in my professional career, one of the most surprisingly di cult conversations I ever had illustrates this. One of my employees was underperforming badly. Missing deadlines, showing up late for meetings, unreliable work product, almost everything was o . But he was (and still is) a great person to be around, and everyone liked him. So I delayed the conversation and hoped it would get better. It didn’t.
When it was nally time for his formal end-of-year review, I was very honest with him and told him that if he continued to perform the way he had that he would be
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terminated in the coming months. I’ll never forget the look on his face when, rather than being defensive, angry or even surprised, he simply responded, “Thank you for being so honest. I needed to hear that.”
Approached correctly, you are likely to have a similar experience when you broach di cult nancial conversations. It’s not that people are unaware they should communicate on these topics, it’s that to discuss someone’s nancial success, or lack thereof, can feel like a crude judgment. Or to discuss someone’s death can feel like you don’t appropriately value their life. In fact, when broached with care and respect, the most common response is a thank you for bringing it up — they have wanted to talk about it too.
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age. Whether you are in high school and want to consider what college you can a ord to attend or if you are my age and have elderly parents you need to discuss wishes for care and their wills with, it always feels invasive. But the alternative is so much worse — you need to
The SPLC’s real scam
How can any reputable media outlet ever use the SPLC as a source again?
IT TURNS OUT that the most generous funder of white supremacist groups in the United States was likely the Southern Poverty Law Center.
At least that’s what the Department of Justice’s superseding indictment against the SPLC alleges.
The organization secretly paid informants to engage in the active promotion and funding of racist groups while denouncing and “ ghting” the very same groups in public. The SPLC purportedly created ctitious entities to hide funding from their donors.
The SPLC, for instance, is accused of bankrolling the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally, paying a leader nearly $300,000 to post racist messages, organize and even transport people to the infamous Charlottesville protest, where one person was killed.
In another instance, a pair of white supremacists who approached the SPLC about leaving the Klan were encouraged to stay in the group and recruit new members. Given salaries, the two men were allegedly reimbursed for the costs of their activities, including those “incurred for cross-burning events, to include the wood and fuel used.”
In the end, I’m not sure what the legal jeopardy there is in engaging in this brand of duplicitous activity, but it is without a doubt corrupt, fraudulent, immoral and bad for the country.
Many people correctly point out that SPLC is merely interested in keeping white supremacist groups operational to justify its existence. White nationalists and identitarian groups have no genuine political power or support, so it makes sense that SPLC and other groups would prop them up for fundraising. The
notion that Americans live in a nation of deep -seated systemic and cultural racism is a foundational belief of the American left. Having a bunch of cartoonishly racist groups running around the country not only perpetuates the myth but helps raise money.
But a far more vital objective of the SPLC is destroying the reputations of e ective legitimate organizations that are involved in mainstream political debates that have absolutely nothing to do with racism or extremism.
The purpose of the “hate” maps and enemies’ lists compiled by SPLC isn’t to alert Americans about local skinheads but to associate those skinheads with the American College of Pediatricians, Family Research Council, Ben Carson, Turning Point USA, American Family Association and Moms for Liberty.
In 2016, for instance, the SPLC “Hate and Extremism” list added Alliance Defending Freedom, a highly e ective legal organization that’s won multiple religious freedom cases in front of the Supreme Court. Oftentimes the ADF represents minority clients. Its most high-pro le case involved Jack Phillips, the persecuted cake maker from Colorado whose First Amendment rights were stripped by the government. But the group also takes on cases regarding state funding for abortion or the biological males competing in girls’ sports.
You may disagree with ADF’s positions on those issues, but only an extremist progressive actually considers it a “hate” group worthy of inclusion on a list with “neo-confederates.” It’s not the pinhead “Neo Volkisch” that concerns the SPLC, it’s the impressive lawyer with the ADF.
By making their case to the press, these
nd a way today to begin those conversations. There are too many examples of kids working hard to get into a college they can’t possibly pay for, and too many examples of parents passing away without communicating their wishes and intents. My retirement team here at the department would also want me to remind you that while you’re having those conversations, please be sure that everyone has updated their nancial bene ciaries and other legal designations to align with their current wishes! Remember that nancial success, or lack of success, is not a referendum on someone’s worth. And eventually, no matter who you are, someone else will have to deal with your nancial a airs, despite how much you want to keep them to yourself. So spend some time today guring out how to talk to your parents, signi cant other or kids about money. Discuss goals, dreams and intent. And you’ll likely be surprised by just how happy they are that you did.
Brad Briner is state treasurer of North Carolina.
conservatives are wisely appealing to the SPLC’s most powerful source of in uence. Yet the SPLC’s “hate list” has been treated as an authoritative source on extremism by virtually every legacy media outlet for years.
During the height of BLM protests and riots, The New York Times cited the SPLC as an unimpeachable authority on hate groups in hundreds of stories over a one-year span. The group was cited by the paper thousands of times over the previous decade. That’s a single media organization. From the mid-2010s through 2025, when the SPLC was sending millions to prop up the worst right-wing extremists in the country, virtually any story about rising extremism on NBC News featured the SPLC. The question is, how can any reputable media outlet, much less a government agency, ever use the SPLC as a source again?
They’ll try. Even now, outlets like The Associated Press refer to the SPLC as a “civil rights” group. The SPLC, formed in 1971 by civil rights activists in Montgomery, Alabama, hasn’t been ghting for the rights of African Americans for a long time. By the mid-1980s, the SPLC had already shifted away from the civil rights ght to rooting out “right-wing extremism.” In 1986, the entire legal sta , save founder Morris Dees (who was pushed out of the organization in 2019 after allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination), quit over the change.
The SPLC, probably super uous when it was formed, has long been a shady left-wing activist group with a near-billion-dollar endowment. The new indictment only further con rms it was worse than we thought.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
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A global repair movement is helping people restore broken goods and build community connections
By Michael Weissenstein The Associated Press
NEW PALTZ, N.Y. — On a drizzly Saturday morning late last month, the basement of the New Paltz United Methodist Church lled with old lamps, blunt knives, malfunctioning sound mixers and balky zippers.
About a dozen volunteers welcomed the broken goods and their owners to a worldwide movement that’s evangelizing new relationships between people and their things.
Repair Cafes — free events where volunteers with technical know-how help neighbors x myriad household items — are part of a new brand of anticonsumerism that’s trying to o er an alternative to the mass-produced disposable goods that have dominated the global economy for the last half-century. Helping fuel that move to repairing, not buying, are U.S. consumer prices, which climbed sharply again last month as the war with Iran delivered higher gasoline prices and more pain for Americans.
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introductory criminal justice course, with Albemarle police providing instructors.
“We have high hopes, and hopefully we can extend this to other places,” Melton said.
“Hopefully this is the start of more to come.”
Superintendent Jarrod Dennis thanked Manley for bringing the proposal to the district, comparing the potential of the course to the district’s existing re ghter programs.
“It looks like a win-win, espe-
cially looking at how successful the re ghting programs are,” Dennis said.
District leaders have discussed starting the course during the second semester, allowing time to promote the program and identify students who would be a good t; the rst class is estimated to include around 25 students.
SCS also plans to work with ApprenticeshipNC to explore preapprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities connected to the program. Melton said the course could help students
After starting in the Netherlands with a single event in 2009, Repair Cafe has grown into a global nonpro t with more than 59,000 members, some 4,000 cafes and close to 850,000 items xed a year.
“We need to change our mindset. We need to change the economy,” Repair Cafe founder Martine Postma said. “Even if Repair Cafes can’t solve the problem alone, then still they are a very clear sign that change is needed on a much higher level.”
Repair Cafes are both a way to x things and to form community
In New Paltz, a Hudson Valley college town about two hours from New York, 50 people brought about 85 items to the Repair Cafe: an antique fan that required rewiring, shirts, pants, jackets, stu ed animals. There were old family photos that needed restoring and jewelry awaiting work like restringing beads or replacing clasps.
Bill Sorenson, board
begin building a pathway into law enforcement before they are old enough to enter Basic Law Enforcement Training.
Repair experts waited behind long cafeteria tables to teach alternatives, giving people chances to learn that awed goods aren’t automatically junk.
“Maybe their initial reason for coming is monetary or sentimental,” organizer Holly Shader said.
More than that, she added, “it gives people a chance to work together and extend the life of something. People form relationships.”
The experts on hand xed 71 of the items, found that four needed more work and deemed 10 beyond repair. They said they volunteer for the low-pressure joy of xing things, with networking as a side bene t.
“I get to come and actually do the work and meet the nice people and show them how to put something together,” contractor Patrick L. Murphy said.
Networks touting this new brand of anticonsumerism are growing
The Buy Nothing Project, “right to repair” legislation, and a growing number of tool libraries also are dedicated to repairing, trading, and giving instead of buying and selling.
Starting in Washington state in 2013, the Buy Nothing Project maintains an app and social media presence that links people giving things away with people nearby who want them — a worldwide network of gift economies, as described on its Facebook page.
Founder Liesl Clark said the network has expanded to at least 12.5 million people on Facebook, showing a growth rate with the ability to inuence corporate and state behavior.
“What was a social movement has really become a safety net for millions of people,” she said. “People are seeing that you don’t have to go to the Amazons of the world to get what you might need, there is a robust material culture in your community.
“We want to change the way that the world consumes.”
The movement “started as a social and economic and environmental experiment,” she noted.
“There’s going to be a conversation that you have, when you and someone else are x-
“You have to be 20 years old by the time you graduate from BLET training, so this is a way for them to get in with the preapprenticeships to get started on that pathway and be exposed to the police department,” Melton said.
Board Member Bill Sorenson said the course could help connect students with local law enforcement careers.
“I’m excited about the opportunities for our kids that this is going to provide,” Sorenson said. “There are age restrictions to go into law enforcement, but
ing something together,” she said. “We’re nding that we’re crossing a lot of barriers.”
In today’s modern, disposable culture, many people have lost the ability to repair household goods, a skill that was once nearly universal, said Peter Counter, an engineer who’s studying Repair Cafes and working on a doctorate at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, England.
“The idea that you can x your own stu has receded because the skills are not being passed down,” he said. “If you want something xed, it’s almost certainly cheaper to go buy a new one.”
Community repair is thriving, Counter said, because it is volunteers who spend their time, making it nancially viable even if you need to buy spare parts.
The “right to repair” movement wants consumers to be empowered to repair their own products instead of being forced to go to the manufacturer for tools and instructions. A national campaign pushed in 2023 for states to consider bills requiring manufacturers to give access to tools and instructions for both customers and repair shops. A handful of states have passed legislation.
And around the country, some jurisdictions are hosting tool libraries that allow people to borrow expensive tools just like library books.
“It’s wonderful to see people restoring older things”
In New Paltz, Paula Weinstein, 79, brought in a 1930s-era Hammond clock and handed it to Bob Morton.
Morton — an 82-year-old former IBM electrical engineer — said he enjoys using his skills to stay intellectually busy and help people.
“I’ve been blessed to still have a brain,” the grandfather of three said. “It’s a chance to do something.” Weinstein added, “It’s wonderful to see people restoring older things.”
After hours of patient work together, the hands of her clock moved.
“Yes, it’s working!” she shouted. “Oh, my goodness, thank you!”
“I’m glad I stuck with it,” Morton said.
if we can build a pipeline from our school to the community college’s BLET program to our local law enforcement agencies, it’s a win for everybody.” Prior to the criminal justice program discussion, the school board unanimously approved the district’s CTE local plan for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year. The Stanly County Board of Education’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Aug. 4 at 6:15 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.
MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN / AP PHOTO
Bob Morton, a former IBM electrical engineer, right, repairs a 1930s-era Hammond clock for Paula Weinstein at a Repair Café in New Paltz, New York, on May 23.
Trump o cials went after dozens of colleges; now rules for all of academia being rewritten
Federal rulemaking o ers a durable strategy after court orders blocked targeted funding cuts
By Collin Binkley
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A year ago, the White House was unleashing a blitz on higher education. At one campus after another, Trump o cials opened investigations and cut federal funding unless schools fell in line with the Republican president’s political agenda.
Now, after a campaign that put dozens of universities under investigation, President Donald Trump’s administration is taking a wider approach, moving to rewrite the federal rules that govern all of higher education. Demands that were being pressed on individual schools are being written into the ne print for thousands of U.S. universities.
“We’re coming over the higher education system and course correcting,” Nicholas Kent, undersecretary for the Education Department, said in an Associated Press interview. Unlike investigations that target individual campuses, he said the new tactic has power “to a ect 6,000 institutions.”
The shift comes after federal judges blocked Trump’s administration from making crippling cuts at Harvard and the University of California, Los Angeles. It also follows a mass exodus in civil rights lawyers who traditionally guide investigations against universities. Still, Trump hasn’t backed down from his campaign to end what he calls “wokeness” run amok in academia.
Through regulation, the administration is going after many of the same targets it hammered with investigations — diversity, equity and inclusion policies, transgender athletes, antisemitism and a variety of practices perceived as anti-white discrimination.
Several U.S. agencies propose new rules
One new rule being proposed by the Education Department would overhaul the system that decides which colleges can receive federal money, known as the accreditation process.
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terms expired May 31: Larry Baucom (District 1), Lynn Clodfelter (District 2), Richard Jones (District 3), Charles Brown (District 4) and Dustin Poplin (District 5).
“The system actually generates an email to all the members as well, reminding them to apply, so folks were made aware that they needed to reapply if they wanted to,” Lucas said. Applications were submitted by Jones, Poplin, Roddey Dowd
Among other changes, the proposal would require accreditors to make sure colleges have “intellectual diversity,” a veiled call for more conservative voices.
Many people in higher education are alarmed by a proposal from the O ce of Management and Budget that would order agencies to ensure federal grants “advance the President’s policy priorities.” Trump o cials would verify that grants aren’t used to promote DEI, “anti-American values” or anything denying “the sex binary in humans,” according to the proposal issued last week. An OMB spokesperson said the rule aims to promote transparency.
Another proposal from the General Services Administration would require federal grant recipients, including universities and their contractors, to certify they don’t have DEI policies deemed unlawful by the administration.
At least 11 new rules have been proposed at the Education Department, including one aimed at “streamlining the process” to cut money for schools that violate the Trump administration’s interpretation of civil rights law.
Making federal rules can take months of debate in humdrum bureaucratic processes. But unlike earlier strategies that tested the limits of White House power, the rulemaking process is a widely accepted route to establish federal policy into law — without needing to go through Congress.
Some in higher education
Jr., Thomas Smith and Camille Shelton Parrish. Commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Dowd in District 1, Jones in District 3, Parrish in District 4 and Poplin in District 5. With no District 2 applications submitted, that seat remains vacant. Lucas said Clodfelter will continue serving in the role until someone else is appointed. In the nal appointment item, Lucas explained that the SCC Board of Trustees needed one county appointment for a four-year term beginning July 1 and expiring June 30, 2030.
welcome the change. Unlike last year’s attacks, the new approach opens the door for a conversation, said Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, which represents college and university presidents.
“We’re playing a game that has rules and referees, and that’s good,” said Mitchell, a former Education Department o cial under President Barack Obama, a Democrat. “It gives us an opportunity to talk about where we might agree with the administration. That was impossible to do when these were just straight-on attacks.”
The administration launches fewer new investigations
Meantime, the Education and Justice departments have announced fewer higher-education investigations, issuing news releases on roughly a dozen at U.S. universities so far this year. In the same span last year, they announced more than 70, according to an AP analysis. The exact number of new investigations is unclear — a public database has not been updated since January 2025.
Kent said the Education Department will continue to open investigations as needed, describing it as using a “scalpel to cut out the bad.” But he said colleges have started to come to heel on the administration’s priorities.
“Folks realize that it’s a new day and that we’re paying attention,” Kent said.
“The community college board has a vacancy that the county commissioners are eligible to appoint,” Lucas said. Applications were submitted by Blackburn, Joe Brooks, Donald Adkins, Wendy Holbrook and Nancy Joines. Brooks, whose current term expires at the end of June, was unanimously reappointed.
The Stanly County Board of Commissioners will hold its next regular meeting on July 6 at 6 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.
“It gives us an opportunity to talk about where we might agree with the administration. That was impossible to do when these were just straight-on attacks.”
Ted Mitchell, American Council on Education president
The vast majority of the investigations opened last year are still open. The White House struck deals with Columbia, Brown and a handful of other campuses, but most cases are unresolved with no public update in months.
Catherine Lhamon, who led the Education Department’s O ce for Civil Rights under President Joe Biden, a Democrat, said the barrage of investigations amounted to “performance art” that grabbed attention but had little impact. After pushback from schools, she said, the Trump administration is backing o .
“It stopped putting itself in a position to lose,” said Lhamon, who now leads the Edley Center on Law and Democracy at the University of California, Berkeley.
Still, some ghts have intensi ed. The White House has doubled down on battles with Harvard and UCLA after federal judges blocked the administration from cutting o research funding from the campuses.
The Justice Department has sued Harvard and UCLA four times since February, alleging that both campuses tolerated antisemitism and that Harvard refused to release admissions data sought by the administration. Leaders of both universities say they have worked to ght antisemitism.
Admissions cases become a top priority
A White House o cial said the investigative slowdown is also the result of a mounting focus on college admissions. The administration has been building cases against colleges accused of considering race in admissions decisions even after the Supreme Court struck
down a rmative action. Those investigations can take more time because they require large data collections, said the ocial, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy.
Some of those cases are now coming to bear.
The Justice Department recently concluded that medical schools at Yale and UCLA discriminated against white and Asian American students by allegedly favoring Black and Latino applicants. The universities have defended their admissions processes, saying they were rigorous and based on merit.
Trump o cials are taking a hard-line approach against any use of race in admissions, clashing with colleges that invite students to discuss their race in application essays. In its 2023 decision, the Supreme Court said nothing stops schools from considering how applicants’ race speaks to broader qualities.
“We are making sure,” Kent said, “that we are elevating our best and our brightest and that we’re not putting the thumb on the scale because of somebody’s skin color.”
Higher education has already been changed
Facing last year’s blitz, many campuses quietly made changes to avoid scrutiny. Some closed DEI o ces. The NCAA moved to limit transgender athletes. Universities from UCLA to Columbia tightened campus protest rules after pro-Palestinian demonstrations were the subject of federal investigations. Research has been scaled back as top schools face continued funding cuts.
In the classroom, there’s been a chilling e ect as professors fear that what they say or teach could attract federal attention, said Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors.
Still, he’s optimistic the balance of power is shifting in universities’ favor. Students and faculty members on several campuses built pressure to reject a White House invitation last fall to sign on to aspects of Trump’s agenda in exchange for favorable access to research funding, he said. The AAUP has brought several lawsuits against the administration, including one that stopped funding cuts at UCLA.
“The sector is getting its feet under it, and it’s only getting stronger,” Wolfson said. “I can promise you that we will ght them tooth and nail.”
The Stanly County Board of Commissioners
with county appointment decisions on
STEVEN SENNE / AP PHOTO
People take photos near a John Harvard statue on the Harvard campus in January 2024, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Mildred Virginia Whitley
July 28, 1931 – June 2, 2026
Mildred Virginia Whitley, 94, of Albemarle passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Trinity Place in Albemarle.
Mildred was born July 28, 1931, in Oakboro, North Carolina to the late Adam Roosevelt Furr and Thaddeus Whitley Furr. She was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Furr, and her sister Lucille Mauldin.
Mildred worked in retail for many years at Grants and Cato. She was a member rst of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and then West Albemarle Baptist Church. She loved being a grandmother and attended most Bulldog home games to cheer for her grandsons in football, baseball, and basketball. She was
Stephen Hughes Hill
Sept. 30, 1942 – June 7, 2026
Stephen Hughes Hill passed away peacefully at home on June 7, 2026, at the age of 83.
He was born on September 30, 1942, in Albemarle, NC to Jehu F. Hill and Maggie A. Hill. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University and a member of Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity.
A Celebration of Life will be a Graveside service, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 2:00, at Fairview Memorial Park, Albemarle, North Carolina, o ciated by Rev. Don Burleyson.
Robert “Bob” Stephen Morrison
May 19, 1937 – June 5, 2026
Robert “Bob” Stephen Morrison, 89, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 13th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.
Bob was born in Tioga County, New York on May 19, 1937. He graduated high school in Vestal, New York. He was on the wrestling team, and he was an Eagle Scout. He then joined the Navy serving on the U.S.S.
OBITUARIES
also an avid Carolina Tarheel fan. She traveled quite often during retirement and enjoyed many activities with her friends.
Survivors include son, Michael Whitley of Norwood, NC and daughter, Lisa Tucker of P ugerville, Texas. Grandsons include Ryan (Michelle) Whitley of Decatur, GA, Daniel Tucker of Harrisburg, NC, Johnson Tucker of Charlotte, NC, and Wesley (Sara) Burris of Austin, TX. Great grandchildren include Hayden Tucker, Richard Tucker, Scott Burris, Jordan Burris, and greatgreat granddaughter Maizie Lou Tucker.
The family would like to thank the sta of Tillery Compassionate Care and Trinity Place Skilled Nursing for the exceptional assistance and professional care they provided Mildred and the family.
The family would also like to mention Mildred’s dear friends Faye, Roger, and Rodney from Creekridge Apartments who were like family and helped each other in so many ways. A special mention to one of her best friends, Michelle, who treated Mildred with love and grace. In her memory, donations can be made to Tillery Compassionate Care at 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Steve had an extensive professional career as an Executive Vice President managing industrial manufacturing operations in companies, such as Collins and Aikman, Black and Decker, Hackney and Sons, Hamilton Beach/Procter Silex, and Borg Warner. He also believed in serving his community through United Way and prisoner rehabilitation charities. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Rock Hill, SC and also sang in the church choir. Throughout his life, Steve was an avid sherman, animal lover, and a dedicated family man. Steve is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth (Betsy) Kidd Hill of Indian Land, SC, and his two daughters, Ruth Hill of Waxhaw, NC, and Elizabeth (Beth) Hill (spouse Chris Sartin) of Lancaster, SC; as well as his granddaughter Megan Clayton. In lieu of owers, contributions may be made to no-kill animal shelters, such as, the Humane Society of Charlotte, NC (humanesocietyofcharlotte.org).
Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Hill family.
Coral Sea. Bob retired from the US Postal Service having been a letter carrier for 30 years. Bob was predeceased by his parents Otho and Myra Morrison and one grandson, Eli Bowman. He is survived by the love of his life, Linda, to whom he was married for 66 years. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce Morrison as well as three children Lisa Bowman, Steve Morrison and Jayne Nunn, six grandchildren, Travis Bowman, Charlotte Waterhouse, Zach Bowman, Caitlin Bertrand, Tessa Johnson and Marlaena Morrison, and nine great-grandchildren. Bob enjoyed traveling, camping, growing Christmas trees, hunting, ballroom dancing and volunteering. He and Linda had the distinct opportunity to travel to all 50 states. In lieu of owers, donations can be made to Stanly Community Christian Ministries, PO Box 58, Albemarle, NC 28002 Bob will be remembered for his faithful service to his country and community, his adventurous spirit that carried him across the country, and the joy he found in sharing life’s journeys with those he loved. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.
IN MEMORY
CAROL MELTON
NOV. 10, 1956 – MAY 29, 2026
Carol Tucker Melton, 69 of Norwood, died Friday Evening, May 29, 2026 at Atrium Stanly. Funeral Services will be held at 6:00 PM Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Norwood Church of God. Rev. David Shankle will o ciate. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Edwards Funeral Home of Norwood.
Carol was born November 10, 1956 in Stanly County to the late Luther Jackson Tucker and Helen Smith Tucker Biggers. She touched many children’s lives during her 46 year career as a child care provider with her business “Nana’s Daycare” in Norwood. She attended Norwood Church of God. She is survived by her husband of 52 years Edward “Eddie” Melton. One daughter, Mandy Melton, one son Chase Melton (Mindy) all of Norwood. One sister, Linda Hatley (David) of Badin and one brother, Wayne Tucker (Donna) of New London. Five grandchildren, Daiden Allmon (Ana), Van Allmon, Cali, Maddie and Paisley Melton. One great-granddaughter, Eliana Allmon. Memorials may be Edwards Funeral Home PO Box 765, Norwood, NC 28128.
DONNA HATHCOCK
OCT. 19, 1961 – MAY 30, 2026
Donna Preslar Hathcock, 64, of Norwood died Saturday, May 30, 2026.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026 in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel of Norwood. Chaplain Gary Carney will o ciate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Donna was born Oct. 19, 1961 in Anson County to the late Layton Bleachman Preslar Jr. and Andrea “Ann” Broome Preslar. She was a 1980 graduate of South Stanly High School and a member of Memorial Baptist Church. She was a retired Postmaster with the United States Postal Service.
Donna enjoyed life, spending time at the beach, her “happy place”, shopping was her therapy and riding motorcycles with her friends in the “Ain’t Rite Riders”.
She is survived by her companion, James “Strawberry” Davis. Her daughter, Sommer Hathcock Morgan (Adam) of Norwood. Her son, Richard “Ricky” Hathcock (Jaclyn) of Wadesboro. Three grandchildren, Lucy Morgan, Layton and Bryson Hathcock. One great-granddaughter, Gradie Hathcock. Her sister, Sharon Preslar of Shallotte. Her children by love, Seth and Taylor Davis.
Memorials may be made to Tillery Compassionate Care, 960 North First Street, Albemarle, NC 28001.
DIANNA KAYE MOUCKA
JAN. 8, 1950 – JUNE 1, 2026
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Dianna Kaye Moucka, 76, of Albemarle, passed away Monday, June 1, 2026, at Stanly Manor in Albemarle. Dianna, but to most known as Kaye, was born Jan. 8, 1950, in Concord, North Carolina to the late Everett Dagenhart and the late Carlene Elizabeth Dagenhart. She lived a life centered on family, love, and devotion to those she cared about most. Her kindness, strength and caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Kaye shared 42 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Thomas Moucka, until his passing in 2017. Together they built a family that become the pride and joy of her life. She was a devoted mother to Brian Hubbard of Albemarle, the late Eric James Hubbard, Jennifer Pope (Ryan) of Oakboro, and Matthew Moucka of Albemarle.
Of all the roles she held throughout her life, being “Nana” was her favorite. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her grandchildren: Grayson Pope (Sydney), Braeden Pope, Holden Pope, Branson Miller, Jaxon Moucka, and Ainsley Moucka. She celebrated their accomplishments, cherished every visit, and loved each of them beyond measure. The memories she created with them will remain treasured gifts for years to come.
Kaye is also survived by her brothers, Gary Dagenhart (Janet) of Denver, Colorado, and Ronnie Dagenhart (Julie) of Harrisburg, North Carolina along with many extended family, and her ability to make those around her feel welcome and cared for. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved so deeply and countless lives she touches with her warmth and compassion.
In accordance with her wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held. Her family would like to extend special thanks to the sta of Stanly Manor, who cared for and loved her as if she were their own. She loved the sta there as if they were her family, which is immeasurable to her family during this time. They would like to invite those who knew and loved her to honor her memory in their own way and keep her spirit alive though acts of kindness, love and family togetherness.
Though she is no longer with us, the love she shared and the memories she created will remain in our hearts forever. Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Moucka family.
LEROY DOUGLAS SMITH JR. JAN. 22, 1947 – JUNE 1, 2026
Leroy Douglas Smith Jr., 79, of New London, passed away peacefully at his home on June 1, 2026.
A graveside service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at McRae Cemetery in Mount Gilead. The service will be o ciated by Captain Jesse R. Tate, Chaplain USN (Ret.) The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Stanly Funeral and Cremation Care of Albemarle.
Born Jan. 22, 1947, in Montgomery County, North Carolina, Leroy was the son of the late Leroy Douglas Smith Sr. and Hazel McRae Smith. Leroy dedicated much of his career to the textile industry, working as a xer for Wiscassett Mills Company and Burlington Industries. Following his retirement from textiles, he worked with Stanly Salvage and later operated his own mobile home repair and setup business. Gifted with mechanical ability and an unmatched work ethic, Leroy could x just about anything and was happiest when he had a project to tinker with.
To those who knew him, Leroy was truly larger than life. He was humble, generous, sel ess, funny, and deeply loving. He possessed a big heart and never hesitated to help someone in need. Children in the neighborhood often looked forward to seeing him, as he delighted in giving away toys and bringing smiles to their faces. If Leroy loved you, there was never any doubt about it. He treated everyone with respect and honesty.
A man of strong faith, Leroy often reminded those around him to “Stay Prayed Up.” He enjoyed listening to gospel and bluegrass music, watching western movies, cheering on NASCAR races, and following sports on television. He was an avid coon hunter who treasured time spent with his beloved Bluetick hounds. A devoted Ford enthusiast, Leroy especially loved Ford Broncos and could often be found talking about them, working on them, or admiring one wherever he saw it. He also enjoyed attending auctions and collecting a wide variety of treasures over the years.
In his younger days, Leroy was a drag racer and motorcycle racer who loved speed and competition. His passion for engines never faded, and he became known for building exceptionally powerful Ford big-block motors. Among his favorite songs was “Man of Constant Sorrow,” a tting re ection of his appreciation for traditional music and storytelling.
Family and friends will fondly remember his familiar sayings, “I can’t help it,” and “What do you want me to do about it?” Those simple phrases, delivered with his unique sense of humor, became part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Leroy is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Linda Tate Smith of Denton; his children, Dwight Douglas Smith (Susan Eudy) of New London, Larry Joe Smith (Traci Thompson) of New London, and Sarah Rebecca Smith (Aaron Wolfe) of Denton; his sister, Marie Coley of Albemarle; his grandchildren, Jordan Haithcock, Preston Haithcock, Brianna Nicole Smith, and Justin “Justice” Cole Smith; and his dear friend, Billy Huddleston, whose friendship meant so much to him throughout the years.
He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Bobby Clark, Ricky Russell, Jessie Tate, Charlie Tate Jr., and David N. Tate; his sisters-in-law, Sha Russell Foy, Teresa Russell Tucker, Barbara Diane Nance, and Therese Williams; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will cherish his memory.
In addition to his parents, Leroy was preceded in death by his rst wife, Ann Elizabeth Russell Smith, and his grandson, David Douglas Smith. Though his presence will be deeply missed, the memories he created, the laughter he shared, and the lives he touched will remain with those who knew and loved him for years to come. As Leroy would often say, “Stay Prayed Up.”
LINDA DELCOMYN RAXTER
APRIL 11, 1951 – JUNE 2, 2026
Linda Delcomyn Raxter, 75, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 5 p.m. at Uwharrie Community Church in Albemarle. A receiving of friends will follow the service.
Linda was born on April 11, 1951, in California to the late Edmond and Nellie Delcomyn. She lived a life marked by creativity, dedication, and love for her family.
She is lovingly survived by her children, Vanessa Ames (Chelsea) and Edmond Lucas (Kimberly); her stepdaughter, Melissa Flynn (Timothy); grandchildren, Olive Ames, Theodore Lucas, and Henry Lucas; sisters, Ruth Dixon and Della McDowell (Steve); as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.
Linda was a talented seamstress who enjoyed DIY projects and expressing her creativity through her many crafts. She was especially proud of the opportunity to sew custom handbags for military families; a meaningful way she shared her talents with others. Above all, Linda treasured time spent with her grandchildren, enjoyed watching her favorite daytime soap operas, and rarely went without her beloved Coke Zero nearby.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the sta of Tillery Compassionate Care and the “Circle of Friends” Community Group at Uwharrie Community Church for the exceptional love, care, and support shown to Linda during her declining health.
Linda will be remembered for her creativity, determination, and the love she shared with those around her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends who were blessed to know her.
STANLY SPORTS
North Stanly’s She eld to compete at Carolina Border Battle
The
Comet
will play against top regional talent
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
NEW
LONDON
— A North
Stanly baseball standout will represent the Comets and North Carolina this week at one of the top summer scouting events in the Carolinas.
Ryder She eld, a rising sophomore shortstop at North Stanly, is set to compete in the sixth annual Prep Baseball Carolina Border Battle at UNC Charlotte.
The event is designed for top 2027, 2028 and 2029 prospects from North Carolina and South Carolina, beginning Tuesday with a workout day featuring batting practice and defensive work.
Gameplay is scheduled for Wednesday, with players divided into eight teams — four from each state.
She eld is one of 60 in-state players selected for the event. He will play shortstop for NC
6 Stanly players recognized on NCBCA all-state baseball teams
One local player earned Pitcher of the Year honors
By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal
ALBEMARLE — Six Stanly County baseball players were recently named to the 2026 North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association all-state teams, with West Stanly pitcher Cooper Crisco earning one of the state’s top individual honors.
The NCBCA recently announced its player of the year awards and all- state teams for each N.C. High School Athletic Association classi cation.
Crisco, a West Stanly stand-
out, was named the 4A Pitcher of the Year after helping lead the Colts during the 2025 season. He has signed with Catawba College and is also listed with the Uwharrie Wampus Cats.
“I’m blessed and honored
to be named the NCBCA 4A Pitcher of the Year,” Crisco said. “This award is a re ection of the support from my coaches, teammates, family and everyone who has helped me along the way. Thank you to West Stanly baseball for an un-
“This event has evolved into the can’t-miss event of the summer in the Carolinas.”
Prep Baseball
Team 3, which was scheduled to face SC Team 3 at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday.
“Our mission is to run a high-level event in the Carolinas, setting the table to see who are the best prospects in the region with our continued coverage of NC and SC,” Prep Baseball said in a statement. “This event has evolved into the can’tmiss event of the summer in the Carolinas.”
Since 2019, the NC/SC Border Battle has produced 407 college commitments, including 41 from last year’s event. Prep Baseball said the event annually attracts close to 30 college coaches.
She eld, 15, earned a spot on
forgettable journey. I’m excited for what’s next at Catawba.
Forever a Colt!”
Crisco was joined on the 4A all- state team by West Stanly shortstop Drew Hatley, who has signed with Surry Community College and is also part of the Wampus Cats organization. Crisco and Hatley were previously recognized as the Rocky River Conference pitcher and player of the year, respectively. Burns’ Drew Dixon was named the 4A Player of the Year.
North Stanly placed three players on the 3A all- state team, with Hayden Moore, Charlie Shaver and Aiden Hamilton representing the Comets.
Moore, a third baseman, and Hamilton, a shortstop, are rising seniors for North Stanly. Shaver, a pitcher, was named the Yadkin Valley Conference Player of the Year and has signed with Old Dominion.
the Yadkin Valley Conference’s 2026 All- Conference Team as a freshman this spring. Now he will get a chance to showcase his skills against other top players from across the region.
“Congratulations to Ryder She eld on being named to Team North Carolina for the Border Battle,” the North Stanly Booster Club said. “Ryder will represent the Comets and the state of North Carolina against South Carolina’s top talent. Way to go, Ryder!”
She eld has already drawn attention from Prep Baseball’s scouting department this year. During a Feb. 15 evaluation, he recorded a maximum exit velocity of 91.3 mph and a 3.67-second 30 -yard dash.
