North State Journal Vol. 11, Issue 19

Hor-nots

The Charlotte Hornets are moving in a new direction after trading away two of their core

team received a number of draft picks and several other players in return. Our NBA draft coverage

the BRIEF this week

Venezuelans search more earthquake ruins as attention turns to humanitarian crisis

La Guaira, Venezuela With the window for nding survivors shrinking fast, Venezuelans combed through more ruins of buildings toppled by last week’s devastating back-to-back earthquakes. Attention also turned to the country’s humanitarian crisis that could persist for years. Relief organizations say the rst 72 hours after a natural disaster is the most crucial time period for rescues, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water. Five days after the twin quakes, questions loomed about whether the cash-strapped government would be able to coordinate the e ort needed to care for thousands of people who have been left homeless. The death toll stood at more than 1,700 people.

Supreme Court rules

states can count latearriving mailed ballots

Washington, D.C.

The Supreme Court is rejecting a Republican-led attack on state laws that allow the counting of latearriving mail ballots, a target of President Donald Trump. Monday’s 5-4 decision leaves in place laws in more than half the states and the District of Columbia that permit mailed ballots to arrive and be counted days after an election, provided they’re postmarked by Election Day. The outcome spares o cials the headache of changing ballot rules just months before the 2026 midterm congressional elections. The legal challenge was part of the Republican president’s broader attack on most mail balloting, which he says is vulnerable to fraud.

Legislature

overrides four more vetoes despite alleged threat from governor’s

Three of the bills deal with eliminating DEI and one with illegal immigration

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

o ce

RALEIGH — The General Assembly overrode four more of Gov. Josh Stein’s vetoes last Wednesday despite an alleged threat from Stein’s o ce.

The overrides included three bills eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) from state agencies, K-12 public schools and public higher education.

The fourth bill, Senate Bill 153, requires state law enforcement agencies to enter into cooperation agreements with

Lumbee voters reject casino gaming amendment

Opponents wanted a better amendment and raised questions about a $6.8M land deal

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The Lumbee Tribe rejected a constitutional amendment that would have permitted and regulated gaming, shooting down plans for a casino along the I-95 corridor. Of the close-to-60,000 member tribe, fewer than 10,000 participated in the June 23 vote. A majority, 5,775 or 62.6%, voted against and 3,490 (37.7%) voted in favor. Against won across all 21 voting precincts. “Tonight, a majority of the Lumbee people have spoken, and they have said no to progress and have decided to stay with the status quo or simply staying with the way things

Mid-Currituck Bridge project spends $61M with no bridge in sight

“Taxpayers are more than $60 million in the hole on a 30-year project that certainly remains far from completion.”

State Auditor Dave Boliek

The state auditor nds no construction contract, baseline budget or schedule

By Jessica Taylor North State Journal

RALEIGH — A Rapid Response Special Report from the North Carolina O ce of the State Auditor found that $61 million has been spent on the Mid-Currituck Bridge project without a construction contract. Without a contract, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) can’t

provide a baseline budget, cost breakdown or project schedule, according to the audit report.

“The people of Currituck County following this project have been dragged along for 30 years,” State Auditor Dave Boliek said in a statement released last week. “What the team at the O ce of State Auditor found is that despite spending money, no dirt has been moved.”

“Taxpayers are more than $60 million in the hole on a 30year project that certainly remains far from completion,” Boliek said.

are,” Lumbee Tribe Chairman John Lowery wrote in a Facebook post.

“As a federally recognized Indian tribe, we had the opportunity, like so many of our brother and sister tribes, to exercise our sovereign rights to the fullest and generate billions of dollars to assist our tribal members and lift this entire region,” said Lowery.

“This decision by the majority of Lumbee voters is historic and ensures we will not move forward with gaming,” Lowery continued. “I will honor the wishes of the majority, and I will not bring this issue forward again over the remaining 18 months of my tenure.”

The Lumbee Tribe had purchased around 240 acres near Fairmont and Exit 10 o I-95 in Robeson County for around $6.8 million in anticipation of moving forward with the

players: Miles Bridges, left, and LaMelo Ball. The

starts on page B1.

MATT KELLEY / AP PHOTO

“The wicked man ees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1

By George Lawson

The wicked are so desperately hardened that they have no fear of the most horrible dangers — at least they have not such an apprehension of them, as to ee to that sure and only refuge which Divine grace has presided. At the same time they are so wretched that that they are never in security, and are liable to the most distressing terrors, when there is no reason for them.

The Syrians that besieged Samaria heard the noise of chariots and horsemen, which threw them into such a panic that they ed away, and left their bread and clothes behind them. Similarly, the wicked are liable to terrors which sometimes encompass them like waters, when no reason can be given for them. For the objects which ought to alarm transgressors, and have a tremendous reality in them, are not the things that take hold of their minds. They are like madmen who fear not a drawn sword — but tremble at the shaking of a leaf, as if it were a devil ready to hurry them away to the bottomless pit.

No passion is more tormenting than fear, and a sense of guilt producing it. It was a punishment threatened against the people of Israel, if they revolted from God, that they should ee before their pursuing enemies — but it is a sign of the utmost wretchedness, when men ee away through terror when there are no enemies — but such as are conjured up by a timorous imagination.

Sinners have great reason after all to fear, even when the objects of their fear are mere fantasies. God is angry with them every day, and their anxious alarms are a part of the punishment of their sins. They

cannot expect tranquility and happiness of mind, but in Christ, by whom we are delivered from the guilt of sin, and enjoy that peace which passes all understanding.

Believers are as bold as a lion, the most courageous of creatures upon earth. For they are delivered from all danger of condemnation, and they are at peace with God. They may have many enemies — but God is their friend, and no weapon formed against them shall prosper. They may meet with adversities and deaths — but they shall meet with nothing to separate them

from the love of God.

The righteous are sometimes timorous like doves — but they have reason to be bold as lions. They are partakers of those graces which have a native tendency to expel tormenting fears, and to produce quietness and assurance forever. Their natural constitution, their remaining corruptions, their unhappy falls, their numerous enemies — may counteract their principles of holy courage — but they are commanded to be always strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2019 lawsuit against state health plan over gender transition surgeries dismissed

A stipulation of voluntary dismissal with prejudice ends the case permanently

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The sevenyear-long case involving the North Carolina State Health Plan’s longstanding exclusion of gender-transition surgeries and related therapies has been voluntarily dismissed with prejudice.

Kadel v. Folwell is a federal lawsuit led in March 2019 by transgender state employees and dependents, including lead plainti Max Kadel, against former North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell and the North Carolina State Health Plan.

The plainti s challenged the plan’s exclusion of coverage for certain transition-related treatments, such as hormone therapy and surgeries. The exclusion dates to the 1990s. Coverage was brie y provided for one year in 2017 under the prior treasurer before being dropped.

“Consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s order last year, this dismissal shows that decisionmaking authority rests with the State Health Plan Board of Trustees.”

N.C. State Treasurer Brad Briner on Kadel case dismissal

Skrmetti, which upheld Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers and hormones for minors, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the 4th Circuit’s decision and remanded the case for reconsideration in light of Skrmetti.

ed. The dismissal with prejudice means the litigation has ended permanently, with the exclusion remaining in e ect.

North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner, whose ofce oversees the plan, issued the following statement on the dismissal.

“Kadel v. Folwell has always been about one question: Do the people of North Carolina, through their elected representatives, get to ultimately manage the State Health Plan? Or can plainti s dictate which procedures we cover?” Briner said.

“Consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s order last year, this dismissal shows that decision-making authority rests with the State Health Plan Board of Trustees,” Briner said. “Our framework for making decisions for the Plan is designed to be consistent and robust and to keep costs a ordable for all members.”

The Kadel dismissal comes less than a week after the dismissal of a similar case, Voe v. Mans eld.

The lawsuit alleged violations of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, Title IX, Section 1557 of the A ordable Care Act and other federal laws, arguing the exclusion discriminated on the basis of sex and transgender status and denied medically necessary care.

Lumbee Dark Water Resort. The plan included casinos accompanied by a resort complex, shopping, a museum and a convention center.

The highest “no” vote ratio on the amendment came from Precinct 15, which includes Fairmont and adjacent areas.

According to the website set up to educate Lumbee members ahead of the vote, the development was estimated to create up to 3,500 full-time jobs paying anywhere from $45,000 to over $300,000, with “priority hiring for Lumbee tribal members.”

The Tribe gained full federal recognition last December, which granted nancial benets, including gaming. Federal dollars bene ting the Tribe are estimated to be as much as $80 million a year on top of potential gaming revenues.

To allow gaming on tribal

In 2022, U.S. District Judge Loretta Biggs ruled in favor of the plainti s, issuing an injunction requiring the plan to cover the treatments. The state

“A majority of the Lumbee people have spoken, and they have said no to progress.”

John Lowery, Lumbee Tribe Chairman

owned lands, the Tribe’s constitution needed to be amended to comport with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988. The amendment would have updated the de nition of tribal territory and allowed the tribe’s chairperson to negotiate a gaming compact with state ofcials and establishing a Lumbee Tribal Council which would have the nal approval, as well as creating a regulatory structure through a tribal gaming council.

The amendment also would have reduced the number of is-

appealed. In 2024, a divided 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals a rmed Biggs’ ruling in an 8-6 decision. North Carolina appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing states should control their health plan benets. Later, 23 states led amicus briefs in support of North Carolina’s appeal.

In June 2025, following its ruling in United States v.

sues automatically requiring a popular vote by members, a point which was called out by opposition like Lumbees United for Accountability (LUA), as giving the tribal chairperson too much power over potential gaming.

LUA is a coalition of over 33 Lumbee members headed up by Jo Ann Chavis Lowery and Arlinda Locklear.

A LUA Facebook post the day after the vote reads, “The Lumbee people spoke. Thank you.”

LUA’s website says it is “not a protest movement,” and that neither Lowery nor Locklear are “anti-gaming,” but instead both women “are standing up for the principle that the Lumbee people deserve a referendum or a better amendment — with real oversight, real transparency, and a real balance of power, not the currently proposed concentration of power.”

In an open letter, LUA characterized the current amend-

The 4th Circuit in turn vacated the district court’s injunction and remanded the case. Following the 4th Circuit’s decision, the plan reimplemented the exclusion of transition-related care in October 2025.

On June 23, 2026, the parties in Kadel led a stipulation of voluntary dismissal with prejudice, with each side bearing its own costs and no fees award-

ment a “power grab,” and has pointed out the timing of the amendment vote was not optimal to garner maximum member participation. The group’s website emphasizes “Voting ‘no’ does not stop gaming,” but would force a referendum or “better amendment.”

The group also argues a referendum vote is already required through the Tribe’s constitution and the amendment would take away members’ rights to vote on gaming.

Per the Tribe’s constitution, a referendum needs participation by a minimum of 30% of eligible tribal members (18 and over). That means at least between 16,500 and 18,000 members would have to vote and the majority would have to vote “yes.” Given the turnout for the current amendment was less than 10,000, reaching the 30% threshold would be a challenge.

A post on the group’s website also implies possible outside in-

The Voe lawsuit, led in 2023, alleged North Carolina Ch. SL 2023-111 (House Bill 808) violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment by barring transgender procedures for minors. The case is named for a 9-year-old boy from Durham who claimed to be transgender. He was given the alias Victor Voe to protect his identity.

uence in the matter, naming “Wyoming shell company.”

“In December 2025 — the same week our tribe received federal recognition — our tribe paid $6.8M for land a Wyoming shell company had purchased days earlier for $3.2M,” the post states. “That company pocketed $3.6M from our tribal funds in less than a week.”

The same post also points to a nondisclosure agreement signed by some Tribal Council member about the $6.8 million land purchase. LUA has called for the Council to make the agreement public.

Neighboring Virginia has ve operating casinos, two of which are within driving distance of the North Carolina border. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who opposed Lumbee federal recognition, already have two casinos of their own in the western part of the state and have a stake in Caesars casino in Danville, Virginia.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

“The Lion and the Snake” by Eugène Delacroix (1856) is a painting in the collection of the Museum Folkwang, Essen, Germany.

NC trails nation, neighbors in nancial literacy

Residents reported less access to nancial education than residents of neighboring states

By Jessica Taylor North State Journal

RALEIGH — Just 23.5% of North Carolinians have strong nancial skills, leaving the state behind both the national average and its neighbors, according to the rst North Carolina Financial Literacy Scorecard.

The North Carolina Financial Literacy Council, a state advisory board housed within the Department of Justice, released the scorecard June 22. It compares North Carolinians’ grasp of key nancial concepts — interest rates, ination and investing — with national averages and neighboring states, drawing on FINRA Investor Education Foundation data from 2015 through 2024.

“Financial literacy is fundamental to individual well-being and to the strength of our communities,” said Stuart Mills, the council’s chair, in the press release. “This scorecard gives North Carolina a clear, data-driven understanding of where we stand — and where we have opportunities to improve.”

The results found the state fell behind national averages and those of neighboring states on several measures.

Among the key takeaways: nancial literacy was low both nationwide and in North Carolina, where about 23.5% of residents showed high nancial literacy. North Carolina residents scored 3% to 6% lower than national results on key nancial questions.

The analysis drew on responses from more than 100,000 participants across the United States, using data from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation’s National

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks with members of the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), about nancial literacy, in April in Washington, D.C.

“This scorecard gives North Carolina a clear, data-driven understanding of where we stand — and where we have opportunities to improve.”

Stuart Mills, Financial

Literacy Council chair

Financial Capability Study.

Participants answered seven questions about key nancial concepts, and North Carolina performed similarly to neighboring states Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

North Carolina performed as well as those states on four of the seven questions. On the other three, it scored about 2% to 3% lower. Overall performance and self-reported knowledge showed no signicant di erence from neighboring states.

Compared with national results, North Carolina scored below the average on ve of the seven questions, by about 3% to 6%. North Carolinians also reported lower literacy levels than the nation overall, with no di erence in self-reported knowledge.

The scorecard found North Carolinians have less access to nancial education than residents of neighboring states — 27.7% reported access compared with 30.3% regionally.

Nationally, 27.5% of respondents showed high nancial literacy by answering at least two-thirds of the questions correctly. Another 38.5% showed moderate nancial literacy, answering between 34% and 67% correctly.

Most U.S. respondents answered correctly on questions about mortgage duration and interest payments (74%), interest rates (74%) and in ation (59%).

Correct answers were less common on questions about diversi cation and risk (45%), compound interest (31%), probability (37%) and the relationship between interest rates and bond prices (27%).

The report also found that many people overestimate their nancial knowledge and that nancial education is linked to higher knowledge and con dence.

The scorecard found a gender gap, with women scoring lower than men on thenancial literacy questions and reporting less con dence in managing their nances. It attributed the gap largely to less exposure to investing andnancial systems, di erences in education and socialization and structural economic factors.

Several nancial literacy initiatives are underway in North Carolina to improve residents’ money management skills.

North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner has created programs and clubs to help high school students improve their nancial literacy, along with other e orts to reduce the state’s nancial fragility and teach residents to make informed nancial decisions.

His agency programs include a nancial literacy internship, high school nancial literacy clubs, statewide competitions and a monthly newsletter.

As treasurer, Briner has stressed the importance ofnancial literacy, pointing to problems such as student debt and credit card debt and arguing that nancial literacy is about more than being a good consumer.

North Carolina also requires nancial literacy instruction in K-12 schools, and high school students must pass an economics course to graduate. The state is emphasizing nancial foundations in K-8 schools as well, aiming to build those skills early.

Stein signs six bills, including the Farm Act

This month Stein also signed a bill placing a one-year moratorium on property tax reappraisals

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Gov. Josh Stein signed six bills into law last week — three from each chamber — addressing issues from worker safety and physical therapy to tourism and the latest Farm Act.

The new laws are:

• Worker Safety Act of 2026

(House Bill 258)

• Prohibit Litigation Invest/ Amend WC Bene ts (House Bill 315)

• Physical Therapy Practice Act Mods (House Bill 536)

• NC Farm Act of 2025-2026

(Senate Bill 401)

• Clarify Tourism-Related Expenditures (Senate Bill 484)

• Incent Development Finance District Funding (Senate Bill 695)

“As housing costs continue to rise, this law encourages partnership between local governments and developers to increase housing availability and a ordability for North Carolinians,” Stein said of Senate Bill 695. The Farm Act’s main sponsor, Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson), issued a statement that said in part, “The Farm Act represents a signicant investment in the future of North Carolina agriculture.”

“Our farmers face challenges every day, from rising costs and regulatory burdens to unpredictable weather and market conditions,” Jackson said. “This legislation helps provide certainty and support for the men and women who work tirelessly to keep food on our tables.”

North

Carolina cases part of record

national health care fraud takedown

A McLeansville woman is accused of billing $2.8M for more than 20,000 fake drug tests

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Two North Carolina residents face federal charges in one of the largest coordinated health care fraud enforcement actions in U.S. history, the U.S. Department of Justice announced last week.

The 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown includes criminal charges against 455 defendants — among them 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals — in 56 federal districts spanning 45 states and territories. The cases center on alleged schemes involving more than $6.5 billion in false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and other government health programs.

“This year’s National Health Care Fraud Takedown represents the greatest whole-of-government e ort to combat health care fraud in our nation’s history,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a press release.

“Under the decisive leadership of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, and our law enforcement partners, this administration has ushered in a new era of enforcement that will safeguard taxpayer dollars,” said Blanche.

The operation highlighted record participation by all 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units and the seizure of more than $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry and other assets.

In North Carolina, U.S. Attorney Dan Bishop announced charges against Deborah Lanell White, 54, of McLeansville.

White, owner of Reginald Center of Turn Around, was charged with health care fraud for allegedly billing the state Medicaid program for thousands of ctitious drug tests.

The criminal complaint says the scheme caused a loss of about $2.8 million between 2020 and 2025. Prosecutors say more than 20,000 fraudulent tests were submitted.

A second case, announced by North Carolina Attorney General Je Jackson, involves Ronnie Lorenzo Robinson of Charlotte.

Robinson was charged in the Western District of North Carolina with health care fraud, making false statements relating to health care matters, aggravated identity theft and billing for services not rendered.

“The Farm Act represents a signi cant investment in the future of North Carolina agriculture.”

Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson)

In his own statement on the Farm Act, Stein called agriculture “a key driver of North Carolina’s economy” and said he appreciated the General Assembly’s collaboration on the law. He said the measure extends conservation tax credits until 2031, strengthening preservation of the state’s natural and agricultural lands.

The previous week, Stein signed Senate Bill 889, which enacts a one-year moratorium on property tax reappraisals. Under the new law, for the 2026-27 scal year, certain counties are required to use values from the prior reappraisal instead of any new ones that might have a potentially higher value. Information on the new laws is available on the General Assembly’s laws and bills page at ncleg.gov/Laws/SessionLaws.

cover fraud like this and recover the money that is needlessly being paid in both taxes and healthcare costs.”

O cials described the takedown as a broad e ort to hold accountable providers and operations exploiting government health programs, including schemes involving kickbacks, medically unnecessary care and falsi ed services.

Indictments and complaints are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Court documents for the North Carolina cases can be accessed through the U.S. District Courts for the Middle and Western Districts.

The national takedown relied heavily on advanced data analytics to identify o enders, many of whom o cials say targeted vulnerable patients through unnecessary treatments or fabricated services.

The broader federal operation included assistance from multiple agencies.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services suspended 1,079 providers and revoked billing privileges for 1,403 others. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ O ce of Inspector General pursued civil penalties and provider exclusions, while the Drug Enforcement Administration pursued more than 900 administrative cases seeking to revoke authority to handle or prescribe controlled substances.

Both North Carolina cases emerged from data analysis by the state Attorney General’s Medicaid Investigations Division and were part of the larger federal e ort.

Jackson highlighted the role of his o ce’s Medicaid Investigations Division in the two North Carolina cases and in ongoing efforts to combat fraud.

“Our Medicaid Investigations Division is one of the best in the country, and their innovative efforts to uncover fraud are helping us nd fraud and prosecute criminals,” Jackson said in a statement.

Jackson noted that North Carolina was among the rst states allowed to use data mining of Medicaid claims to detect irregularities.

Since that e ort began in 2017, there have been 68 investigations, six criminal convictions with more than $27 million in ordered restitution, and 18 civil False Claims Act settlements with over $10 million in recovered funds. According to Jackson, the division has recovered more than $1.2 billion for North Carolina taxpayers.

According to the allegations, Robinson submitted about $735,000 in false claims through his company, The Fisher of Men Project, LLC, a behavioral and mental health provider, and received about $440,000 in payments.

Robinson is accused of misusing identifying information belonging to medical providers and Medicaid recipients and of hiding his ownership of the company in state lings due to a prior federal health care fraud conviction.

U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson, whose o ce is handling the Robinson case, said, “Part of the reason healthcare costs are out of control is because of fraud like this.”

“Every dollar spent on healthcare should go toward healthcare — not lining the pockets of criminals,” said Ferguson. “We will work night and day to un-

The federal charges arrive amid state-level scrutiny of Medicaid program integrity.

In April, Jackson and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Devdutta Sangvai testi ed before the House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform. Lawmakers questioned them on fraud detection capabilities, eligibility veri cation processes, and responses to high-volume provider billing amid Medicaid program growth.

Following Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, the state’s program exceeds $36 billion annually, with the state’s share at more than $6 billion. The program now covers 3.1 million participants, an increase of 984,000 over pre-pandemic gures — the highest percentage growth (54%) in the country.

JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP PHOTO

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Can we keep the Sanctity of the American Vote?

AS WE TURN the page to the next 250 years of the United States of America (hopefully), it is a good time to look at how democratic socialists around the nation have run various cities, towns and states and extrapolate what they would do to America if given the chance to expand their power and reach in all states and the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.

publicly stated their fervent opposition to such a practice and it is doubtful any will.

one set of elections in America but not in all the others?

Are socialist Democrats trying to upend the one-man/one-vote doctrine that has supported American democratic republicanism from the beginning?

Voters under the age of 50 have the most at stake given they have the bulk of their working careers and peak earning years ahead of them. Will they ever be able to meet or exceed the living standards of their parents and grandparents? It might not be as hard as many of them worry about today.

Over $1 trillion of wealth assets is estimated to be transferred from boomers to Gen Xers and millennials in the next decade or so.

That amount of wealth being transferred would be a much too-tempting target for any blue-blooded democratic socialist in elective o ce who wants to divert it into any number of massive government programs they always seem to have in their laptop ready to activate with a few keystrokes.

A particularly devilish way democratic socialists may try to do it would be to subvert the long-standing American tradition and heritage of allowing only legal U.S. citizens to vote in all elections. They have already done it in the District of Columbia and certain municipalities in California, Maryland, and Vermont where noncitizens are allowed to vote in local elections.

So far, no prominent Democrat has

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

The right to cast a legal vote in America is nothing to be trivialized or tri ed with. Every legal citizen should be defending that right whether they are conservative or liberal. The legal right to vote is as fundamental to the American Experience as free speech, the freedom to worship and every other freedom for which the American Revolution was fought. African Americans and women won the legal right to vote through the proper constitutional amendment process.

Close to one million people annually earn the right to legally vote through the immigration and naturalization process. Gaining legal citizenship status is not impossible — but it does require work and adherence to established laws of our nation instead of getting democratic socialists in o ce to wave a magic wand and say anyone can vote regardless of citizenship status.

Imagine the chaos and impact on each legal vote which could occur if democratic socialists take over Congress and state capitals and legislatures for the rst 50 years of the next quarter millennium and try to expand the vote of noncitizens into all elections.

Since democratic socialists have somehow determined there should be no requirement to be a US citizen with long-term residency in order to vote, it is just a matter of time before non-citizens will vote in all elections if democratic socialism takes over America.

How can a person be quali ed to vote in

The rise of unapologetic socialism in the Democratic Party

At least ten of them, along with ve House Democratic candidates, have signed on to a “Promise to America” pledge. California, Maryland, and Vermont already allow noncitizens to vote in local elections.

PERHAPS AS RECENTLY as eight to 10 years ago, leading Democrats would push back on accusations that their party was going full-blown socialist. They’d accuse Republicans of “fearmongering,” of using “scare tactics” to score points with voters who were seeing, right along with conservatives, what was actually happening. But then along came Alexandria OcasioCortez in 2018. Ocasio-Cortez, otherwise known as “AOC,” shocked the Democratic political establishment in the June New York primary that year by defeating longtime Rep. Joseph Crowley, who as Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus was the chamber’s fourth-highest ranking Democrat.

AOC was (and is) a proud card-carrying member of the Democratic Socialists of America Party (DSA). And she wasn’t the only one from the DSA elected later that year to serve in Congress. Rashida Tlaib in Michigan began her rst term in 2019. Others elected in 2018, including Massachusetts’ Ayanna Pressley, are closely aligned with the DSA, and their endorsement helped carry them into o ce.

Many more have been elected since then, not just to the House of Representatives but also in city, county, and state governments across the country, mostly up north in states like New York and Pennsylvania and out west in states like Oregon and Washington.

Another common denominator for these political gures is a deep admiration and respect for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.),

who caucuses with Democrats in the U.S. Senate but who has long openly championed Democratic Socialism as the way forward for the party. AOC, in fact, was a volunteer for Sanders’ failed 2016 presidential campaign, and the two have bonded in Congress.

But as groundbreaking as AOC’s shocking primary win was for unapologetic socialism, in retrospect it seems to pale in comparison to Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral victory in New York City in 2025.

Like AOC, Mamdani is also an unapologetic member of the DSA and was also underestimated in the Democratic primary. Disgraced former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) had been expected to win the June 2025 primary, but Mamdani ultimately bested him for the nomination. He went on to win in the fall with 51% of the vote, an indication that despite socialism’s rise in the Big Apple, there is still a sharp divide among New Yorkers over the direction the iconic city should go.

But make no mistake; it has de nitely taken root in blue cities like New York, as evidenced by how two DSA members backed by Mamdani won their respective House primaries last Tuesday, with New York state assemblywoman Claire Valdez winning in NY-07, and community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier narrowly upsetting Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Adriano Espaillat in NY-13 in a defeat that has been compared to AOC’s surprising 2018 primary victory over Crowley.

A person doesn’t have to take an analogy to the most absurd level possible to come up with an example of why allowing nonmembers to vote in any organization is just not right.

No one has ever advocated that students from a high school on the north side of town should be allowed to vote for student body president of a school on the south side of town. In order to vote for a board of directors, a voter has to be a shareholder with a direct vested interest in the welfare of the company or organization.

If we are going to have a discussion about allowing everyone to vote, perhaps democratic socialists should propose a constitutional amendment and allow each state legislature to consider it as was done with previous su rage e orts. Or perhaps everyone should re-read and reconsider our own history and how various communities used to make decisions for their fellow community members to follow. For one thing, they made everyone show up in person to vote and they knew where everyone lived because they saw them every day.

Otherwise, we might as well return to the days when Moravians would determine what to do as a community by casting lots. At least they were appealing to a Higher Authority for direction and guidance.

The fact that the Democratic Party’s socialist bent can no longer be contained has got some of the more “moderate” members of the House scrambling to assure their constituents that they are not of the same mindset.

At least 10 of them, along with ve House Democratic candidates, have signed on to a “Promise to America” pledge which dictates the following:

“We are capitalist, not socialist.”

“We want safety, not lawlessness.”

“We are responsible, not reckless.”

“We believe government should solve problems, not create them.”

“We are mainstream, not extreme.”

“We are proud, not ashamed of America.”

There are other House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Je ries (D-N.Y.), who believe the fretting from their colleagues about the ascendancy of DSA Party candidates is overblown. But they do so at their own peril, because you can best believe that Republicans are going to exploit this development to the hilt in the coming months in hopes of further fracturing their political opposition in a way that bene ts the GOP at the ballot box.

I can’t wait.

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

All roads lead to Cramerton

He held the patent for air conditioning, and worked alongside Willis Carrier in consideration of how his patent might someday be used for purposes outside of the mills.

North Carolina is blessed with many little towns, and each of those towns has its own story to tell. The town of Cramerton is no di erent, and in many ways, may be in a league of its own. This community in southeast Gaston County holds its own incredible story that interweaves textiles, family and faith into an iconic telling of the American dream.

And at the heart of that story is Stuart W. Cramer. Textile Leader. Inventor. Visionary. Born in 1868 in Thomasville, Stuart Cramer was the son of John T. Cramer, a Civil War Union soldier, and Jenny Thomas, whose brothers and cousins had fought for the Confederacy. His ancestral lineage is one lled with patriotism and sacri ce, with a grandfather who founded Thomasville (John Warrick Thomas), and a great-grandfather who fought with the Patriots in the American Revolution (Moses Lambeth).

As a child growing up in Thomasville, Stuart Cramer had his heart set on the military, but upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, he instead ventured to Charlotte to become the assayer of the Charlotte Mint. Eventually, the cotton manufacturing industry caught his eye, and soon he developed into a true “mill doctor,” a term used to describe a person who had the skills to design and execute every facet of a textile mill.

By 1906, Stuart Cramer was a recognized leader in the world of cotton manufacturing. He authored a guide for other textile leaders, “Useful Information for Cotton Manufacturers,” and soon shared his newest invention: a mechanism to condition the air within mills. He held the patent to this invention — one we all know today by the very term coined by Stuart Cramer himself ... Air Conditioning.

In the years that followed, Stuart Cramer’s textile ambitions grew. After building numerous mills across the region, he set his sights on Mays Mills, located in an unincorporated area known as Mayesworth. He saw the area di erently than others, envisioning an active textile community with workers’ homes and all the amenities that a mill town could possibly need. After becoming president

COLUMN | BEN SHAPIRO

of Mays Manufacturing, Stuart shifted his attention to the surrounding village. He built churches, schools, and baseball elds; a hotel, a teacherage and a community center. He maintained a working dairy, farm, and orchard for those who called the village home. He even built his own house — a summer home named Maymont — on top of the town’s mountain, with a swimming pool that doubled as a re extinguisher system for the mills below. This all-inclusive community paved the way for families to enjoy the riches of work, recreation, faith and neighborly support.

In 1921, Stuart Cramer would see this village bear his own name — ”Cramerton”.

In 1929, the Cramerton Mills would develop an 8.2-ounce twill cloth, and would receive a coveted government contract for its production. With World War II and the increased demand for the “Cramerton Army Cloth,” Cramerton Mills freely released the patent, allowing other textiles across the nation to produce what would become known as “khaki.”

By the end of his life in 1940, Stuart Cramer had engaged with an abundance of impactful American events. He was an advisor to ve di erent U.S. Presidents, and collaborated with his friend, James Buchanan Duke, on the beginnings of what would one day become Duke Energy. He held the patent for air conditioning, and worked alongside Willis Carrier in consideration of how his patent might someday be used for purposes outside of the mills. He held over 60 patents in his lifetime, and designed over 150 mills across the Southeast.

It is an American legacy that Stuart Cramer built, and one that now lives on through Cramerton: A Trilogy, written all about how Cramerton came to be.

On July 4, we’ll pay tribute to patriots, soldiers, and visionaries. To those who came before us and contributed to America’s enduring promise.

To those like Stuart W. Cramer ...

To those who dared to dream along their own American journey.

Dixie F. Abernathy is president of the Cramerton Historical Society.

The Republican Party’s dissidents are showing themselves the door

At some point, disagreement becomes philosophical divergence.

TUCKER CARLSON says he can no longer support the Republican Party.

In that regard, he nds himself in familiar company. A growing faction on the populist Right — including gures such as Candace Owens, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Nick Fuentes — has increasingly positioned itself in opposition to core Republican foreign policy principles. Rather than seeking to persuade the party, many now appear ready to abandon it altogether.

That may not be a crisis for Republicans. It may simply be a clari cation.

Political movements require ideological boundaries. Parties are more than coalitions of convenience; they are associations built around shared principles and priorities. When those principles cease to align, separation is often healthier than endless internal con ict.

Vice President JD Vance recently made that case during an appearance on Megyn Kelly’s show. Defending the administration’s approach to Iran, Vance argued that Republicans who disagree with speci c policies should nevertheless recognize the alternative: empowering Democrats. Whether one agrees with his defense of the administration or not, the broader point is di cult to dispute.

Political parties function by advancing a common agenda, not by endlessly renegotiating their foundational commitments.

Yet a segment of the so-called “horseshoe Right” appears interested in something else entirely. Rather than in uencing the Republican Party from within, its leaders increasingly seem determined to pressure the party into abandoning longstanding principles in favor of a worldview markedly more sympathetic to adversarial regimes abroad. Carlson’s latest comments are a case in point.

Speaking on the “Can’t Be Censored” podcast, Carlson announced that he no longer supports the Republican Party because, in his view, it has become immoral. He argued that Republicans have placed the interests of foreign countries above those of Americans and therefore no longer deserve his support.

“I voted Republican my entire life,” Carlson said. “I’ve been a consistent defender for 35 years of the Republican Party. ... But there’s no defending this because it’s immoral.”

That claim raises questions of its own. Carlson was registered as a Democrat from 2006 to 2020, explaining at various times that he did so in order to participate in Democratic primaries. Regardless, the larger issue is not his voter registration history but his de nition of Republican principles.

Carlson has become one of the most prominent voices arguing against support for Ukraine while expressing remarkable

sympathy for Russia’s perspective in the con ict. He has repeatedly criticized e orts to counter Iranian in uence in the Middle East and has frequently attacked traditional Republican arguments centered on deterrence and strength.

At some point, disagreement becomes philosophical divergence.

If a political movement believes in peace through strength, maintaining American alliances and confronting hostile regimes, then those who reject those principles are under no obligation to remain within that movement. Nor is the movement obligated to rede ne itself around their objections.

Greene recently echoed Carlson’s frustration, declaring that she would no longer support what she called an “America Last Republican Party.” Similar sentiments have emerged from other prominent commentators who argue that the GOP has betrayed its voters by refusing to embrace a more isolationist foreign policy.

But dissatisfaction alone does not confer ownership. Being unhappy with a party’s direction does not mean the party must reorganize itself around every dissatis ed faction.

Kelly, to her credit, recently suggested that disagreement with Republican leadership is not itself grounds for abandoning the party. That observation highlights a broader truth: Political coalitions inevitably contain disagreements. The question is whether those disagreements exist within a shared framework of principles or whether they re ect fundamentally di erent visions of America’s role in the world.

The current divide increasingly appears to be the latter.

The Republican Party is free to debate tactics, priorities and individual policies. What it cannot do is function without a coherent identity. If peace through strength, support for American interests abroad, and opposition to hostile foreign powers remain central to that identity, then those who reject those principles may decide they no longer belong in the coalition.

If so, there is nothing wrong with leaving.

What would be a mistake is allowing those departures to become the blueprint for a new Republican Party. Sometimes political movements bene t not from expansion but from clarity. And sometimes the clearest statement is made by those who choose to walk away.

Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” and co-founder of Daily Wire+. He is a three-time New York Times bestselling author. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

The principles that built America can save it too

MOST REVOLUTIONS don’t make it to 250. Empires collapse, republics dissolve, constitutions get rewritten or ignored. America’s revolution survives because of the principles it was built on. The question, as we celebrate our nation’s founding, is whether we’re still living by them.

What are these founding principles?

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution capture them best: the dignity of the individual, the rule of law, the right to property, freedom of speech, and a universal claim on justice. These aren’t abstract ideals. They are the foundation everything else is built on.

But we’re abandoning them. Across the political spectrum, in di erent ways and degrees, we’ve forgotten, ignored, or rejected the very principles that got us to 250. The left and right fail di erently. But they fail from the same root cause.

Decay on the left: The Democratic Party has radicalized over the last decade. Wokeism and critical theory captured a signi cant portion of the left. For many subscribing to these ideologies, the ends justify the means, rule of law becomes negotiable, and America’s founding principles aren’t worth honoring so much as dismantling.

We saw this play out during Covid. In 2020, some Democratic states shut down churches and o ce buildings, while street protests drew thousands without consequences. Protesters disrupted tra c, defaced property, and intimidated bystanders. Objecting to any of it was deemed hate speech. The rules were applied selectively, based on politics. Social distancing for thee, socializing for political ends for me. So much for justice being blind.

Free speech fared little better. The Obama and Biden administrations used censorship as a means to control public discourse, whether using the federal government to limit speech or pressuring social media companies to do it for them. Censorship is unconstitutional. Full stop. Free speech is the First Amendment for a reason. Without it, our Shining City on a Hill gets quite a bit dimmer.

These aren’t partisan complaints. Rule of law and free speech are founding principles. When the left erodes them, even for causes it considers worthy, it undermines the very foundation it claims to stand on. Unfortunately, the right has its fair share of problems as well.

The allure of power on the right: I’m a lifelong conservative and critiquing my own party doesn’t come naturally. But you have high expectations for the people and causes you love, and it’s time we hold the GOP to a higher standard.

The problem isn’t that conservatives have abandoned their reverence for America’s founding. Few have blatant disdain for the Constitution. The problem is simpler: power has become the north star. When founding principles get in the way of a political victory, we’ve seen them get set aside. Don’t have the votes for a new tari regime? Enforce it through executive order. Don’t like a court ruling? Ignore it. Lose an election? Well, we know how that turned out.

I get the rationalization. What about the Democrats? Aren’t they worse? It’s what many on my side of the aisle say when caught doing something they shouldn’t. If the left gets away with breaking the rules, why shouldn’t we?

Constitutional violations breed more constitutional violations. Every time we abandon our principles for a short-term win, we give the other side permission to do the same and we lose the moral authority to object when they do. We should be setting the standard for constitutional governance, not racing to the bottom.

But for all of that, I’m not pessimistic. History has been here before.

Reasons for hope: Ecclesiastes 1:9 puts it plainly: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” Our current dysfunction isn’t unprecedented. Politics has been dominated by cultural decadence and populist power grabs before. Our problems aren’t new. Neither are the solutions.

The Constitutional Convention gives us a roadmap. The 55 delegates in Philadelphia represented wildly di erent interests, nursed deep suspicions of each other, and disagreed on fundamental questions about what kind of country they were building. The convention nearly fell apart more than once. And yet they produced a constitutional order that has outperformed every rival system on earth. What made the di erence wasn’t agreement on every issue. It was a shared belief in the dignity of the individual and a commitment to defend the rights given to us by God. They weren’t building a utopia or punishing their opponents. They were creating a durable freedom worth passing to the next generation.

The principles forged in Philadelphia remain America’s best roadmap. Our generation’s job is not just to remember them, but to defend them. The same values that de ned our rst 250 years can invigorate our next 250, if we choose to recommit to them.

Karl Beckstein is a businessman in Raleigh.

Murphy to Manteo Jones

PARTY LIKE IT’S 1776

Across North Carolina, the Fourth of July 2026 is being woven into the U.S. 250th anniversary, turning traditional Independence Day celebrations into larger, more history-focused community festivals. The statewide approach combines reworks, concerts, and parades with Revolutionary War storytelling, museum exhibits, and public history programs. In Raleigh, the signature “Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest” brings live music, vendors, and family activities to the State Capitol grounds, alongside morning parades and evening reworks at Dix Park celebrating both the holiday and the semiquincentennial. Across the coast, cities like Wilmington, Southport, and Outer Banks communities are expanding waterfront reworks and adding heritage displays tied to early colonial and Revolutionary-era history. Smaller towns such as Oakboro and Pinehurst are incorporating “America 250” branding into long-running July 4th festivals, while Western North Carolina communities like Franklin in Macon County are pairing concerts and children’s activities with large local reworks shows. Historic sites are central to the celebration, especially Tryon Palace in New Bern, which features readings of the Declaration of Independence, fe-and-drum performances, and Revolutionary War exhibits. Overall, NC’s 250th July 4th celebrations emphasize local participation, connecting statewide patriotism with the state’s deep historical roots in America’s founding story.

Regional 250th anniversary kicko celebrations

PIEDMONT

Local group assists Venezuela earthquake relief

Community aids sisters who survived Helene oating on a mattress

Nearly two years after Helene swept away their Fairview home, two sisters whose remarkable survival story captured the attention of western North Carolina are still working to rebuild their lives, local outlets report. On Sunday, community members gathered at Sleep On It Mattress Outlet & Gallery in Arden to raise money for Jackie Fenstermacher, 74, and Cynthia Dunn, 75 — known by many as the “Mattress Sisters.” The duo survived Helene by oating downstream on a mattress. “The house got ripped to shreds,” Fenstermacher recalled to local outlets. “And I pushed [Cynthia] on the mattress, got the dog, and we held on for dear life.” The sisters and their dog survived for two days stranded along Flat Creek before they were rescued, and although they survived the storm, the sisters lost the home they had planned to spend the rest of their lives in. The goal of the fundraiser was $300,000 for the sisters, and the amount will be announced in coming days.

WLOS

Stage 2 restrictions will remain in place, leaders said.

WBTV

Forsyth County Winston-Salem nonpro t “Heroes for Humanity” is responding to relief e orts in Venezuela after earthquakes rocked the area last week. The group includes crisis response operators, many of whom are veterans and former Special Forces members who are able to respond to speci c crisis situations. The small manned team will operate for about four weeks in Venezuela, providing personnel rescue, medical aid and evangelism to the hardest-hit areas, organizers say.

NSJ

Prominent Charlotte church removes “Baptist” from its name

EAST

Former ECU football star shares ALS diagnosis

Baby born at Greensboro water park

Guilford County A child was born Saturday at Wet’n’Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro, according to a park spokesperson. The park said the situation involved a guest at the water park, and park sta responded immediately and assisted alongside local rst responders. The park did not provide additional details, including where in the park the birth happened or whether the family was taken to a hospital, but told local outlets that based on reports they have received from the family, both the mother and baby are doing well.

WFMY

Mecklenburg County Myers Park Baptist Church has announced that it will now be called Myers Park Covenant Church following a vote this month by the congregation of 800-plus members. The decision by the progressive church follows years of discernment regarding the word “Baptist,” according to church leaders. Nancy W. Hudson, chair of the church’s Board of Deacons, said in a press statement that the new name matches the church’s mission in the community. “While historically meaningful, the name had become a barrier for some seeking a spiritual home, as it carried associations that no longer re ect the church’s inclusive and ecumenical character.” Currently led by interim Senior Pastor Tim Moore, the 83-year-old church has for several years marketed itself as LGBTQ-friendly. The church split from the Southern Baptist Convention in the late 1990s after the church’s practice of including the LGBTQ community. Until now, it kept the name, saying that they are Baptist by de nition, not denomination, according to Hudson. WGHP

Pitt County ECU Alumnus and 2018 Hall of Famer, Chris Johnson, announced on Good Morning America that he has been diagnosed with ALS. Johnson, a former rst-round pick of the Tennessee Titans and Pro Bowl running back, said that he was diagnosed last year with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He is 40 years old. Johnson’s doctor told him that there was a medication that could extend his life for a few months, but there is no cure for ALS.

WNCT

Inmates overpower sta in jail hostage stando

Threat of ‘teen takeover’ prompts weekend curfew

Washington County Plymouth police say the weekend remained peaceful after concerns about a possible “teen takeover” in downtown Plymouth. Mayor Crystal Davis issued a temporary emergency curfew for the weekend after the post called for a gathering in downtown Plymouth between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Friday. Police said the event never happened, but the town kept the temporary curfew in place through the weekend as a precaution. The temporary emergency curfew remained in e ect until 6 a.m. Monday.

Bertie County Authorities worked to restore full control of the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center after inmates overpowered correctional sta and took two guards hostage Monday morning, o cials said. The incident began around 5 a.m. when inmates assaulted on-duty guards and gained control of parts of the facility. O cials said 88 inmates and three guards were inside the detention center when the takeover began. One guard was able to escape shortly after the incident started, while two other guards were taken hostage.

At about 9:30 a.m., negotiations led to the safe release of a large group of inmates and the two guard hostages.

O cials said the hostages were able to leave the facility without further injury.

Authorities were able to establish a secure perimeter around the detention center and asked the public to avoid the immediate area while operations progressed to ensure a peaceful resolution to the con ict.

NSJ

“One by one, we’re shutting down the illegal scheme that allowed landlords to use illegal AI software to drive up rents for North Carolinians.” Attorney General Je Jackson

3 re ghters killed in Western wild re were trying to shield themselves from ames

The deaths recall a 2013 Arizona wild re that killed 19 re ghters

By Ty O’Neil, Matthew Brown and John Seewer

The Associated Press

BEAVER, Utah — Three reghters killed over the weekend in a wild re along the Colorado-Utah border were trying to shield themselves from ames by deploying tent-like shelters when they were overcome, authorities said.

They were part of a specialized crew that goes into remote areas by helicopter to quickly put out new and rapidly escalating wild res, federal o cials said Monday.

Their deaths on Saturday came almost 13 years to the day since an elite crew of 19 wildland re ghters died when they were trapped in a steep canyon in Yarnell, Arizona.

Like this weekend’s victims, the men in Arizona had tried to deploy emergency shelters that are a “last resort” for reghters when there’s no other way out. Investigators didn’t blame anyone in the deaths but did cite radio communication problems that contributed to the Granite Mountain Hotshots becoming trapped. Arizona’s workplace safety commission also ned the state’s forestry division for not pulling them out.

Wild res have erupted over the past week all across the West, fueled by months of dry weather and a record lack of snow this past winter in some places. Wild re experts have been warning for months that

The Mid-Currituck Bridge is a proposed two-lane toll bridge that spans seven miles. It would connect the North Carolina mainland at U.S. 158 near Aydlett with N.C. 12 south of Corolla on the Outer Banks, in Currituck County.

The project includes a 4.7mile bridge over the sound, a 1.5mile elevated bridge over Maple Swamp, a six-lane toll plaza, a yover interchange at U.S. 158, a roundabout at N.C. 12 and various improvements to support hurricane evacuation.

As of March 23 of this year, the funds already spent on the bridge include $52.6 million for engineering and environmental work and $8.4 million to obtain ve land parcels. Speci c engineering expenditures are listed in the audit.

The projected cost of the

from page A1

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and targets sanctuary cities by dropping governmental immunity as a legal option. It also blocks people living in the country illegally from receiving taxpayer-funded state bene ts. The bills overridden include:

• House Bill 171 Equality in State Agencies/ Prohibition on DEI.

• Senate Bill 153 North Carolina Border Protection Act.

• Senate Bill 227

Eliminating “DEI” in Public Education.

• Senate Bill 558

Eliminating “DEI” in Public Higher Ed.

“By overriding four more of Gov. Stein’s vetoes today, we’re improving public safety and ending taxpayer-funded, divisive DEI policies for good,” House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Granite Falls) said in a statement. “Once again, the House has stood rm and en-

extreme re dangers are likely this summer.

With more than two dozen large res burning, almost 8,000 wildland re ghters and dozens of re ghting helicopters have been deployed. About half the largest blazes are in Alaska while the rest are mostly in Western states.

Evacuations were ordered near seven res, including in Arizona, Washington state, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. There are enough re ghting resources for now across the Rocky Mountains to deal with the blazes, said Mike Morgan, director of Colorado’s Division of Fire Prevention and Control. But that could change quickly if conditions worsen in other parts of the country, Morgan said, adding that hand crews that battle res on the ground already are in short supply.

bridge has more than doubled since federal approval in 2019.

The estimated cost for federal approval was $490 million, which has now increased to $1.2 billion in the wake of rising construction costs, expanded administrative expenses and changes in delivery models.

Construction of the bridge still falls short of $702 million to $832 million in funding, despite the $173 million in committed state funds and projected toll revenue.

The project also lacks an approved baseline budget or updated cost estimate that re ects present conditions. Without a de ned budget and tracking of cost changes, there is not su cient information for decision-makers to properly evaluate the justi cation for additional funding.

Since 2019, the project’s tollbacked borrowing capacity has

sured Governor Stein and his liberal agenda won’t get in the way of common sense legislation.” Stein criticized the overrides in part as “stoking the culture wars that divide us” rather than passing a budget before stating, “Instead, they are overriding my veto on bills to whitewash the diversity that makes our state strong and to take state law enforcement o cers away from their existing state duties, forcing them to act as federal immigration agents.”

Ahead of the override votes, it was reported Stein’s ofce threatened to slow-walk the nomination of Republican Dan Kiger unless Republicans agreed to not hold the votes. Hall’s o ce said they were unable to identify the Stein representative who made the threat.

Kiger, who expected to be sworn in last Tuesday, is the nominee to replace Rep. Sarah Stevens (R-Surry), who resigned earlier this month to focus on her campaign for state Supreme Court. He was sworn in last Wednesday.

Top state education o cials like State Board Chair Eric Davis and State Supt. Mo Green issued a statement that SB 227

Fire ghters were part of a specialized crew

GRETEL DAUGHERTY VIA AP

The U.S. Forest Service identi ed the re ghters killed as Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan; Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Arizona; and Sydney Watson, 26, of Warrior, Alabama. Two others who were with them sustained burn injuries. They remained hospitalized and were stable on Monday, ofcials said at a press conference. The three killed were assigned to a Helitack crew that can be dropped into remote areas by helicopters and whose mission is to prevent new res from growing into out-of-control blazes. But it can be extremely dangerous, often taking place in areas where res are rapidly expanding.

fallen by about 42%. Toll-backed borrowing capacity is the total amount of money a government or transportation agency can borrow to fund infrastructure, using future toll revenue to pay back the debt.

O cial tra c studies project $731 million in total gross income over 50 years of the bridge’s operation — far less than its construction cost. Projected usage is 7,700 vehicles a day, down from a 2012 prediction of 12,600, due to slow regional growth.

The auditor’s o ce attributed the rising cost largely to higher highway construction prices. The 2026 analysis also noted $181 million in administrative fees that were absent from a 2018 workshop estimate. Project delays added in ation costs, and the method for calculating total delivery cost changed between 2018 and 2026.

becoming law “raises concerns about what it could mean for those very qualities that make North Carolina’s public schools strong.”

All four vetoes were overridden by a vote of 71-47, down party lines.

Democrats objected to holding the votes and tried to delay by pointing to House debate rules. Speaker Hall stepped in several times, reminding Democrats not only that they had agreed to the House’s session rules, but also pointing to the calendar of voting days issued prior to the start of the session.

Rep. Marcia Morey (D-Durham) objected, claiming debate on the bills under House rules was being suppressed. Hall responded by quoting the rules back to her, and said, “frankly, there’s nothing in these bills that has not been debated already.”

Other Democrats continued to object before each vote, such as Rep. Deb Butler (D-New Hanover), who called the votes “very well-choreographed” and asked Hall to reconsider, saying that ending debate “raises a real question about the dignity of this house and the integrity of these proceedings.”

A captain with the Clifton Fire Protection District salutes the passing procession carrying the bodies of three re ghters killed while ghting the Snyder Fire in Grand Junction, Colo. Sunday, June 28, 2026.

One of the crew members worked for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service while two were assigned to the U.S. Forest Service, and all were part of an interagency response to res just west of Grand Junction, Colorado.

The Snyder Fire in the area has burned about 44 square miles, authorities said.

The Wildland Fire Service, created by the Department of Interior this year to coordinate re ghting on public lands, said in a statement that it “stands united” with the Forest Service in grief and “in our unwavering support for the loved ones left behind.”

The deaths will trigger an investigation by the Forest and Wildland Fire services that typically results in recommendations for how to prevent or reduce the risk of a simi-

The auditor’s o ce added that projected revenue falls short of the construction cost because of minimal revenue growth, reliance on summer tra c and high tolls that would draw fewer vehicles. Other factors include low tra c in the rst year of operation, an estimated 65% of tra c coming from out-of-state vehicles and operating costs of about $7 million a year.

The bridge project was rst initiated in 1995 by the Federal Highway Administration and was estimated to cost about $600 million in 2006. Cost estimates conducted in 2011 and 2018 averaged $490 million.

Goals for the bridge include cutting travel times to the northern Outer Banks, reducing summer tra c congestion on the Wright Memorial Bridge and providing Outer Banks residents and visitors an alternative route to the mainland during

Hall took a moment and responded, reiterating previous extensive debate already occurred on the bills and underscoring the lengths he has taken to notify members of votes.

“And further, I’ll note that as everyone knows, my party has 71 members in it, meaning that if only two people on the other side are out, we can override any one of these that we want to,” said Hall. “Despite that, the chair put out a calendar essentially guarantee the days that we would vote and typically only two days per week.”

Hall noted he could have just dropped vote announcement whenever he wanted but he purposely didn’t go that route.

“I realize that there’s certain members who are against the subject matter in these bills and that’s ne, but that doesn’t call into question of this body at all,” Hall said. “In fact, it’s just simply the way our government works, the way it’s worked in this state for a long time. No rules are violated.”

“This body has frankly bent over backwards to give notice to the members of both parties when we’re going to be here,” Hall said before resuming the

lar accident. Agencies can also convene an accident review board to suggest any further actions.

High wild re threat for much of this week

More hot, dry and windy weather across the Southwest will elevate the re threat at least until the weekend, according to the national Storm Prediction Center.

Among the concerns were high winds in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, in the Black Hills of South Dakota and across portions of the High Plains.

Utah already has restricted rework usage going into the July Fourth holiday.

The national “preparedness level” for wild res was increased to a 4, on a scale of 1 to 5, the National Interagency Fire Center said Monday. That’s a sign resources are beginning to be strained, and ocials warned of a high potential for new, large res in multiple parts of the country in coming days.

“We know hand crews are always a hot commodity. We’re getting a little short on those, so that would be one I would say we’re a little concerned with,” said Morgan, with Colorado’s re prevention agency. “At the moment, I would say I feel pretty good about where we’re at, but I’m very concerned about where we go.”

So far this year, wild res have burned more than 4,800 square miles — the most by this point in the year since 2022 and signi cantly above the 10year average.

hurricanes.

On April 15, 2026, the Albemarle Rural Planning Organization (ARPO) voted 6-1 to retain the Mid-Currituck Bridge as a regional priority. The vote kept $173 million in committed funds with the project. ARPO is the regional rural transportation planning body for northeastern North Carolina. It holds a formal role in the state’s transportation funding and provides input on a project’s inclusion in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). For toll projects, ARPO also decides whether they remain in the STIP for tolling or are reprioritized. Construction of the bridge has been delayed until June 2028 at the earliest. NCDOT has said there may be further delays, as the project is not likely to be nancially feasible without additional funding.

override voting.

Butler’s comment was likely directed at Democratic Rep. Shelly Willingham (Edgecombe) and una liated Rep. Carla Cunningham (Mecklenburg), who were absent, giving Republicans the vote count edge needed.

Willingham and Cunningham, along with Mecklenburg Rep. Nasif Majeed, were targeted by their own party ahead of this year’s March Primary for voting with Republicans on past veto overrides. All three lost their primary bids. A month later, Cunningham and Majeed both dropped their Democratic Party a liation. Earlier in June, Cunningham and Majeed helped override Stein’s veto of a bill allowing North Carolina to participate in the Trump administration’s school choice tax credit program.

NC Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton issued a statement like Stein’s on passing a budget, but also blaming Cunningham and Willingham for the overrides, stating in part, “Today would not have been possible without them once again betraying their communities.”

VETOES

BRIDGE from page A1

NC Music Hall of Fame names ve artists, groups as 2026 inductees

The ceremony will take place Oct. 15 in Mooresville

By Dan Reeves North State Journal

KANNAPOLIS — The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 class, honoring a wide-ranging group of artists whose work stretches from hip-hop and funk to jazz, bluegrass and independent rock.

This year’s inductees are MC Sha-Rock, Sugar Bear, Arrogance, Barry Poss and Billy Strayhorn. George Clinton, who was inducted into the hall in 2009, will receive the Eddie Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.

The induction ceremony, presented by Visit Mooresville, will take place Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in Mooresville. The event is open to the public, with tickets starting at $80.

For the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, the class is another reminder of the state’s long reach into American music, not just through performers, but through producers, songwriters, label founders and artists who helped push entire genres forward.

MC Sha-Rock, a Wilmington native, is recognized as the rst female MC of hip-hop culture and a founding member of the pioneering group Funky 4 + 1. The group emerged during hip-hop’s early years in the late 1970s and helped shape the way MCs approached live performance, delivery and microphone technique.

Funky 4 + 1 also became the rst hip-hop group to perform on national television when they appeared on “Saturday Night Live” in 1981. The moment helped bring hip-hop into living rooms far beyond New York and gave wider audiences an early look at a culture that would soon become one of the most powerful forces in music.

Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott, a Red Springs native, will be honored for his work as a founding member of Experience Unlimited, better known as E.U., and as a key gure in go-go music.

E.U. reached No. 1 on the Billboard Black Singles chart in 1988 with “Da Butt,” the group’s best-known song. The song earned a Grammy nomination, and the group later received a Soul Train Award for best new artist. The band also toured nationally and internationally, helping carry Washington’s gogo sound to audiences outside its home base.

Arrogance, the Chapel Hill rock band co-founded by Robert Kirkland and Don Dixon, will also be inducted. Formed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1969, the band became one of the state’s strongest club draws during the 1970s and early 1980s, building a following at a time when original rock bands in North Caroli-

“Most of the time, funk is attitude; anything you need it to be to save your life.”

George Clinton

na had to make their own way. The band’s 1973 debut album, “Give Us a Break,” was self-released and helped set an early example for do-it-yourself recording and distribution before that became the standard language of independent music. Arrogance followed with “Prolepsis,” “Rumors,” “Suddenly” and the live album “Lively,” leaving behind a catalog that tied together folk-rock, sharp harmonies and the kind of original songwriting that helped shape the Chapel Hill scene before the wider college-rock explosion. Dixon’s role in Arrogance also connects the band to a much larger story in American independent music. Before his name became associated with albums by R.E.M., The Smithereens, Let’s Active and others, Dixon was Arrogance’s bassist, singer and songwriter. He later became one of the producers most closely linked to early college rock, co-producing R.E.M.’s rst two full-length albums, “Murmur” and “Reckoning,” with Mitch Easter. Barry Poss, founder of Sugar Hill Records, will be recognized for his role in building one of the most important labels in modern bluegrass and Americana music.

Based in Durham, Sugar Hill Records released music from a long list of major artists, including Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, Jerry Douglas, Doyle Lawson, Nickel Creek, Sam Bush and The Osborne Brothers. The label’s work helped move bluegrass into new territory while keeping the music connected to its roots.

Billy Strayhorn, who has ties to Hillsborough, will be honored for his lasting in uence on jazz. Strayhorn is best known for his long collaboration with Duke Ellington and for compositions including “Take the ‘A’ Train” and “Lush Life,” both of which became jazz standards. His arrangements helped de-

George Clinton, a Kannapolis native, will receive the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame’s 2026 Eddie Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.

ne the sound of the Duke Ellington Orchestra for nearly three decades. Strayhorn’s work has been recognized by the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress for its cultural and historical importance.

George Clinton, a Kannapolis native, will receive the Eddie Ray Lifetime Achievement Award. Clinton founded Parliament and Funkadelic and became one of the central gures in funk music.

Across more than ve decades, Clinton’s work in uenced funk, hip-hop, R&B, rock and pop. With Parliament-Funkadelic, he built a sound and stage presence that mixed sharp musicianship, big concepts and a visual style that became instantly recognizable. His in uence can still be heard across modern music, especially in hip-hop and R&B.

The Eddie Ray Lifetime Achievement Award is named for music industry pioneer Eddie Ray, who was inducted into the hall in 2009. The award honors artists and industry gures whose careers have had a long and lasting impact on American music.

The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame was founded in 1994 and is a nonpro t organization dedicated to recognizing and preserving the state’s musical history. The hall has inducted 143 individuals and groups representing a variety of genres, all with strong ties to North Carolina and at least 10 years of national prominence.

The Hall of Fame Museum is located at 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd. in Kannapolis, inside the Curb Music & Motorsports Museum. The museum includes more than 65 exhibits featuring memorabilia from inductees, including Charlie Daniels’ ddle, Arthur Smith’s banjo and items connected to artists such as Jermaine Dupri, Luke Combs, Tori Amos, Roberta Flack, Randy Travis and The Avett Brothers.

New exhibits featuring memorabilia from the 2026 inductees are scheduled to open in October in connection with the induction ceremony. Admission to the museum is free, and guided tours are available by request.

Tickets for the Oct. 15 induction ceremony are available at NorthCarolinaMusicHallofFame.org.

‘Supergirl’ fails to soar in messy, disjointed solo outing

Even Superman can’t save DC’s latest bigbudget mis re

By Bob Garver The Sun

KRYPTO the Superdog isn’t very cute in “Supergirl.” I understand that the way the pup was rendered for this lm involved taking a real dog — who probably was very cute — and slathering CGI all over his likeness. The result is a dog whose face looks unnatural and with whom I couldn’t connect during emotional scenes. You know your Super-whatever movie is in trouble when you can’t make a character like Krypto lovable.

Krypto’s owner is more bearable, but just barely. Milly Alcock stars as Kara ZorEl, also known as Supergirl, a cousin of Superman’s who was raised in a sort of Kryptonian bunker after the planet’s destruction. Eventually, the bunker couldn’t sustain life, and Kara had to be sent alone to Earth as well. But unlike Superman, she knew a home and a family on Krypton, only to have it all taken away. As a result, she doesn’t take to Earth like Superman did and now mostly spends her days moping around with no friends, save for Krypto. For this lm, Supergirl nds herself teaming up with Ruthye (Eve Ridley), a teenager looking to avenge her family’s death at the hands of space pirate Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts). Krem needs to be defeated — for the murders, for child tra cking and for poisoning Krypto and tauntingly carrying around an antidote — but Supergirl also wants to teach Ruthye that revenge through murder will not bring her the closure she seeks. On the other hand, Krem and his crew are perfectly willing to kill Supergirl, Ruthye and anyone else they see t. Killing him may save the lives of others, but does that make it right to kill him? The Supergirl/Ruthye dynamic is based on “True Grit,” and gritting is what I had to do with my teeth every time the sti , overly for-

mal yet too immature Ruthye had a line in this movie.

On their quest, Supergirl and Ruthye cross paths with what the lm thinks is a colorful gallery of otherworldly background characters. But this isn’t Mos Eisley, where the alien designs are so interesting that viewers will instantly want to know the backstory of every character in the room. They’re all basically indistinguishable rubbery space-takers. The exception is space biker/bounty hunter Lobo (Jason Momoa), who gets to steal some scenes. One of the few downsides of the DC Extended Universe folding a few years ago was losing Momoa’s Aquaman, but now fans can rest easy knowing that he’s landed on his feet in a more tting role.

Speaking of the larger DC Universe, it’s worth mentioning that, yes, Superman (David Corenswet) is in this movie. He gets one of the few gags that actually works when he tries to welcome Kara to Earth, even though he only speaks English and she only speaks Kryptonian. It’s good to see that Superman is still reliable because, while I don’t dislike this version of Supergirl, this movie is clearly going to bomb and she isn’t going to be allowed another standalone movie anytime soon. If she, Krypto and Lobo want to have any future in lm, it’ll have to be as part of a Superman or Justice League movie. Choppy action, a disjointed story, a muddied moral, a bland villain, an annoying second banana in Ruthye and an overall ugly aesthetic all conspire to make “Supergirl” one of the worst big-budget movies of the summer. Even Superman can’t save it, and saving things is his whole reason for being. But what do you expect from a movie that can’t even get the beloved, iconic, usually adorable Krypto right?

Grade: C-

“Supergirl” is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, action, language and smoking. Its running time is 107 minutes.

JOHN LOCHER / AP PHOTO

WARNER BROS. PICTURES VIA AP

Milly Alcock stars as Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, who struggles to nd her place on Earth after losing her home and family in “Supergirl.”

In The General Court of Justice

Court Division

the

#26E000979-250

OF NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE

undersigned having quali

of the Estate of Raymond Chester Hedges, deceased,

of Cumberland County, this is to notify

against said estate to present

to the undersigned on or before the 6th day of October, 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 22nd day of June, 2026. Rhonda Dorman Administrator/Executor 218 Hawley Ridge Drive Dunn, NC 28334 Of the Estate of Raymond Chester Hedges, deceased

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as the representative of the Estate of Mrs. Darlene S. Myrick, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the Estate of Mrs. Darlene S. Myrick, who died on March 17, 2026, to present their claims to the undersigned representative on or before the deadline (September 18, 2026) required by law, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the Estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. Claims and correspondence should be directed to:

Mr. Gordon Myrick 7864 Loxley Drive Fayetteville, NC 28314 Email: cml7gee@aol.com Representative of the Estate of Mrs. Darlene S. Myrick

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Jolene C. Hopper a/k/a Jolene Cain Hopper Cumberland County Estate File No.

26E000382-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Jolene C. Hopper a/k/a Jolene Cain Hopper, Deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Janice H. Southard, Executor of the Estate of Jolene C. Hopper a/k/a Jolene Cain Hopper, at 4166 Cedar Creek Road, Fayetteville, NC 28312, on or before the 25th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of Jolene C. Hopper a/k/a Jolene Cain Hopper are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 25th day of June, 2026. Janice H. Southard, Executor of the Estate of Jolene C. Hopper a/k/a Jolene Cain Hopper Williford McCauley - Attorney for the Estate of Jolene C. Hopper a/k/a Jolene Cain Hopper Mailing address: P. O. Box 53606 Fayetteville, NC 28305 Physical address: 235 Green Street Fayetteville, NC 28301

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Estate File #26e000925-250 Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Kimberly Ann Loomer Vess, 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 2nd day of October, 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 29th day of June 2026. Kathryn R. Martin Administrator/Executor 19 Crystal Lake

NOTICE

OF NORTH CAROLINA

of Cumberland In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File # 26E000973-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Daniel Madison Horne Executor’s Notice The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Daniel Madison Horne, 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 25th 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 asked to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 25th day of June, 2026. Daniel M. Horne, Jr., Executor. 5001 Munger Lane Hickory, NC 28602 Of the Estate of Daniel Madison Horne, Deceased

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

State of North Carolina Cumberland County In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Auvella Jacobs (Petitioner) v. Nicole Morris, Natasha Williams, and Justin E. Gaskins (Respondents) File No. 24E000466-250 To: Justin E. Gaskins 7601 Mount Latora, Apt B El Paso, TX 79904 Take notice that an Estate Proceeding seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is a Motion in the Cause to le the Final Account without a Receipt and Refunding Agreement signed by Natasha Williams. You are required to make a defense of such pleading no later than August 4, 2026, which is forty (40) days from the rst date of publication. Upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought.

This the 25th day of June 2026.

By: Eric M. Ditmore, Esq. Attorney for Petitioner Haymount Law 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 (910) 672-4600 Publish: 06/25, 07/02, 07/09

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NUMBER: 26E000809-250 In the Matter of the Estate of: BETSY POYTHRESS LITTLE

Deceased. EXECUTOR’S NOTICE The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Betsy Poythress Little, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before September 25, 2026 (which is three (3) months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. THIS the 25th day of June, 2026.

Amanda Paige Little Executor of the Estate of Betsy Poythress Little, Deceased c/o J. Thomas Neville Yarborough, Winters & Neville, P.A. P.O. Box 705 Fayetteville, NC 28302-0705 Publish: 06/25/2026, 07/02/2026, 07/09/2026 and 07/16/2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice

26E000816-250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Benjamin Franklin Jones, 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 18th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 18th day of June 2026. Kaley Franklin, Administrator of the Benjamin Franklin Jones, Jr. Estate Haymount Law, PC Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 06/18, 06/25, 07/02, 07/09

NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE

CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NUMBER: 26E000861-250 In the Matter of the Estate of: JAMES DARRELL, JR. Deceased. EXECUTOR’S NOTICE The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of James Darrell, Jr., deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before September 18, 2026 (which is three (3) months after the day of the rst publication of this notice), or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. THIS the 11th day of June, 2026.