Prep Baseball also evaluated She eld on April 16 during North Stanly’s 10 - 6 home win over Community School of Davidson in New London. The scouting report noted his added strength since competing in last summer’s Junior Future Games while describing him as an “advanced runner” who was “stable with good rhythm” at the plate.
Last summer, She eld competed in the 12th annual Prep Baseball Junior Future Games in Emerson, Georgia, an invitation- only national scouting event where players were observed by MLB and college scouts.
“I’m blessed and honored to be named the NCBCA 4A Pitcher of the Year.” Cooper Crisco
All three North Stanly honorees were also named to the All-YVC team this past season.
Polk County’s Gunnar Alm was named the 3A Player of the Year, while Ayden- Grifton’s Slater Persinger was named the 3A Pitcher of the Year.
South Stanly catcher Carter Callicutt rounded out the local selections, earning a spot on the 2A all- state team. Callicutt, who was also an All-YVC selection, has joined Catawba Valley Community College and the Uwharrie Wampus Cats. Hayesville’s Jackson Sellers was named the 2A Player of the Year, while Voyager Academy’s Cameron Copley was named the 2A Pitcher of the Year.
North Stanly’s Ryder She eld is set to play in the 2026 Prep Baseball Carolina Border Battle.
NFL Broncos linebacker Cooper arrested on domestic violence charges
Englewood, Colo.
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper has been arrested on domestic violence charges. Jail records show he faces two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief. The Broncos said last Friday they are aware of the situation and are gathering more information. Cooper, a seventh-round draft pick from Ohio State in 2021, is entering his sixth season with the team. He has started every game since 2023 and has 311⁄2 career sacks.
UFC
Lawsuit seeks to stop UFC ght on White House South Lawn for Trump’s birthday
New York
A federal lawsuit seeks to halt the upcoming UFC ght card on the White House South Lawn as part of the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The ling contends the event violates National Park Service regulations prohibiting sporting events on federal parklands. It also says Congress didn’t consent to the construction of the event space and no environmental review was conducted.
NHL
Meehan, one of rst Sabres, in uential GM, dead at 79 Bu alo, N.Y.
Gerry Meehan, one of the Bu alo Sabres’ rst players who went on to an in uential role as the team’s general manager, died at 79. The Sabres announced that he died last Friday. The cause and location of death were not immediately available. Meehan was from Toronto but essentially adopted Bu alo as his hometown as a player and executive. As GM, he was responsible for acquiring eventual Hall of Famers Dominik Hasek, Pat LaFontaine, Alexander Mogilny and Dale Hawerchuk spanning the late 1980s and early 1990s.
WORLD CUP
Tentative deal in place, stadium workers near LA say, averting strike ahead of World Cup Los Angeles Stadium workers near Los Angeles say they have reached a tentative contract deal, averting a strike ahead of the U.S. men’s soccer team’s opening World Cup match. The union representing 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks and dishwashers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, voted last week to authorize a strike after contract talks had stalled with the stadium’s food service provider, Legends Global. Workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 were seeking pay increases, protections from subcontracting and security on the job amid ramped-up immigration enforcement. Eight matches are scheduled for SoFi Stadium starting Friday.
NBA Can’t a ord sky-high tickets to see Knicks in person? Trump says, ‘watch it on television’
Aboard Air Force One
President Donald Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden and doesn’t have much sympathy for ordinary Americans who couldn’t a ord the sky-high ticket prices, which reached $8,000. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump suggested that fans priced out of attending the game in person have an alternative. “They can watch it on television,” he said, adding, “It’s sorta semi-free to watch it on television. That’s the way life goes.”
Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlynewsjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon
Hamlin goes back to front again to win Cup race at Michigan
The comeback victory ties him with Kyle Busch on the career win list
The Associated Press
BROOKLYN, Mich. — Denny Hamlin went from the rear to rst again Sunday, winning at Michigan International Speedway to earn his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory.
Just like last week’s win at Nashville Superspeedway, when the Joe Gibbs Racing car started on the pole position but was penalized for jumping the start, Hamlin quali ed rst at Michigan but dropped to the back at the green ag because of a penalty for unapproved adjustments to his No. 11 Toyota.
Hamlin patiently worked his way to the front over 400 miles. He took the lead for good on a three -wide pass during a restart with 38 laps remaining, sweeping into rst around Spire Racing teammates Daniel Suarez and Carson Hocevar, a home - state favorite.
It’s the 63rd career victory for Hamlin, tying the late Kyle Busch for ninth on the Cup Series’ all-time win list.
“Great job, guys,” Hamlin radioed his crew. “Great car. Unbelievable. We love you, KB.”
Erik Jones (another Michigan native) nished second, followed by Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson and Hocevar.
Crash causes red
The race was stopped with 51 laps remaining to repair a damaged SAFER barrier after a hard crash involving Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott.
During a restart on the 148th lap, the drivers were running side by side for second. Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet bobbled and skidded up the track into Bell’s No. 20 Toyota, which shot into
the outside wall at the 2-mile oval where speeds top 200 mph.
The impact with Bell’s Camry severely deformed the SAFER barrier, which is comprised of steel and foam to absorb energy in wrecks. A red ag was displayed for 20 minutes to x the damaged section of the barrier.
Both drivers climbed from their cars and walked to an ambulance for a trip to the track’s
in eld care center. Elliott patted Bell on the shoulder and apologized for the wreck before they entered the ambulance.
“I’m ne; it was totally my fault,” Elliott said. “I feel really bad for Bell, just taking him out. I was trying to run on the bottom and make use of our fresh tires and at least get to second and hopefully stay side by side with him. I got in there and got free and thought I was
“Great job, guys. Great car. Unbelievable.
We love you, KB.”
Denny Hamlin, on radio with his crew after winning
going to spin and was committing to spin out, and as soon as I started to commit to spinning, it just hooked up and hooked a right. Unfortunately, it sent Christopher into the wall super hard, and then me shortly there behind.
“Just racing really hard. I felt like that was kind of a turning point in the race. We needed to make something happen. I stepped over the line again and paid for it. … I just told him I’m sorry. Obviously, it was not on purpose.”
Rough rookie season
A nightmarish debut season in the Cup Series continued for Connor Zilisch, who crashed twice in the rst eight laps and nished last in the 37- car eld. The Trackhouse Racing driver has nished outside the top 30 the past three races and is still seeking the rst top 10 of his rookie campaign.
“I was really loose, but it’s just unfortunate,” Zilisch said. “Another short race for us. We’ll go try and get them at Pocono next week.”
Up next
The Cup Series will make its lone trip this season to Pocono Raceway on Sunday. Chase Briscoe won last year to earn his rst victory with Joe Gibbs Racing.
PAUL SANCYA / AP PHOTO
Denny Hamlin drives during his NASCAR Cup Series win Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.
PAUL SANCYA / AP PHOTO
Denny Hamlin celebrates winning Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway.
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NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000191-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of DONNA DAVIS FREEMAN, of Chester eld, South Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of DONNA DAVIS FREEMAN to present them to the undersigned on or before August 27, 2026, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. This is the 27th day of May, 2026. Emsley D. Freeman 994 Carey Freeman Road, Cheraw, SC 29520 Executor of the Estate of Donna Davis Freeman Sweeny, Wingate & Barrow, PA ATTN: David Thomas, esq. 1515 Lady Street, Columbia, SC 29201
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In the general court of justice Superior Court division before the clerk File Number 26E000249-830 Having quali ed as executor of the estate of Verda M Cavender, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said the decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before the 12th day of September 2026, or the same will be pleaded with the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This 10th day of June 2026. Send claims to A.P. Cavender Executor of the estate of Verda M. Cavender 1217 Hope Ct Oakboro, North Carolina 28129
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the stream
‘Michael,’ Bonnaroo, new Olivia Rodrigo, Keith Urban albums
Keith Urban goes yacht rock with “Flow State”
The Associated Press
THE STREAMING service debut of “Michael” and new albums from Olivia Rodrigo and Keith Urban are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: the new season of “Sweet Magnolias,” a new YA series “Every Year After” and the survival game “Solarpunk.”
MOVIES TO STREAM
The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” is still moonwalking its way to $900 million in theaters, but it’s available to watch at home — for $24.99 — on major platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video and YouTube. Antoine Fuqua’s movie, starring Jaafar Jackson, was sanctioned by Jackson’s estate and its producers include the estate’s executors. In his review for The Associated Press, lm writer Jake Coyle wrote that the movie “slides a sequin glove over the pop star’s tarnished legacy, shrouding Michael Jackson’s complications with a conventional biopic that, if you cover your ears, sounds great.”
Kate Hudson’s Oscar -nominated performance in “Song Sung Blue” will be on Netix starting Saturday. She plays Claire Sardina, one half of a Neil Diamond tribute act from Milwaukee, opposite Hugh Jackman in a lm that Mark Kennedy, in his AP review, called “big-hearted but misguided.”
Now that Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni ended their legal feud over the acrimonious production of “It Ends With Us,” perhaps it’s time to give the romantic drama a rewatch? It is now streaming. In his review, Kennedy called it “uneven” in its attempt to “balance the realities of domestic violence inside a rom- com and a female - empowerment movie.”
And you can’t go wrong with Abbas Kiarostami’s “Where is the Friend’s House,” which will be available Friday on Kanopy.
Greta Gerwig, in an interview with The Criterion Channel, said it is “a perfect lm.”
MUSIC TO STREAM
First, she was “SOUR.” Then, she had “GUTS.” Now she’s abandoned four-letter words for the mouthful “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.” Such are the musical and emotional complications of Rodrigo, a popstar for those who love depth of feeling and ’80s guitar pop. Her third album is prepped to be her best one yet, from the
butter ies-in-the-stomach, The Cure-referencing “Drop Dead” to, well, “The Cure,” with its early contender for “best bridge of the year.” Run, don’t walk. Welcome to music festival season! For those who love artists across genres and generations but aren’t big on getting o the couch, Disney+ and Hulu o er a solution. They’ll stream a few of the biggest U.S. fests this year, kicking things o with
“‘Michael’ slides a sequin glove over the pop star’s tarnished legacy, shrouding Michael Jackson’s complications with a conventional biopic that, if you cover your ears, sounds great.”
Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on Thursday through Friday. Log on, settle in and enjoy The Strokes, Noah Kahan, Skrillex, RÜFÜS DU SOL and more. Urban hath returned — and now, the four-time Grammy Award-winning country music superstar is into yacht rock. “Flow State,” out Friday, is comprised of 10 covers — including a reimagination of Bread’s “The Guitar Man” with John Mayer and Walter Egan’s “Magnet and Steel” with Little Big Town. The sole original is “We Go Back,” with Michael McDonald, and it stands up to the rest of the collection. Get into that soft West Coast sound.
Also back in the fold: Rapper Rick Ross, who releases “Set in Stone” on Friday. Little has been revealed about the 19 -track release, but if it is anything like the single “Minks in Miami” — a collaboration with French Montana and Max B that features a hook interpolating Rare Earth’s 1971 hit “I Just Want to Celebrate” — listeners are in for a treat.
SERIES TO STREAM
With “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and now “O Campus,” Prime Video remains committed to the YA/romance space. Its newest o ering is “Every Year After,” an eight- episode series based on a novel by Carley Fortune. It follows Percy (Sadie Soverall) and Sam (played by Matt Cornett), whose childhood friendship turned romantic before complications pulled them apart. A family tragedy reunites them and stirs up old feelings. All episodes are streaming now. “Sweet Magnolias” returns for its fth season Thursday on Net ix. JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Heather Headley and Brooke Elliott play lifelong friends living in a small town in South Carolina. Together, they navigate relationships, parenting and their careers.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
With so many steampunk and cyberpunk games out there, perhaps it’s time to move on to “Solarpunk.” The goal in this survival game from German indie studio Cyberwave is to design a new culture using renewable energy sources like sunlight, wind and water. Your home is on an island oating in the sky, and you’ll want to build an airship to travel to other islands. It’s all kind of chill compared to the dystopias you typically expect in this genre, and you can team up with friends as you try to create a pollution-free paradise. Take ight on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2 or PC.
While you’re waiting for the next NBA Finals game, why not hit the court with “NBA The Run,” a 3 - on-3 street basketball throwdown? It’s the debut release from Play By Play Studios, and the developers are trying to recreate the vibe of arcade classics like “NBA Jam.” That means head-spinning footwork, gravity- defying dunks and balls that may burst into ame. There are 32 pros on the roster, including Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Jalen
of the New York Knicks, and the courts bounce from New York to Beijing. Tipo on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.
Brunson
LIONSGATE VIA AP
Jaafar Jackson stars as Michael Jackson in “Michael.”
SARAH SHATZ / FOCUS FEATURES VIA AP
“Song Sung Blue” starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman hits Net ix on Saturday.
NICOLE RIVELLI / SONY PICTURES VIA AP
The romantic drama “It Ends With Us” with Just Baldoni and Blake Lively is streaming now.
Solution to this week’s puzzles
Tuesday in Las Vegas.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Social Security’s retirement trust fund faces funding shortfall 1 year earlier
Washington, D.C.
Social Security’s retirement trust fund is projected to face a funding shortfall in 2032, a year earlier than previously expected. That’s according to an annual report released Tuesday. Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund will be unable to pay full bene ts in 2033, unchanged from last year’s estimate. Rising health care costs and government spending contributed to the projected depletion dates. The programs will continue issuing bene ts after those dates, but at reduced amounts. The trustees emphasize the urgency of changes, but political challenges remain. AARP’s CEO is urging Congress to act, highlighting the importance of the bene ts for retirees.
OpenAI les con dential SEC paperwork for IPO, opening door to Wall Street debut
OpenAI has led preliminary paperwork to potentially become a publicly traded company. The company announced Monday it has submitted con dential documents to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. OpenAI says it hasn’t decided on timing yet, as there are advantages to staying private. The move follows Anthropic’s June announcement of its own IPO plans.
Staal takes over, Hurricanes even series with 5-3 Game 4 win
The Carolina captain scored twice, including the game winner
By Cory Lavalette Twin City Herald
LAS VEGAS — Jordan Staal made sure the Hurricanes returned to Raleigh with the Stanley Cup nal tied at two games apiece.
Staal scored twice in Game 4, including the game-winning goal in the third period on a falling backhanded swipe, to lead Carolina to a 5-3 win in and force a best-of three showdown to crown the Stanley Cup champion. Game 5 is Thursday at 8 p.m. at Lenovo Center.
“It’s a good time to get hot, there’s no question,” said Staal, who has scored ve times in the series, including in all four games. “I’ll contribute any way I can. The puck’s going in for me, and I’ll take it.”
Staal’s second goal to put the Hurricanes ahead for good will likely go down as the most memorable of his career.
With the game tied 3-3 in the third period, Staal pressured Shea Theodore behind the Vegas goal line, and the Golden Knights defenseman’s pass hit Staal and de ected in front of the net to Carolina right wing Seth Jarvis. Jarvis deked and tried to lift a backhand into the net, but Carter Hart (23 saves) made the stop. Jarvis retrieved the
puck against four Vegas players and got it to Nikolaj Ehlers, who quickly forehanded the puck across to Staal at Hart’s left.
“I almost missed the pass because it was kind of rolling,” Ehlers said.
The pass caused Staal to swing his hips, and as he fell to the ice, he made a backhanded swing at the puck, which slid past Hart and into the net at 6:32 to give the Hurricanes the lead.
“I wasn’t sure exactly if it went in, and I heard everyone go quiet,” Staal said. “I heard some guys yelling. And then, I don’t know, man. I was in my own world. It was an incredible moment, obviously. And I just let a big yell and then cele -
brated with the guys.”
Carolina then prevented the Golden Knights from getting the equalizer, and Ehlers scored a full-ice empty-net goal — his third point of the night — to secure the victory.
Brandon Bussi — the mystery starter after coach Rod Brind’Amour refused to reveal who would be in net before the game — made eight of his 17 saves in the nal period to secure the win in his rst career playo start.
“The next win’s always the best one,” Bussi said when asked where he ranked the victory in his career. “So that’s all I’ll say for that.”
Just like the rst three
See CANES, page A2
Trial for the man charged in Ukrainian woman’s killing on train is delayed for mental health reasons
Mental health experts found his competency could be restored with medication therapy
The Associated Press CHARLOTTE — A man charged in the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on a North Carolina commuter train cannot currently stand trial because of his mental illness and will undergo medical treatment to try to restore his competency, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Decarlos Brown Jr., 35, faces a federal charge of causing death on a mass transportation system in the killing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, a charge that is punishable by death. A separate state case against Brown
in which he is charged with rst-degree murder is on pause pending the outcome of the federal case.
At the request of Brown’s attorneys, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell found that their client is not currently competent to stand trial and ordered him to spend up to four months in a prison medical facility to try to restore his competency.
Defense attorneys said in a court ling Tuesday that Brown insisted that they provide the judge with the following information: “I would like to tell the court I have a body emergency. Someone has full access to my body and they are controlling me wrongfully. And law enforcement refuses to investigate it. And it requires for an investigation.
JOHN LOCHER / AP PHOTO
Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (11) scores on Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) during the third period in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup,
North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)
Trip Ho end, Publisher
Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers
Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor
Jordan Golson, Local News Editor
Shawn Krest, Sports Editor
Dan Reeves, Features Editor
Ryan Henkel, Reporter
PJ Ward-Brown, Photographer
BUSINESS
David Guy, Advertising Manager
1201
TRIAL from page A1
When describing the technology someone was using I was misdiagnosed with schizophrenia.”
Brown told his lawyers he wants a court order directing law enforcement to investigate his body emergency, they wrote.
A forensic evaluation by federal mental health examiners was led under seal in the federal case in April. It found that Brown “is presently not competent to stand trial, but that his prognosis for restoration to competency is favorable with appropriate medication therapy,” the judge wrote in his order.
Brown “is su ering from a mental disease or defect that renders him unable to understand the nature and consequences of the proceedings or to assist properly in his defense,” Bell wrote.
The judge ordered Brown committed to the custody of the attorney general for hospitalization and treatment “to determine whether there is a substantial probability” that Brown will be able to proceed “in the foreseeable future.”
Once that period is over, the judge will determine whether Brown’s competency has been restored and whether the case can move forward, whether continued treatment is needed or whether Brown cannot be made competent, the judge wrote.
CANES from page A1
games of the series, Game 4 featured lead changes, disallowed goals and overall chaos.
Carolina scored twice in the rst 3:28 to take an early 2-0 lead.
O an o ensive zone faceo , Carolina defenseman Jalen Chat eld took a shot that was wide of the Vegas net. But the lively boards — which played a role on the Golden Knights’ double-overtime winner in Game 3 — bene ted the Hurricanes this time, and Logan Stankoven got the puck and shoveled it past Hart for a 1-0 lead 66 seconds into the game.
The goal was Stankoven’s team-best 11th of the postseason.
Carolina doubled its lead just
THURSDAY JUNE 11
13
FDA OKs rst new sunscreen ingredient in more than 25 years
The ingredient protects both UVA and UVB rays without mineral sunscreens’ white residue
By Matthew Perrone The Associated Press
WASHINGTON., D.C. —
Federal health regulators on Tuesday signed o on the rst new sunscreen ingredient for the U.S. market in more than 25 years, giving Americans access to a skin-protecting chemical long used in Europe and other parts of the world.
The Food and Drug Administration says the ingredient, bemotrizinol, met the agency’s standards for protecting from dangerous ultraviolet rays while causing little irritation or absorption into the skin. The ingredient is safe for adults and children 6 months and older, the agency stated in a release.
Bemotrizinol will initially be
sold in the U.S. by the Dutch manufacturer DSM Nutritional Products under the brand name Parsol Shield, which is expected to launch later in the year. After an 18-month exclusivity period, the ingredient will be available for use by other manufacturers.
E orts to introduce new sunscreen products have been bogged down for decades by the FDA’s bureaucratic system for updating its lists of safe nonprescription drug ingredients. Bemotrizinol is the rst ingredient to go through a streamlined process authorized by Congress in 2020.
Experts say bemotrizinol will ll an important niche in the U.S. market: protecting against both ultraviolet A and B rays while not leaving white streaks associated with mineral-based sunscreens.
“For decades, Americans have used outdated sunscreen tech while the rest of the world moved forward,” said David An-
“For decades, Americans have used outdated sunscreen tech while the rest of the world moved forward.”
David Andrews, Environmental Working Group
drews of the Environmental Working Group. “The approval of bemotrizinol will help change that.”
Andrews’ group has long pushed the FDA to tighten sunscreen standards and allow new ingredients on the market. Under FDA rules, all sunscreens must protect against UVB rays, which cause most sunburn, as well as UVA rays that pose the greatest risk of skin cancer and wrinkles. Currently available chemical-blocking ingredients only
protect against one or the other. Companies generally mix the chemicals in combination to achieve “broad spectrum protection.”
Mineral-based ingredients, including zinc oxide, block both UVA and UVB but leave a chalky white residue.
Bemotrizinol was authorized by European authorities in 1999 and rst led with the FDA for review in 2005.
“The FDA is committed to ensuring the American consumer has access to the most e ective and safe therapies, including over-the-counter products like sunscreens,” said Dr. Mike Davis, acting director of FDA’s drug center.
The FDA has been gradually updating its standards for sunscreens. In 2011, the agency banned terms like “waterproof,” which regulators said was misleading, and required that all sunscreens lter out UVA and UVB rays. Previously some formulas only protected against UVB.
In 2021, the FDA proposed additional measures — including capping SPF numbers and requiring stronger UVA protection — but those have not been completed.
A judge credited social media perfectionism for driving the mullet’s global comeback
By James Brooks The Associated Press
COPENHAGEN — Business in the front, party in the back.
A packed Danish crowd celebrated on Saturday the much-maligned but enduring mullet hairstyle, de ned by very short hair at the front and longer hair at the back.
Denmark’s raucous 2026 Mullet Championship, presented on an outdoor stage in central Copenhagen, attracted 12 wellcoi ed competitors and more than a thousand spectators to the evening’s “mane” event.
Organizer Ste en Stiw Weber, a 37-year-old electrician, said the championships, now in their fourth year, began after he had a hair transplant and chose to grow out a mullet.
After realizing he couldn’t compete in a mullet competition in the United States because he wasn’t a U.S. citizen, Stiw Weber started his own in Denmark.
“I was like, OK, I have to do it on my own here in Denmark,” he said while smiling. Competitors in Saturday’s
over two minutes later. Just after a Hurricanes power play expired, Taylor Hall sent a pass across to Jackson Blake, who banged in his sixth goal of the playo s and made the score 2-0 at 3:28. “It sets up the game great,” Stankoven said. “If you put a couple in early, you’re not gripping the stick as tight. … (Our line) needed a statement game to come out and contribute, and that’s what we did. And now we’ve just got to keep it going.”
Vegas halved the lead at 7:22. Golden Knights captain Mark Stone, stopped by Bussi on a breakaway on Vegas’ rst shot of the game, got the second shot on a breakaway as well. This time he nished, cutting Carolina’s lead to 2-1. But the Hurricanes’ pow-
championships were evaluated on their cuts’ style, uniqueness, and overall performance and “mullet moves,” explained judge Bobby Agren.
Contestants were given 60 seconds each to perform on stage to showcase their cuts.
“I like the nesse, the twist, the nostalgia. I like it if it looks ridiculous or maybe ugly in a beautiful way,” said Agren, who owns two hair salons in Copenhagen.
“I think in our culture, when everything must … be perfect on social media and everything like that, I think that’s why people have to stand out from the crowd,” said Stiw Weber.
The event featured an array of over-the-top perfor-
er play, not given credit for the Blake goal earlier in the period, made sure there was no doubt on its second chance.
With Vegas down a player due a too-many-men penalty, Shayne Gostisbehere red a shot that hit Hart. But Staal battled defensemen Jeremy Lauzon and Brayden McNabb in front of the net to get to the rebound and score at 12:48.
“I went o four di erent guys and just kind of sat there for me,” Staal said of being in front of the crease. “So you’ve got to be there.”
Vegas coach John Tortorella succinctly described Staal’s game and series.
“He’s killing us in front of the net,” he said.
Vegas appeared to cut the lead back to one just before
Competitor Martin Sedolf performs as character pro wrestler “Benny Bacchus” at Denmark’s Mullet Championship in central Copenhagen on Saturday.
mances, including beer-swilling, body-popping, and a live saxophone show. One competitor even wore a mullet haircut styled to resemble the Danish ag.
The crowd screamed and chanted with their energy seemingly feeding directly into the various performers on stage.
After every performance, judges held up scorecards to distribute points to the competitors.
Forty-three-year-old construction worker Thomas Berg eventually took home the top prize after wowing judges by frantically jumping on a trampoline while clad in neon green gym wear. He completed his mullet haircut with an orange headband. “I think it’s just fun-
the rst period horn, but replay showed that McNabb’s one-timer entered the goal after the clock struck zero.
“We de nitely got a little bit of a lucky break there,” Blake said. The second period continued to be a struggle for the Hurricanes. The Golden Knights got the de cit back to one when defenseman Rasmus Andersson set up William Karlsson for a one-timer that beat Bussi to make it 3-2 at 4:22 of the middle frame.
Then right after Carolina killed o a penalty, Brett Howden scored his playo -leading 14th goal, shooting between the legs of Carolina defenseman K’Andre Miller and past Bussi to even the score at 17:08 of the second.
ny. It’s just a big party,” said a smiling Berg after collecting his prize. “It’s just nice to be a bit outside the box.”
Though mullets have likely been around longer than there have been barbers, the Oxford English Dictionary cites hip-hop legends the Beastie Boys for helping popularize the term mullet with the song “Mullet Head” on their 1994 recording “Ill Communication.”
The short-in-the-front, longin-the-back coi ure was popularized by ice hockey players and ’80s musicians but later fell out of favor.
Fashion magazine Vogue reportedly once described the mullet as “history’s most divisive hairstyle.”
But in recent years, the mullet has seen a global resurgence — British magazine i-D declared 2020 “the year of the mullet” as the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered hair salons and lockdown-weary citizens let their locks ow.
Numerous mullet competitions are now staged around the world. Belgium hosted the European Mullet Cup last month.
“It comes back every 20-30 years. There’s always a circular motion in fashion,” said Agren, the Denmark mullet competition judge.
That set the stage for Staal, the longtime shutdown center who has taken an o ensive star turn in the series.
“We’re putting some good players with him that now can really bring out the other side of him,” Brind’Amour said. “Everyone knew he was a good defensive player, but he’s got some real o ensive abilities too. Just for whatever reason now, the goals are going in.”
Notes: Frederik Andersen did not dress, with Brind’Amour saying goalie coach Paul Schonfelder told him the veteran goalie needed rest. Pyotr Kochetkov served as the backup goalie. … Staal won 12 of 16 faceo s. … Forwards Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nicolas Deslauriers, and defenseman Mike Reilly were healthy scratches for Carolina.
JAMES BROOKS / AP PHOTO
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Having di cult conversations
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age.
THEY ARE CALLED di cult conversations for a reason. But the ironic thing is, for the most part, the di culty is almost always in starting the conversation, not in the reaction to the topic itself. I know from my experiences that most people are self-aware enough that if I think there is a real problem that needs addressing, they do too. The problem is they don’t want to start the conversation either, so it festers. And that makes it harder on both sides.
As someone who has managed many people in my professional career, one of the most surprisingly di cult conversations I ever had illustrates this. One of my employees was underperforming badly. Missing deadlines, showing up late for meetings, unreliable work product, almost everything was o . But he was (and still is) a great person to be around, and everyone liked him. So I delayed the conversation and hoped it would get better. It didn’t.
When it was nally time for his formal end-of-year review, I was very honest with him and told him that if he continued to perform the way he had that he would be
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
terminated in the coming months. I’ll never forget the look on his face when, rather than being defensive, angry or even surprised, he simply responded, “Thank you for being so honest. I needed to hear that.”
Approached correctly, you are likely to have a similar experience when you broach di cult nancial conversations. It’s not that people are unaware they should communicate on these topics, it’s that to discuss someone’s nancial success, or lack thereof, can feel like a crude judgment. Or to discuss someone’s death can feel like you don’t appropriately value their life. In fact, when broached with care and respect, the most common response is a thank you for bringing it up — they have wanted to talk about it too.
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age. Whether you are in high school and want to consider what college you can a ord to attend or if you are my age and have elderly parents you need to discuss wishes for care and their wills with, it always feels invasive. But the alternative is so much worse — you need to
The SPLC’s real scam
How can any reputable media outlet ever use the SPLC as a source again?
IT TURNS OUT that the most generous funder of white supremacist groups in the United States was likely the Southern Poverty Law Center.
At least that’s what the Department of Justice’s superseding indictment against the SPLC alleges.
The organization secretly paid informants to engage in the active promotion and funding of racist groups while denouncing and “ ghting” the very same groups in public. The SPLC purportedly created ctitious entities to hide funding from their donors.
The SPLC, for instance, is accused of bankrolling the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally, paying a leader nearly $300,000 to post racist messages, organize and even transport people to the infamous Charlottesville protest, where one person was killed.
In another instance, a pair of white supremacists who approached the SPLC about leaving the Klan were encouraged to stay in the group and recruit new members. Given salaries, the two men were allegedly reimbursed for the costs of their activities, including those “incurred for cross-burning events, to include the wood and fuel used.”
In the end, I’m not sure what the legal jeopardy there is in engaging in this brand of duplicitous activity, but it is without a doubt corrupt, fraudulent, immoral and bad for the country.
Many people correctly point out that SPLC is merely interested in keeping white supremacist groups operational to justify its existence. White nationalists and identitarian groups have no genuine political power or support, so it makes sense that SPLC and other groups would prop them up for fundraising. The
notion that Americans live in a nation of deep -seated systemic and cultural racism is a foundational belief of the American left. Having a bunch of cartoonishly racist groups running around the country not only perpetuates the myth but helps raise money.
But a far more vital objective of the SPLC is destroying the reputations of e ective legitimate organizations that are involved in mainstream political debates that have absolutely nothing to do with racism or extremism.
The purpose of the “hate” maps and enemies’ lists compiled by SPLC isn’t to alert Americans about local skinheads but to associate those skinheads with the American College of Pediatricians, Family Research Council, Ben Carson, Turning Point USA, American Family Association and Moms for Liberty.
In 2016, for instance, the SPLC “Hate and Extremism” list added Alliance Defending Freedom, a highly e ective legal organization that’s won multiple religious freedom cases in front of the Supreme Court. Oftentimes the ADF represents minority clients. Its most high-pro le case involved Jack Phillips, the persecuted cake maker from Colorado whose First Amendment rights were stripped by the government. But the group also takes on cases regarding state funding for abortion or the biological males competing in girls’ sports.
You may disagree with ADF’s positions on those issues, but only an extremist progressive actually considers it a “hate” group worthy of inclusion on a list with “neo-confederates.” It’s not the pinhead “Neo Volkisch” that concerns the SPLC, it’s the impressive lawyer with the ADF.
By making their case to the press, these
nd a way today to begin those conversations. There are too many examples of kids working hard to get into a college they can’t possibly pay for, and too many examples of parents passing away without communicating their wishes and intents. My retirement team here at the department would also want me to remind you that while you’re having those conversations, please be sure that everyone has updated their nancial bene ciaries and other legal designations to align with their current wishes! Remember that nancial success, or lack of success, is not a referendum on someone’s worth. And eventually, no matter who you are, someone else will have to deal with your nancial a airs, despite how much you want to keep them to yourself. So spend some time today guring out how to talk to your parents, signi cant other or kids about money. Discuss goals, dreams and intent. And you’ll likely be surprised by just how happy they are that you did.
Brad Briner is state treasurer of North Carolina.
conservatives are wisely appealing to the SPLC’s most powerful source of in uence. Yet the SPLC’s “hate list” has been treated as an authoritative source on extremism by virtually every legacy media outlet for years.
During the height of BLM protests and riots, The New York Times cited the SPLC as an unimpeachable authority on hate groups in hundreds of stories over a one-year span. The group was cited by the paper thousands of times over the previous decade. That’s a single media organization. From the mid-2010s through 2025, when the SPLC was sending millions to prop up the worst right-wing extremists in the country, virtually any story about rising extremism on NBC News featured the SPLC. The question is, how can any reputable media outlet, much less a government agency, ever use the SPLC as a source again?
They’ll try. Even now, outlets like The Associated Press refer to the SPLC as a “civil rights” group. The SPLC, formed in 1971 by civil rights activists in Montgomery, Alabama, hasn’t been ghting for the rights of African Americans for a long time. By the mid-1980s, the SPLC had already shifted away from the civil rights ght to rooting out “right-wing extremism.” In 1986, the entire legal sta , save founder Morris Dees (who was pushed out of the organization in 2019 after allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination), quit over the change.
The SPLC, probably super uous when it was formed, has long been a shady left-wing activist group with a near-billion-dollar endowment. The new indictment only further con rms it was worse than we thought.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
COLUMN | BRAD BRINER
Broken speaker? Finicky zipper? Anticonsumerist Repair Cafes urge you to x it instead of pitch it
A global repair movement is helping people restore broken goods and build community connections
By Michael Weissenstein The Associated Press
NEW PALTZ, N.Y. — On a drizzly Saturday morning late last month, the basement of the New Paltz United Methodist Church lled with old lamps, blunt knives, malfunctioning sound mixers and balky zippers.
About a dozen volunteers welcomed the broken goods and their owners to a worldwide movement that’s evangelizing new relationships between people and their things.
Repair Cafes — free events where volunteers with technical know-how help neighbors x myriad household items — are part of a new brand of anticonsumerism that’s trying to o er an alternative to the mass-produced disposable goods that have dominated the global economy for the last half-century. Helping fuel that move to repairing, not buying, are U.S. consumer prices, which climbed sharply again last month as the war with Iran delivered higher gasoline prices and more pain for Americans.
After starting in the Netherlands with a single event in 2009, Repair Cafe has grown into a global nonpro t with more than 59,000 members, some 4,000 cafes and close to 850,000 items xed a year.
“We need to change our mindset. We need to change the economy,” Repair Cafe founder Martine Postma said. “Even if Repair Cafes can’t solve the problem alone, then still they are a very clear sign that change is needed on a much higher level.”
Repair Cafes are both a way to x things and to form community
In New Paltz, a Hudson Valley college town about two
hours from New York, 50 people brought about 85 items to the Repair Cafe: an antique fan that required rewiring, shirts, pants, jackets, stu ed animals. There were old family photos that needed restoring and jewelry awaiting work like restringing beads or replacing clasps.
Repair experts waited behind long cafeteria tables to teach alternatives, giving people chances to learn that awed goods aren’t automatically junk.
“Maybe their initial reason for coming is monetary or sentimental,” organizer Holly Shader said.
More than that, she added, “it gives people a chance to work together and extend the life of something. People form relationships.”
The experts on hand xed 71 of the items, found that four needed more work and deemed 10 beyond repair. They said they volunteer for the low-pressure joy of xing things, with networking as a side bene t.
“I get to come and actually do the work and meet the nice people and show them how to put something together,” contractor Patrick L. Murphy said.
Networks touting this new brand of anticonsumerism are growing
The Buy Nothing Project, “right to repair” legislation, and a growing number of tool libraries also are dedicated to repairing, trading, and giving instead of buying and selling.
Starting in Washington state in 2013, the Buy Nothing Project maintains an app and social media presence that links people giving things away with people nearby who want them — a worldwide network of gift economies, as described on its Facebook page.
Founder Liesl Clark said the network has expanded to at least 12.5 million people on Facebook, showing a growth rate with the
ability to in uence corporate and state behavior.
“What was a social movement has really become a safety net for millions of people,” she said.
“People are seeing that you don’t have to go to the Amazons of the world to get what you might need, there is a robust material culture in your community.
“We want to change the way that the world consumes.”
The movement “started as a social and economic and environmental experiment,” she noted.
“There’s going to be a conversation that you have, when you and someone else are xing something together,” she said. “We’re nding that we’re crossing a lot of barriers.”
In today’s modern, disposable culture, many people have lost the ability to repair household goods, a skill that was once nearly universal, said Peter Counter, an engineer who’s studying Repair Cafes and working on a doc-
Cuba’s iconic antique cars sit idle as US energy blockade deepens fuel crisis
Drivers face monthlong waits through a government fuel app for rationed gasoline
By Martin Silva Rey The Associated Press
HAVANA — A worsening fuel crisis across Cuba is testing the island’s famed “almendrones,” the vintage American cars that serve as vital shared taxis and embody the island’s ingenuity and endurance.
These days, many of the iconic gas-guzzling antique cars sit idle, casualties of fuel shortages that have gripped Cuba since January and that Cuban ocials blame on a U.S. energy blockade.
Outside his modest concrete-block home on a dirt road in Las Minas, a town of about 2,000 people on the outskirts of Havana, Diriel Valdez is restoring a 1951 Chevrolet Deluxe. The burgundy body is intact and the original engine still works. Finding fuel for it, however, is another matter.
Valdez is among thousands of Cubans waiting for fuel through a government reservation app that, for many, has become a symbol of the shortages it was designed to manage.
“I signed up in February. ... I’m still somewhere around No. 2,800,” said the 27-year- old who runs an auto body shop from his home.
The reward for the wait would be 20 liters (5.3 gallons) of gasoline — enough fuel, Valdez says, to get him to the beach.
Almendrones represent Cuban improvisation
The name almendrón comes
from the Spanish word for almond, a reference to the rounded shape of the large American sedans imported before Cuba’s 1959 revolution. For decades, sanctions, shortages and limited imports forced Cuban mechanics to become masters of improvisation. Engines were swapped, bodies rebuilt and replacement parts sourced from wherever they could be found. On a recent night in Havana, as another blackout darkened much of the city, taxi driver Leonardo Daniel González steered a friend’s glowing purple 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster through the darkness. “These cars are passed
down from generation to generation,” said González, 30. “I had one that belonged to my great-grandfather. It went from him to my grandfather, then to my father, and then to me.”
The wait for fuel
Cuba is experiencing one of its most severe energy crises in years. The population, already battered by decades of economic crises and shortages, is now navigating daily blackouts that can last up to 20 hours in some parts of the island.
The country produces only about 40% of the fuel it consumes and depends heavily on imports to keep its power plants
torate at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, England.
“The idea that you can x your own stu has receded because the skills are not being passed down,” he said. “If you want something xed, it’s almost certainly cheaper to go buy a new one.”
Community repair is thriving, Counter said, because it is volunteers who spend their time, making it nancially viable even if you need to buy spare parts.
The “right to repair” movement wants consumers to be empowered to repair their own products instead of being forced to go to the manufacturer for tools and instructions. A national campaign pushed in 2023 for states to consider bills requiring manufacturers to give access to tools and instructions for both customers and repair shops. A handful of states have passed legislation.
And around the country, some jurisdictions are hosting tool libraries that allow people to borrow expensive tools just like library books.
‘It’s wonderful to see people restoring older things’
In New Paltz, Paula Weinstein, 79, brought in a 1930s-era Hammond clock and handed it to Bob Morton.
Morton — an 82-year-old former IBM electrical engineer — said he enjoys using his skills to stay intellectually busy and help people.
“I’ve been blessed to still have a brain,” the grandfather of three said. “It’s a chance to do something.”
Weinstein added, “It’s wonderful to see people restoring older things.”
After hours of patient work together, the hands of her clock moved.
“Yes, it’s working!” she shouted. “Oh, my goodness, thank you!”
“I’m glad I stuck with it,” Morton said.
father and has been repairing classic cars since he was 13.
“People don’t want to do major repairs anymore,” he said. “A lot of them have their cars parked. They don’t have much hope that they’ll be circulating the way they used to.”
Almendrones persist even with electric vehicles
As gasoline becomes harder to obtain, many drivers are turning to Cuba’s black market, where fuel can often be found more quickly, though at signicantly higher prices that can reach up to $8 per liter ($30 per gallon).
Omar Everleny Pérez, a former economist at the University of Havana’s Center of Cuban Economic Studies, said the country’s transportation system still depends heavily on almendrones because modern vehicles remain out of reach for most Cubans.
“They’ve been vital to the transportation of ordinary Cubans,” he said. “Not only in Havana but throughout the country.”
running and its transportation network moving.
Since January, the Trump administration has tightened sanctions on Cuba as an element of its ongoing pressure campaign against the island’s communist government. Trump also threatened tari s on countries that sell or transport oil to Cuba, further complicating the island’s e orts to secure fuel supplies. Just a single Russian tanker has delivered oil to the island nation since then.
Standing beside his Chevrolet in Las Minas, Valdez, who runs the auto body shop, said the fuel shortage is also a ecting his livelihood. He learned auto-body work from his step -
New vehicles have become available in Cuba in recent years, but at prices far beyond the reach of most state-sector workers, Pérez said. That has helped keep the aging American cars on the road, even as a di erent future is beginning to emerge on Cuba’s streets.
Electric motorcycles imported from China have become increasingly common. Small electric vehicles are also appearing, aided by a growing network of solar-powered charging stations promoted by the government as part of its push toward renewable energy.
Back in Havana, González is not ready to write o the almendrones. Despite the lack of fuel and a sharp decline in tourism, he can still make a living o the old Chevrolet.
“There are ... several WhatsApp groups for us to nd rides and so on,” said González. “But tourism in Cuba is in very bad shape.”
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN / AP PHOTO
Bob Morton, a former IBM electrical engineer, right, repairs a 1930s-era Hammond clock for Paula Weinstein at a Repair Café in New Paltz, New York, on May 23.
RAMON ESPINOSA / AP PHOTO
Workers repair the sign at the Grand Aston Hotel in Havana on June 3.
Forsyth SPORTS
Moss cancer-free, angling for next big catch in pursuit of bass shing passion
The NFL Hall of Fame receiver is an ambassador for World Bass Enterprises
By Dave Campbell The Associated Press
RANDY MOSS IS still making big catches, long after he nished playing football.
The Hall of Fame wide receiver with the second-most touchdown receptions in NFL history has found his o -the- eld calling on the boat, shing for freshwater bass.
“That’s my passion right now. That’s my hobby. That’s my getaway. That’s my therapy,” Moss said.
Mostly con ned to his home for about nine months while he underwent chemotherapy and radiation to beat cancer, Moss developed a deeper appreciation for being in nature. Since his treatment was completed last fall and his rare form of the disease — in the bile duct between the pancreas and the liver — was deemed to be in remission, Moss has often had a rod and reel in his hands.
This lifelong hobby for Moss has become a third career of sorts, following his work as an NFL analyst for ESPN that he resumed with the 2025 season.
“I’m just excited to be able to showcase my talent and go out there and show people that I have something else other than football that I love,” Moss said. Moss was hired by World Bass Enterprises to serve as an ambassador for “The Champions” tournament this fall in Hendersonville, Tennessee, an inaugural ve-day event just across the river from Nashville designed to determine a true title in a sport divided by two competing tours. WBE was founded earlier this year by Brian Bird, a Texas businessman and amateur angler
ANDREW GREIN / CHASING 10 VIA AP
Hall of Fame wide receiver
Randy Moss holds up a bass during the “Chasing 10” with Randy Moss adventures series about Moss’s chase for elusive 10-pound largemouth bass.
who has become a shing buddy to Moss.
In the meantime, Moss and his business partner, Andrew Grein, have been busy lming a documentary series, “Chasing 10,” that features Moss shing with celebrity guests in pursuit of the elusive 10-pound largemouth bass while o ering tips and trading stories. He’s auctioning o a custom-made boat for each season to bene t the Children’s Cancer Research Fund in Minnesota.
“I had to take a year o to be able to get myself back right, but my health is great,” Moss said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. “I still have my quarterly checkups every four months, my scans, but I just think that now that I’m back outside, this is one of the things that I couldn’t wait to see. I have the bass waiting on me, so I’m just a kid in the candy store having fun, man.”
The Champions event, which is carrying a total prize purse of $3.25 million for the largest in the history of the sport, will pay $1.25 million to the winner from a eld of 50 anglers — the top 25 from each of the two big-
gest organizations in competitive bass shing.
The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society — known as B.A.S.S. — runs the Bassmaster Elite Series. Major League Fishing has the newer Bass Pro Tour. For the past seven years, a bit like the PGA and LIV factions in golf, the best anglers in the world have been split between two groups. Moss is on board with Bird to try to help unite the sport and take it further into the mainstream.
“We both are trying to bring something that’s really positive to the sport of bass shing,” said Bird, who sold his electrical construction services company three years ago and has invested his money into the launch of the tournament. “It’s a good way for a family to spend time out in nature.”
The rst batch of “Chasing 10” episodes posted to YouTube this week included a spirited outing with the Kelce brothers and a reunion of fellow receivers from the Minnesota Vikings with Cris Carter and Jake Reed. While he was out on another show with Bird on a Texas lake, Moss giddily reeled in the hallowed 10-pounder, comparing the anxiety he felt during the process to the moments before a football play when he knew the pass was coming his way.
Moss rst learned how to cast a line while growing up in West Virginia with his older half-brother, Eric Moss, who died in 2019. Soon after Moss started his NFL career in Minnesota in 1998, he was introduced to a professional angler, the late John Laub, who taught him the sport on the St. Croix River along the Wisconsin border.
“My rst actual bass experience, I caught 20!” Moss said. “John, he was glowing. That’s the man who showed me bass shing, and I haven’t looked back since.”
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Rhett Lowder
Wake Forest alum, baseball
Rhett Lowder is a former pitcher for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. A rst-round pick (seventh overall) in the 2023 MLB Draft, Lowder made his return to the Cincinnati Reds rotation after missing a month.
After making his MLB debut in 2024, Lowder missed all of last season with a forearm strain and an oblique injury that set back his rehab. He returned to the mound this season and won three of his rst four decisions. The 24-year-old right-hander reported shoulder discomfort in early May, however, and went to the injured list for a month. After making a ve-inning rehab start in Triple-A, Lowder started for the Reds on Sunday, throwing 70 pitches in three shutout innings. He allowed just one hit and struck out four, although he struggled with control, walking ve.
Hamlin goes back to front again to win Cup race at Michigan
The comeback victory ties him with Kyle Busch on the career win list
The Associated Press
BROOKLYN, Mich. — Denny Hamlin went from the rear to rst again Sunday, winning at Michigan International Speedway to earn his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory.
Just like last week’s win at Nashville Superspeedway, when the Joe Gibbs Racing car started on the pole position but was penalized for jumping the start, Hamlin quali ed rst at Michigan but dropped to the back at the green ag because of a penalty for unapproved adjustments to his No. 11 Toyota.
Hamlin patiently worked his way to the front over 400 miles. He took the lead for good on a three-wide pass during a restart with 38 laps remaining, sweeping into rst around Spire Racing teammates Daniel Suarez and Carson Hocevar, a home-state favorite.
It’s the 63rd career victory for Hamlin, tying the late Kyle Busch for ninth on the Cup Series’ all-time win list.
“Great job, guys,” Hamlin radioed his crew. “Great car. Unbelievable. We love you, KB.” Erik Jones (another Michigan native) nished second, followed by Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson and Hocevar.
Crash causes red
The race was stopped with 51 laps remaining to repair a damaged SAFER barrier after a hard crash involving Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott.
During a restart on the 148th lap, the drivers were running side by side for second. Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet bobbled and skidded up the track into Bell’s No. 20 Toyota, which shot into the outside wall at the 2-mile oval where speeds top 200 mph.
“Great job, guys. Great car. Unbelievable. We love you, KB.”
Denny Hamlin, on radio with his crew after winning
The impact with Bell’s Camry severely deformed the SAFER barrier, which is comprised of steel and foam to absorb energy in wrecks. A red ag was displayed for 20 minutes to x the damaged section of the barrier.
Both drivers climbed from
their cars and walked to an ambulance for a trip to the track’s in eld care center. Elliott patted Bell on the shoulder and apologized for the wreck before they entered the ambulance.
“I’m ne; it was totally my fault,” Elliott said. “I feel really bad for Bell, just taking him out. I was trying to run on the bottom and make use of our fresh tires and at least get to second and hopefully stay side by side with him. I got in there and got free and thought I was going to spin and was committing to spin out, and as soon as I started to commit to spinning, it just hooked up and hooked a right. Unfortu-
nately, it sent Christopher into the wall super hard, and then me shortly there behind.
“Just racing really hard. I felt like that was kind of a turning point in the race. We needed to make something happen. I stepped over the line again and paid for it. … I just told him I’m sorry. Obviously, it was not on purpose.”
Rough rookie season
A nightmarish debut season in the Cup Series continued for Connor Zilisch, who crashed twice in the rst eight laps and nished last in the 37-car eld.
The Trackhouse Racing driver has nished outside the top 30 the past three races and is still seeking the rst top 10 of his rookie campaign.
“I was really loose, but it’s just unfortunate,” Zilisch said.
“Another short race for us. We’ll go try and get them at Pocono next week.”
Up next
The Cup Series will make its lone trip this season to Pocono Raceway on Sunday. Chase Briscoe won last year to earn his rst victory with Joe Gibbs Racing.
BEN JACKSON / AP PHOTO
PAUL SANCYA / AP PHOTO
Denny Hamlin drives during his NASCAR Cup Series win Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.
SIDELINE REPORT
NFL
Broncos linebacker Cooper arrested on domestic violence charges
Englewood, Colo.
Denver Broncos linebacker
Jonathon Cooper has been arrested on domestic violence charges. Jail records show he faces two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief. The Broncos said last Friday they are aware of the situation and are gathering more information. Cooper, a seventh-round draft pick from Ohio State in 2021, is entering his sixth season with the team. He has started every game since 2023 and has 311⁄2 career sacks.
UFC
Lawsuit seeks to stop UFC ght on White House South Lawn for Trump’s birthday
New York
A federal lawsuit seeks to halt the upcoming UFC ght card on the White House South Lawn as part of the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The ling contends the event violates National Park Service regulations prohibiting sporting events on federal parklands. It also says Congress didn’t consent to the construction of the event space and no environmental review was conducted.
NHL
Meehan, one of rst Sabres, in uential GM, dead at 79
Bu alo, N.Y.
Gerry Meehan, one of the Bu alo Sabres’ rst players who went on to an in uential role as the team’s general manager, died at 79. The Sabres announced that he died last Friday. The cause and location of death were not immediately available. Meehan was from Toronto but essentially adopted Bu alo as his hometown as a player and executive. As GM, he was responsible for acquiring eventual Hall of Famers Dominik Hasek, Pat LaFontaine, Alexander Mogilny and Dale Hawerchuk spanning the late 1980s and early 1990s.
WORLD CUP
Tentative deal in place, stadium workers near LA say, averting strike ahead of World Cup Los Angeles Stadium workers near Los Angeles say they have reached a tentative contract deal, averting a strike ahead of the U.S. men’s soccer team’s opening World Cup match. The union representing 2,000 bartenders, servers, cooks and dishwashers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, voted last week to authorize a strike after contract talks had stalled with the stadium’s food service provider, Legends Global. Workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 were seeking pay increases, protections from subcontracting and security on the job amid ramped-up immigration enforcement. Eight matches are scheduled for SoFi Stadium starting Friday.
Colts QB Jones takes another signi cant step in way back from torn Achilles tendon
The former Duke quarterback was cleared to participate in drills
By Michael Marot The Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones was cleared to participate in seven-on-seven drills Monday, marking yet another signi cant step in his comeback from a torn right Achilles tendon.
Coach Shane Steichen hinted last week that Jones’ workload may increase during this week’s workouts. Jones has been throwing throughout Indy’s o season team activities, which began in April. Throughout the process, Jones has made steady progress, though he’s not expected to do full-team workouts until players report to training camp in July.
“To get him out there in seven-on-seven was huge, to get him in the fold, running plays with the guys,” Steichen said.
“It just feels more like you’re back in the swing of things and back a part of it.”
Daniel Jones
“We’ll keep that trend going, probably through the end of OTAs and then, obviously, get him into team stu at training camp. It’s spring, we don’t play for a while, so we’ve got to be smart with his injury. But he’s making great progress.”
Jones has not played since early December when he suffered the injury during a loss at Jacksonville. He also was playing with a broken bone in his left leg.
The two injuries derailed the Colts’ strong start. He wasn’t the same after the leg injury and missed the rest of the season after getting hurt against the Jaguars.
Jones spoke with reporters last week but was not available Monday.
“You just feel more a part of it, I think, prepping for practice
and the meetings, being a part of the walkthroughs, kind of going through the plays, being back there with the quarterbacks talking through things,” Jones said last Wednesday. “It just feels more like you’re back in the swing of things and back a part of it. So it’s been good this week to be back.”
The Colts continue to believe Jones is on schedule, perhaps even slightly ahead of schedule, in his recovery and remain hopeful the former Duke star and New York Giants draft pick will start the Sept. 13 season opener against Baltimore.
Jones also believes he’ll be ready for Week 1 after signing a two-year contract extension worth up to $100 million in March.
But the depth chart behind Jones remains clouded.
Steichen reiterated Monday that Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall draft pick in 2023, and Riley Leonard, a late-round pick in 2025, continue to share the snaps with Indy’s starting o ense while Jones sits out. Richardson and Leonard are competing to be Jones’ backup.
Longtime Los Angeles Chargers backup Easton Stick joined the mix Monday when Indy signed the free agent and released Seth Henigan. Steichen served as the Chargers quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for two of the six seasons Stick was with Los Angeles. Stick was with the Atlanta Falcons last year.
“We wanted to get him in, get him up to speed with everything, a really good competitor,” Steichen said while describing Stick. “He’s really smart, has some familiarity with the o ense. Obviously, things have changed, but we’ll get him in here, get him up to speed and see where it goes.”
And they’ll keep monitoring Jones, too.
“He’s been throwing routes with the guys, and we’re telling him ‘Don’t scramble, it’s seven-on-seven, be smart in these situations, if it’s not there throw it out of bounds or if you want to drop it on the ground, I’m good with that,’” Steichen said. “But, yeah, he looked good out there today.”
Poston loses 4-shot lead, comes up clutch to win Memorial in playo
The former Western Carolina golfer held o former Tar Heel Ryan Gerard
By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press
DUBLIN, Ohio — J.T. Poston built a four-shot lead Sunday morning in the rain-delayed Memorial and won the biggest tournament of his career. It just turned out to be a lot more work than he would have imagined.
Poston, a Hickory native and former Western Carolina golfer, lost his lead after 12 holes, then made a 7-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to salvage an even-par 72 and force a playo with Ryan Gerard. He then won on the second extra hole when Gerard missed a 6-foot par putt.
Gerard, a Raleigh-born UNC alum, made a 40-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole to brie y take the lead, closed with a 68 and didn’t really make a mistake over the nal four hours until the nal putt. So ended the longest day for both of them — 33 holes, including 13 in the morning to complete the third round and two playo holes. But what a payo for Poston in so many ways. He had not nished in the top 20
in his previous 13 tournaments this year. And then he delivered the goods and celebrated with a handshake with tournament host Jack Nicklaus.
“A lot of holes, a lot of grit,” Poston said. “Obviously didn’t play my best rst 12, 13 holes, but I told myself I knew I was going to shake Jack’s hand walking o 18, and I wanted to be proud of that handshake regardless of how it turned out. So I’m thrilled it happened this way.”
The perks went beyond the $4 million prize. Poston earned a spot in the next three majors with one great week — high enough in the world ranking to avoid a 36-hole quali er Mon-
day for the U.S. Open, the one British Open spot available this week, and a return to the Masters. They nished at 12-under 276 after Poston and Gerard pulled away from what had been a ve-way tie for the lead with an hour to go in the tournament. Tommy Fleetwood drilled a fairway metal to 5 feet for eagle on the par-5 15th. Wyndham Clark made a late surge. Sam Burns was never too far behind. All of them were at 11 under heading to the nal few holes.
Clark, who made birdie on the 16th to reach 11 under, closed with two pars for a
67. He wound up alone in third, one shot out of the playo . Fleetwood hit into the rough with his rst three shots on the 17th and had to scramble for bogey. He shot 68. Burns also missed the 17th fairway, and his next shot tumbled back down the rough and settled on the bridge over a small creek. He hit that to 40 feet, and his long par putt peeked into the cup and somehow stayed out. A 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th narrowly missed. He shot 69 and tied for fourth with Fleetwood.
Two storm stoppages Saturday led to the marathon Sunday. Poston did some of his best work in the morning, running o three straight birdies on the back nine for a 69 for a four-shot lead.
He had a long three-putt bogey on the third, but as Burns and Gerard and Clark began to inch closer, Poston was missing fairways and losing ground — another three-putt bogey on the ninth from long range, a bogey from deep rough on the par-3 12th, and a weak par putt from 10 feet on the 13th to fall behind for the rst time.
But he followed with an 18-foot birdie putt on the 14th, an up-and-down from the bunker for birdie on the par-5 15th and a 12-foot par save on the 17th hole when he couldn’t afford another mistake.
SUE OGROCKI / AP PHOTO
J.T. Poston celebrates after winning the Memorial golf tournament Sunday in Dublin, Ohio.
MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones throws at the team’s practice last week.
the stream
‘Michael,’ Bonnaroo, new Olivia Rodrigo, Keith Urban albums
Keith Urban goes yacht rock with “Flow State”
The Associated Press
THE STREAMING service debut of “Michael” and new albums from Olivia Rodrigo and Keith Urban are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: the new season of “Sweet Magnolias,” a new YA series “Every Year After” and the survival game “Solarpunk.”
MOVIES TO STREAM
The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” is still moonwalking its way to $900 million in theaters, but it’s available to watch at home — for $24.99 — on major platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video and YouTube. Antoine Fuqua’s movie, starring Jaafar Jackson, was sanctioned by Jackson’s estate and its producers include the estate’s executors. In his review for The Associated Press, lm writer Jake Coyle wrote that the movie “slides a sequin glove over the pop star’s tarnished legacy, shrouding Michael Jackson’s complications with a conventional biopic that, if you cover your ears, sounds great.”
Kate Hudson’s Oscar-nominated performance in “Song Sung Blue” will be on Netix starting Saturday. She plays Claire Sardina, one half of a Neil Diamond tribute act from Milwaukee, opposite Hugh Jackman in a lm that Mark Kennedy, in his AP review, called “big-hearted but misguided.”
Now that Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni ended their legal feud over the acrimonious production of “It Ends With Us,” perhaps it’s time to give the romantic drama a rewatch? It is now streaming. In his review, Kennedy called it “uneven” in its attempt to “balance the realities of domestic violence inside a rom-com and a female-empowerment movie.”
And you can’t go wrong with Abbas Kiarostami’s “Where is the Friend’s House,” which will be available Friday on Kanopy. Greta Gerwig, in an interview with The Criterion Channel, said it is “a perfect lm.”
MUSIC TO STREAM
First, she was “SOUR.” Then, she had “GUTS.” Now she’s abandoned four-letter words for the mouthful “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.”
Such are the musical and emotional complications of Rodrigo, a popstar for those who love depth of feeling and ’80s guitar pop. Her third album is prepped to be her best one yet, from the
butter ies-in-the-stomach, The Cure-referencing “Drop Dead” to, well, “The Cure,” with its early contender for “best bridge of the year.” Run, don’t walk. Welcome to music festival season! For those who love artists across genres and generations but aren’t big on getting o the couch, Disney+ and Hulu o er a solution. They’ll stream a few of the biggest U.S. fests this year, kicking things o with
“Michael” slides a sequin glove over the pop star’s tarnished legacy, shrouding Michael Jackson’s complications with a conventional biopic that, if you cover your ears, sounds great.”
Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on Thursday through Friday. Log on, settle in and enjoy The Strokes, Noah Kahan, Skrillex, RÜFÜS DU SOL and more. Urban hath returned — and now, the four-time Grammy Award-winning country music superstar is into yacht rock. “Flow State,” out Friday, is comprised of 10 covers — including a reimagination of Bread’s “The Guitar Man” with John Mayer and Walter Egan’s “Magnet and Steel” with Little Big Town. The sole original is “We Go Back,” with Michael McDonald, and it stands up to the rest of the collection. Get into that soft West Coast sound.
Also back in the fold: Rapper Rick Ross, who releases “Set in Stone” on Friday. Little has been revealed about the 19-track release, but if it is anything like the single “Minks in Miami” — a collaboration with French Montana and Max B that features a hook interpolating Rare Earth’s 1971 hit “I Just Want to Celebrate” — listeners are in for a treat.
SERIES TO STREAM
With “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and now “O Campus,” Prime Video remains committed to the YA/romance space. Its newest o ering is “Every Year After,” an eight-episode series based on a novel by Carley Fortune. It follows Percy (Sadie Soverall) and Sam (played by Matt Cornett), whose childhood friendship turned romantic before complications pulled them apart. A family tragedy reunites them and stirs up old feelings. All episodes are streaming now. “Sweet Magnolias” returns for its fth season Thursday on Net ix. JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Heather Headley and Brooke Elliott play lifelong friends living in a small town in South Carolina. Together, they navigate relationships, parenting and their careers.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
With so many steampunk and cyberpunk games out there, perhaps it’s time to move on to “Solarpunk.” The goal in this survival game from German indie studio Cyberwave is to design a new culture using renewable energy sources like sunlight, wind and water. Your home is on an island oating in the sky, and you’ll want to build an airship to travel to other islands. It’s all kind of chill compared to the dystopias you typically expect in this genre, and you can team up with friends as you try to create a pollution-free paradise. Take ight on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2 or PC.
While you’re waiting for the next NBA Finals game, why not hit the court with “NBA The Run,” a 3-on-3 street basketball throwdown? It’s the debut release from Play By Play Studios, and the developers are trying to recreate the vibe of arcade classics like “NBA Jam.” That means head-spinning footwork, gravity-defying dunks and balls that may burst into ame. There are 32 pros on the roster, including Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Jalen
of the New York Knicks, and the courts bounce from New York to Beijing. Tipo on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.
Brunson
LIONSGATE VIA AP
Jaafar Jackson stars as Michael Jackson in “Michael.”
SARAH SHATZ / FOCUS FEATURES VIA AP
“Song Sung Blue” starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman hits Net ix on Saturday.
NICOLE RIVELLI / SONY PICTURES VIA AP
The romantic drama “It Ends With Us” with Just Baldoni and Blake Lively is streaming now.
STATE & NATION
Trump o cials went after dozens of colleges; now rules for all of academia being rewritten
Federal rulemaking o ers a durable strategy after court orders blocked targeted funding cuts
By Collin Binkley
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A year ago, the White House was unleashing a blitz on higher education. At one campus after another, Trump o cials opened investigations and cut federal funding unless schools fell in line with the Republican president’s political agenda.
Now, after a campaign that put dozens of universities under investigation, President Donald Trump’s administration is taking a wider approach, moving to rewrite the federal rules that govern all of higher education. Demands that were being pressed on individual schools are being written into the ne print for thousands of U.S. universities.
“We’re coming over the higher education system and course correcting,” Nicholas Kent, undersecretary for the Education Department, said in an Associated Press interview. Unlike investigations that target individual campuses, he said the new tactic has power “to a ect 6,000 institutions.”
The shift comes after federal judges blocked Trump’s administration from making crippling cuts at Harvard and the University of California, Los Angeles. It also follows a mass exodus in civil rights lawyers who traditionally guide investigations against universities. Still, Trump hasn’t backed down from his campaign to end what he calls “wokeness” run amok in academia.
Through regulation, the administration is going after many of the same targets it hammered with investigations — diversity, equity and inclusion policies, transgender athletes, antisemitism and a variety of practices perceived as anti-white discrimination.
Several U.S. agencies propose new rules
One new rule being proposed by the Education Department would overhaul the system that decides which colleges can receive federal money, known as the accreditation process. Among other changes, the proposal would require accreditors to make sure colleges have “intellectual diversity,” a veiled call for more conservative voices.
Many people in higher education are alarmed by a proposal from the O ce of Management and Budget that would order agencies to ensure federal grants “advance the President’s policy priorities.” Trump o cials would verify that grants aren’t used to promote DEI, “anti-American values” or anything denying “the sex binary in humans,” according to the proposal issued last week. An
spokesperson said the rule aims to promote transparency.
Another proposal from the General Services Administration would require federal grant recipients, including universities and their contractors, to certify they don’t have DEI policies deemed unlawful by the administration.
At least 11 new rules have been proposed at the Education Department, including one aimed at “streamlining the process” to cut money for schools that violate the Trump administration’s interpretation of civil rights law.
Making federal rules can take months of debate in humdrum bureaucratic processes. But unlike earlier strategies that tested the limits of White House power, the rulemaking process is a widely accepted route to establish federal policy into law — without needing to go through Congress.
Some in higher education welcome the change. Unlike last year’s attacks, the new approach opens the door for a conversation, said Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, which represents college and university presidents.
“We’re playing a game that has rules and referees, and that’s good,” said Mitchell, a former Education Department o cial under President Barack Obama, a Democrat. “It gives us an opportunity to talk about where we might agree with the administration. That was impossible to do when these were just straight-on attacks.”
The administration launches fewer new investigations
Meantime, the Education and Justice departments have announced fewer higher-education investigations, issuing news releases on roughly a dozen at U.S.
universities so far this year. In the same span last year, they announced more than 70, according to an AP analysis. The exact number of new investigations is unclear — a public database has not been updated since January 2025.
Kent said the Education Department will continue to open investigations as needed, describing it as using a “scalpel to cut out the bad.” But he said colleges have started to come to heel on the administration’s priorities.
“Folks realize that it’s a new day and that we’re paying attention,” Kent said.
The vast majority of the investigations opened last year are still open. The White House struck deals with Columbia, Brown and a handful of other campuses, but most cases are unresolved with no public update in months.
Catherine Lhamon, who led the Education Department’s Ofce for Civil Rights under President Joe Biden, a Democrat, said the barrage of investigations amounted to “performance art” that grabbed attention but had little impact. After pushback from schools, she said, the Trump administration is backing o .
“It stopped putting itself in a position to lose,” said Lhamon, who now leads the Edley Center on Law and Democracy at the University of California, Berkeley.
Still, some ghts have intensied. The White House has doubled down on battles with Harvard and UCLA after federal judges blocked the administration from cutting o research funding from the campuses.
The Justice Department has sued Harvard and UCLA four times since February, alleging that both campuses tolerated antisemitism and that Harvard
“It gives us an opportunity to talk about where we might agree with the administration. That was impossible to do when these were just straight-on attacks.”
Ted Mitchell, American Council on Education president
refused to release admissions data sought by the administration. Leaders of both universities say they have worked to ght antisemitism.
Admissions cases become a top priority
A White House o cial said the investigative slowdown is also the result of a mounting focus on college admissions. The administration has been building cases against colleges accused of considering race in admissions decisions even after the Supreme Court struck down afrmative action. Those investigations can take more time because they require large data collections, said the o cial, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy.
Some of those cases are now coming to bear.
The Justice Department recently concluded that medical schools at Yale and UCLA discriminated against white and Asian American students by allegedly favoring Black and Latino applicants. The universities have defended their admissions processes, saying they were rigorous and based on merit.
Trump o cials are taking a hard-line approach against any use of race in admissions,
clashing with colleges that invite students to discuss their race in application essays. In its 2023 decision, the Supreme Court said nothing stops schools from considering how applicants’ race speaks to broader qualities.
“We are making sure,” Kent said, “that we are elevating our best and our brightest and that we’re not putting the thumb on the scale because of somebody’s skin color.”
Higher education has already been changed
Facing last year’s blitz, many campuses quietly made changes to avoid scrutiny. Some closed DEI o ces. The NCAA moved to limit transgender athletes. Universities from UCLA to Columbia tightened campus protest rules after pro-Palestinian demonstrations were the subject of federal investigations.
Research has been scaled back as top schools face continued funding cuts.
In the classroom, there’s been a chilling e ect as professors fear that what they say or teach could attract federal attention, said Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors.
Still, he’s optimistic the balance of power is shifting in universities’ favor. Students and faculty members on several campuses built pressure to reject a White House invitation last fall to sign on to aspects of Trump’s agenda in exchange for favorable access to research funding, he said. The AAUP has brought several lawsuits against the administration, including one that stopped funding cuts at UCLA.
“The sector is getting its feet under it, and it’s only getting stronger,” Wolfson said. “I can promise you that we will ght them tooth and nail.”
OMB
STEVEN SENNE / AP PHOTO
People take photos near a John Harvard statue on the Harvard campus in January 2024, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Randolph record
Marketing
The Asheboro Downtown Farmers Market is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from
to
for the
season, at
S. Church St. in Asheboro. Above, attendees picked their produce this past Saturday.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
OpenAI les con dential SEC paperwork for IPO, opening door to Wall Street debut
OpenAI has led preliminary paperwork to potentially become a publicly traded company. The company announced Monday it has submitted con dential documents to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. OpenAI says it hasn’t decided on timing yet, as there are advantages to staying private. The move follows Anthropic’s June announcement of its own IPO plans. Both companies are following SpaceX, which is also pursuing an IPO.
Social Security’s retirement trust fund faces funding shortfall
1 year earlier
Washington, D.C. Social Security’s retirement trust fund is projected to face a funding shortfall in 2032, a year earlier than previously expected. That’s according to an annual report released Tuesday. Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund will be unable to pay full bene ts in 2033, unchanged from last year’s estimate. Rising health care costs and government spending contributed to the projected depletion dates. The programs will continue issuing bene ts after those dates, but at reduced amounts. The trustees emphasize the urgency of changes, but political challenges remain.
RCSS Board of Education recognizes student achievements
Accomplishments
for education, athletics and CTE were honored at the meeting
By Ryan Henkel Randolph Record
ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Board of Education recognized a variety of students at the board’s June 1 meeting.
The rst group that the board celebrated were the high school and middle school students who had been awarded 2026 Beta State Convention awards.
“Established in 1934, The
National Beta Club is a national organization devoted to honoring and recognizing students for their achievement, character, and leadership qualities, as well as encouraging growth through service and comradery,” said Public Information O cer Amber Ward.
In total, the board recognized more than 100 students with certi cates for their accomplishments in areas of agriscience, biomedical, health and physical education, language arts, math, psychology, science, social studies, spanish, speech, spelling, U.S. history, design, marketing and communications, engineering, performing arts, arts and more.