Bernard Jerome Darrell, Administrator of the Estate of James Darrell. Jr., Deceased c/o J. Thomas Neville Yarborough, Winters & Neville, P.A. P.O. Box 705 Fayetteville, NC 28302-0705

Publish: 06/18/2026, 06/25/2026, 07/02/2026 and 07/09/2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E000969-250

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Jewell Vinson Lunsford, 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 25th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 25th day of June 2026. Ivy Janel Lunsford, Administrator of the Jewell Vinson Lunsford Estate Haymount Law 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4601 Publish: 06/25, 07/02, 07/09, 07/16

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 26E000790-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Rubin Wayne McLaurin, 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 September 18, 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 18th day of June, 2026. Tonya McLaurin Page, Administrator of the Estate of Rubin Wayne McLaurin

NICOLE A. CORLEY

MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A.

N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD

FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990

COUNSEL FOR ADMINISTRATOR

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE NO. 26E000958-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Florence Orion Olive, 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 September 25, 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 25th day of June, 2026. Stephen E. Gaynos, Executor of the Estate of Florence Orion Olive

NICOLE A. CORLEY

MURRAY & CORLEY, P.A.

N.C. BAR NO. 56459 2517 RAEFORD ROAD

FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28305 – 3007 (910) 483 – 4990

COUNSEL FOR EXECUTOR

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In The General Court Of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as the Administrator of the Estate of Myrtle Parker. 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 __25th__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_22nd day of June 2026

LINDA D BRIDGES / Administrator 1808 Olympia Court Fayetteville North Carolina 28301 Of the Estate of Myrtle Parker, Deceased; December 05,2025

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 25E001898-250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Kenneth Edward 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 2nd day of October 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 2nd day of July 2026. Eric M. Ditmore, Administrator of the Kenneth Edward Ray Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 07/02, 07/09, 07/16, 07/23

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF DOROTHY MCNUTT RIDDLE

CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 26E000904-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Dorothy McNutt Riddle, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to the Executor DeAnn Hodges on or before the 19th 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. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 8th day of June, 2026. DeAnn Hodges Executor of the Estate of Dorothy McNutt Riddle Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: June 18, June 25, July 2 and July 9, 2026

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

EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Estate File # 26E000938-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Herbert August Schroer, Jr., 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 September 25, 2026 at 505 Wallace Way, Lexington, South Carolina 29073, 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 25th day of June, 2026 Jessica Caitlin Schroer, Executor Estate of Herbert August Schroer, Jr., deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC Post O ce Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 (910) 485-8899 06/25/2026, 07/02/2026, 07/09/2026, 07/16/2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E000795-250

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Amos D. Simpson, deceased late of Cumberland County, this is to notify all

be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 4th day of June, 2026. Brennan F. Stan eld 404 Jax Court, Fayetteville, N.C. 28312 Administrator/Executor

CABARRUS

on July 7, 2026 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 71 of Tucker Chase, Map 6, as same is shown on plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 70 at Page 100, in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 4139 Granite Street, Midland, NC 28107. 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 Broderick R Knight and spouse, Franchesska Mary Lacole Knight. 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

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

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,

having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on July 6, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot number 74, in a subdivision known as Woodchase, Section One, and the same being duly recorded in Book of Plat 101, Page 1, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 1425 Cantrell Court, Fayetteville, North Carolina. PIN#9497-70-8693 Property Address: 1425 Cantrell Court, Fayetteville, NC 28314 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 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 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,

Perfect Storm — behind the Canes’ title, B3

the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT

NHL Jarvis faces recovery time of 4-6 months after shoulder surgery

Raleigh Carolina Hurricanes forward Seth Jarvis had shoulder surgery and is expected to be out up to six months. General manager Eric Tulsky said Jarvis had the procedure to deal with a long-running issue after relying on strengthening and rehab work to get through it. Jarvis led the Hurricanes with 32 regular-season goals. Tulsky said forward Eric Robinson also had knee surgery with a recovery time of six to eight weeks.

WORLD CUP

Norway brought its own food to the World Cup. But not because it distrusts US products

Greensboro Social media posts on what Norway is feeding its athletes at the World Cup suggest the team brought its own food because it doesn’t trust what’s available in the U.S. But that’s not true. The team brought some products from Norway to maintain consistency in players’ diets and provide a taste of home. Other ingredients have been sourced locally. Nutrition experts say the practice is common among international athletes.

NCAA FOOTBALL

NC State-Virginia game relocated from Brazil back to US will remain on Week Zero schedule

Charlotte The NC State-Virginia football game being relocated from Brazil back to the United States will remain as a Week Zero contest. The Atlantic Coast Conference announced Tuesday that the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee had approved a waiver to keep the game on its originally scheduled Aug. 29 date. The game will be played on the Cavaliers’ home eld.

Boozer, Wilson taken in top four of NBA Draft

Isaiah Evans slides to Minnesota in the second round

By Asheebo Rojas North State Journal

FOR THE FIRST TIME this decade, Duke and North Carolina each had a player selected in the NBA Draft’s 14 lottery picks.

Last week, the months-long question of where the blue bloods’ stars would land was answered when Memphis selected Duke’s Cameron Boozer third overall, and Chicago immediately followed by selecting UNC’s Caleb Wilson with the fourth pick.

The picks completed a top four class that was maybe more predictable by name rather than order.

As BYU’s AJ Dybansta, now a Wizard, and Kansas’ Darryn

Peterson, now a member of the Jazz, dominated college-season and pre-draft discourse over who was going No. 1, Boozer and Wilson established

their positions right behind them.

Boozer had the numbers, consistency and the accolades.

The National Player of the

Year, ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year and the rst-team All-ACC honoree averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 55.6% from the oor and 39.1% from 3. Wilson, who was also rstteam All-ACC and was the rst UNC freshman to make at least second-team All-America since Tyler Hansbrough in 2006, led the Tar Heels in average points (19.8) and rebounds (9.4) while shooting 57.8% from the eld. His athleticism, defensive motor and ability to hit from midrange all contributed to his high stock, despite missing the NCAA Tournament due to a fractured thumb. When it comes to the number of selections, Duke earned another win over its rival in the latest draft.

Duke landed two more draftees with Isaiah Evans going early in the second round (33rd overall) to Minnesota (the pick was traded to the Timberwolves by Brooklyn) and Maliq Brown going 44th overall to San Antonio, the reigning Western Conference

See DRAFT, page B4

Hurricanes enter draft with four picks, come away with seven players

Carolina selected six players and wound up with the rights to veteran blueliner John Carlson

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RALEIGH — The Carolina Hurricanes entered the 2026 NHL Draft with just four picks, but ended the weekend with seven new players, six of whom they drafted.

As has become almost tradition at this point, Carolina wound up trading out of the rst round of the draft, collecting two second round picks in the process, but it wouldn’t even be until their third time on the clock before they made their rst selection.

“When you’re picking deeper in the draft, it’s about trying to maximize your draft chart and by being able to trade down a little bit and get multiple picks, we’re able to come away with

“When you’re picking deeper in the draft, it’s about trying to maximize your draft chart.”

Carolina Associate General Manager Darren

more value while still getting guys that we’re excited about,” said Carolina associate general manager Darren Yorke. With their rst pick, the Hurricanes drafted Swedish defenseman William Hakansson 51st overall, a rangy, mobile defender whose biggest attribute seems to be his responsibility in his own end.

The 6-foot-4 blueliner played 22 games in Sweden’s top league as an 18 year old and also captured a gold medal at the IIHF U20 World Junior

MATT KROHN / AP PHOTO

Sweden forward William Hakansson (19) competes for the puck during the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship semi nals in January.

ADAM HUNGER / AP PHOTO

Checking the ‘ t: Cameron Boozer arrives for the rst round of the NBA Draft. Boozer was taken by Memphis third overall.

PAUL BEATY / AP PHOTO

Caleb Wilson, right, poses with fellow Bulls draft pick Dailyn Swain after becoming the highest UNC player drafted by Chicago since Michael Jordan.

Yorke

TRENDING

Carlos Mendoza

The former Durham Bull was red as manager of the New York Mets and replaced by Andy Green. Last-place New York was 3447, 15 games out and 9 1/2 games back of the wild card. The club opened the season with baseball’s highest payroll at $358 million and a projected additional $124 million in luxury tax. Mendoza hit .283 for the Bulls in 1998 and 1999.

Steve Clarke

Scotland’s World Cup coach stepped down after the team was eliminated from the World Cup even though he signed a new four-year contract only a month before. Clarke announced he was leaving in an emotional letter to Scotland’s “Tartan Army” supporters. His seven years in charge saw Scotland reach its rst World Cup since 1998. The team trained in Charlotte for its matches this year.

Landon Roupp

POTENT QUOTABLES

“I was like, ‘What’s wrong with me, Serena? What are you thinking? Are you nuts?’”

Serena Williams on accepting Wimbledon’s o er to return to play at age 44.

“We were treated very, very badly. I hope the world becomes aware.”

Iran World Cup coach Amir Ghalenoei after the team was eliminated.

NASCAR

Shane van Gisbergen became the winningest active NASCAR Cup Series driver on road and street courses, dominating at Sonoma Raceway for the second consecutive year. Van Gisbergen earned his second win this season and the eighth of his career, breaking a tie with Chase Elliott. Four-time Cup champion Je Gordon is the all-time leader with nine road course victories. Chase Briscoe came up 0.357 seconds behind.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat in a blockbuster move, along with Bobby Portis. Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and Kasparas Jakucionis are going to the Milwaukee Bucks along with three rst-round picks.

The Rocky Mount native and former UNC Wilmington pitcher was one of several Giants players warned by MLB after writing Bible verses on their Pride Night caps. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said the San Francisco Giants failed to inform players they could opt out of wearing the rainbow-themed caps. Manfred said the Giants’ communication was inadequate, but players face no penalties or nes.

Degrees Fahrenheit, France’s high temperature last week as the heat wave contributed to the drowning death of Kenzo Kies, a soccer player for Guingamp reserve. The 21-yearold was pulled from the Rhone River after drowning in a prohibited swimming area near Lyon. Over 40 swimmers drowned in France last week.

Former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, right, gave Pope Leo XIV the baseball from the nal out of the 2005 World Series Game 1. Pierzynski posted pictures showing the moment at the Vatican. Leo is a White Sox fan. Pierzynski played for the Charlotte Knights on injury rehab in 2011.

New York City’s last horse track, Aqueduct in Queens, hosted its nal live races after more than 130 years. Seabiscuit, Man o’ War, Secretariat (pictured) and other legendary thoroughbreds graced its winner’s circle. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass for 75,000 in 1995. The closing is a byproduct of changing gambling tastes and continued consolidation of the sport of kings. THURSDAY 7.2.26

Rural North Carolina is powered by 26 locally owned, notfor-profit electric cooperatives. Together, these co-ops provide electricity to 2.8 million people and have a long history of delivering a ordable, reliable electricity. This history is matched by a strong commitment to building an even brighter future, strengthening communities today and for generations to come.

Power you can count on, now and always.

Learn more at NCElectricCooperatives.com

JEFFREY PHELPS / AP PHOTO

HORSE RACING

DAVE PICKOFF / AP PHOTO

Hornets move on from Ball, Bridges in major roster reset

Charlotte trades core players as front o ce prioritizes future picks

By Jesse Deal North State Journal

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Hornets spent last season climbing back into relevance in the Eastern Conference.

They have spent the past week proving that progress did not make their roster untouchable.

Fresh o a 44-38 season, Charlotte has pivoted in a big way under president of basketball operations Je Peterson, trading LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges in separate deals that reshaped the roster and added to one of the NBA’s deeper stores of future draft capital.

The moves came after the Hornets posted their rst winning season in four years and their most victories since 2016. Charlotte started 4-14, recovered with a 40-24 nish and became one of the league’s most productive o enses after Jan. 1 before its season ended with a 31-point loss to the Orlando Magic in the Play-In Tournament.

That nish seemed to position the Hornets to build around Ball, Brandon Miller and 2026 Rookie of the Year runner-up Kon Knueppel.

Instead, Charlotte chose a di erent path.

“I think we have to look at everything,” Peterson said.

“Right now, my job, of course, is to do what’s best for the organization. So, if there is a move that can be made that helps us continue to take a step forward, absolutely, we’re going to look at it.” Peterson said the Hornets have been “pretty strategic” in collecting assets and will remain disciplined in deciding how to use them.

The rst part of Charlotte’s busy week came in the

Back where it belongs

Rod Brind’Amour returns the Stanley Cup to Raleigh

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

‘Perfect Storm: The Carolina Hurricanes’ Incredible Run to the 2026 Stanley Cup’ is a new book chronicling and commemorating this past season, written by North State Journal’s managing editor Cory Lavalette. It’s available at Triumph Books’ website and at retail bookstores around North Carolina. The following is an excerpt from the introduction:

Twenty years after lifting the Stanley Cup as captain and eight years after he took the head coaching job with the goal of returning hockey relevancy back to Raleigh, Rod Brind’Amour has the Hurricanes back on top of the NHL.

Carolina completed its road to redemption in Game 6, beating the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup nal to win the franchise’s second championship.

Carolina’s two-decade climb — one lled with missteps, few highs and, once Brind’Amour was hired, a return to the top of the league without the end goal ful lled — wasn’t made in a day.

The franchise’s rise had several ashpoints.

Billionaire Tom Dundon bought the franchise from Peter Karmanos Jr. and made hiring Brind’Amour one of his rst actions.

“How many coaches can do their job where they live and

CANES from page B1 Championship.

“How we play and what we want out of our defensemen: to be able to hold tight gaps and be able to play fast defensively, he ts that style of play perfectly,” Yorke said of Hakansson.

And then 10 slots later, Carolina went to Sweden again for Wiggo Sorensson, an undersized center who, despite playing in a lower league, impressed the Hurricanes’ amateur sta at every level he played at.

Sorensson’s case was a bit of an unusual one as he was the rst player ever drafted out of Sweden’s fourth-tier league, but his o ensive toolkit was impressive nonetheless, especially in the international tournaments he played in.

where they’re from, had a footprint in everything that’s going on here over the last 20 years?”

Brind’Amour said in 2021 when he signed a contract extension.

“I don’t know what kind of value you can put on that.”

Dundon also infused cash into a payroll that often lagged behind the rest of the league under the previous regime. The owner’s decisions to promote Don Waddell to general manager and give Eric Tulsky a bigger role in the organization before elevating him to GM two years ago also helped turn around a franchise mired in mediocrity.

Waddell put his stamp on the franchise with several bold moves that helped the team return to the playo s under Brind’Amour’s guidance, and Tulsky took it to the next level since taking over June 18, 2024.

With a core of players acquired by the three general managers who came before him — Jim Rutherford, who orchestrated the trade that brought Jordan Staal to Raleigh in 2012 and drafted Jaccob Slavin two summers later; Ron Francis, who selected Sebastian Aho in the second round of the 2015 draft; and Waddell, who was in the big seat when the team traded for Jordan Martinook, signed Jalen Chateld, drafted Andrei Svechnikov second overall, acquired the rst round pick that led to the franchise landing Seth Jarvis, and also selected Jackson Blake, Pyotr Kochetkov and Alexander Nikishin — Tulsky reshaped the rest of the team in two summers.

Big swings that ultimately failed didn’t deter Tulsky. Most

“This is a player that has an all-around game that suits what we’re looking for when we’re trying to draft forwards,” Yorke said.

The Canes next selected a pair of undersized wingers in the third and fourth rounds, taking Zachary Lansard 68th overall and Michael Berchild 105th overall.

Lansard, a Manitoba native who plays for the WHL’s Regina Pats, nearly tripled his production from his rookie year, scoring 24 goals and putting up 56 points in 68 games.

“Gritty, competitive and also comes with a high skill level,” Yorke said. “A kid that kept on getting better and better every single year and throughout the year.”

Berchild is a product of the U.S. National Team Development Program and is committed

Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for forward-center Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected rst-round pick, rst-round pick swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030 and second-round picks in 2029, 2032 and 2033.

Ball had three years remaining on a ve-year, $203.9 million designated rookie contract, the largest deal in franchise history. He was also coming o one of the best seasons of his career, playing 72 games and averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists.

The 24-year-old nished ninth in the league in assists and second in made 3-pointers.

NBA Draft, when the Hornets kept both rst-round picks and selected Washington forward-center Hannes Steinbach at No. 14 and Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson Jr. at No. 18.

Steinbach gives Charlotte a young frontcourt option who could compete for backup center minutes, while Anderson adds another ballhandler.

Two days later, the Hornets made one of the biggest moves in franchise history and one of the NBA’s most surprising trades in recent memory.

Charlotte sent Ball and guard

Charlotte’s o ense also operated at a much higher level with him on the oor, a reminder that his playmaking, vision and shooting gravity will not be easily replaced. Still, the Hornets appear to have weighed that production against Ball’s long-term salary and injury history, particularly his ankle issues that put him on a minutes restriction.

Charlotte also moved to retain Coby White on a three-year, $74 million deal, positioning the former North Carolina standout as the likely starting point guard.

Reid, the 2023-24 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, gives the Hornets a oor-spacing frontcourt player who could step into the starting lineup at power

notably, he dealt away Mikko Rantanen in a swap that landed the team Logan Stankoven and Taylor Hall along with a surplus of draft capital that helped him trade for K’Andre Miller. Tulsky signed last summer’s biggest free agent, Nikolaj Ehlers, and previous under-the-radar free agent signings — Shayne Gostisbehere and Sean Walker on defense, William Carrier and Eric Robinson up front — were supplemented by moves that drew even less fanfare, such as trading for Mark

to play for the University of Denver next season.

“He just plays hard and plays smart,” Yorke said.

The team then went goaltender for each of their nal two picks, selecting Ryder Fetterolf and Zachary Jovanovski.

Fetterolf took home CHL and OHL Goalie of the Year honors in his rookie season with the Ottawa 67’s, posting a 29-9-3 record and a 0.923 save percentage in 41 games.

“He just stops the puck,” Yorke said. “It doesn’t matter that he’s a little bit on the shorter end. The ability to read the game, his sideto-side movements… Just had an unbelievable season.”

The 18-year-old Pittsburgh native is committed to play at Penn State this upcoming season.

Jovanovski posted a 25-20-4

forward. With White, Miller, Knueppel, Reid and Moussa Diabate, Charlotte still has enough talent to remain competitive, but the roster is no longer built around Ball’s o ensive creation.

The overhaul continued Sunday when the Hornets traded Bridges, a 2029 rst-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and a 2033 unprotected rstround pick.

Bridges was entering the nal season of his contract, leaving Charlotte with a decision: risk losing him for little in return or commit future money to a player who might not t the front ofce’s timeline.

The Hornets decided to turn him into two veteran rotation players and another long-range rst-round pick.

The Ball and Bridges trades make Charlotte less certain in the short term but more exible in the long term. The Hornets now have access to 11 rst-round picks from 2027-33, no obvious long-term bad contracts and several ways to use cap space or pursue a bigger move.

The risk is that players with Ball’s skill level are di cult to nd, even with premium draft capital. Charlotte has gathered assets, but eventually those assets must become a new centerpiece or a deeper roster around Miller and Knueppel.

For now, the Hornets are not tearing everything down. They are treading water with options, betting that exibility will matter more than familiarity as Peterson tries to turn last season’s progress into something sustainable.

Italy midseason for the Olympics. Three returned with medals — including Slavin’s gold with Team USA.

Meanwhile, Bussi proved to be exactly what Carolina needed when Kochetkov was lost to injury and Frederik Andersen stumbled through the regular season.

Down the stretch, Andersen returned to form, leading the Hurricanes to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. He got the nod in net to start the playo s, and Carolina steamrolled through the rst three rounds of the Stanley Cup playo s, losing just once in three series against the Senators, Flyers and Canadiens.

The matchup with the Golden Knights proved to be more di cult than the previous three rounds, and Bussi stepped in for Andersen in the third period of Game 3. The Golden Knights won that game despite a furious four-goal comeback by the Hurricanes, with a uke bounce getting past Bussi in double overtime.

But Bussi — who at 27 had never played in an NHL playo game and was now on hockey’s biggest stage — won Games 4 and 5, and in Game 6 earned his rst career playo shutout.

Jankowski and claiming Brandon Bussi.

When injuries struck during the 2025-26 regular season, Carolina’s organizational depth came through. Rookie defensemen Joel Nystrom and Charles Alexis Legault stepped in and kept the Hurricanes near the top of the conference.

The regular season was much like the last few under Brind’Amour, with Carolina staying near the top of the standings, though this year included sending several of its players to

record and a 0.890 save percentage in 52 games with the OHL’s Guelph Storm this season.

“He’s 6-foot-4 and somebody that our goalie coaches really loved the power, balance and movement of,” Yorke said.

Carolina’s nal pick, a sixth rounder, actually ended up getting ipped to the Anaheim Ducks for the rights to John Carlson.

Following a 10-minute delay, mind you teams are put on a three-minute clock…

The 36-year-old blueliner should be well known by Hurricanes fans as he spent the past 17 seasons with Metropolitan Division rival Washington Capitals before winding up in Anaheim at this year’s trade deadline. Despite being on the backside

And after the Stanley Cup made its way through the Hurricanes’ players, each lifting it triumphantly over their heads, it again found its way to Brind’Amour, two decades after he realized his childhood dream of winning it as a player.

He raised it again — this time not ful lling a lifetime goal but rather one he shared with the players, coaches, sta and fans of the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Stanley Cup is back in Raleigh, right where Brind’Amour always thought it belonged.

of his career, Carlson is still an intriguing option for the team as the veteran blueliner is coming o of a 14-goal, 61-point campaign.

Carlson has long been one of the league’s top o ensive defensemen and by acquiring his rights, Carolina gets the option to jump the line and secure exclusive negotiating rights on the upcoming free agent.

Free agency is set to open July 1 and with rumors that the team is shopping upcoming RFA Alexander Nikishin, the t seems evident if they can get a deal done in time.

“We’re always trying to get better and a move like this is no di erent,” Yorke said. “Just trying to make sure we are always in a position to look at every opportunity to try and get better.”

NELL REDMOND / AP PHOTO

Former Hornets LaMelo Ball, left, and Miles Bridges celebrate during a game in Charlotte in December.

COURTESY TRIUMPH BOOKS

East Carolina All-American was diagnosed last year

The Associated Press

CHRIS JOHNSON, one of nine players in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season who made the Pro Bowl in each of his rst three years with the Tennessee Titans, revealed in a television interview aired Monday that he has ALS.

Johnson, 40, spent 10 seasons in the league and last played in 2017 for the Arizona Cardinals. He said on ABC’s “Good Morning America ” that he was diagnosed with the fatal nervous system disease last year.

“Honestly, I don’t know if you really fully process it,” he said, using his eyes to communicate through a computerized speech-generating device during the interview with Michael Strahan. “At rst you’re in shock. Then you realize you have two choices: You can give up or you can ght. I chose to ght.”

Johnson, a rst-round draft pick out of East Carolina in 2008. With the Pirates, he earned American Conference All-Freshman honors in 2004, set a school record for running back receptions in his sophomore season and was an All-Conference return man in his junior season, when he also set the school mark for running back receiving yards.

In his senior season, Johnson was an All-American and led the nation in all-purpose yards. In his nal collegiate game, he set an NCAA bowl record with 408 all-purpose yards in the Hawaii Bowl, earning game MVP honors.

In the NFL, Johnson, rushed for 7,965 yards over six seasons with the Titans. The native of Orlando, Florida, had 2,006 yards in 2009 to earn the nickname “CJ2K” and ingratiate himself with the Tennessee fan base.

Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk, in a statement released Monday, said the organization is holding Johnson, his wife and four children close.

“Some people leave a mark on an organization that you just can’t put into words. Chris Johnson is one of those people for us. His leadership on the eld, in addition to his impact in the locker room and Nashville community have written him permanently into the story of this franchise,” Adams Strunk said. “Learning this news is extremely di cult, and we will support Chris every step of the way throughout his journey.” ALS, which is an acronym

DRAFT from page B1

champions. Meanwhile, UNC’s only other selection was Henri Veesaar, who was sent to Atlanta with the 52nd overall pick (the pick was traded from the Clippers to the Hawks).

Evans’ slide to the second round was one of the surprises from the draft as he had a seat in the green room during Round 1 and was included in the group photo with other prospects expecting to hear their name called that night. Nevertheless, he’ll have a chance to add depth and learn from a talented guard tandem of Anthony Edwards and former Charlotte star LaMelo Ball. In his sophomore season with the Blue Devils, Evans stepped into a starting role and averaged 15 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists.

Veesaar’s draft fate also caught attention as the 6-foot, 11-inch center was expected to come o the board between the late rst round and mid second round. After a solid season for UNC in which he averaged 17 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 42.6% from 3, he could have returned to college and possibly improved his

for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative condition that affects nerve cell communication with muscles throughout the body. The disease leads to muscle weakness and can cause deterioration of the ability to move, speak and breathe.

Tim Shaw, who had a sixyear career as a linebacker in the NFL and was a teammate of Johnson’s with the Titans from 2010-12, was diagnosed in 2014 at age 30 with ALS and is still alive.

Johnson, who also played one season for the New York Jets, rst noticed weakness in his right hand and trouble with his grip. He was still working out daily a year ago. Now he can’t hold a cup or speak on his own.

“Your mind stays sharp. People sometimes look at a person with a physical disability and assume you’re not still the same person inside,” Johnson said. “I still think the same. I still dream. I still love my family. My body just doesn’t cooperate.”

Johnson was joined for the interview by his wife, Brittany, who has become his primary caregiver.

“She hasn’t left my side

39.1%

3-point shooting clip for Cameron Boozer

stock. Instead, he’ll look to be the piece the Hawks hope can help them take the next step in the East.

Other locals selected in the draft include former high school and college players that spent time in North Carolina. Vanderbilt forward Tyler Nickel, who transferred out of UNC after the 2022-23 season, went 47th overall to the defending champion Knicks.

Jayden Quaintance, the Kentucky forward who spent his sophomore season of high school at Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, was selected by the Spurs with the 20th overall pick in the rst round. Arizona guard Jaden Bradley played two years at Cannon School in Concord and won the 2020 Gatorade North Carolina Boys Basketball Player of the Year honor before being selected by the Toronto Raptors with

World Cup visitors give us a lesson in fandom

MORE THAN HALF the games have already been played in World Cup 2026. Amazingly, o cials have not missed a single call. No one got the bene t of an unfair draw while another team got jobbed in a clearly biased scheduling trick. And the announcers of the games have called it straight down the middle, with no bias.

At least that’s the conclusion that can be drawn from the thousands of fans who have come to North America from around the world.

While the celebrations of American life from foreigners exposed to it for the rst time are going to be the lasting image of this year’s World Cup, another one is just as signi cant—a decided lack of whining.

“The Tartan Army devoted all of their energy to loving their team and had nothing left over to hate yours.”

Team Scotland came to this year’s World Cup and scored a total of one goal in three games, getting shut out twice and bounced from the tournament after the group stage, forcing their coach to resign in shame. Raise your hand if you knew that.

The lasting image of Scotland will be their Tartan Army of fans storming Boston and then Miami, drinking all the beer, absorbing as much of American culture as they could and taking over Red Sox and Marlins games with enthusiasm. They were having the time of their lives supporting their team with their entire being, regardless of what happened on the eld.

through any of this. My kids are also a huge part of why I keep going,” Johnson said. “Every day I wake up wanting more time with them to make more memories and just be their dad. They give me a reason to keep ghting.” Johnson has been participating in experimental treatments with the goal of extending his life and helping the medical eld move closer to a cure for the disease.

“If it helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research or gives another family hope,” he said, “then it’s worth it.” Johnson didn’t discuss his playing career in the interview. In a later post on his Instagram account he acknowledged the unknown about how he developed the disease but referenced research that has linked repetitive head trauma to ALS. That includes a 2021 study that found NFL players were nearly four times more likely to develop the disease than the general male population.

“I hope the NFL steps up, invests in research, and continues working to protect players — both now and for generations to come,” Johnson said. “Together, we can push toward better treatments and, one day, a cure.”

the 50th pick.

Following the draft, a few former college players from North Carolina have signed undrafted free agent deals.

UNC guard Seth Trimble signed with the Wizards. Trimble averaged a career-high 14 points and 3.0 assists per game last season.

Quadir Copeland, who played at NC State last season, signed a two-way deal with the Rockets. In his lone season with the Wolfpack, the guard averaged 13.9 points, 6.5 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game. He shot 39.7% from 3.

Wake Forest forward Tre’Von Spillers signed a Summer League contract with the Cavaliers. Spillers, who also played at App State, average 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 57% from the oor and 36.4% from 3 last season.

ECU center Giovanni Emejuru signed an Exhibit-10 contract with the Nuggets. Emejuru logged 12.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last winter. His college teammate Jordan Riley signed an undrafted deal with the Pelicans after averaging 23.6 points, six rebounds and 2.5 assists as a guard this past year.

Surely, the fans will go back to Scotland wishing the team did better on the eld, but they’ll remember their trip to the states, or their trip to the pub in their hometown, if they couldn’t a ord to come, as a positive. They came here. They ate Texas Roadhouse and visited Buc-ee’s. They watched their team get drilled. They loved their team despite it. They can’t wait to do it again. How many college football Saturdays, NFL Sundays or basketball Marches can any of us say the same about? Too often, we leave our experience watching the team we love dispirited and angry, worried about the draft or recruiting or the upcoming schedule, fretting about opportunities missed or stolen away by the bad guys. We su er at a rival’s success.

Too often, sports fandom seems to turn people into a nation of Little League parents, demanding attention for their kid, their guy, and anyone who doesn’t feel the same way is wrong and against them, whether it’s the coaches, teammates, o cials or other teams. It’s as important, it seems, to tear down the other guys as it is to lift up your own—as long as they’re succeeding.

The Tartan Army showed us it doesn’t have to be that way. They were an army without a war to ght and, hopefully, a salvation army that can change the way we’re all obsessed with sports. They devoted all of their energy to loving their team and had nothing left over to hate yours.

When Norwegian fans took over a Mets game, one of the viral videos from the evening was a heartbreaking three-run homer that sent New York to yet another defeat. It was a crushing blow, and normally the telecast would nd outraged Met fans railing about a lost season. Instead, the broadcast cut to Norwegians, doing an intricate group dance in the out eld as the ball sailed toward them.

Soccer hasn’t always been that way. There have been rowdy fans, ghts and riots. “Soccer hooligan” was a phrase that was coined to describe just how dangerous and aggressive many fans were, but the sport has taken steps to curb that behavior and this year’s World Cup shows it can be done.

Bad calls and bad coaching decisions make for great content on social media and podcasts, but they make for a miserable sporting life. Sports shouldn’t only be fun when you win. It’s an awful way to live and a terrible way to devote time, money and energy to something that’s described as entertainment.

Soccer has given us a wide library of chants and songs, but the best one is the pure optimism of a team that’s behind on the scoreboard, while the supporters in the crowd rise as one and shout, “I believe that we will win. I believe that we will win.”

That’s what sports should be. You’re winning now, and that’s OK. I believe.

LYNNE SLADKY / AP PHOTO

A bagpipe band marches in the out eld as Scotland soccer fans with the Tartan Army attend a Miami Marlins game.

MARCO GARCIA / AP PHOTO

Then-East Carolina running back Chris Johnson holds the MVP award after his team defeated Boise State 41-38 to win the Hawaii Bowl in 2007.

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Ronald Gregory Stewart, 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 September 25, 2026 at 139 Rocky Mountain Drive, Raeford, North Carolina 28376, 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 25th day of June, 2026 Tracey Antoinette Sneed, Executor Estate of Ronald Gregory Stewart, deceased c/o Gilliam Law Firm, PLLC Post O ce Box 53555 Fayetteville, NC 28305 (910) 485-8899 06/25/2026, 07/02/2026, 07/09/2026, 07/16/2026 NOTICE In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File # 26E001007-250 State of North Carolina Cumberland County Administrator Notice The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Stephen Ray Street aka Stephen Ray Street Sr, deceased lore of Cumberland County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before 2rd day of October 2026, (which date is

Sr. 1406 Powell St. Fayetteville, NC 28306 NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF FLORENCE W. TESCH DECEASED ESTATE FILE: 26E000921-250

Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 06/11, 06/18, 06/25, 07/02

NEW HANOVER NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS

THE UNDERSIGNED, Lauren Barbic Jaworski, having quali ed on the 23rd day of June, 2026, as Executor of the Estate of Nancy Patricia Barbic (26E000740-640), 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 5th day of October, 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 2nd day of July 2026. Lauren Barbic Jaworski Executor ESTATE OF NANCY PATRICIA BARBIC David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: July 2, 2026 July 9, 2026 July 16, 2026 July 23, 2026 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

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY

NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, LeeAnn G. Hocker, having quali ed on the 12th day of June, 2026, as Executor of the Estate of Pamela D. Gontz (26E000684-640), 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 21st 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 18th day of June 2026. LeeAnn G. Hocker

Executor ESTATE OF PAMELA D. GONTZ

David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411

Publish: June 18, 2026 June 25, 2026 July 2, 2026 July 9, 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 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, KENDRIC MURPHY having quali ed as the Administrator of the Estate of LORETTA BRADLEY MURPHY, Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said KENDRIC MURPHY, at the address set out below, on or before September 23, 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 June, 2026 KENDRIC MURPHY Administrator of the Estate of LORETTA BRADLEY MURPHY.

c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, HEATHER LYNN JERNIGAN having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of THOMAS GRADY PRESLEY, JR, Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said HEATHER LYNN JERNIGAN, at the address set out below, on or before September 18, 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 11th day of June, 2026

HEATHER LYNN JERNIGAN

Executor of the Estate of Thomas Grady Presley, Jr.

c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF NEW HANOVER NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, Robert Renegar, Jr and Patrick A Renegar having quali ed as the Co-Executors of the Estate of Patricia Jean Renegar, Deceased, hereby noti es all persons, rms or corporations having claims against the Decedent to exhibit same to the said Robert Renegar, Jr and Patrick A Renegar, at the address set out below, on or before October 2, 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 23rd day of June, 2026

Robert Renegar, Jr and Patrick A Renegar

Co-Executors of the Estate of Patricia Jean Renegar. c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405

ORANGE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Probate #26E000113-670

All persons, rm and corporations having claims against Ray S. Tolan, late of Orange County, North Carolina are hereby noti ed to present them to Theresa Naomi Tolan, as Executor of the decedent’s estate in care of Kendall H. Page, Attorney, 210 N Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 on or before the 25st day of September, 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 abovenamed Executor. Kendall H. Page 210 N Columbia Street Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Bar # 14261 Notice to Run: 06/25/2026, 07/02/2026, 07/09/2026 & 07/16/2026

RANDOLPH

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of DONALD OLEN BOLING, SR. aka DONALD O. BOLING aka, DONALD OLEN BOLING, 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 111 Worth Street, Asheboro, NC 27203, on or before September 25, 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 25th day of June 2026.

DONALD OLEN BOLING, JR. Executor of the Estate of DONALD OLEN BOLING, SR. aka, DONALD O. BOLING, aka, DONALD OLEN

BOLING

DECEASED Marion “Beth” McQuaid, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES: 06/25/26 07/02/26 07/09/26 07/16/26

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 bar of heir recovery. All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 11th day of June 2026.

Jason Wesley Brooks Wayne Reginald Brooks Estate Andrew J Weiner, Attorney Gavin & Cox 113 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 Telephone: 336-629-2600

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF PAULA S. HINSON

All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against Paula S. Hinson, now deceased, are noti ed to exhibit them to Jennifer U. Ambrose, Administrator CTA of the decedent’s estate, on or before the 2nd day of October, 2026, at Post O ce Box 2290, Burlington, North Carolina 27216, or be barred from their recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment to the above-named Administrator CTA.

Jennifer U. Ambrose Administrator CTA of the Estate of Paula S. Hinson (25E000275-750) Dorn C. Pittman, Jr. Pittman & Steele, PLLC Post O ce Box 2290 Burlington, NC 27216 336-270-4440 The North State Journal July 2, 9,16 and 23, 2026

NOTICE

Having quali ed as Administrator CTA of the Estate of Cli ord Edward Latham, late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of the decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ce of TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT, ATTORNEY AT LAW, PO Box 2445, Asheboro, North Carolina 27204, on or before October 2, 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 2nd day of July, 2026

Katina Hope Surratt, Administrator CTA of the Estate of Cli ord Edward Latham, deceased

TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT

ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 2445 Asheboro, NC 27204 (336) 308-0354

PUBL/DATES: 07/02/26 07/09/26 07/16/26 07/23/26

NOTICE

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of RANDALL EUGENE MAJOR, 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 September 18, 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 18th day of June, 2026

Teresa Benbow Major, Administrator of the Estate of Randall Eugene Major, deceased TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT

ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 2445 Asheboro, NC 27204 (336) 953-4661 PUBL/DATES: 06/18/26 06/25/26 07/02/26 07/09/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of CAROLYN GOODYEAR VAN ZILE (A/K/A Carolyn Goodyear VanZile) (A/K/A Carolyn G. Van Zile) (A/K/A Carolyn G. VanZile), late of Randolph County, North Carolina, the undersigned does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against

notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 21st day of September, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the said estate will

CUMBERLAND

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000442-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale

Page 0190 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on July 6, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

26SP000496-250

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Teresa A. Moore (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD

OWNER(S): Teresa A. Moore) to Cindy Roberts & Amy E. Johnson, Trustee(s), dated September 9, 2008, and recorded in Book No. 07989, at Page 0042 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on July 13, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

26SP000454-250

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Bakeal Albarati (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Bakeal Albarati) to Steven J. O’Connor, Trustee(s), dated July 2, 2020, and recorded in Book No. 10811, at Page 0147 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on July 6, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Fayetteville in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: TRACT ONE: Eastover Township Cumberland County State of North Carolina Address: 4023 Sunnyside School Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28312 Cumberland County Tax PIN: 0466-16-8022 Back Deed Reference: 10440-631 (Tract One)

NOTICE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26SP000572-250 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY BENJAMIN P. WILLIAMS AND JAYME M. WILLIAMS DATED MAY 31, 2006 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 7256, AT PAGE 68 IN THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

Tract 1: Being all of Lot 1, Block D of Edgewood, Section II and per survey and map of same prepared by Sol C. Rose, Registered Surveyor, dated November 1960 and duly recorded January 18, 1962 in Book of Plats 25 at Page 52 of the Cumberland County Public Registry and as described in Book 995 at Page 66. This conveyance is made subject to restrictive covenants contained in Deed Book 995 at Page 66 of said Registry.

Tract 2: Beginning at the southeast corner of Lot 1, Block D of Edgewood, Section II recorded in Plat Book 25 at Page 52 and being the same lot conveyed by deed dated June 13, 1963 from F.D. Byrd, Jr., et al to Cecil Barefoot, et al and duly recorded in the Cumberland County Public Registry and running thence as an extension of the eastern line of the aforesaid described lot South 01-59 East 50 feet to a point; thence South 88-01 West 200 feet to a point; thence North 0159 West 50 feet to the southwest corner of Lot 1; thence with the southern line of aforesaid lot North 88-01 East 200 feet of and adjacent to Lot 1 as described In Book 1078 at Page 306 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. This conveyance is made subject to restrictive covenants in Book 1078 at Page 306.

situated in Stedman in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Premises in Cedar Creek Township, Cumberland County, North Carolina, described as follows:

Being all of Lot 18, Rosewood Park, Section I, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 34, Page 64, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 511 Dogwood Court, Stedman, North Carolina. Tax Id #: 0485-96-6883

Being all and the same lands and premises conveyed to Teresa A. Moore and husband, John D. Moore, as T/E by Teresa A. Moore, formerly Teresa A. Stoddard and John D. Moore in a Warranty Deed executed 5/21/1999 and recorded 5/24/1999 in Book 5098, Page 0175 of the Cumberland County, North Carolina Land Records 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.

Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 412 Sherman Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina. 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 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

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 are expressly disclaimed. Also, this property is being sold subject

BEGINNING at an iron pipe marking the intersection of the northern right-of-way margin of Old Clinton Road (right-of-way 60 feet) with the eastern right-of-way margin of the Lumber Road (right-of-way 60 feet), near Vander, NC and running thence with the eastern right-of-way margin of the Lumber Road, North 11 degrees 15 minutes West 139.10 feet to an iron

in

margin; thence North 82 degrees 47 minutes

99.33 feet to an iron pipe; thence North 08 degrees 03 minutes West 32.80 feet to an iron pipe; thence North 83 degrees 00 minutes East 139.55 feet to an iron pipe; thence South 11 degrees 19 minutes East 84.70 feet to an iron pipe in the northern right-of-way margin of Old Clinton Road: thence with it South 62 degrees 32 minutes West 250.12 feet to the point of BEGINNING, containing 0.63 acres more or less and being a portion of the property conveyed by J.T. Allen and wife to Thomason Plywood Corporation by deed in Book 461, Page 26, Cumberland County Registry. See also deed from Thomason Plywood Corporation to Thomason Chipboard Company in Book 655, Page 174, Cumberland County Registry. TRACT TWO: Eastover Township Cumberland County State of North Carolina Address: 00 Rock Hill Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28312 Cumberland County Tax PIN: 0466-16-7057 Back Deed Reference: 10440-631 (Tract Two)

BEGINNING at an iron point on the eastern right-of-way margin of Lumber Road, said iron pipe being located North 11 degrees

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 Cumberland County courthouse at 1:30 PM on July 8, 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 Benjamin P. Williams; Jayme M. Williams, dated May 31, 2006 to secure the original principal amount of $144,000.00, and recorded in Book No. 7256, at Page 68 of the Cumberland County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended.

Address of property: 4195 Munsey Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306

15 minutes West 139.10 feet from the intersection of said eastern right-of-way margin of Lumber Road and the northern right-of-way margin of Old Clinton Road, and runs thence with the eastern right-of-way margin of Lumber Road, North 11 degrees 15 minutes West 33.25 feet to an iron pipe: thence North 83 degrees 00 minutes East 101.19 feet to an iron pipe; thence South 08 degrees 03 minutes East 32.80 feet to an iron pipe; thence South 82 degrees 47 minutes West 99.33 feet to an iron pipe; the BEGINNING and containing 0.076 acres (3,307.03 sq. ft.). Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4023 Sunnyside School Road, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

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 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.

Tax Parcel ID: 0450-13-0346

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Benjamin P. Williams and Jayme M. Williams.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Said property is commonly known as 3828 Crusader Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348.

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 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 July 8, 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 376, IN A SUBDIVISION KNOWN AS LEGION HILLS, SECTION ONE, PART ONE, ACCORDING TO A PLAT DULY RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 86, PAGE 2, CUMBERLAND COUNTY REGISTRY.

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 Joshua Jerry Bethea.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into

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

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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, CUMBERLAND COUNTY 26SP000511-250

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by RMM Real Estate Holdings, L.L.C., Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $173,250.00, to RFLF 4, LLC, Mortgagee, dated August 7th, 2025 and recorded on August 7th, 2025 in Book 12300, Page 0813, 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 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

OF

OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF DAVIDSON GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 25CV004244-280 Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, LLC Plainti , v. United States of America; Amanda Christine Staple a/k/a Christine Staple; Herman C Staple III a/k/a Herman

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

26SP000167-280

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Gerald Layton (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Gerald Layton) to Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Trustee(s), dated May 15, 2023, and recorded in Book No. DE2599, at Page 1665 in Davidson 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 Davidson 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 Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:30 AM on July 8, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

26SP000169-280

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Darryl Burrus (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Darryl Burrus) to G. William Beale, A National Association, Trustee(s), dated July 16, 2024, and recorded in Book No. DE2658, at Page 845 in Davidson 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 Davidson 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 Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:30 AM on July 8, 2026 and will sell to the

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

26SP000050-280

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Timothy Patrick Woods and Heather Renee Dean (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Timothy Patrick Woods and Heather Renee Dean) to Milestone Settlement, LLC, Trustee(s), dated March 27, 2025, and recorded in Book No. DE 2693, at Page 2446 in Davidson 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 Davidson 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 Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:30 AM on July 6, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Denton in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as

Point of

being S 50° 52` 33.4” W.

feet from -L- Sta 357+00; thence to a point on a bearing of N

thence to a point

W.

of S 27° 51` 10.3” W. 34.972 feet; thence to a point on a bearing of S 62° 54` 50.1” E. 95.347 feet; thence to a point on a bearing of N 27° 57` 59.8” E.

Staple; Any Spouse of Herman C Staple III a/k/a Herman Staple; Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC Defendant(s). To: Any Spouse of Herman C Staple III a/k/a Herman Staple; Herman C Staple III a/k/a Herman Staple Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: The Court determine the Deed of Trust recorded on December 5, 2022, in Book DE 2578 at Page 2273 in the Davidson County Registry was drafted and recorded in a manner su cient to give a reasonable title searcher notice of the interest of the Plainti ’s lien on the property located at 160 Wickham Ct, Clemmons, North Carolina 27012. The Court declare the Deed of Trust

real estate situated in New London in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 18, as shown on plat entitled, “Final Plat of Lake Shore Estates, Section 1, dated 08/18/1977 and recorded in Plat Book 16, Page 212, Davidson County Registry. See also Plat Book 16, Page 206, Davidson County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 265 Shoreline Drive, New London, North Carolina.

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 to the federal government. If you are the successful bidder in

highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Lexington in the County of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lots 34, 35 and 36 of Rosemary Park as shown on map recorded in Plat Book 2, Page 91 in the O ce of The register of Deeds of Davidson County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 409 Westside Drive, Lexington, North Carolina. Property address: 409 Westside Drive, Lexington, NC 27292 TPN: 1110200030034

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

All that certain lot or parcel of

situated in Emmons Township, Davidson County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the center line of Shemwell Highway, said point being approximately ten feet South of Center line intersection of Shemwell Highway and N.C. State Road 2343; thence with C.A. Snider line North 87 deg. 42’ East 130.75 feet to a concrete monument on North side of N.C. State Road 2343 and being a common corner with C.A. Snider; thence with C.A. Snider line South 19 deg. 00’ East 355.53 feet to a concrete monument, said corner being common with Roy Lee Morris in C.A. Snider line; thence with line of Roy Lee Morris South 83 deg. 49’ West 232.05 feet to a point in center line of Shemwell Highway; thence with center line of Shemwell Highway 2 courses and distances to the point of beginning (1) North 03 deg. 47’ West 205.42 feet, (2) North 00 deg. 48’ West 150.91 feet, containing 1.48 acres, more or less. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 12451 NC Highway 47, Denton, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 0703800000030C Commonly known as: 12451 NC Highway 47, Denton, NC 27239

Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole

35.028 feet; returning to the point and place of beginning. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 8654 Clinton Road, Stedman, NC 28391 Tax ID: 1405-16-4556 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 §105-228.30, 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

recorded on December 5, 2022, in Book DE 2578 at Page 2273 in the Davidson County Registry is a valid First Lien on the Property as drawn; That the Plainti ’s lien on the Property be foreclosed by judicial sale pursuant to the provisions of N.C.G.S. § 1-339.1, et seq., by the Plainti ’s Counsel or by a 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 Note and Deed of Trust, including reasonable fees and costs provided therein; and The surplus, if any, to be paid to the O ce of the Clerk of Superior Court of Davidson

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

be reported to the federal government.

County pending a determination of those persons entitled thereto. That the Property located at 160 Wickham Ct, Clemmons, NC 27012 shall be sold at a public sale to the highest bidder. That Jeremy B. Wilkins is hereby appointed as Commissioner to conduct the sale pursuant to N.C.G.S. §1-339.11. In the alternative, that the Court declares Defendants Amanda Christine Staple, and Herman C Staple III, holds the Property described herein subject to a constructive trust and equitable lien to the bene t of the Plainti ,

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) dneill@mtglaw.com 26-001258-01

all regards with the terms and conditions of the Deed of Trust. That the Court’s Order shall be duly recorded in the Davidson County Register of Deeds and indexed according to those parties named in said Deed of Trust and named herein for the purpose of

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 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,

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 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

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 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 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

DAVIDSON

in New Hanover County Registry, North Carolina. The Deed of Trust was modi ed by the following: A Loan Modi cation recorded on March 30, 2011, in Book No. 5554, at Page 1373 A Loan Modi cation recorded on October 6, 2014, in Book No.

ce of the Register of Deeds New Hanover 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 Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on July 7, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Castle Hayne in the County of New Hanover, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 7, Block B, of Wood Haven Subdivision as the same is shown on a map of said Subdivision recorded in Map Book 6 at Page 101 of the New Hanover County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 5325 Sunray Road, Castle Hayne, North Carolina. 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 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

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 July 8, 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: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Jacksonville Township, Onslow County, North Carolina, and more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 14, Block D, Section IV, Sherwood Forest, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Map Book 11, Page 50, in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Onslow County, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 213 Nottingham Road, Jacksonville, North Carolina. This conveyance is made subject to those certain restrictive and protective covenants recorded in Bok 390, Page 153 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Onslow County. 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

door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 8, 2026 at 01:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Randolph County, North Carolina, to wit:

BEING ALL of Lot No. 13 of CROSS RIDGE SUBDIVISION, Map 2, as shown by plat recorded in Plat Book 46, Page 10, Randolph County Registry.

This conveyance is subject to those certain Restrictive Covenants found recorded in Book 1449, Page 58 and Book 1472, Page 541, Randolph County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 3489 Lamp Light Dr, Randleman, NC 27317.

the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse

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.

of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Randolph County courthouse at 11:00AM on July 8, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Randolph County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Angela Lassiter, dated February 13, 2025 to secure the original principal amount of $345,950.00, and recorded in Book 2949 at Page 1293 of the Randolph 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: 6822 Bellawood Drive, Trinity, NC 27370 Tax Parcel ID: 91893

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

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 Edward Demetrius Jones and wife, Tonya Cornelia Jones.

An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29

Present Record Owners: Angela Lassiter The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Angela Lassiter. 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.

Emanuel Fisher Spouse of Verlisa Emanuel Fisher, if any Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: The Plainti in the above entitled action has led with the Clerk of Superior Court’s o ce of Robeson County, North Carolina, a civil action concerning one parcel of real property located at 970 Mary C Road, St. Pauls, North Carolina 28384. You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than August 11, 2026 (40 days from date of rst publication) and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

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

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

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

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

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 re-

This the 23rd day of June 2026. HUTCHENS LAW FIRM LLP By: Bryce Ashby Claire Collins Dickerho N.C. State Bar No. 44306

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE FILE NUMBER: 26SP000029-770

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a Deed of Trust executed by COMOLEDA B. DAVIS dated July 11, 2012 in the amount of $68,400.00 and recorded in Book D 1862, Page 858 of the Robeson County Public Registry by ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE

JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, Substitute Trustee, default having been made in the terms of agreement set forth by the loan agreement secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, ANTHONY MASELLI OR GENEVIEVE

JOHNSON, EITHER OF WHOM MAY ACT, having been substituted as Successor Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O cial Records of Robeson County, North Carolina, in Book 2560, Page 498, 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

26-124684

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION UNION COUNTY 26SP000151-890

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY BARBARA SMITH DATED MARCH 15, 2022 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8425 AT PAGE 548 IN THE UNION COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

in Robeson County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, on July 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in the County of Robeson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(S): 323602004 ADDRESS: 2203 OAK ST LUMBERTON, NC 28358 PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): UNKNOWN HEIRS OF COMOLEDA B. DAVIS THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, COUNTY OF ROBESON, AND IS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK D 1862, PAGE 858, AS FOLLOWS: BEING ALL OF LOT NOS. THREE (3) AND FOUR (4) IN BLOCK I OF THE PINE VIEW PARK SUBDIVISION AS SHOWN ON MAP THEREOF RECORDED IN BOOK OF MAPS NO. 10, PAGE 62, IN THE ROBESON COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA. Trustee may, in the Trustee’s sole discretion, delay the sale for up to one hour as provided in N.C.G.S. §45-21.23. Should the property be purchased by a third party, that party must pay the excise tax, as well as the court costs of FortyFive Cents ($0.45) per One Hundred

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced 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 July 7, 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 Barbara Smith, dated March 15, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $146,470.00, and recorded in Book 8425 at Page 548 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: 513 Hasty Street, Marshville, NC 28103 Tax Parcel ID: 02305032

FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY 24 SP 001269-910

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale

contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by James F Upchurch aka James Felton Upchurch, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $116,900.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), as bene ciary, as nominee for Merrill Lynch Credit Corporation, its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated September 1st, 2010 and recorded on September 23rd, 2010 in Book 014082, Page 02317, 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 July 7th, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit:

Beginning at a stake in the Northeastern line of Winterlochen Road, said stake being distant in a Northwestern direction as measured along the Northeastern line of Winterlochen Road 302.55 feet from the point where the Northeastern line of Winterlochen Road begins to curve into Jessup Drive, said stake also marking a common corner of Lots 127 and 128 on map to which reference is hereinafter made; runs thence along the Northeastern line of Winterlochen Road in a Northwestern direction 90 feet to a stake, a common corner of Lots 128 and 129; runs thence along the dividing line between Lots 128 and 129 in a Northeastern direction 175 feet to a stake, a common corner of Lots 128, 129, 119 and 120; runs thence along the dividing line between Lots 120 and 128 in a Southeastern direction 90 feet to a stake, another common corner of Lots 127 and 128; runs thence along the dividing line between Lots 127 and 128 in a Southwestern direction 175 feet to the Point of Beginning, and being Lot 128 of Greenbrier Estates, Section 3, according to map recorded in Book of Maps 1960 at Page 239, Wake County Registry.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, WAKE COUNTY 26 SP 000330-910 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Lonnie C. Wright, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $126,650.00, to Express Financial & Mortgage Services, LLC, Mortgagee, dated January 18th, 2011 and recorded on January 18th, 2011 in Book 014239, Page 02751, 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 July 9th, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: BEING all of Lot 305, Kingwood Forest Subdivision, Section 3-A, as recorded in Book of Maps 1967, Page 241, Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 2208 Evers Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610 Tax ID: 0041814 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 §105-228.30, 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

Dollars ($100.00) required by N.C.G.S. §7A-308(a)(1). The property to be o ered pursuant to this notice of sale is being o ered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS, WHERE IS.” Neither the Trustee 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

Present Record Owners: The Estate of Barbara Smith The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Estate of Barbara Smith. 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.

This conveyance is made subject to Restrictive Covenants recorded in Book 1434 at Page 565 as amended by instrument recorded in Book 1436 at Page 674, both Wake County Registry. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 400 Winterlochen Road, Raleigh, NC 27603 Tax ID: 0080666 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 §105-228.30, 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

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 Lonnie C. Wright Sr.. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be

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

IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY ANDREW JAMES LUBERTO AND ALEXIS LYNN LUBERTO DATED JUNE 25, 2025 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 19947 AT PAGE 2770 IN THE WAKE COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the abovereferenced 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 July 9, 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 Andrew James Luberto and Alexis Lynn Luberto, dated June 25, 2025 to secure the original principal amount of $198,163.00, and recorded in Book 19947 at Page 2770 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: 2621 Davistown Road, Wendell, NC 27591 Tax Parcel ID: 0121645 Present Record Owners: Andrew James Luberto and Alexis Lynn

Luberto The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Andrew James Luberto and Alexis Lynn Luberto. 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

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

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 The Estate of James Felton Upchurch. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: An order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §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 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

issued pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes §45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the Clerk of Superior Court of the county in which the property is sold.

Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be e ective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination (North Carolina General Statutes §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 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

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

ROBESON

Strawberry moon

Chapel Hill to make adjustment to campaign contribution limits

House GOP deadlocks over Trump’s demands, sending lawmakers home early

Washington, D.C.

As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday this weekend, the legislative branch has momentarily called it quits. House leadership abruptly canceled votes Tuesday and sent lawmakers home early.

Speaker Mike Johnson’s majority was once again ground to a standstill by rebellious Republicans refusing their own party’s agenda. In this case, it’s a stando blocking the annual defense bill. Renegade Republicans are pushing to include President Donald Trump’s own priority, the SAVE America Act, a strict voter ID bill. Last week, the Senate similarly shuttered after Trump’s demands.

California bans ‘sell by’ food labels to cut food waste and confusion

San Francisco California is making food labels less confusing by banning “sell by” dates. The new law starting Wednesday requires manufacturers to use just two labels: “Best if Used By” for peak quality and “Use By” for safety. This change aims to reduce food waste and emissions. California is the rst state to standardize labels, with New York following suit. Other states are considering similar laws. The confusion over labels has led to signi cant food waste, with nearly 20% of food wasted due to unclear labeling. Advocates believe this simple change can make a big impact.

$2.00

The town council supported removing voter baselines from the limit calculation formula

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record

CHAPEL HILL — The Town of Chapel Hill appears to be moving toward making a slight

adjustment for political donation limits for 2026.

The Chapel Hill Town Council discussed the town’s campaign contribution limits at its June 17 meeting, with the pri-

mary question being whether or not they should change the formula they utilize.

“Every even-numbered year, the clerk’s o ce gathers the data needed to calculate the campaign contribution limit as required by ordinance,” said Town Clerk Brittney Hunt. “The discussion is whether the formula should rely solely on consumer price index rather than a combined CPI and voter count calculation.”

Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s

More than a quarter-million babies born annually in the U.S. would have lost citizenship

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a broad conception

of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to people who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American

citizens.

The justices relied on a long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, and more recent federal laws in ruling that anyone born in the country, with very limited exceptions, is a citizen.

“Citizenship, then and now,

Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections

“Every time we interfere with the congressional design, we make matters worse.”

Justice Sonia Sotomayor

The decision puts parties on equal footing with unlimited outside groups in election spending

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to people who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens.

The justices relied on a

long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, and more recent federal laws in ruling that anyone born in the country, with very limited exceptions, is a citizen.

“Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights—to freely participate in our political community. The Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment extended that promise to ‘every free-born person in this land,’” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court, citing congressional debate over the amendment. “We keep that

Chapel Hill received special legislative authority in 1999 to establish its own campaign contribution limits and in 2010, the

was the right to have rights—to freely participate in our political community. The Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment extended that promise to ‘every freeborn person in this land,’” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court, citing congressional

THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

The rst full moon of summer is traditionally called the Strawberry Moon, photographed here on Monday from Pinehurst No. 3.

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Supreme Court will consider whether ‘assault weapon’ bans violate the Second Amendment

Roughly a dozen states and major cities have passed similar assault weapons bans

By Lindsay Whitehurst The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A

Supreme Court that has expanded gun rights will consider whether bans on semiautomatic ri es, often called assault weapons, violate the Second Amendment.

The justices said Tuesday they will hear appeals challenging bans on the AR-15 and similar semiautomatic rearms in Connecticut and the Chicago area.

Similar laws are in place in about a dozen states, covering major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Congress allowed a national assault weapons ban to expire in 2004, but Democrats have supported renewing it in response to a series of mass shootings. States have also continued to pass their own laws, including recent measures in Virginia and Rhode Island.

It is the latest high-pro le dispute over guns to reach the court since its conservative majority handed down a landmark ruling in 2022 that expanded Second Amendment rights and spawned challenges to rearm laws around the country.

Arguments are expected to be heard in the fall.

CRIME LOG

June 22

• Rodney Kyle Lopossay, 33, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Jessica Nicole Welch, 28, was arrested for tra cking in methamphetamine.

• Travis Earl Pugh, 34, was arrested for tra cking in methamphetamine.

• Jerrod Marquis Nolan, 40, was arrested for possession of a rearm by a felon, breaking and entering with intent to terrorize or injure and assault on a female.

June 24

• Brandon Thomas Hill, 33, was arrested for misdemeanor larceny.

• Kristopher Caleb Norris, 34, was arrested for misdemeanor stalking, cyberstalking and injury to personal property, and other charges.

• Andre Maurice Thompson, 52, was arrested for sexual act by a substitute parent or custodian, crime against nature and sexual battery, and other charges.

June 25

• Shannon Dwight Hicks, 46, was arrested for assault in icting serious injury, assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Kayla Paige Harris, 29, was arrested for maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for controlled substances.

• Zane Warren Massie, 35, was arrested for assault by strangulation, assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and other charges.

• Trae Bradley McKinney, 34, was arrested for taking indecent liberties with a child.

June 26

• Jason Thomas Robinson, 24, was arrested for driving on a revoked license.

June 27

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

• Taylor Lewis Bradshaw, 35, was arrested for larceny of a motor vehicle.

“The Second Amendment protects arms in common use for lawful purposes, and it’s hard to argue that a type of ri e that potentially outnumbers Ford F-150 trucks in America doesn’t meet that standard.”

Adam Kraut, Executive Director, Second Amendment Foundation

The Connecticut law was passed after a mass shooter used an AR-15 to kill 26 children and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. The state says the guns are a preferred weapon of mass shooters, and they can be banned because they are similar to military-grade weapons.

“These laws are critical public safety measures, and they are consistent with the Second Amendment,” said Janet Carter, managing director of Second Amendment litigation at the gun-control group Everytown Law.

Gun rights groups, on the other hand, argue it’s unconstitutional to ban semiautomatic ri es, which are legally owned by millions of Americans.

“The Second Amendment protects arms in common use for lawful purposes, and it’s hard to argue that a type of rie that potentially outnumbers Ford F-150 trucks in America doesn’t meet that standard,” said Adam Kraut, executive director of the Second Amendment Foundation.

Four conservative justices on the nine-member court,

enough to grant review of a case, had signaled that it was only a matter of time before the court took up the issue.

The ban in Cook County, Illinois, was rst passed in 1993. Lower courts have upheld both laws.

“If the Second Amendment does not protect the most popular ri es in the country, it is hard to see how it protects any rearms at all,” aside from handguns kept in the home, the challengers wrote.

Attorneys for Cook County, on the other hand, say the measure does pass constitutional muster. “The trauma that assault weapon massacres have in icted on the public at large has been staggering,” they wrote.

The Supreme Court backed Second Amendment rights in two cases this term, striking down gun carry restrictions in Hawaii and a broad federal ban on gun ownership by marijuana users. They’ve previously upheld some restrictions, including a law barring people under domestic-violence restraining orders from having guns.

A group prays outside of the Supreme Court ahead of the court’s ruling on whether transgender girls and women can play on school athletic teams, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Central Electric providing grants to local educators to fund innovative projects

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

Central Electric is awarding up to $15,000 in Bright Ideas education grants to local educators in K-12 classrooms for the 2026-27 school year. Educators in K-12 classrooms with creative ideas for learning projects are encouraged to apply for a grant up to $2,000. Grant applications will be accepted through Sept. 15. However, it pays to apply early.

All teachers who submit their applications by the early bird deadline of Aug. 15 will be entered into a drawing for one of ve $100 Visa gi cards. Scan the QR code or visit NCBrightIdeas.com for more information or to apply!

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

July 4

Sanford Farmers Market

8:30 a.m. to noon It creates an

setting for local food producers to build connections within the community while giving the public a place to sample and purchase food and crafts made by their neighbors. Experience the ultimate in food, fun and fellowship in the Sandhills region.

115 Chatham St. Sanford

Fourth of July Celebration at The Plant

2-9 p.m.

A traditional cookout with sprinklers, family activities and live music to celebrate Independence Day.

220 Lorax Lane Pittsboro

July 5

North Carolina in the American Revolution 2 p.m.

The Chatham County Historical Association welcomes historian Jim Morgan who will give a presentation on the North State’s role in the American War for Independence.

Historic Chatham County Courthouse 9 Hillsboro Street Pittsboro

July 10

Boom Unit Brass Band at The City Tap

7:30 p.m.

The Boom Unit Brass Band performs a live outdoor set at The City Tap in downtown Pittsboro. The show runs approximately two hours. The City Tap 89 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro

Chatham County Yardbirds vs. Sanford Spinners

7 p.m.

The Chatham County Yardbirds, Siler City’s collegiate wood-bat baseball team in its inaugural Old North State League season, host the Sanford Spinners in a home game at the new Yardbirds Field. The team draws its roster from college players competing between semesters.

Yardbirds Field at Paul Braxton Park

111 S. 3rd Ave. Siler City

Mad Crush at Bynum Front Porch

7 p.m.

Mad Crush, a North Carolina indie folk-rock duo built around songwriters John Elderkin and Joanna Sattin, performs at the historic Bynum Front Porch as part of the venue’s 25th annual Friday Night Music Series. The show is free with a hat passed for the musicians; a food truck will

JOSE LUIS MAGANA / AP PHOTO

Venezuelans search more earthquake ruins as attention turns to humanitarian crisis

A cash-strapped government faces questions about coordinating relief for thousands now homeless

By Juan Pablo Arraez and Isabel Debre

The Associated Press

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela —

With the window for nding survivors shrinking fast, Venezuelans combed Monday through more ruins of buildings toppled by last week’s powerful back-toback earthquakes, and attention turned to the country’s humanitarian crisis that could persist for years.

Relief organizations say the rst 72 hours after a natural disaster is the most crucial time period for rescues, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water. Five days after the twin quakes, questions loomed about whether the cash-strapped government will be able to coordinate the effort needed to care for thousands of people who have been left homeless.

In other developments, a 4.6 magnitude aftershock rumbled through the disaster zone in the northern state of La Guaira.

The death toll stood at more than 1,700 people, according to the government, which has long retained tight control over news media.

Venezuelan government promotes its e orts

Facing criticism that authorities have done too little, too slowly, government o cials aggressively promoted their recovery and rescue e orts. Police and military o cers on Monday handed out cans of tuna and crackers to hungry displaced people in La Guaira.

In a speech, Jorge Rodríguez, the leader of the Venezuelan National Assembly and brother of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, said electricity had been restored to 90% of the hardest-hit state of La Guaira. He said authorities were racing to evaluate damaged buildings that still posed a danger and had set up 15 temporary displacement camps.

Many Venezuelan news reports have avoided politically delicate questions related to the earthquake, such as the widespread collapse of buildings, sticking instead to safer stories about heroic rescues. Delcy Rodríguez, who came to power in January after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration seized former President Nicolás Maduro, shared footage Monday of emergency workers lifting a man out of the ruins to applause after a 43-hour search e ort.

“Each life saved is a victory for hope,” she wrote on X.

Such bright spots are rare at the quake’s epicenter, where families keep vigil at search sites.

“We have to stay strong, even without food, without sleep,” said Ana Rada, watching as civil defense workers looked for her brother. “Until I see the body, I still have hope.”

Aftershock rattles rescuers

After what the government said were more than 600 aftershocks since Wednesday’s quakes, a moderate temblor on Monday struck 17 miles north

of Caraballeda on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and measured 4.6 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey. Jorge Rodríguez said there were no reports of damage, but the shock sent residents in the capital of Caracas screaming into the streets.

“Here we are again, back in the street. I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace,” said Concepción Hernández, 51, evacuating her apartment in the Chacao municipality of Caracas.

Questions over extent of U.S. help

Dozens of countries have offered assistance. But the disaster has raised expectations for the Trump administration after its takeover of Venezuela’s oil industry earlier this year.

In a brie ng with reporters, a senior State Department o cial said 300 rst responders sent from the U.S. are working on the ground and two dozen C-17 military transport planes arrive every day with supplies. Financial support from the U.S. now exceeds $300 million.

The U.S. military is also assisting with repairs at the port in La Guaira to allow an inux of relief supplies by sea and manage air tra c after the quakes destroyed part of the control tower at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, said the o cial, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

It seemed unlikely, however, that the Trump administration would grant temporary humanitarian protections to Venezuelans as previous administrations have done for people from disaster-stricken countries already in the U.S. Such action was taken after earthquakes in 2010 in Haiti and 2001 in El Salvador.

Venezuelans have been a major focus of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. More than 100 Venezuelans recently deported from the U.S. were being held at a hotel in the country when the quake hit, and many are now missing, survivors say.

Rescuers included a miner deported from the US

Among the rescuers digging through the rubble Monday was 31-year-old miner Jean Sosa, who said he was deported from the U.S. in January over a missed immigration court hearing and returned to Caracas last month, dazed by an odyssey that began in shackles at an Arizona immigration detention center.