The board also recognized
“We have a lot of people to recognize and it’s great to see the room lled.”
Superintendent Stephen Gainey
eight students who were selected to take part in Apprenticeship Randolph, a program for high school juniors and seniors to get a jump start on careers in information technology and manufacturing. The students are Lacie McPherson, Valeria Alvarez Jasso, Agustin Hernandez,
Teacher of the Year holds special ties to Trindale
A former student has put together a special career at the same school
By Bob Sutton Randolph Record
TRINITY — Christy
Hutchins knew Trindale Elementary School as a student and has embraced the school even more as a teacher.
So it has resulted in a deep connection for her with the school community.
As the school year winds down, Hutchins said she feels privileged to be labeled as the Teacher of the Year in the Randolph County School System, an honor that was bestowed on her near the beginning of the school year.
“It has just been the biggest honor I’ve ever had in my pro-
Oscar Vazquez, Jacob Woodru , David “Vinson” Childers, Ryan Hare and Adan Rivera Cardoso.
The selected students will undergo a six-week preapprenticeship summer program consisting of Randolph Community College and 40 hours per week on-the-job training.
Finally, the board honored six of the district’s track and eld athletes for their participation in the state championships.
Eastern Randolph High School’s Mirianna Corea nished as the 3A state champion for both girls’ shot put and discus, Providence Grove’s
fessional career,” said Hutchins, a fth-grade teacher at Trindale Elementary School. She has spent 26 years teaching at the school, specializing in math and science.
When she was a student, the school housed K-3 classes. She went on to Braxton Craven Middle School and then graduated from Trinity High School in 1996 before furthering her education at UNC Greensboro.
“At an early age, I had a love for teaching,” she said. Hutchins said she initially thought she would like to teach kindergarteners or second graders when she had an internship, but soon discovered that the fth graders at the K-5 school were the best t for her.
“I like to see their creative side and see their growth,” she said.
Trindale is the smallest elementary school in the county-wide district. It t well for Hutchins.
“It just feels like it’s a small family,” she said. “People ask me all the time why I never moved
Christy Hutchins, left, and Trindale Elementary School principal Emma Phillips were elated at last year’s awards ceremony.
THURSDAY
6.11.26
New CEO picked for Randolph Health
The hospital’s leadership has been in transition for several months
Randolph Record sta
Randolph Health, which operates under parent company American Healthcare Systems.
North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)
Randolph Record (ISSN 2768-5268)
Trip Ho end, Publisher
Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers
Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor
Jordan Golson, Local News Editor
Shawn Krest, Sports Editor
Dan Reeves, Features Editor
Lauren Rose, Design Editor
Bob Sutton, Randolph Editor
Ryan Henkel, Reporter
PJ Ward-Brown, Photographer
BUSINESS
David Guy, Advertising Manager
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THURSDAY JUNE 11
FRIDAY JUNE 12
SATURDAY JUNE 13
SUNDAY JUNE 14
MONDAY JUNE 15
ASHEBORO — Kevin Spiegel, who has overseen hospital operations in multiple states, is next in line to try to put Randolph Health on track.
Spiegel’s hiring as chief executive o cer was announced last week after an overhaul of administration about 2½ months earlier. This brings another development to what has been a months-long transition for
CRIME LOG
June 1
“Kevin’s extensive experience leading complex healthcare organizations, combined with his proven ability to drive operational excellence and improve patient care, makes him the ideal leader to guide our health system forward,” Michael Sarian, CEO of American Healthcare Systems, said in a statement.
Spiegel’s past includes time as CEP of Florida Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Vista Health System in Waukegan, Illinois; Erland-
• Buster Eugene Atwell, 66, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for second degree trespass and intoxicated and disruptive.
• Christopher Lee Edwards, 30, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for felony breaking and entering; obtaining property by false pretense; and maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substances, and other charges.
• Mannie James Graham, 38, of Asheboro, was arrested by NC P&P for interfering with an electronic monitoring device, simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.
• Matthew Lee McDowell, 40, of Asheboro, was arrested by NC P&P for eeing or eluding arrest with a motor vehicle.
June 2
• Jose Gilberto Arellano, 31, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for assault on a government o cial or employee, resisting a public o cer and intoxicated and disruptive.
• Kurt Joseph Hinton, 58, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of a rearm by a felon, possession of a stolen rearm and larceny of a rearm, and other charges.
• Luke Matthew Hodge, 44, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Sunshine Michelle Owen, 40, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for possession of a rearm by a felon.
• Anousone Prommasarn, 41, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for possession of a rearm by a felon.
Patrick Allen Riley, 35, of Thomasville, was arrested by RCSO for possession of a rearm by a felon.
Justin Emmanuel Stephenson, 41, of Thomasville, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of a rearm by a felon and possession of a stolen rearm.
June 3
er Health System in Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Tim Ford had been CEO of Randolph Health since the summer of 2021 until earlier this year. Dr. William Keates was appointed interim CEO in mid-March.
• Frenchi Lacina Blackwell, 38, of Liberty, was arrested by Liberty PD for assault in icting serious injury, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and communicating threats, and other charges.
• Gary Parks Blackwell, 41, of Liberty, was arrested by Liberty PD for assault on a female and possession of marijuana.
• Adalberto Adalberto Castillo-Arroyo, 31, of Winston-Salem, was arrested by RCSO for possession of methamphetamine, carrying a concealed gun and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.
• Jonathan Michael Cole, 34, of Ramseur, was arrested by Asheboro PD for identity theft and violation of a domestic violence protective order.
• Amiyah Michelle Hampton, 23, of Randleman, was arrested by Asheboro PD for cyberstalking.
• Thomas Julian Hodgin, 33, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for misdemeanor larceny.
• Angela Carmel Snuggs, 58, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for felony conspiracy.
• Mario Donte Snuggs, 41, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for felony conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.
• Jimmy Ray Spencer, 45, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for felony breaking and entering, felony larceny and possession of burglary tools.
• Tosha Nichole Walden, 40, of Asheboro, was arrested by NCHP for driving while impaired.
• Ashley Nicole Young, 33, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver fentanyl; manufacture, sell, deliver or possess a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school; and possession of fentanyl, and other charges.
TUESDAY JUNE 16
WEDNESDAY JUNE 17
HUTCHENS from page A1
There was a time when Hutchins said it was special when a sibling of one of her former students would be in her class.
“Now I’m in a phase of my career where there are former students and I’m teaching their children,” she said.
That has caught some parents o guard because she was known as “Miss Freeman” for a large portion of her career prior to marrying.
“I’ve heard from some of them when they’ve come in that they didn’t realize I was still here,” Hutchins said. “But they’ve said, ‘I’m so glad you’re still here.’ That’s so special to hear. … Parents feel comfortable having their kids here.”
BOE from page A1 to another school. It’s because this is my home.”
Laurel Bernhardt nished in third for the 3A girls’ 1,600 meter and from Randleman High School, Jazai Cassady nished as the 4A state champion for the boys’ triple jump, Brycen Nall nished fourth in the boys’ 400 meter, Izaiah
Hutchins’ grandparents and parents were Trinity graduates. Her brother, Cody Freeman, works at the high school as a custodian and bus driver, so that connection remains strong.
Since receiving the RCSS Teacher of the year honor, Hutchins advanced to become a North Carolina Regional Teacher of the Year nalist. Previously in her career, she was recognized as Randolph County’s recipient as Outstanding Math Educator in 2019.
Hutchins has served on a county-level math team to help with instructional initiatives and has been involved in Trindale’s mentor program for beginning teachers. She also had a speaking role at a UNCG career fair since becoming Teacher of the Year.
But it all comes back to her
Troxler nished fourth in boys’ shot put, and Alexis Vaughn nished fourth in girls’ shot put. “We have a lot of people to recognize, and it’s great to see the room lled,” said Superintendent Stephen Gainey.
In addition, the board was presented with a $5,000
a ection for Trindale Elementary School.
“When you nd a place you know and it feels like home, why would you leave?” Hutchins said. “It has been a wonderful year and a wonderful career.”
Other RCSS Teacher of the Year nalists were Adam Brown (Northeastern Randolph Middle School), Julie Richardson (Grays Chapel Elementary School), James Price (Trinity Middle School) and Chase Willard (Southeastern Randolph Middle School).
Finalists for the 2026-27 Teacher of the Year are: Zack Brown (Trinity High School), Burton Kelsey (Wheatmore High School), Faith Lowery (Randleman High School), Jessica Powell (John Lawrence Elementary School) and Erin Stalker (Providence Grove High School).
Foundation Grant awarded to Randleman High School from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. The funds will be used to purchase an industrial washing machine. The Randolph County Schools Board of Education will next meet June 29.
Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in Randolph County.
June 13
Guide
6 p.m.
Randolph Arts Council Plein Air Bene t and Silent Art Auction
A cocktail-hour fundraiser and membership drive for the Randolph Arts Council, featuring a silent auction of canvas work created by local artists during the June 5-7 Plein Air Paint Weekend. Tickets, which include an annual Arts Council membership, are $95 general and $50 for life members.
George Washington Carver Center 950 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Asheboro
Run Wild 5K at the North Carolina Zoo 7:30 a.m.
Runners take a 5K course through the zoo’s Africa and North America exhibits, winding past lion and red wolf habitats. Registration proceeds bene t North Carolina native salamander conservation. The event is sold out.
North Carolina Zoo –Solar Pointe 4401 Zoo Parkway Asheboro
June 14
Summer Concert Series — Part Time Party Time Band 6 p.m.
The free City of Asheboro Sunday Concert Series continues with Part Time Party Time Band, a southeastern ensemble that has performed alongside acts including The Four Tops, The Tams and The Beach Boys since 1980. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Bicentennial Park 135 Sunset Ave. Asheboro
June 19
Friday Night Bluegrass — New Direction Bluegrass 7 p.m.
The Sunset Theatre hosts New Direction Bluegrass as part of its Friday Night Bluegrass series. Tickets available through sunsettheatre. thundertix.com.
Sunset Theatre 234 Sunset Ave. Asheboro
Market & Music featuring Cornbread Cowboys 7 p.m.
The Randleman Market & Music summer concert series continues with Cornbread Cowboys performing live from 7-10 p.m. Food trucks and the Four Saints Brewing Company beer garden open at 5 p.m.; admission is free. Commerce Square Park 120 Commerce Square Randleman Randolph
COURTESY PHOTO Kevin Spiegel
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Having di cult conversations
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age.
THEY ARE CALLED di cult conversations for a reason. But the ironic thing is, for the most part, the di culty is almost always in starting the conversation, not in the reaction to the topic itself. I know from my experiences that most people are self-aware enough that if I think there is a real problem that needs addressing, they do too. The problem is they don’t want to start the conversation either, so it festers. And that makes it harder on both sides.
As someone who has managed many people in my professional career, one of the most surprisingly di cult conversations I ever had illustrates this. One of my employees was underperforming badly. Missing deadlines, showing up late for meetings, unreliable work product, almost everything was o . But he was (and still is) a great person to be around, and everyone liked him. So I delayed the conversation and hoped it would get better. It didn’t.
When it was nally time for his formal end-of-year review, I was very honest with him and told him that if he continued to perform the way he had that he would be
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
terminated in the coming months. I’ll never forget the look on his face when, rather than being defensive, angry or even surprised, he simply responded, “Thank you for being so honest. I needed to hear that.”
Approached correctly, you are likely to have a similar experience when you broach di cult nancial conversations. It’s not that people are unaware they should communicate on these topics, it’s that to discuss someone’s nancial success, or lack thereof, can feel like a crude judgment. Or to discuss someone’s death can feel like you don’t appropriately value their life. In fact, when broached with care and respect, the most common response is a thank you for bringing it up — they have wanted to talk about it too.
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age. Whether you are in high school and want to consider what college you can a ord to attend or if you are my age and have elderly parents you need to discuss wishes for care and their wills with, it always feels invasive. But the alternative is so much worse — you need to
The SPLC’s real scam
How can any reputable media outlet ever use the SPLC as a source again?
IT TURNS OUT that the most generous funder of white supremacist groups in the United States was likely the Southern Poverty Law Center.
At least that’s what the Department of Justice’s superseding indictment against the SPLC alleges.
The organization secretly paid informants to engage in the active promotion and funding of racist groups while denouncing and “ ghting” the very same groups in public. The SPLC purportedly created ctitious entities to hide funding from their donors.
The SPLC, for instance, is accused of bankrolling the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally, paying a leader nearly $300,000 to post racist messages, organize and even transport people to the infamous Charlottesville protest, where one person was killed.
In another instance, a pair of white supremacists who approached the SPLC about leaving the Klan were encouraged to stay in the group and recruit new members. Given salaries, the two men were allegedly reimbursed for the costs of their activities, including those “incurred for cross-burning events, to include the wood and fuel used.”
In the end, I’m not sure what the legal jeopardy there is in engaging in this brand of duplicitous activity, but it is without a doubt corrupt, fraudulent, immoral and bad for the country.
Many people correctly point out that SPLC is merely interested in keeping white supremacist groups operational to justify its existence. White nationalists and identitarian groups have no genuine political power or support, so it makes sense that SPLC and other groups would prop them up for fundraising. The
notion that Americans live in a nation of deep -seated systemic and cultural racism is a foundational belief of the American left. Having a bunch of cartoonishly racist groups running around the country not only perpetuates the myth but helps raise money.
But a far more vital objective of the SPLC is destroying the reputations of e ective legitimate organizations that are involved in mainstream political debates that have absolutely nothing to do with racism or extremism.
The purpose of the “hate” maps and enemies’ lists compiled by SPLC isn’t to alert Americans about local skinheads but to associate those skinheads with the American College of Pediatricians, Family Research Council, Ben Carson, Turning Point USA, American Family Association and Moms for Liberty.
In 2016, for instance, the SPLC “Hate and Extremism” list added Alliance Defending Freedom, a highly e ective legal organization that’s won multiple religious freedom cases in front of the Supreme Court. Oftentimes the ADF represents minority clients. Its most high-pro le case involved Jack Phillips, the persecuted cake maker from Colorado whose First Amendment rights were stripped by the government. But the group also takes on cases regarding state funding for abortion or the biological males competing in girls’ sports.
You may disagree with ADF’s positions on those issues, but only an extremist progressive actually considers it a “hate” group worthy of inclusion on a list with “neo-confederates.” It’s not the pinhead “Neo Volkisch” that concerns the SPLC, it’s the impressive lawyer with the ADF.
By making their case to the press, these
nd a way today to begin those conversations. There are too many examples of kids working hard to get into a college they can’t possibly pay for, and too many examples of parents passing away without communicating their wishes and intents. My retirement team here at the department would also want me to remind you that while you’re having those conversations, please be sure that everyone has updated their nancial bene ciaries and other legal designations to align with their current wishes! Remember that nancial success, or lack of success, is not a referendum on someone’s worth. And eventually, no matter who you are, someone else will have to deal with your nancial a airs, despite how much you want to keep them to yourself. So spend some time today guring out how to talk to your parents, signi cant other or kids about money. Discuss goals, dreams and intent. And you’ll likely be surprised by just how happy they are that you did.
Brad Briner is state treasurer of North Carolina.
conservatives are wisely appealing to the SPLC’s most powerful source of in uence. Yet the SPLC’s “hate list” has been treated as an authoritative source on extremism by virtually every legacy media outlet for years.
During the height of BLM protests and riots, The New York Times cited the SPLC as an unimpeachable authority on hate groups in hundreds of stories over a one-year span. The group was cited by the paper thousands of times over the previous decade. That’s a single media organization. From the mid-2010s through 2025, when the SPLC was sending millions to prop up the worst right-wing extremists in the country, virtually any story about rising extremism on NBC News featured the SPLC. The question is, how can any reputable media outlet, much less a government agency, ever use the SPLC as a source again?
They’ll try. Even now, outlets like The Associated Press refer to the SPLC as a “civil rights” group. The SPLC, formed in 1971 by civil rights activists in Montgomery, Alabama, hasn’t been ghting for the rights of African Americans for a long time. By the mid-1980s, the SPLC had already shifted away from the civil rights ght to rooting out “right-wing extremism.” In 1986, the entire legal sta , save founder Morris Dees (who was pushed out of the organization in 2019 after allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination), quit over the change.
The SPLC, probably super uous when it was formed, has long been a shady left-wing activist group with a near-billion-dollar endowment. The new indictment only further con rms it was worse than we thought.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
COLUMN | BRAD BRINER
Geneva Mae Hedrick Childress Varner
Nov. 5, 1932 – May 31, 2026
Geneva Mae Hedrick Childress Varner, 93, of Thomasville, passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. Geneva was born on Nov. 5, 1932, in Guilford County to Adam Franklin Hedrick and Mary Mae Watson Hedrick. In her early childhood, she moved to Randolph County, where she was raised and continued to reside for much of her life. On Nov. 11, 1950, Geneva married Paul Childress, who preceded her in death in July 1979. Together, they had two daughters: Paula Lynn Kellum (and husband Wayne Kellum, who preceded her in death in 2021) and Wendy Kaye Gri n (and husband Sidney) of Sophia, North Carolina. Geneva was blessed with three grandsons: Eric Mason, who preceded her in death on April 15, 2026, and Eric’s wife Amy of Thomasville; Pastor Brad Kellum and his wife Nicole of Delaware; and Brentley Kellum of Charlottesville, Virginia. She also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren: Cody Mason, Matthew Mason, Ethan Kellum, Emma Kellum, Wesley Kellum, Holden Kellum, Bella Kellum, Beckett Kellum, and Tinley Kellum. She was also a proud great-great-grandmother to Piper Mason. On Dec. 10, 1982, Geneva married Colvin Leonard Varner, who preceded her in death. Through this union, she gained stepchildren: Gilda Varner Dedmon (and husband Chuck) and Linda Varner Bowers (and husband Mike) of Thomasville, who passed away in 2025, as well as stepson Timothy Varner and his wife Katrina of Lansing, North Carolina. She also had step-grandchildren Charlie Dedmon, Aaron Dedmon, and Rebecca, who preceded her in death in 2021. Geneva will be remembered for her devotion to her family and the love she shared across generations. Her legacy lives on in the many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whose lives she touched. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, with Dr. Reverend Jim Sumney O ciating. Committal will follow the service at Floral Garden Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of owers, the family requests that you
Shirley Ann Blake
July 9, 1940 – June 6, 2026
Mrs. Shirley Ann Covington Blake, 85, of Troy passed away at her home, surrounded by her family Saturday, June 6, 2026, after an extended illness.
Services for Mrs. Blake will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Love Joy Church Arboretum, Troy, N.C. Visitation will be prior to the service from 1-1:55 p.m. at the Arboretum. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. A complete obituary is to follow.
obituaries
Shirley Jean Kidd
Sept. 9, 1942 – May 31, 2026
Shirley Jean Lavender Kidd, 83, of Asheboro, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Hospice Home of High Point. Born Sept. 9, 1942, in Guilford County, she was a daughter to the late Charles Lavender and the late Gertrude Saltz Briles. Shirley grew up in High Point and after high school she worked in textile manufacturing all of her life. She loved being with her family and a quick chat with friends. After her health declined, she liked to just stay at home. She continued to enjoy having company at home and visits from friends and all of her family.
She married the love of her life, Terry Gene Kidd on Nov. 13, 1982, in Dillon, South Carolina and they enjoyed their life together until his passing in 2025.
She is survived by sons, Timmy Kidd and his wife, Brenda, Ronnie Holland and wife Sandra, and Dwayne “Doodle” Holland and wife, Marie; daughter, Debbie Herring and husband Stan; brother, Charlie Lavender Jr.; grandchildren, Megan, Angie, Melissa, Michael, Crystal, BJ, Dusty, Shellie, and Brandi; nineteen great grandchildren; four cats and one dog. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded by a son, Clinton Holland and sister, Ruth Kai. No services are planned at this time.
March 23, 1957 –June 4, 2026
Terri Lee Garner York of Robbins, NC, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born to Coolidge Garner and Elizabeth Mae Williams Garner on March 23, 1957.
Terri worked in the o ce of the Moore County Clerk of Court in Carthage, NC and retired in 2019 after nineteen years.
Terri was proceeded in death by her parents and her daughter, Erin Lee York. Left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Josh York (Brooke), grandchildren, Gracie York, Jake York, Gus York, Jenna York Patterson (Ethan), her rst greatgranddaughter Claire Patterson, due this month, her sister Jan G. Simmons (Mike), niece and nephew, Katie S. Brown (Timmy) and Brandon Simmons (Heather). She also leaves behind many loving great nieces and nephews, cousins and good friends.
The family would like to give special thanks to Terri’s Hospice Nurse, Lauren Morgan, and the nursing sta of First Health Hospice House.
To honor Terri’s wishes there will be no funeral services.
Please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice in Terri’s memory.
Vicky Williams Strider
March 15, 1959 –May 31, 2026
Vicky Williams Strider, 67, of Robbins, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 31, 2026 at home, surrounded by family. She was the daughter of the late Worthy “Sugar Tom” and Carol Lee Baber Williams.
She will be remembered for her warm smile, friendly personality, sense of humor, strong independence, willingness to help anyone in need, and unwavering love for her family. The true joy of her life was being a mother and “Meme.” She loved the Lord and attended Beulah Baptist Church. Her formative years were spent at Rock Hill Friends Church which in uenced her relationship with Christ throughout her life.
After graduating from North Moore High School in 1977, Vicky attended Sandhills Community College where she earned an associate’s degree in accounting. She worked as a nance director for 24 years and later as a property manager for 10 years. Though dedicated to her career, her most treasured role was being “Meme” to her adoring grandchildren. In that role, she was playful, energetic, and enjoyed nding fun activities to entertain the kids.
Vicky was always active and full of life. In her free time she enjoyed taking walks, serving others, traveling, playing with her grandchildren, and spending time with family and friends.
She is survived by her loving daughter Brooke Strider Hunter, son-in-law Jace Hunter, and grandchildren, Luke and Lacey. She is also survived by her devoted ancé Barney Hussey, bonus daughter Stacey Morgan (Chris), bonus grandchildren, McKinley (Jase Nelson), Kolby (Lily Jones) and Keiton, and bonus great-granddaughter, Lakelee.
Vicky was predeceased by her parents, one brother, Garry Williams, and bonus son, Keith Hussey.
In addition to her dear family mentioned above, Vicky is loved and survived by three brothers: Edwin (Ruth), Lynn (Linda) and Tommy (Lisa) Williams of Robbins and two sisters: Linda “Susie” Kearns (Charles) and Darlene Samples (Mark) of Carthage. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at Beulah Baptist Church, 8454 Howard Mill Road in Bennett, NC. Family will receive friends in the fellowship hall following the service.
In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to Beulah Baptist Church, 8454 Howard Mill Road, Bennett, NC 27208 or Rock Hill Friends Church, 148 Rock Hill Friends Church Road, Eagle Springs, NC 27242.
Lois Dale Stiles
July 18, 1936 – June 4, 2026
Lois Dale Stiles, 89, of Asheboro, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Cross Road Retirement Community in Asheboro.
Arrangements are incomplete
William Gregory Kurdian Sr.
Nov. 2, 1934 – May 31, 2026
William “Bill” Kurdian Sr., 91, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, following a long and courageous journey with Parkinson’s disease.
Born on Nov. 2, 1934, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, Bill was the son of Charles and Pauline Shaver Kurdian.
Throughout his life, his faith in Christ was the foundation upon which he built his family, career, and friendships. He loved the Lord wholeheartedly and faithfully shared the love and hope of Jesus with everyone he met.
An avid outdoorsman, Bill found peace and joy in God’s creation. He enjoyed hunting, shing, archery, woodworking, and restoring vintage cars. Some of his most treasured moments were spent before dawn in a tree stand, quietly praying, re ecting on Scripture, and communing with the Lord as the world awakened around him.
In his professional life, Bill worked for General Motors and raced cars for Pontiac in his younger years. He later enjoyed a successful career with Matlab, Inc., retiring as Vice President of Corporate A airs.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Pauline Kurdian; his brother, Charles Robert “Bob” Kurdian (Wanda); his sisters, Rita Butler and Pauline “Polly” Kurdian; and his great-granddaughter, Hadley Mae Kurdian.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Gayle Kurdian (who he called his angel); his children, Greg Kurdian, Steve Kurdian, and Jenny Peddycord Boyd (Lomax); his grandchildren, Spencer and Casey Kurdian (Erica), and Hannah, Ayden, and Dalton Boyd; his greatgrandson, Hudson Kurdian; his sister, Priscilla “Priss” Johnson, and many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
While his family grieves his absence, they rejoice in the assurance that Bill is now healed, whole, and at peace in the presence of the Savior he loved and served so faithfully. His legacy of faith, love, integrity, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Beulah Baptist Church with Dr. Neal Jackson o ciating. Burial will follow the service at Randolph Memorial Park with military honors provided by the Randolph County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. in the church sanctuary.
In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to the Randolph County Family Crisis Center, 235 E. Academy Street, Asheboro, NC 27203.
at this time.
Born on July 18, 1936, in Luzerne, PA, Lois was the daughter of the late Hall and Lucille Dale. She was a retired social worker. In addition to her parents, Lois was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Thomas Stiles Sr.
Surviving are her children, Thomas Stiles Jr., Tammy Stiles, Timothy Stiles (Joan), Trisha Valcich; grandchildren, Thomas Stiles, Samantha Stiles, Zachary Stiles, Cody Shinn (Jon), Raine Valcich, Reese Valcich; great grandchildren, Bryce, Jonathan, Ryleigh, Jackson, Hattie, Harley; great-great grandchildren, Willow, Adeline; and dog, Lilly. The family would like to thank the sta of Cross Road Memory Care for the excellent care provided to Lois in her nal years.
Brenda Messer Lowder
May 23, 1959 – June 1, 2026
Brenda Kay Messer Lowder, 67, of Archdale, NC, passed away on June 1, 2026. She was a loving daughter and sister, wife and mom, and an unbelievably proud Nana. Brenda was born in Guilford County to Annie Mae and Elijah Messer on May 23, 1959. She graduated from Trinity High School. Brenda worked for many companies throughout her life, most notably Royal Development and Mendenhall Auto Auction in High Point as well as Arski Towing. Brenda is survived by her brother Larry Messer and his wife Theresa, son Christopher Saunders, step-son Nathan Lowder (and wife Summer), Daniel Lowder (and wife Mymy), and stepdaughter Sarah Lowder. She is also survived by her beloved cousin Sherrie Messer (and son Jason) and husband Willie, and her nieces Megan and Kristin Ramsey. She has many loving grandchildren, including Alexis and Tyler Saunders, and Amelia and Addison, Hunter, Daisy and Xavier. She is preceded in death by her parents, Annie Mae and Elijah Messer, her brother Kenneth Wayne Messer, her sister Teresa Ramsey, and her husband, Michael Lowder. Visitation will be held at Cumby Family Funeral Homes - High Point on June 7, 2026 at 1 p.m. A family internment ceremony at Floral Garden Park Cemetery in High Point will be scheduled at a later date. Brenda, Mom, Nana, is and will be forever loved and missed.
Clarence Ray “C.R.” Evans Jr.
Sept. 22, 1935 – June 3, 2026
Clarence Ray “C.R.” Evans Jr., 90, of Randleman, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Randolph Hospice House surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 22, 1935 in Guilford County to Clarence Ray Evans Sr. and Annie May Lyman Evans. C.R. was married to the love of his life, Margaret Kennedy Evans, for over 70 years. They built a wonderful life in the Randleman community with their daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. C.R. will be remembered as a loving and caring family man. He enjoyed his career in construction and home building for 40 years. After retiring, he could be found outside in his garden. C.R. loved going to the coast and shing, especially o the pier and deepsea shing. He will be loved and missed by all.
C.R. is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Evans of the home; daughters, Pamela McCoy (James) of Asheboro, Patricia McBride (Ricky) of Star, Lori Cockman (Donald) of Pleasant Garden, Teresa Richardson (Jason) of Level Cross; grandchildren, Nichole, Morgan, Zach, Justin, Staci, Sara, Dusty, Travis, Damon; and 12 greatgrandchildren.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home in Randleman. A graveside service will start at 1:00 p.m. at Level Cross United Methodist Church Cemetery with Je Nobles o ciating.
In lieu of owers, the family asks for donations in C.R.’s name to be given to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203.
Terri Garner York
Ronald Eugene Parrish Sr.
July 20, 1941 – June 1, 2026
Ronald Eugene Parrish Sr., 84, of Trinity, passed away Monday, June 1, 2026, in Henderson, NC.
Born July 20, 1941, in High Point, to the late Henry Benson Parrish and the late Mary Ruth Kernodle Parrish.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Ervin.
Ronald was a man of many trades; he was a truck driver most of his career. He was loving called “Pops” by his grandchildren
Left to cherish his memory, his wife, Glenda Parrish; son, Ron Parrish and wife Ashley of E and; daughter, Lora Ann Laster and husband Mike of Trinity; grandchildren, Amber Richardson (Matt Robertson), Aaron Laster (Jocelin Knight), and Wyatt Parrish; great grandchildren, Trinity Richardson, Kinsley Gobble , Blake Laster, and Millie Laster; brothers Wayne Parrish and Jimmy Parrish; and his sisters, Ann Vickers, and Gail Parrish.
Funeral service will be 2:00
PM Monday, June 8, 2026, in the Archdale chapel of Wright Funerals-Cremations with Pastor Michael Mabe o ciating.
Burial will follow in Holly Hill Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM prior to the service.
Wright Funerals-Cremations, Archdale is in charge of arrangements.
Rose Ella Woodell Allen
Dec. 15, 1949 – June 3, 2026
Rose Ella Woodell Allen, age 76, of Franklinville passed away on June 3, 2026 at Randolph Hospital.
Mrs. Allen was born in Kansas on Dec. 15, 1949 to Wesley and Gloria Swanson Woodell. Rose was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church. She was employed in the accounting department of various industries. In the last 14 years of her career, Rose was employed with EFI, retiring as CFO. She enjoyed traveling to both the mountains and coast, traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway from end to end. Rose loved collecting Swaroski Crystal and antique dolls.
In addition to her parents, Rose was preceded in death by her brothers, Tim and Wayne Woodell.
She is survived by her husband of 32½ years, Nevitt Allen and brother, Ronnie Woodell of Greensboro.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Bethlehem United Methodist Church Cemetery, 2334 North Plank Road in Sanford.
Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is proudly serving the Allen family.
Philip Jason Frazier
June 25, 1971 – June 1, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Philip Jason Frazier, age 54, of Siler City, NC on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro, NC. He is survived by his parents Thomas Earle Frazier and Carol P. Frazier, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was a proud graduate of Oak Ridge Military Academy class of 1989, and furthered his service commitment by enlisting in the U.S. Army where he served for seven years in the 82nd Airborne Division. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army he worked maintenance within the apartment management sector.
Jason’s (better known as P.J.) life was enriched by his many passions. He was deeply involved in the rodeo community, both as a bull rider and a judge. His love for sports also extended to softball and coaching baseball, where he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm with young athletes. Additionally, he cherished the times spent duck hunting with his close friend Berry Craven (B.J.).
Jason was a member of Piney Grove Methodist Church, Siler City. There will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date, where family, friends, and all who were touched by his life will gather to honor and remember him. May he rest in peace and eternal happiness.
Memorials may be made to: Piney Grove Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 9, Siler City, NC 27344 or N.C. High School Rodeo Association, 215 Button Branch Lane, Lagrange, NC 28551.
Jimmy Partin
Jan. 14, 1957 – June 7, 2026
Jimmy Lee Partin, 69, of Sophia, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Hospice of Randolph County. Born Jan. 14, 1957, in Middlesboro, KY to the late Lawrence Partin and the late Vina Scenters Napier. Jimmy liked shing and loved the outdoors. He was a Big San Francisco 49er’s fan. Jimmy was a simple man who liked to laugh a lot. He is survived by his wife, Linda Partin, of the home; sons, Samuel Partin of the home and David Hill; daughters, Casey Partin of the home, Josey Partin of Archdale, Jessi Saruse and husband Christopher of Randleman, and Brandi Hill; brother, Ricky Partin of the home; sister, Vicky Partin of Kentucky; ve grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. No formal services are planned at this time. Wright Funerals-Cremations, Archdale is in charge of arrangements.
Donna Cagle
April 3, 1952 – June 2, 2026
Donna Kinney Cagle, age 74, of Randleman passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Wesley Long Hospital. She was born April 3, 1952 in Randolph County, North Carolina the daughter of the late Boyd Kinney and Bernett Woodell Kinney. Also preceding her in death are her husbands, Bobby Cagle and Christopher Price; grandson, Hudson Kinney; sister, Peggy Reynolds; and brothers, Jimmy Kinney and Larry Kinney.
Donna’s vibrant spirit and generous heart left an indelible mark on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. With a spark all her own, she lived life with sass and spunk, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her sel essness knew no bounds, and she was always willing to give the shirt o her back to support others. Shopping was one of her great joys, and she had an uncanny ability to nd bargains that others might overlook. Anything on clearance was a treasure that undoubtedly found its way home with her, much to her family’s bewilderment. Even if she had no apparent need for the item, she was determined to nd a useful home for her incredible hard-won treasures. Donna’s love for nature was evident in the way she lovingly adorned her yard with owers and various decorations, creating a haven of beauty and color for herself and others to enjoy. A fan of NASCAR, Donna reveled in the excitement of the races. Her vacations to Daytona Beach were cherished moments where she could relax, soak up the sun, and spend time with those she loved.
Above all, Donna valued the time spent with family and friends, creating memories lled with laughter, love, and joy. Her legacy is one of kindness, warmth, and a zest for life that continues to inspire those she leaves behind.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, Mark Kinney; step daughter, Kristie Price; grandchildren, Brandon Adkins, Savannah Kinney and Mark Allen Kinney Jr.; great grandchildren, Oakley Mullens, Ruby Mullens, Colt Mullens, Adalynn Mullens, and Emerson Bray; canine companion, Blue the pitbull; and numerous other beloved family and friends. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Randolph Memorial Park, 4538 U.S. 220 Business, Asheboro, NC with Pastor Donnie Neas o ciating.
Calvin Dean Williams
May 20, 1957 – June 7, 2026
Calvin Dean Williams, 69, of Sophia, died Sunday, June 7, 2026, at High Point Medical Center in High Point.
A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Randolph Memorial Park, Asheboro, with Pastor Joe Farlow o ciating. Born in Buncombe County, NC on May 20, 1957, Calvin was the son of the late O.V. and Norma Jean Davis Williams. He retired from Energizer and was a member of Berean Memorial Baptist Church in Sophia. Calvin enjoyed traveling to the mountains.
In addition to his parents, Calvin was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Williams; and his sister, Roma Martin. He is survived by his brother, Albert Williams (Sharon) of Sophia. In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 70360, Philadelphia, PA 191760360.
Joyce Denise McCorquodale
Jan. 16, 1955 – June 6, 2026
Joyce Denise McCorquodale, 71, of Franklinville passed away on June 6, 2026 at Randolph Hospice House.
Joyce was born on Jan. 16, 1955 in Randolph County to parents Laurie Eugene Hiatt Sr. and Lillie Kidd Hiatt. She worked for 35 years with Ramtex, later working at Crossroads Retirement Community for 8 years until she retired. She also worked as a licensed minister in the Help Ministry with several local churches. Joyce, also known as Joy, was a very private person and worked diligently at whatever she set her hands to do. She had a unique ability to gure things out and could x anything. She loved the Lord and was well read and versed in the Bible, walking humbly and circumspectly with the Lord.
Stephen David Brune
July 2, 1959 – June 4, 2026
Stephen “Steve” David Brune, age 66, of Pleasant Garden passed away June 4, 2026 at The Randolph Hospice House. He was born July 2, 1959 in Long Beach, New York the son of the late Stephen Shaw Brune and Frances Edwards Millis. He is also preceded in death by his stepfather, Tom Millis. Steve’s journey through life was de ned by his unwavering passion and generosity. As a master automotive technician, his expertise with forklift hydraulics, automobiles, and small engines was nothing short of remarkable. His hands not only xed machines but also extended help to those in need, o ering repairs to neighbors and friends when nancial constraints stood in their way. This sel ess spirit endeared him to many in the community. Beyond his professional skills, Steve had a deep love for all things automotive. His enthusiasm for NASCAR, car shows, and classic cars was a lifelong passion. Whether it was under the hood of an old engine or watching a race, Steve found joy and camaraderie in these moments. He relished the time spent outdoors, tending to his vegetable gardens with his friends, and gathering with loved ones for cookouts for a homecooked meal. These gatherings were fueled by his love for the people closest, creating memories that will be cherished forever. Steve’s legacy is one of kindness, dedication, and a profound love for life’s simple pleasures and devotion to his family.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 38 years, Linda Fletcher Brune; daughter, Heather Brune-Brewer and husband Jeremy; son, Stephen Brune; grandchild, Joshua Brewer; sisters, Robin Brune Wilkerson and Michelle Millis Owens; canine companions, Sheeba the boxer and Roxy the lab; and numerous other beloved family and friends.
The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.
The family would like to thank the sta of The Randolph Hospice House for their compassionate care of Steve. In lieu of owers memorials may be made to hospice to assist families in need by clicking the link below.
Our loss is Heaven’s gain. In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her sisters, Debbie H. Taylor and Jo Anne Hiatt; as well as brotherin-laws, Bruce McNeal, Donnie Taylor, Darrell McCorquodale, “Corky” McCorquodale, and Joe McCorquodale.
Mrs. McCorquodale is survived by her husband of 48 years, Michael McCorquodale of the home; Children, Leslie Seals and husband Robert of Franklinville, Chris McCorquodale and wife Christie of Ramseur, and Elizabeth “Beth” DeMinck and husband David of New Port Ritchie, FL; grandchildren, Emme McCorquodale, Dalton Seals, Dustin Seals, Courtney DeMinck, Brittany DeMinck, and Stormie DeMinck; great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Acevedo-DeMinck; sisters, Sandy Jarrell and husband Wally of Coleridge and Kathy McNeal of Coleridge; and brother, Laurie Hiatt and wife Robin of Supply.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Lo in Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors Kevin Rollins and Wally Jarrell o ciating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Randolph Memorial Park.
Online condolences can be made at www.lo infuneralservice. com.
July 4, 1948 – June 2, 2026
Mr. Norman Edward Leonard, 77, resident of High Point, died June 2, 2026 at Hospice Home in High Point. He was born July 4, 1948 in Guilford County, a son to Colvin Ledwell and Betty Elizabeth Leonard, and was a resident of this area all his life. Following high school graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in the Vietnam War and received the Bronze Star. Upon returning home from service, he attended technical school where he learned the craft of welding and, later, was employed by Mickey Truck Body and AM Haire Manufacturing & Service Corporation until retirement. He also was a member of Southgate Baptist Church in Thomasville where he served as a church deacon. Outside of work and church, he enjoyed watching and going to races, spending time at Badin Lake (and shing there in later years), and participating in activities at his lodge, Archdale VFW Post 9899 SummersHodgin. Surviving is his daughter, Stephanie Herndon (Alan) of Thomasville; two brothers, Jerry Leonard (Brenda) and Horace Leonard (Darlene) both of Thomasville; four grandchildren, Dylan Rogers, Jacob Rogers, Nolan Herndon and Chris Herndon (Amber); ve great grandchildren, Lucas Rogers, Maddox Herndon, Lennox Herndon, Jaxson Herndon and Braxton Herndon; a niece, Michelle Leonard; four nephews, Josh Leonard, Ryan Leonard, Greg Leonard (Ann) and Tim Leonard (Annette); and a special family friend, Robin Campbell (Chris). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his daughters, Diane Charles; a daughter, Cheryl Ann Leonard; and a brother, C.L. Leonard. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, at Thomasville Church of God, 1200 W. Holly Hill Rd. Thomasville, NC 27360 with Rev. Alan Greene o ciating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 2:00-3:00 p.m., at the church. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Piedmont at 1801 Westchester Dr. High Point, NC 27262. Cumby Family Funeral Service in Archdale is assisting the family. Condolences may be made through www. cumbyfuneral.com.
Norman Edward Leonard
STATE & NATION
Trump
o cials went after dozens of colleges; now rules for all of academia being rewritten
Federal rulemaking o ers a durable strategy after court orders blocked targeted funding cuts
By Collin Binkley
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A year ago, the White House was unleashing a blitz on higher education. At one campus after another, Trump o cials opened investigations and cut federal funding unless schools fell in line with the Republican president’s political agenda.
Now, after a campaign that put dozens of universities under investigation, President Donald Trump’s administration is taking a wider approach, moving to rewrite the federal rules that govern all of higher education. Demands that were being pressed on individual schools are being written into the ne print for thousands of U.S. universities.
“We’re coming over the higher education system and course correcting,” Nicholas Kent, undersecretary for the Education Department, said in an Associated Press interview. Unlike investigations that target individual campuses, he said the new tactic has power “to a ect 6,000 institutions.”
The shift comes after federal judges blocked Trump’s administration from making crippling cuts at Harvard and the University of California, Los Angeles. It also follows a mass exodus in civil rights lawyers who traditionally guide investigations against universities. Still, Trump hasn’t backed down from his campaign to end what he calls “wokeness” run amok in academia.
Through regulation, the administration is going after many of the same targets it hammered with investigations — diversity, equity and inclusion policies, transgender athletes, antisemitism and a variety of practices perceived as anti-white discrimination.
Several U.S. agencies propose new rules
One new rule being proposed by the Education Department would overhaul the system that decides which colleges can receive federal money, known as the accreditation process. Among other changes, the proposal would require accreditors to make sure colleges have “intellectual diversity,” a veiled call for more conservative voices.
Many people in higher education are alarmed by a proposal from the O ce of Management and Budget that would order agencies to ensure federal grants “advance the President’s policy priorities.” Trump o cials would verify that grants aren’t used to promote DEI, “anti-American values” or anything denying “the sex binary in humans,” according to the proposal issued last week. An
OMB spokesperson said the rule aims to promote transparency.
Another proposal from the General Services Administration would require federal grant recipients, including universities and their contractors, to certify they don’t have DEI policies deemed unlawful by the administration.
At least 11 new rules have been proposed at the Education Department, including one aimed at “streamlining the process” to cut money for schools that violate the Trump administration’s interpretation of civil rights law.
Making federal rules can take months of debate in humdrum bureaucratic processes. But unlike earlier strategies that tested the limits of White House power, the rulemaking process is a widely accepted route to establish federal policy into law — without needing to go through Congress.
Some in higher education welcome the change. Unlike last year’s attacks, the new approach opens the door for a conversation, said Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, which represents college and university presidents.
“We’re playing a game that has rules and referees, and that’s good,” said Mitchell, a former Education Department o cial under President Barack Obama, a Democrat. “It gives us an opportunity to talk about where we might agree with the administration. That was impossible to do when these were just straight-on attacks.”
The administration launches fewer new investigations
Meantime, the Education and Justice departments have announced fewer higher-education investigations, issuing news releases on roughly a dozen at U.S.
universities so far this year. In the same span last year, they announced more than 70, according to an AP analysis. The exact number of new investigations is unclear — a public database has not been updated since January 2025.
Kent said the Education Department will continue to open investigations as needed, describing it as using a “scalpel to cut out the bad.” But he said colleges have started to come to heel on the administration’s priorities.
“Folks realize that it’s a new day and that we’re paying attention,” Kent said.
The vast majority of the investigations opened last year are still open. The White House struck deals with Columbia, Brown and a handful of other campuses, but most cases are unresolved with no public update in months.
Catherine Lhamon, who led the Education Department’s Ofce for Civil Rights under President Joe Biden, a Democrat, said the barrage of investigations amounted to “performance art” that grabbed attention but had little impact. After pushback from schools, she said, the Trump administration is backing o .
“It stopped putting itself in a position to lose,” said Lhamon, who now leads the Edley Center on Law and Democracy at the University of California, Berkeley.
Still, some ghts have intensied. The White House has doubled down on battles with Harvard and UCLA after federal judges blocked the administration from cutting o research funding from the campuses.
The Justice Department has sued Harvard and UCLA four times since February, alleging that both campuses tolerated antisemitism and that Harvard
“It gives us an opportunity to talk about where we might agree with the administration. That was impossible to do when these were just straight-on attacks.”
Ted Mitchell, President, American Council on Education
refused to release admissions data sought by the administration. Leaders of both universities say they have worked to ght antisemitism.
Admissions cases become a top priority
A White House o cial said the investigative slowdown is also the result of a mounting focus on college admissions. The administration has been building cases against colleges accused of considering race in admissions decisions even after the Supreme Court struck down afrmative action. Those investigations can take more time because they require large data collections, said the o cial, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy.
Some of those cases are now coming to bear.
The Justice Department recently concluded that medical schools at Yale and UCLA discriminated against white and Asian American students by allegedly favoring Black and Latino applicants. The universities have defended their admissions processes, saying they were rigorous and based on merit.
Trump o cials are taking a hard-line approach against any use of race in admissions,
clashing with colleges that invite students to discuss their race in application essays. In its 2023 decision, the Supreme Court said nothing stops schools from considering how applicants’ race speaks to broader qualities.
“We are making sure,” Kent said, “that we are elevating our best and our brightest and that we’re not putting the thumb on the scale because of somebody’s skin color.”
Higher education has already been changed
Facing last year’s blitz, many campuses quietly made changes to avoid scrutiny. Some closed DEI o ces. The NCAA moved to limit transgender athletes. Universities from UCLA to Columbia tightened campus protest rules after pro-Palestinian demonstrations were the subject of federal investigations.
Research has been scaled back as top schools face continued funding cuts.
In the classroom, there’s been a chilling e ect as professors fear that what they say or teach could attract federal attention, said Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors.
Still, he’s optimistic the balance of power is shifting in universities’ favor. Students and faculty members on several campuses built pressure to reject a White House invitation last fall to sign on to aspects of Trump’s agenda in exchange for favorable access to research funding, he said. The AAUP has brought several lawsuits against the administration, including one that stopped funding cuts at UCLA.
“The sector is getting its feet under it, and it’s only getting stronger,” Wolfson said. “I can promise you that we will ght them tooth and nail.”
STEVEN SENNE / AP PHOTO
People take photos near a John Harvard statue on the Harvard campus in January 2024, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
RandolpH SPORTS
Banner year: Titles come at special rate for Cougars
For the rst time, Southwestern Randolph won two team state championships in the same school year
By Bob Sutton Randolph Record
ASHEBORO — As the school year wraps up this week’s commencement ceremonies, there’s plenty to celebrate on the athletics front
at Southwestern Randolph. For the rst time in school history, two teams won state championships in the same school year.
“It’s quite an accomplishment,” athletics director Matt Kiser said. “There’s a lot of excitement around to build on.”
The boys’ soccer team claimed the state title in November. Last month, the softball team won the crown. Both championships came in Class
4A in the rst school year of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s expansion to eight classi cations. It’s the second softball state championship in two years for the Cougars. Southwestern Randolph also won a volleyball state title in 2021, so it’s been a strong decade so far.
The boys’ soccer title marked the rst team championship for a boys’ team at the school. The softball team has won
Randleman jumper hits title mark
Despite little experience, the senior captured a state championship
By Bob Sutton Randolph Record
RANDLEMAN — Jazai Cassady of Randleman was pretty much a novice triple jumper when he went to last month’s Class 4A state championships. He returned with a gold medal.
Cassady, a senior, won the Class 4A state title with a personal-best e ort of 46 feet.
“I was surprised. I didn’t think I was going to get that,” Cassady said. “I didn’t really have a good form.”
He said he worked on improving his technique, something that required him going more horizontal than vertical o the board.
Cassady said he considers himself a newcomer to triple jumping because he didn’t compete in track and eld as a junior. He said he didn’t have much success earlier in high school as a long jumper.
But he was encouraged to give jumping another try this year.
“My rst-ever (triple) jump was in the 40s and so I decided to stay with it,” he said.
Cassady, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound athlete, had never
“I didn’t think I was going to get that. I didn’t really have a good form.”
Jazai Cassady, Randleman triple jumper
until he went to North Carolina
A&T in Greensboro as a qualier for this spring’s champion-
ships. He played earlier in high school as a linebacker and defensive lineman on the Tigers’ football team.
Cassady said he’s continuing to compete in track and eld on the Amateur Athletic Union level under coach Deneal McNair, who’s also track and eld coach at Asheboro. Cassady said he’s aiming to reach the 47-foot mark in the triple jump with hopes that could lead to a college opportunity.
six total state championships. Both team championships during the 2025-26 school year were clinched in Greensboro — boys’ soccer at Guilford College, softball at UNC Greensboro.
Jimmy Walker, who coached the soccer team to the championship, was in attendance when the softball team followed his team’s achievement more than six months later.
Plenty of other Southwestern Randolph fans were on hand as well.
“One thing I think is special about it is you see how the community has supported us,” Kiser said.
“It’s unique to see the community line the roads and the signs on bridges.”
Matt Kiser, Southwestern Randolph AD
“It’s unique to see the community line the roads and the signs on bridges,” he said.
There were other notable Southwestern Randolph team successes this school year. The girls’ golf team won the Four Rivers Conference and the baseball team advanced to the regional nals of the state playo s for the rst time.
For the state nals, the school held send-o s as the teams departed campus on school days to compete for the titles. Kiser said those were well-attended and created more enthusiasm.
Carter cruises to second crown in city amateur
The former Eastern Randolph golfer played all three rounds under par Randolph Record sta ASHEBORO — Connor Carter repeated as the Asheboro City Amateur golf champion. Carter, a former Eastern Randolph golfer, posted a threeround total of 11-under-par 202
for a seven-stroke victory. That was a nine-shot improvement from a year ago.
JD Bass was the runner-up, while the only other golfer with an under-par score was Stephen Spencer at 2 under. Rob Elliott was in fourth place at even par.
Across the last three days in May, Carter shot rounds of 68 at Asheboro Country Club,
See CARTER, page B2
JANN ORTIZ FOR RANDOLPH RECORD
Members of Southwestern Randolph’s boys’ soccer team celebrate a state championship in November in Greensboro. Seniors Fernando Hernandez, left with trophy, and Braydon Tyl, right with plaque, were among the key players for the Cougars in Southwestern Randolph’s rst team state title of the school year.
COURTESY PHOTO
Connor Carter holds the trophy again at the Asheboro City Amateur golf tournament.
COURTESY PHOTO
Randleman’s Jazai Cassady won a gold medal in his rst state meet by winning the triple jump.
Katelyn West
Southwestern Randolph, softball
West spent one semester at Southwestern Randolph, and by the end she was selected as the Most Valuable Player in the Class 4A state championship series for softball last month. She picked up the pitching victory in Game 1 and batted 6 for 8 in two games in the nals.
She was a pitcher and rst baseman for the Cougars after transferring from Uwharrie Charter Academy. She has been an all-conference selection in three consecutive years.
CARTER from page B1
65 at Asheboro Municipal Golf Course, and 69 at Pinewood Country Club. He played the backside of the nal round in a bogey-free 2 under.
Bass led after the rst day by shooting 65 at Asheboro Municipal Golf Course. All golfers played Pinewood Country Club on the nal day.
Carter, who completed his third season with the Catawba College program this spring, became the Asheboro City Amateur’s youngest champion in
2025 when he turned 20 years old during the tournament. There were 96 golfers in the main division this year. Flight winners were Austin Rickard ( rst ight, 232), Marc Williams (second ight, 244), Lane Dalke (third ight, 256) and Chas Welch (fourth ight, 275). Charlie Parks of Asheboro won the super senior division at 4-over 217 with rounds of 72, 71 and 74. That was 16 shots ahead of runner-up Keith Rich, while Michael Thompson was third with 235 among a eld of 12 golfers.
Post 45 creates early highlights
The American Legion team has had numerous key contributors
Randolph Record sta
ASHEBORO — Randolph County Post 45 won its rst four games of the American Legion baseball season, including a comeback victory against an in-county rival.
Post 45’s 4-3 triumph against Liberty Post 81 last week came with Caleb Coggins’ game-winning hit in the team’s two-run bottom of the seventh at McCrary Park. Jackson Hill’s single tied the game one batter before Coggins ended it with a shot into the out eld to give Randolph County its rst lead of the game. Tate Andrews was the win-
ning pitcher with three innings of shutout relief. Bryson Marley worked six innings for Liberty before Maddox Dunn was tagged with the loss. John Wittig had two doubles and drove in a run for Post 81.
The next night, Post 45’s Brady Arm eld drove in six runs in a 9-7 road victory against Mocksville-Davie Post 54. Arm eld hit a three-run double and three-run home run. Starting pitcher Jake Riddle notched the win and Sean Jennison logged the save Randolph County nished last week with Saturday’s 13-3 drubbing of visiting Moore County Post 12, with Hudson Deel driving in three runs and Riddle collecting three hits. Jennison pitched the rst ve innings of what became a six-inning game.
Post 81 plays tight games
Liberty posted a 7-5 home victory against Rowan County Post 342, with Chance Holdaway’s three-run home run one of the big blows to begin last week. Tyler Westbrooks also homered. Cade McCallum and Dunn combined on a six-hitter. Liberty played on three consecutive days in late May, defeating host Mocksville-Davie 13-9 in nine innings, falling to visiting Chatham County Post 305 by 10-1 and falling to visiting Moore County 2-1 in eight innings.
Post 81 rallied for seven seventh-inning runs, capped by Wittig’s two-run homer, to extend the game with Mocksville-Davie. Wittig became the winning pitcher. Holdaway pitched a complete game vs. Moore County.
ZooKeepers own hot start to season
Asheboro’s team had the longest unbeaten stretch to begin the schedule in the Coastal Plain League
Randolph Record sta
ASHEBORO — The best start to the season in the Coastal Plain League belonged to the Asheboro ZooKeepers. They won their rst six games before su ering their rst loss.
The summer collegiate baseball team displayed a relentless o ense for much of the rst week-plus of the season until Saturday night’s 8-4 road loss to the Holly Springs Salamanders. No other CPL team won more than four straight to begin the season.
Josh Martinez was one of the key contributors for the ZooKeepers, batting .533 (8for-15) with ve walks in six games.
Daniel Stephens and Sylas Boris hit home runs, Cameron Austin knocked in ve runs and Will Oates drove in four runs when the ZooKeepers pounded the Forest City Owls 19-9 on Friday night at McCrary Park to improve to 6-0. Four of the victories came at home. Other results were closer last week.
The ZooKeepers nipped the visiting Martinsville Mustangs 8-7, with two runs scoring on an eighth-inning error. Ian Anderson was the winning pitcher. In 15-3 romp past the host
Central Carolina 3-A Conference spring all-conference
Randolph Record sta
HERE ARE THE Central
Carolina 3-A Conference major award winners plus all-conference selections from Providence Grove, Trinity and Wheatmore for spring sports:
BASEBALL
Player of the Year: Brody Little (Trinity)
Pitcher of the Year: Lincoln Coble (Trinity)
Coach of the Year: Ryan Spencer (Trinity)
All-Conference
Providence Grove: Andrew Thomas, Chase Collins, Trevor Kirkman
Trinity: Brody Little, Lincoln Coble, Peyton Williams, Cohen Wolfe, Walker Parrish, Nick Soles
Wheatmore: Hunter Goddard
GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD
Sprinter of the Year: Emoree Terry (West Davidson)
Distance Runner of the Year: Scarlett Hildreth (Wheatmore)
Field Performer of the Year: Shelby Woodrum (East Davidson)
Boone Bigfoots, Stephens hammered a three-run home run and Boris racked up four hits. Carter Fogal was the winning pitcher with two innings of relief. The week’s big splurge of success began with a 6-5 home victory against Holly Springs, which scored twice in the ninth inning to make it close. This week, the ZooKeepers have home games Monday night vs. Martinsville, Wednesday night vs. HighPoint Thomasville, Thursday night vs. Lexington County and then This weekend, the ZooKeepers are home Saturday night vs. Holly Springs and Sunday against the Greenville Yard Gnomes.
PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD
Trinity catcher Brody Little, the Central Carolina 3-A Conference Player of the Year, takes a swing at a pitch this year.
Jessup (Wheatmore)
Co-Coaches of the Year: Thompson Skeen (West Davidson), Brian Eddinger (East Davidson)
All-Conference
Providence Grove: Jackson Lawver, Micah Oates, Sam Peters, Caleb Ward
Trinity: Trey Groves, Sam Foster
Wheatmore: Silas Jessup, Avery Palmer
BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD
Sprinter of the Year: Cordell Moon (Thomasville)
Distance Runner of the Year: Ayden Brown (West Davidson)
Field Performer of the Year: Keegan McCready (West Davidson)
There are players and coaches set to compete in the annual competitions
Randolph Record sta
SEVERAL COACHES and athletes from Randolph County will be involved in the State Games of North Carolina this month.
For high school boys’ soccer, coach Nicholas Arroyo of Asheboro is head coach of the South team, with Victor Jacobo of Asheboro one of the assistant coaches.
For the South girls’ soccer team, Asheboro’s Emily Ramon is an assistant coach.
High school soccer games are scheduled for June 27-28 at Guilford College. The State Games of North Carolina began May 30 and wrap up June 28 in a variety of sports and competitions. This year, the events are based in Guilford County, though some activities are outside of the county.
The high school baseball tournament takes place June 15-19 at Truist Point Stadium in High Point, First National Bank Field in Greensboro and
this week in history
The Associated Press
JUNE 11
1509: England’s King Henry VIII married his rst wife, Catherine of Aragon.
1962: Frank Morris, Clarence Anglin and John Anglin, prisoners at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in San Francisco Bay, staged an escape, leaving the island on a makeshift raft. They were never found or heard from again.
1963: The University of Alabama was desegregated as Vivian Malone and James Hood became the rst two black students allowed to enroll in classes; Alabama segregationist and Gov. George Wallace initially blocked the doorway to the auditorium where course registration was taking place, delivering a speech before deferring to National Guard orders to move.
JUNE 12
1963: Civil rights leader Medgar Evers, 37, was shot and killed outside his home in Jackson, Mississippi.
1978: David Berkowitz was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for each of the six “Son of Sam” killings committed in New York City over the previous two years.
1987: President Ronald Reagan, during a visit to the divided German city of Berlin, exhorted Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall.”
JUNE 13
1966: The Supreme Court
Thurgood Marshall smiles after President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated him to the U.S. Supreme Court on June 13, 1967.
ruled in Miranda v. Arizona that criminal suspects had to be informed of their constitutional rights to remain silent and to consult an attorney.
1967: President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Solicitor General Thurgood Marshall to become the rst non-white justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
1971: The New York Times began publishing excerpts of the Pentagon Papers, a top-secret study of America’s involvement in Vietnam since 1945 that had been leaked to the paper by military analyst Daniel Ellsberg.
JUNE 14
1775: The Continental Army, forerunner of the United States Army, was created by the Second Continental Congress.
1846: A group of U.S. settlers in Sonoma proclaimed the breakaway state of the California Republic, declaring independence from Mexico. 1940: German troops entered Paris during World War II; the same day, the Nazis transported their rst prisoners to the Auschwitz concentra-
UNC Greensboro. Coach Ryan Spencer of Trinity is an assistant coach for Region 5 baseball, with Brent Haynes of Northwood the head coach. Haynes was Eastern Randolph’s coach for the 2023 season.
Among the Region 5 baseball players are Keaton Hill of Uwharrie Charter Academy and Lincoln Lawson of Randleman.
High school softball is scheduled for June 23-24 at Haworth Park at Guilford College and Carolyn Allen Park. Rosters for some sports haven’t been made available.
tion camp in German-occupied Poland.
JUNE 15
1215: King John of England
a xed his seal to the Magna Carta, a charter that limited the power of the monarchy.
1775: The Second Continental Congress unanimously appointed George Washington commander of the Continental Army.
1934: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, now the most-visited national park in the United States, was established by Congress.
JUNE 16
1858: Accepting the Illinois Republican Party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate, Abraham Lincoln delivered his “House Divided” speech, arguing the nation could not endure permanently half slave and half free.
1884: LaMarcus Thompson opened the Switchback Railway at Coney Island, New York, the rst commercially successful roller coaster.
1903: The Ford Motor Company was incorporated in Detroit.
JUNE 17
1775: The Battle of Bunker Hill ended in a British victory, though British forces su ered heavy casualties.
1930: President Herbert Hoover signed the Smoot-Hawley Tari Act, raising U.S. tari s and triggering retaliatory measures from other countries.
1994: O.J. Simpson was arrested and charged with the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman following a widely televised slow-speed police chase in Southern California.
Actors’ union approves 4-year contract with studios, streamers
Actor Sean Astin serves as president of SAG-AFTRA
By Andrew Dalton
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — Television and movie actors last Thursday voted overwhelmingly to ratify a four-year contract with studios and streaming services, a month after their union leaders negotiated a deal they say provides protections against synthetic actors created by articial intelligence. The rati cation was widely expected, and a walkout never seemed to be in the cards during drama-free negotiations, but the vote assures there will be no repeat of the 2023 actor and writer strikes that seriously shook the entertainment industry.
More than 90% of votes from members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists approved of the agreement, with about 19% of eligible voters casting ballots.
Like the Writers Guild of America, whose members approved their own contract April 24, the actors’ new deal is for four years instead of the usual three, providing an extra
deals
Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
layer of labor stability in the industry.
Actor Sean Astin, president of SAG-AFTRA, said in a statement that the contract “delivers meaningful gains in compensation, strengthens protections around arti cial intelligence and digital identity, reinforces the long-term security of members’ bene t plans and recognizes the realities of how performers work today.”
The contract says AI performers must bring “signi cant additional value” over a live actor or a digital capture of them if producers are to use them. Union leaders say this and other provisions will keep use of AI actors minimal.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which negotiates for a coalition of Hollywood’s major studios, streamers and production com-
panies, congratulated the union on the rati cation.
“SAG-AFTRA’s leadership brought a genuine commitment to partnership, and together with the WGA agreement,
CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO After a strike in 2023, The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have reached an agreement protecting them from the threat
Escape from Alcatraz, Medgar Evers killed at 37, British victory at Bunker Hill
HENRY GRIFFIN / AP PHOTO
LaBeouf pleads guilty, gets probation for punching Mardi Gras bargoers
The actor faced misdemeanor battery and petty theft charges in 2020
By Jack Brook
The Associated Press / Report for America
NEW ORLEANS — Actor
Shia LaBeouf was sentenced to probation last Wednesday after pleading guilty to punching three people outside a New Orleans bar during Mardi Gras.
LaBeouf must attend an alcohol treatment program under the sentence handed down by an Orleans Parish judge, according to Sarah Chervinsky, an attorney for the actor.
LaBeouf, most widely known for his starring roles in 2007’s “Transformers” and in 2008’s “Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull,” had been released on bail following his arrest near the city’s historic French Quarter. Video of the Feb. 17 encounter shows a shirtless LaBeouf outside a bar shoving one person to the ground and hitting another person in the face, “causing his nose to possibly dislocate,” according to a New Orleans police report.
LaBeouf pleaded guilty to three counts of simple battery. Orleans Parish Judge Juana Marine-Lombard handed the actor a six-month suspended sentence and two years of probation. LaBeouf also must stay away from the victims and the bar.
Chervinsky said LaBeouf wanted “to take accountability for his part in what happened” and called it a “minor Mardi Gras bar tussle.” Chervinsky said there was “no evidence it was about bias or prejudice.”
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said in a statement that his o ce consulted with the victims to ensure their support before
“I’m
sorry. If that’s homophobic, then I’m that.”
Shia LaBeouf
o ering LaBeouf the plea deal.
Je rey Damnit, a local entertainer whom police identi ed as Je rey Klein, said he was one of the people attacked by LaBeouf. He has said LaBeouf had pushed him from behind at the bar earlier in the night, shouting homophobic slurs and threatening his life.
Damnit’s attorney said his client hopes LaBeouf’s behavior improves after the actor undergoes substance abuse treatment.
“In New Orleans, we are all equal, we should all feel safe, and we don’t treat people different based upon relative fame,” attorney Michael Kennedy said.
After LaBeouf was charged in February, a judge ordered him to return to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
Days later, LaBeouf denied having a “drinking problem”
in an interview with journalist and YouTuber Andrew Callaghan. LaBeouf said he doubted rehab would help him. He told Callaghan that the issues leading to his aggressive behavior during Mardi Gras were more rooted in “anger and ego” than alcohol.
LaBeouf also said that “big gay people are scary to me.”
“When I’m standing by myself and three gay dudes are next to me touching my leg, I get scared,” he told Callaghan.
“I’m sorry. If that’s homophobic, then I’m that.”
LaBeouf, who converted to Catholicism a few years ago, has had several run-ins with the law during his career, including a 2017 New York City arrest on suspicion of assault that happened during a livestream.
While on location in Georgia lming “The Peanut Butter Falcon” later that year, he was arrested for public drunkenness and accused of disorderly conduct and obstruction and sentenced to probation.
That year, the English singer and actor FKA Twigs, whose legal name is Tahliah Barnett, also led a lawsuit alleging LaBeouf was physically and emotionally abusive to her.
Rare Wharton story unearthed about gap between everyday life, horrors of World War I
The author won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
By Hillel Italie The Associated Press
NEW YORK — When World War I broke out in 1914, Edith Wharton’s initial response was less as a storyteller in search of material than as a citizen and intrepid witness.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The House of Mirth,” “The Custom of the Country” and other probing stories of New York society was living in Paris at the time and soon set out to help those imperiled by the clash between Allied and German forces. She set up a workroom for seamstresses and others who had lost their jobs, established hostels that aided thousands of refugees and even reported from the trenches for a series of dispatches that ran in the American periodical Scribner’s Magazine.
But Wharton eventually — and inevitably — channeled her observations and experiences into ction. She worked on a novel published after the war, “A Son at the Front,” and attempted a story about an a uent couple in the French countryside who decide the war is going well enough that they can resume the social gatherings of the past. “The Men Who Saved the World” — un nished and never before published — appeared Friday in the new issue of The Strand Magazine.
“The boom of guns can be heard in the distance. A few young soldiers sit among the guests. And the hostess wants
to know whether they might have dancing,” Strand Managing Editor Andrew Gulli writes in a brief introduction. “Wharton asks a question that is as relevant today as it was over a century ago: What is the cost of refusing to see the horrors beyond the softly curtained windows — and who pays it?” Wharton had long scrutinized the rich from the inside. Born into a wealthy New York City family in 1862, she knew rsthand the manners and codes and traditions that she picked apart in her best-known work. In “The Men Who Saved the World,” believed to be written in 1918, she shifts the narrative from the New York drawing rooms of her early ction to a French chateau within miles of a battle eld.
The author had a deep a n-
SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK
“You hear the guns pretty distinctly here. They must make the windows rattle when everything’s quiet, don’t they?”
Edith Wharton, “The Man Who Saved the World”
ity for France and French culture, which she regarded as “one of the greatest cultures in the world, perhaps the greatest culture,” Wharton scholar Julie Olin-Ammentorp wrote in an email.
“The Men Who Saved the World” dramatizes the separation between civilian and military life, and what happens when they merge. It’s told through the perspective of a young American nurse, Milly Arden, a guest at the home of Fred and Madge Upshall, who are preparing a dinner party in the same setting where they had once permitted an army surgeon to perform amputations. Arden nds herself seated next to a war hero, Capt. Sherman Wake, regarded by Mrs. Upshall as one of the “real people.” Wake proves eager to discuss the “catastrophic horror and waste” he has seen nearby.
“You hear the guns pretty distinctly here,” Wake tells Arden. “They must make the windows rattle when everything’s quiet, don’t they?”
“Yes, they do,” she responded, looking out on an orchid “which the cannonade had displaced just before dinner.”
LEWIS JOLY / INVISION / AP PHOTO
Actor Shia LaBeouf arrives at the premiere of the lm “The Phoenician Scheme” at the 78th Cannes International Film Festival in 2025.
in 1921
AP PHOTO
American author Edith Wharton poses with her dogs in France in 1923.
famous birthdays this week
Kenny Wayne Shepherd celebrates 49, Tim Allen turns 72, Marla Gibbs is 95, Joe Piscopo hits 75
The Associated Press
JUNE 11
Drummer Bernard Purdie is 87. International Motorsports Hall of Famer Jackie Stewart is 87. Actor Roscoe Orman is 82.
Actor Adrienne Barbeau is 81. Rock musician Frank Beard (ZZ Top) is 77. Singer Graham Russell (Air Supply) is 76. Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana is 70.
JUNE 12
Actor Sonia Manzano is 76.
Olympic track gold medalist Gwen Torrence is 61. Actor Rick Ho man is 56. Actor-comedian Finesse Mitchell is 54. Actor Jason Mewes is 52. Blues musician Kenny Wayne Shepherd is 49.
JUNE 13
Actor Malcolm McDowell is 83. Actor Stellan Skarsgård is 75. Actor Richard Thomas is 75. Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Weaver is 75. Actor-comedian Tim Allen is 72. Actor Ally Sheedy is 64. Musician Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) is 56.
JUNE 14
Actor Marla Gibbs is 95. U.S.
President Donald Trump is 80. Olympic speed skating gold medalist Eric Heiden is 68. Jazz musician Marcus Miller is 67. Singer Boy George is 65. Tennis Hall of Famer Ste Graf is 57.
JUNE 15
Baseball Hall of Famer Billy Williams is 88. Former MLB player and manager Dusty Baker is 77. Actor-comedian Jim Belushi is 72. Actor Julie Hagerty is 71. Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs is 68. Actor Helen Hunt is 63. Actor Courteney Cox is 62. Rapper-actor Ice Cube is 57.
JUNE 16
Joyce Carol Oates
88. Country singer Billy “Crash”
JUNE 17
Filmmaker Ken Loach is 90. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is 83. Musician Barry Manilow is 83. Comedian Joe Piscopo is 75. Filmmaker Bob
by Farrelly is 68. Actor Thomas Haden Church is 66. Actor Greg Kinnear is 63. Actor Jason Patric
Author
is
Craddock is 87. R&B singer Eddie Levert is 84. Boxing Hall of Famer Roberto Durán is 75. Pop singer Gino Vannelli is 74. Actor Laurie Metcalf is 71. Golfer Phil Mickelson is 56.