He had built a new life in New York City over the past four years, he said, working at a taco stand near Penn Station, before Department of Homeland Security o cials detained him. They ultimately shuttled him between immigration detention centers across the U.S. before leaving him and a busload of other deportees in southern Mexico without his passport, phone or wallet. He then paid his way back to Venezuela.

Since arriving Wednesday in La Guaira, Sosa has scrambled to pull people from the rubble with his old mining pickaxe in the absence of national rescue teams.

“Many people could have been saved if there had been equip-

ment and support from top authorities from the very beginning,” he told The Associated Press, wearing a helmet and a black T-shirt splotched with dust in the port city where he said he had already rescued 20 people alive.

Those rescues heartened him, he said, despite the lack of supplies. “We’re working without gloves, without equipment, borrowing supplies, improvising bandages and whatever else we can.”

The full scale of damage remains unclear

Experts are struggling to assess the scope of damage, but they generally agree that the government’s gures are a vast undercount.

Many Venezuelans are skeptical of o cial pronouncements, particularly since Maduro’s government claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election despite a vote count showing he had lost to the opposition movement led by María Corina Machado.

The now-exiled opposition leader has criticized the government response to the earthquake and on Monday accused it of temporarily closing the airspace to prevent her from returning to the country. She did not o er evidence.

Jorge Rodríguez said that as of Monday, the earthquake had a ected a total of 15,866 people. The United Nations, meanwhile, says that up to 6.8 million of Venezuela’s nearly 30 million residents may be a ected — which could mean being displaced or losing access to electricity and water. The Venezuelan Red Cross said it expected to address the needs of at least 300,000 people for the next two years.

While Rodríguez said the number of damaged or collapsed buildings had reached 855, a preliminary assessment by NASA put that number at 58,870 buildings. The assessment relied on radar imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellites, which can detect changes to infrastructure.

The updates to government gures are given in brief televised announcements where journalists have no opportunity to ask questions or request more details. In another obstacle to coverage, the Venezuelan press union said Monday that the Ministry of Communication was blocking access to La Guaira for at least some foreign reporters for 48 hours.

It said the ministry cited the need “to reduce noise during rescue operations.” The union urged the government to drop the restriction: “As hours pass, the health situation may worsen, and the country needs veri ed and timely information.”

Because of the chaos and poor phone service, many Venezuelans have turned to non-governmental digital databases to report their loved ones as missing. More than 50,000 people were reported missing on one such database, though it is unclear how many have been found.

Fire ghter Kleider Carrillo said nothing prepared him for the destruction in La Guaira.

“When you study for this profession, you’re trained for situations like this,” he said. “But what’s in textbooks is one thing. Reality is another.”

Church News

OAKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

As Oakley Baptist Church (2300 Siler CityGlendon Road, Siler City) seeks to begin its next chapter, we are enjoying hearing a word from the Lord from various old and new friends. Our service begins at 10:30 a.m., but we also have Sunday School classes for every member of the family at 9:30 a.m. We would be blessed if you joined us for any and all of these speakers in the coming weeks.

July – Gary McCollough – Interim

We look forward to meeting you at any of these services and in the future, and invite you to pray with us as we seek a new pastor. To learn more, go to oakleybaptist.org or email us at oakleybaptistchurch@gmail.com.

NEED MORE LAW ENFORCEMENT!

Bible study: Psalms 36:1-12 Church of Living Water; Pastor: James Mitchell.

The wickedness in the world today is the worst we have ever seen. God’s word tells us that in the last days, perilous times shall come. The Democrats, their supporters, and some rhino Republicans are the most wicked ever. They have no fear of God for all their wickedness. These people hate God and His children. Two

said, “White women need to be raped because of their

from our healthcare system. The Trump administration

from America. I pray for our law enforcement in Jesus’ name. Democrat socialists want to defund our police. These socialists and Muslims hate Israel, hate Christians,

commit fraud, and allow corruption. There is one hope for all: repent, turn around, believe in Jesus Christ, and

LIMITS from page A1

current formula, which takes into account CPI and the voter baseline, was adopted.

“The intent was to create a more level playing eld and reduce the in uence of large donors,” Hunt said. “The limits were intended to maintain fairness, transparency and be responsive to changes in economic and population conditions.”

Most NC municipalities follow the State Board of Elections’ guidelines for contribution limits, which are currently capped at $6,800.

The Chapel Hill contribution limit would be $353 with the current formula or $390 with a CPI-only calculation. In addition, there would be a disclosure limit of $37 or $40 respectively.

There are no restrictions to limit self-funding campaigns. The majority of council members supported moving to a CPI-only formula, stating it was more consistent and a simpli ed approach to setting the limit.

“I love that we have contribution limits and I’d love to continue doing that,” said council member Amy Ryan. “Going to the CPI-only formula makes sense to me.”

“I take pride in how di erent our contribution limits are from the state limits given how insane campaigns have gotten nationwide at all di erent levels of government,” said council member Elizabeth Sharp. An o cial ordinance will be brought back before the council for a vote; though, the council will be in recess for the next two months.

The Chapel Hill Town Council will next meet Sept. 9.

“I take pride in how di erent our contribution limits are from the state limits.”

Council Member Elizabeth Sharp

A rescuer carries a girl pulled from the rubble four days after twin earthquakes struck La Guaira, Venezuela, Sunday, June 28, 2026.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

Alien report of unalienable rights

Earthlings lack perspective of galactic time; they consider 250 revolutions of their planet around their local star to be of signi cant duration.

IMAGINE THAT an extraterrestrial secretly landed to observe a Fourth of July picnic in Chatham County. Perhaps the report led with the mothership would read something like this.

Earthlings assembled in both familial and extra-familial kin groups. Pods in close proximity, yet no apparent con icts.

Controlled res started and cultivated to roast animal esh for consumption. Some Earthlings disadvantaged with low levels of melanin apply protective cream to prevent solar damage of their skin.

Young Earthlings use appendages to propel spherical and oblong objects across ground and through the air. Occasional shouts of “Goal!” and “Touchdown!”

Members of adult species imbibe liquids analyzed to contain mild levels of toxicity due to fermentation. Curious behavior ensues, especially when music is played. Possible mating dances.

All Earthlings are subject to trans xion to cellular devices. Technology is extremely primitive compared to ours.

Through the primitive Earthling shared database, accessed the document “Declaration of Independence.” Curious phrase about “unalienable rights.”

Red, white and blue colors are prominent on a variety of decorative features, including some articles worn by Earthlings.

Discussion about donkeys and elephants used as

COLUMN | BOB WACHS

code language for political leaders. As a result of such discussions, registered a marked increase in vital signs, like blood pressure and heart rate, among many Earthlings. The current national leader is particularly controversial. Additionally, elevated vital signs were noted during discussions about the “Tar Heels” and “Blue Devils.” The phenomenon is likely evidence of Earthling religions.

Four-legged creatures, commonly referred to as “man’s best friend,” are subjected to a rope that is a xed to a device encircling their necks.

Earthlings lack perspective of galactic time; they consider 250 revolutions of their planet around their local star to be of signi cant duration.

After the planet’s rotation away from the local star, Earthlings launched projectiles into the air that exploded at low altitude. Surprisingly, these failures of ight resulted in satisfaction, even praise among viewers, expressed by clapping primary appendages together.

The so-called “Fourth of July” occurs on an annual Earth basis. Return to document any developments in battles between elephants versus donkeys, Tar Heels versus Blue Devils, and fermented-beverage-induced mating rituals.

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

Some things defy decision on what to do with them

What all this really means, of course, is that I am turning into my parents.

WHILE I’VE NEVER made the cover of GQ or any other men’s fashion magazine, I think I do a fairly good job of being somewhat neat and coordinating my daily out ts – most of the time.

But it’s really not all that hard to do, especially if you tend to wear blue jeans most of the time or if most of your slacks are gray and most of your shirts are white.

Occasionally there will be the one blue sock and one black sock episode but that’s usually a product of getting dressed in the dark.

Other parts of life, however, aren’t all that neat for me, particularly in the area of throwing away things and keeping only stu that’s really needed. A good portion of that is because when I was being made, a big chunk of packrat ran away from the animal side and jumped into my makeup. And while my closet looks okay, you can’t really say the same for my study.

I have mentioned this from time to time before, hoping for a magic pill or silver bullet to gure out what to keep but, so far, one hasn’t showed up. And so, I’ll take a cleaning t once in awhile and go through three years worth of newspapers I’ve saved because “one day I’ll read them.” I know that’s a holdover from printing days of old before there were electronic books and people still read newspapers for information and entertainment.

Ditto with the books and notes and slips of paper with information written in a scrawl only a de cient chicken could read. I’ve uncovered items I’d not only forgotten but also didn’t know existed. I really think I’m getting better at throwing away most things but occasionally one will come along that I don’t need but can’t bear to trash and don’t know what to do with it.

Case in point is my mama’s purse, given to me when she entered a care facility in 1998, there to live out the last years of her earthly existence. It is in exactly the same shape, form and fashion as that day and nothing has been

added or taken from it since. There are the pictures of her grandchildren and of my dad, her house key, about $40, an old grocery shopping list and a large number of crumpled tissues are still making their home within.

So, what to do with it?

I’ve got all the same pictures, don’t need the keys, actually did remove the cash and put it in her grandchildren’s savings accounts and don’t like her choices in some grocery items.

But there’s one thing she and I have in common — the tissues. In most of my jackets and sport coats, one outside pocket has a gazillion tissues and napkins, usually left-over ones from the encounter with my most recent cheeseburger. Eventually they get used for one thing or another but I sense I’m turning into, at di erent times, my father and my mother. She’d tell me I could do worse and she’s right. I just don’t like having the residue of 14 pine trees oating around in my pocket.

What all this really means, of course, is that I am turning into my parents. When I pass along that information to the two 50-something people who used to be teenagers who lived at my house, I remind them of the inevitable — that they will, in time, turn into their mother and me.

I don’t think they’re looking forward to an overload of tissue in their pockets.

Too bad … and I still don’t know what to do with Mama’s purse except leave all that stu , papers included, in it. And it does bring me a bit of comfort to see it and remember her. And, Lord knows, we could all use a little bit of comfort these days.

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

COLUMN | ANDREW TAYLOR-TROUTMAN

That squishy light-up, dimmable, duck lamp

I have great empathy for Superman’s disempowerment when he encounters kryptonite.

UTTERLY EMBARRASSING.

“No, no, it wasn’t ALL my fault that I fell headlong over the cli of Amazon Prime Days.” (Just mostly my fault.)

Primary placement of blame should really rest on the shoulders of Amazon’s Je Bezos. Bezos, the progenitor of the annual Amazon Prime Days. However, this particular cringing writer, having previously lived a parsimonious life, was swept away by the Prime Days’ rip tide of putative savings. “I bought WHAT? I really, truly, NEEDED that? I ordered THAT, without looking at its dimensions? Yes, yes, and yes.

Just sucked right in by deep emotional hunger during the most recent Amazon Prime days. (Let’s hold the hunger bit for a minute. Shall we?) Most items I bought did not have a signi cant decrease in price and of course, some NOT any reduction all. Truth. 60% of what I purchased was not on sale. But, hey, I was already online, so why not buy ‘em? (Yep, Amazon has our number.)

In retrospect, my “Feed me! I’m feeling empty!” cry has discovered an internal understanding (even though it’s well past my sordid Prime debauchery.)

This is its light of day… I, Jan, am a news junkie. A diehard newshound. My putative daily bible readings are inclusive of subscriptions to the major news organs as well as a slew of political analysis sites. I am hungry to know the state of our world. A deep, ongoing, and voracious hunger.

A tiny, but important sidebar. I’m guessing most of you are familiar with Superman

COLUMN | ABBY EMANUELSON

Democrats declare war on school choice

and kryptonite, considering the plethora of movies and comic books over many years? Kryptonite deprives Superman of his powers, leaving him feeling weak and disempowered. That Superguy needs to avoid kryptonite, at all costs, if he really wants to continue being Superman (and making movies).

In no way am I equating myself with Superman. (Me, in red tights. I don’t think so.) However, I have great empathy for Superman’s disempowerment when he encounters kryptonite. Following our world’s news, on an hour-to-hour basis, I feel as if I’m experiencing a large-scale kryptonite wipeout. Utterly weak and disempowered. Hungry for something, ANYTHING, that helps ll me up and returns me to some sense of empowerment. Ta dah! Along come the annual Amazon Prime Days. Fodder for empowering myself to buy lots and lots of items, for sating my deep hunger in a hurtful world, I can’t control.

‘Nough said. I don’t think I’ve gone broke (but I’m not up to checking just yet.) With greater understanding of my Prime buying spree, I can smile at some of my purchases, particularly the “Squishy Light-Up, Dimmable, Duck Lamp.” I saved a whole two bucks o the full price! Whatta deal!

Oh, thank God, E-books are beckoning me again. I need something healthier to occupy my time, while hopefully, the world isn’t burning.

Jan Hutton, a resident of Chatham County and retired hospice social worker, lives life with heart and humor.

Connecting solutions for a healthier North Carolina

A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn.

PUBLIC POLICY conversations have a habit of happening in separate rooms. Health care gets discussed over here, education over there, workforce development somewhere down the hall.

Food, health care, education and economic opportunity are each assigned their own stakeholders, their own budget lines, their own lanes, as if the people a ected by these issues live their lives the same way. They don’t. At a time when state leaders are making consequential budget decisions, the way we frame these challenges matters just as much as the solutions we pursue.

For many North Carolinians, the challenges arrive together and compound one another.

A parent struggling to put food on the table is often the same parent delaying a doctor’s visit because of cost. A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn, and eventually to emerge ready to contribute to the success of their communities. A rural community navigating health care shortages is rarely navigating that challenge alone. It’s often working to maintain access to maternity care, recruit teachers and health professionals who encourage families to stay and build their futures there.

At the North Carolina Alliance for Health, we work alongside organizations, educators, health care providers, advocates, and community leaders from across the state. Through partnerships, community conversations, and on-the-ground collaboration, we see rsthand how these challenges intersect in people’s daily lives. What we hear, consistently and from every corner of North Carolina, is that the forces shaping people’s health and well-being rarely operate in isolation. Neither should the solutions. Health shapes educational outcomes, workforce participation and economic mobility. It in uences whether children are ready to learn, whether adults can show up for work, and whether communities can thrive.

As we are set to embark on our 25th year, if there’s one lesson the past quarter century has driven home, it’s that the most e ective solutions are also, more often than not, the most practical ones. Children who are consistently fed learn better, miss fewer days of school, and are less likely to need costly interventions later. Adults with access to preventive care are less likely to end up in emergency rooms and better able to remain in the workforce. Communities with strong public health infrastructure are more resilient when crises hit. These aren’t just good outcomes for families. They’re good outcomes for the state.

BE IN TOUCH

That’s why we’re encouraging North Carolina’s leaders, as they nalize the state budget, to invest in the building blocks of a healthy and prosperous state. These investments may appear in di erent sections of the state budget, but they all contribute to the same outcome: healthier people, stronger families, and a more prosperous North Carolina.

That means maintaining a strong Medicaid program, including Medicaid expansion, so that North Carolinians can access preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and receive treatment before health challenges become crises. Medicaid supports children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working adults alike, while helping build a healthier workforce, stronger families, and more resilient communities.

It means the state invests in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SUN Bucks that help families a ord groceries and ensure children continue to have access to healthy meals when school is out of session.

It means ensuring that every child has access to healthy school meals so they can start the day ready to learn, grow, and succeed. By pairing investments in school meals with strong farm-to-school programs, North Carolina can improve student health and academic outcomes while supporting local farmers and rural economies. These investments help children thrive today while strengthening the workforce and communities our state will depend on tomorrow.

Across North Carolina, there is broad agreement that children shouldn’t go hungry, that families should be able to access care, and that communities deserve a genuine shot at success. What’s sometimes missing is the highlevel vision of how these goals are connected and how to achieve them through smart, scally responsible policy.

As leaders across the state continue shaping North Carolina’s future, the opportunity in front of us is signi cant. We can invest in solutions that strengthen families, support communities, and build healthier futures, not by treating every challenge as a separate problem to be solved in isolation, but by recognizing what North Carolinians have always known. Their lives are whole, their challenges are connected, and their solutions should be too.

This is a moment to invest in a coordinated vision for health, because when North Carolinians are healthy, our state is stronger. Abby Emanuelson is executive director for the North Carolina Alliance for Health.

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

WHY ARE DEMOCRATS and their teachers union masters trying to shoot down parental choice in education even when we now have so many examples of these programs working?

Choice and competition are two of the hallmarks of the American economy. When stores compete, customers win. Turns out this is also true for schools. That’s an inviolable law of economics. A corollary is that monopolies tend to put customers last.

This is all happening at a time when public monopoly schools are showing at or negative performance despite more funding than ever before.

This is one reason why so many states are turning to the new model of school choice, with public funds going to scholarships and charter schools, and tax incentives for charitable donations to private and Catholic schools.

About 23 mostly red states are experimenting with such programs, and so far the results in test scores and parental satisfaction are mostly positive.

Today about 1.5 million kids are taking advantage of these programs. In Florida, the biggest program of all, with more than 1 million kids enrolled in these school choice voucher programs, the kids are racking up better test scores than their peers in the public schools. This is incentivizing public schools to up THEIR game.

That’s the idea. But Democrats, acting as if school choice is the bubonic plague, are trying to shoot it down across the country.

No one has been more of a disappointment than Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, whose 2027 budget would slash $500 million from charter schools and gut education tax credits.

This could put 30,000 kids at risk of losing their scholarships. Already there are about 70,000 kids who want to go to a private school, but the scholarship money isn’t available because of program caps. Once again, a prominent Democrat places the unions ahead of the kids.

Then there is Arizona: Dems and teachers unions have put an initiative on the November ballot to roll back one of the nation’s largest school voucher programs, which has exploded to more than 100,000 students. Parents can get $7,000 per student to use for private and charter school tuition and homeschooling.

Even worse is the Florida Education Association, which has led a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s school choice and charter school programs, which provide education for 1.4 million kids. The Florida Constitution guarantees a “uniform” system of free public schools but does not prohibit the legislature from expanding educational options beyond the traditional public school model.

In Rhode Island, Democratic Gov. Dan McKee wants to cap funding for popular charter schools even as the school budgets expand. Why the barriers to these educational opportunities?

Let me be loud and clear on this point: The Dems and their union puppet masters don’t want to get rid of these programs because they are failing the kids. They want to abolish them because they are getting better results than the public schools. Florida’s public charter sector maintains an aggregate grade of “A,” outperforming traditional public school counterparts in 55 of 77 metrics.

Maybe the unions de ne a “uniform education system” as one that is uniformly bad.

What is sad is that even with a robust school choice program, probably two of three kids will still be enrolled in public schools for the foreseeable future. But with alternatives, school boards, teachers and principals will have to prove their value to the customers — the parents.

Even worse is that kids already attending charter, Catholic or special ed schools may have to return to the very classrooms that didn’t work for them in the rst place.

It used to be that unions could claim to parents that alternative schools would be WORSE for their children. But that’s proven not to be the case for these new private choice schools. I know rsthand that in private schools, kids are challenged, disciplined and taught to learn that failure is not an option. In public school, you get kicked into the next grade through social promotion, and the learning de cits are allowed to linger.

The Trump tax cuts will allow potentially millions of disadvantaged kids to get scholarships from tax lers who put money in the schools. It costs the states NOTHING to allow kids into the program. Amazingly, more than half the states with Democratic governors are passing up the FREE money to the parents in their states.

That’s just plain dumb. Maybe these politicians and school administrators have had too much social promotion.

Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity, which advocates for education freedom for all children.

(Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

obituaries

William (Bill) Sharpe

April 15, 1938 – June 16, 2026

William (Bill) Sharpe died June 16, 2026. He was born April 15, 1938, to William Norman and Margaret Womble Sharpe. They lived on a small farm on US 15 501, a property that is now Polk’s Landing and Polk’s Village.

Bill’s rst three grades of school were in Bynum before it consolidated with Pittsboro where he graduated in 1955. He had polio in 1954 from which he recovered almost completely except for a residual weakness in his right leg and ankle. His death was hastened by the complications of post-polio syndrome in his nal years.

He enrolled at NC State and graduated with a BS and MS in mechanical engineering in 1961. At State he was president of Theta Chi fraternity and a member of the Golden Chain and other honor societies. In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart Margaret Ellen Strowd; in 1961 they moved to Baltimore where he enrolled in graduate school at the Johns Hopkins University. Their two sons, William and Ashley, were born there. He received his doctorate in 1966; Milton Eisenhower handed him his diploma and Thurgood Marshall was the graduation speaker.

Bill’s rst academic position was at Michigan State University where he progressed through the ranks to the professorship. He moved to Louisiana State University in 1978 as the chairman of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In 1983, Professor Sharpe returned to the Johns Hopkins University to serve as the founding chairman of a new mechanical engineering department. He served as chairman for 11 years as the department became established and grew. With his leadership the department recruited a distinguished faculty and established large undergraduate, graduate, and research programs. He retired from Hopkins in 2009 as Professor Emeritus. Experimental solid mechanics was his research eld. He developed a laserbased technique for measuring strain and displacement over very short gauge lengths. Later, it was used to test very small specimens (some as thin as a human hair) of materials used in micro-electromechanical systems. His research over a 40-year period resulted in numerous publications and presentations at conferences in the US and overseas. He was a visiting scientist at several federal laboratories and was an Alexander von Humboldt foundation scholar in Germany in 1990. This year the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute honored Bill by establishing the William N. Sharpe Jr.

Distinguished Lecture Series, furthering his impact in the eld.

The Society for Experimental Mechanics was his primary technical society. In addition to publishing papers in its technical journal and making presentations at meetings, he served as Technical Editor 1976-1978 and then president in 1984/85. He was a Fellow of the society and received several awards including the Murray medal in 2002. The capstone was his election as an Honorary Member of the society in 2012; only 10 of the approximately 3000 members can share this honor at a time. Bill was active in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, serving in various positions. His primary e ort was with its accreditation commission (ABET) which evaluated mechanical engineering undergraduate programs at universities. Starting in 1992 as an evaluator and team leader, he visited over 20 programs, which gave him a broad perspective of mechanical engineering education in the US and ended in 2003 after a three-year term on the Board of Directors. He was a Fellow of the society. In 2007 he received the Ralph Coates Roe award from the American Society for Engineering Education. It recognizes a mechanical engineering educator who is an outstanding teacher and who has made a notable contribution to the profession.

His wife, Margaret, was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. Bill retired in 2009 and they moved back home to Chatham County in 2010. After her death in 2012, he moved to Galloway Ridge. In 2016, as a resident of Galloway Ridge, Bill became a founder of Ridge Lines, a creative, community-driven literary journal that features articles written exclusively by residents and sta . A few years into Ridge Line’s publication, he met Susan Wisely, a fellow writer and resident at Galloway. Bill and Susan grew as partners, sharing in life and adventure, especially in trips to Italy, Grand Cayman and the mountains and coast and of North Carolina. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David and wife Connie, his wife, Margaret Ellen, and Bill’s sons William Norman Sharpe III and James Ashley Sharpe. Survivors are his brother David’s children, who have been like Bill’s own since their parents’ death –Polly Falk of Irvine, California, Melanie Sharpe of Huntington Beach, California, and David Ross Sharpe of Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also survived by his beloved grandnieces, Hayley Falk and Kenna Seagrist (Jack) and the newest addition to the family, Olivia Seagrist, and by cousins Sally Fulbright (Nelson) and Jesse Fearrington (Barbara). A memorial service will take place on September 12 at 2:00PM at Galloway Ridge. In lieu of owers, Bill’s family kindly asks that donations be made to Galloway Ridge, Residents’ Benevolent Care Fund, 3000 Galloway Ridge, North Carolina 27312. The Residents’ Benevolent Care Fund provides peace of mind to Galloway Ridge residents who face nancial uncertainty. Donaldson Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Bill Sharpe.

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

John Henry May

Nov. 16, 1933 – June 26, 2026

John Henry May, 92, of Pittsboro, NC passed away on June 26th, 2026, at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Pittsboro.

John was born November 16, 1933, to George Wesley May, Sr, and Myrtle Lavenia Crutch eld May. John was a versatile athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball in high school. John graduated from Pittsboro High School in 1952. In 1955, as John was preparing to leave the next day for the Army, he went to a dance where he met Annie Lillian Wilson. He asked if he could

Henry Kitchings

Aug. 25, 1934 – June 27, 2026

Henry Kitchings, 91, of Goldston, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 25, 1934, Henry was the son of the late Robert Edwin Kitchings and Atherton Cummings Kitchings. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Kitchings, and his sister, Gwendolyn Smith.

Henry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1958. During his military service, he traveled to Germany, Japan, Italy, and Spain. Following his service, he

IN MEMORY

write to her. Two years later, they walked down the aisle. John served in the US Army as a PFC from 1955-1957, in the Army National Guard from 19571959, and in the Reserves until 1961. After his military service John worked at Townsend Poultry Plant, where he retired in 1996. John fell in love with horses at an early age. He was last surviving charter member of the Old Timers Horse Club, which was established in 1966, serving as treasurer and cook for many years. He enjoyed riding and camping in Uwharrie National Forest for over 50 years. He passed his love for horses to his son Mike, and his niece, Taylor May Knight. John enjoyed farming and gardening. He sold his produce to the local Piggly Wiggly. He was especially proud of his sweet cantaloupes. John was a member of Pittsboro Baptist Church and the Council of Aging. John and Annie enjoyed traveling on bus tours and cruises. He was a permanent xture in the bleachers at his grandson Dalton’s ball games, no matter the weather or the drive, from little league to travel ball to college. John is survived by: his

graduated from East Carolina University and earned a Masters in Education at N.C. A&T which led to a remarkable 48-year career in education. He taught history, coached basketball and football, and served as a driver’s education instructor, positively impacting generations of students.

In 1965, Henry married the love of his life, Daphne Gaines, and together they raised two sons, Chip and Scott. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose love for his family was evident in everything he did.

Henry was a longtime member of Goldston Methodist Church, where he faithfully served in various leadership roles. He was known for his quick wit, love of spirited debate, unwavering faith, and deep love for God. He enjoyed gol ng, reading, spending time with his family, and gathering with friends at Rufus’ Restaurant. He was an avid Richard Petty and NASCAR enthusiast, as well as a devoted New York Yankees fan.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Daphne Gaines Kitchings; his sons, Henry Brown “Chip” Kitchings II (Kim) and Scott Gaines Kitchings (Sonja); and his cherished grandchildren, Gracelyn Kitchings Dumaw

DAVID CHARLES KENNEDY

OCT. 3, 1951 – JUNE 20, 2026

daughter, Audrey Diane May Braswell (Danny) of Pittsboro; grandsons Dalton Lee Brown (Brianna) of Pittsboro and Spencer Kirk Braswell (Tamera) of Pleasant Garden, NC; his greatgrandchildren Nash Kennedy Shortt, Jovi Lee Brown, River Anderson Brown, and Emberly Elizabeth Braswell; sister-in-law Nancy P. May of Raleigh, NC; nephews, greatnieces and -nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Myrtle May; wife Annie Wilson May; son John Michael May; brothers George Wesley May, Jr, and Frank Gilmore May (Nancy).

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026, from 3pm to 4pm at Pittsboro Baptist Church.

The funeral service will follow at 4pm with Pastor Peter McDonald presiding.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to UNC Hospice.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the May family.

(Hayden), Gillian Kitchings Laton (Seth), Connor Scott Kitchings, Julia Caroline Kitchings, and Henry Brown “Chase” Kitchings III. Henry will also be remembered for his dedicated service to the Goldston community. He served on the Goldston Fire Board and Water Board and was a member of the Goldston Volunteer Fire Department for 46 years. His life was de ned by service—to his family, his church, his community, and his country. Above all, he believed in living by the Golden Rule: treating others the way you want to be treated.

A celebration of Henry’s life will be held at Goldston Methodist Church. Visitation will be on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A graveside committal service with military honors will follow, and the family will receive friends during a reception in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to Goldston Methodist Church, PO Box 99, Goldston, NC 27252. Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Kitchings family. Online condolences can be made to www.smithbucknerfh. com

David Charles Kennedy, 74, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Wesley Long Hospital following a series of illnesses, surrounded by his loving family.

David was born on October 3, 1951 in Troy, NC and was the son of Charles and Aitha Kennedy, of Star, NC.

He graduated from Montgomery High School, then went on to attend college at UNC-Charlotte, earning a degree in Engineering.

David married Linda Dick on June 8, 1975 at Beulah Baptist Church in Bennett, NC. They were blessed to share 51 wonderful years together.

Remaining to cherish David’s memory are his loving wife of 51 years, Linda; his daughters, Kristin (Jared) Reeder, of Franklinville, NC and Rachel (Vic) Sfera, of Riverside, California; his brother, Farrell (Brenda) Kennedy, of Cary, NC; nephew, Grant Kennedy, of Raleigh, NC and four grandsons who were the joy of his life; Paxton & Lincoln Reeder and Lucas & Clay Sfera.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at North Ridge Bible Chapel in Raleigh. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Kevin Moore o ciating. Burial will be a private family graveside service at Beulah Baptist Church in Bennett, NC.

JOHN ROYAL COVERT, JR.

SEPT. 6, 1946 – JUNE 24, 2026

John Royal Covert Jr., 79, of Siler City, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Born on September 6, 1946, in Chatham County.

John was the son of the late John Royal Covert Sr. and Mildred Bra ord Covert. Following his honorable service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, John continued his lifelong commitment to serving his country as a civilian employee with the Directorate of Public Works at Fort Bragg.

He dedicated many years to supporting the Army and its mission before retiring. John had a passion for NASCAR and rarely missed a race, whether attending in person or cheering on his favorite drivers from home.

Above all, John treasured time with his family and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.

He is survived by his sons, Anthony Covert (Renee) of Sanford, Brian Covert of Siler City, and Justin Covert (Amanda) of Sanford; his grandchildren, Kensey Taylor (R.J.), Kyler Coats (Zeb), Connor Covert, Camden Covert, and Chloe Covert; four greatgrandchildren; his sisters, Ethel Lindley and Brenda Gunter, both of Siler City; and his faithful companion, Peanut, who remained by his side for the past 18 years.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Levan Gunnels.

BIRTHRIGHT from page A1

debate over the amendment.

“We keep that promise today.”

Three conservative justices would have allowed the restrictions to take e ect.

“The Court today takes the extraordinary step of holding facially unconstitutional the President’s Order excluding from citizenship the children of foreign temporary visitors and illegal aliens,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in a 91-page dissent, more than three times as long as Roberts’ opinion. “In doing so, the Court adds to the sad history of the Fourteenth Amendment, which was designed and understood to secure equal rights for the freed blacks but has instead been repurposed for political projects that the Reconstruction Congress did not support.”

The Republican president’s restrictions had been blocked by several lower courts and had not taken e ect anywhere in the U.S.

During arguments in April, both conservative and liberal justices questioned the order’s legality in a momentous case that was magni ed by Trump’s unprecedented attendance in the courtroom.

The case framed another test of Trump’s assertions of executive power that defy long-standing precedent for a court with a conservative majority and a robust view of presidential power that has largely ruled in his favor. In the notable exceptions when the court has not, Trump has responded with starkly personal criticisms of the justices.

The justices ruled on Trump’s appeal of a lower-court rul-

The Supreme Court issued its nal decisions of the Spring Term this week, covering a number of sensitive issues including transgender girls playing in school sports, birthright citizenship, and campaign nance issues.

ing from New Hampshire that struck down the citizenship restrictions.

The birthright citizenship order, which Trump signed on the rst day of his second term, is part of his administration’s broad immigration crackdown.

Birthright citizenship was the rst Trump immigration-related policy to reach the court for a nal ruling. The justices previ-

ously struck down global tari s Trump had imposed under an emergency powers law that had never been used that way.

Trump reacted furiously to the late February tari s decision, saying he was ashamed of the justices who ruled against him and calling them unpatriotic.

He also seemed to recognize the court was likely to rule

against him on birthright citizenship, too, using his Truth Social platform to criticize “dumb judges and justices” and wealthy pregnant women from China and elsewhere who come to the U.S. to give birth so their newborns will have American citizenship.

Trump’s order would have upended widely held views that the 14th Amendment confers citi-

zenship on everyone born in the U.S., excluding only the children of foreign diplomats and those born to a foreign occupying force.

The amendment was intended to ensure that Black people, including former slaves, had citizenship, though the Citizenship Clause is written more broadly. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” it reads.

In a series of decisions, lower courts have struck down Trump’s executive order as illegal. The decisions have invoked the high court’s 1898 ruling in Wong Kim Ark, which held that the U.S.-born child of Chinese nationals was a citizen.

The Trump administration argued that the common view of citizenship is wrong, asserting that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore are not entitled to citizenship.

More than one-quarter of a million babies born in the U.S. each year would have been affected by the executive order, according to research by the Migration Policy Institute and Pennsylvania State University’s Population Research Institute.

While Trump has largely focused on illegal immigration in his rhetoric and actions, the birthright citizenship restrictions also would have applied to people who are legally in the United States, including students and applicants for green cards, or permanent resident status.

The largest digital camera ever built begins decade-long survey of the universe

The observations will help scientists understand galaxy formation and solve dark matter mysteries

By Adithi Ramakrishnan The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The largest digital camera ever built is starting to capture images of unseen corners of the universe. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has o cially begun its cosmic survey, meant to capture swathes of the sky in more depth and detail. Perched on a Chilean mountaintop, the telescope will point its eye at the southern sky for the next 10 years, taking hundreds of images per night.

Researchers hope Rubin’s observations will help them take a better census of the universe, mapping billions of stars in the Milky Way and billions more galaxies beyond it. It takes pictures quickly and will grab images of the same areas of sky multiple times, allowing scientists to glimpse fainter objects that previously eluded detection.

“We’re going to see large numbers of scientists across the world working with this data set, studying the universe in a way that they haven’t been able to before,” said Phil Mar-

“We’re going to see large numbers of scientists across the world working with this data set.”

Phil Marshall, Vera C. Rubin

Observatory

shall, the observatory’s deputy director of operations. Rubin released its rst images last year, including colorful shots of the Tri d and Lagoon nebulas located thousands of light-years from Earth. A light-year is nearly 6 trillion miles.

Since then, researchers have tuned up the equipment so it’s ready to take pictures at the depth and accuracy required for the decade-long survey. The images may help scientists discern how galaxies form and cluster over billions of years, and how the universe came to be.

Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Energy, the observatory is named after astronomer Vera Rubin, who o ered the rst tantalizing evidence that a mysterious material called dark matter might be lurking in the universe. Researchers hope the e ort may yield clues about dark matter as well as an equally puzzling force known as dark energy.

JORDAN GOLSON / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

REAL ESTATE

LEARN ABOUT LAND - Chatham Land Experts, www.learnaboutland.com - 919-3626999.

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ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS now for onebedroom apartments, adults 55 years or older. Water included, appliances furnished, on-site laundry, elevator, keyless entry. Section 8 accepted. No security deposit. Application fee $25 per adult. Call Braxton Manor, 919-663-1877. Handicap accessible. Equal Housing Opportunity. J14,tfnc

AUCTIONS

RICKY ELLINGTON AUCTIONEERSEquipment, business, liquidation, estates, land, houses, antiques, personal property, coins, furniture, consignments, bene ts, etc., NCAL #7706, 919-548-3684, 919-663-3556. Jy6,tfnc

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RAINBOW WATER FILTERED VACUUMS, Alice Cox, Cox’s Distributing - Rainbow - Cell: 919548-4314, Sales, Services, Supplies. Serving public for 35 years. Rada Cutlery is also available. A26,tfnc

JUNK CARS PICKED UP Free of charge. Due to many months of low steel prices and unstable steel markets, we cannot pay for cars at this time. Cars, trucks, and machinery will be transported and environmentally correctly recycled at no charge. 919-5422803.

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dishwasher are included in the rent. Rent starts at $630 and up. 400 Honeysuckle Dr., Pittsboro, NC 27312 919-542-5410 TDD 1-800-735-2962 Email: pittsborovillage@ECCMGT.com

TAKE NOTICE NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND FORECLOSURE

SALE

WHEREAS, on June 5, 2015, a certain Deed of Trust was executed by Walter Breyer and Judith K. Breyer as grantor in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for One Reverse Mortgage, LLC, its successors and assigns as bene ciary and Michael Lyon as trustee, and was recorded on June 9, 2015 in Book 01801 at Page 0227 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds, Chatham County, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the Deed of Trust was insured by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (the Secretary) pursuant to the National Housing Act for the purpose of providing single family housing; and WHEREAS, the bene cial interest in the Deed of Trust is now owned by the Secretary, pursuant to an assignment dated October 26, 2023 and recorded on November 17, 2023 in Book 2389 at Page 1075, in the o ce of the Register of Deeds, Chatham County, North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the Secretary is the present holder of the Note secured by the above-referenced Deed of Trust; and WHEREAS, Grantor has died and the Property described below is not the principal residence of at least one surviving borrower; and WHEREAS, the default upon which this foreclosure and the acceleration of the secured indebtedness is based, is as follows: That under Paragraph 6(A)(i) of the above-referenced Note and Paragraph 10(A)(i) of the above-referenced Deed of Trust, upon death of the Borrower/Grantor, should the Property not remain the principal residence of at least one surviving Borrower, the Secretary has the right to demand, and the Secretary has demanded, the immediate payment in full of all outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest; and WHEREAS, a default has occurred under the terms and conditions of the above Note and Deed of Trust, in that a demand has been made for the immediate payment in full of all outstanding principal and accrued interest, which remains unpaid; and WHEREAS, the entire amount delinquent as of June 11, 2026 is $475,098.63; and WHEREAS, by virtue of this default, the secretary has declared the entire amount of the indebtedness secured by the Deed of Trust to be immediately due and payable; NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to powers vested in me by the Single Family Mortgage Foreclosure Act of 1994, 12 U.S.C 3751 et seq., by 24 CFR part 27, subpart B, and by the Secretary’s designation of me as Foreclosure Commissioner, recorded on May 15, 2026, in Book 2526 at Page 633 of the Chatham County Register of Deeds, notice is hereby given that on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. local time, all real and personal property at or used in connection with the following described premises (“Property”) will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder: BEING ALL of Lot 697, Phase Two, Section II, Final Plat, FEARRINGTON WOODS, as shown in Plat Slide 90- 214, Chatham County Registry, to which slide reference is hereby made for a more particular description. *** Commonly known as:697 Spindlewood, Pittsboro, NC 27312 The sale will be held at the place where foreclosure sales are customarily held at the Chatham County Courthouse located in Pittsboro, North Carolina. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will bid $482,994.08.

CREDITOR’S NOTICE

Having quali ed on the 10th day of June 2026, as Executor of the Estate of Linda Sue Collura, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of September 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This is the 10th day of June 2026. George M. Desocio, Executor of the Estate of Linda Sue Collura 366 W. Salisbury Street Pittsboro, N.C., 27312

Attorneys: Law O ces of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330

Publish On: June 18th, June 25th, July 2nd and July 9th of 2026 NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION

CHATHAM COUNTY FILE NO. 22CvD000597-180 COUNTY OF CHATHAM Plainti , NOTICE OF SERVICE OF vs. PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

IVEY J. PAGE a/k/a IVEY J. PAIGE, et al Defendants.

TO: The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of JOHN BURNETT a/k/a JOHN BURNETTE and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of LUCY STONE and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder, and The HEIRS, ASSIGNS, and DEVISEES of BUDDIE STONE a/k/a BURTIS STONE and spouse, if any, or any other person or entity claiming thereunder

A pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled action and notice of service of process by publication began on June 18, 2026. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Foreclosure on tax parcel(s) more completely described in the Complaint, to collect delinquent ad valorem taxes (assessments). Plainti seeks to extinguish any and all claim or interest that you may have in said property. You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days after the date of the rst publication of notice stated above, exclusive of such date, being forty (40) days after June 18, 2026, or by July 28, 2026, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service of process by publication will apply to the Court for relief sought. This the 11th day of June, 2026.

ZACCHAEUS LEGAL SERVICES

By: ____________________________________

Mark D. Bardill/Mark B. Bardill

Attorney for Plainti NC Bar #12852/56782

310 W. Jones St. P. O. Box 25 Trenton, North Carolina 28585

Telephone: (252) 448-4541

Publication dates:

June 18, 2026

June 25, 2026 July 2, 2026

CREDITOR’S NOTICE

Having quali ed on the 4th day of JUNE 2026, as Administrator of the Estate of Jackie Watson, aka, Jackie Klingler Watson, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment.

This is the 9th day of June 2026.

Robert Hendrickson, Administrator of the Estate of Jackie Watson, aka, Jackie Klingler Watson 303 Old Camp Church Road Carrollton, GA 30117

Attorneys: Law O ces of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330 Publish On: June 18th and 25th, July 2nd and 9th, 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of ROBIN LOU FLYER, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before September 12, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 11th day of June, 2026.

Lynn Marie Flyer

Executor of the Estate of Robin Lou Flyer

177 Pine View Acres P.O. Box 535 Goldston, NC 27252 Leigh Anne Kasias Wyatt Early Harris Wheeler LLP

1912 Eastchester Drive, Ste 400 High Point, NC 27265

336-884-4444 Publication dates: June 11, 18, 25; July 2, 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of THOMAS R. FLYER, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before September 12, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms or corporations indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 11th day of June, 2026. Lynn Marie Flyer

Executor of the Estate of Thomas R. Flyer

177 Pine View Acres

P.O. Box 535 Goldston, NC 27252

Leigh Anne Kasias

Wyatt Early Harris Wheeler LLP

1912 Eastchester Drive, Ste 400 High Point, NC 27265

336-884-4444 Publication dates: June 11, 18, 25; July 2, 2026.

NOTICE

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against George Richard Meinig, Jr., deceased, of Chatham, N.C., are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before September 11th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 11th day of June, 2026. Ms. Janet Meinig, Executor Estate of George Richard Meinig, Jr. c/o Roberson Law Firm 1829 E. Franklin St., Ste. 800C Chapel Hill, NC 27514 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHATHAM COUNTY WILLIAM ROLAND RIGGSBEE, Petitioner v. JACQUELINE RIGGSSBEE COBB, et al., Respondents (26SP000022-180) TO: JACQUELYNE ALLEN

Take notice that a petition seeking relief against you was led on February 10, 2026 in the above partition action. The nature of this action is as follows: petition for partition and sale of real property located at Parcel Number 978500098544 and being 162 Joes Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. You are required to make defense to such petition no later than 40 days after the date of the rst publication of this Notice and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief sought. Wesley A. Stewart, Esq., 5410 Trinity Rd., Ste. 210, Raleigh, NC, 27607, Petitioner’s Attorney. J18, 25 and 2

Notice to Creditors

Estate of Patricia Ann Woodall

File No. 25E000453-180

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Patricia Ann Woodall, deceased of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before September 25th, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 25th day of June, 2026. George Wallace Woodall, Executor c/o James S. Adcock III, PA 135 N. Main Street Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Dorothy Paschal Frazier of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 16th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 10th day of June, 2026. Kenneth Broughton Frazier, Executor Of the Estate of Dorothy Paschal Frazier 3146 Shelly Graham Drive Graham, North Carolina 27253 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS

CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Co-Administrators of the Estate of Mary Jane Owens of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 17th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 11th day of June, 2026.

Robert Keith Owens, Co-Administrator

Of the Estate of Mary Jane Owens 4024 Devils Tramping Ground Bear Creek, North Carolina 27207 Tammy Owens Kirkman, Co-Administrator 1729 N. Main Street Goldston, North Carolina 27252

MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850

4tp

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE TO CREDITORS CHATHAM COUNTY

HAVING QUALIFIED as Executor of the Estate of Hoyle Edwin Beckwith of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

This the 4th day of June, 2026. Daniel Kevin Beckwith, Executor Of the Estate of Hoyle Edwin Beckwith 139 Black Horse Run Bear Creek, North Carolina 27207 MOODY, WILLIAMS, ATWATER & LEE ATTORNEYS AT LAW BOX 629 SILER CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 27344 (919) 663-2850 4tp

NOTICE

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations holding claims against Kathryn Ellen Moss, deceased, of Chatham County, NC are noti ed to exhibit same to the undersigned on or before September 14th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This 11th day of June 2026. Ryan Robert Merriam, Exec., c/o Clarity Legal Group, PO Box 2207, Chapel Hill, NC 27515.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

26E000362-180

ALL persons having claims against Estate of Gent Hito, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Oct 02 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment.

This the 2nd day of July, 2026. ENTON P. HITO, Executor C/O Schell Bray PLLC P.O. Box 21847 Greensboro, NC 27420 J2, 9, 16 and 23

EXECUTORS NOTICE

TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against KATHIE SUE ASHKENES, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, are hereby noti ed to present their claims by mailing them to Lenfestey, Maxie & Burger, PLLC , attorneys for the Executor of the Estate, at 127 W. Hargett Street, Suite 301, PMB 190, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601, on or before the 13th day of September, 2026, or such claims will be forever barred. Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Estate through its attorneys. File No.: 26E000305-180

This the 11th day of June, 2026. Alex Daniel Ashkenes, Executor of the Estate J11, 18, 25 and 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000322-180

The undersigned Douglas Pierce Leonard, having quali ed on the 22nd Day of JUNE 2026 as Executor of the Estate of ANNA LEE LEONARD, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 2ND Day OF OCTOBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 2ND DAY OF JULY 2026.

DOUGLAS PIERCE LEONARD, EXECUTOR 637 SILVERBERRY ROAD PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: Jy2,9,16,23p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000300-180

The undersigned DAVID ALEXANDER CLEMENT, JR., having quali ed on the 1ST Day of JUNE 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of CHARLES LOWELL THOMAS, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 18TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 18TH DAY OF JUNE 2026.

DAVID ALEXANDER CLEMENT, JR., EXECUTOR 2808 SEAFORTH ROAD PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: J18,J25,Jy2,9

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000317-180

The undersigned Timothy Perry, having quali ed on the 11th Day of JUNE 2026 as Administrator of the Estate of CLYDE BERNICE PERRY, JR., deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 25TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 25TH DAY OF JUNE 2026.

TIMOTHY PERRY, ADMINISTRATOR

2880 PETE ROBERTON ROAD

PITTSBORO, NC 27312

Run dates: J25,Jy2,9,16p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA

CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000226-180

The undersigned ROBERT L. HAITHCOX AND CHARLOTTE E. HAITHCOX, having quali ed on the 17TH Day of APRIL 2026 as CO-EXECUTORS of the Estate of EDNA N. HAITHCOX, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 11TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 11TH DAY OF JUNE 2026.

ROBERT L. HAITHCOX, CO-EXECUTOR

3555 OLD HWY 1 PO BOX 232

MONCURE, NC 27559

CHARLOTTE E. HAITHCOX, CO-EXECUTOR

3557 OLD HWY 1 PO BOX 146 MONCURE, NC 27559 Run dates: J11,18,J25,Jy2

CREDITOR’S NOTICE

Having quali ed on the 9th day of June 2026, as Administrator of the Estate of Johnny Scott Rhoades, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the decedent to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before the 18th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms and corporations indebted to the estate should make immediate payment. This is the 10th of June 2026.

W. Woods Doster, Administrator of the Estate of Johnny Scott Rhoades 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330

Attorneys: Law O ces of Doster & Brown, P.A. 206 Hawkins Avenue Sanford, NC 27330

Publish On: June 18th, 25th and July 2nd and 9th 2026.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#25E000297-180

The undersigned CAROLYN CHEEK, having quali ed on the 22ND Day of MAY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of WILLIE MAY THOMPSON, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 18TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 18TH DAY OF JUNE 2026. CAROLYN CHEEK, EXECUTOR 338 CLARENCE MCKEITHAN ROAD SANFORD, NC 27330 Run dates: J18,J25,Jy2,9

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000220-180 The undersigned Lillie M. Alston, having quali ed on the 15th Day of APRIL 2026 as Administrator of the Estate of SONJA MARIE WILSON, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 18TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 18TH DAY OF JUNE 2026. LILLIE M. ALSTON, ADMINISTRATOR PO BOX 1545 PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: J18,J25,Jy2,9

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000310-180 The undersigned ELIZABETH ANN HEATHERLEY, having quali ed on the 2ND Day of JUNE 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of ERSKINE X. HEATHERLEY, JR., deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 18TH Day OF SEPTEMBER 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 18TH DAY OF JUNE 2026. ELIZABETH ANN HEATHERLEY, EXECUTOR 3548 CRAWFORD DAIRY RD. CHAPEL HILL, NC 27516 Run dates: J18,J25,Jy2,9

Notice of Public Hearings Town of Siler City The following items will be considered by the Siler City Board of Commissioners as legislative hearings. The hearings will be conducted during the Board of Commissioner’s meeting on Monday, July 20, 2026, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the court room located in the Siler

for an Event Center, Limited. This property is located at 1311 Old US 421 S and is identi ed as Parcel Number 14550 in the Chatham County Tax Records.

CASE S26-001: The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to consider the renaming of Hill Street to McClain Street.

The proposed item is available for review by contacting Tim Garner at tgarner@silercity.gov or 919-726-8628. All persons interested in the outcome of this item are invited to attend the legislative hearing and present comments, testimony, and exhibits on the above referenced item.

Interested parties may also submit written comments. Written comments can be submitted by email to tgarner@silercity.gov. Individuals desiring to speak may sign up by registering their name and information on the sign-up sheet, located outside the entry doors to the court room.

The Town of Siler City will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that disabled persons are provided other accommodations, such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing taped cassettes of materials for the blind, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings.

This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact Briana Martinez at 919-726-8620, 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, North Carolina 27344, or bmartinez@ silercity.gov for accommodations for this request. Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Kimberly Pickard al bmartinez@silercity.gov o 919-726-8625 o en 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, North Carolina 27344 de alojamiento para esta solicitud.

EXECUTORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS All persons, rms, and corporations having claims against Willie R. Parker, Jr., deceased of Chatham County, North Carolina, are hereby noti ed to present their claims by mailing them to Cheryl Parker Jarmon, Executor of the Estate of Willie R. Parker, Jr., 1901 Village Crossing Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517 before the 2nd day of October, 2026, or such claims will be forever barred. Debtors of the decent are requested to make immediate payment to the Estate through its Executor. File No.: 26-E-000350-180

This is the 2nd day of July, 2026 Published July 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Kathy VanLeur Moll, Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ces of Munson Law Firm PLLC, P.O. Box 1811 Pittsboro, NC 27312, on or before the 2nd day of October, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 2nd day of July, 2026.

LESLIE LEMUS SOTELO, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF KATHY VANLEUR MOLL

Supreme Court upholds state laws restricting girls’ athletic teams at schools to biological females only

State bans don’t violate Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams, in another setback for transgender people.

The court’s six-justice conservative majority, which has repeatedly ruled against transgender Americans in the past year, ruled that state bans in Idaho and West Virginia don’t violate the Constitution. The court unanimously agreed that barring transgender girls and women also doesn’t run afoul of the federal law known as Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court that, “states may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.”

More than two dozen other Republican-led states have adopted bans on female transgen-

der athletes, and the decision seems certain to extend to them as well.

Left unresolved by the outcome are lawsuits challenging state laws and regulations in Connecticut, California and elsewhere that permit transgender athletes to compete consistent with their gender identity.

Becky Pepper-Jackson, a 16-year-old high school sophomore in Bridgeport, West Virginia, has been taking puberty-blocking medication, has publicly identi ed as a girl since age 8 and has been issued a West Virginia birth certi cate recognizing her as female. She is the only transgender person who has sought to compete in girls sports in West Virginia.

Pepper-Jackson has progressed from a back-of-the-pack cross-country runner in middle school to statewide champion in the shot put. She beat the second-place nisher by two feet in last month’s West Virginia championship meet.

In the Idaho case, Lindsay Hecox sued over the state’s rstin-the-nation ban for the chance to try out for the women’s track and cross-country teams at Boise State University in Idaho.

“States may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh

She didn’t make either squad because “she was too slow,” her lawyer, Kathleen Hartnett, told the court during arguments in January, but she competed in club-level soccer and running. Prominent women in sports have weighed in on both sides. Tennis champion Martina Navratilova, swimmers Summer Sanders and Donna de Varona and beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings are supporting the state bans. Soccer stars Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn and basketball players Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart back the transgender athletes.

In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled LGBTQ people are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace, nding that “sex plays an unmistakable role” in employ-

ers’ decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate.

But last year, the six conservative justices on the nine-member court declined to apply the same sort of analysis when they upheld state bans on gender-afrming care for transgender minors.

The states supporting the prohibitions on transgender athletes argued there is no reason to extend the ruling barring workplace discrimination to Title IX.

Idaho’s law, state Solicitor General Alan Hurst said, is “necessary for fair competition because, where sports are concerned, men and women are obviously not the same.”

Lawyers for Pepper-Jackson argued that such distinctions generally make sense but that their client has none of those advantages because of the unique circumstances of her early transition. In Hecox’s case, her lawyers wanted the court to dismiss the case because she had forsworn trying to play on women’s teams.

NCAA president Charlie Baker told Congress in 2024 that he was aware of only 10 transgen-

Virginia to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in retail stores beginning in 2027

The law doubles the possession limit and creates a regulated market to undercut illicit sales

By Sarah Rankin The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Five years after becoming the rst Southern state to legalize possession of marijuana, Virginia has approved a legal way to sell it to recreational users.

State budget legislation enacted Monday will allow up to 350 cannabis shops to open across Virginia beginning July 1, 2027. The move marks the latest expansion of access to the drug — which remains illegal at the federal level — through state-level policymaking.

“Virginia legalized adult possession years ago, but without a regulated retail market, we left the illicit market to ll the gap,” state Sen. Lashrecse Aird, a Democrat and legislative leader on the issue, said in a statement earlier this month.

“This compromise gives us a smarter and safer path forward — one that protects consumers, keeps products tested and accurately labeled, and creates a legal marketplace that is affordable and accessible enough to actually compete.”

Here’s what to know about Virginia’s new law, the long process of enabling retail sales and how the state’s changes t into the national picture:

SPENDING from page A1

promise today.”

Three conservative justices would have allowed the restrictions to take e ect.

“The Court today takes the extraordinary step of holding facially unconstitutional the President’s Order excluding from citizenship the children of foreign temporary visitors and illegal aliens,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in a 91-page dissent, more than three times as long as Roberts’ opinion. “In doing so, the Court adds to the sad history of the Fourteenth Amendment, which was designed and understood to secure equal rights for the freed blacks but has instead been repurposed for political projects that the Reconstruction Congress did not support.”

The Republican president’s restrictions had been blocked by several lower courts and had

Virginia’s law allows new stores, higher possession limit

Virginia already had a medical marijuana program that allowed patients to purchase the drug through dispensaries. Now, state regulators will begin accepting applications for retail licenses on Feb. 1, ahead of the July 1, 2027, start date for recreational sales to adults 21 and older.

The law increases the state’s possession limit from 1 ounce to 2 ounces (28 grams to 57 grams) and it will continue to allow people to cultivate a small number of plants at home.

The state will levy an excise tax on top of its sales tax, and that mix is expected to generate about $51 million in reve-

not taken e ect anywhere in the U.S.

During arguments in April, both conservative and liberal justices questioned the order’s legality in a momentous case that was magni ed by Trump’s unprecedented attendance in the courtroom.

The case framed another test of Trump’s assertions of executive power that defy long-standing precedent for a court with a conservative majority and a robust view of presidential power that has largely ruled in his favor. In the notable exceptions when the court has not, Trump has responded with starkly personal criticisms of the justices.

The justices ruled on Trump’s appeal of a lower-court ruling from New Hampshire that struck down the citizenship restrictions.

The birthright citizenship order, which Trump signed on

nue for the state in the program’s rst year, according to legislative budget documents.

Advocates of legalization are heralding the changes

Democrats have driven the state’s push toward legalization and recreational retail sales. They have cast the issue as a matter of equity after state data found Black Virginians were disproportionately policed and convicted of using marijuana. Only a sliver of the state’s Republican lawmakers have backed legalization, and many have raised public safety and health concerns.

Legalization advocates have generally cheered Virginia’s legislation, though many objected to a provision increasing the civil ne for public consump-

the rst day of his second term, is part of his administration’s broad immigration crackdown.

Birthright citizenship was the rst Trump immigration-related policy to reach the court for a nal ruling. The justices previously struck down global tari s Trump had imposed under an emergency powers law that had never been used that way.

Trump reacted furiously to the late February tari s decision, saying he was ashamed of the justices who ruled against him and calling them unpatriotic.

He also seemed to recognize the court was likely to rule against him on birthright citizenship, too, using his Truth Social platform to criticize “dumb judges and justices” and wealthy pregnant women from China and elsewhere who come to the U.S. to give birth so their newborns will have American

der athletes out of more than half a million students on college teams. But despite the small numbers, the issue has taken on outsize importance.

Baker’s NCAA and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees banned transgender women from women’s sports after President Donald Trump, a Republican, signed an executive order aimed at barring their participation.

The public generally is supportive of the limits. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research poll conducted in October 2025 found that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults “strongly” or “somewhat” favored requiring transgender children and teenagers to compete only on sports teams that match the sex they were assigned at birth, not the gender they identify with, while about 2 in 10 were “strongly” or “somewhat” opposed and about one-quarter did not have an opinion.

About 2.1 million adults, or 0.8%, and 724,000 people ages 13 to 17, or 3.3%, identify as transgender in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.

Federal laws are at odds with state changes

Despite the fact that nearly all states permit some form of cannabis use, the U.S. government maintains its longstanding prohibition on the drug.

“Virginia legalized adult possession years ago, but without a regulated retail market, we left the illicit market to ll the gap.”

State Sen. Lashrecse Aird, Democratic legislative leader on the issue

tion, arguing it could again lead to disproportionate enforcement based on race.

Chelsea Higgs Wise, a grassroots organizer whose group Marijuana Justice was among those that called on Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger to rethink the increased ne, said the legislation was still an exciting development after years of uncertainty.

For the past ve years, “Adults that want to reasonably consume have been confused, rightfully so,” she said.

Virginia is an outlier in the South

Marijuana is legal in most U.S. states for either medicinal or recreational use, with about half allowing it for recreational use, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, which advocates for legalization and tracks policy developments around the country. Virginia remains an outlier in the South for its permissive approach.

citizenship. Trump’s order would have upended widely held views that the 14th Amendment confers citizenship on everyone born in the U.S., excluding only the children of foreign diplomats and those born to a foreign occupying force. The amendment was intended to ensure that Black people, including former slaves, had citizenship, though the Citizenship Clause is written more broadly. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” it reads. In a series of decisions, lower courts have struck down Trump’s executive order as illegal. The decisions have invoked the high court’s 1898 ruling in Wong Kim Ark, which held that the U.S.-born child of Chinese

But in a major policy shift, the Trump administration in April announced it was reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug and accelerating the process for a broader reclassi cation.

How Virginia got here

During the 2010s, Virginia gradually expanded access to marijuana for medical treatment. Then, in 2021, Virginia became the rst Southern state to legalize marijuana with the passage of a law that allowed adults 21 and over to possess and cultivate the drug.

But lawmakers didn’t fully enact a framework for retail sales outside of the state’s medical marijuana program. Partisan control of Virginia government ipped in November 2021, and the issue stalled out for years. In 2024, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have established recreational retail sales.

Spanberger, who assumed ofce in January 2026, pledged support during her winning campaign for legislation setting up a retail market. While the governor did veto Democratic legislation that emerged from this year’s legislative session, she eventually worked out a compromise with lawmakers. Those provisions were rolled into a state budget bill that reached nal passage Monday and now becomes law, according to the governor’s o ce, after lawmakers accepted all of Spanberger’s amendments.

nationals was a citizen.

The Trump administration argued that the common view of citizenship is wrong, asserting that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore are not entitled to citizenship.

More than one-quarter of a million babies born in the U.S. each year would have been affected by the executive order, according to research by the Migration Policy Institute and Pennsylvania State University’s Population Research Institute.

While Trump has largely focused on illegal immigration in his rhetoric and actions, the birthright citizenship restrictions also would have applied to people who are legally in the United States, including students and applicants for green cards, or permanent resident status.

STEVE HELBER / AP PHOTO

A cannibis plant that is close to harvest grows in a grow room at the Greenleaf Medical Cannabis facility in Richmond, Va., June 17, 2021.

CHATHAM SPORTS

Summer Heat Jamboree gives early look at basketball teams

Northwood, Chatham Central and Woods gear up for the winter

By Asheebo Rojas

Chatham News & Record

BEAR CREEK — The road to March is already underway for Chatham County’s high school basketball teams.

Chatham Central’s boys hosted the Summer Heat Jamboree on June 23, featuring Northwood, Woods Charter, Bethany Community, Union Pines and Garner.

The teams, although not fully rostered, gave a sneak peak of what to expect in the winter. Here are some early takeaways from the local teams featured in the event.

Chatham Central

After a 16-10 campaign in the spring, including a third round exit in the 1A playo s, the Bears are reloading with old and new blood.

During a double digit win over Bethany Community at the jamboree, junior guards Brooks and Turner Albright showcased

“The rising ninth graders and rising 10th graders, they’re showing up.”

Stacey Harris

how explosive Chatham Central’s o ense can be with their on-court chemistry and Brooks’ ability to create and make shots. Often behind the twins for cleanup was junior Gavin Williams, who looks to add an athletic wrinkle to the Bears’ line-

ASHEEBO ROJAS / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Berry runs with his Youth Hoops campers in a 2026 summer session.

From Youth Hoops to adulthood: local camps leave lasting e ect

Berry’s camps give back to its participants and sta

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

CHAPEL HILL — Over the course of nearly two decades, a basketball vacancy turned into a foundation for impact.

While he was beginning his tenure as the growing Woods Charter basketball coach in

2008, John Berry, now the boys’ basketball coach at Seaforth, received some advice from his mentor.

“(Ray Fredrick) from the Bouncing Bulldogs said, ‘Man, you should start some camps.

It’s a big void,’” Berry said. “The whole intent initially was to build a pipeline of kids that potentially would go to Woods, and I can have these players.”

At the time, the idea t right up Berry’s alley. Coaching basketball had been a passion of

his for years, and he was looking for a way to reassure himself nancially after bills and debt from big purchases began to pile up.

So, Berry held his rst basketball camp at Woods Charter in the summer of 2008, hosting 14 kids. He started at one session per week but eventually built it up to four. Then, it was year-round. Now, it’s Youth Hoops, and it pays back in ways

See CAMPS, page BX

up with rebounds and putbacks. Younger faces that didn’t make much impact last season also had some bright moments.

Sophomore Tysen Schmidt, a lengthy versatile forward, and freshman Montrell Perkins showed that they could contribute o ensively on the varsity level.

“The rising ninth graders and rising 10th graders, they’re showing up,” Stacey Harris said. “They’re playing really hard. The culture that we’ve kind of created here is you’ve got to make knockdown shots and shockingly, they’re able to

do that coming in. And so, once we put some weight on them, get in the weight room, hopefully, they’ll help us continue to be better.”

With the graduation of seniors Simon Sabbagh, Jeremiah Young and Westley Brower, the Bears are also welcoming some experienced pieces from down the road. Although they’ve yet to join Chatham Central on the court, junior forward Matthew Victorino and junior guard Nolan Mitchell, former Jordan-Matthews Jets, will look to add some more athleticism and size to the Bears’ lineup this winter.

Northwood

Per Northwood coach Matt Brown, the Chargers don’t rebuild. They just “keep going.”

The Chatham News & Record Pitcher of the Year will head west

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

NORTHWOOD senior Finn

Sullivan will graduate from mounds to mountains after high school. Sullivan announced his commitment to the App State baseball program on June 19. He will join the Mountaineers as a pitcher.

Prior to his commitment, Sullivan held six o ers and was contacted by schools across the ACC, CAA, Sun Belt, Big South and American conferences.

“I think for (App State), the biggest thing for me was building a relationship with the coaching sta ,” Sullivan said. “They reached out in early spring at the start of the season, and kind of just kept building that relationship into the summer.”

The App State coaching sta got a chance to watch Sullivan at a tournament following the end of his high school season and scheduled a visit shortly after.

“Some stu for me that was big was they’re renovating their indoor facilities, and they’re redoing their pitching building,” Sullivan said.

Said Sullivan, “Obviously, you see it online all the time,

“The program, the coaching sta , is a big family type of feel.”

Finn Sullivan

the eld in the fall, and the all turf eld was a big thing also with the facilities. And also, just the culture. The program, the coaching sta , is a big family type of feel.”

This past spring, Sullivan notched a 1.00 ERA, 98 strikeouts and limited opponents to a .150 batting average in 60 innings pitched. At the plate, he batted .380 with ve doubles, two triples, two homers, 27 RBIs and seven stolen bases. He picked up a plethora of accolades as a junior, including Four Rivers 3A/4A Conference and Chatham News & Record Pitcher of the Year, North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association All-State and a Body Armor State Games selection. Sullivan is next in a line of former Chargers that went on to play Division I baseball, including Johnny Baldwin (Campbell), Benji Johnson (UNC), Davis Palermo (UNC) and Austin Brice, who committed to App State but instead signed with the Marlins after they selected him in the 2010 MLB Draft.

ASHEEBO ROJAS / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Northwood’s Raje Torres looks to drive against Woods Charter in a preseason scrimmage.

Torris Price

Chatham Charter, track

Chatham Charter rising senior Torris Price earns athlete of the week honors for the week of June 22.

At the Adidas Track National Championship last week, Price set a new personal best and took home the Championship Elite boys’ one mile title with a time of 4 minutes, 16.53 seconds. He also placed seventh in the National Elite two-mile with a new personal record of 9:38.82. Price was part of the Knights’ boys’ National Elite 4x400 relay team that set a new best of 3:35.15.

Price has had a huge 2026 in track, winning state titles in the outdoor and indoor 1,600 and the indoor 1,000.

Oldham is the District 5 1A Player of the Year

Locals earn All-District honors 17

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record

THE NORTH Carolina Softball Coaches Association released its All-District awards last week.

Chatham County, part of District 5, saw 17 athletes selected. The All-District teams were organized by classi cation.

Here are the local selections.

Sallie Oldham (Chatham Central, 1A Player of the Year)

Senior out elder Oldham was crowned the District 5 1A Player of the Year and earned All-District honors for the third straight season. This past spring, Oldham led the Bears in runs (45), doubles (16) and triples (seven), and she tied with Lillie Poe and Maddie Kaczmarczyk at the top of the team’s RBI list (36). She batted .489 and logged a career-high 43 hits.

Chloe Brewer (Chatham Central)

Chloe Brewer earned All-District honors for the second time. During her junior season, the second baseman led the Bears in stolen bases with 19 on the season. She recorded a .402 batting average with 35 hits, 18 RBIs and six doubles.

Lillie Poe (Chatham Central)

Poe, a freshman rst baseman, couldn’t have had a better start to her high school career. She batted .524 and notched 36 runs, 44 hits, 13 doubles, ve triples and three home runs. Poe was one of two freshmen to earn District 5 1A All-District honors.

Maeson Smith (Chatham Central)

Smith earned an All-District selection for the rst time following her junior season. She posted solid showings in the circle, logging a 3.16 ERA with a 6-0 record, 46 strikeouts and 15 walks. At the plate, she batted .385 with 30 hits, 14 RBIs and six doubles.

Chatham County softball players notch All-District selections

Maddie Kaczmarczyk (Chatham Central)

As a junior, Kaczmarczyk led the Bears in batting average (.542) and hits (45) and logged 31 runs, 11 doubles and three homers. In the circle, the ace notched a career-best 1.96 ERA with 139 strikeouts and 35 walks. This is Kaczmarczyk’s third All-District selection.

Allison Bryant (Northwood)

Bryant, one of Northwood’s three seniors, earned her rst All-District honor. At the plate, the third baseman batted .360 with 18 runs, 27 hits, 24 RBIs, four doubles and a home run.