-
is 60. Actor-comedian Will Forte is 56.
MARK VON HOLDEN / INVISION VIA AP
Actor Marla Gibbs turns 95 on Sunday.
MARTIN MEISSNER / AP PHOTO Musician Boy George turns 65 on Sunday.
RICHARD SHOTWELL / INVISION VIA AP Rapper and actor Ice Cube turns 57 on Monday.
the stream
‘Michael,’ Bonnaroo, new Olivia Rodrigo, Keith Urban albums
Keith Urban goes yacht rock with “Flow State”
The Associated Press
THE STREAMING service debut of “Michael” and new albums from Olivia Rodrigo and Keith Urban are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: the new season of “Sweet Magnolias,” a new YA series “Every Year After” and the survival game “Solarpunk.”
MOVIES TO STREAM
The Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” is still moonwalking its way to $900 million in theaters, but it’s available to watch at home — for $24.99 — on major platforms like Apple TV, Prime Video and YouTube. Antoine Fuqua’s movie, starring Jaafar Jackson, was sanctioned by Jackson’s estate and its producers include the estate’s executors. In his review for The Associated Press, lm writer Jake Coyle wrote that the movie “slides a sequin glove over the pop star’s tarnished legacy, shrouding Michael Jackson’s complications with a conventional biopic that, if you cover your ears, sounds great.”
Kate Hudson’s Oscar-nominated performance in “Song Sung Blue” will be on Netix starting Saturday. She plays Claire Sardina, one half of a Neil Diamond tribute act from Milwaukee, opposite Hugh Jackman in a lm that Mark Kennedy, in his AP review, called “big-hearted but misguided.”
Now that Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni ended their legal feud over the acrimonious production of “It Ends With Us,” perhaps it’s time to give the romantic drama a rewatch? It is now streaming. In his review, Kennedy called it “uneven” in its attempt to “balance the realities of domestic violence inside a rom-com and a female-empowerment movie.”
And you can’t go wrong with Abbas Kiarostami’s “Where is the Friend’s House,” which will be available Friday on Kanopy. Greta Gerwig, in an interview with The Criterion Channel, said it is “a perfect lm.”
MUSIC TO STREAM
First, she was “SOUR.” Then, she had “GUTS.” Now she’s abandoned four-letter words for the mouthful “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love.”
Such are the musical and emotional complications of Rodrigo, a popstar for those who love depth of feeling and ’80s guitar pop. Her third album is prepped to be her best one yet, from the
butter ies-in-the-stomach, The Cure-referencing “Drop Dead” to, well, “The Cure,” with its early contender for “best bridge of the year.” Run, don’t walk. Welcome to music festival season! For those who love artists across genres and generations but aren’t big on getting o the couch, Disney+ and Hulu o er a solution. They’ll stream a few of the biggest U.S. fests this year, kicking things o with
“Michael” slides a sequin glove over the pop star’s tarnished legacy, shrouding Michael Jackson’s complications with a conventional biopic that, if you cover your ears, sounds great.”
Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival on Thursday through Friday. Log on, settle in and enjoy The Strokes, Noah Kahan, Skrillex, RÜFÜS DU SOL and more. Urban hath returned — and now, the four-time Grammy Award-winning country music superstar is into yacht rock. “Flow State,” out Friday, is comprised of 10 covers — including a reimagination of Bread’s “The Guitar Man” with John Mayer and Walter Egan’s “Magnet and Steel” with Little Big Town. The sole original is “We Go Back,” with Michael McDonald, and it stands up to the rest of the collection. Get into that soft West Coast sound.
Also back in the fold: Rapper Rick Ross, who releases “Set in Stone” on Friday. Little has been revealed about the 19-track release, but if it is anything like the single “Minks in Miami” — a collaboration with French Montana and Max B that features a hook interpolating Rare Earth’s 1971 hit “I Just Want to Celebrate” — listeners are in for a treat.
SERIES TO STREAM
With “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and now “O Campus,” Prime Video remains committed to the YA/romance space. Its newest o ering is “Every Year After,” an eight-episode series based on a novel by Carley Fortune. It follows Percy (Sadie Soverall) and Sam (played by Matt Cornett), whose childhood friendship turned romantic before complications pulled them apart. A family tragedy reunites them and stirs up old feelings. All episodes are streaming now. “Sweet Magnolias” returns for its fth season Thursday on Net ix. JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Heather Headley and Brooke Elliott play lifelong friends living in a small town in South Carolina. Together, they navigate relationships, parenting and their careers.
VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY
With so many steampunk and cyberpunk games out there, perhaps it’s time to move on to “Solarpunk.” The goal in this survival game from German indie studio Cyberwave is to design a new culture using renewable energy sources like sunlight, wind and water. Your home is on an island oating in the sky, and you’ll want to build an airship to travel to other islands. It’s all kind of chill compared to the dystopias you typically expect in this genre, and you can team up with friends as you try to create a pollution-free paradise. Take ight on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Switch 2 or PC.
While you’re waiting for the next NBA Finals game, why not hit the court with “NBA The Run,” a 3-on-3 street basketball throwdown? It’s the debut release from Play By Play Studios, and the developers are trying to recreate the vibe of arcade classics like “NBA Jam.” That means head-spinning footwork, gravity-defying dunks and balls that may burst into ame. There are 32 pros on the roster, including Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, and the courts bounce from New York to Beijing. Tipo on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.
Jaafar Jackson stars as Michael Jackson in “Michael.”
SARAH SHATZ / FOCUS FEATURES VIA AP
“Song Sung Blue” starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman hits Net ix on Saturday.
NICOLE RIVELLI / SONY PICTURES VIA AP
The romantic drama “It Ends With Us” with Just Baldoni and Blake Lively is streaming now.
HOKE COUNTY
Festive
The annual Hoke Fest was well-attended last week, with rides, performances and fair food available for attendees.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Social Security’s retirement trust fund faces funding shortfall
1 year earlier
Washington, D.C.
Social Security’s retirement trust fund is projected to face a funding shortfall in 2032, a year earlier than previously expected. That’s according to an annual report released Tuesday. Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund will be unable to pay full bene ts in 2033, unchanged from last year’s estimate. Rising health care costs and government spending contributed to the projected depletion dates. The programs will continue issuing bene ts after those dates, but at reduced amounts. The trustees emphasize the urgency of changes, but political challenges remain. AARP’s CEO is urging Congress to act, highlighting the importance of the bene ts for retirees.
OpenAI les con dential SEC paperwork for IPO, opening door to Wall Street debut
OpenAI has led preliminary paperwork to potentially become a publicly traded company. The company announced Monday it has submitted con dential documents to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. OpenAI says it hasn’t decided on timing yet, as there are advantages to staying private. The move follows Anthropic’s June announcement of its own IPO plans. Both companies are following SpaceX, which is also pursuing an IPO.
Hoke Schools considering raising facility use fees
The biggest
change would see the rental fees become hourly rather than a daily at rate
By Ryan Henkel North State Journal
RAEFORD — Hoke County
Schools is considering updating its facility use fees.
At the Hoke County Schools Board of Education’s June 9 meeting, the board was presented with the new facility use process as well as a proposed updated fee schedule.
“Our previous process missed a lot of information, so
we’re doing this and revamping it,” said Assistant Superintendent Chad Hunt.
Currently, the district requires a carbon copy of the request be made at the school, which will be reviewed and approved by the principal. The school would then submit the documentation to central ofce for the superintendent to approve.
The current process also requires schools to be responsible for reserving the location, dates and times, recruiting custodians and SROs, ensuring requesters have proper insurance coverage and obtaining payments.
“I think it’s just a little too steep for the community we live in.”
Catherine Blue, board member
changing the fees from a at daily rate to an hourly rate. However, the board wanted more time to discuss the proposed rates, and it agreed to maintain the current facility prices until the item is discussed again at the next policy committee meeting in July.
“Whenever we get together to look at this policy, I think we need to look at the numbers again,” said board member Catherine Blue. “I think it’s just a little too steep for the community we live in.”
The Carolina captain scored twice, including the game winner
By Cory Lavalette North State Journal
LAS VEGAS — Jordan Staal made sure the Hurricanes returned to Raleigh with the Stanley Cup nal tied at two games apiece. Staal scored twice in Game 4, including the game-winning goal in the third period on a falling backhanded swipe, to lead Carolina to a 5-3 win in and force a best-of three showdown to crown the Stanley Cup champion. Game 5 is Thursday at 8 p.m. at Lenovo Center.
“It’s a good time to get hot, there’s no question,” said Staal, who has scored ve times in the series, including in all four games. “I’ll contribute any way I can. The puck’s going in for me, and I’ll take it.”
Staal’s second goal to put the Hurricanes ahead for good
The new process will be online based and sets up a clearer order of operations, along with ways for applicants to directly submit proof of insurance as well as payments.
In terms of the rate changes, district sta proposed
“That process led to some issues because it wasn’t streamlined, and we wouldn’t be receiving information in a timely manner,” Hunt said.
will likely go down as the most memorable of his career.
With the game tied 3-3 in the third period, Staal pressured Shea Theodore behind the Vegas goal line, and the Golden Knights defenseman’s pass hit Staal and de ected
in front of the net to Carolina right wing Seth Jarvis. Jarvis deked and tried to lift a backhand into the net, but Carter Hart (23 saves) made the stop. Jarvis retrieved the puck against four Vegas players and got it to Nikolaj Ehlers,
The board was also presented with the steps required to apply for the state’s Needs Based Grant, which are utilized to help districts construct new schools.
“It is a lottery-based grant, and each year the amount can vary depending on legislation,” said Hunt. The annual application, which is normally due by Oc -
who quickly forehanded the puck across to Staal at Hart’s left.
“I almost missed the pass because it was kind of rolling,” Ehlers said.
The pass caused Staal to swing his hips, and as he fell to the ice, he made a backhanded swing at the puck, which slid past Hart and into the net at 6:32 to give the Hurricanes the lead.
“I wasn’t sure exactly if it went in, and I heard everyone go quiet,” Staal said. “I heard some guys yelling. And then, I don’t know, man. I was in my own world. It was an incredible moment, obviously. And I just let a big yell and then celebrated with the guys.”
Carolina then prevented the Golden Knights from getting the equalizer, and Ehlers scored a full-ice empty-net goal — his third point of the night — to secure the victory.
Brandon Bussi — the mystery starter after coach Rod Brind’Amour refused to reveal who would be in net before the game — made eight of his 17 saves in the nal period to secure the win in his rst career playo start.
“The next win’s always the
best one,” Bussi said when asked where he ranked the victory in his career. “So that’s all I’ll say for that.”
Just like the rst three games of the series, Game 4 featured lead changes, disallowed goals and overall chaos.
Carolina scored twice in the rst 3:28 to take an early 2-0 lead.
O an o ensive zone faceo , Carolina defenseman Jalen Chat eld took a shot that was wide of the Vegas net. But the lively boards — which played a role on the Golden Knights’ double-overtime winner in Game 3 — bene ted the Hurricanes this time, and Logan Stankoven got the puck and shoveled it past Hart for a 1-0 lead 66 seconds into the game.
tober, has max awards currently set at $42 million for an elementary school, $52 million for a middle school and $62 million for a high school.
Any grant awarded would also require a 5% local match.
To apply for the grant, the district needs a budget estimate, proposed timeline, proposed oor plan and a school capacity worksheet. And per general statute, a registered architect or engineer is required to prepare the drawings and speci cations, thereby requiring the school system to submit an RFP for services.
“The purpose of the RFP process would be to work on
THURSDAY
FDA OKs rst new sunscreen ingredient in more than 25 years
rays without mineral sunscreens’ white residue
By Matthew Perrone The Associated Press
WASHINGTON., D.C. —
Federal health regulators on Tuesday signed o on the rst new sunscreen ingredient for the U.S. market in more than 25 years, giving Americans access to a skin-protecting chemical long used in Europe and other parts of the world.
The Food and Drug Administration says the ingredient, bemotrizinol, met the agency’s standards for protecting from dangerous ultraviolet rays while causing little irritation or absorption into the skin. The ingredient is safe for adults and children 6 months and older, the agency stated in a release.
Bemotrizinol will initially be sold in the U.S. by the Dutch manufacturer DSM Nutritional Products under the brand name Parsol Shield, which is expected to launch later in the year. After an 18-month exclusivity period, the ingredient will be available for use by oth-
The goal was Stankoven’s team-best 11th of the postseason.
Carolina doubled its lead just over two minutes later.
Just after a Hurricanes power play expired, Taylor Hall sent a pass across to Jackson Blake, who banged in his sixth goal of the playo s and made the score 2-0 at 3:28.
“It sets up the game great,”
Stankoven said. “If you put a couple in early, you’re not gripping the stick as tight. … (Our line) needed a statement game to come out and contribute, and that’s what we did. And now we’ve just got to keep it going.”
Vegas halved the lead at 7:22.
Golden Knights captain Mark Stone, stopped by Bussi on a breakaway on Vegas’ rst shot of the game, got the second shot on a breakaway as well.
this grant and help design a proposed K-8 school building,” Hunt said.
According to Hunt, the RFP process would also allow the district to identify quali ed architectural and design rms that have the experience and capacity to support the project, provide the board with professional information needed to make future design decisions, and support transparency and responsible use of public funds.
“We can’t do anything unless we have a quali ed and licensed architect,” said Board Chair Ruben Castellon.
The Hoke County Schools Board of Education will next meet July 14.
er manufacturers.
E orts to introduce new sunscreen products have been bogged down for decades by the FDA’s bureaucratic system for updating its lists of safe nonprescription drug ingredients. Bemotrizinol is the rst ingredient to go through a streamlined process authorized by Congress in 2020.
Experts say bemotrizinol will ll an important niche in the U.S. market: protecting against both ultraviolet A and
This time he nished, cutting Carolina’s lead to 2-1.
But the Hurricanes’ power play, not given credit for the Blake goal earlier in the period, made sure there was no doubt on its second chance.
With Vegas down a player due a too-many-men penalty, Shayne Gostisbehere red a shot that hit Hart. But Staal battled defensemen Jeremy Lauzon and Brayden McNabb in front of the net to get to the rebound and score at 12:48.
“I went o four di erent guys and just kind of sat there for me,” Staal said of being in front of the crease. “So you’ve got to be there.”
Vegas coach John Tortorella succinctly described Staal’s game and series.
“He’s killing us in front of the net,” he said.
B rays while not leaving white streaks associated with mineral-based sunscreens.
“For decades, Americans have used outdated sunscreen tech while the rest of the world moved forward,” said David Andrews of the Environmental Working Group. “The approval of bemotrizinol will help change that.” Andrews’ group has long pushed the FDA to tighten sunscreen standards and allow new ingredients on the market.
Vegas appeared to cut the lead back to one just before the rst period horn, but replay showed that McNabb’s one-timer entered the goal after the clock struck zero.
“We de nitely got a little bit of a lucky break there,” Blake said.
The second period continued to be a struggle for the Hurricanes. The Golden Knights got the de cit back to one when defenseman Rasmus Andersson set up William Karlsson for a one-timer that beat Bussi to make it 3-2 at 4:22 of the middle frame.
Under FDA rules, all sunscreens must protect against UVB rays, which cause most sunburn, as well as UVA rays that pose the greatest risk of skin cancer and wrinkles. Currently available chemical-blocking ingredients only protect against one or the other. Companies generally mix the chemicals in combination to achieve “broad spectrum protection.”
Mineral-based ingredients, including zinc oxide, block both UVA and UVB but leave a chalky white residue.
Bemotrizinol was authorized by European authorities in 1999 and rst led with the FDA for review in 2005.
“The FDA is committed to ensuring the American consumer has access to the most e ective and safe therapies, including over-the-counter products like sunscreens,” said Dr. Mike Davis, acting director of FDA’s drug center.
The FDA has been gradually updating its standards for sunscreens. In 2011, the agency banned terms like “waterproof,” which regulators said was misleading, and required that all sunscreens lter out UVA and UVB rays. Previously some formulas only protected against UVB. In 2021, the FDA proposed additional measures — including capping SPF numbers and requiring stronger UVA protection — but those have not been completed.
Then right after Carolina killed o a penalty, Brett Howden scored his playo -leading 14th goal, shooting between the legs of Carolina defenseman K’Andre Miller and past Bussi to even the score at 17:08 of the second.
That set the stage for Staal, the longtime shutdown center who has taken an o ensive star turn in the series.
“We’re putting some good players with him that now can really bring out the other side of him,” Brind’Amour said. “Everyone knew he was a good defensive player, but he’s got some real o ensive abilities too. Just for whatever reason now, the goals are going in.”
Notes: Frederik Andersen did not dress, with Brind’Amour saying goalie coach Paul Schonfelder told him the veteran goalie needed rest. Pyotr Kochetkov served as the backup goalie. … Staal won 12 of 16 faceo s. … Forwards Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nicolas Deslauriers, and defenseman Mike Reilly were healthy scratches for Carolina.
A podcast local to Hoke-Raeford, NC, with Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland.
ASHLEY LANDIS / AP PHOTO
A man applies sunscreen to a woman’s arm before a spring training baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Chicago White Sox in Phoenix, Feb. 28, 2024.
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho
end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
VISUAL VOICES
Having di cult conversations
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age.
THEY ARE CALLED di cult conversations for a reason. But the ironic thing is, for the most part, the di culty is almost always in starting the conversation, not in the reaction to the topic itself. I know from my experiences that most people are self-aware enough that if I think there is a real problem that needs addressing, they do too. The problem is they don’t want to start the conversation either, so it festers. And that makes it harder on both sides.
As someone who has managed many people in my professional career, one of the most surprisingly di cult conversations I ever had illustrates this. One of my employees was underperforming badly. Missing deadlines, showing up late for meetings, unreliable work product, almost everything was o . But he was (and still is) a great person to be around, and everyone liked him. So I delayed the conversation and hoped it would get better. It didn’t.
When it was nally time for his formal end-of-year review, I was very honest with him and told him that if he continued to perform the way he had that he would be
terminated in the coming months. I’ll never forget the look on his face when, rather than being defensive, angry or even surprised, he simply responded, “Thank you for being so honest. I needed to hear that.”
Approached correctly, you are likely to have a similar experience when you broach di cult nancial conversations. It’s not that people are unaware they should communicate on these topics, it’s that to discuss someone’s nancial success, or lack thereof, can feel like a crude judgment. Or to discuss someone’s death can feel like you don’t appropriately value their life. In fact, when broached with care and respect, the most common response is a thank you for bringing it up — they have wanted to talk about it too.
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age. Whether you are in high school and want to consider what college you can a ord to attend or if you are my age and have elderly parents you need to discuss wishes for care and their wills with, it always feels invasive. But the alternative is so much worse — you need to
The SPLC’s real scam
How can any reputable media outlet ever use the SPLC as a source again?
IT TURNS OUT that the most generous funder of white supremacist groups in the United States was likely the Southern Poverty Law Center.
At least that’s what the Department of Justice’s superseding indictment against the SPLC alleges.
The organization secretly paid informants to engage in the active promotion and funding of racist groups while denouncing and “ ghting” the very same groups in public. The SPLC purportedly created ctitious entities to hide funding from their donors.
The SPLC, for instance, is accused of bankrolling the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally, paying a leader nearly $300,000 to post racist messages, organize and even transport people to the infamous Charlottesville protest, where one person was killed.
In another instance, a pair of white supremacists who approached the SPLC about leaving the Klan were encouraged to stay in the group and recruit new members. Given salaries, the two men were allegedly reimbursed for the costs of their activities, including those “incurred for cross-burning events, to include the wood and fuel used.”
In the end, I’m not sure what the legal jeopardy there is in engaging in this brand of duplicitous activity, but it is without a doubt corrupt, fraudulent, immoral and bad for the country.
Many people correctly point out that SPLC is merely interested in keeping white supremacist groups operational to justify its existence. White nationalists and identitarian groups have no genuine political power or support, so it makes sense that SPLC and other groups would prop them up for fundraising. The
notion that Americans live in a nation of deep -seated systemic and cultural racism is a foundational belief of the American left. Having a bunch of cartoonishly racist groups running around the country not only perpetuates the myth but helps raise money.
But a far more vital objective of the SPLC is destroying the reputations of e ective legitimate organizations that are involved in mainstream political debates that have absolutely nothing to do with racism or extremism.
The purpose of the “hate” maps and enemies’ lists compiled by SPLC isn’t to alert Americans about local skinheads but to associate those skinheads with the American College of Pediatricians, Family Research Council, Ben Carson, Turning Point USA, American Family Association and Moms for Liberty.
In 2016, for instance, the SPLC “Hate and Extremism” list added Alliance Defending Freedom, a highly e ective legal organization that’s won multiple religious freedom cases in front of the Supreme Court. Oftentimes the ADF represents minority clients. Its most high-pro le case involved Jack Phillips, the persecuted cake maker from Colorado whose First Amendment rights were stripped by the government. But the group also takes on cases regarding state funding for abortion or the biological males competing in girls’ sports.
You may disagree with ADF’s positions on those issues, but only an extremist progressive actually considers it a “hate” group worthy of inclusion on a list with “neo-confederates.” It’s not the pinhead “Neo Volkisch” that concerns the SPLC, it’s the impressive lawyer with the ADF.
By making their case to the press, these
nd a way today to begin those conversations. There are too many examples of kids working hard to get into a college they can’t possibly pay for, and too many examples of parents passing away without communicating their wishes and intents. My retirement team here at the department would also want me to remind you that while you’re having those conversations, please be sure that everyone has updated their nancial bene ciaries and other legal designations to align with their current wishes! Remember that nancial success, or lack of success, is not a referendum on someone’s worth. And eventually, no matter who you are, someone else will have to deal with your nancial a airs, despite how much you want to keep them to yourself. So spend some time today guring out how to talk to your parents, signi cant other or kids about money. Discuss goals, dreams and intent. And you’ll likely be surprised by just how happy they are that you did.
Brad Briner is state treasurer of North Carolina.
conservatives are wisely appealing to the SPLC’s most powerful source of in uence.
Yet the SPLC’s “hate list” has been treated as an authoritative source on extremism by virtually every legacy media outlet for years.
During the height of BLM protests and riots, The New York Times cited the SPLC as an unimpeachable authority on hate groups in hundreds of stories over a one-year span. The group was cited by the paper thousands of times over the previous decade. That’s a single media organization. From the mid-2010s through 2025, when the SPLC was sending millions to prop up the worst right-wing extremists in the country, virtually any story about rising extremism on NBC News featured the SPLC.
The question is, how can any reputable media outlet, much less a government agency, ever use the SPLC as a source again?
They’ll try. Even now, outlets like The Associated Press refer to the SPLC as a “civil rights” group. The SPLC, formed in 1971 by civil rights activists in Montgomery, Alabama, hasn’t been ghting for the rights of African Americans for a long time. By the mid-1980s, the SPLC had already shifted away from the civil rights ght to rooting out “right-wing extremism.” In 1986, the entire legal sta , save founder Morris Dees (who was pushed out of the organization in 2019 after allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination), quit over the change.
The SPLC, probably super uous when it was formed, has long been a shady left-wing activist group with a near-billion-dollar endowment. The new indictment only further con rms it was worse than we thought.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
COLUMN | BRAD BRINER
Broken speaker? Finicky zipper? Anticonsumerist Repair Cafes urge you to x it instead of pitch it
A global repair movement is helping people restore broken goods and build community connections
By Michael Weissenstein The Associated Press
NEW PALTZ, N.Y. — On a drizzly Saturday morning late last month, the basement of the New Paltz United Methodist Church lled with old lamps, blunt knives, malfunctioning sound mixers and balky zippers.
About a dozen volunteers welcomed the broken goods and their owners to a worldwide movement that’s evangelizing new relationships between people and their things.
Repair Cafes — free events where volunteers with technical know-how help neighbors x myriad household items — are part of a new brand of anticonsumerism that’s trying to o er an alternative to the mass-produced disposable goods that have dominated the global economy for the last half-century. Helping fuel that move to repairing, not buying, are U.S. consumer prices, which climbed sharply again last month as the war with Iran delivered higher gasoline prices and more pain for Americans.
After starting in the Netherlands with a single event in 2009, Repair Cafe has grown into a global nonpro t with more than 59,000 members, some 4,000 cafes and close to 850,000 items xed a year.
“We need to change our mindset. We need to change the economy,” Repair Cafe founder Martine Postma said. “Even if Repair Cafes can’t solve the problem alone, then still they are a very
clear sign that change is needed on a much higher level.”
Repair Cafes are both a way to x things and to form community
In New Paltz, a Hudson Valley college town about two hours from New York, 50 people brought about 85 items to the Repair Cafe: an antique fan that required rewiring, shirts, pants, jackets, stu ed animals.
There were old family photos that needed restoring and jewelry awaiting work like restringing beads or replacing clasps.
Repair experts waited behind long cafeteria tables to teach alternatives, giving people chances to learn that awed goods aren’t automatically junk.
“Maybe their initial reason for coming is monetary or sentimental,” organizer Holly Shader said.
Employee of the Month
Juanita Smith
Juanita is a compassionate PCA who puts the residents’ needs before her own. She provides professional care and always meets the needs of the residents. Integrity Open Arms wants to thank you!
More than that, she added, “it gives people a chance to work together and extend the life of something. People form relationships.”
The experts on hand xed 71 of the items, found that four needed more work and deemed 10 beyond repair. They said they volunteer for the low-pressure joy of xing things, with networking as a side bene t.
“I get to come and actually do the work and meet the nice people and show them how to put something together,” contractor Patrick L. Murphy said.
Networks touting this new brand of anticonsumerism are growing
The Buy Nothing Project, “right to repair” legislation, and a growing number of tool libraries also are dedicated to repairing, trading, and giving instead
Resident of the Month
Helen Preaster
Helen Preaster is always full of joy. Her sweet and kind nature shines through in everything she does.
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.
of buying and selling.
Starting in Washington state in 2013, the Buy Nothing Project maintains an app and social media presence that links people giving things away with people nearby who want them — a worldwide network of gift economies, as described on its Facebook page.
Founder Liesl Clark said the network has expanded to at least 12.5 million people on Facebook, showing a growth rate with the ability to in uence corporate and state behavior.
“What was a social movement has really become a safety net for millions of people,” she said.
“People are seeing that you don’t have to go to the Amazons of the world to get what you might need, there is a robust material culture in your community.
“We want to change the way that the world consumes.”
The movement “started as a social and economic and environmental experiment,” she noted.
“There’s going to be a conversation that you have, when you and someone else are xing something together,” she said. “We’re nding that we’re crossing a lot of barriers.”
In today’s modern, disposable culture, many people have lost the ability to repair household goods, a skill that was once nearly universal, said Peter Counter, an engineer who’s studying Repair Cafes and working on a doctorate at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, England.
“The idea that you can x your own stu has receded because the skills are not being passed down,” he said. “If you want something xed, it’s almost certainly cheaper to go buy
a new one.”
Community repair is thriving, Counter said, because it is volunteers who spend their time, making it nancially viable even if you need to buy spare parts.
The “right to repair” movement wants consumers to be empowered to repair their own products instead of being forced to go to the manufacturer for tools and instructions. A national campaign pushed in 2023 for states to consider bills requiring manufacturers to give access to tools and instructions for both customers and repair shops. A handful of states have passed legislation.
And around the country, some jurisdictions are hosting tool libraries that allow people to borrow expensive tools just like library books.
‘It’s wonderful to see people restoring older things’
In New Paltz, Paula Weinstein, 79, brought in a 1930s-era Hammond clock and handed it to Bob Morton. Morton — an 82-year-old former IBM electrical engineer — said he enjoys using his skills to stay intellectually busy and help people.
“I’ve been blessed to still have a brain,” the grandfather of three said. “It’s a chance to do something.” Weinstein added, “It’s wonderful to see people restoring older things.”
After hours of patient work together, the hands of her clock moved.
“Yes, it’s working!” she shouted. “Oh, my goodness, thank you!” “I’m glad I stuck with it,” Morton said.
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.
or
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN / AP PHOTO
Electronic repair coach Dan Casey, left, and his mother, Diane Casey, work on a sound-mixing device at a Repair Café in New Paltz, New York, on May 23.
Bob Morton, a former IBM electrical engineer, right, repairs a 1930s-era Hammond clock for Paula Weinstein at a Repair Café in New Paltz, New York, on May 23.
HOKE SPORTS
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Sebastian Haug
Sandhills Community College
men’s golf
Sebastian Haug is a Norwegian freshman on the Sandhills Community College men’s golf team. He helped lead the Flyers to their sixth straight national title, lapping the entire eld at Chautauqua Golf Club to nish 4 under par.
He was the only golfer to nish below par for the tournament and won the individual Division III NJCAA national championship as well as earning All-American status.
Haug is the rst Norwegian student athlete in Sandhills CC history, and he also boasts a hole in one on his golf resume.
Sandhills CC does it again
The Flyers won their sixth straight national golf title
North State Journal sta
MAKE THAT A six-peat.
Sandhills Community College continued its dominance of junior college men’s golf, taking home the national championship for the sixth season in a row.
The Flyers completed their six-pack of titles by taking the NJCAA Division III title at Chautauqua Golf Club in
New York. Sandhills turned in team rounds of 294, 287, 287 and 288 to nish 4 over par. That may not sound impressive, but on the tough course, it translated to an utterly dominant 42-stroke win over second-place Delta College. That gives Sandhills a combined 92-stroke edge over the last two national championship tournaments.
Sandhills jumped out to a six-stroke lead on day one, and back-to-back under-par days pushed the lead to 28 strokes by the start of the nal round.
The Flyers added another 14 strokes to the margin as they pulled away down the stretch.
Four Sandhills golfers nished in the top 13, earning All-America status. Sophomore Trace Wallace was 13th at 14 over par. Sophomores Wyatt Beaver and Vegas Melen—the defending national champion — tied for fth at 8 over, and freshman Sebastian Haug was the only golfer to nish under par, shooting 74, 69, 70 and 71 to nish 4 under and win the individual national title by four strokes.
Moss cancer-free, angling for next big catch in pursuit of bass shing passion
The NFL Hall of Fame receiver is an ambassador for World Bass Enterprises
By Dave Campbell The Associated Press
RANDY MOSS IS still making big catches, long after he nished playing football.
The Hall of Fame wide receiver with the second-most touchdown receptions in NFL history has found his othe- eld calling on the boat, shing for freshwater bass.
“That’s my passion right now. That’s my hobby. That’s my getaway. That’s my therapy,” Moss said.
Mostly con ned to his home for about nine months while he underwent chemotherapy and radiation to beat cancer, Moss developed a deeper appreciation for being in nature. Since his treatment was completed last fall and his rare form of the disease — in the bile duct between the pancreas and the liver — was deemed to be in remission, Moss has often had
“That’s my passion right now. That’s my hobby. That’s my getaway. That’s my therapy.”
Randy Moss on bass shing
a rod and reel in his hands.
This lifelong hobby for Moss has become a third career of sorts, following his work as an NFL analyst for ESPN that he resumed with the 2025 season.
“I’m just excited to be able to showcase my talent and go out there and show people that I have something else other than football that I love,” Moss said.
Moss was hired by World Bass Enterprises to serve as an ambassador for “The Champions” tournament this fall in Hendersonville, Tennessee, an inaugural veday event just across the river from Nashville designed to determine a true title in a
See MOSS, page B2
COURTESY SANDHILLS CC ATHLETICS
COURTESY SANDHILLS CC ATHLETICS
Sandhills golfers pose with their latest national championship hardware.
ANDREW GREIN / CHASING 10 VIA AP Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss holds up a bass during the “Chasing 10” with Randy Moss adventures series about Moss’s chase for elusive 10-pound largemouth bass.
SIDELINE REPORT
NFL
Broncos linebacker Cooper arrested on domestic violence charges
Englewood, Colo.
Denver Broncos linebacker
Jonathon Cooper has been arrested on domestic violence charges. Jail records show he faces two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief. The Broncos said last Friday they are aware of the situation and are gathering more information. Cooper, a seventh-round draft pick from Ohio State in 2021, is entering his sixth season with the team. He has started every game since 2023 and has 311⁄2 career sacks.
UFC
Lawsuit seeks to stop UFC ght on White House South Lawn for Trump’s birthday New York
A federal lawsuit seeks to halt the upcoming UFC ght card on the White House South Lawn as part of the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The ling contends the event violates National Park Service regulations prohibiting sporting events on federal parklands. It also says Congress didn’t consent to the construction of the event space and no environmental review was conducted.
NHL
Meehan, one of rst Sabres, in uential GM, dead at 79
Bu alo, N.Y. Gerry Meehan, one of the Bu alo Sabres’ rst players who went on to an in uential role as the team’s general manager, died at 79. The Sabres announced that he died last Friday. The cause and location of death were not immediately available. Meehan was from Toronto but essentially adopted Bu alo as his hometown as a player and executive. As GM, he was responsible for acquiring eventual Hall of Famers Dominik Hasek, Pat LaFontaine, Alexander Mogilny and Dale Hawerchuk spanning the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Colts QB Jones takes another signi cant step in way back from torn Achilles tendon
The former Duke quarterback was cleared to participate in drills
By Michael Marot
The Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts quarterback
Daniel Jones was cleared to participate in seven-on-seven drills Monday, marking yet another signi cant step in his comeback from a torn right Achilles tendon.
Coach Shane Steichen hinted last week that Jones’ workload may increase during this week’s workouts. Jones has been throwing throughout Indy’s o season team activities, which began in April.
Throughout the process, Jones has made steady progress, though he’s not expected to do full-team workouts until players report to training camp in July.
“To get him out there in seven-on-seven was huge, to get him in the fold, running plays with the guys,” Steichen said. “We’ll keep that trend going, probably through the end of OTAs and then, obviously, get him into team stu at training camp. It’s spring, we don’t play for a while, so we’ve got to be smart with his injury. But he’s making great progress.”
Jones has not played since early December when he suffered the injury during a loss at Jacksonville. He also was playing with a broken bone in his left leg.
The two injuries derailed the Colts’ strong start. He wasn’t the same after the leg injury and missed the rest of the season after get-
MOSS from page B1 sport divided by two competing tours. WBE was founded earlier this year by Brian Bird, a Texas businessman and amateur angler who has become a shing buddy to Moss. In the meantime, Moss and his business partner, Andrew Grein, have been busy lming a documentary series, “Chasing 10,” that features Moss shing with celebrity guests in pursuit of the elusive 10-pound largemouth bass while o ering tips and trading stories. He’s auctioning o a custom-made boat for each season to bene t the Children’s Cancer Research Fund in Minnesota.
“I had to take a year o to be able to get myself back right, but my health is great,” Moss said in a recent interview with
ting hurt against the Jaguars.
Jones spoke with reporters last week but was not available Monday.