Tessa Cobler (Northwood)

Northwood second baseman Cobler was part of the Chargers’ standout freshman class, batting .361 and logging 21 runs, 26 hits 19 RBIs and three doubles.

Ruby Parks (Northwood)

Parks, the freshman catcher and shortstop, stepped up as one of the Chargers’ most impactful players this past spring. She set a new single-season stolen bases record for the program (49) while posting teambests of a .441 batting average, 41 runs and 30 hits.

Logan Thompson (Northwood)

Thompson established herself as the top pitcher in the Four Rivers 3A/4A conference as a freshman. She went 13-1 and achieved a 2.64 ERA with 176 strikeouts and 33 walks. At the plate, she batted .316 with 17 runs, 25 hits, a team-best 26 RBIs and six doubles.

Lilli Hicks (Jordan-Matthews)

Hicks ended her high school

career with her third straight All-District selection. She once again led the Jets in the circle with a 4.10 ERA, 131 strikeouts and 69 walks. Offensively, she batted .328 with 31 runs, 22 hits, four doubles and two triples.

Ella Parks (Jordan-Matthews)

Parks, Jets’ third baseman, hit the ground running as a freshman, logging a .417 batting average with 19 runs, 30 hits, 29 RBIs and 14 doubles.

Cami Brinkley (Seaforth)

Brinkley, the senior outfielder, earner her second All-District selection. She batted .370 and logged 15 runs, 27 hits, 17 RBIs, six doubles and 12 stolen bases.

Alyssa Harris (Seaforth)

Sophomore first baseman Harris earned All-District honors for the first time. She notched a .403 batting average with 16 runs, 25 hits, 20 RBIs, five doubles and five home runs.

Blair Hill (Seaforth)

Hill, the sophomore third baseman, had a huge season to earn her first All-District selection. She batted .425 with 27 runs, 31 hits, 17 RBIs, two doubles, two triples and a home run.

Emma Grace Hill (Seaforth)

Hill was once again a twoway force for the Hawks in her junior season, earning her third straight All-District selection. She batted .573 with 16 runs, 43 hits, 41 RBIs, six doubles and 10 homers. The Big Seven 4A/5A Pitcher of the Year posted a 2.29 ERA with 176 strikeouts and 57 walks in the circle.

Annika Johansson (Seaforth)

Johansson’s stellar hitting earned her third All-District selection as a junior. The shortstop led the Hawks with a .658 batting average and logged 45 runs, 50 hits, 24 RBIs, 13 doubles, 11 triples and three home runs.

Abigail Johnson (Seaforth)

Junior second baseman Johnson earned her first All-District selection. Johnson batted .300 with 25 runs, 18 hits, eight RBIs, two doubles, a home run and 17 stolen bases.

ASHEEBO ROJAS / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Local youth programs took on the big stage last week

Hornets win NTBA title, West Chatham plays in state tournament 2

By Asheebo Rojas Chatham News & Record Carolina Hornets

CAROLINA HORNETS

13U, a local Nike Jr. EYBL girls’ basketball team, won the NTBA Seventh Grade National Championship in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Sunday.

The Hornets, coached by Siler City natives Ryan and Jarred Siler and consisting of multiple players from Chatham County, defeated Charlotte Dream Elite 52-46 in the gold bracket nal. Leading up to the championship game, Carolina beat 910 Lady Phoenix 49-29 in the second round, and it dominated Lady Attack LKN 45-20 in the semi nal.

While winning the seventh

grade title, the Hornets also played in the ninth grade gold bracket, nishing as the runner-up to the Upstate Lady Sting. Ryan Siler said the team was looking to face tougher competition in preparation for the Nike Session III in Las Vegas (July 10-13) and the Nike Nationals in Chicago (July 2427).

The latest championship run marked the seventh tournament title for the Hornets since their season began in March.

The girls that also play with the Carolina Magic have also continued to win tournaments outside of the Jr. EYBL circuit.

Carolina Magic, a local travel girls’ basketball team started by Ryan and Jarred Siler before the team started playing at the Jr. EYBL level with the Hornets, won the Teammate Basketball 7th Grade National Championship in Rock Hill, South Carolina on June 21.

West Chatham 8U teams represented the county in the DYB State Tournament

The Magic won the gold division nal over CSF Select ’31 48-36. They went 3-0 in pool play, including a 53-30 win over the runners-up.

In bracket play, the Magic beat Upstate Thunder (South Carolina) in a close 37-32 battle to advance to the championship game.

From this spring through the summer, the Magic’s middle school girls, with the seventh and eighth graders often playing in the ninth grade brackets, have claimed over seven tournament champion-

ships. The seventh grade team has been undefeated for over a year.

West Chatham 8U

The West Chatham 8U AllStars National and American baseball teams represented Chatham County at the 2026 North Carolina Diamond Youth Baseball State Tournament in Leland over the weekend.

The National team started with a 18-10 win over Fairmont Saturday. Lincoln Marsh went 3 for 4 with a team-high four RBIs. Following a 15-7 loss to Whiteville later that day, Murray Parker’s RBI double in the top of the sixth inning gave West Chatham the 9-8 lead it would hold onto to beat Topsail Sunday.

West Chatham’s National team lost to West Robeson Sunday and Hope Mills Monday.

The American team fought

hard but fell short of a win at the tournament. It lost its last three games by a combined ve runs. Belmont walked o a 1514 win over West Chatham with back-to-back RBI singles in the bottom of the sixth inning Saturday.

West Chatham then fell to West Robeson in a 19-16 o ensive duel Sunday.

Down 6-1 early against Topsail later that day, West Chatham’s comeback amed out in its nal batting turn, and it fell 7-6.

To qualify for the state tournament, the American team defeated the National team in the DYB District 1 tournament championship 14-4 on June 8.

The American roster includes Asier Sanchez, Gunner Smith, Brady Phillips, Hank Fields, Liles Hudson, Luke McNeill, Jamesley White, Beau Blakley, Teagan Palmatier, James Deaton, Chase Wilburn and Jesse Gooch.

The National team includes Benjamin Cox, Bentlee Baxter, Brenner Gregson, Carson Lynch, Cohen Bales, Connor Frye, Easton Godfrey, Jack Allen, Knox Stocum, Lincoln Marsh, Maddox Newlin and Murray Parker.

COURTESY RYAN SILER

Carolina Hornets celebrate its 2026 NTBA National Championship victory.

His rise as Northwood’s next high-level prospect started while playing T-ball in the Greenville area. At a very young age, Sullivan felt he had a “stronger arm” than his peers, and that carried over into little league days in Pittsboro.

“I moved to Raleigh and then to Pittsboro and started playing at East Chatham with Rick Parks as my coach,” Sullivan said. “And that’s why I started to see strides, you know, just separating myself on the mound.”

Said Sullivan, “Pitching wise, it really started to click for me into middle school.”

In the summer season leading into his freshman year at Northwood, Sullivan joined the South Charlotte Panthers, his current travel team. During his rst outing, he pitched a complete game against high-school aged batters that were already committed to college programs.

“I was like, ‘Ok, I can hang,’” Sullivan said. “’I can hang with these guys,’ and I think my condence took o from there.”

Sullivan earned a signicant role with the Chargers as a freshman, earning all-conference honors that season.

Throughout his sophomore year, Sullivan began sharpening his skills with Brice, someone he knew from afar until the two built a relationship.

“He’s a great guy, and I’m very fortunate I had him by my side for a little bit,” Sullivan said. Sullivan also credited coaches Chris Patton (Director of Pitching at Octane Baseball), Logan Bender (Director of Pitching Development at ArmStrong Performance) and Coby Ingle (founder of The Athletes Facility) for his con dence and development.

He’ll join an App State program that has made six NCAA tournament appearances and went 30-25 in 2026.

Special Olympics Airlift ies in athletes from across the country for national competition

The Arizona Cardinals team plane is one of several donated jets getting athletes to the national games

By John Marshall The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Tires

squeak on the runway every three to four minutes, announcing arrivals from Phoenix, Omaha, Orlando, other points across the country.

The procession of Cessnas, Beechcraft, Hawkers, even a jumbo-sized Boeing 777, pulls up to two Minneapolis-St. Paul airports, whirring to a halt as anticipation inside the cabins builds. Doors open to heroes’ welcomes of cheers and high- ves, bringing big smiles to the faces of the passengers.

This is the Special Olympics Airlift, a parade of planes like no other.

“Traveling together makes us feel connected, supported and able to compete,” Team Arizona cheerleading athlete Brianna Sanchez said. “This experience is about more than competition. It’s about growth, leadership and showing what we can achieve.”

The Special Olympics have been a bastion of empowerment since Eunice Kennedy Shriver laid the groundwork for the rst Games in 1968, allowing people with intellectual disabilities to be recognized for the gifts they have, nd themselves being included instead of excluded.

The Special Olympics Airlift has been the driving — ying? — force for getting athletes to and from the Special Olympics for nearly 40 years.

Made up entirely of volunteer pilots, aircraft and crew, the Special Olympics Airlift has transported more than 10,000 athletes to the Special Olympics USA Games.

The airlift to this year’s Games, which wrap up Friday in Minneapolis, featured 130 ights from 25 cities carrying more than 800 athletes and covering nearly 300,000 round-trip nautical miles. Textron Aviation organizes the airlift and had 200 volunteers

on the ground last Friday to handle everything from baggage to refueling to manning the tugs to move the aircraft around.

“It’s a massive e ort, as you can imagine,” Textron President and CEO Ron Draper said. “But it’s very rewarding to do something for other people and, in this case, you see the immediate feedback and appreciation from those athletes and those teams. That’s why we do it.”

The airlift is coordinated with the FAA, which redirects air tra c in the central U.S. most of the day and has a team on site. The aircraft, manned by Textron’s customers, receive special “Dove” call signs and receive priority handling within the US National Airspace System. Half of St. Paul Downtown Airport shut down to accommodate the airlift, with volunteers and Special Olympics o cials on the ground providing rousing welcomes for each group of athletes.

“For many, it’s the rst time they get to ride on an airplane,” said Prent Corporation’s Chris Clawson, pilot of Dove 1, the rst to land in Minneapolis-St. Paul. “Transportation is not something they need to stress about — they can actually enjoy it.”

Members of the Arizona and New Mexico delegations — roughly 170 people — got a special treat, ying on the Arizona Cardinals’ team plane out of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. They not only sat in the same seats NFL players use, it was a rst-class experience that included gift bags and meal service — build-yourown burger, Southwest chicken burrito or Mediterranean

Despite the graduation of key starters Cam Fowler, the 202425 CNR Player of the Year, Chad Graves, an East-West All-Star along with Fowler, and Bakari Watkins, the culture that has brought Northwood years of success was still on display in the jamboree.

The Chargers dominated Woods Charter and Union Pines with their signature high-intensity full court and half court defensive pressure.

Sophomore guard Asaiah Sherrod covered a lot of ground, coming away with multiple steals and de ections from

CAMPS from page B1

money can’t buy.

Youth Hoops basketball camps welcome kids aged 6-14 for skills development with a focus on fundamentals. The sessions, ranging from larger camps to private lessons, are held at various locations in North Chatham and Chapel Hill.

It’s not just Berry giving out instruction. Youth Hoops campers can take in basketball knowledge from other local high school coaches like Andre Nabors (Seaforth boys’ assistant) and John Alcox (Carrboro girls’ assistant). Former Northwood basketball standout Deuce Powell, the older brother of Brooklyn Nets wing Drake Powell, has also been on sta for six years.

“It’s kind of a nice way to kind of introduce kids to basketball and just kind of seeing where

jumping passing lanes. On the other end, he knocked down some open shots. Senior guards Asher Brooks and Raje Torres orchestrated the o ense, and the tandem of forwards Tolson O’Daniel (sophomore) and Tripp O’Leary (junior) provided opportunities for easy looks at the rim. Along with his strong nishes, O’Daniel showcased his ability to shoot from beyond the arc.

“Asaiah and Tolson are stepping up big time,” Brown said.

“And then, we got a couple of freshman guys from the JV squad from last year that are going to have major minutes too this year. So, I mean, I think

they are on a skill level,” Ernest Brown, the father of 7-yearold camper Tripp Brown, said. “Watching them kind of progress versus throwing them right into like, you know, playing on a team and playing games.” Numerous players who have attended the camp in their youth have gone on to have successful high school and even college careers.

Berry remembers having a huge impact on Jacob Martin, a SIU Edwardsville center who went to Chapel Hill prior to attending IMG. Martin started his college career at Alabama.

On the Youth Hoops Instagram page, Berry is seen helping Martin work on nishing through contact during a 2016 camp at Woods Charter.

we’re going to surprise a lot of people.”

Woods Charter

Coming o their rst playo win, Woods Charter is looking to take another step with much more experience this season.

The Wolves, boasting six seniors and a junior who have led the program to its most success in history, fell short of some tough competition against Garner (7A) and Northwood in the Jamboree. However, there were plenty of positive takeaways.

Senior standout Levi Haygood played with aggressiveness throughout the scrimmages and

“I love watching the kids get better and just nd that con dence

in themselves as well as helping them learn basketball.”

Powell

Deuce

But maybe one of his most impacted athletes, though, is former Seaforth star Katie Leonard.

Leonard rst attended a Youth Hoops camp in her early elementary days and was a regular.

“It taught me how to play with people I didn’t know,” Leonard, who will continue her career at Cornell, said. “And how to immediately use the stu that I learned that day and try to apply it later and then just compound

made opportunities for himself at the rim. Woods Charter coach Leonard McNair said he’s also been getting more con dent making outside shots.

Junior guard Campbell Blackburn was another big part of the Wolves’ o ense with his ability to hit from midrange. Senior guard Alden Phelps once again showed up as the oor general, helping slow the game down at the times the Wolves were sped up.

Younger players also made an impact in the scrimmages, especially sophomore guard EJ Eaglin. Eaglin showcased his quick handle and his ability to attack downhill for looks at the rim.

things. And (Berry) teaches a lot of life lessons, too.”

This summer, Leonard is helping coach at the Youth Hoops camps and so is Patrick Miller, one of Berry’s former Seaforth players. As former campers and players give back to the kids that they once were, Youth Hoops is giving young adults the chance to stay around the game of basketball in a productive way.

“I just love it,” Powell said. “I love watching the kids get better and just nd that con dence in themselves as well as helping them learn basketball.”

Said Miller, “It really means everything to me to watch the kids grow, and it kind of puts a smile on my face, makes me happy, and I have a good passion for coaching.”

By sharing his own passion with others, Berry founded

Members of teams from Arizona and New Mexico sit in their seats after boarding their ight to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

salad, a fresh chocolate chip cookie for dessert.

The ight, operated by Cardinals team a liate Gridiron Air, landed at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport to cheers and a chant of “USA!” from the athletes inside. The plane was doused with a double water cannon salute before pulling into the gate, where a boisterous crowd of several dozen people greeted the exiting athletes.

“I don’t really watch movies on planes very often, but that was something we could do up there and they actually served food,” Team Arizona powerlifting athlete Zakarias Hollingshead said. “That’s not something I’ve ever gotten before.”

The Cardinals’ Boeing 777200ER team plane was the rst widebody aircraft to participate in the airlift’s 40 years. Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has been involved with Special Olympics for several years, even personally ying athletes to various competitions. When Textron approached him about donating use of the team’s plane, Bidwill jumped at the opportunity.

“We’re proud to put these athletes on the same airplane that Trey McBride is on, that Budda Baker is riding on, that all of our players and greats over the last several years have ridden on, so they can ride in style to Minneapolis to compete in the games,” Bidwill said. “We hope it was a great ride. We’re happy to support it.”

The Special Olympics USA Games are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of the athletes.

So is the ride there.

Sophomore forward Ace Haygood, Levi’s little brother, is another younger face McNair expects to step up this coming season.

“EJ’s going to have a very bright future,” McNair said. “He makes me feel a lot more comfortable knowing that we’re going to lose Alden after this year. But EJ is just going to bring a table setter, attack mindset, and he plays ferocious defense.”

Said McNair, “Ace is a dog. And even last year in the playo s, it’ll be situations where I was just frustrated at the rebounding. I throw him in, he’d go get ve rebounds in like ve minutes.”

something that can sustain itself and the community it serves. For 18 years and counting, Youth Hoops has stood on the condence and positivity it leaves in the players it reaches.

“Youth Hoops is my baby,” Berry said. “I’ve touched a lot of kids, a lot of coaches, hired a lot of people. That’s part of it, too. You get kids coming at six, seven, eight years old, they get older, get to high school, I bring them back in to be student coaches and pay them out. So, they’ve got something on their resume. They got references. I’ve got a list of guys like this. That’s what I do every year. And that’s the part I’m interested in.”

Said Berry, “People don’t care how much you make. They don’t care what materialistic things you have, but what they do care about is, how did you make them feel?”

JAMBOREE from page B1

SULLIVAN from page B1

GENE GALIN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Sullivan launches a pitch in a 2026 game.

JOHN MARSHALL / AP PHOTO

SIDELINE REPORT

NFL

Parents of former player Martin allege excessive police force led to his wrongful death

The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin have led a wrongful death lawsuit against Oakland, California, police o cers and an ambulance company, claiming excessive force and delayed medical care led to Martin’s death last year. The lawsuit states Martin was experiencing a mental health crisis in October when police used excessive force to subdue him. The 36-year-old was a standout player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

FOOTBALL

CFL won’t allow QB Sorsby to sign with teams or be added to negotiation lists

Toronto The CFL said it won’t allow 22-year-old quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was permanently ruled ineligible by the NCAA for sports betting to sign with any of its teams or be placed on their negotiation lists. Sorsby admitted to placing thousands of bets totaling nearly $90,000. After being ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA, Sorsby attempted to join the NFL’s supplemental draft, but that league told him it wouldn’t hold one this year. The CFL said in a statement “upholding the integrity of the league and ensuring fair competition” was paramount.

MLB White Sox chairman Reinsdorf o ciates wedding of former Rookie of Year Kittle during game

As the White Sox were slugging their way to a 22-1 victory over the Royals, former player Ron Kittle was getting married in a ballpark suite with Chicago chairman Jerry Reinsdorf o ciating. Kittle tied the knot with his girlfriend, Barbara, in Reinsdorf’s suite during Chicago’s 10-run third inning. The White Sox went on to score their most runs since May 1970. Harold Baines and Greg Walker, Kittle’s teammates on the 1983 White Sox squad, and their spouses also attended the quick ceremony.

WNBA

Parker, Delle Donne lead Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class

Knoxville, Tenn. Candace Parker’s basketball journey has come full circle. It started at the University of Tennessee in 2004. It included two national titles, three WNBA crowns, two WNBA MVP awards and two Olympic gold medals. Saturday night, Parker was one of eight inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville. Others included players Elena Delle Donne, Amaya Valdemoro and Isabelle Fijalkowski; coaches Cheryl Reeve and Kim Muhl; television analyst Doris Burke; and posthumous veteran honoree Barbara Kennedy-Dixon.

Stokes, Holt, Smith headline early list of lottery candidates for 2027 NBA draft

Duke, UNC also have players to watch

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

High-end freshman talent teemed through the last two NBA draft classes.

The 2027 class lacks that same lofty status.

Paul Biancardi, ESPN’s national recruiting director for high school basketball, said it was long clear the past two classes would “be special.” So much so that the NBA recently changed its draft rules due to widespread tanking by teams angling for those top prospects.

“Unfairly they’re going to be compared to the last two classes,” Biancardi said of 2027. “That’s never going to be helpful for them because whether it was a bulk of talent or just tremendous talent at the top the last two drafts were the best we’ve seen in decades.

“So now we look ahead and this class ended up being very good.”

One-and-done freshmen claimed 11 of 14 lottery spots (78.6%) in both 2025 and 2026, while NIL rules make it enticing and lucrative for prospects to stay longer in college.

With that in mind, here’s a look at next summer’s top lottery candidates:

Tyran Stokes, Kansas

The 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward is a McDonald’s All-American topping recruiting rankings.

Caleb Holt, Arizona

The guard signed with the Wildcats in April. He shared MVP honors of the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Jordan Smith Jr., Arkansas

The McDonald’s All-American was named the Naismith national high school player of the year in March.

Bruce Branch III, BYU Branch was the No. 2 recruit in the 2027 recruiting class before reclassifying to this year.

Alijah Arenas, USC

The 6-6, 199-pound guard and son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has recovered from a truck accident and knee injury.

Braylon Mullins, UConn

The 6-6 freshman guard hit one of the biggest shots in March Madness lore with his last-second 3-pointer to beat Duke in the Elite Eight.

Thomas Haugh, Florida

The 6-9, 215-pound versatile forward and third-team All-American was already a lottery candidate before returning for his senior season.

Luigi Suigo, Villanova

The 7-3, 289-pound teenager who played in Serbia had the third-biggest wingspan measured at the combine (better than 7-5).

Motiejus Krivas, Arizona

The 7-2, 260-pound center was a frontcourt anchor for a 36-win Final Four team as a junior.

Cameron Williams, Duke

The 7-0, 210-pound forward headlines the nation’s No. 2-ranked recruiting class.

Coach Jon Scheyer has praised his versatility to defend all ve positions to go with athleticism, ballhandling and shooting range.

Amari Allen, Alabama

The 6-8, 205-pound forward withdrew from the draft to return for his sophomore season.

Patrick Ngongba II, Duke

The 6-11, 250-pound center upped his production (10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds) as a sophomore with rim-protecting length (1.1 blocks). He showed the rst glimpses of improved range (8 of 31 from 3) to go with his passing touch (2.0 assists).

Jason Crowe Jr., Missouri

The 6-foot-3, 170-pound combo guard shared McDonald’s All-American Game MVP honors.

Matt Able, North Carolina

The 6-6 freshman guard averaged 8.8 points at N.C. State while showing with quality range (two games with ve 3s). He performed well at the combine before withdrawing to play under former NBA championship-winner Michael Malone at UNC.

Others to watch (in alphabetical order):

“Unfairly

they’re going to be compared to the last two classes.”

Recruiting expert Paul Biancardi on the 2027 class

Juke Harris: The 6-7 guard is set for a starring role at Tennessee after averaging 21.4 points as a Wake Forest sophomore.

Sayon Keita: The lean 7-footer from Mali committed to UNC after playing in Spain. He has length, athleticism and still-developing upside as a rim protector and lob threat.

Dame Sarr: Duke’s 6-8 wing from Italy o ers high-end defensive potential and length. He averaged 6.4 points as a freshman but showed growth from outside (34.9% on 3s after Feb. 4).

Tyler Tanner: Vanderbilt’s 6-0, 173-pound guard withdrew from the draft to return as a junior.

JT Toppin: Texas Tech’s 6-9, 230-pound junior forward was a rst-team AP All-American despite su ering a season-ending knee injury (torn ACL).

Tounde Yessoufou: The 6-5 wing averaged 17.8 points as a freshman at Baylor, then withdrew from the draft to join St. John’s as 247Sports’ No. 4 transfer.

MLB’s draft overhaul would limit choices for teen players — and be a boon for colleges

High schoolers may not be eligible to be drafted if a new proposal passes

By David Brandt The Associated Press

PHOENIX — James Clark is a young man with enticing options on his baseball horizon. The promising 18-yearold shortstop was taking ineld practice during the MLB draft combine at Chase Field, uidly handling ground balls before ring to rst base. It’s one of many reasons the California native has a chance to be selected in the rst round of next month’s draft.

But if he decides he’s not ready to start his professional baseball career, he’s committed to play college ball at Duke, which has a successful baseball program and an elite academic reputation.

“It’s going to be a di cult decision,” Clark said. “But it’s a good one to have.”

If MLB gets it’s way, it’s a decision that future baseball prospects won’t get to make.

Owners recently proposed banning high school players from signing with major league teams, raising the age for international amateurs and slashing the money spent on signing bonuses in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

If the league gets its way, starting in 2028, a prospect

for the amateur draft would have to be at least 20 years old by the Sept. 1 of his signing year and two years removed from the graduating year of his high school class — a restriction that also would eliminate players who completed their rst year of junior college.

There are dozens of current MLB stars who signed as teenagers, including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Mike Trout and Bobby Witt Jr. Even more recently, Pirates phenom Konnor Gri n made his MLB debut at 19 years old.

Shortstop Roch Cholowsky was a highly-rated recruit coming out of a high school in Arizona in 2023 but instead played at UCLA for three seasons. Now he could be the No. 1 selection in next month’s MLB draft after a standout career with the Bruins.

Still, he had plenty of friends who went straight to

the pros out of high school.

“It’s di erent for everybody — whatever is best for you,” Cholowsky said. “A guy like myself needed to go to college. I got to play three years of unbelievable baseball at UCLA, learn a lot and really grow up.”

College baseball has grown rapidly in recent years for many reasons, including that NCAA programs can now offer 34 scholarships instead of the old cap of 11.7. There’s also some NIL money available at the top programs, though it’s usually not like the high-dollar deals for their football or basketball counterparts.

In the 2025 MLB draft, 56 college players were selected in the top 90 picks. Thanks to a variety of factors — especially money and technology — the MLB and NCAA versions of baseball have never been more similar.

Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz was last year’s AL

Rookie of the Year after playing in college at Wake Forest, needing just 210 plate appearances in the minors before dominating MLB pitching. Pittsburgh Pirates righthander Paul Skenes was a star pitcher at LSU before being drafted in 2023 and needed just 34 innings in the minors before making it to the big leagues. He was obviously ready — winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and the Cy Young award in 2025.

From the MLB perspective, it’s become advantageous to let prospects develop in college instead of drafting them as teenagers, paying large signing bonuses, and then trying to project their growth. Currently, each MLB team runs ve levels of domestic minor leagues, which can get expensive.

Streamlining that process is enticing. The minors are already shrinking — MLB cut 40 minor league a liates back in 2020. MLB has said it will not seek to reduce the 120 minor league teams in the top four levels when it negotiates new professional development licenses in 2030 to replace expiring 10-year deals.

“These guys trust (college) programs,” Arizona State coach Willie Bloomquist said earlier this spring. “They say, ‘We’ll just watch them in college in three years at a Power 4 program, see how they development and then we’ll go get them.’”

GREGORY PAYAN / AP PHOTO

Duke recruit Cameron Williams (1) shoots during the Hoophall Classic.

James Clark, a shortstop from St. John Bosco High School, gathers his gear in the dugout at the MLB baseball combine.

ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO

this week in history

U.S. declares independence, Jim Morrison dies at 27, rst Wall Street Journal, West Point opens

JULY 2

1776: The Continental Congress approved a resolution declaring that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.”

1937: Aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared over the Paci c Ocean while attempting to make the rst round-theworld ight along the equator.

1964: President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting discrimination and segregation based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

JULY 3

1775: Gen. George Washington took command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts.

1944: During World War II, Soviet forces recaptured Minsk from German forces.

1950: The rst carrier strikes of the Korean War took place as USS Valley Forge and HMS Triumph sent ghter planes against North Korean targets.

1971: Singer Jim Morrison of The Doors died in Paris at age 27.

JULY 4

1776: Delegates to the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.

1802: The United States Military Academy o cially opened

at West Point, New York.

1817: Construction began on the Erie Canal in Rome, New York.

1910: In what was billed as “The Fight of the Century,” black world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson defeated white former champ “Gentleman” Jim Je ries in Reno, Nevada; race riots across the country following the ght killed more than 20 people.

JULY 5

1687: Isaac Newton rst published his Principia Mathematica, a three-volume work setting out his mathematical principles of natural philosophy.

1811: Venezuela became the rst South American country to declare independence from Spain.

1852: Frederick Douglass delivered his speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York.

1996: Dolly the sheep, the rst mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell by scientists at the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, was born.

JULY 6

1777: During the American Revolution, British forces captured Fort Ticonderoga.

1885: French scientist Louis Pasteur tested an anti-rabies vaccine on 9-year-old Joseph Meister, who had been bitten by an infected dog; the boy did not develop rabies.

1933: The rst All-Star baseball game was played at Chicago’s Comiskey Park; the American League defeated the National League 4-2 behind winning pitcher Lefty Gomez of the New York Yankees.

JULY 7

1898: President William McKinley signed the Newlands Resolution, approving the annexation of the Republic of Hawaii.

1930: Construction began on Boulder Dam (known today as Hoover Dam).

1981: President Ronald Reagan announced he was nominating Arizona Judge Sandra Day O’Connor to become the rst female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

JULY 8

1776: Col. John Nixon gave the rst public reading of the Declaration of Independence, outside the State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia.

1853: An expedition led by U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Edo Bay, Japan, on a mission to seek diplomatic and trade relations with the Japanese.

1889: The rst issue of The Wall Street Journal was published.

DOW JONES & COMPANY VIA WIKIPEDIA The Wall Street Journal published its rst edition on July 8, 1889.

AP PHOTO

Aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan vanished over the Paci c Ocean on July 2, 1937.

Film academy invites 529 new members, including Jenna Ortega, Safdie brothers, Jacob Elordi

Conan O’Brien will host the 99th Academy Awards

By Jake Coyle The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The Acade-

my of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last week invited 529 members to the Oscar voting body, a new class that brings the group’s membership to nearly double what it was a decade ago.

Among those who received invites are “One Battle After Another” nominee Teyana Taylor, Josh O’Connor, Jenna Ortega, Jacob Elordi and Simu Liu.

If all new members accept their invitations, the lm academy will number 11,319, with 10,338 voting members. In 2016, the academy numbered closer to 6,000 members.

But to diversify its ranks, the Oscars organization has swelled in recent years. In 2015, the academy was 75% male and 92% white. That year, all 20

acting nominees were white, prompting the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag.

Following the induction of this year’s new members, the academy will be 64% male and 75% white. One byproduct of the membership expansion has been an increase in international voters. Overseas members now ac-

count for 22% of the group.

The makeup of the new class is 42% women, 56% from underrepresented communities and 53% from countries outside the U.S.

“Membership selection is based on professional qualications, with an ongoing commitment to representation, in-

clusion and equity remaining a priority,” the academy said in its announcement.

After several new classes that numbered closer to 1,000, the academy has in recent years grown at a more modest pace. Last year, 534 voters were added.

As it has grown in size, the academy has also added new categories to its annual awards ceremony. Earlier this year, the rst award for casting was handed out. In 2028, the rst Oscar for achievement in stunt design will be given.

Other new members include Anthony Ramos, Bill Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, Jemaine Clement, Sopé Dìrísù and Stephen Fry. Among the invited lmmakers are Josh and Benny Safdie, “Weapons” director Zach Cregger and “Sirât” lmmaker Oliver Laxe.

The 99th Academy Awards will be held March 14, 2027, with Conan O’Brien returning as host for the third consecutive year.

Harvey Weinstein’s California rape conviction upheld, but court says he must be resentenced

The producer’s crimes helped spark the #MeToo movement

By Andrew Dalton The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — An appeals court on Friday upheld Harvey Weinstein’s 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction in California but ordered that he be resentenced.

A three-judge panel of California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal unanimously issued the decision, saying the trial judge did not violate the former movie magnate’s constitutional rights.

“We reject his attempts to disturb the jury’s guilty verdicts,” the judges wrote in their opinion.

Weinstein spokesperson Juda Engelmayer said in an email, “We are disappointed by today’s decision and respectfully disagree with the Court of Appeal’s conclusions regarding the fairness of Mr. Weinstein’s trial. At the same time, the court correctly recognized that his sentence cannot stand.”

The decision came a day after prosecutors in New York said Weinstein would not face a

fourth trial there, dropping the #MeToo-era case after the accuser said she could not bear to testify again.

The California panel said resentencing was necessary because the judge who sentenced Weinstein considered New York convictions that were later thrown out as an aggravating factor. California’s attorney general agreed.

Weinstein, 74, still stands convicted of another sexual felony in New York, and he remains behind bars awaiting a September sentencing there. Prosecutors there are seeking a 20-year prison term.

In California, Weinstein was convicted in December 2022 of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault against an Italian model and actor known during the trial as Jane Doe 1. He would serve his new sentence there only after his New York term is complete.

After the trial, Jane Doe 1 came forward under her name, Evgeniya Chernyshova, when she sued Weinstein in civil court.

Chernyshova testi ed that Weinstein arrived uninvited at her hotel room during the 2013 LA Italia Film Festival and assaulted her.

Weinstein’s defense argued that he deserved a new trial because Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lisa B. Lench wrongly prevented his trial lawyers from asking about Facebook messages between Chernyshova and festival head Pascal Vicedomini that would have shown they had a sexual

relationship.

The defense said the questioning would have demonstrated that she perjured herself when she said she and Vicedomini were just friends and colleagues.

“The lower court all but gutted Mr. Weinstein’s defense,” attorney Jennifer Bonjean told

“This is not the end of the appellate process.”

Juda Engelmayer, Weinstein spokesperson

the appeals judges during oral arguments April 23.

But the appeals court said in its ruling that Weinstein was able to make the arguments he wanted during the trial based on other evidence, including another set of Facebook messages that Lench allowed.

“Thus, there was no denial of Weinstein’s constitutional right to present a defense,” the panel wrote in its opinion.

The three judges also found that Weinstein’s lawyers failed to adhere to California’s rape shield law, which prohibits evidence of an accuser’s sexual history, when they tried to introduce the messages.

The Los Angeles jury acquitted Weinstein of the sexual battery of a massage therapist and failed to reach verdicts on counts involving two other women.

“This is not the end of the appellate process,” Engelmayer said in his email.

STEVEN HIRSCH / NEW YORK POST VIA AP

Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Supreme Court Thursday, June 25, 2026, in New York.

ANDY KROPA / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Teyana Taylor attends the Chanel Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner at Tribeca Grill in 2026, in New York.

famous birthdays this week

Eva Marie Saint hits 102, Geraldo Rivera is 83, George W. Bush turns 80

The Associated Press

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week:

JULY 2

Former Philippine rst lady Imelda Marcos is 97. Racing Hall of Famer Richard Petty is 89. Former White House chief of sta and former New Hampshire governor John H. Sununu is 87. Writer-director-comedian Larry David is 79. Actor-model Jerry Hall is 70.

JULY 3

Attorney Gloria Allred is 85.

Actor Kurtwood Smith is 83. Country singer Johnny Lee is 80. Humorist Dave Barry is 79. Talk show host Montel Williams is 70. Actor Tom Cruise is 64. Actor Yeardley Smith is 62. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is 55.

JULY 4

Actor Eva Marie Saint is 102. Queen Sonja of Norway is 89. Actor Karolyn Grimes (“It’s a Wonderful Life”) is 86. Broadcast journalist Geraldo Rivera is 83. Funk/jazz trombonist Fred Wesley is 83. Vietnam War veteran and peace activist Ron Kovic is 80.

JULY 5

Julie Nixon Eisenhower is 78. Rock star Huey Lewis is 76. NFL Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton is 70. Cartoonist Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes) is 68. Actor Edie Falco is 63.

JULY 6

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is 91. Singer Gene Chandler (“Duke of Earl”) is 89. Actor Burt Ward (TV: “Batman”) is 81. Former President George W. Bush is 80. Actor-director Sylvester Stallone is 80.

JULY 7

JULY 8

Actor Je rey Tambor is 82. Drummer Jaimoe Johanson (The Allman Brothers Band) is 82. Actor Kim Darby is 79. Children’s musician Ra is 78. Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck is 77. Actor Anjelica Huston is 75. Pro Football Hall of Famer Jack Lambert is 74. Actor Kevin Bacon is 68.

Musician-conductor Doc Severinsen is 99. Former Beatle Ringo Starr is 86. World Golf Hall of Famer Tony Jacklin is 82. Actor Joe Spano is 80. Singer-songwriter Vonda Shepard is 63. Actor-comedian Jim Ga gan is 60.

EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Actor Anjelica Huston turns 75 on Wednesday.

DANNY MOLOSHOK / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Eva Marie Saint turns 102 on Saturday.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr turns 86 on Tuesday.

‘Enola Holmes 3,’ Madonna, ‘Obsession,’ ‘Legally Blonde’ prequel series ‘Elle’

The Associated Press

“ENOLA HOLMES 3” and a new album from Madonna are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: the “Legally Blonde” prequel series, a look at Ralph Lauren’s stamp collection celebrating America’s 250th birthday and “Obsession” arriving on premium video-on-demand services.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Unexpected box-o ce staying power pushed back its home release, but Curry Barker’s “Obsession” is now streaming on premium on demand. Despite a production budget of $750,000, the Focus Features release has amassed more than $337 million in worldwide ticket sales since opening in midMay. In it, Bear (Michael Johnston) uses a One Wish Willow to wish that his crush (Inde Navarrette) loves him.

Millie Bobby Brown returns as the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes in “Enola Holmes 3” on Net ix. In the series’ third lm, Enola prepares for her impending wedding to Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) when her brother, Sherlock (Henry Cavill), is kidnapped.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Madge hath returned. “Confessions II,” the sequel to Madonna’s beloved 2005 album “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” arrives Friday — 21 years after the original. The original has been widely regarded as a return to the top of her pop powers. The critically acclaimed release, which produced such hits as “Hung Up,” “Sorry,” “Get Together” and “Jump,” was dancepop disco for a new era of clubgoers. So, what will this new era bring? Judging by the previously released “Confessions II” tracks,

the breathy “I Feel So Free,” the house rhythms of “Love Sensation” and the Sabrina Carpenter collaboration “Bring Your Love,” a good time is on the horizon.

SERIES TO STREAM

Oscar winner Jean Dujardin (“The Artist”) stars in “Zorro,” a new limited French series about Don Diego de la Vega, a dashing, wealthy nobleman living in 1821 Los Angeles. This Diego de la Vega hasn’t tapped into his Zorro alter ego for 20 years, but when he unexpectedly becomes the mayor of LA, he nds himself in a battle against corruption threatening his city. The Zorro persona is reborn, and de la Vega must balance politics, family and his secret role as a vigilante. The show is streaming now on MHz Choice and its subscription channels on Prime Video and Roku.

We learn in the new Prime Video series, “Elle,” that before

she went to Harvard law school, Elle Woods was a happy teen living in the Los Angeles sunshine in a McMansion, until her father gets a new job in…Seattle. The bubbly pink-loving teen

quickly nds out that her new school is in its grunge period where Nirvana rules, and even the school’s cheerleaders wear annel. Despite a variety of setbacks, Elle eventually nds her

“But out here on the dance oor I feel so free, I can't explain. On the dance oor I feel so free.”

Madonna

people and comes to love her new school. Newcomer Lexi Minetree plays the younger Elle, but at certain angles and in certain moments you’ll swear you’re looking at Reese Witherspoon. Season 2 is now streaming. You may have heard that Ralph Lauren has designed a USPS Stamp Collection in time for America’s 250th birthday. Thirteen stamps were chosen that honor quintessential American images. A new special by The History Channel called “Ralph Lauren’s American Icons” dives deeper into the intention behind the project and features both previously unseen archival material and interviews with David Lauren, Ken Burns and more. It streams Sunday, July 5 on the History Channel app.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Dating as far back as the Game Boy, Nintendo consoles have long appealed to players who like a little toe-tapping with their alien-zapping. “Rhythm Heaven Groove” continues that tradition, challenging gamers to chop vegetables, punch fruit and swing sledgehammers while keeping to the beat. Those are just a few of the 80 single-player minigames in this package, which also features Beatspell, a rhythmic role-playing adventure that requires nimble nger-work to cast spells. You can also round up three friends for 30 multiplayer contests, some competitive, some cooperative. Get into the groove Thursday, July 2, on the Switch.

JOHN WILSON/NETFLIX VIA AP

Louis Partridge, left, and Millie Bobby Brown star in “Enola Holmes 3.”

JESSICA BROOKS / PRIME VIDEO VIA AP

Lexi Minetree plays a young Elle Woods in the Prime Video series “Elle.”

FOCUS FEATURES VIA AP

Inde Navarrette, left, and Michael Johnston star in the lm “Obsession.”

Duplin Journal

Faison marks 250 years with community celebration

this week

Summer meal

boxes available for children

Magnolia Families can pick up a free seven-day meal box for children ages 18 and younger every Monday through Aug. 10. Distribution will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 110 E. Carroll St. in Magnolia. The program provides a week’s worth of meals for eligible children during the summer break.

Board of Elections meeting

Kenansville

The Duplin County Board of Elections will meet at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2.

Independence Day closures

Duplin County Duplin County government o ces, including administrative o ces and solid waste collection sites, will be closed Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Mount Olive July

Fourth schedule

Mount Olive

The Town of Mount Olive will close o ces Monday, July 6, in observance of the July Fourth holiday and reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 7. The recycling center will be closed Saturday, July 4, and reopen Tuesday, July 7. Yard waste collection will also be adjusted the week of July 6 through July 10, with Monday routes collected Tuesday and Tuesday routes collected Wednesday. Thursday and Friday routes will run as scheduled. Residents with water or sewer emergencies may call 919658-5031, option 0.

Grant applications open July 3

Duplin County

Nonpro ts and government agencies in Duplin County can apply for $25,000 to $50,000 grants through the Louise Oriole Burevitch Endowment beginning July 3. The North Carolina Community Foundation fund will award $500,000 this year for education, health and human services projects, with preference given to programs serving women, children, youth and older adults. Applications are due by noon Aug. 4. Eligibility information is available at nccommunityfoundation. org/Burevitch.

$2.00

Warsaw faces ultimatum on wastewater enforcement

State says wastewater agreement depends on whether town will enforce its own industrial rules

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

WARSAW — State regulators are conditioning a key wastewater compliance agreement on whether the town of Warsaw will

do something it has not consistently done in recent years: issue civil penalties against industrial users linked to repeated treatment plant violations, according to records from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. The dispute, laid out in a June 22 letter from the N.C. Division of Water Resources, comes as the town has already been ned more than $558,000 over the past two years for wastewater violations — and now faces a deadline to decide whether it will formally enforce its own industrial pretreatment rules or risk losing

Spectators gathered at Stewart Precythe Sports Complex in Faison look on as reworks light up the night sky Saturday, capping o the town’s 250th birthday celebration.

Turn to A6 for more photos.

progress on a long-sought Special Order by Consent (SOC).

The SOC is intended to establish a compliance schedule for resolving ongoing violations at the town’s wastewater treatment plant and would temporarily shield the town from some penalties during required upgrades. However, negotiations have reached a stalemate over enforcement of industrial users. According to the Division, Warsaw submitted revisions on May 15, requesting changes to compliance deadlines and commenting on scheduled corrective actions. But regulators focused

Mount Olive board approves budget after 3-2 vote on insurance change

O cials say the switch could increase costs by $80,000 and a ect employees with ongoing healthcare needs

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

MOUNT OLIVE — What was expected to be a quick special meeting by the town of Mount Olive Board of Commissioners to approve the budget for scal year

O

2026-27 on the eve of Monday’s state-required deadline was thrown o the tracks when Mayor Pro Tem Delreese Simmons introduced a last-minute motion to amend the budget by changing the health insurance provider for town employees.

The town was covered by a UnitedHealthcare policy. Simmons introduced a motion to switch to Blue Cross-Blue Shield. Based on estimates from the town’s nance o cer, the change could add about $80,000 to next year’s budget.

During discussion of Simmons’ motion, Town Manager Octavious Murphy was asked how switching to Blue Cross-

cials seek to ease restrictions on family land divisions

Planning director says county will consider reducing setbacks for some subdivisions and clarifying rebuilding after disasters

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

FACING GROWING criti-

cism over restrictions a ecting residential setbacks near livestock operations, Duplin County o cials are proposing significant revisions to the ordinance adopted less than a year ago, including cutting the required setback in half for some subdivisions and creating new exemptions for family land divisions.

Planning Director Christopher Hatcher told Duplin Journal the proposed amendments

to the Uni ed Development Ordinance would also clarify that homes destroyed by natural disasters may be rebuilt. One of the most signi cant clari cations concerns which properties are subject to the setback. According to Hatcher, the setback does not automatically apply to every parcel located within 1,000 feet of an active livestock facility. Instead, he said the restriction applies only when new residential lots are created through subdivision

“Properties that were created prior to the adoption of the setback requirement are not subject to the 1,000-foot setback.” Planning Director Christopher Hatcher

Blue Shield would change the gures in the budget they were voting on.

“We’re looking at about an $80,000 increase in cost to the town,” Murphy said after explaining that there would be a process to make the switch that would require them to underwrite with Blue Cross-Blue

REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Ena

Jaenicke

Patsy Teachey Advertising Representative

Loretta Carey

O ce Manager CONTACT US

O ce Phone: 910 463-1240

To place a legal ad: 919 663-3232; Fax: 919 663-4042

Teachey re department clari es name change

Fire chief says legal change will not a ect emergency response or daily operations

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

TEACHEY — Residents may notice a new legal name for the Teachey Volunteer Fire Department next year, but Fire Chief Richard Williams says nothing about the department’s service, personnel or operations is changing.

Williams said maintaining two legal names occasionally created confusion in paperwork, so consolidating them into one name will simplify the department’s records and legal

documents. “We’re listed as two di erent (entities),” Williams told Duplin Journal. Teachey Deputy Fire Chief Ronnie Page said the new name will be Teachey Fire-Rescue to better identify the services offered by the department. Page told Duplin Journal that many of the volunteers have become certi ed in various emergency medical response areas ranging from emergency medical technician to paramedic.

The new legal name will go into e ect Jan. 1, 2027.

In the meantime, the all-volunteer department continues to remain very busy, especially for a small-town rural department.

“The last few years we’ve

been averaging about the same (number of calls), between 300 and 400 a year,” Williams said.

The Teachey Volunteer Fire Department has been more fortunate than other rural departments in the county considering it maintains a decent-sized volunteer force. Many other area re departments struggle to nd enough volunteers these days to meet their minimum needs. Part of the reason for Teachey’s success in that department is that the volunteers involved are very active in the community. Williams said being visible in the community has helped the department recruit volunteers and maintain sta ng levels while many rural departments continue to struggle.

on one unresolved issue: whether the town will issue civil penalties against industrial users as required under its approved Enforcement Response Plan.

“The town’s consultant McDavid Associates, Inc., indicated that the Town has declined to take this action in the past and implied that this remains the town’s position,” the DEQ letter states.

The Division said it will continue SOC negotiations only if Warsaw con rms it will comply and issue civil penalties when required under its Sewer Use Ordinance and federal pretreatment regulations. If the town refuses, regulators warned that further discussions “will not be productive,” and the state will proceed with enforcement actions, including additional penalties.

“The Division requires a denitive response … regarding its intent to comply with the Pretreatment Program Enforcement Response Plan, including the assessment of civil penalties for Industrial User violations,” stated the letter addressed to Town Manager Lea Turner. “To date, the Town has not implemented this requirement despite clearly documented Industrial User Permit violations.”

The Division gave Warsaw 14 days to respond.

DEQ assessment records show Warsaw has been ned more than $558,000 in civil penalties between March 2024 and April 2026 for wastewater discharge violations at its treatment plant.

Beyond permit violations,

OLIVE from page A1

Shield again.

Town Finance O cer Joseph Trollinger advised the board that making the change immediately could a ect some employees with ongoing healthcare issues, meaning they might have to “start over” in reaching deductible requirements, which could a ect them nancially. Trollinger said he preferred Blue Cross-Blue Shield overall but recommended against making the change until it was clear how it would affect employees’ current health-

A June 22 letter from the N.C. Division of Water Resources to Town of Warsaw o cials outlining conditions for continued wastewater compliance negotiations and requesting a de nitive decision on whether the town will implement its industrial pretreatment enforcement program.

DEQ correspondence repeatedly identi es de ciencies in Warsaw’s industrial pretreatment enforcement program. State documents note repeated reminders that municipalities with delegated pretreatment authority are expected to actively regulate industrial contributors to maintain compliance at publicly owned treatment works.

Town correspondence reviewed by Duplin Journal indicates that o cials frequently met with industrial users and requested corrective action plans rather than immediately issuing

care situations. Trollinger also told the board that Cigna and Aetna would not provide insurance quotes because they could not o er competitive rates based on the town’s claim history.

During discussion, Simmons said the UnitedHealthcare insurance was “bad.” Commissioner Gena Knode challenged Simmons’ comments and motion.

“Can you de ne ‘bad’ for us?” Knode asked Simmons. “Can you tell us what that means exactly?” Simmons did not respond,

penalties. In formal responses to regulators, town o cials stated they could not achieve compliance with discharge requirements without corrective action from industrial users.

The records re ect a reliance on voluntary compliance measures while industries worked to modify pretreatment systems.

Town o cials acknowledged during an April meeting that the sewer enterprise fund has faced signi cant nancial strain as penalties accumulated. Consultants told the board that the utility could face a de cit exceeding

but Knode added, “The assistant town manager did a poll [of town employees] and I think the poll came out that said the bulk of the employees were ne with United.”

Despite concerns about the additional cost and the potential impact on employees with ongoing healthcare issues, the board voted 3-2 in favor of Simmons’ motion. Simmons, Commissioners Vicky Darden and Harlie Carmichael voted in favor, while Knode and Commissioner C.J. Weaver voted against it.

As has been a trend on contro-

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

July 1

Independence Day Celebration

7 p.m.

Mount Olive First Pentecostal Holiness Church will host a free Independence Day celebration. The event will include a cornhole tournament, games, vendors and free food, followed by a reworks nale. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of community fun.

130 Ed Edmundson Road

Mount Olive

July 4

Westbrook Park 4th of July in the Park 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Mount Olive’s annual Fourth of July in the Park will feature free food and beverages, live music, bingo with prizes, an in atable slide, the Pickle Train and face painting. Families are encouraged to bring chairs and enjoy an evening of community activities. All events are free.

708 N. Chestnut St.

Mount Olive

$1 million if extraordinary costs are not recovered from industrial users.

“When you add the McDavid bill in, that takes you to a negative $910,000. Add the nes in... that takes you to a negative $1,043,000,” a consultant told commissioners.

In April 2026, the town board unanimously voted to seek reimbursement from Villari Foods and C2NC for approximately $1.074 million in wastewater-related costs.

Despite ongoing regulatory disputes, town records also re ect e orts to stabilize operations and improve long-term performance.

C2NC corrected earlier equipment failures and achieved sustained compliance for several months leading into 2026.

Villari Foods is constructing an expanded pretreatment system designed to reduce organic loading entering the municipal wastewater system. The project includes an extended aeration process and additional treatment infrastructure intended to improve e uent quality before discharge into the town system.

Warsaw is also advancing plans to expand its wastewater treatment capacity as the system approaches the state’s 80% planning threshold. Engineering studies recommend increasing permitted capacity to 1.2 million gallons per day. The town is awaiting DEQ review of water quality modeling for Stewart Creek, which would determine whether “speculative limits” can be issued to allow formal design and permitting to proceed.

versial issues since the last election, the vote was split with Commissioners Vicky Darden and Harlie Carmichael voting with Simmons for the motion while Knode and Commissioner C.J. Weaver voted against it.

During discussion of the additional amount required for the change to Blue Cross Blue Shield, Simmons questioned the accuracy of the proposed 2026-27 budget, saying, “There’s a lot of stu in this budget. The numbers are wrong.”

Trollinger responded, “I stand by the numbers.”

Tate Farm Water Slide Fest

noon

Tate Farm by the Pond will host a Fourth of July Water Slide Fest featuring live music, food vendors, family-friendly activities and a water slide throughout the day. Guests are invited to bring family and friends for an all-day Independence Day celebration on the farm. Admission is $10. 5514 NC 11

Willard

Fireworks Over Wayne

4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Fireworks Over Wayne will feature food trucks, vendors, a car show, a chicken wing contest, BMX demonstrations, a tractor show and live music leading up to a reworks show at 9 p.m. Gates open at 4 p.m. Admission is free.

2801 U.S. 117 S. Dudley

July 10

Campout and Cook Out

JCO Campground will host its anniversary campout and cookout July 10-12 at its 22acre lake property in Duplin County.

211 Baysden Pond Road Chinquapin

Murphy told Duplin Journal that the new budget includes a 3-cent reduction in the property tax rate for the town.

“We’ll have to go back to the drawing board tonight and tomorrow to accommodate the additional $80,000 for Blue CrossBlue Shield, but we can make it,” Murphy said.

While Murphy seemed condent the town will nd a way to absorb the additional health insurance cost, questions remain about how switching providers could a ect employees receiving ongoing medical care.

MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

The Teachey Volunteer Fire Department will consolidate its legal name beginning next year, a move Fire Chief Richard Williams said is intended to simplify paperwork while leaving the department’s operations unchanged.

WARSAW from page A1

MOUNT

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DOCUMENT

Magnolia adopts $1.7 million budget

Higher insurance, utility and land ll expenses leave no room for raises

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

MAGNOLIA — Magnolia of-

cials approved a $1.7 million budget for the 2026-27 scal year that keeps the town’s property tax rate unchanged while absorbing rising costs for insurance, utilities and solid waste services. The plan includes Mayor Dawn Ward forgoing her annual salary to help o set rising insurance costs.

The budget represents a 4% increase over the current scal year and includes $958,125 for the General Fund and $690,500 for the Water and Sewer Fund.

Town Manager Charles Banks said the budget was tightened to absorb signi cant increases in operating expenses, including a 26% increase in employee health insurance premiums, a $22,000 hike. To help o set rising insurance costs and maintain the town’s 80/20 employee health insurance cover-

age, the board approved Mayor Dawn Ward’s request to forgo her $3,600 annual salary for the upcoming scal year.

“It’s not a lot, but I thought it would help the bottom line,” Ward said.

Banks said several long-term contracts, including the town’s trash collection agreement, cannot be renegotiated until 2027. He also noted that landll fees have increased to $65 per ton, with annual spending approaching $38,000. Proper-

“It’s

Mayor Dawn Ward

ty liability insurance rose to approximately $46,500, water and sewer treatment costs rose more than 40%, and the town’s GFL solid waste contract increased 3.7% to $98,800. Banks also said the town’s insurance adviser has recommended planning for annual insurance increases of about 10% moving forward.

Projected revenue for gym rentals was decreased from $3,500 to $2,500. Banks explained that the town is not seeing the revenue from actual use and is experiencing ongoing issues with unauthorized access, nonpayment and damage to the facility.

Town Hall maintenance was also cut to $2,500, despite the building having a 20-year-old air conditioning system. Because of the rising costs, the

budget includes no funding for employee raises, Christmas bonuses or other discretionary spending.

Following approval of the 2026-27 budget on June 23, the board held a special meeting on June 26 to approve budget amendments and fund transfers to balance the town’s nances before the close of the 2025-26 scal year.

Banks reported that the General Fund nished the year with a surplus, but the Water and Sewer Fund faced unexpected expenses, including a $37,000 tank repair. To preserve the town’s unrestricted reserves, the board approved transferring money from the General Fund to the Water and Sewer Fund.

“We actually do have some unrestricted funds that we could use ... However... we feel like we want to leave those as they were,” Banks said. “That still leaves our unrestricted funds untouched and we hope to build on those because they are low.”

The board also approved a budget amendment reallocating approximately $24,000 within

the General Fund to cover administrative and police department expenses, delayed grant reimbursements and insurance proceeds. Banks said internal departmental transfers were also made to keep the town in compliance with state budgeting requirements. The reallocations included $4,000 for administrative salaries, $4,000 for police salaries and $3,000 for reserve ofcers, funding for the Dodge Durango payments, which will be completed in 2027. It also included adjustments for a police grant and motor fuels tax revenue expected before the end of the month. O cials noted that while the police grant was awarded in 2023–2024, the town did not receive the reimbursement check until the current year, necessitating a backdated budget correction. In addition to the formal amendments, Banks informed the board of departmental transfers — internal shifts within single departments that do not require a board vote but were shared for transparency. He said the transfers were managed with the assistance of nancial consultant Tracy Chestnut to ensure the town remained in compliance with state requirements.

Airport board reviews project progress, fuel farm delays

New hangar nears completion while board begins discussing rental rates and future growth

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Progress on existing projects and plans for future ones were the bulk of the discussion at the June meeting of the Duplin County Airport Board.

Airport Director Joshua Raynor reported that Daniels and Daniels completed the hangar rehab work, and they were conducting a punch-list walk-

through on the new hangar that week.

“Everything as a whole has been good quality work, and we are very happy overall with everything from Daniels and Daniels,” Raynor said.

The board discussed hosting a grand opening when the new hangar is done in July.

However, they did not have any good news to share about Parrish & Partners’ progress on the new fuel farm.

“We have been hammering the contractor since day one and are very concerned about the timeline,” Hunter Boniface said.

“They are going to get it done, but it’s going to be behind schedule.”

The board discussed the consequences of exceeding the project deadline.

“Once they cross the deadline, the company will be responsible for liquidated damages of $1,500 a day,” Boniface said.

The board approved a $6,704.50 change order to remove a concrete encasement discovered around the duct bank at the apron vault for the project.

The apron rehabilitation project with Michael Baker has secured all its nancing and is being advertised for bids. First bids on the $5.9 million project are due July 30.

Raynor discussed rent and fuel prices and recommended

beginning discussions about adjusting them in the future.

“Our prices have to re ect the current market and the expenses we’ve taken on,” Raynor said.

“We need to start thinking about how we can run this as a self-sustaining business and not need to take much from the county’s funds.”

The board discussed pricing for the new hangar and noted that the space includes a conference room, lobby, break room, bathrooms and 1,500 square feet of un nished buildable space.

Though starting prices were suggested, the board decided it would be best to do some market research and discuss the is-

sue more de nitively at the July meeting.

“Even if it takes a year to get the right person in there, it will be worth it,” Raynor said. Director Raynor shared the June budget and fuel sales report. For the month of June, there were 457 operations, 1,867 gallons of avgas sold and approximately 13,000 gallons of jet fuel sold.

The board reviewed the sales compared with the same period last year and found they were approximately 50,000 gallons below last year’s total.

The board discussed projects, personnel and work ow before adjourning.

COURTESY Dawn Ward, Magnolia Mayor

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

A call to return to America’s founding principles

For liberty to be passed from generation to generation there must be “a frequent recurrence to undamental principles.”

GEORGE MASON famously asserted that for liberty to be passed from generation to generation there must be “a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.” As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, a deliberate and sustained e ort is needed to heed that advice.

We must not fall into the traps of evil minions who are servile followers of the great Adversary opposing the destiny of America. They and other elitists, progressives and secularists, would have us think the Founders were “backward, uneducated” men whose 1778 ideas about the structure of government for the United States of America and the Constitution they designed are outdated.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the national leadership circles of the once great Democratic Party of Harry Truman, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy. The Democrat Party’s national leadership of the last two decades has provided safe haven for concepts foreign to the values espoused by America’s Founders. Consider their support for same-sex marriage, defunding the police, lateterm abortions, transgender males competing against females, ghting against photo ID to vote, wide-open boarders and opposing legal e orts of ICE.

Their social weapons of choice have triggered a systemic decay from within. Their secular goal is to diminish any adherence to the Ten Commandments, which are as necessary today as they were in Moses’ day. That decay and rot from within, if not quickly checked, will destroy

the moral tenets established by the Founders. Contrast today’s rot with the character, education, and experience of some of the founders assembled for the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Seventy-four delegates were appointed, 55 attended, and 39 signed the Constitution. Representatives signed from each of the colonies except for Rhode Island. The Constitution was signed before the Bill of Rights though these rights were discussed in the convention. As the Constitution was being rati ed, each colony suggested amendments with 10 being adopted as the Bill of Rights.

The framers and their fathers had fought in four European induced wars during the previous 75 years. During these wars they learned much about war. Both England and France tried to tax the colonies to pay for the cost of the wars. Taxation and unrighteous control by the kingdom of England planted the seeds of revolution in the American Patriots.

Those Patriots were not backward uneducated men as some today say they were. The movement for independence began soon after the French and Indian war. Some of the very best minds in the colonies were developed during those wars. Of the 39 signers of the Constitution, 26 had served in the Continental Congress. Nineteen had served in the Army, and 17 of them were o cers. Four of them had served on Washington’s sta during the French and Indian war. (J. Reuben Clark Jr. “Constitution and its Signers,” BYU Devotional, 1957). Washington and Madison were later

Connecting solutions for a healthier North Carolina

A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn.

PUBLIC POLICY conversations have a habit of happening in separate rooms. Health care gets discussed over here, education over there, workforce development somewhere down the hall.

Food, health care, education and economic opportunity are each assigned their own stakeholders, their own budget lines, their own lanes, as if the people a ected by these issues live their lives the same way. They don’t. At a time when state leaders are making consequential budget decisions, the way we frame these challenges matters just as much as the solutions we pursue.

For many North Carolinians, the challenges arrive together and compound one another. A parent struggling to put food on the table is often the same parent delaying a doctor’s visit because of cost. A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn, and eventually to emerge ready to contribute to the success of their communities. A rural community navigating health care shortages is rarely navigating that challenge alone. It’s often working to maintain access to maternity care, recruit teachers and health professionals who encourage families to stay and build their futures there.

At the North Carolina Alliance for Health, we work alongside organizations, educators, health care providers, advocates, and community leaders from across the state. Through partnerships, community conversations, and on-the-ground collaboration, we see rsthand how these challenges intersect in people’s daily

lives. What we hear, consistently and from every corner of North Carolina, is that the forces shaping people’s health and well-being rarely operate in isolation. Neither should the solutions. Health shapes educational outcomes, workforce participation and economic mobility. It in uences whether children are ready to learn, whether adults can show up for work, and whether communities can thrive.

As we are set to embark on our 25th year, if there’s one lesson the past quarter century has driven home, it’s that the most e ective solutions are also, more often than not, the most practical ones. Children who are consistently fed learn better, miss fewer days of school, and are less likely to need costly interventions later. Adults with access to preventive care are less likely to end up in emergency rooms and better able to remain in the workforce. Communities with strong public health infrastructure are more resilient when crises hit. These aren’t just good outcomes for families. They’re good outcomes for the state.

That’s why we’re encouraging North Carolina’s leaders, as they nalize the state budget, to invest in the building blocks of a healthy and prosperous state. These investments may appear in di erent sections of the state budget, but they all contribute to the same outcome: healthier people, stronger families, and a more prosperous North Carolina.

That means maintaining a strong Medicaid program, including Medicaid expansion, so that North Carolinians can access preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and receive

presidents of the United States. Benjamin Franklin had major experience in the diplomatic eld. Hamilton became secretary of the treasury.McHenry became secretary of war, Randolph was attorney general and later secretary of state, and ve of the signers became justices of the Supreme Court with two becoming chief justice. More than half of the framers were university graduates; Harvard, Yale, Princeton and William and Mary. Others were educated at Oxford, and Edinburgh. Two of the greatest leaders, Washington and Franklin were not college graduates. They were all seasoned patriots.

Who can doubt but that like Noah, Abraham, Moses, Columbus, Wycli e, Luther, and Tyndale, God raised up these men to establish a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” in the New World.

There was nowhere in the world to be found a suitable blueprint for which the framers could form an American government. They plowed through world history to nd governmental institutions that they might follow, but found none suitable. One critical morning Franklin encouraged the Convention to pray for God’s help. The result was regular prayer going forward, and no doubt their prayers helped the convention succeed.

We, the people should realize that the destiny of America is to help the world prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and we should have a frequent recurrence to the fundamental principles proposed by our divinely inspired Founders.

treatment before health challenges become crises. Medicaid supports children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working adults alike, while helping build a healthier workforce, stronger families, and more resilient communities.

It means the state invests in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SUN Bucks that help families a ord groceries and ensure children continue to have access to healthy meals when school is out of session.

It means ensuring that every child has access to healthy school meals so they can start the day ready to learn, grow, and succeed. By pairing investments in school meals with strong farmto-school programs, North Carolina can improve student health and academic outcomes while supporting local farmers and rural economies. These investments help children thrive today while strengthening the workforce and communities our state will depend on tomorrow.

Across North Carolina, there is broad agreement that children shouldn’t go hungry, that families should be able to access care, and that communities deserve a genuine shot at success. What’s sometimes missing is the high-level vision of how these goals are connected and how to achieve them through smart, scally responsible policy.

As leaders across the state continue shaping North Carolina’s future, the opportunity in front of us is signi cant. We can invest in solutions that strengthen families, support communities, and build healthier futures, not by treating every challenge as a separate problem to be solved in isolation, but by recognizing what North Carolinians have always known. Their lives are whole, their challenges are connected, and their solutions should be too.

This is a moment to invest in a coordinated vision for health, because when North Carolinians are healthy, our state is stronger.

Abby Emanuelson is executive director for the North Carolina Alliance for Health.

COLUMN | JIMMY DIXON

COLUMN | ABBY EMANUELSON

Local farmer receives top pork industry honor

Debbie Craig’s path from California to Wayne County helped shape an award-winning farming career

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

WHEN THE North Carolina Pork Council chose Debbie Craig of Wayne County as their “Pork Producer of the Year,” they were choosing a woman who has been on quite a journey, one that brought her across the entire country. Originally from southern California, Craig moved to a farm in southern Missouri when she was 11 years old after her mother had remarried. That’s where she was rst introduced to farm life. Her new stepdad raised beef cows.

It was while living in the Show-Me State that she met her future husband. Like Craig, he had not been raised on a farm. His introduction to livestock is one they laugh about to this day.

When her husband was a boy, his family went to a fair where one of the events was a pig scramble. The organizers would grease up pigs, turn them loose, and then let kids into the eld to try and catch them and put them in a pen. Inspired by

that event, he and his brother convinced their parents to rent a home with some land around it so they could raise some pigs. That was how he got started. He was in the hog business when he and Craig got married.

The early 1980s were a hard economic period for agriculture. It became di cult to make ends meet on the Missouri farm they ran with her husband’s brother. With three children to support, they decided to move to North Carolina where they could work in the industry without being responsible for all the nances.

Her husband worked for an out t known at the time as Newhall Farms in Richlands while she worked for Goldsboro Milling Company.

After living in Richlands just a few years, they moved to Wayne County where they purchased their own small farm that was under contract with Prestige. After getting that initial farm up and running, they expanded.

“From the initial farm we got up and running, we bought another farm, and then bought another,” Craig told Duplin Journal in an interview. “Currently, we have three sow farms with a total of 4,700 sows.”

Two of their farms are under contract with Prestige, while the third is under contract with TDM Farms.

“The pro t margin is so small it takes numbers for a family to make a living.”

Debbie Craig

Their expansion did not end with the hog farms.

“We started a goat dairy to utilize the hay we were producing on our sow farms,” Craig said. “We milk 1,000 goats and we process that milk into cheese.”

Craig now also nds herself dealing with beef cattle that she rst was exposed to during her days in Missouri.

“My son works with me on the farm, and he also has 200 head of beef cows that I help him out with because of my beef background years ago,” she said.

Like any business today, Craig says it takes more to operate a farm.

“If you go back to the ‘70s and ‘80s, when I started, a family could make a living with a small herd,” she said. “It takes numbers now, a lot of pigs. The pro t margin is so small it takes numbers for a family to make a living.”

Despite that challenge, there have been improvements in the

industry, she added, saying, “The actual e ciency is much better. The production is much higher.”

Craig believes one of the biggest challenges in the industry is attracting interest in farming from the younger generation. She said even students in traditional programs tied to agriculture doesn’t mean they will go into farming. She is a member of the Grange, the oldest agriculture advocacy group in the nation. At a local Grange meeting, they had a group of students

belonging to Future Farmers of America (FFA) attend.

“In talking with these kids, they asked them what their future plans were, and all of them are in FFA, but none of them said they were going into farming.”

She hopes that internships being o ered through the North Carolina Pork Council will help inspire students to consider agriculture careers in their future. After all, based on current economic indicators, she believes the future for animal agriculture looks very bright.

Beulaville student gains experience on swine farm

Kensley Bryant gains hands-on experience at Murphy Family Ventures while studying veterinary bioscience at UMO

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Kensley Bryant is spending her summer on a sow farm, adding another layer of experience to a path that has so far moved from contract nursery barns in Duplin County to a veterinary bioscience program at the University of Mount Olive.