“You just feel more a part of it, I think, prepping for practice and the meetings, being a part of the walkthroughs, kind of going through the plays, being back there with the quarterbacks talking through things,” Jones said
The Associated Press. “I still have my quarterly checkups every four months, my scans, but I just think that now that I’m back outside, this is one of the things that I couldn’t wait to see. I have the bass waiting on me, so I’m just a kid in the candy store having fun, man.”
The Champions event, which is carrying a total prize purse of $3.25 million for the largest in the history of the sport, will pay $1.25 million to the winner from a eld of 50 anglers — the top 25 from each of the two biggest organizations in competitive bass shing.
The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society — known as B.A.S.S. — runs the Bassmaster Elite Series. Major League Fishing has the newer Bass Pro Tour. For the past seven years, a bit like the PGA and LIV fac-
last Wednesday. “It just feels more like you’re back in the swing of things and back a part of it. So it’s been good this week to be back.”
The Colts continue to believe Jones is on schedule, perhaps even slightly ahead of schedule, in his recovery and remain hopeful the former Duke star and New York Giants draft pick will start
tions in golf, the best anglers in the world have been split between two groups. Moss is on board with Bird to try to help unite the sport and take it further into the mainstream.
“We both are trying to bring something that’s really positive to the sport of bass shing,” said Bird, who sold his electrical construction services company three years ago and has invested his money into the launch of the tournament.
“It’s a good way for a family to spend time out in nature.”
The rst batch of “Chasing 10” episodes posted to YouTube this week included a spirited outing with the Kelce brothers and a reunion of fellow receivers from the Minnesota Vikings with Cris Carter and Jake Reed. While he was out on another show with Bird on a
“It just feels more like you’re back in the swing of things and back a part of it.”
Daniel Jones
the Sept. 13 season opener against Baltimore. Jones also believes he’ll be ready for Week 1 after signing a two-year contract extension worth up to $100 million in March.
But the depth chart behind Jones remains clouded.
Steichen reiterated Monday that Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall draft pick in 2023, and Riley Leonard, a late-round pick in 2025, continue to share the snaps with Indy’s starting o ense while Jones sits out. Richardson and Leonard are competing to be Jones’ backup.
Longtime Los Angeles Chargers backup Easton Stick joined the mix Monday when Indy signed the free agent and released Seth Henigan. Steichen served as the Chargers quarterbacks coach and o ensive coordinator for two of the six seasons Stick was with Los Angeles. Stick was with the Atlanta Falcons last year.
“We wanted to get him in, get him up to speed with everything, a really good competitor,” Steichen said while describing Stick. “He’s really smart, has some familiarity with the o ense. Obviously, things have changed, but we’ll get him in here, get him up to speed and see where it goes.”
And they’ll keep monitoring Jones, too.
“He’s been throwing routes with the guys, and we’re telling him ‘Don’t scramble, it’s seven-on-seven, be smart in these situations, if it’s not there throw it out of bounds or if you want to drop it on the ground, I’m good with that,’” Steichen said. “But, yeah, he looked good out there today.”
Texas lake, Moss giddily reeled in the hallowed 10-pounder, comparing the anxiety he felt during the process to the moments before a football play when he knew the pass was coming his way. Moss rst learned how to cast a line while growing up in West Virginia with his older half-brother, Eric Moss, who died in 2019. Soon after Moss started his NFL career in Minnesota in 1998, he was introduced to a professional angler, the late John Laub, who taught him the sport on the St. Croix River along the Wisconsin border.
“My rst actual bass experience, I caught 20!” Moss said. “John, he was glowing. That’s the man who showed me bass shing, and I haven’t looked back since.”
MICHAEL CONROY / AP PHOTO
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones throws at the team’s practice last week.
Gordon S. Wood, eminent scholar of the American Revolution, dead at 92
The historian’s in uential works shaped scholarly understanding of America’s founding for generations
By Hillel Italie
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Gordon S. Wood, the eminent and prolific scholar who forged a highly in uential and sharply debated narrative of the country’s early years of independence through such prize-winning works as “The Creation of the American Republic” and “The Radicalism of the American Revolution,” has died. He was 92. Wood, a professor emeritus at Brown University, died Sunday after being struck by a car in a supermarket parking lot in East Providence, Rhode Island, according to police.
Author of dozens of books and essays, Wood never gained the mass audience of historians like David McCullough and Doris Kearns Goodwin, but his ndings became standard references for discussions about the formation of the U.S. and the legacy of the revolution. Many peers regarded the white-haired, mild-looking Wood as the embodiment of the learned, traditional historian, guided by facts rather than ideology.
In 2011, President Barack Obama presented him a National Humanities Medal “for scholarship that provides insight into the founding of the nation and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.”
In recent years, younger academics increasingly alleged that Wood was too well-established, the epitome of the old-school historian who minimized the lives of slaves, women and Indigenous people. John L. Brooke, a history professor at Ohio State University, would fault him for “a distinct avoidance of interpretative paradox and complexity,” even as he cited Wood’s “scale and scholarly enterprise.”
His success was immediate and lasting. His rst book, “The Creation of the American Republic,” won the Bancroft Prize in 1970 and lived on with generations of students who embraced and contended with Wood’s ndings that the Constitution was unintentionally subversive, a document devised by elites that led to “the destruction of the very social world
ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 2, 2011.
they had sought to maintain.”
His “The Radicalism of the American Revolution” won the Pulitzer in 1993, and the epic “Empire of Liberty” was a nalist in 2009. Wood did welcome scholarly breakthroughs, notably Annette Gordon-Reed’s “persuasive contextual case” that the enslaved Sally Hemings bore some of Thomas Je erson’s children. In “Empire of Liberty,” which covered the years 1789 to 1815, he included lengthy passages on slavery and called it a cancer “eating away at the message of liberty and equality.”
At other times, Wood angrily resisted new approaches. He was a prominent critic of The New York Times’ Pulitzer Prize winning 1619 Project and its contention — later amended — that maintaining slavery was a key motivation for the American Revolution. He alleged that the project encouraged a sense “victimhood” and feeling “aggrieved,” even as he acknowledged he hadn’t read most of it. He would counter that the founders, even such plantation owners as Je erson and James Madison, believed — mistakenly — that slavery would die a natural death and the revolution itself energized the American abolitionist movement.
“We all want justice, but not at the expense of truth,” he wrote in 2019, adding, in a widely disputed statement, “I don’t know of any colonist who said that they wanted independence in order to preserve their slaves.”
Wood was born into history: His hometown, Concord, Massachusetts, had been the residence of Ralph Waldo Emerson,
Henry David Thoreau and Louisa May Alcott, among others. But his passion for the subject he later mastered did not arise until college. Wood found his high school history education unbearable, su ering through classes in which the teacher simply read from a textbook. Wood did admire his Latin instructor, who encouraged him to attend Tufts University, from which he graduated summa cum laude. He received a master’s and doctorate from Harvard University and studied under a celebrated Revolutionary War historian Bernard Bailyn, whose documentation of the intellectual forces behind independence in his landmark “The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution” Wood would build upon in “The Creation of the American Republic.”
In his introduction to “The Idea of America,” published in 2011, Wood looked back on his own work and the evolution of scholarship in his lifetime. He noted the many errors of the country’s founders but warned against scolding historical gures because of mistakes which seem obvious now, what he and others call “Presentism.”
“The drama, indeed the tragedy of history, comes from our understanding of the tension that existed between the conscious wills and intentions of the participants in the past and the underlying conditions that constrained their actions and shaped their future,” he wrote.
“If the study of history teaches anything, it teaches us the limitations of life. It ought to produce prudence and humility.”
Actor Anthony Head, known for
‘Bu y the Vampire Slayer,’
His career encompassed television, lm, stage performances and musical theater roles
By Jill Lawless and Brian Melley
The Associated Press
LONDON — Anthony Head, the suave, smooth-voiced British actor known for roles in “Bu y the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso,” has died, his family said Friday. He was 72.
Head’s daughters, actors Emily and Daisy Head, told the Press Association news agency that the actor passed away due to complications from pneumonia.
The stage and TV performer became well known to British audiences in the 1980s as one half of a will-they, won’t-they
romantic couple in a series of ads for Nescafe Gold Blend instant co ee. The ads were later reshot for a U.S. audience for Taster’s Choice. Head achieved wider fame as librarian Rupert Giles, mentor to the title character in the cult-favorite supernatural series “Bu y the Vampire Slayer,” which ran from 1997 to 2003.
He most recently played Rupert Mannion, the villainous ex-husband of Hannah Waddingham’s character Rebecca, in “Ted Lasso.”
“Our grief is far greater than the hole he has left behind, but we know his legacy will live on, in the shows he was a part of, and in the audiences that love them,” his daughters said. “How lucky we are to know we are able to watch him doing what he loved, even when he is no longer with us.”
Brenda Joyce Chavis McDowell
Dec. 1, 1955 – June 3, 2026
Mrs. Brenda Joyce Chavis McDowell, age 70, of Raeford, North Carolina was born on Dec. 1, 1955, to the late Carlee Chavis and the late Margaret Locklear Chavis in Columbus County, North Carolina. She departed this life to her eternal home on June 3, 2026, at Firsthealth Hospice House, West End, North Carolina. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Jessie McDowell and Destiny McDowell, a brother James Fuller Chavis.
Mrs. Brenda enjoyed gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family. Her great grandchildren were her pride and joy.
Mrs. Brenda leaves to cherish her memories two sons: Donnie McDowell and Ronnie McDowell both of Raeford, North Carolina, two daughters: Tammy Sheely of Lumber Bridge, North Carolina, Brenda Lee Oxendine of Raeford, North Carolina, two brothers: Bill Chavis and David Chavis both of Lumber Bridge, North Carolina, two sisters: Betsy Adorno and Dede Semel both of Fayetteville, North Carolina, eleven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, along with a host of other relatives and friends.
Robert
A Sizemore
Oct. 22, 1937 –May 31, 2026
Robert peacefully passed at his home Sunday, May 31, 2026, surrounded by family. Born to the late Henry and Viola Sizemore in southern Georgia, Robert served in the U.S. Army in his earlier years and then began a 50 year career in Ammonia Refrigeration. After retirement he enjoyed landscaping and teaching the grandchildren his exemplary work ethic, along with gardening and shing. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rosamary, brothers: Carl, Tracy, and Johnny, sisters: Mittie, Elizabeth, Retta Mae and Irene.
Surviving children are Linda (Jurgen), Patricia, Andy (Kathryn), Wanda, 8 grandchildren, and 5 greatgrandchildren.
dead at 72
Head was born in London on Feb. 20, 1954, to Sea eld Head, a documentary lmmaker, and Helen Shingler, an actor. His older brother, Murray, is also an actor. Other notable roles included playing Geo rey Howe, the deputy to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, played by Meryl Streep, in the Oscar-winning “The Iron Lady.” Head portrayed a prime minister himself in the sketch comedy show “Little Britain,” as well as King Uther Pendragon, the father of Prince Arthur, in the “Merlin” TV series. He also appeared in “Motherland,” Manchild” and “Silent Witness,” along with acting in many plays, musicals and recording music as a singer. He was predeceased by his longtime partner, animal welfare activist Sarah Fisher, 61, in 2025.
PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS / AP PHOTO
President Barack Obama, right, presents a National Humanities Medal to author, historian and Brown University professor emeritus Gordon Wood during a
STATE & NATION
Trump o cials went after dozens of colleges; now rules for all of academia being rewritten
Federal rulemaking o ers a durable strategy after court orders blocked targeted funding cuts
By Collin Binkley
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A year ago, the White House was unleashing a blitz on higher education. At one campus after another, Trump o cials opened investigations and cut federal funding unless schools fell in line with the Republican president’s political agenda.
Now, after a campaign that put dozens of universities under investigation, President Donald Trump’s administration is taking a wider approach, moving to rewrite the federal rules that govern all of higher education. Demands that were being pressed on individual schools are being written into the ne print for thousands of U.S. universities.
“We’re coming over the higher education system and course correcting,” Nicholas Kent, undersecretary for the Education Department, said in an Associated Press interview. Unlike investigations that target individual campuses, he said the new tactic has power “to a ect 6,000 institutions.”
The shift comes after federal judges blocked Trump’s administration from making crippling cuts at Harvard and the University of California, Los Angeles. It also follows a mass exodus in civil rights lawyers who traditionally guide investigations against universities. Still, Trump hasn’t backed down from his campaign to end what he calls “wokeness” run amok in academia.
Through regulation, the administration is going after many of the same targets it hammered with investigations — diversity, equity and inclusion policies, transgender athletes, antisemitism and a variety of practices perceived as anti-white discrimination.
Several U.S. agencies propose new rules
One new rule being proposed by the Education Department would overhaul the system that decides which colleges can receive federal money, known as the accreditation process. Among other changes, the proposal would require accreditors to make sure colleges have “intellectual diversity,” a veiled call for more conservative voices.
Many people in higher education are alarmed by a proposal from the O ce of Management and Budget that would order agencies to ensure federal grants “advance the President’s policy priorities.” Trump o cials would verify that grants aren’t used to promote DEI, “anti-American values” or anything denying “the sex binary in humans,” according to the proposal issued last week. An
spokesperson said the rule aims to promote transparency.
Another proposal from the General Services Administration would require federal grant recipients, including universities and their contractors, to certify they don’t have DEI policies deemed unlawful by the administration.
At least 11 new rules have been proposed at the Education Department, including one aimed at “streamlining the process” to cut money for schools that violate the Trump administration’s interpretation of civil rights law.
Making federal rules can take months of debate in humdrum bureaucratic processes. But unlike earlier strategies that tested the limits of White House power, the rulemaking process is a widely accepted route to establish federal policy into law — without needing to go through Congress.
Some in higher education welcome the change. Unlike last year’s attacks, the new approach opens the door for a conversation, said Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, which represents college and university presidents.
“We’re playing a game that has rules and referees, and that’s good,” said Mitchell, a former Education Department o cial under President Barack Obama, a Democrat. “It gives us an opportunity to talk about where we might agree with the administration. That was impossible to do when these were just straight-on attacks.”
The administration launches fewer new investigations
Meantime, the Education and Justice departments have announced fewer higher-education investigations, issuing news releases on roughly a dozen at U.S.
universities so far this year. In the same span last year, they announced more than 70, according to an AP analysis. The exact number of new investigations is unclear — a public database has not been updated since January 2025.
Kent said the Education Department will continue to open investigations as needed, describing it as using a “scalpel to cut out the bad.” But he said colleges have started to come to heel on the administration’s priorities.
“Folks realize that it’s a new day and that we’re paying attention,” Kent said.
The vast majority of the investigations opened last year are still open. The White House struck deals with Columbia, Brown and a handful of other campuses, but most cases are unresolved with no public update in months.
Catherine Lhamon, who led the Education Department’s Ofce for Civil Rights under President Joe Biden, a Democrat, said the barrage of investigations amounted to “performance art” that grabbed attention but had little impact. After pushback from schools, she said, the Trump administration is backing o .
“It stopped putting itself in a position to lose,” said Lhamon, who now leads the Edley Center on Law and Democracy at the University of California, Berkeley.
Still, some ghts have intensied. The White House has doubled down on battles with Harvard and UCLA after federal judges blocked the administration from cutting o research funding from the campuses.
The Justice Department has sued Harvard and UCLA four times since February, alleging that both campuses tolerated antisemitism and that Harvard
“It gives us an opportunity to talk about where we might agree with the administration. That was impossible to do when these were just straight-on attacks.”
Ted Mitchell, American Council on Education president
refused to release admissions data sought by the administration. Leaders of both universities say they have worked to ght antisemitism.
Admissions cases become a top priority
A White House o cial said the investigative slowdown is also the result of a mounting focus on college admissions. The administration has been building cases against colleges accused of considering race in admissions decisions even after the Supreme Court struck down afrmative action. Those investigations can take more time because they require large data collections, said the o cial, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy.
Some of those cases are now coming to bear.
The Justice Department recently concluded that medical schools at Yale and UCLA discriminated against white and Asian American students by allegedly favoring Black and Latino applicants. The universities have defended their admissions processes, saying they were rigorous and based on merit.
Trump o cials are taking a hard-line approach against any use of race in admissions,
clashing with colleges that invite students to discuss their race in application essays. In its 2023 decision, the Supreme Court said nothing stops schools from considering how applicants’ race speaks to broader qualities.
“We are making sure,” Kent said, “that we are elevating our best and our brightest and that we’re not putting the thumb on the scale because of somebody’s skin color.”
Higher education has already been changed
Facing last year’s blitz, many campuses quietly made changes to avoid scrutiny. Some closed DEI o ces. The NCAA moved to limit transgender athletes. Universities from UCLA to Columbia tightened campus protest rules after pro-Palestinian demonstrations were the subject of federal investigations.
Research has been scaled back as top schools face continued funding cuts.
In the classroom, there’s been a chilling e ect as professors fear that what they say or teach could attract federal attention, said Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors.
Still, he’s optimistic the balance of power is shifting in universities’ favor. Students and faculty members on several campuses built pressure to reject a White House invitation last fall to sign on to aspects of Trump’s agenda in exchange for favorable access to research funding, he said. The AAUP has brought several lawsuits against the administration, including one that stopped funding cuts at UCLA.
“The sector is getting its feet under it, and it’s only getting stronger,” Wolfson said. “I can promise you that we will ght them tooth and nail.”
OMB
STEVEN SENNE / AP PHOTO
People take photos near a John Harvard statue on the Harvard campus in January 2024, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
A fowl day
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Social Security’s retirement trust fund faces funding shortfall
1 year earlier
Washington, D.C. Social Security’s retirement trust fund is projected to face a funding shortfall in 2032, a year earlier than previously expected. That’s according to an annual report released Tuesday. Medicare’s hospital insurance trust fund will be unable to pay full bene ts in 2033, unchanged from last year’s estimate. Rising health care costs and government spending contributed to the projected depletion dates. The programs will continue issuing bene ts after those dates, but at reduced amounts. The trustees emphasize the urgency of changes, but political challenges remain. AARP’s CEO is urging Congress to act, highlighting the importance of the bene ts for retirees.
OpenAI les con dential SEC paperwork for IPO, opening door to Wall Street debut
OpenAI has led preliminary paperwork to potentially become a publicly traded company. The company announced Monday it has submitted con dential documents to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. OpenAI says it hasn’t decided on timing yet, as there are advantages to staying private. The move follows Anthropic’s June announcement of its own IPO plans. Both companies are following SpaceX, which is
Moore County Schools announces new principal assignments
The district both promoted and reassigned employees internally
By Ryan Henkel North State Journal
CARTHAGE — The Moore County Schools Board of Education approved the appointments of several new principals within the district at its June 8 meeting. While some of the assignments were promotions, there were also several reassignments.
“Personnel assignments are always di cult,” said board member David Hensley. “You have to make sure you have the right people on the bus, and once you have the right team, you’ve got to make sure you
have the right people on each seat on the bus.”
Rochelle Dunlop was named as the new principal of Connect Academy, having previously served as an assistant principal at West Pine Middle School.
“She helped lead the e orts for PBIS system renewal, school improvement and instructional growth,” said Interim Superintendent Jenny Purvis.
Dunlop has experience working across North Carolina, as well as in Dubai and Qatar.
Quinetta Pratt was named principal at Crain’s Creek Middle School, having previously served as the principal at Southern Pines Elementary School.
Since Pratt took over at Southern Pines Elementary four years ago, the school was
The total of new principal assignments
pulled out of failing status and has since met growth every year while increasing its school performance grade as well.
“We felt it was very important after the instability in regards to administration there that we provide someone to Crain’s Creek who was a veteran who could lead and be stable there,” Purvis said.
“Crain’s Creek has had issues since I’ve been on the school board,” Hensley said. “I have to say, Dr. Quinetta Pratt is a
great choice.”
Carlos Rodrigues was named the principal at Elise Middle School, having previously served as an assistant principal at Crain’s Creek Middle School.
Rodrigues also has experience working as an assistant principal at Pinecrest High School, as well as being an instructional leader and testing coordinator.
Jerid Cassady was named the principal at Highfalls Elementary School, having previously served as principal at Cameron Elementary.
“Mr. Cassady is from the northern Moore area, and he’s looking forward to going back and serving in his community,” Purvis said.
Moore County approves disbursement of additional opioid settlement funding
Five organizations will be granted about $824,000
By Ryan Henkel North State Journal
CARTHAGE — The Moore County Board of Commissioners approved a variety of contractual matters at its June 2 meeting.
The board approved the disbursement of just under $824,000 in opioid settlement funds to ve di erent organizations to implement programs and services aimed at opioid remediation uses.
Those include:
• Boys & Girls Club — about $29,000
• FirstHealth — about
$134,000
• Samaritan Colony — about $400,000
“I’m glad to see the money being spent to actually get really good results for our citizens.”
Nick Picerno, board chair
• Sandhills Adult & Teen Challenge — $210,000
• Moore County Government Administration — $50,000
“All these organizations, I don’t see anybody on here that somebody would have an objection to,” said Board Chair Nick Picerno. “They all have proven results. I’m glad to see the money being spent to actually get really good results for our citizens.”
The county has received approximately $4.56 million in
opioid settlement funding and has distributed about $1.23 million since the start of the fund.
The board also approved a ve-year, $2.4 million contract with Southern Health Partners for inmate medical services at the Moore County Detention Center.
“The detention center requested proposals earlier this year for inmate medical services due to the current contract expiring this month,” said Moore County Sheri ’s O ce Maj. Bill Flint. “After receiving several proposals for medical services, Southern Health Partners’ proposal was by far more economically bene cial for the county than the others when comparing services and cost.”
Southern Health Partners is a Tennessee-based company
that is prevalent in many North Carolina detention centers, according to Flint.
The board then approved a contract with Sanford Electrical Contractors for the purchase and installation of a new generator at the agricultural building at an amount not to exceed $118,500.
“Approximately nine years ago, the county purchased two military surplus generators,” said Gene Boles, property management director. “One went to the health department, and one went to our ag building. The one at the health department failed approximately four years ago, so we have been using that unit as spare parts for this unit, but it is no longer reliable anymore.”
According to county sta ,
DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL
A mother duck watches over her ducklings along the shore at Aberdeen Lake Park on Saturday.
“Join the conversation”
State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)
We stand corrected To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.
SCHOOLS from page A1
Ashley Priest was named the principal at Sandhills Farm Life Elementary School, having previously served as principal at Elise Middle School.
“She’s also looking forward to going back and working in her Sandhills Farm Life community and getting back to elementary school,” Purvis said.
Jami Burr was named principal at Southern Pines Elementary School, having previously served as principal of Connect Academy.
“She’s led the district in initiatives for K-12 virtual school, the enrollment for which has grown to 330 students under her leadership,” Purvis said.
Finally, Abby Greenberg was named principal at Vass-Lakeview Elementary School, having previously served as assistant principal at McDeeds Creek Elementary.
“She’s supported the work in McDeeds in achieving 90% for K-3 in-class pro ciency while all K-3 reading teachers met growth,” Purvis said.
The Moore County Schools Board of Education will next meet June 30.
SETTLEMENT from page A1 THURSDAY
the agricultural building is utilized as a backup emergency shelter, hence the need to have a working generator on site.
The contract also includes a ve-year, 3,000-use-hours warranty.
Finally, the board approved the construction of two new aircraft hangars at the Moore County Airport and the acquisition of two re department apparatuses: an engine for Cypress Pointe and a tanker for Whispering Pines.
The Moore County Board of Commissioners will next meet June 16.
FDA OKs rst new sunscreen ingredient in more than 25 years
The ingredient protects both UVA and UVB rays without mineral sunscreens’ white residue
By Matthew Perrone The Associated Press
WASHINGTON., D.C. — Federal health regulators on Tuesday signed o on the rst new sunscreen ingredient for the U.S. market in more than 25 years, giving Americans access to a skin-protecting chemical long used in Europe and other parts of the world.
The Food and Drug Administration says the ingredient, bemotrizinol, met the agency’s standards for protecting from dangerous ultraviolet rays while causing little irritation or absorption into the skin. The ingredient is safe for adults and children 6 months and older, the agency stated in a release.
Bemotrizinol will initially be sold in the U.S. by the Dutch manufacturer DSM Nutritional Products under the brand name Parsol Shield, which is expected to launch later in the year. After an 18-month exclusivity period, the ingredient will be available for use by other manufacturers. E orts to introduce new sunscreen products have been bogged down for decades by the FDA’s bureaucratic system for updating its lists of safe nonprescription drug ingredients. Bemotrizinol is the rst ingredient to go through a streamlined process authorized by Congress in 2020.
Experts say bemotrizinol will ll an important niche in the U.S. market: protecting against both ultraviolet A and B rays while not leaving white streaks associated with mineral-based sunscreens.
“For decades, Americans
June 1
• Amy Diane Brown, 39, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for violating a domestic violence protection order.
• Grayson Brooker Clyburn, 28, of Fayetteville, was arrested by MCSO for assault in icting serious injury, assault with a deadly weapon and resisting a public o cer.
• Brian Edward Crawford, 52, of Pineblu , was arrested by MCSO for failure to report a new address as a sex o ender and failure to report in person to the sheri .
• William Abel Yates, 29, of Sanford, was arrested by MCSO for rstdegree forcible rape, rst-degree kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon with a minor present, and other charges.
June 2
• Johnny Ray Gonzalez, 47, of Robbins, was arrested by MCSO for rstdegree burglary, breaking and entering and misdemeanor larceny.
• Maria Alexandra Ratli , 38, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
• Rodney Scott Vandevander, 51, of Star, was arrested by MCSO for possession of fentanyl, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Steven Albert Ziegler, 73, of Cary, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for driving while impaired.
June 3
• Thomas Eugene Frederick, 45, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for driving while impaired, eeing and eluding arrest
A man applies sunscreen to a woman’s arm before a spring training baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the Chicago White Sox in Phoenix, Feb. 28, 2024.
“For decades, Americans have used outdated sunscreen tech while the rest of the world moved forward.”
David Andrews, Environmental Working Group
have used outdated sunscreen tech while the rest of the world moved forward,” said David Andrews of the Environmental Working Group. “The approval of bemotrizinol will help change that.”
Andrews’ group has long pushed the FDA to tighten sunscreen standards and allow new ingredients on the market.
Under FDA rules, all sunscreens must protect against UVB rays, which cause most sunburn, as well as UVA rays that pose the greatest risk of skin cancer and wrinkles.
Currently available chemical-blocking ingredients only protect against one or the other. Companies generally mix
with a motor vehicle and reckless driving with wanton disregard, and other charges.
• Braxton Montgomery Lewis, 27, of Rockingham, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for possession of methamphetamine, breaking and entering a motor vehicle and possession of stolen goods, and other charges.
• Ryan Michael Olufs, 41, of Robbins, was arrested by MCSO for failure to report changes to online identi ers as a sex o ender.
• Talia Dawn Singletary, 33, of Asheboro, was arrested by MCSO for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance on prison or jail premises and identity theft, and other charges.
June 4
• Holly Lynn Brewer, 32, of Bennett, was arrested by MCSO for simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
• Thomas William Jones, 39, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for possession of a stolen motor vehicle; and ctitious or altered title, registration card or tag.
• Taylor Renee Lambert, 27, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for possession of drug paraphernalia.
June 5
• Ra q Naji Amir, 68, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for possession of drug paraphernalia, open container alcohol violation and being intoxicated and disruptive.
• Noah Ethan Watson, 21, of Aberdeen, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for resisting a public o cer.
the chemicals in combination to achieve “broad spectrum protection.”
Mineral-based ingredients, including zinc oxide, block both UVA and UVB but leave a chalky white residue.
Bemotrizinol was authorized by European authorities in 1999 and rst led with the FDA for review in 2005.
“The FDA is committed to ensuring the American consumer has access to the most e ective and safe therapies, including over-the-counter products like sunscreens,” said Dr. Mike Davis, acting director of FDA’s drug center.
The FDA has been gradually updating its standards for sunscreens. In 2011, the agency banned terms like “waterproof,” which regulators said was misleading, and required that all sunscreens lter out UVA and UVB rays. Previously some formulas only protected against UVB. In 2021, the FDA proposed additional measures — including capping SPF numbers and requiring stronger UVA protection — but those have not been completed.
Here’s
June 13
Robbins Food Park Farmers Market & Craft Fair
9 a.m.
The Robbins Food Park opens its 2026 seasonal market series with a combined farmers market and craft fair featuring local vendors. The event runs through 2:00 p.m. Robbins Food Park 120 N. Rockingham St. Robbins
Sandhills PRIDEFest 2026
noon
Sandhills PRIDE presents its fourth annual PRIDEFest, themed “Pride in the Pines,” featuring live music, food trucks, local artists, pop-up retailers and activities for all ages on the grounds of the historic Weymouth Center estate. The event is free and open to the public.
Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities 555 E. Connecticut Ave. Southern Pines
June
14
Moore County Historical Association: Postcard History of Southern Pines 2 p.m.
June 6
• Clara Eleny Jennifer Baur, 19, of Carthage, was arrested by Pinehurst PD for misdemeanor child abuse, driving after consuming alcohol while under 21 and resisting a public o cer.
• Courtney Christine Gro , 30, of Aberdeen, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for assault with a deadly weapon, driving while impaired and misdemeanor child abuse, and other charges.
• Gerald Antonio Morrison, 43, of West End, was arrested by MCSO for felony possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance on prison or jail premises and simple possession of a controlled substance, and other charges.
• Eros Ramirez-Cabrera, 31, of Aberdeen, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for simple assault and injury to personal property.
• Bobby Paul Wade, 50, of Sanford, was arrested by MCSO for possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.
June 7
• Perricca Shontay Allen, 35, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and simple assault.
• Rodney Scott Collins, 55, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• James Dewayne Jones, 19, of Carthage, was arrested by Pinehurst PD for violating a domestic violence protection order.
Historian Dr. Julia Hans will present the history of the penny postcard and the Moore County Historical Association’s postcard collection, which informed her Arcadia Publishing book “Postcard History Series: Southern Pines.” Autographed copies will be available for $24.99. The program is free and open to the public.
Southern Pines Civic Club 105 S. Ashe St. Southern Pines
June 15
SCC Jazz Band: The Sound of Swing in the Sandhills 6 p.m.
The Sandhills Community College Jazz Band performs the rst concert of its “Swingin’ in Summer” series. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
Owens Auditorium, Bradshaw Performing Arts Center 3395 Airport Road Pinehurst
ASHLEY LANDIS / AP PHOTO
THE CONVERSATION
Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor
VISUAL VOICES
Having di cult conversations
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age.
THEY ARE CALLED di cult conversations for a reason. But the ironic thing is, for the most part, the di culty is almost always in starting the conversation, not in the reaction to the topic itself. I know from my experiences that most people are self-aware enough that if I think there is a real problem that needs addressing, they do too. The problem is they don’t want to start the conversation either, so it festers. And that makes it harder on both sides.
As someone who has managed many people in my professional career, one of the most surprisingly di cult conversations I ever had illustrates this. One of my employees was underperforming badly. Missing deadlines, showing up late for meetings, unreliable work product, almost everything was o . But he was (and still is) a great person to be around, and everyone liked him. So I delayed the conversation and hoped it would get better. It didn’t.
When it was nally time for his formal end-of-year review, I was very honest with him and told him that if he continued to perform the way he had that he would be
COLUMN | DAVID HARSANYI
terminated in the coming months. I’ll never forget the look on his face when, rather than being defensive, angry or even surprised, he simply responded, “Thank you for being so honest. I needed to hear that.”
Approached correctly, you are likely to have a similar experience when you broach di cult nancial conversations. It’s not that people are unaware they should communicate on these topics, it’s that to discuss someone’s nancial success, or lack thereof, can feel like a crude judgment. Or to discuss someone’s death can feel like you don’t appropriately value their life. In fact, when broached with care and respect, the most common response is a thank you for bringing it up — they have wanted to talk about it too.
Talking to your parents about money is di cult at any age. Whether you are in high school and want to consider what college you can a ord to attend or if you are my age and have elderly parents you need to discuss wishes for care and their wills with, it always feels invasive. But the alternative is so much worse — you need to
The SPLC’s real scam
How can any reputable media outlet ever use the SPLC as a source again?
IT TURNS OUT that the most generous funder of white supremacist groups in the United States was likely the Southern Poverty Law Center.
At least that’s what the Department of Justice’s superseding indictment against the SPLC alleges.
The organization secretly paid informants to engage in the active promotion and funding of racist groups while denouncing and “ ghting” the very same groups in public. The SPLC purportedly created ctitious entities to hide funding from their donors.
The SPLC, for instance, is accused of bankrolling the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally, paying a leader nearly $300,000 to post racist messages, organize and even transport people to the infamous Charlottesville protest, where one person was killed.
In another instance, a pair of white supremacists who approached the SPLC about leaving the Klan were encouraged to stay in the group and recruit new members. Given salaries, the two men were allegedly reimbursed for the costs of their activities, including those “incurred for cross-burning events, to include the wood and fuel used.”
In the end, I’m not sure what the legal jeopardy there is in engaging in this brand of duplicitous activity, but it is without a doubt corrupt, fraudulent, immoral and bad for the country.
Many people correctly point out that SPLC is merely interested in keeping white supremacist groups operational to justify its existence. White nationalists and identitarian groups have no genuine political power or support, so it makes sense that SPLC and other groups would prop them up for fundraising. The
notion that Americans live in a nation of deep -seated systemic and cultural racism is a foundational belief of the American left. Having a bunch of cartoonishly racist groups running around the country not only perpetuates the myth but helps raise money.
But a far more vital objective of the SPLC is destroying the reputations of e ective legitimate organizations that are involved in mainstream political debates that have absolutely nothing to do with racism or extremism.
The purpose of the “hate” maps and enemies’ lists compiled by SPLC isn’t to alert Americans about local skinheads but to associate those skinheads with the American College of Pediatricians, Family Research Council, Ben Carson, Turning Point USA, American Family Association and Moms for Liberty.
In 2016, for instance, the SPLC “Hate and Extremism” list added Alliance Defending Freedom, a highly e ective legal organization that’s won multiple religious freedom cases in front of the Supreme Court. Oftentimes the ADF represents minority clients. Its most high-pro le case involved Jack Phillips, the persecuted cake maker from Colorado whose First Amendment rights were stripped by the government. But the group also takes on cases regarding state funding for abortion or the biological males competing in girls’ sports.
You may disagree with ADF’s positions on those issues, but only an extremist progressive actually considers it a “hate” group worthy of inclusion on a list with “neo-confederates.” It’s not the pinhead “Neo Volkisch” that concerns the SPLC, it’s the impressive lawyer with the ADF.
By making their case to the press, these
nd a way today to begin those conversations. There are too many examples of kids working hard to get into a college they can’t possibly pay for, and too many examples of parents passing away without communicating their wishes and intents. My retirement team here at the department would also want me to remind you that while you’re having those conversations, please be sure that everyone has updated their nancial bene ciaries and other legal designations to align with their current wishes! Remember that nancial success, or lack of success, is not a referendum on someone’s worth. And eventually, no matter who you are, someone else will have to deal with your nancial a airs, despite how much you want to keep them to yourself. So spend some time today guring out how to talk to your parents, signi cant other or kids about money. Discuss goals, dreams and intent. And you’ll likely be surprised by just how happy they are that you did.