Bryant, a Beulaville native, is interning this summer with Murphy Family Ventures, where she is working alongside employees in large-scale swine production. The experience builds on earlier work in the industry and a previous internship at Warsaw Animal Hospital.

“Growing up, I saw agriculture from the contract farm side,” said Bryant. “Now I’m getting to see more of the company side and understand everything that goes into making these operations successful.”

She said her interest in agriculture was shaped in part by her upbringing in a farming family, where she worked on contract nursery farms alongside her father. Her mother works as a nurse practitioner.

Kensley Bryant, a University of Mount Olive student from Beulaville, is interning with Murphy Family Ventures this summer, gaining experience in commercial swine production.

Bryant graduated from Duplin Early College High School with an associate in science degree from James Sprunt Community College, along with an Animal Science certi cate before joining UMO. She has also participated in the Animal Science Club and other campus organizations tied to her eld of study.

“When I rst came to UMO, I thought I wanted to work with all livestock,” she said. “But after taking more classes and spending time in the industry, I’ve realized I really want to focus on swine.”

Bryant said her focus shifted over time as she gained more exposure to di erent areas of livestock production and veterinary work.

Bryant said the internship has given her a closer look at day-today operations in commercial swine production, an environment that di ers from smaller

contract farm settings.

“Murphy Family Ventures is very family-oriented,” she said. “They make sure everyone feels like part of the family. From what I’ve seen, they make sure you have all the pieces you need to be successful, and if you don’t know something, they’re always there to help.”

Following graduation, she plans to attend veterinary

school. She said she is considering returning to eastern North Carolina, where livestock veterinary services remain in demand.

“Duplin County is in need of livestock veterinarians, especially people who understand the swine industry,” said Bryant. “I want to come back home, open my own practice one day, and serve the people and farms that helped shape who I am.”

COURTESY DEBBIE CRAIG

Debbie Craig was recently named Pork Producer of the Year by the North Carolina Pork Council.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

A birthday celebration 250 years in the making

Faison celebrated its 250th birthday Saturday with an evening of food, rides and entertainment at Stewart Precythe Sports Complex. Vendors o ered a wide range of food and crafts, while children and families enjoyed bounce houses, a foam party and amusement rides. The celebration ended with a reworks show at 9 p.m. Hundreds attended despite the threat of rain, lling the parking areas and taking shuttles to the celebration.

after Aug. 4, 2025.

“Properties that were created prior to the adoption of the setback requirement are not subject to the 1,000-foot setback,” Hatcher said. “Because Duplin County does not have countywide zoning, the regulation affects property only when it is subdivided.”

That clari cation addresses questions raised after residents expressed concern that existing vacant lots and homes could become unbuildable solely because they were located within the setback.

Hatcher said lots created before Aug. 4, 2025, are exempt and “cannot be denied a building permit” because of the setback requirement. “Only if the lot was created after Aug. 4, 2025 does the 1,000-foot setback apply.”

The current ordinance classi es homes within the setback as legal nonconforming uses that may remain “until removed or destroyed,” language that prompted concerns among residents that homes lost to hur-

DUPLIN JOURNAL PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

Above is a general representation of the 1,000-foot bu er area referenced in the county’s Uni ed Development Ordinance a ecting residential setbacks near livestock operations. It doesn’t represent any speci c mapped location.

ricanes, res or other disasters could not legally be rebuilt.

“If a home was destroyed by a natural disaster, then the home can be rebuilt, “The July text amendment intends to clarify this issue as well,” Hatcher told Duplin Journal.

The proposed changes would also establish a formal de ni-

tion of “immediate family” and create an exemption allowing certain family land divisions that are currently restricted by the ordinance.

County Manager Lisa Hughes previously told Duplin Journal that requests from families hoping to divide land among children and relatives had become

one of the primary concerns raised since the ordinance was adopted.

Hatcher acknowledged that the county cannot estimate how many landowners could be affected by the setback because its impact depends on future subdivision requests.

“There is no way to determine whether the setback requirement will a ect that property until it is subdivided,” Hatcher said. Likewise, he said the county has not calculated how many acres fall within the 1,000-foot bu ers because the restriction is evaluated only when subdivision applications are submitted.

The planning department also explained how the setback is applied during the subdivision process.

Rather than relying on a countywide mapping system identifying all potentially affected properties, surveyors preparing subdivision plats are responsible for locating the setback line and identifying which proposed lots fall within it.

“When new lots are created the surveyor will indicate on the plat where the setback line

is located and what lots are affected,” Hatcher said. “Sta uses this information to make the determination.”

Questions remain, however, about how many residents may ultimately be a ected if they choose to divide inherited property in the future.

Hatcher said any impact depends on whether the land quali es for subdivision under the county’s development regulations and whether the proposed lots are intended for residential use before the setback provisions come into play.

“The setback requirement applies only to residential uses,” he said. “If the property is subdivided for a commercial use, the 1,000-foot setback does not apply.”

County commissioners are scheduled to consider the proposed amendments during a public hearing on July 13.

Editor’s Note: This is Part two of a three-part series examining Duplin County’s Uni ed Development Ordinance and its impact on rural landowners.

LAND from page A1

PHOTOS BY REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

DUPLIN SPORTS

MS. SOFTBALL 2026

Lilly Fulghum guided ND to the state nals her freshman and senior seasons and will play at Charlotte University next spring.

Going out with a bang

Fulghum led Rebels to the state nals in 2023 and 2026.

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO – After having a sensational freshman season in which she pitched North Duplin into the 1A nals, the future looked bright, despite a loss to Union Academy.

Yet could Lilly Fulghum continue to get better and make progressions each season?

Foes were hoping she would burn out and praying she had peaked.

The Rebel graduate heading to play softball at UNC Charlotte fall closed her ears to any criticism and continued to both train hard and advance her hitting and softball IQ.

HEART OF A CHAMPION 2026

In early June, Ms. Softball in Duplin County had returned to a state nal, this time the 2A best-of-three against another select school, Roxboro Charter. ND fell in three games as the Fulghum’s prep era came to a halt.

“It’s about the work, that’s what it’s always about,” she said after Game 3 in Duke University. Indeed. And the alwayson-the-run-with-a-travelingteam-year-‘round Fulghum ne-tuned her skills. And improved every year. Heck, one could probably count the growth patterns from season to season. The compounding of the seasons helped the Rebels make unimaginable bank interest on the diamond.

She will no doubt be a fourtime all-state player when the NC Softball Coaches Associa-

MS. SOFTBALL

2016: Rylee Pate, ND

2017: Haley Brodgen, ND

2018: Haven Williams, WRH

2019: Haven Williams, WRH

2020: None (Covid pandemic)

2021: Callie Thornton, ND

2022: Co: Rachel Blanchard, JK; Co: Chandler Mobley, ED 2023: Reece Outlaw, ND

2024: Reece Outlaw, ND

2025: Addy Higginbotham, ND

2026: Lilly Fulghum, ND

tion releases its information on its spring season selections. Fulghum, who was recently named the Journal’s Female

See FULGHUM, page B4

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2026

Panthers’ Noble rocks in return to the diamond

Ava Noble returns from a knee injury to lead ED to an ECC title and fourth round of the 4A playo exit

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO – Ava Noble went from a wounded knee to in icting pain on a softball and the opposition. East Duplin’s junior shortstop’s return after a year’s absence amazed nearly every fan and was enough for her to be O ensive Player of the Year.

Noble’s 46 hits were the most in Duplin County, and she lled up nearly every statistic in the scorebook.

She hit .568 with nine doubles, ve triples and three HRs, scoring 40 times and driving in 25 RBIs

“Wow,” said ED head coach Greg Jenkins, whose player was the ECC’s Player of the Year. “That’s her. That’s what she does.”

Noble returned to the form she ashed as a freshman when she hit .538 with 17 extra-base hits, 34 runs and 16 RBIs.

Yet she is a complete player who swiped 20 bases and forced defenses into errors.

Noble led a defense that set a school record for the least number of errors in a season (11) as ED kept teams in check despite not having a dominating, strikeout pitcher.

See NOBLE, page B4

Sloan’s transformation in circle key to JK’s success

JK’s Shylah Sloan always had a swing of a star player, but this year added gutty pitching performances to her game

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WARSAW – Imagine stepping inside the circle as a senior having not known the taste of a win.

Even with a good o season what kind of chances does a softball pitcher have if she went 0-5 with an 8.95 ERA in 18 career performances spanning

three seasons?

It didn’t shake the foundation of Shylah Sloan, who long ago found her way as a hitter for James Kenan.

The past didn’t a ect Sloan, a senior pitcher/shortstop who signed to play Division II softball at Elizabeth City State University, the Heart of a Champion honoree who morphed into a pitcher that helped JK go 17-4.

Sloan was 8-2 with a 2.70 ERA in 70 innings of work, striking out more than twice the number of hitters she walked.

And while the Tigers needed No. 2 pitcher and shortstop Ava Jones (4-0, 3.59 ERA in 10 vis-

its inside the circle), JK seems more in tune with the ball in Sloan’s hands.

“We talked about how we had to have less than six walks a game to have a chance of doing what we had set as a goal,” said JK head coach Brian Casteen.

And Casteen also knew his hurlers wouldn’t be strikeout queens and that cutting short rallies to avoid big innings would be crucial.

“I knew we were going to hit the ball,” said the Tiger coach who saw his team outscored its foes 262-94. “Last summer Shy-

See SLOAN, page B4

Lilly Fulghum blasts and hurls her way into the Rebel record books

EDWARDO PUAC/ DUPLIN JOURNAL

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

ED’s Ava Noble’s speed and awareness on the bases put pressure on a pitcher and defense.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Shylah Sloan didn’t win a game in the circle before this spring, when she was the ace of a JK sta that won the most games in school history.

Jansley Page

Wallace-Rose Hill, softball

Jansley Page peaked as a softball player last spring, hitting a career-high .484, while being a stellar shortstop for Wallace-Rose Hill (11-11).

Her four-year mark at WRH is .407 with 99 hits and 96 runs.

Page is the best Bulldog player since Haven Williams (2016-19) hit .443 with 94 hits and 100 RBIs and went 38-15 in the circle.

Page, though may have been a better all-round athlete as she was an all-state 3A volleyball player in the fall and played was a team captain in basketball.

She is playing volleyball at Fayetteville Tech in the fall.

State champs heading to Diamond World Series

The Duplin Nationals captured a state softball title last weekend to earn a spot in the Diamond Youth 8U World Series July 23-27 in Laurel, Miss. Team members are Collins Toler, Demi Hyatt, Josie Blizzard, Kaytee Du , Leni Sherrer, Maci McPhail, Madelyn Kennedy, Olivia Pate, Ruby Kennedy, Sawyer Holmes, Sophia Mobley and Sullivan Sandlin. Coaches are Karl Mobley, Seth Sandlin, Matt Holmes and Shane Du .

COACH OF THE YEAR 2026

Higginbotham’s coaching instincts solidi ed Rebels during playo run to nals

ND’s Jaime Higginbotham edges ED’s Jenkins and JK’s Casteen to capture her fth-straight topcoach honor

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO – Sometimes it’s the number of losses that are best remembered.

For the extreme fanatical softball followers, it’s an average of 5.2 the previous ve seasons.

Just as reverent but less frenzied fans point to the Rebels’ 17.2 wins each season during that span.

It’s been more fun than a walk-o grand slam for head coach Jaime Higginbotham, who captures her fth-straight Coach of the Year honors in Duplin County in as many years.

Higginbotham (86-21) captured the award by pushing aside quality pitches from East Duplin’s Greg Jenkins, whose Panthers (19-4) advanced to the fourth round of the 4A playo s and Brian Casteen, whose rst James Kenan squad (17-4) and won 12 more games than the Tigers did in ’25.

The on the biggest things Higginbotham did during the regular season was re-focus the Rebels following a mercy-rule 14-2 loss to East Columbus in ND’s third game.

Fourteen consecutive wins later, ND was playing in the 2A nals as the top seed in the East.

Once she got the Rebels back on track, ND pushed past Camden County (8-7) and Rosewood (6-4) to get to Manteo in the East Region nal.

ND rallied for ve runs in the top of the sixth in Game 3 en route to a 10-9 triumph after the two teams each won games on their home elds.

The Rebels won the rst game in the best-of-three against Roxboro Community at Duke University, but the Bulldogs rallied to take the next two games to capture the title.

Along the way Higginbotham had her touch on this team, who was in the 1A nal three seasons ago, falling to Union Academy.

Higginbotham, who guided the University of Mount Olive to pair of NCHAA playo berths and was a three-time Conference Carolinas Softball Coach of the Year, did her part. Sometimes by being patient

PUAC/ DUPLIN JOURNAL

Jaime Higginbotham has guided ND to an 86-21 mark since taking over in ‘22.

with a player or situation. Sometimes by making a bold move that will shake the house for good cause. Sometimes its only seen in hindsight, but nearly everyone notices later that it was a wise and strategic call.

Higginbotham is sure to coach the Rebels the next three seasons, since her daughter Gracie is a rising sophomore and southpaw hurler.

That’s on top of the four years she was the top coach with her daughter Addy Higginbotham in the lineup (now at Wingate).

ND could have its biggest rebuild in years next spring, losing stars three longtime starters – pitcher Lilly Fulghum, center elder Marissa Bernal and versatile in elder Ady Spence. Barring injuries there’s enough talent to put together a solid team.

Few coaches can play their softball cards better than the Rebels’ skipper.

COACH OF THE YEAR

2015: Ricky Edwards, ND

2016: Ricky Edwards, ND

2017: Cory Lovelace, WRH

2018: Greg Jenkins, ED

2019: Greg Jenkins, ED

2020: No season (Covid pandemic)

2021: Ricky Edwards, ND

2022: Jaime Higginbotham, ND

2023: Jaime Higginbotham, ND

2024: Jaime Higginbotham, ND

2025: Jaime Higginbotham, ND

2026: Jaime Higginbotham, ND

COURTESY

EDWARDO

Joe, Page and Bernal leave legacies, Higginbotham soars

Jourdan Joe, WRH’s Jansley Page and ND’s Marissa Bernal showcased senior clout, while frosh Gracie Higginbotham shows star power

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO – There was once again an in ux of young talent on softball elds last spring.

But seniors who were longtime staples out-numbered underclassmen 8-5 on the all-Duplin rst team.

Two sophomores, two juniors and a freshman were stationed with the program staples at four schools.

Wallace-Rose Hill loses Jansley Page, James Kenan loses Shylah Sloan, Jourdan Joe and Kenadi Gideons, North Duplin Ms. Softball Lilly Fulghum, Ady Spence and Marissa Bernal.

The Rebels (19-4 and 2Analists) and Panthers (19-4 and fourth-round club in 4A) each had four selections, while James Kenan (17-4) picked up three and WRH (11-11) a pair.

Look for stories about Coach of the Year Jaime Higginbotham, Ms. Softball Lilly Fulghum, O ensive Player of the Year Ava Noble and Heart of a Champion honoree Shylah Sloan are also in this week’s newspaper.

Here are capsule looks at the other players on the all-Duplin rst team.

Gracie Higginbotham

Without a doubt the best freshman in the county, Higginbotham hit .574 with nine doubles, four triples, a HR, 19 walks, and 16 RBIs.

She was 10-2 with a 2.61 ERA in the circle in 53.2 innings. Expect more explosions, awards and advanced accolades in the next three seasons. She was the NC Softball Coaches Association’s Pitcher of the Year in 2A for District 2.

Jansley Page, WRH, Sr., SS

Page ended her prep career in fashion by ripping 30 hits (.484) to repeat as a rst-team selection. She walked 13 times, swiped 22 bases and scored 25 runs, some of which came because of her speed on the bases. She hit .407 as a four-year starter and leaves one hit shy of 100.

Page played basketball on the 17-11 Bulldog squad and was an all-state volleyball player in 3A, helping WRH tie Midway for

the SVC title and advancing to the East Region nal before getting tripped by the Raiders. She was a four-year starter in that sport, too.

Jourdan Joe, JK, Sr., 3B

Joe, who will play at Elizabeth City State next season, was one of the most feared hitters in the region, hitting .523, with 14 doubles, two triples and a pair of homers, while swiping

20 bases, scoring 39 times and driving in 27 runs. JK (17-4) had its best season in school history with Joe, as most foes see as her as the attacking Tiger who could do the most damage.

Zoe Turner, ED, Sr., P Turner was a gutsy and sometime crafty hurler and much of the Panthers’ success (19 wins, co-ECC title, trip to fourth round of the 4A playo s) is because of her e orts in the circle. She was 10-1 with a 2.81 ERA and had neither a lot of strikeouts (45) or walks (15) during a season in which she replaced the ECC Pitcher of the Year, Morgan Brown, a threeyear starter.

Shylah Sloan, JK, Sr., P/SS Sloan, who will join teammate Joe in Elizabeth City to play Division 2 softball, was nothing short of sensational. She hit .455 and drove in 38 runs.

Marissa Bernal, ND, Sr., CF

Bernal hit over .400 her sophomore and junior seasons but had a better campaign in ’26 because had better extra-base hits and drove in far more runs. She hit .353 with nine doubles, four triples, ve homers, scoring 34 times and knocking in 27 runs.

She was a “hit-and-run” saver in center eld, roaming into the gaps and forward and to the fence to snag balls. She was one of two NCHSAA’s Sportsman winner in 2A.

Sophia Jones, ED, So., 1B

The hype over Jones last season was real, though it took a spring for it to come to fruition.

Jones hit .426 with eight doubles, two triples, a homer, while driving in 28. She hit just .200 las a freshman. Fans expecting her to blossom in ’25 watched her turn into a monster slugger last spring.

She hit safely in 20 of 23 games, had a .500 on-base-percentage and did not make an error at rst base.

Kenadi Gideons, JK, Sr., 2B

Gideons walked ve times in 82 plate appearances, sans the three free passes she got when JK blasted North Johnston 240. Hitters such as the Panther second baseman nd their pitches. The Tiger senior hit .493 with 10 doubles and two triples, scoring and driving in 30 runs.

Payton Tyndall, WRH, Jr., P

Tyndall showed poise and is learning the art of not letting a bad pitch or inning cause her to pause.

She went 11-11 with 128 strikeouts, 51 walks, a 3.29 ER during a county-high 119 innings. Her best outing was a 5-2 conquest of JK in the second round of the 3A playo s. The Tigers had beaten the Bulldogs twice (8-2 and 9-6) during the regular season.

Ady Spence, ND, Sr., 1B/2B/P

Spence rapped out more than 20 hits in three consecutive seasons and was more productive driving in runs in ’26. She hit .286 and drove in 24 runs. She hit over .400 and drove in 40 in her previous two seasons. Spence had four hits and four RBIs in the 2A nals series and four hits and ve RBIs in the East Region nals series.

Ansley Hunter, ED, Fr., CF Hunter introduced herself to prep softball by hitting .403 via 31 hits, scoring 20 times and knocking in 14 runs. She drove in a run in 2-1 second round playo win over First Flight and punched two hits and scored when ED slipped past Bunn 6-5 in eight innings in the next round.

EDWARDO PUAC/ DUPLIN JOURNAL

ND’s Gracie Higginbotham was the District 2 Pitcher of the Year in 2A (10-2) and was second in Duplin County in hitting (.574).

EDWARDO PUAC/ DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, Marissa Bernal hit .353 and was a defensive wiz in center eld for ND. Center, JK’s

Jourdan Joe, who will play at Elizabeth City State College next spring, hit .523 and drove in 27 runs. Right, Zoe Turner led ED to a 19-win season.

Errors by Panther First baseman Sophia Jones

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

THE ALL-DUPLIN County softball second team for 2026 is as follows:

Ava Jones, JK, Sr., SS; Jones, the leado hitter in a powerful JK lineup, hit .449 with six doubles, a triple, two HRs and scored 32 times. She was also a sure-handed shortstop.

Kinzley Sloan, JK, So., C Sloan (.481) hit safely in all but three games for the Tigers, legging out 11 doubles, a triple and scoring 41 a teamhigh 41 runs. The catcher also paced JK in stolen bases (22) and elding percentage (.989).

Mattie Gavin, WRH, Sr., C Gavin maxed out her fouryear career by hitting .407, while being a stellar catcher who blocks and throws the ball well.

Wyllow Holmes, ND, Fr., OF Holmes, a slap hitter, burst onto the scene to hit .400, scoring 34 times and driving in 15 runs.

Karsyn Parker, ED, Jr., 2B Parker (.333, 25 runs, 11

RBIs) took a step down from her previous two seasons (.408 and .435), but she was nonetheless productive. She drove in three runs in ED’s final two playoff games. She struck out once and walked twice. And according to head coach Greg Jenkins, “She hit the ball hard every time but at a fielder. Sometimes that the way it goes.”

She scored 25 runs and drove in 11.

Sadie Casteen, JK, Fr., 1B

Casteen hit .387 with seven doubles and 35 RBIs, while notching a .982 fielding mark at first base.

Maggie Boone, WRH, Jr., OF Boone improved as the season progressed as any player in Duplin. She hit .345 as the thirdbest Bulldog hitter after Page and Gavin.

Lorena Rodriguez, ED, Fr., RF

On a given afternoon, Rodriguez was as good a hitter (.383) as any Panther. She drove in the winning run in the ninth inning in a second-round playoff win over First Flight and also had a key RBI when ED beat South Lenoir 6-5 to secure at least a share of the ECC title.

Freshman Wyllow Holmes hit .400 and scored 34 runs for ND.

Sophia Sloan, WRH, Sr., 2B

Sloan hit .320 during her four-year career and made just seven errors in her final two seasons at second base.

Peyton Ezzell, JK, Fr., OF Ezzell gave the Tigers punch (.444, five doubles, 14 RBIs) near the bottom of the order.

Leighton Davis, ED, So., 3B After a somewhat mediocre freshman season, the light came on for Leighton, who hit .342 with 16 doubles and a triple. She is also a solid third baseman.

Pitching has been a strength for Beulaville Post 511

Wins and close losses by the American Legion Sr. baseball team have been possible because of its pitching sta

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE – Some of the most important decisions Beulaville Post 511 intern manager Justin Carroll makes involve his pitching sta .

This summer, he’s pulled all the right strings. Even though his club is 6-4, it’s largely been because of the way Carroll exchanges pitchers during a game.

It’s worked a lot, and when it hasn’t, it’s more often another problem that led to Post 511’s downfall. The Area 2 American Legion baseball team lost a low-scoring a air to open last week but bounced back because its pitching and

NOBLE from page B1

While it’s di cult to imagine, based on the way the numbers are so high now, the rising senior could be in for a better season.

defense were solid. Henry Bass gave up three hits and two earned runs in four innings and Cole Jarman, Daniel Boyette and Silas Jarman combined to yield two more runs as Post 511 beat Jacksonville Post 266, an Area 2 foe, 14-5. Reed Davis and Gage Howard drove in two and three runs, respectively, while Shawn Marshburn added a single, double, walk and RBI. Bass, Carson Tew, Alan Clements and Eli Avent also knocked in a run as Post 511 scored all of its runs in the third through sixth innings after falling behind 2-0 in the opening frame. A day earlier, Boyette and Christian Wooten took Beulaville into the fth inning with a 5-1 lead and Jarman and Clements combined to allow one hit and no runs over the nal two frames of a 6-1 triumph over Wilmington Post 10 Blue.

A simple eye test of her backs up the data. Noble is a game-changing player and a key reason the Panthers were 19-4, ECC champs and advanced to the fourth round of the 4A playo s.

Avent had three hits in four trips and drove in a run, while Bass had a hit, two walks and three runs and Christian Jarman ripped two hits that scored a pair of runs.

Pitching wasn’t the problem early in the week during a 3-2 setback to Tabor City Post 507.

Jaxon Smith gave up an earned run and three hits in ve innings, and he combined with Wooten and Bass to strike out 11 and not walk anyone.

Bass had two hits, a walk and drove in two of three runs that were scored by Carson Tew (1-3, walk) and Braden Barnett (1-4).

Post 511 is slated to play six regular season games before the Area 2 playo s series begin on July 5. The semi nals start July 11 and nals July 17. The State Tournament, which featured eight teams from across the state, is July 25-30 at Sims Park in Gastonia.

Noble is playing for the Region 2 team at the BodyArmor Games and plans to return to basketball in the winter.

So far neither a wounded nor the opposition can stop her progress.

NOTICES

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA DUPLIN COUNTY FILE NO. 26E000229-300

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator CTA of the estate of Malachi McNeal Southerland, Sr., deceased, late of Magnolia, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the said decedent to present them to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of September, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment. This the 25 day of June, 2026. Malachi M. Southerland, Jr. 13010 Chesdin Landing Drive Chester eld, VA 23838

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SELL MOTOR VEHICLE

Pursuant to applicable North Carolina law, notice is hereby given that the following motor vehicle is being held by Johnny’s Towing and Recovery and will be sold to satisfy towing, storage, and any other fees that may occur associated the with vehicle. The owner, lienholders, and any other persons claiming an interest in the vehicle are hereby noti ed of the intended sale. Vehicle Description: 2021 Honda Accord VIN: 1HGCV1F10MA081927

Location of Vehicle: Johnny’s Towing and Recovery 717 NW Railroad Street Wallace, NC 28466

Date of Sale: July 22, 2026 at 10am

NOTICE

North Carolina Duplin County Notice Having quali ed as Executor of the estate of the late Mark Alan Price, this is to notify all people who have claims against his estate to

PUBLIC HEARING

TOWN OF WALLACE TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

July 9, 2026, after 6:00 PM

NOTICE IS HEARBY GIVEN that the Town Council of the Town of Wallace has called for a Public Hearing at the Wallace Women’s Club, located at 216 N. East Railroad Street, Wallace, NC 28466, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, after 6:00 PM for the following:

The applicant is seeking to rezone 8.31 acres, Pin 3305 1046 5515 located o Old Wilmington Road, from R6-MH (residential, minimum lot size 6,000 sq. ft.mobile homes allowed); RA-20 (residential, minimum lot size 20,000 sq.ft. Persons wishing to speak on the issues are invited to attend and be heard at the scheduled public hearing.

Persons having questions may contact Rod Fritz, Planning Director at (910) 285-4136 or rfritz@wallacenc.gov.

PUBLIC HEARING

SLOAN from page B1

lah and after volleyball in the fall, she was in the weight room doing pitching-related work.

“Then during the season she’s out pitching 45 minutes before practice. She put in the work, and it paid o .” Sloan took control by holding clamping down on Swine Valley for wins on three straight league foes during a two-week 4-1 rush in midseason.

FULGHUM from page B1

Athlete of the Year, beat out teammate Gracie Higginbotham, East Duplin’s Ava Noble and WRH’s Jansley Page for her marquee softball award. The Rebel captain hit .586 with 11 doubles, four triples, 19 walks, six HRs, 41 runs and 39 RBIs, hitting either leado or out of the cleanup position. She split time with Higgin-

Yet, she one of her best performances from the heart came when she got battered around by Midway (22-2, fourth round playo exist in 4A) but kept competing well JK’s o ense

botham in the circle, going 6-1 with a 2.07 ERA. Fulghum hit better (.617, 18 extra-base hits) and pitched less (5-2) in ’25 than she did this spring or in ’24. She was 16-2 with a 1.66 ERA, striking out 158 and walking 47 in 108 innings of work in ’23. She was 12-1 the following season. Her bat speed and her exit velocity have been o the charts for a prep player for

came up just short in a 9-8 loss.

Sloan and Ms. Softball Lilly Fulghum, of North Duplin, tied for most HRs (six) and runs (41) in the county. Sloan was third in RBIs with 37, while leading the Tigers in slugging percentage (.966) and lashing 10 doubles and legging out a triple.

quite some time.

Fulghum’s sophomore (.617, 11 doubles, ve triples, eight HRs, 18 walks, 21 RBIs) and freshman (.526, seven doubles, four triples, 10 HRs) seasons were nothing short of sensational by any standard. She was 39-6 during her four-year pitching career, bashing 31 HRs, driving in 127 RBIs and scoring 158 times.

TOWN OF WALLACE TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

JULY 9, 2026, after 6:00 PM

NOTICE IS HEARBY GIVEN that the Town Council of theTown of Wallace has called for a QuasiJudicial Public Hearing on a Special Use Permit Application at the Wallace Women’s Club, located at 216 N. East Railroad Street, Wallace, NC 28466, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, after 6:00 PM for the following:

The applicant is seeking to construct multi-family apartments on SE Railroad Street; zoned R-6 (residential, minimum lot size 6,000 sq.ft. Persons wishing to speak on the issues are invited to attend and be heard at the scheduled public hearing.

Persons having questions may contact Rod Fritz, Planning Director at (910) 285-4136 or rfritz@wallacenc.gov.

EDWARDO PUAC/ DUPLIN JOURNAL

obituaries

Sarah Jane Bland

Oct. 28, 1946 – April 2026

Sarah Jane Bland of Sneads Ferry (NC) passed from her earthly life in April 2026. Born on October 28, 1946, she is the daughter of the late Joe Bland II of Wallace (NC).

Left to cherish her memory are children—Robert Allan and Sharon Jean; brothers—Joe Bland III, Bob Bland, and Bill Bland; and grandchildren—David, Joey, Summer, and Van.

Growing up in Wallace and Duplin County, Ms. Bland accumulated many memories with the friends she made during this time. These memories would remain cherished for the rest of her life, even though she made more memories in Sneads Ferry later in life.

Her life will be celebrated during the week of July 4, 2026, at the Topsail Island cottage, Living On The Edge, 203 N. Anderson Boulevard, Holly Ridge, NC, on July 5-10 between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm.

Helen Frances Johnson

Oct. 4, 1936 – June 26, 2026

Goldsboro- It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Ms. Helen Frances Johnson, who left us peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the age of 89. Ms. Johnson passed at Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She was a remarkable woman who brought joy, love and laughter in our lives and her absence leaves a profound void. The arrangements are currently incomplete at this time. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, and please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement.

Odessa Miller

Feb. 15, 1950 – June 26, 2026

Ms. Odessa Miller, age 76, peacefully transitioned into a world of eternal peace and rest on Friday, June 26, 2026, at ECU Health of Duplin in Kenansville, North Carolina. Her journey on this earth was marked by grace, strength and a heart full of love. The arrangements are incomplete at this time. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, and please remember to keep the family lifted in prayer during their time of bereavement.

Mary Rose Brock

Jan. 3, 1942 – June 16, 2026

Mrs. Mary Rose Brock, age 84, of Murphy, NC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Stonehenge Assisted Living following an extended illness.

Mrs. Brock was born on January 3, 1942. Raised in the Snow Hill Church community in northern Duplin County, NC, she attended B. F. Grady High School. She enjoyed gardening and owers and was an avid reader. She attended First Baptist Church in Blairsville, Ga. Her career in health care began when she became a certi ed nursing assistant. She then attended school to become a licensed practical nurse, and a year later, she became a registered nurse. Finally, she attained her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Roxan and Paul Andrews of Murphy, NC; a son, David Brock of Wilmington, NC; ve grandchildren, Remi Canales, Hendrix Canales, Olivia Rose DeRoss, Lillian DeRoss, and Merritt Brock; and many other relatives and friends. She, too, cherished her beloved dog, Charlie.

The youngest of ten and the last surviving child of her late parents, Herman and Julia Rhodes Bishop, she had been married to Prentice Ray Brock, who died in 1980, and later to Sherwood Cook, who passed in 2021. Her late siblings were Chancey “Bud” Bishop, Doris B. Carrell, Athalene B. Jones, Hubert Bishop, Hilburn Bishop, Haylon Bishop, Ruth B. Houston, Marie B. Andrews, and Herman Ray Bishop

Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 23, at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive, NC, at 6:00 p.m., with visitation following. O ciating was the Rev. Mark S. Hobbs. Mrs. Brock was laid to rest following a committal service on Wednesday, June 24, at 10:00 a.m. at Devotional Gardens at Warsaw. Funeral arrangements have been handled through Mountain View Funeral Home in Blairsville, Georgia, and Tyndall Funeral Home of Mount Olive, NC.

Frankie Yvette Armbrust

Dec. 20, 1961 – June 22, 2026

Frankie Yvette Armbrust, 64, of Magnolia, NC, passed away June 22, 2026, at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville, NC.

Funeral service will be at 12 noon Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Hawes Funeral Home in Warsaw. Public viewing will be 11:00 am - 12 noon (one hour prior to the service).

Ronnie Kemp Sutton

July 3, 1962 – June 22, 2026

Ronnie Kemp Sutton, 63, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026. He is preceded in death by his father, William Lynn Sutton

Funeral Service: Sunday, June 28, 2026

2:00 PM Community Funeral Home, Beulaville, NC

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 PM Interment will be private.

Survivors:

Mother: Linda Jones, Albertson, NC

Son: Corey Sutton, Kenansville, NC

Daughter: ReeAnna Sutton, Kenansville, NC

Brothers: Ricky Sutton, Kenansville, NC

David Sutton, (Eva), Albertson, NC

Sister: Angel Tyndall, Albertson, NC

Step-Mother: Lannis Sutton

Step-Brother: Brandon Whit eld Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Sutton family.

Beverly Coley

May 26, 1957 – June 25, 2026

Goldsboro- It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ms. Beverly Coley, age 69, who transitioned from her earthly home on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at UNC Health Wayne in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The arrangements are incomplete at this time. The Sta of J.B. Rhodes Funeral Home and Cremations, Inc. extend our deepest condolences to the Coley Family, and please continue to keep the family in your prayers during their time of sorrow.

Wilma Herring

Sept. 2, 1930 – June 24, 2026

Wilma Gray Martin Herring, formerly of Warsaw, NC, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026, at the age of 95. Wilma was born on Sept 2, 1930, to the late Irene Boney Martin and Irven Vance Martin. Wilma (Wilma Gray when she was in “trouble” with her brothers”) was known for her determination, resilience and strength. She faced life’s challenges with courage and grace, never backing down from hard work or adversity. Throughout her life, Wilma devoted herself to caring for others, sel essly giving her time, energy and love to family, friends and her community. Wilma married Melvin Herring on June 17, 1949. Wilma and Melvin were integral members of Unity Methodist Church where Wilma served as the church pianist for many years. She was the planning force behind many events and programs at Unity: BBQ plate fundraisers, homecoming dinners, women’s teas, VBS, Easter egg hunts, and the church’s Backpack Buddy program.

Wilma was the owner of The Drapery House and was proud to have made window treatments for countless homes in Duplin County and the surrounding area. Her work was featured in Colonial Homes magazine and once graced the rooms of the NC Governor’s Mansion. Never one to take it easy, when she wasn’t designing and making draperies, she was helping Melvin run the farm. In her “spare” time she was growing gorgeous ferns, tending to her owers and garden, canning and freezing enough food to feed the county, assisting the elderly and shut ins in the community, and working at her brother Bobby’s store, The Florist at Warsaw. Once she moved to an assisted living environment, Wilma quickly immersed herself into her new extended family, leading morning prayer and daily exercise while proudly serving as her community’s Resident Ambassador.

Wilma juggled many roles, but the ones she mastered most of all were Mama, Grandma, Nana, and MeMe. She was the surrogate mother to many in her community, Mama Wilma to many who were unrelated to her and Aunt Wilma to anyone with even a smidgen of shared DNA.

Wilma was predeceased by her husband Oscar Melvin Herring, Sr., an infant son Tony Lee Herring, son Danny Ray Herring, daughterin-laws Shirley Edwards Herring and Lori Strickland Herring, son-inlaw Douglas Kent Bettenhausen, brothers William (WC) Martin and Bobby Ray Martin. She is survived by son Mel Herring, and daughter Sandra Bettenhausen; grandchildren Danna Westerbeek & husband Kraig, Toni DeVane & husband Clay, Jonathan Bettenhausen & wife Laura, Allie Bettenhausen, Heather Catlin & husband Bryan; Greatgrandchildren Kyndall Marshburn & husband Carries, Kari Roberts & husband Brady, Kelli Westerbeek (friend Isaiah) Karsyn Westerbeek (friend Mack), Cate, Claire & Carter DeVane, Kaile, Paisley, & Eliza Catlin; great-great-granddaughter Leighton Marshburn, one joyfully anticipated great-greatgranddaughter Willa Grace Roberts (due in October); brother Irven (Marty) Martin & wife Betsy; sisterin-laws Colleen Martin and Virginia Herring; daughter-in-law Bunny Herring and many dear nieces and nephews. Wilma is also survived by her best friend forever, Mary Lou Hoy, proving you are never too old to make a new best friend.

The family will receive visitors on Monday, June 29 at 1 pm at the Unity Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1760 W. Wards Bridge Rd., Warsaw, NC. A funeral service will follow at 2:30 in the church sanctuary, with burial immediately afterward at Pinecrest Cemetery in Warsaw. Because of Wilma’s love of gardening, owers are encouraged, but donations in her memory may also be made to Unity Methodist Church, c/o Shirley Byrd, 1229 Bowdens Rd, Warsaw, NC 28398.

Patrick Divers

April 9, 1996 – June 26, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Patrick Divers, age 30, who entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 26, 2026, at UNC Health Wayne in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The arrangements are currently incomplete at this time. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, and please continue to keep the family in your prayers during their time of sorrow.

Lillie Thompson Crumpler

March 16, 1948 – June 28, 2026

Lillie Annette Thompson Crumpler passed away in her beloved home on Old Chinquapin Road, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, surrounded by loved ones after a years-long ght with cancer.

She was a beloved mom, stepmom, aunt (“Aint Nette”), friend, cousin, neighbor, and most importantly, grandmomma. She was loved by so many because of how much love she gave.

She is preceded in death by her loving partner and love of her life, Gale Williams, her younger brother Tommy Earl, and her parents, Odell Thompson and Carrie Lou Cole Thompson.

She is survived by 8 brothers and sisters and their spouses, 3 Sons and a spouse, 3 Stepsons and spouses, and 15 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews that she was a big part of their lives. Plus, the six-million-dollar three-legged dog, Oliver.

Most of her closest family live in North Carolina, with a few living out of state. Annette was known to be a loving mom, grandmom, aunt, and sister, who was willing to help anyone who needed help or just needed cheering up (you couldn’t talk to her on the phone without getting a smile on your face: she was a master story-teller). Besides being at home in Beulaville and taking walks on her land at the river, her favorite place in the world was at Swansboro, where she and Gale spent many a day and night shing, gigging ounder, and frying up enough sh or BBQ chicken to feed 30 or more people at a time. In her later years, helping to raise her grandchildren became her obsession and they are better people because of it. Anyone she was around is a better person because of her.

She will be missed by many. Funeral service at Community Funeral Home in Beulaville, NC, at 7 pm, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Graveside Burial Service will be at the family Cemetery (behind her home), at 1259 Old Chinquapin Road, Beulaville, NC. Visitation to follow after the burial at her home at 1259 Old Chinquapin Road.

business leaders.

Pitch

Duplin winners, organizers, sponsors and community partners gather for a group photo following the recent 2026 entrepreneurship competition at James Sprunt Community College.

Three entrepreneurs receive startup funding through Pitch It!

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — Every new business has the potential to change a community, whether by creating jobs, lling a local need or inspiring someone else to take a chance.

That’s the idea behind Pitch It! Duplin, an annual entrepreneurship competition at James Sprunt Community College that helps local residents turn business concepts into companies.

Modeled after “Shark Tank,” the competition—referred to locally as having “Bulldogs” rather than sharks — provided participants with an eight-week REAL (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning) program covering business planning, nancial strategy, and marketing. Participants also received one-on-one mentoring and business planning assistance before presenting their ideas to a panel of local business leaders.

The 2026 Pitch It! Duplin Awards, held at James Sprunt Community College, celebrated the culmination of the intensive entrepreneurial program.

The competition began with ve participants and concluded with three nalists who successfully navigated the curriculum and rigorous mock interviews.

The awards included cash prizes from Marine Federal Credit Union and the Wallace Chamber of Commerce, along with one-year memberships to local chambers and business resources.

This year’s top prize went to Francisco Andres of Albertson, owner of FA Welding Services, whose mobile welding business received a combined $5,500 in startup funding.

Second place went to Angelica Santibanez of Beulaville, whose vision is more than a co ee shop. Her proposed Co ee Studio within a Community Center would create a place where residents could gather while supporting local connections.

“It is an opportunity for us to fundraise to give back a third space while also fundraising for

Joy Wynne

Salucas which is a nonpro t that helps our community here in Dupin and surrounding counties,” Santibanez said.

Bryan Bonilla Aguilera of Beulaville placed third with New Leaf Outdoor Solutions, earning funding to continue growing his company. Their success came after completing the REAL (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning) program, an eightweek course that challenged participants to think beyond their passion and focus on the realities of running a business. Participants worked alongside mentors to build business plans, develop marketing strategies, understand nances and prepare presentations before pitching their ideas in a Shark Tankstyle competition judged by local

The judges evaluated each proposal on innovation, nancial feasibility and long-term growth potential while o ering feedback entrepreneurs can use long after the competition ends.

Joy Wynne, director of the Small Business Center and dean of Continuing Education/WestPark at James Sprunt Community College, said the program is designed to help entrepreneurs build businesses that can succeed long after the applause.

“I am so blessed to be able to work in a career where I get to breathe life into people’s dreams,” Wynne said. “We hear people’s dreams, their thoughts, their ideas and we help them decide if it’s viable and if it’s worth pursuing.”

She said every participant bene ts, regardless of where they nish.

“Real economic growth and individual opportunity lies in helping become and train job creators not just job seekers,” Wynne said.

For rural communities like Duplin County, that preparation can have ripple e ects beyond individual business owners.

Every successful small business represents new jobs, additional local investment and services that residents might otherwise have to leave the coun-

ty to nd.

James Sprunt Community College President Shannon Hair said entrepreneurship continues to play an important role in strengthening the local economy. Hair credited community partners with helping make those opportunities possible.

Marine Federal Credit Union, the Wallace Chamber of Commerce, the Kenansville Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Center Network and the Small Business and Technology Development Center all contributed funding, expertise and support for the competition.

Erica Bakion, community outreach specialist for Marine Federal Credit Union, said investing in entrepreneurs ultimately means investing in the future of Duplin County.

“Even if you don’t win you can’t take that knowledge away ... it’s got to feel so amazing that you can contribute to places and elevate them with your vision,” Bakion said.

The event concluded with a call for new participants for the 2027 competition, emphasizing that while prize money helps launch businesses, the knowledge, mentorship and professional connections gained through the program remain valuable long after the competition ends.

Duplin

COURTESY JAMES SPRUNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Stanly NewS Journal

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Supreme Court will consider whether the Second Amendment covers AR-15 rearms

A Supreme Court that has expanded gun rights will consider whether bans on semiautomatic ri es often called assault weapons violate the Second Amendment. The justices said Tuesday they will take up an appeal asking the court to strike down bans on the AR-15 and similar semiautomatic rearms in the Chicago area and Connecticut. Similar bans are in place in about a dozen states, covering major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. A national assault weapons ban expired in 2004.

Supreme Court upholds state laws banning transgender girls and women from school athletic teams

The Supreme Court is upholding state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams, in another setback for transgender people. The court’s conservative majority has repeatedly ruled against transgender Americans in the past year. It rules Tuesday that state bans in Idaho and West Virginia don’t violate the Constitution or the federal law known as Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education. More than two dozen other Republicanled states have adopted bans on female transgender athletes. Left unresolved by the outcome are lawsuits challenging state laws and regulations in Connecticut, California and elsewhere that permit transgender athletes to compete consistent with their gender identity.

Virginia to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in retail stores next year

Recreational marijuana sales are set to begin next year in Virginia. Five years ago, Virginia became the South’s rst state to legalize possession of the drug but until now had failed to set up a retail market. That will change under budget legislation that reached nal passage Monday. Under the new law, up to 350 cannabis shops can open across the state and will be able to sell to adults over 21 beginning July 1, 2027. The change marks the latest expansion of access to the drug through state-level policy making. Marijuana remains illegal at the federal level.

Albemarle City Council passes 2026-27 budget

The budget increased during the review process

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Albemarle City Council unanimously approved the city’s 2026-27 budget Monday night, adopting a spending plan that keeps the property tax rate unchanged while increasing the general fund from the current year.

Presented by City Manager Darren Rhodes, the budget

covers the scal year beginning July 1. Albemarle’s property tax rate will remain at 61 cents per $100 valuation.

The approved general fund totals $26.5 million, up 6.4% from the city’s 2025-26 general fund budget of $24.9 million. The gure also represents an increase of about $1.5 million from the original proposed general fund budget of roughly $25 million.

Rhodes told council members during the budget process that the proposal was built to address the city’s current needs while also preparing for future

“At the last meeting, council heard all of the changes that we were considering.”

Mayor Ronnie Michael

obligations. In a process that featured several weeks of review, the budget was rst presented to council May 4, followed by work sessions on May 12 and May 14. A public hearing was

SCS names new principal, student safety director

School district announces two leadership hires

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Stanly

County Schools has lled two district leadership roles, naming Ashley Walker as principal of North Stanly Middle School and Zachary Caldwell as director of student safety and security.

The district announced the hires in separate news releases in late June.

Ashley Walker, principal

Walker, who has spent the past three years as assistant principal at North Stanly Middle, is entering her 14th year in education and fourth year in school administration.

“My leadership style is collaborative and centered on

high expectations that drive student success,” said Walker, who was named runner-up for Stanly County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year for the 2025-26 school year. “I believe the best outcomes are achieved when educators, students, families and the community work together.”

Before joining North Stanly’s Comet community, Walker taught health and physical education and coached volleyball at Mallard Creek, Kings Mountain and West Cabarrus high schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree in health and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Gardner-Webb University.

Walker said her time at North Stanly Middle has given her a foundation as she moves

held June 1 before the council moved forward with nal adoption Monday.

Mayor Ronnie Michael noted that council members had already reviewed and acted on several budget changes before the nal vote.

“At the last meeting, council heard all of the changes that we were considering,” Michael said. “We made a motion and approved those changes to be included in the budget.”

Those revisions included changes across multiple city funds.

In addition to the general fund increase, the city’s new proposed water and sewer fund stands at $16.8 million, while the electric fund is set at $33.4 million. The solid waste collections fund totals $3.1 million, the land ll fund

Strawberry moon

A time-lapse, bracketed photo shows the full moon glowing over Lake Tillery on Monday night.

moon of summer is often nicknamed the Strawberry Moon.

Negotiations led to the safe release of captive guards and most inmates within hours

By John Raby The Associated Press

INMATES overpowered correctional sta and took over parts of a jail in eastern North Carolina early Monday, but the siege ended hours later when law enforcement o cers entered the facility and seized control.

Three guards and 88 inmates were inside the Bertie-Martin Regional Detention Center in Windsor when the takeover began at about 5 a.m., prompting an immediate response from local, state and federal authorities, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said in a statement posted on social media. By early afternoon, the Bureau of Investigation and the FBI had “cleared the facility,” the state bureau said in a statement. ”All inmates and sta are safe and accounted for, and those who sustained injuries have received treatment.”

Inmates have been transferred to other facilities and the jail will remain secured while the damage is assessed, the Bureau of Investigation said. The 90-bed jail located about 120 miles east of Raleigh houses pretrial detainees and short-term inmates for Bertie and Martin counties.

Inmates took two guards captive and the third guard escaped. Negotiations led to the release of the two guards along with 80 inmates, leaving only eight inmates inside, Bertie County Sheri Tyrone

Monday afternoon.

Flowers also referred questions about the facility’s security to a jail administrator, who did not immediately return a telephone message. Authorities have not addressed why there were three guards overseeing the jail at the time of the takeover.

Ru n said at a news conference.

Ru n said the two guards who were released were undergoing medical treatment but he had no details about their injuries.

Most of the remaining inmates “complied and exited the facility as soon as entry was made,” said Chad Flowers, a spokesperson for the State Bureau of Investigation. It wasn’t immediately known whether o cers red any lethal or non-lethal rounds upon entering the jail. In a telephone interview, Flowers said law enforcement o cials were in a meeting about the incident and unavailable late

“The perpetrators must be held accountable for this horrifying action,” Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, said on the social platform X. “We also must do everything in our power to ensure this doesn’t happen again — and that includes doing more to recruit, retain, and compensate the county and state o cials who are charged with keeping our jails and prisons safe.”

Ru n did not indicate what caused the takeover.

“Right now we have a lot going on that we’re trying to get under control,” he said. “I will release that information to the public as soon as I can.”

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County.

Now through July 4

Now through

July 3

July 4

July 8

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Connecting solutions for a healthier North Carolina

A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn.

PUBLIC POLICY conversations have a habit of happening in separate rooms. Health care gets discussed over here, education over there, workforce development somewhere down the hall.

Food, health care, education and economic opportunity are each assigned their own stakeholders, their own budget lines, their own lanes, as if the people a ected by these issues live their lives the same way. They don’t. At a time when state leaders are making consequential budget decisions, the way we frame these challenges matters just as much as the solutions we pursue.

For many North Carolinians, the challenges arrive together and compound one another. A parent struggling to put food on the table is often the same parent delaying a doctor’s visit because of cost. A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn, and eventually to emerge ready to contribute to the success of their communities. A rural community navigating health care shortages is rarely navigating that challenge alone. It’s often working to maintain access to maternity care, recruit teachers and health professionals who encourage families to stay and build their futures there.

At the North Carolina Alliance for Health, we work alongside organizations, educators, health care providers, advocates and community leaders from across the state. Through partnerships, community conversations, and on-the-ground collaboration, we see rsthand how these challenges intersect in people’s daily lives. What

we hear, consistently and from every corner of North Carolina, is that the forces shaping people’s health and well-being rarely operate in isolation. Neither should the solutions. Health shapes educational outcomes, workforce participation and economic mobility. It in uences whether children are ready to learn, whether adults can show up for work, and whether communities can thrive.

As we are set to embark on our 25th year, if there’s one lesson the past quarter century has driven home, it’s that the most e ective solutions are also, more often than not, the most practical ones. Children who are consistently fed learn better, miss fewer days of school, and are less likely to need costly interventions later. Adults with access to preventive care are less likely to end up in emergency rooms and better able to remain in the workforce. Communities with strong public health infrastructure are more resilient when crises hit. These aren’t just good outcomes for families. They’re good outcomes for the state.

That’s why we’re encouraging North Carolina’s leaders, as they nalize the state budget, to invest in the building blocks of a healthy and prosperous state. These investments may appear in di erent sections of the state budget, but they all contribute to the same outcome: healthier people, stronger families, and a more prosperous North Carolina.

That means maintaining a strong Medicaid program, including Medicaid expansion, so that North Carolinians can access preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and receive

treatment before health challenges become crises. Medicaid supports children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working adults alike, while helping build a healthier workforce, stronger families, and more resilient communities. It means the state invests in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SUN Bucks that help families a ord groceries and ensure children continue to have access to healthy meals when school is out of session. It means ensuring that every child has access to healthy school meals so they can start the day ready to learn, grow, and succeed. By pairing investments in school meals with strong farmto-school programs, North Carolina can improve student health and academic outcomes while supporting local farmers and rural economies. These investments help children thrive today while strengthening the workforce and communities our state will depend on tomorrow. Across North Carolina, there is broad agreement that children shouldn’t go hungry, that families should be able to access care, and that communities deserve a genuine shot at success. What’s sometimes missing is the high-level vision of how these goals are connected and how to achieve them through smart, scally responsible policy.

As leaders across the state continue shaping North Carolina’s future, the opportunity in front of us is signi cant. We can invest in solutions that strengthen families, support communities, and build healthier futures, not by treating every challenge as a separate problem to be solved in isolation, but by recognizing what North Carolinians have always known. Their lives are whole, their challenges are connected, and their solutions should be too.

This is a moment to invest in a coordinated vision for health, because when North Carolinians are healthy, our state is stronger.

Abby Emanuelson is executive director for the North Carolina Alliance for Health.

Democrats declare war on school choice

In Florida, the biggest program of all, with more than 1 million kids enrolled in these school choice voucher programs, the kids are racking up better test scores than their peers in the public schools.

WHY ARE DEMOCRATS and their teachers union masters trying to shoot down parental choice in education even when we now have so many examples of these programs working?

Choice and competition are two of the hallmarks of the American economy. When stores compete, customers win. Turns out this is also true for schools. That’s an inviolable law of economics. A corollary is that monopolies tend to put customers last.

This is all happening at a time when public monopoly schools are showing at or negative performance despite more funding than ever before.

This is one reason why so many states are turning to the new model of school choice, with public funds going to scholarships and charter schools, and tax incentives for charitable donations to private and Catholic schools. About 23 mostly red states are experimenting with such programs, and so far the results in test scores and parental satisfaction are mostly positive.

Today about 1.5 million kids are taking advantage of these programs. In Florida, the biggest program of all, with more than 1 million kids enrolled in these school choice voucher programs, the kids are racking up better test scores than their peers in the public schools. This is incentivizing public schools to up THEIR game.

That’s the idea. But Democrats, acting as if school choice is the bubonic plague, are trying to shoot it down across the country.

No one has been more of a disappointment than Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, whose 2027 budget would slash $500 million from charter schools and gut education tax credits.

This could put 30,000 kids at risk of losing their scholarships. Already there are about 70,000 kids who want to go to a private school, but the scholarship money isn’t available because of program caps. Once again, a prominent Democrat places the unions ahead of the kids.

Then there is Arizona: Dems and teachers unions have put an initiative on the November ballot to roll back one of the nation’s largest school voucher programs, which has exploded to more than 100,000 students. Parents can get $7,000 per student to use for private and charter school tuition and homeschooling.

Even worse is the Florida Education Association, which has led a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s school choice and charter school programs, which provide education for 1.4 million kids. The Florida Constitution guarantees a “uniform” system of free public schools but does not prohibit the legislature from expanding educational options beyond the traditional public school model.

In Rhode Island, Democratic Gov. Dan McKee wants to cap funding for popular charter schools even as the school budgets expand. Why the barriers to these educational opportunities?

Let me be loud and clear on this point: The Dems and their union puppet masters don’t want to get rid of these programs because they are failing the kids. They want to abolish them because they are getting better results than the public schools. Florida’s public charter sector maintains an aggregate grade of “A,” outperforming traditional public school counterparts in 55 of 77 metrics.

Maybe the unions de ne a “uniform education

system” as one that is uniformly bad.

What is sad is that even with a robust school choice program, probably two of three kids will still be enrolled in public schools for the foreseeable future. But with alternatives, school boards, teachers and principals will have to prove their value to the customers — the parents.

Even worse is that kids already attending charter, Catholic or special ed schools may have to return to the very classrooms that didn’t work for them in the rst place.

It used to be that unions could claim to parents that alternative schools would be WORSE for their children. But that’s proven not to be the case for these new private choice schools. I know rsthand that in private schools, kids are challenged, disciplined and taught to learn that failure is not an option. In public school, you get kicked into the next grade through social promotion, and the learning de cits are allowed to linger.

The Trump tax cuts will allow potentially millions of disadvantaged kids to get scholarships from tax lers who put money in the schools. It costs the states NOTHING to allow kids into the program. Amazingly, more than half the states with Democratic governors are passing up the FREE money to the parents in their states.

That’s just plain dumb. Maybe these politicians and school administrators have had too much social promotion.

Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity, which advocates for education freedom for all children. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

COLUMN | ABBY EMANUELSON

Limits on election spending overturned

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

The Supreme Court erased limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates for Congress and president, striking down a federal election law that is more than 50 years old.

Prodded by a Republican-led lawsuit that includes Vice President JD Vance, the court’s conservative justices were again in the majority of the latest decision that upended congressionally enacted limits on raising and spending money to in uence elections. The court’s 2010 Citizens United decision opened the door to unlimited independent spending in federal elections.

The limits on party spending stem from a desire to prevent large donors from skirting caps on individual contributions to a candidate by directing unlimited sums to the party, with the understanding that the money will be spent on behalf of the candidate.

“Every time we interfere with the congressional design, we make matters worse.”

Justice Sonia Sotomayor

The Supreme Court had previously upheld the limits, in 2001.

The Republican committees for House and Senate candidates led the lawsuit in Ohio in 2022, joined by Vance, then a senator from Ohio, and thenRep. Steve Chabot. After President Donald Trump took o ce for his second term, the Federal Election Commission dropped its defense of the law and joined with Republicans in urging that it be overturned.

Democrats had called on the court to uphold the law, even though there is wide agreement that the spending limits have hurt political parties in an era of unlimited spending by other organizations.

Last year, the coordinated party spending for Senate races ranged from $127,200 in several states with small populations to nearly $4 million in California, the most populous state. For House races, the limits were $127,200 in states with only one representative and $63,600 everywhere else.

Entrenched divisions between liberal and conservative justices over campaign nance restrictions were on display when the court heard arguments in December.

“Every time we interfere with the congressional design, we make matters worse,” said Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a dissenter in Citizens United and the court’s other campaign money cases.

By contrast, Justice Samuel Alito, a member of the Citizens United majority, described the decision as “much maligned, I think unfairly maligned.” The e ect of the decision was to ”level the playing eld,” Alito said, by expanding the right to spend freely that had previously belonged only to media companies.

By Mark Sherman

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

budget but remained dissatised with some parts of the plan.

“I think it was a good process that our city went through, but there were many issues in there that frustrated me greatly,” Bramlett said. “I plan to vote for this budget, but there are a lot of things in there I’m not really happy with, and I wish we could confront some of those at a later time.” Originally scheduled to meet July 6, the Albemarle City Council will now hold its next regular meeting July 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to people who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens.

The justices relied on a long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, and more recent federal laws in ruling that anyone born in the country, with very limited exceptions, is a citizen.

“Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights—to freely participate in our political community. The Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment extended that promise to ‘every free-born person in this land,’” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court, citing congressional debate over the amendment. “We keep that promise today.”

Three conservative justices would have allowed the restrictions to take e ect.

“The Court today takes the extraordinary step of holding facially unconstitutional the President’s Order excluding from citizenship the children of foreign temporary visitors and illegal aliens,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in a 91-page dissent, more than three times as long as Roberts’ opinion. “In doing so, the Court adds to the sad history of the Fourteenth Amendment, which was designed and understood to secure equal rights for the freed blacks but has instead been repurposed for political projects that the Reconstruction Congress did not support.”

The Republican president’s restrictions had been blocked by several lower courts and had not taken e ect anywhere in the U.S.

During arguments in April,

“Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights—to freely participate in our political community.”

Chief Justice John Roberts

both conservative and liberal justices questioned the order’s legality in a momentous case that was magni ed by Trump’s unprecedented attendance in the courtroom.

The case framed another test of Trump’s assertions of executive power that defy long-standing precedent for a court with a conservative majority and a robust view of presidential power that has largely ruled in his favor. In the notable exceptions when the court has not, Trump has responded with starkly personal criticisms of the justices.

The justices ruled on Trump’s appeal of a lower-court ruling from New Hampshire that struck down the citizenship restrictions.

The birthright citizenship order, which Trump signed on the rst day of his second term, is part of his administration’s broad immigration crackdown.

Birthright citizenship was the rst Trump immigration-related policy to reach the court for a nal ruling.

The justices previously struck down global tari s Trump had imposed under an emergency powers law that had never been used that way.

Trump reacted furiously to the late February tari s decision, saying he was ashamed of the justices who ruled against him and calling them unpatriotic. He also seemed to recognize the court was likely to rule against him on birthright citizenship, too, using his Truth Social platform to criti-

cize “dumb judges and justices” and wealthy pregnant women from China and elsewhere who come to the U.S. to give birth so their newborns will have American citizenship.

Trump’s order would have upended widely held views that the 14th Amendment confers citizenship on everyone born in the U.S., excluding only the children of foreign diplomats and those born to a foreign occupying force.

The amendment was intended to ensure that Black people, including former slaves, had citizenship, though the Citizenship Clause is written more broadly. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” it reads.

In a series of decisions, lower courts have struck down Trump’s executive order as illegal. The decisions have invoked the high court’s 1898 ruling in Wong Kim Ark, which held that the U.S.-born child of Chinese nationals was a citizen.

The Trump administration argued that the common view of citizenship is wrong, asserting that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore are not entitled to citizenship.

More than one-quarter of a million babies born in the U.S. each year would have been affected by the executive order, according to research by the Migration Policy Institute and Pennsylvania State University’s Population Research Institute.

While Trump has largely focused on illegal immigration in his rhetoric and actions, the birthright citizenship restrictions also would have applied to people who are legally in the United States, including students and applicants for green cards, or permanent resident status.

JORDAN GOLSON / STANLY NEWS JOURNAL

Venezuelans search more earthquake ruins as attention turns to humanitarian crisis

A cash-strapped government faces questions about coordinating relief for thousands now homeless

By Juan Pablo Arraez and Isabel Debre The Associated Press

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela — With the window for nding survivors shrinking fast, Venezuelans combed Monday through more ruins of buildings toppled by last week’s powerful back-toback earthquakes, and attention turned to the country’s humanitarian crisis that could persist for years.

Relief organizations say the rst 72 hours after a natural disaster is the most crucial time period for rescues, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water. Five days after the twin quakes, questions loomed about whether the cash-strapped government will be able to coordinate the effort needed to care for thousands of people who have been left homeless.

In other developments, a 4.6 magnitude aftershock rumbled through the disaster zone in the northern state of La Guaira.

The death toll stood at more than 1,700 people, according to the government, which has long retained tight control over news media.

Venezuelan government promotes its e orts

Facing criticism that authorities have done too little, too slowly, government o cials aggressively promoted their recovery and rescue e orts. Police and military o cers on Monday handed out cans of tuna and crackers to hungry displaced people in La Guaira.

In a speech, Jorge Rodríguez, the leader of the Venezuelan National Assembly and brother of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, said electricity had been restored to 90% of the hardest-hit state of La Guaira. He said authorities were racing to evaluate damaged buildings that still posed a danger and had set up 15 temporary displacement camps.

Many Venezuelan news reports have avoided politically

SCS from page A1

into the principal’s role.

“I am especially excited to continue my journey with the Comet community,” Walker said. “Over the past three years, I have seen rsthand the incredible dedication of our students and sta . I look forward to building on the strong foundation that already exists as we strive for academic growth and opportunities for all students to succeed.”

Caldwell, meanwhile, will move into a districtwide role overseeing student safety and

delicate questions related to the earthquake, such as the widespread collapse of buildings, sticking instead to safer stories about heroic rescues. Delcy Rodríguez, who came to power in January after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration seized former President Nicolás Maduro, shared footage Monday of emergency workers lifting a man out of the ruins to applause after a 43-hour search e ort.

“Each life saved is a victory for hope,” she wrote on X.

Such bright spots are rare at the quake’s epicenter, where families keep vigil at search sites.

“We have to stay strong, even without food, without sleep,” said Ana Rada, watching as civil defense workers looked for her brother. “Until I see the body, I still have hope.”

Aftershock rattles rescuers

After what the government said were more than 600 aftershocks since Wednesday’s quakes, a moderate temblor on Monday struck 17 miles north of Caraballeda on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and measured 4.6 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Jorge Rodríguez said there were no reports of damage, but the shock sent residents in the capital of Caracas screaming into the streets.

“Here we are again, back in the street. I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace,” said Concepción Hernández, 51, evacuating her apartment in the Chacao municipality of Caracas.

security e orts.

An Albemarle native and West Stanly High School graduate, he has worked in law enforcement for the past seven years. His experience includes serving as a patrol o cer, narcotics detective and, most recently, a school resource o cer with the Stan eld Police Department.

Before entering law enforcement, Caldwell served nearly four years in the United States Army, including a deployment to Afghanistan. He also earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Stanly

Questions over extent of U.S. help

Dozens of countries have offered assistance. But the disaster has raised expectations for the Trump administration after its takeover of Venezuela’s oil industry earlier this year.

In a brie ng with reporters, a senior State Department o cial said 300 rst responders sent from the U.S. are working on the ground and two dozen C-17 military transport planes arrive every day with supplies. Financial support from the U.S. now exceeds $300 million.

The U.S. military is also assisting with repairs at the port in La Guaira to allow an inux of relief supplies by sea and manage air tra c after the quakes destroyed part of the control tower at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, said the o cial, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. It seemed unlikely, however, that the Trump administration would grant temporary humanitarian protections to Venezuelans as previous administrations have done for people from disaster-stricken countries already in the U.S. Such action was taken after earthquakes in 2010 in Haiti and 2001 in El Salvador.

Venezuelans have been a major focus of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. More than 100 Venezuelans recently deported from the U.S. were being held at a hotel in the country when the

Community College.

“I am honored to serve as the director of student safety and security for Stanly County Schools,” Caldwell said. “My goal is to continue building on the tremendous progress our school system has made in school safety over the past several years. My priority is to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all students and sta while maintaining positive, approachable relationships throughout our schools and community.”

He said the work will include safety planning and relationship-building across schools.

quake hit, and many are now missing, survivors say.

Rescuers included a miner deported from the US

Among the rescuers digging through the rubble Monday was 31-year-old miner Jean Sosa, who said he was deported from the U.S. in January over a missed immigration court hearing and returned to Caracas last month, dazed by an odyssey that began in shackles at an Arizona immigration detention center.

He had built a new life in New York City over the past four years, he said, working at a taco stand near Penn Station, before Department of Homeland Security o cials detained him. They ultimately shuttled him between immigration detention centers across the U.S. before leaving him and a busload of other deportees in southern Mexico without his passport, phone or wallet. He then paid his way back to Venezuela.

Since arriving Wednesday in La Guaira, Sosa has scrambled to pull people from the rubble with his old mining pickaxe in the absence of national rescue teams.

“Many people could have been saved if there had been equipment and support from top authorities from the very beginning,” he told The Associated Press, wearing a helmet and a black T-shirt splotched with dust in the port city where he said he had already rescued 20 people alive.

Those rescues heartened him, he said, despite the lack of supplies. “We’re working without gloves, without equipment, borrowing supplies, improvising bandages and whatever else we can.”

The full scale of damage remains unclear

Experts are struggling to assess the scope of damage, but they generally agree that the government’s gures are a vast undercount.

Many Venezuelans are skeptical of o cial pronouncements, particularly since Maduro’s government claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election despite a vote count showing he had lost to the opposition movement led by María Corina

Machado.

The now-exiled opposition leader has criticized the government response to the earthquake and on Monday accused it of temporarily closing the airspace to prevent her from returning to the country. She did not o er evidence.

Jorge Rodríguez said that as of Monday, the earthquake had a ected a total of 15,866 people. The United Nations, meanwhile, says that up to 6.8 million of Venezuela’s nearly 30 million residents may be a ected — which could mean being displaced or losing access to electricity and water. The Venezuelan Red Cross said it expected to address the needs of at least 300,000 people for the next two years.

While Rodríguez said the number of damaged or collapsed buildings had reached 855, a preliminary assessment by NASA put that number at 58,870 buildings. The assessment relied on radar imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellites, which can detect changes to infrastructure.

The updates to government gures are given in brief televised announcements where journalists have no opportunity to ask questions or request more details. In another obstacle to coverage, the Venezuelan press union said Monday that the Ministry of Communication was blocking access to La Guaira for at least some foreign reporters for 48 hours.

It said the ministry cited the need “to reduce noise during rescue operations.” The union urged the government to drop the restriction: “As hours pass, the health situation may worsen, and the country needs veri ed and timely information.”

Because of the chaos and poor phone service, many Venezuelans have turned to non-governmental digital databases to report their loved ones as missing. More than 50,000 people were reported missing on one such database, though it is unclear how many have been found.

Fire ghter Kleider Carrillo said nothing prepared him for the destruction in La Guaira.

“When you study for this profession, you’re trained for situations like this,” he said. “But what’s in textbooks is one thing. Reality is another.”

COURTESY STANLY COUNTY SCHOOLS

Ashley Walker, left, and Zachary Caldwell have new leadership positions with Stanly County Schools.

PEDRO MATTEY / AP PHOTO

A rescuer carries a girl pulled from the rubble four days after twin earthquakes struck La Guaira, Venezuela, Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Rosaland Elaine E rd

Nov. 8, 1947 – June 21, 2026

Rosaland Elaine E rd, 78, of Oakboro, NC passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis.

Elaine was born November 8, 1947 in Albemarle, NC to the late Guilford Lee Almond and the late Mildred Louise Furr Almond.

Survivors include son, Je rey E rd of Rockwell, NC; son, Neil E rd of Mint Hill, NC; son, Daniel E rd of Concord, NC; and sister, Kathy Almond Crisco.

In keeping with Elaine’s wishes, no formal services will take place at this time.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the E rd family.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www. hartsellfh.com

Brenda Parks Almond

May 14, 1948 – June 22, 2026

Brenda Parks Almond,78, of Locust, NC, passed away on June 22, 2026, at the Harris Hospice Unit at Novant Health in Charlotte, NC.

Though she navigated signi cant physical and health challenges and pain for almost 50 years, she refused to let her circumstances de ne her spirit. Instead, she was a pillar of kindness, love, strength, and quiet determination for everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She loved her family, friends, owers, cross stitching, crafting, and reading. Her resilience taught those around her about patience, courage, and the true meaning of perseverance.

Born on May 14, 1948, Brenda was the daughter of Emmanuel Guy Parks and Dorothy Parks. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a premature baby boy. She is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years, Floyd Gene Almond; her daughter Jennifer Reeves (Spencer) of Canton, NC; her grandsons, Dawson and Dallas Reeves; her sisters, Bernice Simmons of Stuart, VA and Elaine Smith of Albemarle, NC; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Special gratitude to her sister, Bernice, who served in conjunction with Brenda’s husband, Floyd Gene, as her primary caregivers, so Brenda could remain at home throughout her later years. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Hospice Care through the Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation at www.presby. supportnovanthealth.org.

OBITUARIES

MIKE EUDY

DEC. 2, 1957 – JUNE 23, 2026

Michael Joe Eudy, 68, of Oakboro, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Atrium Health Cabarrus in Concord.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Bethel Baptist Church in Locust. Reverend Brian Bolding will o ciate. A visitation will follow in the fellowship hall.

Mike was born December 2, 1957, in Stanly County to the late Jessie and Lucille Almond Eudy. He graduated from West Stanly High School, class of 1976. He was a salesman for Eudy’s Cabinet Shop. Mike enjoyed working and in his spare time liked gardening, riding his tractor, camping and riding horses with his wife, Janie. He was a great carpenter. Mike had a servant’s heart, he helped people in the community and his church family. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching the TarHeels, Atlanta Braves and the Carolina Panthers.

Most of all, he loved his grandchildren! He was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church, where for over 45 years he served as Music Director. He is survived by his wife, Janie Aldridge Eudy of the home; sons, Mitchell Eudy (Elisabeth), their children, Venice and Reese; Justin Eudy(Mariah); brother, Jerry Eudy(Jeanne).

STACY EUGENE SHERRILL

MAY 31, 1967 – JUNE 23, 2026

Stacy Eugene Sherrill, 59, of New London, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday morning, June 23, 2026. Born on May 31, 1967, in Statesville, North Carolina, Stacy was the son of Jeannie Sherrill and the late James “Jim” Sherrill. He grew up in Statesville and carried with him throughout his life the values of family, kindness, and hard work.

Stacy was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He shared 30 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Sherri Sherrill. Together they built a home lled with love, laughter, family traditions, and countless cherished memories. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Hunter Sherrill; his daughter, Hannah Sherrill; his mother, Jeannie Sherrill; his brothers, Todd Sherrill (Cindy) and Terry Sherrill (Sue); along with many extended family members and lifelong friends.

For 21.5 years, Stacy faithfully served with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He was known for his dependable work ethic and his caring heart. Over the years, many four-legged companions found their way into his home and, more importantly, into his heart.

Stacy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved gathering with family on Sundays to watch football, especially when his beloved Miami Dolphins were playing. He enjoyed collecting and selling antiques and had an eye for uncovering hidden treasures.

Above all, Stacy loved being home with his family and pets. He never met a stranger and had a friend in every corner of his life. He had a gift for making others feel welcome and valued. He never failed to make those around him smile, laugh, and feel loved. No matter what challenges life brought, Stacy had a way of making things seem brighter simply by being himself. His quick wit, infectious smile, and caring nature brought comfort and joy to everyone who knew him. His generosity, kindness, and unwavering friendship left a lasting impact, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who were blessed to know and love him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Stanly Funeral Home Chapel, o ciated by Rev. Boyd Joyce. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at the Sherrill home, 40221 Mountain Creek Road, New London, North Carolina, to share memories, stories, and celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Though his time here was far too short, the memories he created, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

DIANNE RIGGSBEE

FEB. 15, 1947 – JUNE 25, 2026

Vonda Dianne Ross Riggsbee, 79, of Norwood, formerly of Locust, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Atrium Health Cabarrus.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood. Pastor Charles Ray Carver will o ciate, and interment will follow at Locust Presbyterian Church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Ms. Riggsbee was born on February 15, 1947, in Stanly County to the late Herman and Bonnie Helms Ross. She graduated from West Stanly High School in 1965 and worked for Belk Store Services and Food Lion in Locust. Dianne loved her family and spending time with them. She enjoyed reading, watching a good movie, and listening to anything Elvis.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two sons: Bruce and Bobby Riggsbee. She is survived by her children: Kimberly Carpenter (Dean) and Ginger Morton (Ernest); seven grandchildren: Dakoda Carpenter (Amanda), Nicholas Carpenter (Lachelle Si ord), Curtis Riggsbee, Nova Morton, Lisa Marie Morton (Adam), Hazel Morton, and Baelee Morton; three great-grandchildren: Vincent, Jaxon, and Maverick; and one sister: Irene Ross.

GRADY RALPH RUMMAGE

OCT. 1, 1937 – JUNE 25, 2026

Grady Ralph Rummage, 88, of Lexington, passed away peacefully at his home on June 25, 2026.

A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Union Grove Baptist Church, o ciated by Pastor Jeremy Blake. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service.

Born on October 1, 1937, in Stanly County, North Carolina, Ralph was the son of the late Grady Lee Rummage and Mary Pearl Talbert Rummage.

A faithful member of Union Grove Baptist Church, Ralph lived a life marked by hard work, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to his family. He retired as Plant Manager from Wiscassett Mills after many years of dedicated service. His work ethic was evident in everything he did, but it was his steadfast Christian faith that de ned his life. Even in his nal days, when conversation became di cult, he never lost the ability or desire to pray.

His family found great comfort in witnessing the depth of his faith, which remained strong until the very end. Ralph faithfully read his Bible and loved the Lord with all his heart. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved. He especially enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren as they played sports and treasured every opportunity to be present for their activities.

A gifted woodworker, Ralph enjoyed building things with his hands and was happiest when creating something for those he loved. He was also a devoted sports fan who faithfully cheered for the Washington Redskins and the Atlanta Braves.

On August 9, 1957, Ralph married the love of his life, Cornail Morton Rummage. Together they shared nearly sixty-nine years of marriage, building a home centered on faith, love, and family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cornail Morton Rummage; sons, Roger Rummage (Jamie), Randy Rummage (Shelia), and Todd Rummage (Raine); daughter, Cindy Bowman (Allen); grandchildren, Allen “Bug” Bowman, Michael Rummage (Jessica), Summer Blackburn (Derrick), Jordan Rummage (Amanda), Ryne Rummage (Brittany), and Brittany Tomlin (Matt); and great-grandchildren, Jacob Byrd, Jeremiah Blackburn, Brawley Bowman, Asher Rummage, Gracyn Blackburn, Courtlen Bowman, Tucker Rummage, Ava Rummage, Tessa Rummage, Logan Rummage, Maverick Tomlin, and Owen Tomlin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Lois Kimrey and Delilah Rummage.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has remembered them with prayers, love, and acts of kindness during this di cult time.

GARY MARTIN THOMPSON

AUG. 7, 1953 – JUNE 25, 2026

Mr. Gary Martin Thompson, 72, of Albemarle, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Atrium Health Stanly.

A funeral service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Bethany United Methodist Church, o ciated by Rev. David Cochran. Burial will follow at Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery. In accordance with the family’s wishes, there will be no formal visitation.

Born on August 7, 1953, in Stanly County, Gary was the son of the late Hugh Martin Thompson Jr. and Tommie Jean Burris Thompson. Gary retired from Lowe’s of Albemarle after many years of dedicated service. Prior to his retirement, he was employed with Textilease in Charlotte. A faithful member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Gary found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved spending time shing and boating, cheering on his beloved North Carolina Tar Heels, and taking drives in his cherished Ford Mustang. Above all, he treasured the time he spent with his family, who were the center of his life.

Gary is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Sheila Poplin Thompson, of the home; his daughter, Lisa Hash and husband, Richard; his son, Ashley Thompson and wife, Micki; his grandchildren, Hunter Hash, Luke Hash, Abby Kimrey, and Jake Thompson; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Kenley Hash, Julia Hash, Harrison Hash, William Kimrey, Jeremiah Kimrey, Ellison Kimrey, Elias Thompson, and Lillian Thompson.

Gary will be remembered for his quiet strength, his steadfast love for his family, and the joy he found in the outdoors and the people he loved. His kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to those closest to him will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, the memories he created and the love he shared will continue to bring comfort and strength to his family and friends for years to come.

Penelope Keith, star of classic British sitcom ‘The Good Life,’ dies at 86

Her velvet voice and imperious wit made her beloved across British television

The Associated Press

LONDON — Penelope Keith, a comic performer who shone as inty but loveable upper-crust characters in British sitcoms “The Good Life” and “To the Manor Born,” has died aged 86. Keith’s family said Monday that she had been diagnosed with cancer and died at her home in Surrey, near London. Keith began her acting ca-

reer onstage and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963. But she found her greatest fame on television. She won a BAFTA award in 1977 for “The Good Life,” playing Margo Leadbetter, a snobbish suburbanite appalled by her back-to-the-land neighbors Tom and Barbara Good, played by Richard Briers and Felicity Kendal.

Kendal called Keith a “comic genius.”

“She was a joy to know and work with, and she will be much missed,” Kendal said.

“She was a joy to know and work with, and she will be much missed.”

Felicity Kendal, “The Good Life” co-star

Keith’s velvet tones featured on children’s show “Teletubbies” and in ads for everything from Pimm’s to Parker Pens. She also presented cozy documentary TV series, including “Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages.”

Keith played cash-strapped aristocratic widow Audrey orbes-Hamilton, forced to sell her country estate to a nouveau millionaire, played by Peter Bowles, with whom she has a love-hate relationship.

Keith displayed a similar mix of imperiousness and deadpan wit in “To the Manor Born,” broadcast between 1979 and 1981 and brought back for a 2007 Christmas special.

Keith continued to perform in stage roles into her 80s. Theaters in London’s West End will dim their lights on Wednesday evening in tribute to her. In 2014 she was made a dame, the female equivalent of a knight, for services to the arts and to charity.

She is survived by her husband, Rodney Timson, and their two adopted sons.

STANLY SPORTS

Wampus Cats return home for reworks matchup

Uwharrie hosts Queen City on Friday night

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — After a ve-day break, the Uwharrie Wampus Cats are set to return to Don Montgomery Park for a night of baseball and reworks.

Albemarle’s college wood-bat team will host the Queen City Corndogs on Friday night in an Independence Day-themed matchup, with rst pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

“This Friday, July 3, reworks are back at Don Montgomery Park as Albemarle’s

Uwharrie Wampus Cats will put on a special show after their game against the Queen City Corndogs,” the Wampus Cats announced this week. “Gates open at 6 p.m. First pitch is at 7 p.m., with reworks right after the game. Bring your family, friends and neighbors!”

Advance tickets are $8 online at wampuscatsbaseball.com and $10 at the gate.

The Stanly County Convention and Visitors Bureau also promoted the event as part of the area’s summer holiday festivities.

“Celebrate America 250 NC with baseball and reworks on July 3 at a Uwharrie Wampus Cats game in Albemarle,” the or-

Stanly Babe Ruth All-Stars claim third straight WNC title

Team now advances to Southeast Regional

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Babe Ruth All-Stars will soon be heading to Florida after securing another Western North Carolina championship.

Stanly County defeated South Park 5-3 on Saturday at Carmel Middle School in Charlotte to win the 2026 Western NC Babe Ruth 13-16 State Championship, completing an unbeaten run through the tournament.

The title marked the third consecutive Western NC championship for the all-star team, which includes players ages 13-16 and represents both Stanly and Montgomery counties.

Stanly County entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed in the seven-team bracket and opened play Friday morning with a 17-0 win over No. 7 North Buncombe at Carmel Middle School.

The team then advanced to the championship game with a 1-0 win over No. 3 McDowell Coun-

ty, setting up a matchup with top-seeded South Park. Both teams entered the nal undefeated before Stanly County pulled away with the 5-3 victory.

With the win, Stanly County earned a berth in the Babe Ruth Southeast Regional Tournament, scheduled for July 14-19 in Ocala, Florida.

“As the team prepares for the trip, they’ll be fundraising to help cover travel, lodging and team expenses,” Albemarle Parks and Recreation announced. “If you’d like to support these players as they represent our community, stay tuned for more information in the coming days on how to make a donation. Congratulations to the players, coaches and families!”

Before making the trip, the team will hold a cornhole fundraiser Saturday, July 11, at the Walter B. Hill Events Center at the old Stanly County Fairgrounds, located at 24302 Bowers St. in Albemarle.

Signups are scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon, with bags set to y at 12:15 p.m. The cost is $20 to play, with a $10 optional airmail derby also available.

“Bring your family, friends and neighbors.”

Uwharrie Wampus Cats

ganization said in a statement. “Sounds like a great American celebration — come visit Stanly County and join our patriotic celebration.”

The Wampus Cats are midway through their fourth summer season and their rst as a founding member of the Blue Ridge League.

Uwharrie enters Friday’s game at 7-10 after a di cult stretch in which it has lost eight

of its past nine games. The skid has dropped the Cats to fth place in the eight-team league standings, trailing the Carolina Disco Turkeys, Queen City, Joanna Hornets and Spartanburg County Peaches.

The Cats’ lone win since the rst week of June came last Friday in Albemarle, where they shut out the Greenwood Flying Monkeys 3-0.

Skylar Faircloth, a rising sophomore pitcher at Pfei er, earned the win with eight scoreless innings, allowing three hits.

Carter Callicut led Uwharrie at the plate with three hits, while Brendan Fulcher added two.

Blake McKinney, Nathan Hayworth, Jesse Osborne, Ca-

leb Beals, Greyson Daniels, Mason Lockrem and Carter DeVore also recorded hits for the Cats in the shutout.

Following Friday’s home game, Uwharrie is scheduled for a road stretch against the Disco Turkeys, Flying Monkeys, Hungry Mothers and Corndogs.

The Cats’ regular-season home schedule currently runs through July 25, when they are set to host Davie at Don Montgomery Park. The top two teams in the Blue Ridge League standings will meet in a best-of-three championship series in late July.

Uwharrie nished 13-14-1 last summer before playing in the inaugural Blue Ridge Invitational Tournament.

“As the team prepares for the trip, they’ll be fundraising to help cover travel, lodging and team expenses.”

Albemarle Parks and Recreation

The team is also holding a sportsman’s ra e fundraiser to help cover travel, lodging and tournament expenses. Tickets are $20 each or six for $100, with the drawing scheduled for July 11. Ra e items include a

COURTESY UWHARRIE WAMPUS CATS

The Wampus Cats hosted an Independence Day reworks show last season in Albemarle.

PHOTOS

NFL

Parents of former player Martin allege excessive police force led to his wrongful death

The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin have led a wrongful death lawsuit against Oakland, California, police o cers and an ambulance company, claiming excessive force and delayed medical care led to Martin’s death last year. The lawsuit states Martin was experiencing a mental health crisis in October when police used excessive force to subdue him. The 36-year-old was a standout player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

FOOTBALL

CFL won’t allow QB Sorsby to sign with teams or be added to negotiation lists

Toronto

The CFL said it won’t allow 22-year-old quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was permanently ruled ineligible by the NCAA for sports betting to sign with any of its teams or be placed on their negotiation lists. Sorsby admitted to placing thousands of bets totaling nearly $90,000. After being ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA, Sorsby attempted to join the NFL’s supplemental draft, but that league told him it wouldn’t hold one this year. The CFL said in a statement “upholding the integrity of the league and ensuring fair competition” was paramount.

MLB White Sox chairman Reinsdorf o ciates wedding of former Rookie of Year Kittle during game

As the White Sox were slugging their way to a 22-1 victory over the Royals, former player Ron Kittle was getting married in a ballpark suite with Chicago chairman Jerry Reinsdorf o ciating. Kittle tied the knot with his girlfriend, Barbara, in Reinsdorf’s suite during Chicago’s 10-run third inning. The White Sox went on to score their most runs since May 1970. Harold Baines and Greg Walker, Kittle’s teammates on the 1983 White Sox squad, and their spouses also attended the quick ceremony.

WNBA Parker, Delle Donne lead Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class Knoxville, Tenn.

Candace Parker’s basketball journey has come full circle. It started at the University of Tennessee in 2004. It included two national titles, three WNBA crowns, two WNBA MVP awards and two Olympic gold medals. Saturday night, Parker was one of eight inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville. Others included players Elena Delle Donne, Amaya Valdemoro and Isabelle Fijalkowski; coaches Cheryl Reeve and Kim Muhl; television analyst Doris Burke; and posthumous veteran honoree Barbara Kennedy-Dixon.

SKIING

Prosecutor dropping drug case against Olympian skier Miller

An Idaho prosecutor is dropping misdemeanor drug charges against Olympic gold medalist skier Bode Miller. The 48-year-old Miller was arrested in eastern Idaho on June 6 and charged with possessing psilocybin mushrooms. Prosecutors are dismissing the case because of new information. She declined to release that information. The six-time medalist said online he was pulled over after passing another vehicle on a highway and his friend had a small amount of drugs he didn’t know about.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlynewsjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

Van Gisbergen is NASCAR’s leading active winner on road and street courses with Sonoma victory

With eight wins, he’s one o the all-time record

The Associated Press

SONOMA, Calif. — Shane van Gisbergen continued his remarkable run on the twistiest tracks in NASCAR, but this was no easy Sunday drive.

The Trackhouse Racing driver became the winningest active Cup Series driver on road and street courses with his second consecutive victory at Sonoma Raceway. Though he led 74 of the nal 83 laps after starting sixth on the 1.99-mile road course north of San Francisco, van Gisbergen had to fend o a charge by runner-up Chase Briscoe with a No. 97 Chevrolet that hadn’t been entirely to his liking since practice a day earlier.

“We were really bad yesterday, and these guys did an amazing job turning this car into a winner,” said van Gisbergen, who celebrated with a massive burnout for the grandstands.

“(Briscoe) was coming. He was really, really good, and I ran out at the end. Yeah, a couple more laps, we would have had some problems.”

Finishing second to van Gisbergen at Sonoma for the second consecutive year, Briscoe came up 0.357 seconds short and was left lamenting a mistake in getting his No. 19 Toyota into Turn 1 with four laps remaining.

“Not very many people get that close to him at the end of one of these road course races,” Briscoe said. “Just frustrated

with myself. I felt like I de nitely had the better car. I didn’t do as good of a job as he did driving. I was having to push so hard, and that was where I would make up my ground. It was just such a razor’s edge, and I about crashed. If I don’t make that mistake, I’m probably ahead of him at the end.

“Just bummed that it was my fault we didn’t win with the best car. Against that guy, you’ve got to be absolutely perfect.”

Van Gisbergen notched the eighth victory of his career on the tracks that require left and right turns, breaking a tie with 2020 Cup champion Chase Elliott.

With his second win this season, van Gisbergen improved three spots to 14th in the points standings, moving back into a provisional spot in the Chase.

But there are no road or street courses remaining over thenal 18 races of the season, so the

New Zealand native will need to diversify his skill set after entering NASCAR three years ago with no experience on ovals.

“I need to really step it up on the ovals,” he said. “This is an oval championship, and I need to keep getting better at them.”

Pole-sitter Ty Gibbs nished third, and Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell rounded out the top ve.

In-Season Challenge upset

For the second year in a row,

“A couple more laps, we would have had some problems.”

Shane van Gisbergen

the top seed was knocked o in the opening race of the In-Season Challenge, the bracket-style tournament that pits 32 drivers head to head with the top nisher advancing.

Tyler Reddick nished four laps down in 36th because of a power steering problem. That turned his rst-round matchup into a walkover for 10th-place nisher Alex Bowman, who nabbed the 32nd and nal seed in the In-Season Challenge despite missing four races with vertigo.

“It’s just a very odd issue,” Reddick said. “Everything seemed ne when we left the pit stall, and then the steering just really got notchy with the power steering going in and out. It was just really really hard to make any kind of lap time with it.”

The 23XI Racing driver salvaged a point by setting the race’s fastest lap after the team made repairs. After leading the Chase standings since winning the Daytona 500 season opener, Reddick fell one point behind Denny Hamlin with eight races remaining in the regular season.

“I’d say we got pretty fortunate,” Reddick said. “All things considered, for the issues that we had, we were very fortunate to only lose nine points to Denny while nishing last.”

CHIU / AP PHOTO

Shane van Gisbergen (97) drives in front of Chase Briscoe (19) and Connor Zilisch (88) during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway.

JEFF CHIU / AP PHOTO

Shane van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma.

FOR SALE

2 BURIAL PLOTS for sale in the Stanly Gardens of Memory –

Includes 2 concrete vaults –Located near the Chime Tower – Please call for more information – 828-320-3323

Let’s Work Together

Full-Time

• Coordinator,

• Coordinator, Clinical

• Coordinator, Clinical Nursing Level II (9 month)

• Coordinator, Customized Training Program

• Instructor, Engineering and Networking Technologies (12-month)

Part-Time

• Adjunct Instructor, Carolina Auction Academy

Become part of something great...

We are eager to welcome individuals who are dedicated to our mission and committed to enhancing our community. Interested candidates are invited to browse our open full and part time positions via the website below to nd out how to apply for one of our job openings at SCC.

bid submission.

Town of Norwood LBP test / LBP Clearance / Asbestos & Radon Tests LBP test / Asbestos & Radon Tests Asbestos & Radon Test Re-Test Clearance LBP Re-Test Clearance Asbestos

Town of Norwood shall retain the Request for Proposal (RFP) and all related terms and conditions, addenda’s, exhibits and other attachments in original form in an archival copy. Any modi cations in vendor’s submission are grounds for immediate disquali cations. Town of Norwood further reserves the right to reject any and all submittals. Town

of Norwood is an equal opportunity employer. Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) including small and minority rms and Section 3 rms are encouraged to participate in the project.

RFP Bid Sent Out: July 1, 2026

RFP Bid Due: July 31, 2026

Please email all proposals to Valerie Greene – townclerk@norwoodnc.gov For Questions and/or Comments: Contact Matthew Rea, Construction Management Specialist (Centralina) 330-885-0937 / mrea@centralina. org

This information is available in Spanish or any other language upon request. Please contact Valerie Greene at (704) 474-3416 or at 212 South Main Street | PO Box 697 | Norwood, North Carolina 28128 for accommodations for this request.

Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma bajo petición. Por favor, póngase en contacto con Valerie Greene al (704) 474-3416 o en el 212 South Main Street | PO Box 697 | Norwood, North Carolina 28128.

NOTICE

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE SIXTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF LANCASTER DOCKET NO.: 2026-DR-29-281 Notice of Adoption ProceedingS TO THE DEFENDANT: JOHN DOE BIRTH FATHER YOU ARE HEREBY GIVEN THE FOLLOWING NOTICE: 1. That an adoption proceeding was led in the Family Court of Lancaster County on April 22, 2026, and in this Complaint, you are alleged to be the father of a Caucasian female child born in Albermarle, North Carolina, on April 28, 2026. 2. That the Plainti s in the above captioned Notice are not named for the purpose of con dentiality; however, the Court knows the true identity of the Plainti s and in responding to this notice, you are required to use the caption and the number 2026DR-29-281. 3. That if Notice to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond is led by you with the Court within thirty (30) days of the receipt of this Notice of Adoption Proceedings, you will be given an opportunity to appear and be heard on the merits of the adoption. To le notice to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond in this action, you must notify the above named Court at Lancaster County Courthouse, Clerk of Court at Lancaster County Family Court, 100 N. Catawba St., Lancaster, South Carolina, 29720 in writing of your intention to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond. The above named Court must be informed of your current address and any changes of your address during the adoption proceedings. 4. That your failure to respond within thirty (30) days of receipt of this Notice of Adoption Proceedings constitutes your consent to the adoption and forfeiture of all of your rights and obligations to the above identi ed child. It is further alleged that your consent to this adoption is not required under S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-9-310 and that your parental rights should be terminated pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-7-2570 (7). This notice is given pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-9-730 (E). Lori L. Horst, Esquire (SC Bar #106493) Godwin & Horst, Attorneys at Law PO Box 354. Greenville, SC 29602 PH (864) 241-2883 Greenville, South Carolina FAX: (864) 255-4342 May 28, 2026 ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS

Public Notice

BEARING CONSTRUCTION, INC. is currently soliciting quotes from state of NC certi ed MBE/WBE contractors to bid on the Long Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant project. For a complete scope of work and access to plans and specs contact fcarman@bearingconstruction. net or call 410-556-6100

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Town of Red Cross Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Red Cross Town Hall, located at 176 East Red Cross Road, Oakboro, North Carolina 28129. The purpose of this public hearing is to receive comments from the public regarding a proposed update to the Town’s current zoning fee schedule. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend and provide comments for or against the proposed changes. A copy of the proposed zoning fee schedule is available for public inspection at Red Cross Town Hall and may also be viewed online at www.townofredcross. com. For additional information contact the Red Cross Town Hall at 704-485-2002. Published: June 24, 2026 and July 1, 2026

NOTICE

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

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE STANLY COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000255-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Paula Marie Case, deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Paula Marie Case to present them to the undersigned on or before September 26, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 24th day of June, 2026. Brian Thomas Wilson 102 Wineberry Way Yorktown, VA 23692 Executor

‘Enola Holmes 3,’ Madonna, ‘Obsession,’

‘Legally Blonde’ prequel series ‘Elle’

The Associated Press

“ENOLA HOLMES 3” and a new album from Madonna are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you. Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: the “Legally Blonde” prequel series, a look at Ralph Lauren’s stamp collection celebrating America’s 250th birthday and “Obsession” arriving on premium video-on-demand services.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Unexpected box-o ce staying power pushed back its home release, but Curry Barker’s “Obsession” is now streaming on premium on demand. Despite a production budget of $750,000, the Focus Features release has amassed more than $337 million in worldwide ticket sales since opening in midMay. In it, Bear (Michael Johnston) uses a One Wish Willow to wish that his crush (Inde Navarrette) loves him.

Millie Bobby Brown returns as the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes in “Enola Holmes 3” on Net ix. In the series’ third lm, Enola prepares for her impending wedding to Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) when her brother, Sherlock (Henry Cavill), is kidnapped.

Lexi Minetree plays a young Elle Woods in the Prime Video series “Elle.”

MUSIC TO STREAM

Madge hath returned. “Confessions II,” the sequel to Madonna’s beloved 2005 album “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” arrives Friday — 21 years after the original. The original has been widely regarded as a return to the top of her pop powers. The critically acclaimed release, which produced such hits as “Hung Up,” “Sorry,” “Get Together” and “Jump,” was dancepop disco for a new era of clubgoers. So, what will this new era bring? Judging by the previously released “Confessions II” tracks,

the breathy “I Feel So Free,” the house rhythms of “Love Sensation” and the Sabrina Carpenter collaboration “Bring Your Love,” a good time is on the horizon.

SERIES TO STREAM

Oscar winner Jean Dujardin (“The Artist”) stars in “Zorro,” a new limited French series about Don Diego de la Vega, a dashing, wealthy nobleman living in 1821 Los Angeles. This Diego de la Vega hasn’t tapped into his Zorro alter ego for 20 years, but when he unexpectedly becomes the mayor

“But out here on the dance oor I feel so free, I can't explain. On the dance oor I feel so free.”

Madonna

of LA, he nds himself in a battle against corruption threatening his city. The Zorro persona is reborn, and de la Vega must balance politics, family and his secret role as a vigilante. The show is streaming now on MHz Choice and its subscription channels on Prime Video and Roku.

We learn in the new Prime Video series, “Elle,” that before she went to Harvard law school, Elle Woods was a happy teen living in the Los Angeles sunshine in a McMansion, until her father gets a new job in…Seattle. The bubbly pink-loving teen quickly nds out that her new school is in its grunge period where Nirvana rules, and even the school’s cheerleaders wear annel. Despite a variety of setbacks, Elle eventually nds her people and comes to love her new school. Newcomer Lexi Minetree plays the younger Elle, but at certain angles and in certain moments you’ll swear you’re looking at Reese Witherspoon. Season 2 is now streaming.

You may have heard that Ralph Lauren has designed a USPS Stamp Collection in time for America’s 250th birthday. Thirteen stamps were chosen that honor quintessential American images. A new special by The History Channel called “Ralph Lauren’s American Icons” dives deeper into the intention behind the project and features both previously unseen archival material and interviews with David Lauren, Ken Burns and more. It streams Sunday, July 5 on the History Channel app.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Dating as far back as the Game Boy, Nintendo consoles have long appealed to players who like a little toe-tapping with their alien-zapping. “Rhythm Heaven Groove” continues that tradition, challenging gamers to chop vegetables, punch fruit and swing sledgehammers while keeping to the beat. Those are just a few of the 80 single-player minigames in this package, which also features Beatspell, a rhythmic role-playing adventure that requires nimble nger-work to cast spells. You can also round up three friends for 30 multiplayer contests, some competitive, some cooperative. Get into the groove Thursday, July 2, on the Switch.

JOHN WILSON / NETFLIX VIA AP

Louis Partridge, left, and Millie Bobby Brown star in “Enola Holmes 3.”

JESSICA BROOKS / PRIME VIDEO VIA AP

Solution to last issue’s puzzle

Solution to this issue’s puzzles

Strawberry moon

The rst full moon of summer is traditionally called the Strawberry Moon, photographed here on Monday from Pinehurst No. 3.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Kernersville

9

5 to 9:30 p.m.

The Dash America 250 Week (Fireworks following each game)

July 2 — 7 p.m.

July 3 — 7 p.m.

July 4 — 7 p.m.

Carolina Disco Turkeys: Baseball and

Salem

7:30

7:30

Commissioners approve sale of Tanglewood Business Park

The county will sell 167 acres of property for nearly $5 million

By Ryan Henkel Twin City Herald

WINSTON-SALEM — Forsyth County has come to terms on a signi cant sale of county-owned property.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved the sale of the Tanglewood Business Park property to Pine State Development, a real estate development rm, in the amount of $4.9 million at its June 25 meeting.

The property is approximately 167 acres (150 usable) of county-owned land located o of Topsider Drive in Clemmons.

The buyer is being represented by Arden Homes, a residential developer based in Winston-Salem.

The nal sale is $900,000 more than when the property was rst put up for the upset bid process last year.

“The board received an offer to purchase the Tanglewood property from Williams Land Development Company in December of 2025 in the amount of $4 million,” said CED Director Kirby Robinson. “That offer was in response to a previous meeting where the board had indicated it was open to selling the Tanglewood property for uses other than light industrial.”

Per the agreement, the buyer could potentially have up to a year to investigate the proper-

ty and obtain the required permits before they could potentially back out of the deal.

“I’m a little irritated that it’ll take a year for this thing to close with all of the potential extensions that exist there,” said Commissioner Gray Wilson.

The board also approved the execution of a lease agreement with Tanglewood Farm for county owned property, specifically stable facilities and associated pastures located at 4061 Clemmons Road.

In total, the lease covers six horse barns with 88 stables, a mule barn with 17 stables, approximately 42 acres of fenced pastures, the o ce at the bunk house, restroom facilities at the bunk house, two riding rings and ve tack rooms.

The three-year lease will be

at an annual rate of $15,000, with a $300 increase each year, as well as 5% of the stables’ annual gross revenue.

Finally, the board authorized an approximately $62,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Aviation Division of Aviation to go toward the replacement of perimeter fencing at Smith Reynolds Airport.

The grant will cover 90% of the costs of a contract with Avcon Engineers and Planners for project design, construction documents, grant administration and bidding assistance. The remainder of the costs (around $7,000) will be covered by the county.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will next meet July 9.

Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s proposed limits

More than a quartermillion babies born annually in the U.S. would have lost citizenship

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to people who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens. The justices relied on a long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, and more recent federal laws in ruling that anyone born in the country,

with very limited exceptions, is a citizen.

“Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights— to freely participate in our political community. The Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment extended that promise to ‘every free-born person in this land,’” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court, citing congressional debate over the amendment. “We keep that promise today.”

Three conservative justices would have allowed the restrictions to take e ect.

“The Court today takes the extraordinary step of holding facially unconstitutional the President’s Order excluding from citizenship the children of foreign temporary visitors and illegal aliens,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in a 91-

“Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights — to freely participate in our political community.”

Chief Justice John Roberts

page dissent, more than three times as long as Roberts’ opinion. “In doing so, the Court adds to the sad history of the Fourteenth Amendment, which was designed and understood to secure equal rights for the freed blacks but has instead been repurposed for political projects that the Reconstruction Congress did not support.” The Republican president’s

restrictions had been blocked by several lower courts and had not taken e ect anywhere in the U.S.

During arguments in April, both conservative and liberal justices questioned the order’s legality in a momentous case that was magni ed by Trump’s unprecedented attendance in the courtroom.

The case framed another test of Trump’s assertions of executive power that defy long-standing precedent for a court with a conservative majority and a robust view of presidential power that has largely ruled in his favor. In the notable exceptions when the court has not, Trump has responded with starkly personal criticisms of the justices. The justices ruled on Trump’s

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Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court erased limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates for Congress and president, striking down a federal election law that is more than 50 years old.

Prodded by a Republican-led lawsuit that includes Vice President JD Vance, the court’s conservative justices were again in the majority of the latest decision that upended congressionally enacted limits on raising and spending money to in uence elections. The court’s 2010 Citizens United decision opened the door to unlimited independent spending in federal elec-

tions.

The limits on party spending stem from a desire to prevent large donors from skirting caps on individual contributions to a candidate by directing unlimited sums to the party, with the understanding that the money will be spent on behalf of the candidate.

The Supreme Court had previously upheld the limits, in 2001.

The Republican committees for House and Senate candidates led the lawsuit in Ohio in 2022, joined by Vance, then a senator from Ohio, and thenRep. Steve Chabot.

After President Donald Trump took o ce for his second term, the Federal Election Commission dropped its defense of

the law and joined with Republicans in urging that it be overturned.

Democrats had called on the court to uphold the law, even though there is wide agreement that the spending limits have hurt political parties in an era of unlimited spending by other organizations.

Last year, the coordinated party spending for Senate races ranged from $127,200 in several states with small populations to nearly $4 million in California, the most populous state. For House races, the limits were $127,200 in states with only one representative and $63,600 everywhere else.

Entrenched divisions between liberal and conservative justices over campaign nance

Supreme Court will consider whether ‘assault weapon’ bans violate the Second Amendment

By Lindsay Whitehurst The Associated Press

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1201 Edwards Mill Rd. Suite 300 Raleigh, NC 27607

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Supreme Court that has expanded gun rights will consider whether bans on semiautomatic ri es, often called assault weapons, violate the Second Amendment.

The justices said Tuesday they will hear appeals challenging bans on the AR-15 and similar semiautomatic rearms in Connecticut and the Chicago area.

Similar laws are in place in about a dozen states, covering major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Congress allowed a national assault weapons ban to expire in 2004, but Democrats have sup-

ported renewing it in response to a series of mass shootings. States have also continued to pass their own laws, including recent measures in Virginia and Rhode Island.

It is the latest high-pro le dispute over guns to reach the court since its conservative majority handed down a landmark ruling in 2022 that expanded Second Amendment rights and spawned challenges to rearm laws around the country.

Arguments are expected to be heard in the fall.

The Connecticut law was passed after a mass shooter used an AR-15 to kill 26 children and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. The state says the guns are a preferred weapon of mass shoot-

ers, and they can be banned because they are similar to military-grade weapons.

“These laws are critical public safety measures, and they are consistent with the Second Amendment,” said Janet Carter, managing director of Second Amendment litigation at the gun-control group Everytown Law.

Gun rights groups, on the other hand, argue it’s unconstitutional to ban semiautomatic ri es, which are legally owned by millions of Americans.

“The Second Amendment protects arms in common use for lawful purposes, and it’s hard to argue that a type of rie that potentially outnumbers Ford F-150 trucks in America doesn’t meet that standard,”

restrictions were on display when the court heard arguments in December.

“Every time we interfere with the congressional design, we make matters worse,” said Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a dissenter in Citizens United and the court’s other campaign money cases.

By contrast, Justice Samuel Alito, a member of the Citizens United majority, described the decision as “much maligned, I think unfairly maligned.” The e ect of the decision was to ”level the playing eld,” Alito said, by expanding the right to spend freely that had previously belonged only to media companies.

said Adam Kraut, executive director of the Second Amendment Foundation.

Four conservative justices on the nine-member court, enough to grant review of a case, had signaled that it was only a matter of time before the court took up the issue.

The ban in Cook County, Illinois, was rst passed in 1993. Lower courts have upheld both laws.

“If the Second Amendment does not protect the most popular ri es in the country, it is hard to see how it protects any rearms at all,” aside from handguns kept in the home, the challengers wrote.

Attorneys for Cook County, on the other hand, say the measure does pass constitutional muster. “The trauma that assault weapon massacres have in icted on the public at large has been staggering,” they wrote.

The Supreme Court backed Second Amendment rights in two cases this term, striking down gun carry restrictions in Hawaii and a broad federal ban on gun ownership by marijuana users.

The largest digital camera ever built begins decade-long survey of the universe

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BIRTHRIGHT from page A2

appeal of a lower-court ruling from New Hampshire that struck down the citizenship restrictions.

The birthright citizenship order, which Trump signed on the rst day of his second term, is part of his administration’s broad immigration crackdown.

Birthright citizenship was the rst Trump immigration-related policy to reach the court for a nal ruling. The justices previously struck down global tari s Trump had imposed under an

The observations will help scientists understand galaxy formation and solve dark matter mysteries

By Adithi Ramakrishnan The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The largest digital camera ever built is starting to capture images of unseen corners of the universe.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has o cially begun its cosmic survey, meant to capture swathes of the sky in more depth and detail. Perched on a Chilean mountaintop, the telescope will point its eye at the southern sky for the next 10 years, taking hundreds of images per night.

Researchers hope Rubin’s observations will help them take a better census of the universe, mapping billions of stars in the Milky Way and billions more galaxies beyond it. It takes pic-

emergency powers law that had never been used that way.

Trump reacted furiously to the late February tari s decision, saying he was ashamed of the justices who ruled against him and calling them unpatriotic. He also seemed to recognize the court was likely to rule against him on birthright citizenship, too, using his Truth Social platform to criticize “dumb judges and justices” and wealthy pregnant women from China and elsewhere who come to the U.S. to give birth so their newborns will have American

NSF–DOE VERA C. RUBIN OBSERVATORY / NOIRLAB / SLAC / AURA VIA AP Stars in the constellation Lupus, as captured by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

tures quickly and will grab images of the same areas of sky multiple times, allowing scientists to glimpse fainter objects that previously eluded detection.

“We’re going to see large numbers of scientists across the world working with this data set, studying the universe in a way that they haven’t been able to before,” said Phil Marshall, the observatory’s deputy director of operations. Rubin released its rst images last year, including colorful shots of the Tri d and Lagoon nebulas located thousands of light-years from Earth. A lightyear is nearly 6 trillion miles. Since then, researchers have tuned up the equipment so it’s ready to take pictures at the depth and accuracy required for

citizenship.

Trump’s order would have upended widely held views that the 14th Amendment confers citizenship on everyone born in the U.S., excluding only the children of foreign diplomats and those born to a foreign occupying force.

The amendment was intended to ensure that Black people, including former slaves, had citizenship, though the Citizenship Clause is written more broadly.

“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and

of the State wherein they reside,” it reads.

In a series of decisions, lower courts have struck down Trump’s executive order as illegal. The decisions have invoked the high court’s 1898 ruling in Wong Kim Ark, which held that the U.S.born child of Chinese nationals was a citizen.

The Trump administration argued that the common view of citizenship is wrong, asserting that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore are not entitled to citizenship.

“We’re going to see large numbers of scientists across the world working with this data set.”

Phil Marshall, Vera C. Rubin Observatory

the decade-long survey. The images may help scientists discern how galaxies form and cluster over billions of years, and how the universe came to be.

Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Energy, the observatory is named after astronomer Vera Rubin, who o ered the rst tantalizing evidence that a mysterious material called dark matter might be lurking in the universe. Researchers hope the e ort may yield clues about dark matter as well as an equally puzzling force known as dark energy.

More than one-quarter of a million babies born in the U.S. each year would have been a ected by the executive order, according to research by the Migration Policy Institute and Pennsylvania State University’s Population Research Institute.

While Trump has largely focused on illegal immigration in his rhetoric and actions, the birthright citizenship restrictions also would have applied to people who are legally in the United States, including students and applicants for green cards, or permanent resident status.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

| ABBY EMANUELSON

Connecting solutions for a healthier North Carolina

A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn.

PUBLIC POLICY conversations have a habit of happening in separate rooms. Health care gets discussed over here, education over there, workforce development somewhere down the hall.

Food, health care, education and economic opportunity are each assigned their own stakeholders, their own budget lines, their own lanes, as if the people a ected by these issues live their lives the same way. They don’t. At a time when state leaders are making consequential budget decisions, the way we frame these challenges matters just as much as the solutions we pursue.

For many North Carolinians, the challenges arrive together and compound one another. A parent struggling to put food on the table is often the same parent delaying a doctor’s visit because of cost. A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn, and eventually to emerge ready to contribute to the success of their communities. A rural community navigating health care shortages is rarely navigating that challenge alone. It’s often working to maintain access to maternity care, recruit teachers and health professionals who encourage families to stay and build their futures there.

At the North Carolina Alliance for Health, we work alongside organizations, educators, health care providers, advocates, and community leaders from across the state. Through partnerships, community conversations, and on-the-ground collaboration, we see rsthand how these challenges intersect in people’s daily

lives. What we hear, consistently and from every corner of North Carolina, is that the forces shaping people’s health and well-being rarely operate in isolation. Neither should the solutions. Health shapes educational outcomes, workforce participation and economic mobility. It in uences whether children are ready to learn, whether adults can show up for work, and whether communities can thrive.

As we are set to embark on our 25th year, if there’s one lesson the past quarter century has driven home, it’s that the most e ective solutions are also, more often than not, the most practical ones. Children who are consistently fed learn better, miss fewer days of school, and are less likely to need costly interventions later. Adults with access to preventive care are less likely to end up in emergency rooms and better able to remain in the workforce. Communities with strong public health infrastructure are more resilient when crises hit. These aren’t just good outcomes for families. They’re good outcomes for the state.

That’s why we’re encouraging North Carolina’s leaders, as they nalize the state budget, to invest in the building blocks of a healthy and prosperous state. These investments may appear in di erent sections of the state budget, but they all contribute to the same outcome: healthier people, stronger families, and a more prosperous North Carolina.

That means maintaining a strong Medicaid program, including Medicaid expansion, so that North Carolinians can access preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and receive

treatment before health challenges become crises. Medicaid supports children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working adults alike, while helping build a healthier workforce, stronger families, and more resilient communities.

It means the state invests in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SUN Bucks that help families a ord groceries and ensure children continue to have access to healthy meals when school is out of session. It means ensuring that every child has access to healthy school meals so they can start the day ready to learn, grow, and succeed. By pairing investments in school meals with strong farmto-school programs, North Carolina can improve student health and academic outcomes while supporting local farmers and rural economies. These investments help children thrive today while strengthening the workforce and communities our state will depend on tomorrow. Across North Carolina, there is broad agreement that children shouldn’t go hungry, that families should be able to access care, and that communities deserve a genuine shot at success. What’s sometimes missing is the high-level vision of how these goals are connected and how to achieve them through smart, scally responsible policy.

As leaders across the state continue shaping North Carolina’s future, the opportunity in front of us is signi cant. We can invest in solutions that strengthen families, support communities, and build healthier futures, not by treating every challenge as a separate problem to be solved in isolation, but by recognizing what North Carolinians have always known. Their lives are whole, their challenges are connected, and their solutions should be too.

This is a moment to invest in a coordinated vision for health, because when North Carolinians are healthy, our state is stronger.

Abby Emanuelson is executive director for the North Carolina Alliance for Health.

Democrats declare war on school choice

In Florida, the biggest program of all, with more than 1 million kids enrolled in these school choice voucher programs, the kids are racking up better test scores than their peers in the public schools.

WHY ARE DEMOCRATS and their teachers union masters trying to shoot down parental choice in education even when we now have so many examples of these programs working?

Choice and competition are two of the hallmarks of the American economy. When stores compete, customers win. Turns out this is also true for schools. That’s an inviolable law of economics. A corollary is that monopolies tend to put customers last.

This is all happening at a time when public monopoly schools are showing at or negative performance despite more funding than ever before.

This is one reason why so many states are turning to the new model of school choice, with public funds going to scholarships and charter schools, and tax incentives for charitable donations to private and Catholic schools.

About 23 mostly red states are experimenting with such programs, and so far the results in test scores and parental satisfaction are mostly positive.

Today about 1.5 million kids are taking advantage of these programs. In Florida, the biggest program of all, with more than 1 million kids enrolled in these school choice voucher programs, the kids are racking up better test scores than their peers in the public schools. This is incentivizing public schools to up THEIR game.

That’s the idea. But Democrats, acting as if school choice is the bubonic plague, are trying to shoot it down across the country.

No one has been more of a disappointment than Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, whose 2027 budget would slash $500 million from charter schools and gut education tax credits.

This could put 30,000 kids at risk of losing their scholarships. Already there are about 70,000 kids who want to go to a private school, but the scholarship money isn’t available because of program caps. Once again, a prominent Democrat places the unions ahead of the kids.

Then there is Arizona: Dems and teachers unions have put an initiative on the November ballot to roll back one of the nation’s largest school voucher programs, which has exploded to more than 100,000 students. Parents can get $7,000 per student to use for private and charter school tuition and homeschooling.

Even worse is the Florida Education Association, which has led a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s school choice and charter school programs, which provide education for 1.4 million kids. The Florida Constitution guarantees a “uniform” system of free public schools but does not prohibit the legislature from expanding educational options beyond the traditional public school model.

In Rhode Island, Democratic Gov. Dan McKee wants to cap funding for popular charter schools even as the school budgets expand.

Why the barriers to these educational opportunities?

Let me be loud and clear on this point: The Dems and their union puppet masters don’t want to get rid of these programs because they are failing the kids. They want to abolish them because they are getting better results than the public schools. Florida’s public charter sector maintains an aggregate grade of “A,” outperforming traditional public school counterparts in 55 of 77 metrics.

Maybe the unions de ne a “uniform education

system” as one that is uniformly bad.

What is sad is that even with a robust school choice program, probably two of three kids will still be enrolled in public schools for the foreseeable future. But with alternatives, school boards, teachers and principals will have to prove their value to the customers — the parents.

Even worse is that kids already attending charter, Catholic or special ed schools may have to return to the very classrooms that didn’t work for them in the rst place. It used to be that unions could claim to parents that alternative schools would be WORSE for their children. But that’s proven not to be the case for these new private choice schools. I know rsthand that in private schools, kids are challenged, disciplined and taught to learn that failure is not an option. In public school, you get kicked into the next grade through social promotion, and the learning de cits are allowed to linger.

The Trump tax cuts will allow potentially millions of disadvantaged kids to get scholarships from tax lers who put money in the schools. It costs the states NOTHING to allow kids into the program. Amazingly, more than half the states with Democratic governors are passing up the FREE money to the parents in their states.

That’s just plain dumb. Maybe these politicians and school administrators have had too much social promotion.

Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity, which advocates for education freedom for all children. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

COLUMN

Venezuelans search more earthquake ruins as attention turns to humanitarian crisis

A cash-strapped government faces questions about coordinating relief for thousands now homeless

By Juan Pablo Arraez and Isabel Debre The Associated Press

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela — With the window for nding survivors shrinking fast, Venezuelans combed Monday through more ruins of buildings toppled by last week’s powerful back-toback earthquakes, and attention turned to the country’s humanitarian crisis that could persist for years.

Relief organizations say the rst 72 hours after a natural disaster is the most crucial time period for rescues, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water. Five days after the twin quakes, questions loomed about whether the cash-strapped government will be able to coordinate the e ort needed to care for thousands of people who have been left homeless.

In other developments, a 4.6 magnitude aftershock rumbled through the disaster zone in the northern state of La Guaira.

The death toll stood at more than 1,700 people, according to the government, which has long retained tight control over news media.

Venezuelan government promotes its e orts

Facing criticism that authorities have done too little, too slowly, government o cials aggressively promoted their recovery and rescue e orts. Police and military o cers on Monday handed out cans of tuna and crackers to hungry displaced people in La Guaira.

In a speech, Jorge Rodríguez, the leader of the Venezuelan National Assembly and brother of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, said electricity had been restored to 90% of the hardest-hit state of La Guaira. He said authorities were racing to evaluate damaged buildings that still posed a danger and had set up 15 temporary displacement camps.

Many Venezuelan news reports have avoided politically delicate questions related to the earthquake, such as the widespread collapse of buildings, sticking instead to safer stories about heroic rescues. Delcy Rodríguez, who came to power in January after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration seized former President Nicolás Maduro, shared footage Monday of emergency workers lifting a man out of the ruins to applause after a 43-hour search e ort.

“Each life saved is a victory for hope,” she wrote on X.

Such bright spots are rare at the quake’s epicenter, where families keep vigil at search sites.

“We have to stay strong, even without food, without sleep,” said Ana Rada, watching as civil defense workers looked for her brother. “Until I see the body, I still have hope.”

Aftershock rattles rescuers

After what the government said were more than 600 aftershocks since Wednesday’s quakes, a moderate temblor on Monday struck 17 miles north of Caraballeda on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and measured 4.6 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Jorge Rodríguez said there were no reports of damage, but the shock sent residents in the capital of Caracas screaming into the streets.

“Here we are again, back in the street. I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace,” said Concepción Hernández, 51, evacuating her apartment in the Chacao municipality of Caracas.

Questions over extent of U.S. help

Dozens of countries have offered assistance. But the disaster has raised expectations for the Trump administration after its takeover of Venezuela’s oil industry earlier this year.

In a brie ng with reporters, a senior State Department o cial said 300 rst responders sent from the U.S. are working on the ground and two dozen C-17 military transport planes arrive every day with supplies. Financial support from the U.S. now exceeds $300 million.

The U.S. military is also assisting with repairs at the port in La Guaira to allow an in ux of

relief supplies by sea and manage air tra c after the quakes destroyed part of the control tower at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, said the ocial, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. It seemed unlikely, however, that the Trump administration would grant temporary humanitarian protections to Venezuelans as previous administrations have done for people from disaster-stricken countries already in the U.S. Such action was taken after earthquakes in 2010 in Haiti and 2001 in El Salvador. Venezuelans have been a major focus of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. More than 100 Venezuelans recently deported from the U.S. were being held at a hotel in the country when the quake hit, and many are now missing, survivors say.

Rescuers included a miner deported from the US

Among the rescuers digging through the rubble Monday was 31-year-old miner Jean Sosa, who said he was deported from the U.S. in January over a missed immigration court hearing and returned to Caracas last month, dazed by an odyssey that began in shackles at an Arizona immigration detention center.

He had built a new life in New York City over the past four years, he said, working at a taco stand near Penn Station, before Department of Homeland Security o cials detained him. They ultimately shuttled him between immigration detention centers across the U.S. before leaving him and a busload of other deportees in southern Mexico without his passport, phone or wallet. He then paid his way back to

Venezuela.

Since arriving Wednesday in La Guaira, Sosa has scrambled to pull people from the rubble with his old mining pickaxe in the absence of national rescue teams.

“Many people could have been saved if there had been equipment and support from top authorities from the very beginning,” he told The Associated Press, wearing a helmet and a black T-shirt splotched with dust in the port city where he said he had already rescued 20 people.

Those rescues heartened him, he said, despite the lack of supplies. “We’re working without gloves, without equipment, borrowing supplies, improvising bandages and whatever else we can.”

The full scale of damage remains unclear

Experts are struggling to assess the scope of damage, but they generally agree that the government’s gures are a vast undercount.

Many Venezuelans are skeptical of o cial pronouncements, particularly since Maduro’s government claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election despite a vote count showing he had lost to the opposition movement led by María Corina Machado.

The now-exiled opposition leader has criticized the government response to the earthquake and on Monday accused it of temporarily closing the airspace to prevent her from returning to the country. She did not o er evidence.

Jorge Rodríguez said that as of Monday, the earthquake had a ected a total of 15,866 people.

The United Nations, meanwhile, says that up to 6.8 million of Venezuela’s nearly 30 million residents may be a ected — which

could mean being displaced or losing access to electricity and water. The Venezuelan Red Cross said it expected to address the needs of at least 300,000 people for the next two years.

While Rodríguez said the number of damaged or collapsed buildings had reached 855, a preliminary assessment by NASA put that number at 58,870 buildings. The assessment relied on radar imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellites, which can detect changes to infrastructure.

The updates to government gures are given in brief televised announcements where journalists have no opportunity to ask questions or request more details. In another obstacle to coverage, the Venezuelan press union said Monday that the Ministry of Communication was blocking access to La Guaira for at least some foreign reporters for 48 hours.

It said the ministry cited the need “to reduce noise during rescue operations.” The union urged the government to drop the restriction: “As hours pass, the health situation may worsen, and the country needs veried and timely information.”

Because of the chaos and poor phone service, many Venezuelans have turned to non-governmental digital databases to report their loved ones as missing. More than 50,000 people were reported missing on one such database, though it is unclear how many have been found.

Fire ghter Kleider Carrillo said nothing prepared him for the destruction in La Guaira.

“When you study for this profession, you’re trained for situations like this,” he said. “But what’s in textbooks is one thing. Reality is another.”

PEDRO MATTEY / AP PHOTO

A rescuer carries a girl pulled from the rubble four days after twin earthquakes struck La Guaira, Venezuela, Sunday, June 28, 2026.

MATIAS DELACROIX / AP PHOTO

Rescue workers search through the rubble of a building that collapsed when earthquakes struck La Guaira, Venezuela, Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Forsyth SPORTS

Sportsbooks say World Cup betting has surged past

US hype is driving much of the action

By Mark Anderson The Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Sportsbook operators anticipated this year’s World Cup would set betting records because the major elements were aligned.

The world’s most popular sporting event is being played in North America, so U.S. audiences can see the games live while the sun is out or in the early evening. The U.S. also has a team that may be its most talented in history.

And then the U.S. went out and won its rst two matches to capture its group.

“I think it has exceeded our expectations,” said Mark Bickerdike, Caesars Sportsbook’s head of soccer trading, of the money being bet.

DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello said the wagering on the 48-team World Cup, now in the knockout stage, is putting itself in the same company as the always popular NCAA Tournament in college basketball.

“It could be the biggest event of the year when it’s all said and done,” Avello said. “March Madness takes place over the course of three weeks, and it rakes quite a bit of money. This is getting there.

“It blows the Super Bowl away. One game, one day. This thing here is way bigger than that.”

Christian Cipollini, BetMGM Sportsbook’s trading manager, said the enormous interest in the U.S. team has only grown. The Americans opened the single-elimination phase

expectations

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Zephaniah Hairston

“It blows the Super Bowl away. One game, one day. This thing here is way bigger than that.”

DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello

of the tournament on Wednesday night against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California.

“I expect that to be BetMGM’s most bet-on soccer game of all time,” Cipollini said.

“In this World Cup, all three of our most bet-on games have been the three USA games. This game is leading up to be a perfect storm where the USA looks very good. There’s a lot of hype around the team.”

The three sportsbooks listed Kylian Mbappé-led France as the favorite to win it all,

with Lionel Messi and defend-

ing champion Argentina not far behind as knockout play began. They are on opposite sides of the bracket, so if they face each other, it would be in the nal, a rematch of four years ago.

At BetMGM, 15.3% of tickets have been on France, the most of any country, and it has received 20.4% of the money. That is slightly below Spain, which has taken in 20.5% of the handle, much if not most of it before the tournament.

Americans like a good underdog story, and wagers are coming in on some teams with exceptionally long odds.

“Bettors like to take a shot for a small amount of money and put it on those teams,” Avello said. “Of course, that risk is high for us because it doesn’t take much. A $5 bet on Congo, it’s $5,000 (in a payout). You take quite a few of those and the liability gets up pretty high on them.”

Forsyth County Special Olympics team

Zephaniah Hairston is a 20-year-old member of the Forsyth County Special Olympics team. Hairston competed in the Special Olympics of North Carolina Summer Games in Raleigh in the athletics / track & eld events.

Hairston took a gold medal in the mini-javelin throw competition with a throw of 6.9 meters. He also won bronze in the shot put with a toss of 5.32 meters. He nished his strong performance with a bronze in the 100-meter dash.

Van Gisbergen is NASCAR’s leading active winner on road and street courses with Sonoma victory

With eight wins, he’s one o the all-time record

The Associated Press

SONOMA, Calif. — Shane van Gisbergen continued his remarkable run on the twistiest tracks in NASCAR, but this was no easy Sunday drive.

The Trackhouse Racing driver became the winningest active Cup Series driver on road and street courses with his second consecutive victory at Sonoma Raceway. Though he led 74 of the nal 83 laps after starting sixth on the 1.99-mile road course north of San Francisco, van Gisbergen had to fend o a charge by runner-up Chase Briscoe with a No. 97 Chevrolet that hadn’t been entirely to his liking since practice a day earlier.

“We were really bad yesterday, and these guys did an amazing job turning this car into a winner,” said van Gisbergen, who celebrated with a massive burnout for the grandstands. “(Briscoe) was coming. He was really, really good, and I ran out at the end. Yeah, a couple more laps, we would have had some problems.”

Finishing second to van Gisbergen at Sonoma for the second consecutive year, Briscoe came up 0.357 seconds short and was left lamenting a mistake in getting his No. 19 Toyota into Turn 1 with four laps remaining.

“Not very many people get that close to him at the end of one of these road course races,” Briscoe said. “Just frustrated with myself. I felt like I de nitely had the better car. I didn’t do as good of a job as he did driving. I was having to push so hard, and that was where I would make up my ground. It was just such a razor’s edge, and I about crashed.

If I don’t make that mistake, I’m probably ahead of him at the end.

“Just bummed that it was my fault we didn’t win with the best

car. Against that guy, you’ve got to be absolutely perfect.”

Van Gisbergen notched the eighth victory of his career on the tracks that require left and right turns, breaking a tie with 2020 Cup champion Chase Elliott. With his second win this season, van Gisbergen improved three spots to 14th in the points standings, moving back into a provisional spot in the Chase. But there are no road or street courses remaining over the nal 18 races of the season, so the New Zealand native will need to diversify his skillset after entering

NASCAR three years ago with no experience on ovals.

“I need to really step it up on the ovals,” he said. “This is an oval championship, and I need to keep getting better at them.”

Pole-sitter Ty Gibbs nished third, and Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell rounded out the top ve.

In-Season Challenge upset

For the second year in a row, the top seed was knocked o in the opening race of the In-Season Challenge, the bracket-style tournament that pits 32 drivers head to head with the top nish-

er advancing. Tyler Reddick nished four laps down in 36th because of a power steering problem. That turned his rst-round matchup into a walkover for 10th-place nisher Alex Bowman, who nabbed the 32nd and nal seed in the In-Season Challenge despite missing four races with vertigo. “It’s just a very odd issue,” Reddick said. “Everything seemed ne when we left the pit stall, and then the steering just really got notchy with the power steering going in and out. It was just

really really hard to make any kind of lap time with it.”

The 23XI Racing driver salvaged a point by setting the race’s fastest lap after the team made repairs. After leading the Chase standings since winning the Daytona 500 season opener, Reddick fell one point behind Denny Hamlin with eight races remaining in the regular season.

“I’d say we got pretty fortunate,” Reddick said. “All things considered, for the issues that we had, we were very fortunate to only lose nine points to Denny while nishing last.”

ANDRE PENNER / AP PHOTO

United States’ Sebastian Berhalter (14) celebrates scoring a goal against Turkey during the World Cup Group D soccer match.

JEFF CHIU / AP PHOTO

Shane van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma.

SIDELINE REPORT

NFL

Parents of former player Martin allege excessive police force led to his wrongful death

The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin have led a wrongful death lawsuit against Oakland, California, police o cers and an ambulance company, claiming excessive force and delayed medical care led to Martin’s death last year. The lawsuit states Martin was experiencing a mental health crisis in October when police used excessive force to subdue him. The 36-year-old was a standout player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

FOOTBALL

CFL won’t allow QB Sorsby to sign with teams or be added to negotiation lists

Toronto The CFL said it won’t allow 22-year-old quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was permanently ruled ineligible by the NCAA for sports betting to sign with any of its teams or be placed on their negotiation lists. Sorsby admitted to placing thousands of bets totaling nearly $90,000. After being ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA, Sorsby attempted to join the NFL’s supplemental draft, but that league told him it wouldn’t hold one this year. The CFL said in a statement “upholding the integrity of the league and ensuring fair competition” was paramount.

MLB White Sox chairman Reinsdorf o ciates wedding of former Rookie of Year Kittle during game

As the White Sox were slugging their way to a 22-1 victory over the Royals, former player Ron Kittle was getting married in a ballpark suite with Chicago chairman Jerry Reinsdorf o ciating. Kittle tied the knot with his girlfriend, Barbara, in Reinsdorf’s suite during Chicago’s 10-run third inning. The White Sox went on to score their most runs since May 1970. Harold Baines and Greg Walker, Kittle’s teammates on the 1983 White Sox squad, and their spouses also attended the quick ceremony.

WNBA

Parker, Delle Donne lead Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class

Knoxville, Tenn. Candace Parker’s basketball journey has come full circle. It started at the University of Tennessee in 2004. It included two national titles, three WNBA crowns, two WNBA MVP awards and two Olympic gold medals. Saturday night, Parker was one of eight inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville. Others included players Elena Delle Donne, Amaya Valdemoro and Isabelle Fijalkowski; coaches Cheryl Reeve and Kim Muhl; television analyst Doris Burke; and posthumous veteran honoree Barbara Kennedy-Dixon.

Stokes, Holt, Smith headline early list of lottery candidates for 2027 NBA draft

Duke, UNC also have players to watch

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

High-end freshman talent teemed through the last two NBA draft classes.

The 2027 class lacks that same lofty status. Paul Biancardi, ESPN’s national recruiting director for high school basketball, said it was long clear the past two classes would “be special.” So much so that the NBA recently changed its draft rules due to widespread tanking by teams angling for those top prospects.

“Unfairly they’re going to be compared to the last two classes,” Biancardi said of 2027. “That’s never going to be helpful for them because whether it was a bulk of talent or just tremendous talent at the top the last two drafts were the best we’ve seen in decades.

“So now we look ahead and this class ended up being very good.”

One-and-done freshmen claimed 11 of 14 lottery spots (78.6%) in both 2025 and 2026, while NIL rules make it enticing and lucrative for prospects to stay longer in college.

With that in mind, here’s a look at next summer’s top lottery candidates:

Tyran Stokes, Kansas

The 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward is a McDonald’s All-American topping recruiting rankings.

Caleb Holt, Arizona

The guard signed with the Wildcats in April. He shared MVP honors of the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Jordan Smith Jr., Arkansas

The McDonald’s All-American was named the Naismith national high school player of the year in March.

Bruce Branch III, BYU

Branch was the No. 2 recruit in the 2027 recruiting class before reclassifying to this year.

Alijah Arenas, USC

The 6-6, 199-pound guard and son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has recovered from a truck accident and knee injury.

Braylon Mullins, UConn

The 6-6 freshman guard hit one of the biggest shots in March Madness lore with his last-second 3-pointer to beat Duke in the Elite Eight.

Thomas Haugh, Florida

The 6-9, 215-pound versatile forward and third-team All-American was already a lottery candidate before returning for his senior season.

Luigi Suigo, Villanova

The 7-3, 289-pound teenager who played in Serbia had the third-biggest wingspan measured at the combine (better than 7-5).

Motiejus Krivas, Arizona

The 7-2, 260-pound center was a frontcourt anchor for a 36-win Final Four team as a junior.

Cameron Williams, Duke

The 7-0, 210-pound forward headlines the nation’s No. 2-ranked recruiting class.

Coach Jon Scheyer has praised his versatility to defend all ve positions to go with athleticism, ballhandling and shooting range.

Amari Allen, Alabama

The 6-8, 205-pound forward withdrew from the draft to return for his sophomore season.

Patrick Ngongba II, Duke

The 6-11, 250-pound center upped his production (10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds) as a sophomore with rim-protecting length (1.1 blocks). He showed the rst glimpses of improved range (8 of 31 from 3) to go with his passing touch (2.0 assists).

Jason Crowe Jr., Missouri

The 6-foot-3, 170-pound combo guard shared McDonald’s All-American Game MVP honors.

Matt Able, North Carolina

The 6-6 freshman guard averaged 8.8 points at N.C. State while showing with quality range (two games with ve 3s). He performed well at the combine before withdrawing to play under former NBA championship-winner Michael Malone at UNC.

Others to watch (in alphabetical order):

“Unfairly

they’re going to be compared to the last two classes.”

Recruiting expert Paul Biancardi on the 2027 class

Juke Harris: The 6-7 guard is set for a starring role at Tennessee after averaging 21.4 points as a Wake Forest sophomore.

Sayon Keita: The lean 7-footer from Mali committed to UNC after playing in Spain. He has length, athleticism and still-developing upside as a rim protector and lob threat.

Dame Sarr: Duke’s 6-8 wing from Italy o ers high-end defensive potential and length. He averaged 6.4 points as a freshman but showed growth from outside (34.9% on 3s after Feb. 4).

Tyler Tanner: Vanderbilt’s 6-0, 173-pound guard withdrew from the draft to return as a junior.

JT Toppin: Texas Tech’s 6-9, 230-pound junior forward was a rst-team AP All-American despite su ering a season-ending knee injury (torn ACL).

Tounde Yessoufou: The 6-5 wing averaged 17.8 points as a freshman at Baylor, then withdrew from the draft to join St. John’s as 247Sports’ No. 4 transfer.

MLB’s draft overhaul would limit choices for teen players — and be a boon for colleges

High schoolers may not be eligible to be drafted if a new proposal passes

By David Brandt The Associated Press

PHOENIX — James Clark is a young man with enticing options on his baseball horizon. The promising 18-yearold shortstop was taking ineld practice during the MLB draft combine at Chase Field, uidly handling ground balls before ring to rst base. It’s one of many reasons the California native has a chance to be selected in the rst round of next month’s draft.

But if he decides he’s not ready to start his professional baseball career, he’s committed to play college ball at Duke, which has a successful baseball program and an elite academic reputation.

“It’s going to be a di cult decision,” Clark said. “But it’s a good one to have.”

If MLB gets it’s way, it’s a decision that future baseball prospects won’t get to make.

Owners recently proposed banning high school players from signing with major league teams, raising the age for international amateurs and slashing the money spent on signing bonuses in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

If the league gets its way, starting in 2028, a prospect

for the amateur draft would have to be at least 20 years old by the Sept. 1 of his signing year and two years removed from the graduating year of his high school class — a restriction that also would eliminate players who completed their rst year of junior college.

There are dozens of current MLB stars who signed as teenagers, including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Mike Trout and Bobby Witt Jr. Even more recently, Pirates phenom Konnor Gri n made his MLB debut at 19 years old.