Brad Briner is state treasurer of North Carolina.
conservatives are wisely appealing to the SPLC’s most powerful source of in uence. Yet the SPLC’s “hate list” has been treated as an authoritative source on extremism by virtually every legacy media outlet for years.
During the height of BLM protests and riots, The New York Times cited the SPLC as an unimpeachable authority on hate groups in hundreds of stories over a one-year span. The group was cited by the paper thousands of times over the previous decade. That’s a single media organization. From the mid-2010s through 2025, when the SPLC was sending millions to prop up the worst right-wing extremists in the country, virtually any story about rising extremism on NBC News featured the SPLC. The question is, how can any reputable media outlet, much less a government agency, ever use the SPLC as a source again?
They’ll try. Even now, outlets like The Associated Press refer to the SPLC as a “civil rights” group. The SPLC, formed in 1971 by civil rights activists in Montgomery, Alabama, hasn’t been ghting for the rights of African Americans for a long time. By the mid-1980s, the SPLC had already shifted away from the civil rights ght to rooting out “right-wing extremism.” In 1986, the entire legal sta , save founder Morris Dees (who was pushed out of the organization in 2019 after allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination), quit over the change.
The SPLC, probably super uous when it was formed, has long been a shady left-wing activist group with a near-billion-dollar endowment. The new indictment only further con rms it was worse than we thought.
David Harsanyi is a senior writer at the Washington Examiner. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)
COLUMN | BRAD BRINER
Broken speaker? Finicky zipper? Anticonsumerist Repair Cafes urge you to x it instead of pitch it
A global repair movement is helping people restore broken goods and build community connections
By Michael Weissenstein
The Associated Press
NEW PALTZ, N.Y. — On a drizzly Saturday morning late last month, the basement of the New Paltz United Methodist Church lled with old lamps, blunt knives, malfunctioning sound mixers and balky zippers.
About a dozen volunteers welcomed the broken goods and their owners to a worldwide movement that’s evangelizing new relationships between people and their things.
Repair Cafes — free events where volunteers with technical know-how help neighbors x myriad household items — are part of a new brand of anticonsumerism that’s trying to o er an alternative to the mass-produced disposable goods that have dominated the global economy for the last half-century. Helping fuel that move to repairing, not buying, are U.S. consumer prices, which climbed sharply again last month as the war with Iran delivered higher gasoline prices and more pain for Americans.
After starting in the Netherlands with a single event in 2009, Repair Cafe has grown into a global nonpro t with more than 59,000 members, some 4,000 cafes and close to 850,000 items xed a year.
“We need to change our mindset. We need to change the economy,” Repair Cafe founder Martine Postma said. “Even if Repair Cafes can’t solve the problem alone, then still they are a very clear sign that change is needed on a much higher level.”
Repair Cafes are both a way to x things and to form community
In New Paltz, a Hudson Valley college town about two hours from New York, 50 people brought about 85 items to the Repair Cafe: an antique fan that required rewiring, shirts, pants, jackets, stu ed animals. There were old family photos that needed restoring and jewelry awaiting work like restringing beads or replacing clasps.
Repair experts waited behind long cafeteria tables to teach alternatives, giving people chances to learn that awed goods aren’t automatically junk.
“Maybe their initial reason for coming is monetary or sentimental,” organizer Holly Shader said.
More than that, she added, “it gives people a chance to work together and extend the life of something. People form relationships.”
The experts on hand xed 71 of the items, found that four
needed more work and deemed 10 beyond repair. They said they volunteer for the low-pressure joy of xing things, with networking as a side bene t.
“I get to come and actually do the work and meet the nice people and show them how to put something together,” contractor Patrick L. Murphy said.
Networks touting this new brand of anticonsumerism are growing
The Buy Nothing Project, “right to repair” legislation, and a growing number of tool libraries also are dedicated to repairing, trading, and giving instead of buying and selling.
Starting in Washington state in 2013, the Buy Nothing Project maintains an app and social media presence that links people giving things away with people nearby who want them — a worldwide network of gift economies, as described on its Facebook page.
Founder Liesl Clark said the network has expanded to at least 12.5 million people on Facebook, showing a growth rate with the ability to in uence corporate and state behavior.
“What was a social movement has really become a safety net for millions of people,” she said. “People are seeing that you don’t have to go to the Amazons of the world to get what you might
need, there is a robust material culture in your community.
“We want to change the way that the world consumes.”
The movement “started as a social and economic and environmental experiment,” she noted.
“There’s going to be a conversation that you have, when you and someone else are xing something together,” she said.
“We’re nding that we’re crossing a lot of barriers.”
In today’s modern, disposable culture, many people have lost the ability to repair household goods, a skill that was once nearly universal, said Peter Counter, an engineer who’s studying Repair Cafes and working on a doctorate at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, England.
“The idea that you can x your own stu has receded because the skills are not being passed down,” he said. “If you want something xed, it’s almost certainly cheaper to go buy a new one.”
Community repair is thriving, Counter said, because it is volunteers who spend their time, making it nancially viable even if you need to buy spare parts.
The “right to repair” movement wants consumers to be empowered to repair their own products instead of being forced to go to the manufacturer for
tools and instructions. A national campaign pushed in 2023 for states to consider bills requiring manufacturers to give access to tools and instructions for both customers and repair shops. A handful of states have passed legislation.
And around the country, some jurisdictions are hosting tool libraries that allow people to borrow expensive tools just like library books.
‘It’s wonderful to see people restoring older things’
In New Paltz, Paula Weinstein, 79, brought in a 1930s-era Hammond clock and handed it to Bob Morton.
Morton — an 82-year-old former IBM electrical engineer — said he enjoys using his skills to stay intellectually busy and help people.
“I’ve been blessed to still have a brain,” the grandfather of three said. “It’s a chance to do something.”
Weinstein added, “It’s wonderful to see people restoring older things.”
After hours of patient work together, the hands of her clock moved.
“Yes, it’s working!” she shouted. “Oh, my goodness, thank you!”
“I’m glad I stuck with it,” Morton said.
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL WEISSENSTEIN / AP PHOTO
Bob Morton, a former IBM electrical engineer, right, repairs a 1930s-era Hammond clock for Paula Weinstein at a Repair Café in New Paltz, New York, on May 23.
Electronic repair coach Dan Casey, left, and his mother, Diane Casey, work on a sound-mixing device at a Repair Café in New Paltz, New York, on May 23.
MOORE SPORTS
7 county baseball players earn NCBCA accolades
Three Pinecrest players and four from Union Pines were honored
North State Journal sta
SEVERAL MOORE County high school athletes picked up honors as the spring sports season concluded with awards and all-star teams.
The North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association announced its All-State and All-Region teams.
Pinecrest had three players honored and Union Pines four.
Union Pines junior Dylan
Benedict was named to the NCBCA Class 6A All-State team. His 86 strikeouts on the mound ranked fourth in N.C. Class 6A. He was also among the team leaders in homers, RBIs, extra base hits and ERA. Teammates senior Joey Ring, junior David Park and senior Jaxon West were all chosen to the All-Region team for Region 4. Ring ranked 11th in Class 6A in pitching wins. Park led the team in hits, runs and batting average. West was among the team leaders in hits, runs, average and on-base. For Pinecrest, senior pitch-
er/right elder Bohdi Robertson and senior pitcher/ rst baseman William Chopping were named to the NCBCA Class 8A All-State squad, and senior captain second baseman David Wiley picked up an All-Region spot. Robertson was 13th in the state Class 8A in batting average, ninth in homers and on-base, seventh in RBIs and fth in slugging. On the mound, he was seventh in ERA, second in strikeouts and tied for the 8A lead in wins. Chopping also tied for the 8A wins crown, was fth in ERA and fourth in strikeouts. Wiley was eighth in the class in runs scored.
David Wiley makes a play in the eld for Pinecrest.
DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Katy Nail
Moore County Special Olympics, swimming
Katy Nail is a swimmer on the Moore County Special Olympics team. The team competed in the Special Olympics of N.C.’s annual Summer Games in Raleigh and Cary last week, sending athletes to the swimming, bowling and basketball events, bringing home 10 golds and 20 overall medals Nail was one of the big winners. She won gold in the 25-yard backstroke and the 50-yard backstroke. She also took silver in the 25-yard freestyle.
Hamlin goes back to front again to win Cup race at Michigan
The comeback victory ties him with Kyle Busch on the career win list
The Associated Press
BROOKLYN, Mich. — Denny Hamlin went from the rear to rst again Sunday, winning at Michigan International Speedway to earn his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory.
Just like last week’s win at Nashville Superspeedway, when the Joe Gibbs Racing car started on the pole position but was penalized for jumping the start, Hamlin quali ed rst at Michigan but dropped to the back at the green ag because of a penalty for unapproved adjustments to his No. 11 Toyota.
Hamlin patiently worked his way to the front over 400 miles. He took the lead for good on a three-wide pass during a restart with 38 laps remaining, sweeping into rst around Spire Racing teammates Daniel Suarez and Carson Hocevar, a home-state favorite.
It’s the 63rd career victory for Hamlin, tying the late Kyle Busch for ninth on the Cup Series’ all-time win list.
“Great job, guys,” Hamlin radioed his crew. “Great car. Unbelievable. We love you, KB.”
Erik Jones (another Michigan native) nished second, followed by Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson and Hocevar.
Crash causes red
The race was stopped with 51 laps remaining to repair a damaged SAFER barrier after a hard crash involving Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott.
During a restart on the 148th lap, the drivers were running side by side for second. Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet bobbled and skidded up the track into Bell’s No. 20 Toyota, which shot into the outside wall at the 2-mile oval where speeds top 200 mph.
“Great job, guys. Great car. Unbelievable. We love you, KB.”
Denny Hamlin, on radio with his crew after winning
The impact with Bell’s Camry severely deformed the SAFER barrier, which is comprised of steel and foam to absorb energy in wrecks. A red ag was displayed for 20 minutes to x the damaged section of the barrier.
Both drivers climbed from
their cars and walked to an ambulance for a trip to the track’s in eld care center. Elliott patted Bell on the shoulder and apologized for the wreck before they entered the ambulance.
“I’m ne; it was totally my fault,” Elliott said. “I feel really bad for Bell, just taking him out. I was trying to run on the bottom and make use of our fresh tires and at least get to second and hopefully stay side by side with him. I got in there and got free and thought I was going to spin and was committing to spin out, and as soon as I started to commit to spinning, it just hooked up and hooked a right. Unfortu-
nately, it sent Christopher into the wall super hard, and then me shortly there behind.
“Just racing really hard. I felt like that was kind of a turning point in the race. We needed to make something happen. I stepped over the line again and paid for it. … I just told him I’m sorry. Obviously, it was not on purpose.”
Rough rookie season
A nightmarish debut season in the Cup Series continued for Connor Zilisch, who crashed twice in the rst eight laps and nished last in the 37-car eld.
The Trackhouse Racing driver has nished outside the top 30 the past three races and is still seeking the rst top 10 of his rookie campaign.
“I was really loose, but it’s just unfortunate,” Zilisch said. “Another short race for us. We’ll go try and get them at Pocono next week.”
Up next
The Cup Series will make its lone trip this season to Pocono Raceway on Sunday. Chase Briscoe won last year to earn his rst victory with Joe Gibbs Racing.
PAUL SANCYA / AP PHOTO
Denny Hamlin drives during his NASCAR Cup Series win Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.
Dick Rice
Aug. 10, 1935 – May 31, 2026
Dick Rice, of Southern Pines, NC passed away at Hospice House on May 31, 2026 after a short illness but many years of chronic back and neck pain. Even through his pain, he rarely complained and always kept a positive attitude and outlook on life.
Dick was born in Jackson, MS on August 10, 1935. When his biologic parents died in their 20s, he was adopted and raised by his aunt and uncle, John and Rebecca Rice, in Fredonia, KY.
He graduated from Fredonia High School and Murray State University in KY. He taught school at his home high school for two years and then served two years in the U.S. Army. While he was stationed in New Orleans he met the love of his life, Betty Runion. She was a nursing school student from Atlanta, GA on temporary assignment to Charity Hospital in New Orleans. Following his discharge, Dick moved to Atlanta and one year later he and Betty married on Sept. 16, 1961.
Dick worked in the insurance industry for six years, then began his career with the federal government. He had various management positions with the Federal Aviation Agency and at retirement was Director of the Management and General Training Division. He retired in 1994 and he and Betty moved to Pinehurst, NC. He was an avid (though not very good) golfer, and an avid (very good) fan of University of Kentucky and Murray State Basketball.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty, and two daughters: Leanne Pruden of Myrtle Beach SC and special daughter Karen Rice of Southern Pines NC, four grandchildren and two great –grandchildren. He was a member of Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church. A Celebration of Life will be held in the future for family and friends in Myrtle Beach. The family would like to express deep
Mike “Sid” Szydlowski
May 20, 1969 – May 31, 2026
Mike “Sid” Szydlowski’s story began on May 20, 1969, in South eld, Michigan. Raised in Rochester by his dad Larry Szydlowski and the late Merla (O’Loughlin) Szydlowski, Mike grew up surrounded by family, friends, and the early passions that stayed with him for life.
Mike had a natural way with people—easygoing, genuine, and fun to be around. At 12, he started caddying at Great Oaks Country Club, kicking o his lifelong love of golf. He played on the Rochester Adams golf team (Class of ‘87) and later earned a golf scholarship to Oakland University, where he built lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.
After college, Mike found success in manufacturing sales before launching Sidco Global with his wife Cathy in 2013. They took great pride in building something of their own and he poured his heart into it.
Mike stayed active doing what he loved—gol ng, playing tennis, coaching hockey, teaching skiing, and helping kids learn the game. He had a big heart, especially when it came to mentoring and supporting others.
His faith was always part of who he was, as a devoted member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, it shaped him quietly but deeply—the way he treated people with kindness and loyalty.
At the center of everything was his wife, Cathy—his loving partner, and best friend of 23 years. He’s also survived by his father Larry (Mary Ann), his sisters Mary McClennen (Kevin) and Katy Stocker (Kevin) who adored him. He was a proud uncle to Cody Stocker, Zach Stocker (Yasmine), Will Stocker, Drew McClennen (Katherine & daughter Gigi), Kelly (McClennen) Edgar (Jon & daughter Mila), Katy McClennen, Adam Dybalski—each held a special place in his heart. He also leaves behind many loving in-laws. And of course, his loyal pup Rocket was never far from his side.
Mike passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at the age of 57.
He’ll be remembered for his warmth, his humor, and the way he showed up for the people he loved. Mike lived life fully— and made it a little brighter for everyone around him.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at a later date.
Leon Wayne Patterson Sr.
April 14, 1953 – June 6, 2026
Leon Wayne Patterson Sr., age 73 of Carthage, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Pinelake Health & Rehab.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Upper Room UPC at 7:00pm, 115 N 7th Street, Sanford NC, with Rev. Dennis Patterson o ciating.
Leon was born in Sanford, North Carolina on April 14, 1953 to the late Dock Milton Patterson and Sarah Dinkins Patterson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Leon Patterson Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy Patterson; children, Sara Hayes and Richard Patterson; grandchildren, Reece Cox, Riley Cox, Ellie Thomas, Daryk Patterson, Nevaeh-Elise Patterson, Aaron Patterson; sisters, Gracie Ellis, Sylvia Simpson (Steve); brothers, Rev. Dennis Patterson (Sue), Claude Patterson (Alice).
He was a loving father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed.
Leigh Andrews Carlyle
July 31, 1946 – June 7, 2026
Leigh Andrews Carlyle, age 78, of Carthage passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026 at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst.
The family will receive friends at Fry & Prickett Funeral Home on Thursday, June 11 from 5:00 –7:00 p.m.
A complete obituary will be posted by Fry & Prickett Funeral Home when available.
Eric George Dahlberg
Feb. 17, 1947 – June 4, 2026
Eric George Dahlberg, 79 of Pinehurst, passed away on June 4, 2026 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, NC.
A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 11
a.m. with a reception following in Founders Hall.
A full obituary of Eric’s life will be published at a later date.
Ethel Mae (Wade) Graham
Oct. 22, 1927 – June 7, 2026
Mrs. Ethel Mae (Wade) Graham, 98, of West End, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at her residence.
Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Ethel Mae (Wade) Graham in your thoughts and prayers.
Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina.
Charles Edward Kersey
March 24, 1927 –June 5, 2026
Charles Edward Kersey, 99 passed away on June 5, 2026 at FirstHealth Hospice House. He was born on March 24, 1927 in Indianapolis, Indiana. His parents were Charles and Helen Kersey.
Charles (Chuck) grew up in Indianapolis and upon nishing high school joined the Navy. In 1946 he received a World War II victory medal. He remained in active service as an Aviation Electronics Technician, Airman until 1954.
While attending Butler University he met Jane Spencer in 1946 and they married in 1948. They remained married until her passing in 2020. After graduating from Butler they moved to De Moines, Iowa where Charles attended Drake University specializing in actuarial studies. They moved to Arlington, VA in 1952 where he worked at People’s Life Insurance Company doing his actuarial work while starting a family. After 19 years there he was transferred to Capital Holding Company in Louisville, KY in 1971. After retiring they moved to Moore County, NC in 1990.
He enjoyed playing golf as well as becoming an avid photographer. He enjoyed activities in the Kiwanis Club, playing bridge with friends and being active in his church. He and Jane enjoyed traveling across the United States for many years. They were together for 74 years, and married for 72.
He lived a full life and was always good at making us all laugh. We shall miss him deeply.
A memorial service will be held at West End Presbyterian Church on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
Barbara Brown Morgan
March 3, 1947 – June 7, 2026
Barbara Louise Brown
Morgan, 79, entered the gates of Heaven, and into Eternal rest on Sunday, June 7, 2026, with her sons by her side, following complications from outpatient surgery. A lifelong resident of Robbins, Barbara was the daughter of the late Curtis and Rona McNeill Brown. Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Unity Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Jason Cheek o ciating. The family will receive friends prior to the service from
Aug. 8, 1945 – June 3, 2026
Jane “Jinnie” Reilly (née Dillon) passed peacefully on June 3, 2025. Born on August 8, 1945, in Shragh, County Clare, Ireland, she was one of ten children raised in the warmth and spirit of rural Clare—a place whose landscapes and people she carried in her heart for the rest of her life. She was 80 years old. Like many of her generation, Jinnie made the voyage to America in 1964, joining a wave
1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., and other times at the home of Chris and Stacey Morgan. To us, she was simply Mom—a source of unconditional love, unwavering support, wisdom, and strength. To countless others, she was a caregiver and friend whose in uence reached far beyond her own family. For more than 40 years, Mom devoted herself to caring for children through her in-home daycare, Morgan’s Daycare. She welcomed generations of families into her life, providing not only a safe place for children to spend their days, but also a nurturing environment where they could learn, grow, and thrive. She understood the importance of a strong beginning, and the foundation she helped build during those formative years became a lasting in uence in the lives of countless children. The love, patience, and guidance she shared continue to live on through the many families she touched.
Mom was a lifelong member of Unity Grove Baptist Church, where her faith was nurtured and lived out through quiet acts of kindness, service, and devotion. Her Christian faith guided her
of young Irish emigrants who brought their faith, energy, and work ethic to New York City. Jinnie settled into New York life with characteristic good humor, taking a job at the Tara Gift Shop and as a waitress at “Top of the Sixes” (Stou er’s), where she served a parade of wealthy (and occasionally stu y) clientele, including more than a few celebrities, with the kind of quick wit that those who knew her would recognize instantly — though she was equally quick to note that Paul Newman, for one, was a true gentleman and very gracious.
It was in New York that Jinnie met the love of her life. At a dance at the Jaeger house—as was the proper way of things in those days— she encountered John Reilly, a young man from Bawnboy, County Cavan, who had made his own way to America. They were soon married and built a family together, welcoming four children: Brian, Jacinta, Johnny, and Oliver.
As her children grew, Jinnie was a deeply engaged mother who made sure her family knew they were loved and supported.
throughout her life and was instrumental in making it through her daily life while in the nursing home. She had a deep love for bluegrass gospel music and treasured the friendships she built over the years. Tuesday evenings at Clyde’s Music Barn were among her favorite times, where she enjoyed music, fellowship, laughter, and the company of dear friends. Those gatherings brought her great joy and created memories she cherished throughout her life.
Mom was also known for the simple pleasures that made a house feel like home. Family and friends looked forward to her famous persimmon pudding, lovingly made from the fruit gathered from the persimmon tree in her yard.
Even during the nal two and half years of her life, while residing at Peak Resources Pinelake Nursing Home, Mom’s warm spirit and positive outlook never left her. She embraced the activities o ered there, especially enjoying Sunday morning church services o ered by her home church. She continued to form meaningful friendships and continued to nd joy in the
She was always there when it counted — and her kids remember her behind the wheel of her red Jeep Cherokee, trailer full of motocross bikes hitched behind, hauling them to races with the kind of no-nonsense love that said, without words, that whatever mattered to them mattered to her. The soundtrack to those road trips — and to life in the Reilly household generally — was an ever-rotating mix of traditional Irish music and country, turned up as loud as the occasion demanded.
In time, Jinnie found her true calling in home health care—a vocation that suited her compassion and steadiness perfectly. She devoted herself to caring for a long succession of clients, accompanying each through the nal chapter of their lives with patience, dignity, and genuine love and a ection. When one client passed, their friends and associates sought Jinnie out, knowing what she o ered could not easily be replaced. In their most vulnerable years, all were fortunate to have her by their side.
Jinnie retired in 2010 and made the decision that would
people around her. Mom had great roommates whom she loved, Betty Maness and Dot Boudoin, who she has now joined in Heaven, and currently Virginia Stone who loved our mother like a sister.
Mom taught us the value of hard work, compassion, faith, and perseverance. Her example showed us that the greatest legacy a person can leave is found not in material things, but in the lives they touch and the love they share. In addition to her parents, Mom was preceded in death by her husband Clarence, her children Ronald and Janet, her sister Doris “Jeanie” Smith, and her brothers David Brown, Ed Brown, and Mike Brown, along with several sister and brother inloves.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Chris, and wife Stacey, and Bradley, all of Carthage, her grandchildren that lovingly called her Mamaw, McKinley ( ancé Jase Nelson), Kolby (Lily Jones) and Keiton, great granddaughter Lakelee Grace Morgan, and bonus grandson Kaspen, sisters Judy (Robert) Upchurch of Archdale and Nell (Dannie) Gaines of
de ne her nal years: moving to North Carolina to be close to her four grandchildren. Sophia and Cormac Campbell, and Oliver and Teagan Reilly, became the great joy of her later life. She was a devoted grandmother who loved nothing more than spending time with them, lling their ears with stories of Ireland and her coming to America, and grounding them in a sense of where they came from. Her faith was a constant in her life, and she found community and comfort at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Southern Pines, where she was a beloved presence. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Reilly, who passed in 2025 and rests at the Saint Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Southern Pines. Jinnie was a ery, powerful woman with a kind heart, a generous soul, and a erce wit. She spoke her mind, cared for her family, and helped anyone in need. Everyone she met has their own Jinnie stories—each more hysterical and tear-jerking than the next. There will never be another like her. One of a kind.
Jinnie was preceded in death
Gordon S. Wood, eminent scholar of the American Revolution, dead at 92
The historian’s in uential works shaped scholarly understanding of America’s founding for generations
By Hillel Italie
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Gordon S. Wood, the eminent and proli c scholar who forged a highly inuential and sharply debated narrative of the country’s early years of independence through such prize-winning works as “The Creation of the American Republic” and “The Radicalism of the American Revolution,” has died. He was 92. Wood, a professor emeritus at Brown University, died Sunday after being struck by a car in a supermarket parking lot in East Providence, Rhode Island, according to police.
Author of dozens of books and essays, Wood never gained the mass audience of historians like David McCullough and Doris Kearns Goodwin, but his ndings became standard references for discussions about the formation of the U.S. and the legacy of the revolution. Many peers regarded the white-haired, mild-looking Wood as the embodiment of the learned, traditional historian, guided by facts rather than ideology.
In 2011, President Barack Obama presented him a National Humanities Medal “for scholarship that provides insight into the founding of the nation and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.”
In recent years, younger academics increasingly alleged that
PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS / AP PHOTO
President Barack Obama, right, presents a National Humanities Medal to author, historian and Brown University professor emeritus Gordon Wood during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on March 2, 2011.
Wood was too well-established, the epitome of the old-school historian who minimized the lives of slaves, women and Indigenous people. John L. Brooke, a history professor at Ohio State University, would fault him for “a distinct avoidance of interpretative paradox and complexity,” even as he cited Wood’s “scale and scholarly enterprise.”
His success was immediate and lasting. His rst book, “The Creation of the American Republic,” won the Bancroft Prize in 1970 and lived on with generations of students who embraced and contended with Wood’s ndings that the Constitution was unintentionally subversive, a document devised by
elites that led to “the destruction of the very social world they had sought to maintain.”
His “The Radicalism of the American Revolution” won the Pulitzer in 1993, and the epic “Empire of Liberty” was a nalist in 2009.
Wood did welcome scholarly breakthroughs, notably Annette Gordon-Reed’s “persuasive contextual case” that the enslaved Sally Hemings bore some of Thomas Je erson’s children. In “Empire of Liberty,” which covered the years 1789 to 1815, he included lengthy passages on slavery and called it a cancer “eating away at the message of liberty and equality.” At other times, Wood angri-
Asheboro, sisters in-law, Pauline Priest of Myrtle Beach, SC, Delores (Arnold) Lassiter of Carthage, Beulah (Richard) Ritter of Robbins, Betty Doris Garner of Robbins, and Kathleen Brown of Asheboro. Brothers in-law, Jay H. Smith of Denton, Kenneth Morgan, and Roy Morgan, both of Carthage. She is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews. We would like to thank all the caregivers from Pinelake that loved our Mother, especially Subrena, Trina, Harmony, and Emma.
As her sons, we are forever grateful for every sacri ce she made, every lesson she taught, and every moment of love she gave so freely. Though our hearts are saddened by her passing, we nd comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on through her family, her friends, her church family, and the generations of children whose lives were enriched by her care.
In lieu of owers, donations in Mom’s memory may be made to Peak Resources Pinelake, 801 Pinehurst Ave, Carthage, NC 28327. Please designate for patient Christmas gifts.
by her parents, Martin and Catherine Dillon, husband John Reilly, and siblings Mary Gri n, John Dillon, Martin Dillon, Frank Dillon, and Michael Dillon. She is survived by her four children: Brian Reilly; Jacinta Reilly Campbell and her husband Pete Campbell; Johnny Reilly; and Oliver Reilly and his wife Daniella Fragoso Reilly. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Sophia Campbell, Cormac Campbell, Oliver Reilly, and Teagan Reilly, as well as siblings Peter Dillon, Paul Dillon, Thomas Dillon, and Kathleen Hogan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on June 10, 2025, at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Jinnie will be laid to rest beside her husband at the Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Cemetery in Southern Pines. May she rest in the peace of the land she loved and the faith she kept, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines
not at the expense of truth,” he wrote in 2019, adding, in a widely disputed statement, “I don’t know of any colonist who said that they wanted independence in order to preserve their slaves.” Wood was born into history: His hometown, Concord, Massachusetts, had been the residence of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and Louisa May Alcott, among others. But his passion for the subject he later mastered did not arise until college. Wood found his high school history education unbearable, su ering through classes in which the teacher simply read from a textbook.
Wood did admire his Latin instructor, who encouraged him to attend Tufts University, from which he graduated summa cum laude. He received a master’s and doctorate from Harvard University and studied under a celebrated Revolutionary War historian Bernard Bailyn, whose documentation of the intellectual forces behind independence in his landmark “The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution” Wood would build upon in “The Creation of the American Republic.”
ly resisted new approaches. He was a prominent critic of The New York Times’ Pulitzer Prize winning 1619 Project and its contention — later amended — that maintaining slavery was a key motivation for the American Revolution. He alleged that the project encouraged a sense “victimhood” and feeling “aggrieved,” even as he acknowledged he hadn’t read most of it. He would counter that the founders, even such plantation owners as Je erson and James Madison, believed — mistakenly — that slavery would die a natural death and the revolution itself energized the American abolitionist movement.
“We all want justice, but
In his introduction to “The Idea of America,” published in 2011, Wood looked back on his own work and the evolution of scholarship in his lifetime. He noted the many errors of the country’s founders but warned against scolding historical gures because of mistakes which seem obvious now, what he and others call “Presentism.”
“The drama, indeed the tragedy of history, comes from our understanding of the tension that existed between the conscious wills and intentions of the participants in the past and the underlying conditions that constrained their actions and shaped their future,” he wrote.
“If the study of history teaches anything, it teaches us the limitations of life. It ought to produce prudence and humility.”
Jane “Jinnie” Reilly (née Dillon)
STATE & NATION
Trump o cials went after dozens of colleges; now rules for all of academia being rewritten
Federal rulemaking o ers a durable strategy after court orders blocked targeted funding cuts
By Collin Binkley
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A year ago, the White House was unleashing a blitz on higher education. At one campus after another, Trump o cials opened investigations and cut federal funding unless schools fell in line with the Republican president’s political agenda.
Now, after a campaign that put dozens of universities under investigation, President Donald Trump’s administration is taking a wider approach, moving to rewrite the federal rules that govern all of higher education. Demands that were being pressed on individual schools are being written into the ne print for thousands of U.S. universities.
“We’re coming over the higher education system and course correcting,” Nicholas Kent, undersecretary for the Education Department, said in an Associated Press interview. Unlike investigations that target individual campuses, he said the new tactic has power “to a ect 6,000 institutions.”
The shift comes after federal judges blocked Trump’s administration from making crippling cuts at Harvard and the University of California, Los Angeles. It also follows a mass exodus in civil rights lawyers who traditionally guide investigations against universities. Still, Trump hasn’t backed down from his campaign to end what he calls “wokeness” run amok in academia.
Through regulation, the administration is going after many of the same targets it hammered with investigations — diversity, equity and inclusion policies, transgender athletes, antisemitism and a variety of practices perceived as anti-white discrimination.
Several U.S. agencies propose new rules
One new rule being proposed by the Education Department would overhaul the system that decides which colleges can receive federal money, known as the accreditation process. Among other changes, the proposal would require accreditors to make sure colleges have “intellectual diversity,” a veiled call for more conservative voices.
Many people in higher education are alarmed by a proposal from the O ce of Management and Budget that would order agencies to ensure federal grants “advance the President’s policy priorities.” Trump o cials would verify that grants aren’t used to promote DEI, “anti-American values” or anything denying “the sex binary in humans,” according to the proposal issued last week. An
spokesperson said the rule aims to promote transparency.
Another proposal from the General Services Administration would require federal grant recipients, including universities and their contractors, to certify they don’t have DEI policies deemed unlawful by the administration.
At least 11 new rules have been proposed at the Education Department, including one aimed at “streamlining the process” to cut money for schools that violate the Trump administration’s interpretation of civil rights law.
Making federal rules can take months of debate in humdrum bureaucratic processes. But unlike earlier strategies that tested the limits of White House power, the rulemaking process is a widely accepted route to establish federal policy into law — without needing to go through Congress.
Some in higher education welcome the change. Unlike last year’s attacks, the new approach opens the door for a conversation, said Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, which represents college and university presidents.
“We’re playing a game that has rules and referees, and that’s good,” said Mitchell, a former Education Department o cial under President Barack Obama, a Democrat. “It gives us an opportunity to talk about where we might agree with the administration. That was impossible to do when these were just straight-on attacks.”
The administration launches fewer new investigations
Meantime, the Education and Justice departments have announced fewer higher-education investigations, issuing news releases on roughly a dozen at U.S.
universities so far this year. In the same span last year, they announced more than 70, according to an AP analysis. The exact number of new investigations is unclear — a public database has not been updated since January 2025.
Kent said the Education Department will continue to open investigations as needed, describing it as using a “scalpel to cut out the bad.” But he said colleges have started to come to heel on the administration’s priorities.
“Folks realize that it’s a new day and that we’re paying attention,” Kent said.
The vast majority of the investigations opened last year are still open. The White House struck deals with Columbia, Brown and a handful of other campuses, but most cases are unresolved with no public update in months.
Catherine Lhamon, who led the Education Department’s Ofce for Civil Rights under President Joe Biden, a Democrat, said the barrage of investigations amounted to “performance art” that grabbed attention but had little impact. After pushback from schools, she said, the Trump administration is backing o .
“It stopped putting itself in a position to lose,” said Lhamon, who now leads the Edley Center on Law and Democracy at the University of California, Berkeley.
Still, some ghts have intensied. The White House has doubled down on battles with Harvard and UCLA after federal judges blocked the administration from cutting o research funding from the campuses.
The Justice Department has sued Harvard and UCLA four times since February, alleging that both campuses tolerated antisemitism and that Harvard
“It gives us an opportunity to talk about where we might agree with the administration. That was impossible to do when these were just straight-on attacks.”
Ted Mitchell, President, American Council on Education
refused to release admissions data sought by the administration. Leaders of both universities say they have worked to ght antisemitism.
Admissions cases become a top priority
A White House o cial said the investigative slowdown is also the result of a mounting focus on college admissions. The administration has been building cases against colleges accused of considering race in admissions decisions even after the Supreme Court struck down afrmative action. Those investigations can take more time because they require large data collections, said the o cial, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy.
Some of those cases are now coming to bear.
The Justice Department recently concluded that medical schools at Yale and UCLA discriminated against white and Asian American students by allegedly favoring Black and Latino applicants. The universities have defended their admissions processes, saying they were rigorous and based on merit.
Trump o cials are taking a hard-line approach against any use of race in admissions,
clashing with colleges that invite students to discuss their race in application essays. In its 2023 decision, the Supreme Court said nothing stops schools from considering how applicants’ race speaks to broader qualities.
“We are making sure,” Kent said, “that we are elevating our best and our brightest and that we’re not putting the thumb on the scale because of somebody’s skin color.”
Higher education has already been changed
Facing last year’s blitz, many campuses quietly made changes to avoid scrutiny. Some closed DEI o ces. The NCAA moved to limit transgender athletes. Universities from UCLA to Columbia tightened campus protest rules after pro-Palestinian demonstrations were the subject of federal investigations.
Research has been scaled back as top schools face continued funding cuts.
In the classroom, there’s been a chilling e ect as professors fear that what they say or teach could attract federal attention, said Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors.
Still, he’s optimistic the balance of power is shifting in universities’ favor. Students and faculty members on several campuses built pressure to reject a White House invitation last fall to sign on to aspects of Trump’s agenda in exchange for favorable access to research funding, he said. The AAUP has brought several lawsuits against the administration, including one that stopped funding cuts at UCLA.
“The sector is getting its feet under it, and it’s only getting stronger,” Wolfson said. “I can promise you that we will ght them tooth and nail.”
OMB
STEVEN SENNE / AP PHOTO
People take photos near a John Harvard statue on the Harvard campus in January 2024, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