Shortstop Roch Cholowsky was a highly-rated recruit coming out of a high school in Arizona in 2023 but instead played at UCLA for three seasons. Now he could be the No. 1 selection in next month’s MLB draft after a standout career with the Bruins.

Still, he had plenty of friends who went straight to

the pros out of high school.

“It’s di erent for everybody — whatever is best for you,” Cholowsky said. “A guy like myself needed to go to college. I got to play three years of unbelievable baseball at UCLA, learn a lot and really grow up.”

College baseball has grown rapidly in recent years for many reasons, including that NCAA programs can now offer 34 scholarships instead of the old cap of 11.7. There’s also some NIL money available at the top programs, though it’s usually not like the high-dollar deals for their football or basketball counterparts.

In the 2025 MLB draft, 56 college players were selected in the top 90 picks. Thanks to a variety of factors — especially money and technology — the MLB and NCAA versions of baseball have never been more similar.

Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz was last year’s AL

Rookie of the Year after playing in college at Wake Forest, needing just 210 plate appearances in the minors before dominating MLB pitching. Pittsburgh Pirates righthander Paul Skenes was a star pitcher at LSU before being drafted in 2023 and needed just 34 innings in the minors before making it to the big leagues. He was obviously ready — winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and the Cy Young award in 2025.

From the MLB perspective, it’s become advantageous to let prospects develop in college instead of drafting them as teenagers, paying large signing bonuses, and then trying to project their growth. Currently, each MLB team runs ve levels of domestic minor leagues, which can get expensive.

Streamlining that process is enticing. The minors are already shrinking — MLB cut 40 minor league a liates back in 2020. MLB has said it will not seek to reduce the 120 minor league teams in the top four levels when it negotiates new professional development licenses in 2030 to replace expiring 10-year deals.

“These guys trust (college) programs,” Arizona State coach Willie Bloomquist said earlier this spring. “They say, ‘We’ll just watch them in college in three years at a Power 4 program, see how they development and then we’ll go get them.’”

GREGORY PAYAN / AP PHOTO

Duke recruit Cameron Williams (1) shoots during the Hoophall Classic.

James Clark, a shortstop from St. John Bosco High School, gathers his gear in the dugout at the MLB baseball combine.

ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO

the stream

‘Enola

Holmes 3,’ Madonna, ‘Obsession,’ ‘Legally Blonde’ prequel series ‘Elle’

The Associated Press

“ENOLA HOLMES 3” and a new album from Madonna are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: the “Legally Blonde” prequel series, a look at Ralph Lauren’s stamp collection celebrating America’s 250th birthday and “Obsession” arriving on premium video-on-demand services.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Unexpected box-o ce staying power pushed back its home release, but Curry Barker’s “Obsession” is now streaming on premium on demand. Despite a production budget of $750,000, the Focus Features release has amassed more than $337 million in worldwide ticket sales since opening in midMay. In it, Bear (Michael Johnston) uses a One Wish Willow to wish that his crush (Inde Navarrette) loves him.

Millie Bobby Brown returns as the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes in “Enola Holmes 3” on Net ix. In the series’ third lm, Enola prepares for her impending wedding to Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) when her brother, Sherlock (Henry Cavill), is kidnapped.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Madge hath returned. “Confessions II,” the sequel to Madonna’s beloved 2005 album “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” arrives Friday — 21 years after the original. The original has been widely regarded as a return to the top of her pop powers. The critically acclaimed release, which produced such hits as “Hung Up,” “Sorry,” “Get Together” and “Jump,” was dancepop disco for a new era of clubgoers. So, what will this new era bring? Judging by the previously released “Confessions II” tracks,

the breathy “I Feel So Free,” the house rhythms of “Love Sensation” and the Sabrina Carpenter collaboration “Bring Your Love,” a good time is on the horizon.

SERIES TO STREAM

Oscar winner Jean Dujardin (“The Artist”) stars in “Zorro,” a new limited French series about Don Diego de la Vega, a dashing, wealthy nobleman living in 1821 Los Angeles. This Diego de la Vega hasn’t tapped into his Zorro alter ego for 20 years, but when he unexpectedly becomes the mayor of LA, he nds himself in a battle against corruption threatening his city. The Zorro persona is reborn, and de la Vega must balance politics, family and his secret role as a vigilante. The show is streaming now on MHz Choice and its subscription channels on Prime Video and Roku.

We learn in the new Prime Video series, “Elle,” that before

she went to Harvard law school, Elle Woods was a happy teen living in the Los Angeles sunshine in a McMansion, until her father gets a new job in…Seattle. The bubbly pink-loving teen

quickly nds out that her new school is in its grunge period where Nirvana rules, and even the school’s cheerleaders wear annel. Despite a variety of setbacks, Elle eventually nds her

“But out here on the dance oor I feel so free, I can't explain. On the dance oor I feel so free.”

Madonna

people and comes to love her new school. Newcomer Lexi Minetree plays the younger Elle, but at certain angles and in certain moments you’ll swear you’re looking at Reese Witherspoon. Season 2 is now streaming. You may have heard that Ralph Lauren has designed a USPS Stamp Collection in time for America’s 250th birthday. Thirteen stamps were chosen that honor quintessential American images. A new special by The History Channel called “Ralph Lauren’s American Icons” dives deeper into the intention behind the project and features both previously unseen archival material and interviews with David Lauren, Ken Burns and more. It streams Sunday, July 5 on the History Channel app.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Dating as far back as the Game Boy, Nintendo consoles have long appealed to players who like a little toe-tapping with their alien-zapping. “Rhythm Heaven Groove” continues that tradition, challenging gamers to chop vegetables, punch fruit and swing sledgehammers while keeping to the beat. Those are just a few of the 80 single-player minigames in this package, which also features Beatspell, a rhythmic role-playing adventure that requires nimble nger-work to cast spells. You can also round up three friends for 30 multiplayer contests, some competitive, some cooperative. Get into the groove Thursday, July 2, on the Switch.

JOHN WILSON / NETFLIX VIA AP

Louis Partridge, left, and Millie Bobby Brown star in “Enola Holmes 3.”

JESSICA BROOKS / PRIME VIDEO VIA AP

Lexi Minetree plays a young Elle Woods in the Prime Video series “Elle.”

FOCUS FEATURES VIA AP

Inde Navarrette, left, and Michael Johnston star in the lm “Obsession.”

STATE & NATION

Supreme Court upholds state laws restricting girls’ athletic teams at schools to biological females only

State bans don’t violate Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams, in another setback for transgender people.

The court’s six-justice conservative majority, which has repeatedly ruled against transgender Americans in the past year, ruled that state bans in Idaho and West Virginia don’t violate the Constitution. The court unanimously agreed that barring transgender girls and women also doesn’t run afoul of the federal law known as Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court that, “states may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.”

More than two dozen other Republican-led states have ad-

opted bans on female transgender athletes, and the decision seems certain to extend to them as well.

Left unresolved by the outcome are lawsuits challenging state laws and regulations in Connecticut, California and elsewhere that permit transgender athletes to compete consistent with their gender identity.

Becky Pepper-Jackson, a 16-year-old high school sophomore in Bridgeport, West Virginia, has been taking puberty-blocking medication, has publicly identi ed as a girl since age 8 and has been issued a West Virginia birth certi cate recognizing her as female. She is the only transgender person who has sought to compete in girls sports in West Virginia.

Pepper-Jackson has progressed from a back-of-the-pack cross-country runner in middle school to statewide champion in the shot put. She beat the second-place nisher by two feet in last month’s West Virginia championship meet.

In the Idaho case, Lindsay Hecox sued over the state’s rstin-the-nation ban for the chance to try out for the women’s track

“States may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh

and cross-country teams at Boise State University in Idaho. She didn’t make either squad because “she was too slow,” her lawyer, Kathleen Hartnett, told the court during arguments in January, but she competed in club-level soccer and running.

Prominent women in sports have weighed in on both sides. Tennis champion Martina Navratilova, swimmers Summer Sanders and Donna de Varona and beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings are supporting the state bans. Soccer stars Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn and basketball players Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart back the transgender athletes.

In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled LGBTQ people are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace,

nding that “sex plays an unmistakable role” in employers’ decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate.

But last year, the six conservative justices on the nine-member court declined to apply the same sort of analysis when they upheld state bans on gender-a rming care for transgender minors.

The states supporting the prohibitions on transgender athletes argued there is no reason to extend the ruling barring workplace discrimination to Title IX.

Idaho’s law, state Solicitor General Alan Hurst said, is “necessary for fair competition because, where sports are concerned, men and women are obviously not the same.”

Lawyers for Pepper-Jackson argued that such distinctions generally make sense but that their client has none of those advantages because of the unique circumstances of her early transition. In Hecox’s case, her lawyers wanted the court to dismiss the case because she had forsworn trying to play on women’s teams.

NCAA president Charlie Baker told Congress in 2024 that he was aware of only 10 transgen-

Virginia to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in retail stores beginning in 2027

The law doubles the possession limit and creates a regulated market to undercut illicit sales

By Sarah Rankin

The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Five years after becoming the rst Southern state to legalize possession of marijuana, Virginia has approved a legal way to sell it to recreational users.

State budget legislation enacted Monday will allow up to 350 cannabis shops to open across Virginia beginning July 1, 2027. The move marks the latest expansion of access to the drug — which remains illegal at the federal level — through state-level policymaking.

“Virginia legalized adult possession years ago, but without a regulated retail market, we left the illicit market to ll the gap,” state Sen. Lashrecse Aird, a Democrat and legislative leader on the issue, said in a statement earlier this month. “This compromise gives us a smarter and safer path forward — one that protects consumers, keeps products tested and accurately labeled, and creates a legal marketplace that is a ordable and accessible enough to actually compete.”

Here’s what to know about Virginia’s new law, the long process of enabling retail sales and how the state’s changes t into

the national picture:

Virginia’s law allows new stores, higher possession limit

Virginia already had a medical marijuana program that allowed patients to purchase the drug through dispensaries. Now, state regulators will begin accepting applications for retail licenses on Feb. 1, ahead of the July 1, 2027, start date for recreational sales to adults 21 and older.

The law increases the state’s possession limit from 1 ounce to 2 ounces (28 grams to 57 grams) and it will continue to allow people to cultivate a small number of plants at home.

The state will levy an excise tax on top of its sales tax, and that mix is expected to generate about $51 million in revenue for the state in the program’s rst year, according to legislative budget documents.

Advocates of legalization are heralding the changes

Democrats have driven the state’s push toward legalization and recreational retail sales. They have cast the issue as a matter of equity after state data found Black Virginians were disproportionately policed and convicted of using marijuana. Only a sliver of the state’s Republican lawmakers have backed legaliza-

tion, and many have raised public safety and health concerns. Legalization advocates have generally cheered Virginia’s legislation, though many objected to a provision increasing the civil ne for public consumption, arguing it could again lead to disproportionate enforcement based on race.

Chelsea Higgs Wise, a grassroots organizer whose group Marijuana Justice was among those that called on Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger to rethink the increased ne, said the legislation was still an exciting development after years of uncertainty.

For the past ve years, “Adults that want to reasonably consume have been confused, rightfully so,” she said.

Virginia is an outlier in the South

Marijuana is legal in most U.S. states for either medicinal or recreational use, with about half allowing it for recreational use, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, which advocates for legalization and tracks policy developments around the country.

Virginia remains an outlier in the South for its permissive approach.

Federal laws are at odds with state changes

Despite the fact that nearly

der athletes out of more than half a million students on college teams. But despite the small numbers, the issue has taken on outsize importance.

Baker’s NCAA and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees banned transgender women from women’s sports after President Donald Trump, a Republican, signed an executive order aimed at barring their participation.

The public generally is supportive of the limits. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research poll conducted in October 2025 found that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults “strongly” or “somewhat” favored requiring transgender children and teenagers to compete only on sports teams that match the sex they were assigned at birth, not the gender they identify with, while about 2 in 10 were “strongly” or “somewhat” opposed and about one-quarter did not have an opinion. About 2.1 million adults, or 0.8%, and 724,000 people ages 13 to 17, or 3.3%, identify as transgender in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.

all states permit some form of cannabis use, the U.S. government maintains its longstanding prohibition on the drug.

But in a major policy shift, the Trump administration in April announced it was reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug and accelerating the process for a broader reclassi cation.

How Virginia got here

During the 2010s, Virginia gradually expanded access to marijuana for medical treatment. Then, in 2021, Virginia became the rst Southern state to legalize marijuana with the passage of a law that allowed adults 21 and over to possess and cultivate the drug.

But lawmakers didn’t fully enact a framework for retail sales outside of the state’s medical marijuana program. Partisan control of Virginia government ipped in November 2021, and the issue stalled out for years. In 2024, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have established recreational retail sales.

Spanberger, who assumed o ce in January 2026, pledged support during her winning campaign for legislation setting up a retail market. While the governor did veto Democratic legislation that emerged from this year’s legislative session, she eventually worked out a compromise with lawmakers. Those provisions were rolled into a state budget bill that reached nal passage Monday and now becomes law, according to the governor’s o ce, after lawmakers accepted all of Spanberger’s amendments.

STEVE HELBER / AP PHOTO

A cannabis plant that is close to harvest grows in a grow room at the Greenleaf Medical Cannabis facility in Richmond, Va., June 17, 2021.

Randolph record

To be fair

Dusk sets in during the traveling carnival that set up for parts of two weeks last month along East Dixie Drive in Asheboro.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Grant bid provides more support for Asheboro’s downtown projects

July Fourth celebrations planned

• Seagrove — 5:30-10 p.m. on Saturday with reworks at Presnell Park. Prior to the reworks, there’s old-fashioned games, pottery demonstrations and music on tap.

• Archdale — Gates opening at 2 p.m. at Creekside Park. There will be food and music, with reworks at dark.

• Randleman has a Fun 5th slated for July 5 at Commerce Square Park. There will be reworks.

• Franklinville, there’s a community event labeled “America’s Potluck” scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. July 5 at Riverside Park. Visitors are asked to bring a dish or two to share. There will be youth activities and entertainment featuring DJ Law & Order. There’s no admission charge.

• Liberty is holding its July Festival in conjunction with America 250. That celebration is slated from 4-10 p.m. on July 11 on North Fayetteville Street. The event will have music from Deep River Revival. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

• Trinity is holding an America 250 celebration from 5:30-9 p.m. on July 17. There will be food trucks, youth activities, live music and reworks.

$2.00

The city has been working on securing funding for several years to make improvements

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

ASHEBORO — The City of Asheboro has been awarded a grant through the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Downtown Economic Development program to support improvements along North Street and Trade Street.

The designated amount for Asheboro is $225,000.

This is part of the city’s ongoing e ort for streetscape improvements, which includes a focus on North Street and Trade Street.

The city identi es the multi-faceted project as involving burying all overhead utility lines, replacing all antiquated underground water, sewer, and gas mains, and enhancing street and sidewalk functionality. This plan has been in the

works since 2021. The bulk of the construction will be paid for through state-issued infrastructure-related grants, according to information from the city. Construction could begin as soon as 2027.

Part of the city’s goal is to create a more welcoming environment in that area of downtown for residents, visitors and businesses.

The annual meeting included introducing new board members and handing out awards

Randolph Record sta

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Economic Development Corporation touted aspects of a strong year at its annual meeting last month.

The meeting at the new Randolph County Agricultural Event Center highlighted businesses and individuals.

“Each year we seek to recruit high value businesses to our county and retain our existing industrial businesses that keep our economy strong,”

said Kevin Franklin, president of RCEDC. “We see our job as one of promoting smart economic growth in coordination with continual workforce development and attraction.”

RCEDC presented a list of achievements from the past year.

Those included an expansion for Environmental Air Systems that added 300 jobs and the operational launch for the Toyota Battery Manufacturing factory in Liberty.

The RCEDC reported that a marketing campaign has generated more attention through social media and increased website tra c.

Stemming from that, unique

In all, local governments were approved for grants that totaled more than $4 million based on an announcement from Gov. Josh Stein’s o ce. There were eight grants awarded during this cycle. Speci cally, the grant for Asheboro will help the city rehabilitate 450 linear feet on North Street and Trade Street, according to information from the governor’s o ce. The work

should include installing new sidewalks, curbs and gutters and burying power lines. There also will be lighting improvements.

The state said the grant is part of a total investment of slightly more than $1.7 million in the Asheboro project. The grant for Asheboro was the only one listed in the public infrastructure category.

In the central part of the state, Asheboro’s grant is joined by a $250,000 commitment for the City of Lexington to aid a building renovation, a $400,000 grant for Rockingham County for a reuse building project in Reidsville, and a $241,700 award for the Town of Badin in Stanly County to assist with renovation of a former hospital building.

The Rural Downtown Economic Development grant program helps rural communities strengthen downtown districts through projects that support economic growth, enhance public spaces, and encourage private investment.

THE RANDOLPH COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

RCEDC PHOTO

Wayne Parker, right, of AlumiWorks receives the Industry Leader Award from RCEDC president Kevin Franklin.

Trip

THURSDAY 7.2.26

RCC honors Lisk for service as board trustee

The former board chair held the same position that his father once lled

Randolph Record sta GREENSBORO — The Randolph Community College board of trustees named retiring board chair Reynolds Lisk as trustee emeritus during a ceremony last month at Koury Convention Center.

This recognized Lisk’s exemplary service, transformative leadership, and extraordinary contributions to the RCC during more than a decade of dedicated service, according to information from the school.

“Randolph Community College has been a big part of my life for the past 12 years, and serving on this Board has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had,” Lisk said. “It is not easy to walk away, but I believe this is the right time. The college has strong leadership, a dedicated board of trustees, and a talented team in place. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and con dent RCC will continue moving forward without missing a beat.”

The lifetime honorary designation is among the highest distinctions conferred by RCC and is reserved for former trustees whose leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on the institu-

CRIME LOG

June 22

• Reitzel Alan Briles, 43, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for assault on a female and misdemeanor domestic violence.

• Haley Blanch Grindsta , 27, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

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tion, its students, and the communities it serves.

Lisk joined the board of trustees in 2014 and was elected chair in 2023. During his tenure, Lisk helped guide RCC through one of the most transformative periods in its history, including the presidential transition that brought Shah Ardalan to the school.

“Reynolds has been an extraordinary partner, mentor, and friend throughout my time at Randolph Community College,” Ardalan said. “From the day I arrived, he generously shared his knowledge of Randolph County and introduced me to the people and organizations that help make this community so special.”

A lifelong Asheboro resident, Lisk is part of a family

• Marty Joe Stone, 44, of Sophia, was arrested by RCSO for assault on a female and misdemeanor domestic violence.

• Charles Takoda Thompson, 27, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

June 23

• Adryon Montrell Jenkins, 19, of Burlington, was arrested by RCSO for breaking and entering a motor vehicle with theft, second degree trespass and injuring or tampering with a vehicle, and other charges.

• Ladonya Breann Kelly, 32, of Randleman, was arrested by RCSO for felony larceny, possession of stolen goods and resisting a public o cer.

• Brian Dale Krizan, 54, of Asheboro, was arrested by Liberty PD for communicating threats.

• Steven William Martin, 36, of Franklinville, was arrested by NC P&P for possession of fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Brandon Elijah Martinez, 25, of Asheboro, was arrested by NCHP for driving while impaired, reckless driving and no operator’s license, and other charges.

RCEDC from page B1

industry visits and connections with key business leaders exceeded targeted goals. There also has been ongoing collaboration between RCEDC and Randolph Community College. That includes the launching of a Workforce Development Committee. Plus, the Ross Dress for Less distribution hub is nearing completion and that should add approximately 850 jobs. The RCEDC also celebrated industrial business and leader

• Keenan Markeese Bell, 28, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for attempted rst degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill in icting serious injury and discharging a weapon into occupied property, and other charges.

• Jonathan Gage Laprad, 25, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of stolen goods and injury to personal property.

• Tony Dwayne Mashburn, 58, of Archdale, was arrested by RCSO for possession of methamphetamine.

• Gregory Michael Parrish, 27, of Summer eld, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession with intent to sell or deliver a counterfeit controlled substance and carrying a concealed weapon.

• Danielle Lynn Primm, 41, of Pleasant

of the year 2026 for signi cant contributions to the broader manufacturing economy.

Rheem Parts Division was named the winner of the RCEDC’s Outstanding Industry Award. The 2026 Industry Leader Award went to Wayne Parker, owner of AlumiWorks in Randleman.

New members of RCEDC’s board of directors are Jill Bryant, director of strategic partnerships at Graham Personnel Services, and Skip Hislop, vice president and Southern Region VP of oncol-

legacy of leadership and service. His father, Tyler Lisk, also served on the college’s board of trustees and as board chair.

“Reynolds has led this Board with integrity, dedication, and a genuine commitment to the success of Randolph Community College,” Vice Chair Chris Yow said. “Through both opportunities and challenges, he has remained focused on what is best for our students, employees, and community. We are grateful for his leadership and the strong foundation he leaves for future trustees.”

As trustee emeritus, Lisk will maintain a lasting a liation with the College and may be invited to participate in board meetings, college activities and special events.

Garden, was arrested by RCSO for communicating threats.

• Amanda Sierra Snuggs, 30, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for accessory after the fact.

June 24

• Christopher Paul Barr, 35, of King, was arrested by NCHP for driving while impaired.

• Michael Arthur Bledsoe, 58, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine; manufacture, sell, deliver or possess a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school; and maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances, and other charges.

• Keirann Lakeith Davis, 35, of Marbleton, was arrested by RCSO for felony ee/elude arrest with a motor vehicle, possession of fentanyl and reckless driving, and other charges.

• Landon Keith McDaniel, 44, of Randleman, was arrested by RCSO for second degree trespass and injury to personal property.

• Dale Ray Sumner, 56, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for assault on a female and misdemeanor domestic violence.

ogy at Cone Health. Baxter Hammer, plant controller at The Timken Company, and David Ramsey, VP of Strategic Relationships Landmark Builders, accepted reappointments to second terms.

“Our job and investment announcements re ect a healthy business climate, driven by the entrepreneurial spirit of our business leaders,” said Fred Smith, chair of the RCEDC board of directors. Smith is with Randolph Electric Membership Corp.

Randolph Guide

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

July

4

Stepping Into the Craft with Seagrove Potters

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kiln openings and live pottery-making demonstrations at select potteries throughout Seagrove.

Hwy. 705, Pottery Hwy.

Caraway Speedway: Rusty Harpe Memorial Featuring Road to the Crown & SMART

8-10:30 p.m.

The race track joined the NASCAR circuit in 1972 and hosts a weekly series. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Children 11 and under are admitted free.

2518 Race Track Road Sophia

July

5

America’s Potluck in Franklinville

As part of the country’s 250th birthday celebration, the community is sponsoring a potluck dinner at Riverside Park.

4 p.m.

203 W. Main Street

Asheboro Zookeepers vs. Macon Bacon

6:30-9 p.m.

Two regional minor league baseball teams will meet and play at historic McCrary Park in Asheboro.

138 Southway Road

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

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

RANDOLPH CC PHOTO

Reynolds Lisk, left, is recognized as a trustee emeritus by RCC president/CEO Shah Ardalan.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

Connecting solutions for a healthier North Carolina

A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn.

PUBLIC POLICY conversations have a habit of happening in separate rooms. Health care gets discussed over here, education over there, workforce development somewhere down the hall.

Food, health care, education and economic opportunity are each assigned their own stakeholders, their own budget lines, their own lanes, as if the people a ected by these issues live their lives the same way. They don’t. At a time when state leaders are making consequential budget decisions, the way we frame these challenges matters just as much as the solutions we pursue.

For many North Carolinians, the challenges arrive together and compound one another. A parent struggling to put food on the table is often the same parent delaying a doctor’s visit because of cost. A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn, and eventually to emerge ready to contribute to the success of their communities. A rural community navigating health care shortages is rarely navigating that challenge alone. It’s often working to maintain access to maternity care, recruit teachers and health professionals who encourage families to stay and build their futures there.

At the North Carolina Alliance for Health, we work alongside organizations, educators, health care providers, advocates, and community leaders from across the state. Through partnerships, community conversations, and on-the-ground collaboration, we see rsthand how these challenges intersect in people’s daily

lives. What we hear, consistently and from every corner of North Carolina, is that the forces shaping people’s health and well-being rarely operate in isolation. Neither should the solutions. Health shapes educational outcomes, workforce participation and economic mobility. It in uences whether children are ready to learn, whether adults can show up for work, and whether communities can thrive.

As we are set to embark on our 25th year, if there’s one lesson the past quarter century has driven home, it’s that the most e ective solutions are also, more often than not, the most practical ones. Children who are consistently fed learn better, miss fewer days of school, and are less likely to need costly interventions later. Adults with access to preventive care are less likely to end up in emergency rooms and better able to remain in the workforce. Communities with strong public health infrastructure are more resilient when crises hit. These aren’t just good outcomes for families. They’re good outcomes for the state.

That’s why we’re encouraging North Carolina’s leaders, as they nalize the state budget, to invest in the building blocks of a healthy and prosperous state. These investments may appear in di erent sections of the state budget, but they all contribute to the same outcome: healthier people, stronger families, and a more prosperous North Carolina.

That means maintaining a strong Medicaid program, including Medicaid expansion, so that North Carolinians can access preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and receive

treatment before health challenges become crises. Medicaid supports children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working adults alike, while helping build a healthier workforce, stronger families, and more resilient communities. It means the state invests in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SUN Bucks that help families a ord groceries and ensure children continue to have access to healthy meals when school is out of session. It means ensuring that every child has access to healthy school meals so they can start the day ready to learn, grow, and succeed. By pairing investments in school meals with strong farmto-school programs, North Carolina can improve student health and academic outcomes while supporting local farmers and rural economies. These investments help children thrive today while strengthening the workforce and communities our state will depend on tomorrow. Across North Carolina, there is broad agreement that children shouldn’t go hungry, that families should be able to access care, and that communities deserve a genuine shot at success. What’s sometimes missing is the high-level vision of how these goals are connected and how to achieve them through smart, scally responsible policy.

As leaders across the state continue shaping North Carolina’s future, the opportunity in front of us is signi cant. We can invest in solutions that strengthen families, support communities, and build healthier futures, not by treating every challenge as a separate problem to be solved in isolation, but by recognizing what North Carolinians have always known. Their lives are whole, their challenges are connected, and their solutions should be too.

This is a moment to invest in a coordinated vision for health, because when North Carolinians are healthy, our state is stronger.

Abby Emanuelson is executive director for the North Carolina Alliance for Health.

Democrats declare war on school choice

In Florida, the biggest program of all, with more than 1 million kids enrolled in these school choice voucher programs, the kids are racking up better test scores than their peers in the public schools.

WHY ARE DEMOCRATS and their teachers union masters trying to shoot down parental choice in education even when we now have so many examples of these programs working?

Choice and competition are two of the hallmarks of the American economy. When stores compete, customers win. Turns out this is also true for schools. That’s an inviolable law of economics. A corollary is that monopolies tend to put customers last.

This is all happening at a time when public monopoly schools are showing at or negative performance despite more funding than ever before.

This is one reason why so many states are turning to the new model of school choice, with public funds going to scholarships and charter schools, and tax incentives for charitable donations to private and Catholic schools.

About 23 mostly red states are experimenting with such programs, and so far the results in test scores and parental satisfaction are mostly positive.

Today about 1.5 million kids are taking advantage of these programs. In Florida, the biggest program of all, with more than 1 million kids enrolled in these school choice voucher programs, the kids are racking up better test scores than their peers in the public schools. This is incentivizing public schools to up THEIR game.

That’s the idea. But Democrats, acting as if school choice is the bubonic plague, are trying to shoot it down across the country.

No one has been more of a disappointment than Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, whose 2027 budget would slash $500 million from charter schools and gut education tax credits.

This could put 30,000 kids at risk of losing their scholarships. Already there are about 70,000 kids who want to go to a private school, but the scholarship money isn’t available because of program caps. Once again, a prominent Democrat places the unions ahead of the kids.

Then there is Arizona: Dems and teachers unions have put an initiative on the November ballot to roll back one of the nation’s largest school voucher programs, which has exploded to more than 100,000 students. Parents can get $7,000 per student to use for private and charter school tuition and homeschooling.

Even worse is the Florida Education Association, which has led a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s school choice and charter school programs, which provide education for 1.4 million kids. The Florida Constitution guarantees a “uniform” system of free public schools but does not prohibit the legislature from expanding educational options beyond the traditional public school model.

In Rhode Island, Democratic Gov. Dan McKee wants to cap funding for popular charter schools even as the school budgets expand. Why the barriers to these educational opportunities?

Let me be loud and clear on this point: The Dems and their union puppet masters don’t want to get rid of these programs because they are failing the kids. They want to abolish them because they are getting better results than the public schools. Florida’s public charter sector maintains an aggregate grade of “A,” outperforming traditional public school counterparts in 55 of 77 metrics.

Maybe the unions de ne a “uniform education

system” as one that is uniformly bad.

What is sad is that even with a robust school choice program, probably two of three kids will still be enrolled in public schools for the foreseeable future. But with alternatives, school boards, teachers and principals will have to prove their value to the customers — the parents.

Even worse is that kids already attending charter, Catholic or special ed schools may have to return to the very classrooms that didn’t work for them in the rst place.

It used to be that unions could claim to parents that alternative schools would be WORSE for their children. But that’s proven not to be the case for these new private choice schools. I know rsthand that in private schools, kids are challenged, disciplined and taught to learn that failure is not an option. In public school, you get kicked into the next grade through social promotion, and the learning de cits are allowed to linger.

The Trump tax cuts will allow potentially millions of disadvantaged kids to get scholarships from tax lers who put money in the schools. It costs the states NOTHING to allow kids into the program. Amazingly, more than half the states with Democratic governors are passing up the FREE money to the parents in their states.

That’s just plain dumb. Maybe these politicians and school administrators have had too much social promotion.

Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity, which advocates for education freedom for all children. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

COLUMN | ABBY EMANUELSON

Venezuelans search more earthquake ruins as attention turns to humanitarian crisis

A cash-strapped government faces questions about coordinating relief for thousands now homeless

By Juan Pablo Arraez and Isabel Debre The Associated Press

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela — With the window for nding survivors shrinking fast, Venezuelans combed Monday through more ruins of buildings toppled by last week’s powerful back-toback earthquakes, and attention turned to the country’s humanitarian crisis that could persist for years.

Relief organizations say the rst 72 hours after a natural disaster is the most crucial time period for rescues, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water. Five days after the twin quakes, questions loomed about whether the cash-strapped government will be able to coordinate the e ort needed to care for thousands of people who have been left homeless.

In other developments, a 4.6 magnitude aftershock rumbled through the disaster zone in the northern state of La Guaira.

The death toll stood at more than 1,700 people, according to the government, which has long retained tight control over news media.

Venezuelan government promotes its e orts

Facing criticism that authorities have done too little, too slowly, government o cials aggressively promoted their recovery and rescue e orts. Police and military o cers on Monday handed out cans of tuna and crackers to hungry displaced people in La Guaira.

In a speech, Jorge Rodríguez, the leader of the Venezuelan National Assembly and brother of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, said electricity had been restored to 90% of the hardest-hit state of La Guaira. He said authorities were racing to evaluate damaged buildings that still posed a danger and had set up 15 temporary displacement camps.

Many Venezuelan news reports have avoided politically delicate questions related to the earthquake, such as the widespread collapse of buildings, sticking instead to safer stories about heroic rescues. Delcy Rodríguez, who came to power in January after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration seized former President Nicolás Maduro, shared footage Monday of emergency workers lifting a man out of the ruins to applause after a 43-hour search e ort.

“Each life saved is a victory for hope,” she wrote on X.

Such bright spots are rare at the quake’s epicenter, where families keep vigil at search sites.

“We have to stay strong, even without food, without sleep,” said Ana Rada, watching as civil defense workers looked for her brother. “Until I see the body, I still have hope.”

Aftershock rattles rescuers

After what the government said were more than 600 aftershocks since Wednesday’s quakes, a moderate temblor on Monday struck 17 miles north of Caraballeda on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and measured 4.6 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Jorge Rodríguez said there were no reports of damage, but the shock sent residents in the capital of Caracas screaming into the streets.

“Here we are again, back in the street. I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace,” said Concepción Hernández, 51, evacuating her apartment in the Chacao municipality of Caracas.

Questions over extent of U.S. help

Dozens of countries have offered assistance. But the disaster has raised expectations for the Trump administration after its takeover of Venezuela’s oil industry earlier this year.

In a brie ng with reporters, a senior State Department o cial said 300 rst responders sent from the U.S. are working on the ground and two dozen C-17 military transport planes arrive every day with supplies. Financial support from the U.S. now exceeds $300 million.

The U.S. military is also assisting with repairs at the port in La Guaira to allow an in ux of

relief supplies by sea and manage air tra c after the quakes destroyed part of the control tower at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, said the ocial, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

It seemed unlikely, however, that the Trump administration would grant temporary humanitarian protections to Venezuelans as previous administrations have done for people from disaster-stricken countries already in the U.S. Such action was taken after earthquakes in 2010 in Haiti and 2001 in El Salvador. Venezuelans have been a major focus of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. More than 100 Venezuelans recently deported from the U.S. were being held at a hotel in the country when the quake hit, and many are now missing, survivors say.

Rescuers included a miner deported from the US

Among the rescuers digging through the rubble Monday was 31-year-old miner Jean Sosa, who said he was deported from the U.S. in January over a missed immigration court hearing and returned to Caracas last month, dazed by an odyssey that began in shackles at an Arizona immigration detention center.

He had built a new life in New York City over the past four years, he said, working at a taco stand near Penn Station, before Department of Homeland Security o cials detained him. They ultimately shuttled him between immigration detention centers across the U.S. before leaving him and a busload of other deportees in southern Mexico without his passport, phone or wallet. He then paid his way back to

Venezuela.

Since arriving Wednesday in La Guaira, Sosa has scrambled to pull people from the rubble with his old mining pickaxe in the absence of national rescue teams.

“Many people could have been saved if there had been equipment and support from top authorities from the very beginning,” he told The Associated Press, wearing a helmet and a black T-shirt splotched with dust in the port city where he said he had already rescued 20 people.

Those rescues heartened him, he said, despite the lack of supplies. “We’re working without gloves, without equipment, borrowing supplies, improvising bandages and whatever else we can.”

The full scale of damage remains unclear

Experts are struggling to assess the scope of damage, but they generally agree that the government’s gures are a vast undercount.

Many Venezuelans are skeptical of o cial pronouncements, particularly since Maduro’s government claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election despite a vote count showing he had lost to the opposition movement led by María Corina Machado.

The now-exiled opposition leader has criticized the government response to the earthquake and on Monday accused it of temporarily closing the airspace to prevent her from returning to the country. She did not o er evidence.

Jorge Rodríguez said that as of Monday, the earthquake had a ected a total of 15,866 people.

The United Nations, meanwhile, says that up to 6.8 million of Venezuela’s nearly 30 million residents may be a ected — which

A rescuer carries a girl pulled from the rubble four days after twin earthquakes struck La Guaira, Venezuela, Sunday, June 28, 2026.

could mean being displaced or losing access to electricity and water. The Venezuelan Red Cross said it expected to address the needs of at least 300,000 people for the next two years.

While Rodríguez said the number of damaged or collapsed buildings had reached 855, a preliminary assessment by NASA put that number at 58,870 buildings. The assessment relied on radar imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellites, which can detect changes to infrastructure.

The updates to government gures are given in brief televised announcements where journalists have no opportunity to ask questions or request more details. In another obstacle to coverage, the Venezuelan press union said Monday that the Ministry of Communication was blocking access to La Guaira for at least some foreign reporters for 48 hours. It said the ministry cited the need “to reduce noise during rescue operations.” The union urged the government to drop the restriction: “As hours pass, the health situation may worsen, and the country needs veried and timely information.”

Because of the chaos and poor phone service, many Venezuelans have turned to non-governmental digital databases to report their loved ones as missing. More than 50,000 people were reported missing on one such database, though it is unclear how many have been found.

Fire ghter Kleider Carrillo said nothing prepared him for the destruction in La Guaira.

“When you study for this profession, you’re trained for situations like this,” he said. “But what’s in textbooks is one thing. Reality is another.”

PEDRO MATTEY / AP PHOTO

obituaries

Summer Kennedy

Aug. 27, 1989 – June 22, 2026

Summer Austin Sechrest Kennedy, age 36, of Seagrove, NC, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, following a courageous 9-month battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Jonathan Davis o ciating. Burial will follow at Grace Baptist Temple Church Cemetery.

Born on August 27, 1989, in Randolph County, NC, Summer was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, granddaughter, and friend. Being a mother was Summer’s greatest blessing, and she loved her children with all her heart. As a nurse, Summer touched countless lives through her compassion, and ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved.

Despite the challenges she faced, Summer remained courageous and continued to put her family rst. Her love and strength will remain an inspiration to all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Zackery Kennedy; her children, Talon L. Davis, Jaxtyn K. Kennedy and Jordyn K. Kennedy; stepsons, Jase Luck, Silas Kennedy; her father, Keith Sechrest, and stepmother, Donna; her brother, Chad Sechrest and wife, Ali; her paternal grandfather, Herman J. Sechrest; maternal grandparents, Clement and Margaret Comer; and her nieces, Scarlett and Lilah Sechrest; extended family members, and dear friends who will cherish her memory forever.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Angela D. Joyce; paternal grandmother, Gracie Sechrest; and maternal grandfather, Ed Deaton.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, at Ridge Funeral Home, prior to the service.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the sta of Cone Health Wesley Long Hospital for the compassionate care, comfort, and support they provided to Summer and her family throughout her nal days.

Charles Leslie Bulla

April 28, 1947 –June 28, 2026

Charles Leslie Bulla, age 79, a lifelong resident and native of Asheboro, North Carolina, passed away on June 28, 2026, at Alpine Health and Rehabilitation.

Charles was born on April 28, 1947, in Randolph County to the late Edsel Bulla and Grace Lamb Bulla.

Charles dedicated over three decades of his life to serving his community, retiring from the Asheboro Police Department after 31 years as a Lieutenant Detective. He was respected for his commitment, integrity, and service to others throughout his career.

Following his retirement, Charles enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved horseback riding and owned several horses over the years, with his beloved horse, Traveler, holding a special place in his heart. He enjoyed attending auctions, spending time outdoors, keeping his yard meticulously mowed, and traveling to both the mountains and the beach.

Charles was a faithful member of his church family, rst at Back Creek Friends Meeting and later at Mt. Calvary Independent Baptist Church. He especially enjoyed caring for others in his church family and organizing trips so they could enjoy fellowship together. After retiring from law enforcement, he met the love of his life, Ann, and together they shared 19 wonderful years of marriage.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Dahl Bulla; and his sister, Linda Bulla. Charles is survived by his sister, Doris Bulla; his nephew, Mikey Dunn (Stephanie); his niece, Angie Montgomery (Steve); great-nephews Billy Davis and Ayden Woods; and many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all of the caregivers who assisted Charles with care and compassion.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Independent Baptist Church, 1206 Oakland Ave, with Pastor Neil Poole o ciating. Burial will follow at Charlotte United Methodist Church Cemetery, 1182 Charlotte Church Road.

Jacob Ross Misenheimer, Jr.

Oct. 9, 1942 – June 22, 2026

Jacob Ross Misenheimer, Jr., 83, of Asheboro, died Monday, June 22, 2026, at Asheboro Rehab and Healthcare Center in Asheboro.

A private service will be held at a later date. Born in Lee County, NC, on October 9, 1942, Mr. Misenheimer was the son of the late Jacob Misenheimer, Sr., and Lucy Kivett Misenheimer. Being an avid hunter, especially of deer and other big game, and playing golf were just part of his love for spending time outdoors. He was also very talented at working with his hands, even handcrafting muzzle-loaders. Mr. Misenheimer was dedicated to his profession and took much pride in his work in the construction eld.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Misenheimer was preceded in death by his wife, Scarlett Misenheimer. He is survived by his daughters, Tracey Foscue (Jay), Kelly Misenheimer; son, Marshall Stott (Kris); grandchildren, Meredith Dunzweiler (Drew), Hollis Stott, Quinn Foscue (Riley), Sawyer Stott, Gilliam Foscue; great-grandchildren, Scarlett Dunzweiler, and Ellis Dunzweiler. The family would like to express a special thank-you to all the sta at Asheboro Rehabilitation and Hospice of the Piedmont.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Mickey York

July 30, 1947 – June 26, 2026

Robert Mitchell “Mickey” York, 78, of Asheboro, died Friday, June 26, 2026, at Alpine Health and Rehabilitation in Asheboro. Memorial services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 2, 2026, at New Hope Community Church, Asheboro, with Pastor Richard Routh o ciating. Born in Randolph County, NC, on July 30, 1947, Mickey was the son of the late David Millard York and Myrtle Bray York. He attended Randleman High School and was a 1966 graduate of Nashville Diesel College.

Cars were his passion. He began his race car career in 1971 on the dirt track at Caraway Speedway in car #24. He won the “Most Popular Driver” in the Goody’s Dash Series for three years in a row, and the Dash Series Championship in 1992. Mickey raced until 2004. He was the owner of Randolph Auto Parts and loved going to “CruiseIns.” Family was the most important part of Mickey’s life. He found much joy watching his grandchildren play softball, volleyball, cross country running, basketball and baseball.

Mickey was a member of New Hope Community Church where he served on the nance committee and as the chairman and vice president of the Methodist Men.

In addition to his parents, Mickey was preceded in death by his sister, Davene Burns, and brother, Donald York.

Kenneth “Ken” Earl Davis

Jan. 10, 1949 – June 29, 2026

Kenneth “Ken” Earl Davis, 77, of Asheboro, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Ramseur Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Ramseur.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with Dr. Brent Tysinger o ciating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park with military honors provided by the Randolph County Honor Guard. Born on January 10, 1949, in Montgomery County, NC, Ken was the son of the late Elsie Bevin Davis and Etta Lois Allen Davis. He retired from GE/Black & Decker and then went back to work for Technimark. Ken was a volunteer reman for the Asheboro Fire Department. He honorably served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Juanita Bullins Davis. Surviving are his sons, Chris Davis (Penny) of Siler City, David Davis (Denise) of Randleman; brothers, Jerry Davis of Seagrove, Randy Davis (Beverly) of Pinehurst; grandchildren, Gavin Davis, Caroline Davis, and Hannah Davis.

The family will receive friends from 12:00until 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service at Ridge Funeral Home.

Mildred Rush

June 1, 1947 – June 22, 2026

Mildred Marie Hancock Rush, 79, of Sophia, died Monday, June 22, 2026, at her home.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with Pastor Jamie Stephenson and Pastor Terry Whitaker o ciating. Burial will follow at Back Creek Friends Meeting Cemetery.

Mildred was born on June 1, 1947, in Randolph County, NC. She retired from Commonwealth Hosiery in Randleman. Mildred was a faithful member of Hope Baptist Church. She found joy in spending time shing, shopping, and traveling. She was also a talented cook and baker whose delicious meals and homemade cakes were cherished by family and friends. Her baking, especially her cakes, became one of the many ways she shared her love with those around her.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Hampton Wade Rush and her mother, Edith Clara Parker Hancock.

Surviving are her daughter, Sherry Nichols (Roger) of Sophia; sons, Terry Rush of Sophia, Shaun Rush (Lisa) of Asheboro; grandchildren, Michael Trogdon, Erika Nichols, Ashley Nichols King (Mike); great-grandson, M.J. King; and her best friend, Shirley King of Ramseur.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday at Ridge Funeral Home and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to Back Creek Friends Meeting, Cemetery Fund, 147 Back Creek Friends Church Road, Asheboro, NC 27205.

The family extends a special thank-you to the nurses and sta at Gentiva Hospice for the exceptional care given to Mildred.

STATE & NATION

Supreme Court upholds state laws restricting girls’ athletic teams at schools to biological females only

State bans don’t violate Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education

By Mark Sherman

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams, in another setback for transgender people.

The court’s six-justice conservative majority, which has repeatedly ruled against transgender Americans in the past year, ruled that state bans in Idaho and West Virginia don’t violate the Constitution. The court unanimously agreed that barring transgender girls and women also doesn’t run afoul of the federal law known as Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court that, “states may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.”

More than two dozen other Republican-led states have ad-

opted bans on female transgender athletes, and the decision seems certain to extend to them as well.

Left unresolved by the outcome are lawsuits challenging state laws and regulations in Connecticut, California and elsewhere that permit transgender athletes to compete consistent with their gender identity.

Becky Pepper-Jackson, a 16-year-old high school sophomore in Bridgeport, West Virginia, has been taking puberty-blocking medication, has publicly identi ed as a girl since age 8 and has been issued a West Virginia birth certi cate recognizing her as female. She is the only transgender person who has sought to compete in girls sports in West Virginia.

Pepper-Jackson has progressed from a back-of-the-pack cross-country runner in middle school to statewide champion in the shot put. She beat the second-place nisher by two feet in last month’s West Virginia championship meet.

In the Idaho case, Lindsay Hecox sued over the state’s rstin-the-nation ban for the chance to try out for the women’s track

“States may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh

and cross-country teams at Boise State University in Idaho. She didn’t make either squad because “she was too slow,” her lawyer, Kathleen Hartnett, told the court during arguments in January, but she competed in club-level soccer and running.

Prominent women in sports have weighed in on both sides. Tennis champion Martina Navratilova, swimmers Summer Sanders and Donna de Varona and beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings are supporting the state bans. Soccer stars Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn and basketball players Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart back the transgender athletes.

In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled LGBTQ people are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace,

nding that “sex plays an unmistakable role” in employers’ decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate.

But last year, the six conservative justices on the nine-member court declined to apply the same sort of analysis when they upheld state bans on gender-a rming care for transgender minors.

The states supporting the prohibitions on transgender athletes argued there is no reason to extend the ruling barring workplace discrimination to Title IX.

Idaho’s law, state Solicitor General Alan Hurst said, is “necessary for fair competition because, where sports are concerned, men and women are obviously not the same.”

Lawyers for Pepper-Jackson argued that such distinctions generally make sense but that their client has none of those advantages because of the unique circumstances of her early transition. In Hecox’s case, her lawyers wanted the court to dismiss the case because she had forsworn trying to play on women’s teams.

NCAA president Charlie Baker told Congress in 2024 that he was aware of only 10 transgen-

Virginia to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in retail stores beginning in 2027

The law doubles the possession limit and creates a regulated market to undercut illicit sales

By Sarah Rankin

The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Five years after becoming the rst Southern state to legalize possession of marijuana, Virginia has approved a legal way to sell it to recreational users.

State budget legislation enacted Monday will allow up to 350 cannabis shops to open across Virginia beginning July 1, 2027. The move marks the latest expansion of access to the drug — which remains illegal at the federal level — through state-level policymaking.

“Virginia legalized adult possession years ago, but without a regulated retail market, we left the illicit market to ll the gap,” state Sen. Lashrecse Aird, a Democrat and legislative leader on the issue, said in a statement earlier this month. “This compromise gives us a smarter and safer path forward — one that protects consumers, keeps products tested and accurately labeled, and creates a legal marketplace that is a ordable and accessible enough to actually compete.”

Here’s what to know about Virginia’s new law, the long process of enabling retail sales and how the state’s changes t into

the national picture:

Virginia’s law allows new stores, higher possession limit

Virginia already had a medical marijuana program that allowed patients to purchase the drug through dispensaries. Now, state regulators will begin accepting applications for retail licenses on Feb. 1, ahead of the July 1, 2027, start date for recreational sales to adults 21 and older. The law increases the state’s possession limit from 1 ounce to 2 ounces (28 grams to 57 grams) and it will continue to allow people to cultivate a small number of plants at home.

The state will levy an excise tax on top of its sales tax, and that mix is expected to generate about $51 million in revenue for the state in the program’s rst year, according to legislative budget documents.

Advocates of legalization are heralding the changes

Democrats have driven the state’s push toward legalization and recreational retail sales. They have cast the issue as a matter of equity after state data found Black Virginians were disproportionately policed and convicted of using marijuana. Only a sliver of the state’s Republican lawmakers have backed legaliza-

tion, and many have raised public safety and health concerns. Legalization advocates have generally cheered Virginia’s legislation, though many objected to a provision increasing the civil ne for public consumption, arguing it could again lead to disproportionate enforcement based on race.

Chelsea Higgs Wise, a grassroots organizer whose group Marijuana Justice was among those that called on Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger to rethink the increased ne, said the legislation was still an exciting development after years of uncertainty.

For the past ve years, “Adults that want to reasonably consume have been confused, rightfully so,” she said.

Virginia is an outlier in the South

Marijuana is legal in most U.S. states for either medicinal or recreational use, with about half allowing it for recreational use, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, which advocates for legalization and tracks policy developments around the country.

Virginia remains an outlier in the South for its permissive approach.

Federal laws are at odds with state changes

Despite the fact that nearly

der athletes out of more than half a million students on college teams. But despite the small numbers, the issue has taken on outsize importance.

Baker’s NCAA and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees banned transgender women from women’s sports after President Donald Trump, a Republican, signed an executive order aimed at barring their participation.

The public generally is supportive of the limits. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research poll conducted in October 2025 found that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults “strongly” or “somewhat” favored requiring transgender children and teenagers to compete only on sports teams that match the sex they were assigned at birth, not the gender they identify with, while about 2 in 10 were “strongly” or “somewhat” opposed and about one-quarter did not have an opinion. About 2.1 million adults, or 0.8%, and 724,000 people ages 13 to 17, or 3.3%, identify as transgender in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.

all states permit some form of cannabis use, the U.S. government maintains its longstanding prohibition on the drug.

But in a major policy shift, the Trump administration in April announced it was reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug and accelerating the process for a broader reclassi cation.

How Virginia got here

During the 2010s, Virginia gradually expanded access to marijuana for medical treatment. Then, in 2021, Virginia became the rst Southern state to legalize marijuana with the passage of a law that allowed adults 21 and over to possess and cultivate the drug.

But lawmakers didn’t fully enact a framework for retail sales outside of the state’s medical marijuana program. Partisan control of Virginia government ipped in November 2021, and the issue stalled out for years. In 2024, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have established recreational retail sales.

Spanberger, who assumed o ce in January 2026, pledged support during her winning campaign for legislation setting up a retail market. While the governor did veto Democratic legislation that emerged from this year’s legislative session, she eventually worked out a compromise with lawmakers. Those provisions were rolled into a state budget bill that reached nal passage Monday and now becomes law, according to the governor’s o ce, after lawmakers accepted all of Spanberger’s amendments.

STEVE HELBER / AP PHOTO

A cannabis plant that is close to harvest grows in a grow room at the Greenleaf Medical Cannabis facility in Richmond, Va., June 17, 2021.

RandolpH SPORTS

Moving right along

Cody Gri n had a fast car in the Chargers Division on Saturday night at Caraway Speedway. To check on results and the upcoming card, see Page B2.

Post 45 adds to strong stretch

Teams have been jockeying for position with the American Legion playo s looming

Randolph Record sta

RANDOLPH County Post 45 entered the nal few days of the American Legion baseball regular season riding momentum from more late-game rallies. Post 45 stayed unscathed in Area 3 North Division competition by defeating host Davidson County Post 8 by 13-9 on Sunday night.

The regular season ends this week, with Post 45 entering the stretch needing to win one of three games to secure the top seed in the North Division. Area 3 playo s begin next week, with the rst-place team in the North Division receiving a rst-round bye.

Randolph County used Hudson Deel’s two-run, tiebreaking home run to defeat Davidson County. Brady Arm eld and Lucas Connor also hit two-run homers. Ashton Poe’s three-run double and Jake Riddle’s three runs scored also helped Post 45. Price Kidd threw 5 1/3 innings

of relief to pick up the pitching victory.

Earlier last week, Post 45 overcame a ve-run de cit by scoring the nal nine runs to defeat visiting Chatham County Post 305 by 10-6.

Deel’s three-run homer was one of the big blows as he drove in ve runs. Jake Riddle pitched a complete game.

Post 45 had a rematch scheduled for Saturday night at Chatham County postponed until this week. Randolph County also won a home game against Beverly/Lowell (Ohio) Post 389/750

riors in 12 of the last 13 years. He was three seasons into his second stint as coach.

“Family is the biggest thing (for resigning as coach),” Kilcullen said. “I’ve been at this for 28 years, a head coach for 16 years. I gured it was the best time to step aside.”

by 11-1 as Kyle Dillow pitched a six-inning complete game. Deel homered, while Poe, Arm eld, Connor and Jackson Hill all drove in two runs.

Post 81 has mixed results

Liberty Post 81 began this week with a chance to move up into the upper half of the Area 3 North Division standings, though the team also could nish in last place among seven teams.

Post 81 split games visiting Davidson County on Friday, winning 7-6 in the completion of a game suspended by rain and

then tumbling 6-3 in the regularly scheduled game at Eastern Randolph High School.

Jackson Vaughn hit a tworun homer, Tyler Westbrooks notched three hits and Bryson Marley was the winning pitcher for Liberty in the rst game. In the Post 81 loss, Chance Holdaway was the pitcher of record, working into the sixth inning.

Post 81 had Sunday night’s game at Chatham Central suspended by rain. Liberty trailed 6-1 in the second inning. Earlier in the week, Liberty’s game against Hamlet Post 49 was postponed. Also last week, Post 81 recorded a 6-1 victory against Moore County Post 12 behind Landon Albright’s one-hitter. Westbrooks scored three runs.

The coach was in charge as the team achieved unprecedented success last season

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

TRINITY — Pete Kilcullen, who directed the Wheatmore girls’ basketball team to its rst conference championship in program history last winter, has stepped down as coach.

“That was a happy coincidence,” Kilcullen said of the timing of his departure and the team’s success. “I was sneaking o into the sunset.”

Kilcullen guided the Warriors to a 21-6 record last season. The Warriors won the Central Carolina 3-A Conference in the regular season and the conference tournament during the past school year. Kilcullen was

named the league’s Coach of the Year. He eclipsed the 150-win career mark during the past season. His teams were around .500 or better in most seasons.

“That’s a lot to be proud of,” he said. “I’m proud of the fact that we were respected.” Kilcullen coached the War-

This provides the now-former coach more time to follow the swimming pursuits of his son, Jaden Kilcullen, who competes for the Warriors.

Pete Kilcullen said he knew prior to the past season that there was a high probability that it would be his last time in that role.

He said the commitment to coach basketball becomes time consuming given the o season and preseason work involved. He said he feels good about the status of the Wheatmore program.

“There’s a good group of young kids coming in from middle school,” he said.

Kilcullen is a former Randleman coach and also spent time on coaching sta s with boys’ teams at Lexington and with the girls’ team at Southwestern Randolph. He also was involved with North Moore’s program before moving to Wheatmore.

Kilcullen remains a teacher assistant in the Apex Distance Learning lab at Wheatmore.

Asheboro’s team is contending for the top spot in the West Division

Randolph Record sta

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro ZooKeepers couldn’t catch up on Sunday night in against the Morehead City Marlins in a matchup between Coastal Plain League divisional leaders Sunday night at McCrary Park.

Morehead City claimed a 10-7 victory, boosted by threerun home runs from Jon Howard and Ethan Dillon.

ZooKeepers starting pitcher Jon Shepherd was charged with nine runs across three innings before Takuma Sato turned in 4 1/3 solid innings while allowing one run and striking out four. Morehead City led 4-2 after the rst inning. Blake Brookins and Wilmis Castro, who delivered three hits, homered for the Zoo -

Keepers. At the beginning of this week, the ZooKeepers and High Point-Thomasville HiToms were tied atop the West Division standings. Morehead City leads the East Division, slightly ahead of the Wilmington Sharks.

Here’s a look at some other recent results:

• On Saturday night, Brookins and Thomas Cano-Piszel hit solo home runs as the ZooKeepers topped the visiting Boone Bigfoots 9-6. Brookins nished with three runs batted in and three hits. Drue Saenz, Brady McGuire and Reggie Sharpe all had two hits for Asheboro. Joseph Yamamoto worked ve innings for the pitching victory. Braxton Walker pitched the ninth for his third save of the season.

• The ZooKeepers began last week with an 8-6 road loss to the Zebulon Devil Dogz.

COURTESY PHOTO

Pete Kilcullen

Ruby Caudle

Providence Grove, volleyball / basketball / softball

Caudle was a three-sport participant for the Patriots. She played along the front line in volleyball, while she held a role in the post for basketball.

Caudle is a past all-conference choice for softball and was a regular key contributor as the Patriots produced back-to-back winning seasons. This year’s 18 wins marked their highest total in four seasons.

During the summer, we recognize seniors from the past school year.

ZOOKEEPERS from page B1

Brookins smacked a three-run home run.

• Asheboro then fell 7-5 to the host Macon Bacon despite Chazz Grossington’s two-run double. Grossington added a run-producing groundout that tied the score at 5-5 before the Macon went ahead late in the game.

Sato took the loss in relief. Seth Way tossed 2 ½ innings from the bullpen, giving up one run.

• The ZooKeepers got back on track in South Carolina, defeating the Lexington County Blow sh 4-1, with starting pitcher Bryce Smith throwing ve shutout innings.

Brenden Cole, Caydon Liard and Walker all worked out of the bullpen. Walker pitched the ninth for a save.

McGuire’s two RBI doubles plus Josh Martinez’s two runs batted in boosted Asheboro’s o ense.

Moore wraps up Asheboro High coaching career

The longtime tennis mentor has been involved with the Blue Comets program since he was a player

Randolph Record sta

ASHEBORO — Jay Moore has stepped aside as high school tennis coach at Asheboro –again.

Moore spent more than three decades coaching tennis at the school. He was head coach for 22 years after serving as a volunteer assistant coach for 10 seasons.

He spent more than 20 years with both the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams.

“His success on the court was matched only by the impact he made from the sidelines, guid-

ing generations of athletes and building a program that re ects his passion, integrity, and competitive spirit,” Asheboro athletics director Wes Berrier wrote. Moore took charge of the programs for 22 years. He retired

Gri n, Smith split Chargers features

A big July 4 card is planned for Saturday night at Caraway Speedway

Randolph Record sta

SOPHIA — Cody Gri n and Matthew Smith were winners in the Chargers features Saturday night at Caraway Speedway. Gri n nished the rst 20lap feature ahead of Smith after passing fast quali er Richard Sho ner about midway through the race.

Sho ner was third, followed by Ben Banker and points leader Tyler Bush.

In the division’s second feature, Smith pulled away from Joshua Culbreth on a restart to win after four cars were o the track following a wreck. Shoner nished second and Gri n, who was ninth on the starting grid, placed third, followed by Tyler Bush and Culbreth.

• In Mini Stocks, Brandon Crotts nished rst ahead of Mason Troxler and Cody Gwynn. In the division’s frontwheel drive race, Jason Gallimore topped Steven Hedrick.

• The UCARs feature was set for 15 laps, with Jimmy Cooper claiming the victory ahead of Tito Clapp, Jason Richmond, Brandon Collins and Mason Vance among 17 entries.

once, but when the replacement ended up leaving before another boys’ season he was asked to ll in again. And he stayed in the position until the school announced in June that he was retiring again.

“The lessons he taught — hard work, sportsmanship, perseverance, and teamwork — will continue to in uence generations of Blue Comets,” Berrier wrote. “His commitment to the program and unwavering support of his players have made Asheboro Tennis what it is today.”

Moore is a member of the Asheboro Sports Hall of Fame, which is the school district’s shrine. He was a standout tennis player for the Blue Comets, graduating in the Class of 1966.

As a junior, he was a doubles state champion.

• In a UCARs female-only race, Leann Creech was tops ahead of Ti any Collins among eight drivers.

• In Crown Vics, top quali er Corey Wyatt cruised in the 12lap race, with Bentley Black the runner-up and the top ve also consisting of Brad Martin, Barry Hines and Dom Morlando.

• Chris Burns won twice when the Grand National Super Series visited for two 50lap races.

Thunderstorms interrupted prerace practice but the races began after only a brief delay. Coming up, the 20th edition of the Rusty Harpe Memorial is scheduled for Saturday night with a busy race card that includes the SMART Modi ed Tour. Among the expected entrants are past NASCAR Cup regulars Bobby Labonte and Ryan Newman. The racing agenda also includes a 52-lap Carolina Crate Modi ed Series clash.

Special Olympics Airlift ies in athletes from across the country for the games

The Arizona Cardinals team plane is one of several donated jets getting athletes to the national games

By John Marshall The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Tires squeak on the runway every three to four minutes, announcing arrivals from Phoenix, Omaha, Orlando, other points across the country.

The procession of Cessnas, Beechcraft, Hawkers, even a jumbo-sized Boeing 777, pulls up to two Minneapolis-St. Paul airports, whirring to a halt as anticipation inside the cabins builds. Doors open to heroes’ welcomes of cheers and highves, bringing big smiles to the faces of the passengers.

This is the Special Olympics Airlift, a parade of planes like no other.

“Traveling together makes us feel connected, supported and able to compete,” Team Arizona cheerleading athlete Brianna Sanchez said. “This experience is about more than competition. It’s about growth, leadership and showing what we can achieve.”

The Special Olympics have been a bastion of empowerment since Eunice Kennedy Shriver laid the groundwork for the rst Games in 1968, allowing people with intellectual disabilities to be recognized for the gifts they have, nd themselves being included instead of excluded.

The Special Olympics Airlift has been the driving — ying? — force for getting athletes to and from the Special Olympics for nearly 40 years.

Made up entirely of volunteer pilots, aircraft and crew, the Special Olympics Airlift has transported more than 10,000

athletes to the Special Olympics USA Games.

The airlift to this year’s Games, which wrap up Friday in Minneapolis, featured 130 ights from 25 cities carrying more than 800 athletes and covering nearly 300,000 round-trip nautical miles. Textron Aviation organizes the airlift and had 200 volunteers on the ground last Friday to handle everything from baggage to refueling to manning the tugs to move the aircraft around.

“It’s a massive e ort, as you can imagine,” Textron President and CEO Ron Draper said. “But it’s very rewarding to do something for other people and, in this case, you see the immediate feedback and appreciation from those athletes and those teams.

That’s why we do it.”

The airlift is coordinated with the FAA, which redirects air tra c in the central U.S. most of the day and has a team on site. The aircraft, manned by Textron’s customers, receive special “Dove” call signs and receive priority handling within the US National Airspace System.

Half of St. Paul Downtown Airport shut down to accommodate the airlift, with volunteers and Special Olympics o cials on the ground providing rousing welcomes for each group of athletes.

“For many, it’s the rst time they get to ride on an airplane,” said Prent Corporation’s Chris Clawson, pilot of Dove 1, the rst to land in Minneapolis-St. Paul. “Transportation is not something they need to stress about — they can actually enjoy it.”

Members of the Arizona and New Mexico delegations — roughly 170 people — got a special treat, ying on the Arizona Cardinals’ team plane out of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

They not only sat in the same seats NFL players use, it was a

rst-class experience that included gift bags and meal service — build-your-own burger, Southwest chicken burrito or Mediterranean salad, a fresh chocolate chip cookie for dessert.

The ight, operated by Cardinals team a liate Gridiron Air, landed at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport to cheers and a chant of “USA!” from the athletes inside. The plane was doused with a double water cannon salute before pulling into the gate, where a boisterous crowd of several dozen people greeted the exiting athletes.

“I don’t really watch movies on planes very often, but that was something we could do up there and they actually served food,” Team Arizona powerlifting athlete Zakarias Hollingshead said. “That’s not something I’ve ever gotten before.”

The Cardinals’ Boeing 777200ER team plane was the rst widebody aircraft to participate in the airlift’s 40 years.

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has been involved with Special Olympics for several years, even personally ying athletes to various competitions. When Textron approached him about donating use of the team’s plane, Bidwill jumped at the opportunity.

“We’re proud to put these athletes on the same airplane that Trey McBride is on, that Budda Baker is riding on, that all of our players and greats over the last several years have ridden on, so they can ride in style to Minneapolis to compete in the games,” Bidwill said. “We hope it was a great ride. We’re happy to support it.”

The Special Olympics USA Games are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of the athletes.

So is the ride there.

COURTESY PHOTO

Jay Moore

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

U.S. declares independence, Jim Morrison dies at 27, rst Wall Street Journal, West Point opens

JULY 2

1776: The Continental Congress approved a resolution declaring that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.”

1937: Aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared over the Paci c Ocean while attempting to make the rst roundthe-world ight along the equator.

1964: President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibiting discrimination and segregation based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

JULY 3

1775: Gen. George Washington took command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, Massachusetts.

1944: During World War II, Soviet forces recaptured Minsk from German forces.

1950: The rst carrier strikes of the Korean War took place as USS Valley Forge and HMS Triumph sent ghter planes against North Korean targets.

1971: Singer Jim Morrison of The Doors died in Paris at age 27.

JULY 4

1776: Delegates to the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.

1802: The United States Military Academy o cial-

ly opened at West Point, New York.

1817: Construction began on the Erie Canal in Rome, New York.

1910: In what was billed as “The Fight of the Century,” black world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson defeated white former champ “Gentleman” Jim Jeffries in Reno, Nevada; race riots across the country following the ght killed more than 20 people.

JULY 5

1687: Isaac Newton rst published his Principia Mathematica, a three-volume work setting out his mathematical principles of natural philosophy.

1811: Venezuela became the rst South American country to declare independence from Spain.

1852: Frederick Douglass delivered his speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” at Corinthian Hall in Rochester, New York.

1996: Dolly the sheep, the rst mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell by scientists at the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, was born.

JULY 6

1777: During the American Revolution, British forces captured Fort Ticonderoga.

1885: French scientist Louis Pasteur tested an anti-rabies vaccine on 9-year-old Joseph Meister, who had been bitten by an infected dog; the boy did not develop rabies.

1933: The rst All-Star baseball game was played at Chicago’s Comiskey Park; the American League defeated the National League 4-2 behind winning pitcher Lefty Gomez

JULY 7

1898: President William McKinley signed the Newlands Resolution, approving the annexation of the Republic of Hawaii.

1930: Construction began on Boulder Dam (known today as Hoover Dam).

1981: President Ronald Reagan announced he was nominating Arizona Judge Sandra Day O’Connor to become the rst female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.

JULY 8

1776: Col. John Nixon gave the rst public reading of the Declaration of Independence, outside the State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia.

1853: An expedition led by U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Edo Bay, Japan, on a mission to seek diplomatic and trade relations with the Japanese.

1889: The rst issue of The Wall Street Journal was published.

of the New York Yankees.

DOW JONES & COMPANY VIA WIKIPEDIA

The Wall Street Journal published its rst edition on July 8, 1889.

AP PHOTO

Aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan vanished over the Paci c Ocean on July 2, 1937.

Film academy invites 529 new members, including Jenna Ortega, Safdie brothers, Jacob Elordi

Conan O’Brien will host the 99th Academy Awards

By Jake Coyle

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last week invited 529 members to the Oscar voting body, a new class that brings the group’s membership to nearly double what it was a decade ago.

Among those who received invites are “One Battle After Another” nominee Teyana Taylor, Josh O’Connor, Jenna Ortega, Jacob Elordi and Simu Liu.

If all new members accept their invitations, the lm academy will number 11,319, with 10,338 voting members. In 2016, the academy numbered closer to 6,000 members.

But to diversify its ranks, the Oscars organization has swelled in recent years. In 2015, the academy was 75% male and 92% white. That year, all 20 acting nominees were white, prompting the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag.

Following the induction of this year’s new members, the academy will be 64% male and 75% white. One byproduct of the membership expansion has been an increase in international voters. Overseas members now account for 22% of the group.

The makeup of the new class is 42% women, 56% from un-

Taylor attends the Chanel

derrepresented communities and 53% from countries outside the U.S.

“Membership selection is based on professional qualications, with an ongoing commitment to representation, inclusion and equity remaining a priority,” the academy said in its announcement.

After several new classes that numbered closer to 1,000, the academy has in recent years grown at a more modest pace. Last year, 534 voters were added.

As it has grown in size, the academy has also added new categories to its annual awards

ceremony. Earlier this year, the rst award for casting was handed out. In 2028, the rst Oscar for achievement in stunt design will be given.

Other new members include Anthony Ramos, Bill Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, Jemaine Clement, Sopé Dìrísù and Stephen Fry. Among the invited lmmakers are Josh and Benny Safdie, “Weapons” director Zach Cregger and “Sirât” lmmaker Oliver Laxe.

The 99th Academy Awards will be held March 14, 2027, with Conan O’Brien returning as host for the third consecutive year.

Harvey Weinstein’s California rape conviction upheld, but court says he must be resentenced

The producer’s crimes helped spark the #MeToo movement

By Andrew Dalton The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — An appeals court on Friday upheld Harvey Weinstein’s 2022 rape and sexual assault conviction in California but ordered that he be resentenced.

A three-judge panel of California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal unanimously issued the decision, saying the trial judge did not violate the former movie magnate’s constitutional rights.

“We reject his attempts to disturb the jury’s guilty verdicts,” the judges wrote in their opinion.

Weinstein spokesperson Juda Engelmayer said in an email, “We are disappointed by today’s decision and respectfully disagree with the Court of Appeal’s conclusions regarding the fairness of Mr. Weinstein’s trial. At the same time, the court correctly recognized that his sentence cannot stand.”

The decision came a day after prosecutors in New York said Weinstein would not face a fourth trial there, dropping the #MeToo-era case after the accuser said she could not bear to testify again.

The California panel said resentencing was necessary because the judge who sentenced Weinstein considered New York convictions that were later thrown out as an aggravating factor. California’s attorney general agreed. Weinstein, 74, still stands convicted of another sexual felony in New York, and he remains behind bars awaiting a September sentencing there. Prosecutors there are seeking a 20-year prison term.

In California, Weinstein was convicted in December 2022 of one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault against an Italian model and actor known during the trial as Jane Doe 1. He would

“This is not the end of the appellate process.” Juda Engelmayer, Weinstein spokesperson

serve his new sentence there only after his New York term is complete.

After the trial, Jane Doe 1 came forward under her name, Evgeniya Chernyshova, when she sued Weinstein in civil court.

Chernyshova testi ed that Weinstein arrived uninvited at her hotel room during the 2013 LA Italia Film Festival and assaulted her.

Weinstein’s defense argued that he deserved a new trial because Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lisa B. Lench wrongly prevented his trial lawyers from asking about Facebook messages between Chernyshova and festival head Pascal Vicedomini that would have shown they had a sexual relationship.

The defense said the questioning would have demonstrated that she perjured herself when she said she and

SOLUTIONS FOR THIS WEEK

Vicedomini were just friends and colleagues.

“The lower court all but gutted Mr. Weinstein’s defense,” attorney Jennifer Bonjean told the appeals judges during oral arguments April 23.

But the appeals court said in its ruling that Weinstein was able to make the arguments he wanted during the trial based on other evidence, including another set of Facebook messages that Lench allowed.

“Thus, there was no denial of Weinstein’s constitutional right to present a defense,” the panel wrote in its opinion.

The three judges also found that Weinstein’s lawyers failed to adhere to California’s rape shield law, which prohibits evidence of an accuser’s sexual history, when they tried to introduce the messages.

The Los Angeles jury acquitted Weinstein of the sexual battery of a massage therapist and failed to reach verdicts on counts involving two other women.

“This is not the end of the appellate process,” Engelmayer said in his email.

STEVEN HIRSCH / NEW YORK POST VIA AP

Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Supreme Court Thursday, June 25, 2026, in New York.

ANDY KROPA / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Teyana

Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner at Tribeca Grill in 2026, in New York.

famous birthdays this week

Eva Marie Saint hits 102, Geraldo Rivera is 83, George W. Bush turns 80

The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week:

JULY 2

Former Philippine rst lady Imelda Marcos is 97. Racing Hall of Famer Richard Petty is 89. Former White House chief of sta and former New Hampshire governor John H. Sununu is 87. Writer-director-comedian Larry David is 79. Actor-model Jerry Hall is 70.

JULY 3

Attorney Gloria Allred is 85. Actor Kurtwood Smith is 83. Country singer Johnny Lee is 80. Humorist Dave Barry is 79. Talk show host Montel Williams is 70.

Actor Tom Cruise is 64. Actor Yeardley Smith is 62. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is 55.

JULY 4

Actor Eva Marie Saint is 102. Queen Sonja of Norway is 89. Actor Karolyn Grimes (“It’s a Wonderful Life”) is 86. Broadcast journalist Geraldo Rivera is 83. Funk/jazz trombonist Fred Wesley is 83. Vietnam War veteran and peace activist Ron Kovic is 80.

JULY 5

Julie Nixon Eisenhower is 78. Rock star Huey Lewis is 76. NFL Hall of Fame receiver James Lofton is 70. Cartoonist Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes) is 68. Actor Edie Falco is 63.

JULY 6

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is 91. Singer Gene Chandler (“Duke of Earl”) is 89. Actor Burt Ward (TV: “Batman”) is 81. Former President George W. Bush is 80. Actor-director Sylvester Stallone is 80.

JULY 7

Musician-conductor Doc Severinsen is 99. Former Beatle Rin-

er Vonda

JULY 8

Actor Je rey Tambor

Wolfgang

Pro

go Starr is 86. World Golf Hall of Famer Tony Jacklin is 82. Actor Joe Spano is 80. Singer-songwrit-

Shepard is 63. Actor-comedian Jim Ga gan is 60.

is 82. Drummer Jaimoe Johanson (The Allman Brothers Band) is 82. Actor Kim Darby is 79. Children’s musician Ra is 78. Celebrity chef

Puck is 77. Actor Anjelica Huston is 75.

Football Hall of Famer Jack Lambert is 74. Actor Kevin Bacon is 68.

EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Actor Anjelica Huston turns 75 on Wednesday.

DANNY MOLOSHOK / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Eva Marie Saint turns 102 on Saturday.

CHRIS PIZZELLO / AP PHOTO

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr turns 86 on Tuesday.

the stream

‘Enola

Holmes 3,’ Madonna, ‘Obsession,’ ‘Legally Blonde’ prequel series ‘Elle’

The Associated Press

“ENOLA HOLMES 3” and a new album from Madonna are some of the new television, lms, music and games headed to a device near you.

Also, among the streaming o erings worth your time this week: the “Legally Blonde” prequel series, a look at Ralph Lauren’s stamp collection celebrating America’s 250th birthday and “Obsession” arriving on premium video-on-demand services.

MOVIES TO STREAM

Unexpected box-o ce staying power pushed back its home release, but Curry Barker’s “Obsession” is now streaming on premium on demand. Despite a production budget of $750,000, the Focus Features release has amassed more than $337 million in worldwide ticket sales since opening in midMay. In it, Bear (Michael Johnston) uses a One Wish Willow to wish that his crush (Inde Navarrette) loves him.

Millie Bobby Brown returns as the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes in “Enola Holmes 3” on Net ix. In the series’ third lm, Enola prepares for her impending wedding to Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) when her brother, Sherlock (Henry Cavill), is kidnapped.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Madge hath returned. “Confessions II,” the sequel to Madonna’s beloved 2005 album “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” arrives Friday — 21 years after the original. The original has been widely regarded as a return to the top of her pop powers. The critically acclaimed release, which produced such hits as “Hung Up,” “Sorry,” “Get Together” and “Jump,” was dancepop disco for a new era of clubgoers. So, what will this new era bring? Judging by the previously released “Confessions II” tracks,

the breathy “I Feel So Free,” the house rhythms of “Love Sensation” and the Sabrina Carpenter collaboration “Bring Your Love,” a good time is on the horizon.

SERIES TO STREAM

Oscar winner Jean Dujardin (“The Artist”) stars in “Zorro,” a new limited French series about Don Diego de la Vega, a dashing, wealthy nobleman living in 1821 Los Angeles. This Diego de la Vega hasn’t tapped into his Zorro alter ego for 20 years, but when he unexpectedly becomes the mayor of LA, he nds himself in a battle against corruption threatening his city. The Zorro persona is reborn, and de la Vega must balance politics, family and his secret role as a vigilante. The show is streaming now on MHz Choice and its subscription channels on Prime Video and Roku.

We learn in the new Prime Video series, “Elle,” that before

she went to Harvard law school, Elle Woods was a happy teen living in the Los Angeles sunshine in a McMansion, until her father gets a new job in…Seattle. The bubbly pink-loving teen

quickly nds out that her new school is in its grunge period where Nirvana rules, and even the school’s cheerleaders wear annel. Despite a variety of setbacks, Elle eventually nds her

“But out here on the dance oor I feel so free, I can't explain. On the dance oor I feel so free.”

Madonna

people and comes to love her new school. Newcomer Lexi Minetree plays the younger Elle, but at certain angles and in certain moments you’ll swear you’re looking at Reese Witherspoon. Season 2 is now streaming. You may have heard that Ralph Lauren has designed a USPS Stamp Collection in time for America’s 250th birthday. Thirteen stamps were chosen that honor quintessential American images. A new special by The History Channel called “Ralph Lauren’s American Icons” dives deeper into the intention behind the project and features both previously unseen archival material and interviews with David Lauren, Ken Burns and more. It streams Sunday, July 5 on the History Channel app.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Dating as far back as the Game Boy, Nintendo consoles have long appealed to players who like a little toe-tapping with their alien-zapping. “Rhythm Heaven Groove” continues that tradition, challenging gamers to chop vegetables, punch fruit and swing sledgehammers while keeping to the beat. Those are just a few of the 80 single-player minigames in this package, which also features Beatspell, a rhythmic role-playing adventure that requires nimble nger-work to cast spells. You can also round up three friends for 30 multiplayer contests, some competitive, some cooperative. Get into the groove Thursday, July 2, on the Switch.

JOHN WILSON / NETFLIX VIA AP

Louis Partridge, left, and Millie Bobby Brown star in “Enola Holmes 3.”

JESSICA BROOKS / PRIME VIDEO VIA AP

Lexi Minetree plays a young Elle Woods in the Prime Video series “Elle.”

FOCUS FEATURES VIA AP

Inde Navarrette, left, and Michael Johnston star in the lm “Obsession.”

HOKE COUNTY

Digging up the past

The Raeford Fire Department dug up a time capsule placed 25 years ago in 2001, just after 9/11. “What surprised me the most was afterwards when the younger re ghters began looking at the pics in some of those envelopes and talking about some of old gear and trucks like a family sitting around and breaking out an old photo album,” said Chief Donnie Smith. For more photos, turn to page A4.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Hoke County Schools approves leadership changes

Six principals will take on new roles starting in the upcoming school year

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

RAEFORD — The Hoke County Schools Board of Education has approved a variety of leadership changes throughout the district.

In total, six administrators will take on new roles starting in the upcoming school year, including four reassignments of current principals.

Stephanie McGirt was named as principal of East Hoke Middle School, having previously served as assistant principal at SandHoke Early College for the past two years. McGirt previously taught at SandHoke and West Hoke Middle School before becoming an administrator and was

just named as Hoke County Schools Assistant Principal of the Year.

Haley Hall was named principal at Sandy Grove Middle School, having previously spent the last few years as principal at Don Steed Elementary School.

Hall is a National Board Certi ed Teacher and has 28 years of educational experience as a classroom teacher, academic coach, assistant principal and principal.

In Hall’s place at Don Steed Elementary School, David Renniger will become the new principal.

He had previously been the principal at J.W. McLauchlin Elementary School since 2019 and also has experience as an assistant principal at Sandy Grove Elementary School and a teacher at Rock sh Hoke Elementary.

Rock sh Hoke Elementa-

“Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to student success and a passion for building positive school cultures.”

Hoke County Schools Superintendent Kenneth Spells

ry School will also have a new principal in Angel Baker, who was previously the principal at Upchurch Elementary School. Baker has previously served as both an assistant principal and academic coach at Rocksh Hoke. The other two new principals both come from internal promotions. Ti any Tyler was promoted

from assistant principal at Sandy Grove Middle School to principal at Upchurch Elementary School.

Tyler has also previously served as an academic coach at Scurlock Elementary School and a teacher at East Hoke Middle School.

Finally, Ashley Locklear, who was formerly the assistant principal of Hawk Eye Elementary School, will take on the role of principal at J.W. McLauchlin Elementary School.

“Strong leadership is essential to creating schools where students and sta can thrive and I am excited to welcome these outstanding educators into their new roles,” said Hoke County Schools Superintendent Kenneth Spells in a press release. “Each of these leaders brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to student success and a passion for building positive school cultures. I am condent they will continue to move their school communities forward as we work together to provide exceptional educational opportunities for every student in Hoke County Schools.”

The Hoke County Schools Board of Education will next meet July 14.

More than a quartermillion babies born annually in the U.S. would have lost citizenship

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to people who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens. The justices relied on a

long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, and more recent federal laws in ruling that anyone born in the country, with very limited exceptions, is a citizen.

“Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights— to freely participate in our political community. The Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment extended that promise to ‘every free-born person in this land,’” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court, citing congressional debate over the amendment. “We keep that promise today.”

Three conservative justices would have allowed the restric-

“Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights — to freely participate in our political community.”

Chief Justice John Roberts

tions to take e ect. “The Court today takes the extraordinary step of holding facially unconstitutional the President’s Order excluding from citizenship the children of foreign temporary visitors and illegal aliens,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in a 91-page dis-

sent, more than three times as long as Roberts’ opinion. “In doing so, the Court adds to the sad history of the Fourteenth Amendment, which was designed and understood to secure equal rights for the freed blacks but has instead been repurposed for political projects that the Reconstruction Congress did not support.”

The Republican president’s restrictions had been blocked by several lower courts and had not taken e ect anywhere in the U.S. During arguments in April, both conservative and liberal justices questioned the order’s

JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

North State Journal (USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365) Trip

Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court erased limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates for Congress and president, striking down a federal election law that is more than 50 years old.

Prodded by a Republican-led lawsuit that includes Vice President JD Vance, the court’s conservative justices were again in the majority of the latest decision that upended congressionally enacted limits on raising and spending money to in uence elections. The court’s 2010 Citizens United decision opened the door to unlimited independent

spending in federal elections.

The limits on party spending stem from a desire to prevent large donors from skirting caps on individual contributions to a candidate by directing unlimited sums to the party, with the understanding that the money will be spent on behalf of the candidate.

The Supreme Court had previously upheld the limits, in 2001.

The Republican committees for House and Senate candidates led the lawsuit in Ohio in 2022, joined by Vance, then a senator from Ohio, and then-Rep. Steve Chabot.

After President Donald Trump took o ce for his second term, the Federal Election Com-

mission dropped its defense of the law and joined with Republicans in urging that it be overturned.

Democrats had called on the court to uphold the law, even though there is wide agreement that the spending limits have hurt political parties in an era of unlimited spending by other organizations.

Last year, the coordinated party spending for Senate races ranged from $127,200 in several states with small populations to nearly $4 million in California, the most populous state. For House races, the limits were $127,200 in states with only one representative and $63,600 everywhere else. Entrenched divisions between

liberal and conservative justices over campaign nance restrictions were on display when the court heard arguments in December.

“Every time we interfere with the congressional design, we make matters worse,” said Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a dissenter in Citizens United and the court’s other campaign money cases.

By contrast, Justice Samuel Alito, a member of the Citizens United majority, described the decision as “much maligned, I think unfairly maligned.” The e ect of the decision was to ”level the playing eld,” Alito said, by expanding the right to spend freely that had previously belonged only to media companies.

Supreme Court will consider whether ‘assault weapon’ bans violate the Second Amendment

By Lindsay Whitehurst The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A

Supreme Court that has expanded gun rights will consider whether bans on semiautomatic ri es, often called assault weapons, violate the Second Amendment.

The justices said Tuesday they will hear appeals challenging bans on the AR-15 and similar semiautomatic rearms in Connecticut and the Chicago area.

Similar laws are in place in about a dozen states, covering major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Congress allowed a national assault weapons ban to expire in 2004, but Democrats have supported renewing it in response to a series of mass shootings. States have also continued to pass their

BIRTHRIGHT from page A1

legality in a momentous case that was magni ed by Trump’s unprecedented attendance in the courtroom.

The case framed another test of Trump’s assertions of executive power that defy long-standing precedent for a court with a conservative majority and a robust view of presidential power that has largely ruled in his favor. In the notable exceptions when the court has not, Trump has responded with starkly personal criticisms of the justices.

The justices ruled on Trump’s appeal of a lower-court ruling from New Hampshire that struck down the citizenship re-

strictions.

The birthright citizenship order, which Trump signed on the rst day of his second term, is part of his administration’s broad immigration crackdown.

Birthright citizenship was the rst Trump immigration-related policy to reach the court for a nal ruling. The justices previously struck down global tari s Trump had imposed under an emergency powers law that had never been used that way.

Trump reacted furiously to the late February tari s decision, saying he was ashamed of the justices who ruled against him and calling them unpatriotic. He also seemed to recog-

with your community!

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon

own laws, including recent measures in Virginia and Rhode Island.

It is the latest high-pro le dispute over guns to reach the court since its conservative majority handed down a landmark ruling in 2022 that expanded Second Amendment rights and spawned challenges to rearm laws around the country.

Arguments are expected to be heard in the fall.

The Connecticut law was passed after a mass shooter used an AR-15 to kill 26 children and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. The state says the guns are a preferred weapon of mass shooters, and they can be banned because they are similar to military-grade weapons.

“These laws are critical public safety measures, and they are consistent with the Second

nize the court was likely to rule against him on birthright citizenship, too, using his Truth Social platform to criticize “dumb judges and justices” and wealthy pregnant women from China and elsewhere who come to the U.S. to give birth so their newborns will have American citizenship.

Trump’s order would have upended widely held views that the 14th Amendment confers citizenship on everyone born in the U.S., excluding only the children of foreign diplomats and those born to a foreign occupying force.

The amendment was intended to ensure that Black people, including former slaves, had cit-

Amendment,” said Janet Carter, managing director of Second Amendment litigation at the gun-control group Everytown Law.

Gun rights groups, on the other hand, argue it’s unconstitutional to ban semiautomatic ries, which are legally owned by millions of Americans.

“The Second Amendment protects arms in common use for lawful purposes, and it’s hard to argue that a type of ri e that potentially outnumbers Ford F-150 trucks in America doesn’t meet that standard,” said Adam Kraut, executive director of the Second Amendment Foundation.

Four conservative justices on the nine-member court, enough to grant review of a case, had signaled that it was only a matter of time before the court took up the issue.

izenship, though the Citizenship Clause is written more broadly.

“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” it reads.

In a series of decisions, lower courts have struck down Trump’s executive order as illegal. The decisions have invoked the high court’s 1898 ruling in Wong Kim Ark, which held that the U.S.-born child of Chinese nationals was a citizen.

The Trump administration argued that the common view of citizenship is wrong, asserting that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdic-

The ban in Cook County, Illinois, was rst passed in 1993. Lower courts have upheld both laws.

“If the Second Amendment does not protect the most popular ri es in the country, it is hard to see how it protects any rearms at all,” aside from handguns kept in the home, the challengers wrote.

Attorneys for Cook County, on the other hand, say the measure does pass constitutional muster.

“The trauma that assault weapon massacres have in icted on the public at large has been staggering,” they wrote.

The Supreme Court backed Second Amendment rights in two cases this term, striking down gun carry restrictions in Hawaii and a broad federal ban on gun ownership by marijuana users.

tion” of the United States and therefore are not entitled to citizenship.

More than one-quarter of a million babies born in the U.S. each year would have been affected by the executive order, according to research by the Migration Policy Institute and Pennsylvania State University’s Population Research Institute. While Trump has largely focused on illegal immigration in his rhetoric and actions, the birthright citizenship restrictions also would have applied to people who are legally in the United States, including students and applicants for green cards, or permanent resident status.

A podcast local to Hoke-Raeford, NC, with Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland.

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

| ABBY EMANUELSON

Connecting solutions for a healthier North Carolina

A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn.

PUBLIC POLICY conversations have a habit of happening in separate rooms. Health care gets discussed over here, education over there, workforce development somewhere down the hall.

Food, health care, education and economic opportunity are each assigned their own stakeholders, their own budget lines, their own lanes, as if the people a ected by these issues live their lives the same way.

They don’t. At a time when state leaders are making consequential budget decisions, the way we frame these challenges matters just as much as the solutions we pursue.

For many North Carolinians, the challenges arrive together and compound one another. A parent struggling to put food on the table is often the same parent delaying a doctor’s visit because of cost. A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn, and eventually to emerge ready to contribute to the success of their communities. A rural community navigating health care shortages is rarely navigating that challenge alone. It’s often working to maintain access to maternity care, recruit teachers and health professionals who encourage families to stay and build their futures there.

At the North Carolina Alliance for Health, we work alongside organizations, educators, health care providers, advocates, and community leaders from across the state. Through partnerships, community conversations, and on-the-ground collaboration, we see rsthand how these challenges intersect in people’s daily

lives. What we hear, consistently and from every corner of North Carolina, is that the forces shaping people’s health and well-being rarely operate in isolation. Neither should the solutions. Health shapes educational outcomes, workforce participation and economic mobility. It in uences whether children are ready to learn, whether adults can show up for work, and whether communities can thrive.

As we are set to embark on our 25th year, if there’s one lesson the past quarter century has driven home, it’s that the most e ective solutions are also, more often than not, the most practical ones. Children who are consistently fed learn better, miss fewer days of school, and are less likely to need costly interventions later. Adults with access to preventive care are less likely to end up in emergency rooms and better able to remain in the workforce. Communities with strong public health infrastructure are more resilient when crises hit. These aren’t just good outcomes for families. They’re good outcomes for the state.

That’s why we’re encouraging North Carolina’s leaders, as they nalize the state budget, to invest in the building blocks of a healthy and prosperous state. These investments may appear in di erent sections of the state budget, but they all contribute to the same outcome: healthier people, stronger families, and a more prosperous North Carolina.

That means maintaining a strong Medicaid program, including Medicaid expansion, so that North Carolinians can access preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and receive

treatment before health challenges become crises.

Medicaid supports children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working adults alike, while helping build a healthier workforce, stronger families, and more resilient communities. It means the state invests in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SUN Bucks that help families a ord groceries and ensure children continue to have access to healthy meals when school is out of session. It means ensuring that every child has access to healthy school meals so they can start the day ready to learn, grow, and succeed. By pairing investments in school meals with strong farmto-school programs, North Carolina can improve student health and academic outcomes while supporting local farmers and rural economies. These investments help children thrive today while strengthening the workforce and communities our state will depend on tomorrow. Across North Carolina, there is broad agreement that children shouldn’t go hungry, that families should be able to access care, and that communities deserve a genuine shot at success. What’s sometimes missing is the high-level vision of how these goals are connected and how to achieve them through smart, scally responsible policy.

As leaders across the state continue shaping North Carolina’s future, the opportunity in front of us is signi cant. We can invest in solutions that strengthen families, support communities, and build healthier futures, not by treating every challenge as a separate problem to be solved in isolation, but by recognizing what North Carolinians have always known. Their lives are whole, their challenges are connected, and their solutions should be too.

This is a moment to invest in a coordinated vision for health, because when North Carolinians are healthy, our state is stronger.

Abby Emanuelson is executive director for the North Carolina Alliance for Health.

Democrats declare war on school choice

In Florida, the biggest program of all, with more than 1 million kids enrolled in these school choice voucher programs, the kids are racking up better test scores than their peers in the public schools.

WHY ARE DEMOCRATS and their teachers

union masters trying to shoot down parental choice in education even when we now have so many examples of these programs working?

Choice and competition are two of the hallmarks of the American economy. When stores compete, customers win. Turns out this is also true for schools. That’s an inviolable law of economics. A corollary is that monopolies tend to put customers last.

This is all happening at a time when public monopoly schools are showing at or negative performance despite more funding than ever before.

This is one reason why so many states are turning to the new model of school choice, with public funds going to scholarships and charter schools, and tax incentives for charitable donations to private and Catholic schools.

About 23 mostly red states are experimenting with such programs, and so far the results in test scores and parental satisfaction are mostly positive.

Today about 1.5 million kids are taking advantage of these programs. In Florida, the biggest program of all, with more than 1 million kids enrolled in these school choice voucher programs, the kids are racking up better test scores than their peers in the public schools. This is incentivizing public schools to up THEIR game.

That’s the idea. But Democrats, acting as if school choice is the bubonic plague, are trying to shoot it down across the country.

No one has been more of a disappointment than Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, whose 2027 budget would slash $500 million from charter schools and gut education tax credits.

This could put 30,000 kids at risk of losing their scholarships. Already there are about 70,000 kids who want to go to a private school, but the scholarship money isn’t available because of program caps. Once again, a prominent Democrat places the unions ahead of the kids.

Then there is Arizona: Dems and teachers unions have put an initiative on the November ballot to roll back one of the nation’s largest school voucher programs, which has exploded to more than 100,000 students. Parents can get $7,000 per student to use for private and charter school tuition and homeschooling.

Even worse is the Florida Education Association, which has led a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s school choice and charter school programs, which provide education for 1.4 million kids. The Florida Constitution guarantees a “uniform” system of free public schools but does not prohibit the legislature from expanding educational options beyond the traditional public school model.

In Rhode Island, Democratic Gov. Dan McKee wants to cap funding for popular charter schools even as the school budgets expand. Why the barriers to these educational opportunities?

Let me be loud and clear on this point: The Dems and their union puppet masters don’t want to get rid of these programs because they are failing the kids. They want to abolish them because they are getting better results than the public schools. Florida’s public charter sector maintains an aggregate grade of “A,” outperforming traditional public school counterparts in 55 of 77 metrics.

Maybe the unions de ne a “uniform education

system” as one that is uniformly bad.

What is sad is that even with a robust school choice program, probably two of three kids will still be enrolled in public schools for the foreseeable future. But with alternatives, school boards, teachers and principals will have to prove their value to the customers — the parents.

Even worse is that kids already attending charter, Catholic or special ed schools may have to return to the very classrooms that didn’t work for them in the rst place. It used to be that unions could claim to parents that alternative schools would be WORSE for their children. But that’s proven not to be the case for these new private choice schools. I know rsthand that in private schools, kids are challenged, disciplined and taught to learn that failure is not an option. In public school, you get kicked into the next grade through social promotion, and the learning de cits are allowed to linger.

The Trump tax cuts will allow potentially millions of disadvantaged kids to get scholarships from tax lers who put money in the schools. It costs the states NOTHING to allow kids into the program. Amazingly, more than half the states with Democratic governors are passing up the FREE money to the parents in their states.

That’s just plain dumb. Maybe these politicians and school administrators have had too much social promotion.

Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity, which advocates for education freedom for all children. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

COLUMN

HOKE SPORTS

Sportsbooks say World Cup betting has surged past expectations

US hype is driving much of the action

By Mark Anderson

The Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Sportsbook operators anticipated this year’s World Cup would set betting records because the major elements were aligned.

The world’s most popular sporting event is being played in North America, so U.S. audiences can see the games live while the sun is out or in the early evening. The U.S. also has a team that may be its most talented in history.

And then the U.S. went out and won its rst two matches to capture its group.

“I think it has exceeded our expectations,” said Mark Bickerdike, Caesars Sportsbook’s head of soccer trading, of the money being bet.

DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello said the wagering on the 48-team World Cup, now in the knockout stage, is putting itself in the same company as the always popular NCAA Tournament in college basketball.

“It could be the biggest event of the year when it’s all said and done,” Avello said. “March Madness takes place over the course of three weeks, and it rakes quite a bit of money. This is getting there.

“It blows the Super Bowl away. One game, one day. This thing here is way bigger than that.”

Christian Cipollini, BetMGM Sportsbook’s trading manager, said the enormous interest in the U.S. team has only grown. The Americans opened the single-elimination phase

SIDELINE REPORT

NFL Parents of former player Martin allege excessive police force led to his wrongful death

The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin have led a wrongful death lawsuit against Oakland, California, police o cers and an ambulance company, claiming excessive force and delayed medical care led to Martin’s death last year. The lawsuit states Martin was experiencing a mental health crisis in October when police used excessive force to subdue him. The 36-year-old was a standout player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

United States’ Sebastian Berhalter

goal against Turkey during the

match.

“It blows the Super Bowl away. One game, one day. This thing here is way bigger than that.”

DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello

of the tournament on Wednesday night against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California.

“I expect that to be Bet-

MGM’s most bet-on soccer game of all time,” Cipollini said.

“In this World Cup, all three of our most bet-on games have been the three USA games. This game is leading up to be a perfect storm where the USA looks very good. There’s a lot of hype around the team.”

The three sportsbooks listed Kylian Mbappé-led France as the favorite to win it all,

FOOTBALL

CFL won’t allow QB Sorsby to sign with teams or be added to negotiation lists

Toronto

The CFL said it won’t allow 22-year-old quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was permanently ruled ineligible by the NCAA for sports betting to sign with any of its teams or be placed on their negotiation lists. Sorsby admitted to placing thousands of bets totaling nearly $90,000. After being ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA, Sorsby attempted to join the NFL’s supplemental draft, but that league told him it wouldn’t hold one this year. The CFL said in a statement “upholding the integrity of the league and ensuring fair competition” was paramount.

with Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina not far behind as knockout play began. They are on opposite sides of the bracket, so if they face each other, it would be in the nal, a rematch of four years ago.

At BetMGM, 15.3% of tickets have been on France, the most of any country, and it has received 20.4% of the money. That is slightly below Spain, which has taken in 20.5% of the handle, much if not most of it before the tournament.

Americans like a good underdog story, and wagers are coming in on some teams with exceptionally long odds.

“Bettors like to take a shot for a small amount of money and put it on those teams,” Avello said. “Of course, that risk is high for us because it doesn’t take much. A $5 bet on Congo, it’s $5,000 (in a payout). You take quite a few of those and the liability gets up pretty high on them.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Hoke County 14U All-Stars

Hoke’s 14 and under All-Star team competed in the 2026 North Carolina Dixie Boys’ State Tournament this week.

MLB White Sox chairman Reinsdorf o ciates wedding of former Rookie of Year Kittle during game

As the White Sox were slugging their way to a 22-1 victory over the Royals, former player Ron Kittle was getting married in a ballpark suite with Chicago chairman Jerry Reinsdorf o ciating. Kittle tied the knot with his girlfriend, Barbara, in Reinsdorf’s suite during Chicago’s 10-run third inning.

The White Sox went on to score their most runs since May 1970. Harold Baines and Greg Walker, Kittle’s teammates on the 1983 White Sox squad, and their spouses also attended the quick ceremony.

Hoke opened play in the 10-team double-elimination event with a 7-1 loss to Lumberton, sending the team to the consolation bracket. Hoke then earned a win in an elimination game, knocking out Harnett with a 12-1 rout. Hoke’s run came to an end two wins from the semi nals, with a 9-0 loss to Duplin.

ANDRE PENNER / AP PHOTO

(14) celebrates scoring a

World Cup Group D soccer

Van Gisbergen is NASCAR’s leading active winner on road and street courses with Sonoma victory

With eight wins, he’s one o the all-time record

The Associated Press

SONOMA, Calif. — Shane van Gisbergen continued his remarkable run on the twistiest tracks in NASCAR, but this was no easy Sunday drive.

The Trackhouse Racing driver became the winningest active Cup Series driver on road and street courses with his second consecutive victory at Sonoma Raceway. Though he led 74 of the nal 83 laps after starting sixth on the 1.99-mile road course north of San Francisco, van Gisbergen had to fend o a charge by runner-up Chase Briscoe with a No. 97 Chevrolet that hadn’t been entirely to his liking since practice a day earlier.

“We were really bad yesterday, and these guys did an amazing job turning this car into a winner,” said van Gisbergen, who celebrated with a massive burnout for the grandstands. “(Briscoe) was coming. He was really, really good, and I ran out at the end. Yeah, a couple more laps, we would have had some problems.”

Finishing second to van Gisbergen at Sonoma for the second consecutive year, Briscoe came up 0.357 seconds short and was left lamenting a mistake in getting his No. 19 Toyota into Turn 1 with four laps remaining.

“Not very many people get that close to him at the end of one of these road course races,” Briscoe said. “Just frustrated

with myself. I felt like I de nitely had the better car. I didn’t do as good of a job as he did driving. I was having to push so hard, and that was where I would make up my ground. It was just such a razor’s edge, and I about crashed. If I don’t make that mistake, I’m probably ahead of him at the end.

“Just bummed that it was my fault we didn’t win with the best car. Against that guy, you’ve got to be absolutely perfect.”

Van Gisbergen notched the eighth victory of his career on the tracks that require left and right turns, breaking a tie with 2020 Cup champion Chase Elliott.

With his second win this season, van Gisbergen improved three spots to 14th in the points standings, moving back into a provisional spot in the Chase. But there are no road or street courses remaining over thenal 18 races of the season, so the

New Zealand native will need to diversify his skill set after entering NASCAR three years ago with no experience on ovals.

“I need to really step it up on the ovals,” he said. “This is an oval championship, and I need to keep getting better at them.”

Pole-sitter Ty Gibbs nished third, and Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell rounded out the top ve.

In-Season Challenge upset

For the second year in a row,

“A couple more laps, we would have had some problems.”

Shane van Gisbergen

the top seed was knocked o in the opening race of the In-Season Challenge, the bracket-style tournament that pits 32 drivers head to head with the top nisher advancing.

Tyler Reddick nished four laps down in 36th because of a power steering problem. That turned his rst-round matchup into a walkover for 10th-place nisher Alex Bowman, who nabbed the 32nd and nal seed in the In-Season Challenge despite missing four races with vertigo.

“It’s just a very odd issue,” Reddick said. “Everything seemed ne when we left the pit stall, and then the steering just really got notchy with the power steering going in and out. It was just really really hard to make any kind of lap time with it.”

The 23XI Racing driver salvaged a point by setting the race’s fastest lap after the team made repairs. After leading the Chase standings since winning the Daytona 500 season opener, Reddick fell one point behind Denny Hamlin with eight races remaining in the regular season.

“I’d say we got pretty fortunate,” Reddick said. “All things considered, for the issues that we had, we were very fortunate to only lose nine points to Denny while nishing last.”

MLB’s draft overhaul would limit choices for teen players — and be a boon for colleges

High schoolers may not be eligible to be drafted if a new proposal passes

By David Brandt The Associated Press

PHOENIX — James Clark is a young man with enticing options on his baseball horizon.

The promising 18-year-old shortstop was taking in eld practice during the MLB draft combine at Chase Field, uidly handling ground balls before ring to rst base. It’s one of many reasons the California native has a chance to be selected in the rst round of next month’s draft.

But if he decides he’s not ready to start his professional baseball career, he’s committed to play college ball at Duke, which has a successful baseball program and an elite academic reputation.

“It’s going to be a di cult decision,” Clark said. “But it’s a good one to have.”

If MLB gets its way, it’s a decision that future baseball prospects won’t get to make.

Owners recently proposed

banning high school players from signing with major league teams, raising the age for international amateurs and slashing the money spent on signing bonuses in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

If the league gets its way, starting in 2028, a prospect for the amateur draft would have to be at least 20 years old by the Sept. 1 of his signing year and two years removed from the graduating year of his high school class — a restriction that also would eliminate players who completed their

James Clark, a shortstop from St. John Bosco High School, gathers his gear in the dugout at the MLB baseball combine.

rst year of junior college.

There are dozens of current MLB stars who signed as teenagers, including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Mike Trout and Bobby Witt Jr. Even more recently, Pirates phenom Konnor Gri n made his MLB debut at 19 years old. Shortstop Roch Cholowsky was a highly-rated recruit coming out of a high school in Arizona in 2023 but instead played at UCLA for three seasons. Now he could be the No. 1 selection in next month’s MLB draft after a

standout career with the Bruins.

Still, he had plenty of friends who went straight to the pros out of high school.

“It’s di erent for everybody — whatever is best for you,” Cholowsky said. “A guy like myself needed to go to college. I got to play three years of unbelievable baseball at UCLA, learn a lot and really grow up.”

College baseball has grown rapidly in recent years for many reasons, including that NCAA programs can now o er 34 scholarships instead of the old cap of 11.7. There’s also some NIL money available at the top programs, though it’s usually not like the high-dollar deals for their football or basketball counterparts. In the 2025 MLB draft, 56 college players were selected in the top 90 picks. Thanks to a variety of factors — especially money and technology — the MLB and NCAA versions of baseball have never been more similar.

Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz was last year’s AL Rookie of the Year after playing in college at

Wake Forest, needing just 210 plate appearances in the minors before dominating MLB pitching.

Pittsburgh Pirates righthander Paul Skenes was a star pitcher at LSU before being drafted in 2023 and needed just 34 innings in the minors before making it to the big leagues. He was obviously ready — winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and the Cy Young award in 2025. From the MLB perspective, it’s become advantageous to let prospects develop in college instead of drafting them as teenagers, paying large signing bonuses, and then trying to project their growth. Currently, each MLB team runs ve levels of domestic minor leagues, which can get expensive.

Streamlining that process is enticing. The minors are already shrinking — MLB cut 40 minor league a liates back in 2020. MLB has said it will not seek to reduce the 120 minor league teams in the top four levels when it negotiates new professional development licenses in 2030 to replace expiring 10-year deals.

“These guys trust (college) programs,” Arizona State coach Willie Bloomquist said earlier this spring. “They say, ‘We’ll just watch them in college in three years at a Power 4 program, see how they develop and then we’ll go get them.’”

JEFF CHIU / AP PHOTO

Shane van Gisbergen (97) drives in front of Chase Briscoe (19) and Connor Zilisch (88) during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway.

JEFF CHIU / AP PHOTO

Shane van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma.

ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO

Venezuelans search more earthquake ruins as attention turns to humanitarian crisis

A cash-strapped government faces questions about coordinating relief for thousands now homeless

By Juan Pablo Arraez and Isabel Debre The Associated Press

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela — With the window for nding survivors shrinking fast, Venezuelans combed Monday through more ruins of buildings toppled by last week’s powerful back-toback earthquakes, and attention turned to the country’s humanitarian crisis that could persist for years.

Relief organizations say the rst 72 hours after a natural disaster is the most crucial time period for rescues, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water. Five days after the twin quakes, questions loomed about whether the cash-strapped government will be able to coordinate the e ort needed to care for thousands of people who have been left homeless.

In other developments, a 4.6 magnitude aftershock rumbled through the disaster zone in the northern state of La Guaira.

The death toll stood at more than 1,700 people, according to the government, which has long retained tight control over news media.

Venezuelan government promotes its e orts

Facing criticism that authorities have done too little, too slowly, government o cials aggressively promoted their recovery and rescue e orts. Police and military o cers on Monday handed out cans of tuna and crackers to hungry displaced people in La Guaira.

In a speech, Jorge Rodríguez, the leader of the Venezuelan National Assembly and brother of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, said electricity had been restored to 90% of the hardest-hit state of La Guaira. He said authorities were racing to evaluate damaged buildings that still posed a danger and had set up 15 temporary displacement camps.

Many Venezuelan news reports have avoided politically delicate questions related to the earthquake, such as the widespread collapse of buildings, sticking instead to safer stories about heroic rescues. Delcy Rodríguez, who came to power in January after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration seized former President Nicolás Maduro, shared footage Monday of emergency workers lifting a man out of the ruins to applause after a 43-hour search e ort.

“Each life saved is a victory for hope,” she wrote on X.

Such bright spots are rare at the quake’s epicenter, where families keep vigil at search sites.

“We have to stay strong, even without food, without sleep,” said Ana Rada, watching as civil defense workers looked for her brother. “Until I see the body, I still have hope.”

Aftershock rattles rescuers

After what the government said were more than 600 aftershocks since Wednesday’s quakes, a moderate temblor on Monday struck 17 miles north of Caraballeda on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and measured 4.6 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Jorge Rodríguez said there were no reports of damage, but the shock sent residents in the capital of Caracas screaming into the streets.

“Here we are again, back in the street. I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace,” said Concepción Hernández, 51, evacuating her apartment in the Chacao municipality of Caracas.

Questions over extent of U.S. help

Dozens of countries have offered assistance. But the disaster has raised expectations for the Trump administration after its takeover of Venezuela’s oil industry earlier this year.

In a brie ng with reporters, a senior State Department o cial said 300 rst responders sent from the U.S. are working on the ground and two dozen C-17 military transport planes arrive every day with supplies. Financial support from the U.S. now exceeds $300 million.

The U.S. military is also assisting with repairs at the port in La Guaira to allow an in ux of relief supplies by sea and manage

air tra c after the quakes destroyed part of the control tower at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, said the ocial, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. It seemed unlikely, however, that the Trump administration would grant temporary humanitarian protections to Venezuelans as previous administrations have done for people from disaster-stricken countries already in the U.S. Such action was taken after earthquakes in 2010 in Haiti and 2001 in El Salvador.

Venezuelans have been a major focus of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. More than 100 Venezuelans recently deported from the U.S. were being held at a hotel in the country when the quake hit, and many are now missing, survivors say.

Rescuers included a miner deported from the US

Among the rescuers digging through the rubble Monday was 31-year-old miner Jean Sosa, who said he was deported from the U.S. in January over a missed immigration court hearing and returned to Caracas last month, dazed by an odyssey that began in shackles at an Arizona immigration detention center.

He had built a new life in New York City over the past four years, he said, working at a taco stand near Penn Station, before Department of Homeland Security o cials detained him. They ultimately shuttled him between immigration detention centers across the U.S. before leaving him and a busload of other deportees in southern Mexico without his passport, phone or wallet. He then paid his way back to Venezuela.

Since arriving Wednesday in La Guaira, Sosa has scrambled to pull people from the rubble with his old mining pickaxe in the absence of national rescue teams.

“Many people could have been saved if there had been equipment and support from top authorities from the very beginning,” he told The Associated Press, wearing a helmet and a black T-shirt splotched with dust in the port city where he said he had already rescued 20 people alive.

Those rescues heartened him, he said, despite the lack of supplies. “We’re working without gloves, without equipment, borrowing supplies, improvising bandages and whatever else we can.”

The full scale of damage remains unclear

Experts are struggling to assess the scope of damage, but they generally agree that the government’s gures are a vast undercount.

Many Venezuelans are skeptical of o cial pronouncements, particularly since Maduro’s government claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election despite a vote count showing he had lost to the opposition movement led by María Corina Machado.

The now-exiled opposition leader has criticized the government response to the earthquake and on Monday accused it of temporarily closing the airspace to prevent her from returning to the country. She did not o er evidence.

Jorge Rodríguez said that as of Monday, the earthquake had a ected a total of 15,866 people.

The United Nations, meanwhile, says that up to 6.8 million of Venezuela’s nearly 30 million residents may be a ected — which

A rescuer carries a girl pulled from the rubble four days after twin earthquakes struck La Guaira, Venezuela, Sunday, June 28, 2026.

could mean being displaced or losing access to electricity and water. The Venezuelan Red Cross said it expected to address the needs of at least 300,000 people for the next two years.

While Rodríguez said the number of damaged or collapsed buildings had reached 855, a preliminary assessment by NASA put that number at 58,870 buildings. The assessment relied on radar imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellites, which can detect changes to infrastructure.

The updates to government gures are given in brief televised announcements where journalists have no opportunity to ask questions or request more details. In another obstacle to coverage, the Venezuelan press union said Monday that the Ministry of Communication was blocking access to La Guaira for at least some foreign reporters for 48 hours. It said the ministry cited the need “to reduce noise during rescue operations.” The union urged the government to drop the restriction: “As hours pass, the health situation may worsen, and the country needs veried and timely information.”

Because of the chaos and poor phone service, many Venezuelans have turned to non-governmental digital databases to report their loved ones as missing. More than 50,000 people were reported missing on one such database, though it is unclear how many have been found.

Fire ghter Kleider Carrillo said nothing prepared him for the destruction in La Guaira.

“When you study for this profession, you’re trained for situations like this,” he said. “But what’s in textbooks is one thing. Reality is another.”

PEDRO MATTEY / AP PHOTO

STATE & NATION

Supreme Court upholds state laws restricting girls’ athletic teams at schools to biological females only

State bans don’t violate Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams, in another setback for transgender people.

The court’s six-justice conservative majority, which has repeatedly ruled against transgender Americans in the past year, ruled that state bans in Idaho and West Virginia don’t violate the Constitution. The court unanimously agreed that barring transgender girls and women also doesn’t run afoul of the federal law known as Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court that, “states may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.”

More than two dozen other Republican-led states have ad-

opted bans on female transgender athletes, and the decision seems certain to extend to them as well.

Left unresolved by the outcome are lawsuits challenging state laws and regulations in Connecticut, California and elsewhere that permit transgender athletes to compete consistent with their gender identity.

Becky Pepper-Jackson, a 16-year-old high school sophomore in Bridgeport, West Virginia, has been taking puberty-blocking medication, has publicly identi ed as a girl since age 8 and has been issued a West Virginia birth certi cate recognizing her as female. She is the only transgender person who has sought to compete in girls sports in West Virginia.

Pepper-Jackson has progressed from a back-of-the-pack cross-country runner in middle school to statewide champion in the shot put. She beat the second-place nisher by two feet in last month’s West Virginia championship meet.

In the Idaho case, Lindsay Hecox sued over the state’s rstin-the-nation ban for the chance to try out for the women’s track

“States may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh

and cross-country teams at Boise State University in Idaho. She didn’t make either squad because “she was too slow,” her lawyer, Kathleen Hartnett, told the court during arguments in January, but she competed in club-level soccer and running.

Prominent women in sports have weighed in on both sides. Tennis champion Martina Navratilova, swimmers Summer Sanders and Donna de Varona and beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings are supporting the state bans. Soccer stars Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn and basketball players Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart back the transgender athletes.

In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled LGBTQ people are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace,

nding that “sex plays an unmistakable role” in employers’ decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate.

But last year, the six conservative justices on the nine-member court declined to apply the same sort of analysis when they upheld state bans on gender-a rming care for transgender minors.

The states supporting the prohibitions on transgender athletes argued there is no reason to extend the ruling barring workplace discrimination to Title IX.

Idaho’s law, state Solicitor General Alan Hurst said, is “necessary for fair competition because, where sports are concerned, men and women are obviously not the same.”

Lawyers for Pepper-Jackson argued that such distinctions generally make sense but that their client has none of those advantages because of the unique circumstances of her early transition. In Hecox’s case, her lawyers wanted the court to dismiss the case because she had forsworn trying to play on women’s teams.

NCAA president Charlie Baker told Congress in 2024 that he was aware of only 10 transgen-

Virginia to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in retail stores beginning in 2027

The law doubles the possession limit and creates a regulated market to undercut illicit sales

By Sarah Rankin

The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Five years after becoming the rst Southern state to legalize possession of marijuana, Virginia has approved a legal way to sell it to recreational users.

State budget legislation enacted Monday will allow up to 350 cannabis shops to open across Virginia beginning July 1, 2027. The move marks the latest expansion of access to the drug — which remains illegal at the federal level — through state-level policymaking.

“Virginia legalized adult possession years ago, but without a regulated retail market, we left the illicit market to ll the gap,” state Sen. Lashrecse Aird, a Democrat and legislative leader on the issue, said in a statement earlier this month. “This compromise gives us a smarter and safer path forward — one that protects consumers, keeps products tested and accurately labeled, and creates a legal marketplace that is a ordable and accessible enough to actually compete.”

Here’s what to know about Virginia’s new law, the long process of enabling retail sales and how the state’s changes t into

the national picture:

Virginia’s law allows new stores, higher possession limit

Virginia already had a medical marijuana program that allowed patients to purchase the drug through dispensaries. Now, state regulators will begin accepting applications for retail licenses on Feb. 1, ahead of the July 1, 2027, start date for recreational sales to adults 21 and older.

The law increases the state’s possession limit from 1 ounce to 2 ounces (28 grams to 57 grams) and it will continue to allow people to cultivate a small number of plants at home.

The state will levy an excise tax on top of its sales tax, and that mix is expected to generate about $51 million in revenue for the state in the program’s rst year, according to legislative budget documents.

Advocates of legalization are heralding the changes

Democrats have driven the state’s push toward legalization and recreational retail sales. They have cast the issue as a matter of equity after state data found Black Virginians were disproportionately policed and convicted of using marijuana. Only a sliver of the state’s Republican lawmakers have backed legaliza-

tion, and many have raised public safety and health concerns. Legalization advocates have generally cheered Virginia’s legislation, though many objected to a provision increasing the civil ne for public consumption, arguing it could again lead to disproportionate enforcement based on race.

Chelsea Higgs Wise, a grassroots organizer whose group Marijuana Justice was among those that called on Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger to rethink the increased ne, said the legislation was still an exciting development after years of uncertainty.

For the past ve years, “Adults that want to reasonably consume have been confused, rightfully so,” she said.

Virginia is an outlier in the South

Marijuana is legal in most U.S. states for either medicinal or recreational use, with about half allowing it for recreational use, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, which advocates for legalization and tracks policy developments around the country.

Virginia remains an outlier in the South for its permissive approach.

Federal laws are at odds with state changes

Despite the fact that nearly

der athletes out of more than half a million students on college teams. But despite the small numbers, the issue has taken on outsize importance.

Baker’s NCAA and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees banned transgender women from women’s sports after President Donald Trump, a Republican, signed an executive order aimed at barring their participation.

The public generally is supportive of the limits. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research poll conducted in October 2025 found that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults “strongly” or “somewhat” favored requiring transgender children and teenagers to compete only on sports teams that match the sex they were assigned at birth, not the gender they identify with, while about 2 in 10 were “strongly” or “somewhat” opposed and about one-quarter did not have an opinion. About 2.1 million adults, or 0.8%, and 724,000 people ages 13 to 17, or 3.3%, identify as transgender in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.

all states permit some form of cannabis use, the U.S. government maintains its longstanding prohibition on the drug.

But in a major policy shift, the Trump administration in April announced it was reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug and accelerating the process for a broader reclassi cation.

How Virginia got here

During the 2010s, Virginia gradually expanded access to marijuana for medical treatment. Then, in 2021, Virginia became the rst Southern state to legalize marijuana with the passage of a law that allowed adults 21 and over to possess and cultivate the drug.

But lawmakers didn’t fully enact a framework for retail sales outside of the state’s medical marijuana program. Partisan control of Virginia government ipped in November 2021, and the issue stalled out for years. In 2024, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have established recreational retail sales.

Spanberger, who assumed o ce in January 2026, pledged support during her winning campaign for legislation setting up a retail market. While the governor did veto Democratic legislation that emerged from this year’s legislative session, she eventually worked out a compromise with lawmakers. Those provisions were rolled into a state budget bill that reached nal passage Monday and now becomes law, according to the governor’s o ce, after lawmakers accepted all of Spanberger’s amendments.

STEVE HELBER / AP PHOTO

A cannabis plant that is close to harvest grows in a grow room at the Greenleaf Medical Cannabis facility in Richmond, Va., June 17, 2021.

MOORE

Strawberry moon

The rst full moon of summer is traditionally called the Strawberry Moon, photographed here on Monday from Pinehurst No. 3.

WHAT’S HAPPENING Board of Education approves additional personnel changes

Fourth of July Festivities

Pinehurst

Fireworks and Concert

July 3, 6 to 9 p.m.

Pinehurst Harness Track

Parade

July 4, 9:45 a.m. Downtown

Southern Pines

Fireworks

July 3; 8 to 9:30 p.m.

National Athletic Village

Aberdeen Fireworks

July 4, 5 to 10 p.m.

Aberdeen Lake Park

Whispering Pines

Parade

July 4, 2 p.m.

July 4, 11 a.m. Downtown

$2.00

In total, there are four new principals and two new central o ce sta

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

CARTHAGE — The Moore County Schools Board of Education approved personnel changes related to six di erent positions.

At the board’s June 30 meeting, it approved four new principals and two central ofce positions.

“We look forward to these folks joining us,” said Superintendent Jenny Purvis.

Bridget Johnson was named as the principal of Aberdeen Elementary, having served as the Assistant Director of Student Support Services.

“Dr. Johnson is no strang-

er to Moore County Schools,” Purvis said. “She was a principal at Vass-Lakeview Elementary, she was our director of curriculum and instruction, she then left us for a brief period to go to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Serve Center, where she supported school improvement e orts in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.”

Matthew Glendenning was named as the principal of Cameron Elementary, having previously served as assistant principal at Southern Middle School.

“He has really helped in supporting school improvement and he has been in our district for a while,” Purvis said. “Prior to that AP role, he served as a teacher at Southern Middle and he spent 10 years teaching at West End Elementary. He’ll be a terrif-

“We look forward to these folks joining us.” Superintendent Jenny Purvis

ic addition to the Cameron School family.”

Shaun Krencicki was named as principal of North Moore High School, having previously served as principal of Aberdeen Elementary. Krencicki has also been a principal at Southern Middle, West End Elementary and The Community Learning Center at Pinckney.

“At each school, he did a terri c job for Moore County Schools, so we look forward to seeing his work in Mustang country,” Purvis said. Molly Capps was named principal of Union Pines High

School, having previously served as the Director of Student Support Services over the past year.

“She’s moving back to her roots of high school because she started her career as a high school English teacher and a coach,” Purvis said Carla Neal was named as the new Director of Student Support Services.

“Dr. Neal is a Moore County Schools graduate,” Purvis said. “Both of her parents were also 30 year retirees with Moore County Schools, so there’s a long tradition of serving. We look forward to her returning back home.” Finally, Andy McCormick was named as the new Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.

“Mr. McCormick comes to Central O ce level after leading Union Pines for the last 11 years,” Purvis said. “We are con dent that his 29 years in public education will bring experience to that HR role that will make him well suited to support our school system.”

The Moore County Schools Board of Education will next meet Aug. 3.

Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s proposed limits

try, with very limited exceptions, is a citizen.

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to people who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens. The justices relied on a long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, and more recent federal laws in ruling that anyone born in the coun-

“Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights— to freely participate in our political community. The Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment extended that promise to ‘every free-born person in this land,’” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court, citing congressional debate over the amendment. “We keep that promise today.”

Three conservative justices would have allowed the restrictions to take e ect.

“The Court today takes the extraordinary step of holding facially unconstitutional the President’s Order excluding from citizenship the children of foreign temporary visitors and illegal aliens,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in a 91-page dis-

“Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights — to freely participate in our political community.”

Chief Justice John Roberts

sent, more than three times as long as Roberts’ opinion. “In doing so, the Court adds to the sad history of the Fourteenth Amendment, which was designed and understood to secure equal rights for the freed blacks but has instead been repurposed for political projects that the Reconstruction Congress did not support.”

The Republican president’s

restrictions had been blocked by several lower courts and had not taken e ect anywhere in the U.S.

During arguments in April, both conservative and liberal justices questioned the order’s legality in a momentous case that was magni ed by Trump’s unprecedented attendance in the courtroom.

The case framed another test of Trump’s assertions of executive power that defy long-standing precedent for a court with a conservative majority and a robust view of presidential power that has largely ruled in his favor. In the notable exceptions when the court has not, Trump has responded with starkly personal criticisms of the justices. The justices ruled on Trump’s

DAVID SINCLAIR FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

THURSDAY

7.2.26

Supreme Court strikes down limits on party spending in federal elections

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

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CRIME LOG

June 22

• Jasmine Symone Jackson, 30, of Carthage, was arrested by Pinehurst PD for identity theft, driving on a revoked license and speeding.

• Derrick Wayne Locklear, 48, of Red Springs, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for assault in icting serious injury and assault on an individual with a disability.

• Maleigha Jae Turner, 20, of Carthage, was arrested by Carthage PD for larceny by employee and obtaining property by false pretense.

• James Earl Williams, 43, of Ramseur, was arrested by MCSO for possession of a rearm by a felon.

June 23

• Timothy Mark Guin, 36, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of cocaine and simple possession of a controlled substance, and other charges.

• Levon McPhaul, 53, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for common law robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

• Clark Duvaul Waddell, 61, of Southern Pines, was arrested by MCSO for assault on a female.

• Kenny Lee Welch, 47, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for possession of a rearm by a felon, breaking and entering and larceny after breaking and entering, and other charges.

June 24

• Eric Donelle Blue, 47, of Hamlet, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for assault on a female, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and resisting a public o cer.

• Johnny Lee Haas, 54, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for driving while impaired, failure to stop at a steady red light and expired registration, and other charges.

• Treyvon Amir McCullough, 27, of Aberdeen, was arrested by MCSO for misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• Willie Bryan Quick, 65, of Hamlet, was arrested by MCSO for felony larceny, misdemeanor larceny and possession of stolen goods/ property, and other charges.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court erased limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates for Congress and president, striking down a federal election law that is more than 50 years old.

Prodded by a Republican-led lawsuit that includes Vice President JD Vance, the court’s conservative justices were again in the majority of the latest decision that upended congressionally enacted limits on raising and spending money to in uence elections. The court’s 2010 Citizens United decision opened the door to unlimited independent spending in federal elections.

The limits on party spending stem from a desire to prevent large donors from skirting caps on individual contributions to a candidate by directing unlimited sums to the party, with the understanding that the money will be spent on behalf of the candidate.

The Supreme Court had previously upheld the limits, in 2001.

The Republican committees for House and Senate candidates led the lawsuit in Ohio in 2022, joined by Vance, then

a senator from Ohio, and thenRep. Steve Chabot.

After President Donald Trump took o ce for his second term, the Federal Election Commission dropped its defense of the law and joined with Republicans in urging that it be overturned.

Democrats had called on the court to uphold the law, even though there is wide agreement that the spending limits have hurt political parties in an era of unlimited spending by other organizations.

Last year, the coordinated party spending for Senate races ranged from $127,200 in several states with small populations to nearly $4 million in California, the most populous state. For House races, the limits were $127,200 in states with only one representative and $63,600 ev-

The Supreme Court issued its nal decisions of the Spring Term this week.

moore happening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County:

July 9

American Legion Post 72 Veterans Car Wash Fundraiser 8 a.m.

erywhere else.

Entrenched divisions between liberal and conservative justices over campaign nance restrictions were on display when the court heard arguments in December.

“Every time we interfere with the congressional design, we make matters worse,” said Justice Sonia Sotomayor, a dissenter in Citizens United and the court’s other campaign money cases. By contrast, Justice Samuel Alito, a member of the Citizens United majority, described the decision as “much maligned, I think unfairly maligned.” The e ect of the decision was to ”level the playing eld,” Alito said, by expanding the right to spend freely that had previously belonged only to media companies.

Supreme Court will consider whether ‘assault weapon’ bans violate the Second Amendment

By Lindsay Whitehurst The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A

Supreme Court that has expanded gun rights will consider whether bans on semiautomatic ri es, often called assault weapons, violate the Second Amendment.

The justices said Tuesday they will hear appeals challenging bans on the AR-15 and similar semiautomatic rearms in Connecticut and the Chicago area.

Similar laws are in place in about a dozen states, covering major cities like New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Congress allowed a national assault weapons ban to expire in 2004, but Democrats have supported renewing it in response to a series of mass shootings. States have also continued to pass their own laws, including recent measures in Virginia and Rhode Island. It is the latest high-pro le dispute over guns to reach the court since its conservative majority handed down a landmark ruling in 2022 that expanded Second Amendment

BIRTHRIGHT from page A1

appeal of a lower-court ruling from New Hampshire that struck down the citizenship restrictions.

The birthright citizenship order, which Trump signed on the rst day of his second term, is part of his administration’s broad immigration crackdown.

Birthright citizenship was the rst Trump immigration-related policy to reach the court for a nal ruling.

The justices previously struck down global tari s Trump had imposed under an emergency powers law that had never been used that way.

Trump reacted furiously to the late February tari s decision, saying he was ashamed of the justices who ruled against him and calling them unpatriotic.

He also seemed to recognize the court was likely to rule against him on birthright citizenship, too, using his

rights and spawned challenges to rearm laws around the country.

Arguments are expected to be heard in the fall.

The Connecticut law was passed after a mass shooter used an AR-15 to kill 26 children and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. The state says the guns are a preferred weapon of mass shooters, and they can be banned because they are similar to military-grade weapons.

“These laws are critical public safety measures, and they are consistent with the Second Amendment,” said Janet Carter, managing director of Second Amendment litigation at the gun-control group Everytown Law.

Gun rights groups, on the other hand, argue it’s unconstitutional to ban semiautomatic ri es, which are legally owned by millions of Americans.

“The Second Amendment protects arms in common use for lawful purposes, and it’s hard to argue that a type of rie that potentially outnumbers Ford F-150 trucks in America doesn’t meet that standard,”

Truth Social platform to criticize “dumb judges and justices” and wealthy pregnant women from China and elsewhere who come to the U.S. to give birth so their newborns will have American citizenship.

Trump’s order would have upended widely held views that the 14th Amendment confers citizenship on everyone born in the U.S., excluding only the children of foreign diplomats and those born to a foreign occupying force.

The amendment was intended to ensure that Black people, including former slaves, had citizenship, though the Citizenship Clause is written more broadly. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” it reads.

In a series of decisions, lower courts have struck down Trump’s executive order as illegal. The decisions have invoked

said Adam Kraut, executive director of the Second Amendment Foundation.

Four conservative justices on the nine-member court, enough to grant review of a case, had signaled that it was only a matter of time before the court took up the issue.

The ban in Cook County, Illinois, was rst passed in 1993. Lower courts have upheld both laws.

“If the Second Amendment does not protect the most popular ri es in the country, it is hard to see how it protects any rearms at all,” aside from handguns kept in the home, the challengers wrote.

Attorneys for Cook County, on the other hand, say the measure does pass constitutional muster. “The trauma that assault weapon massacres have in icted on the public at large has been staggering,” they wrote.

The Supreme Court backed Second Amendment rights in two cases this term, striking down gun carry restrictions in Hawaii and a broad federal ban on gun ownership by marijuana users.

the high court’s 1898 ruling in Wong Kim Ark, which held that the U.S.-born child of Chinese nationals was a citizen.

The Trump administration argued that the common view of citizenship is wrong, asserting that children of noncitizens are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and therefore are not entitled to citizenship.

More than one-quarter of a million babies born in the U.S. each year would have been affected by the executive order, according to research by the Migration Policy Institute and Pennsylvania State University’s Population Research Institute.

While Trump has largely focused on illegal immigration in his rhetoric and actions, the birthright citizenship restrictions also would have applied to people who are legally in the United States, including students and applicants for green cards, or permanent resident status.

Aberdeen American Legion Post 72 is raising funds for local veterans programs through a charity car wash running multiple dates in July. Tickets are $10 and include a Graph-X4 wash package. Additional dates within the week include July 11, 12 and 14, with the fundraiser continuing through mid-month.

Tidal Wave Auto Spa 1403 N. Sandhills Blvd. Aberdeen Personal Enrichment Art Exhibition

7:30 a.m.

Students and instructors from Sandhills Community College’s personal enrichment art programs display original works in painting, ceramics, sculpture and photography. The exhibition runs through July 15; gallery hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.

Jean Hastings Art Gallery, Katharine L. Boyd Library, Sandhills Community College 3395 Airport Road Pinehurst

July

13

SCC Jazz Band: Swingin’ in Summer 6:30 p.m.

The Sandhills Community College Jazz Band, billed as the “Sound of Swing in the Sandhills” for more than 58 years and led by Larry Arnold, performs the second concert of the summer series at BPAC’s Owens Auditorium. Admission is free; tickets are required and available through TicketMeSandhills or by calling 910-693-2516. Owens Auditorium, Bradshaw Performing Arts Center 3395 Airport Road Pinehurst

July 15

Coen Brothers Festival: “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” 7 p.m.

Sunrise Theater continues its monthlong Coen Brothers Film Festival with a screening of the 2000 comedy “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (PG-13), a Depression-era odyssey loosely based on Homer’s Odyssey. Previous festival screenings have included “The Hudsucker Proxy” and later dates feature “Fargo” and “The Big Lebowski.”

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St. Southern Pines

JORDAN GOLSON / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

THE CONVERSATION

Trip Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

| ABBY EMANUELSON

Connecting solutions for a healthier North Carolina

A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn.

PUBLIC POLICY conversations have a habit of happening in separate rooms. Health care gets discussed over here, education over there, workforce development somewhere down the hall.

Food, health care, education and economic opportunity are each assigned their own stakeholders, their own budget lines, their own lanes, as if the people a ected by these issues live their lives the same way. They don’t. At a time when state leaders are making consequential budget decisions, the way we frame these challenges matters just as much as the solutions we pursue.

For many North Carolinians, the challenges arrive together and compound one another. A parent struggling to put food on the table is often the same parent delaying a doctor’s visit because of cost. A child who shows up to school hungry isn’t just missing a meal, they’re missing the ability to concentrate, to learn, and eventually to emerge ready to contribute to the success of their communities. A rural community navigating health care shortages is rarely navigating that challenge alone. It’s often working to maintain access to maternity care, recruit teachers and health professionals who encourage families to stay and build their futures there.

At the North Carolina Alliance for Health, we work alongside organizations, educators, health care providers, advocates, and community leaders from across the state. Through partnerships, community conversations, and on-the-ground collaboration, we see rsthand how these challenges intersect in people’s daily

lives. What we hear, consistently and from every corner of North Carolina, is that the forces shaping people’s health and well-being rarely operate in isolation. Neither should the solutions. Health shapes educational outcomes, workforce participation and economic mobility. It in uences whether children are ready to learn, whether adults can show up for work, and whether communities can thrive.

As we are set to embark on our 25th year, if there’s one lesson the past quarter century has driven home, it’s that the most e ective solutions are also, more often than not, the most practical ones. Children who are consistently fed learn better, miss fewer days of school, and are less likely to need costly interventions later. Adults with access to preventive care are less likely to end up in emergency rooms and better able to remain in the workforce. Communities with strong public health infrastructure are more resilient when crises hit. These aren’t just good outcomes for families. They’re good outcomes for the state.

That’s why we’re encouraging North Carolina’s leaders, as they nalize the state budget, to invest in the building blocks of a healthy and prosperous state. These investments may appear in di erent sections of the state budget, but they all contribute to the same outcome: healthier people, stronger families, and a more prosperous North Carolina.

That means maintaining a strong Medicaid program, including Medicaid expansion, so that North Carolinians can access preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and receive

treatment before health challenges become crises. Medicaid supports children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working adults alike, while helping build a healthier workforce, stronger families, and more resilient communities.

It means the state invests in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SUN Bucks that help families a ord groceries and ensure children continue to have access to healthy meals when school is out of session. It means ensuring that every child has access to healthy school meals so they can start the day ready to learn, grow, and succeed. By pairing investments in school meals with strong farmto-school programs, North Carolina can improve student health and academic outcomes while supporting local farmers and rural economies. These investments help children thrive today while strengthening the workforce and communities our state will depend on tomorrow. Across North Carolina, there is broad agreement that children shouldn’t go hungry, that families should be able to access care, and that communities deserve a genuine shot at success. What’s sometimes missing is the high-level vision of how these goals are connected and how to achieve them through smart, scally responsible policy.

As leaders across the state continue shaping North Carolina’s future, the opportunity in front of us is signi cant. We can invest in solutions that strengthen families, support communities, and build healthier futures, not by treating every challenge as a separate problem to be solved in isolation, but by recognizing what North Carolinians have always known. Their lives are whole, their challenges are connected, and their solutions should be too.

This is a moment to invest in a coordinated vision for health, because when North Carolinians are healthy, our state is stronger.

Abby Emanuelson is executive director for the North Carolina Alliance for Health.

Democrats declare war on school choice

In Florida, the biggest program of all, with more than 1 million kids enrolled in these school choice voucher programs, the kids are racking up better test scores than their peers in the public schools.

WHY ARE DEMOCRATS and their teachers union masters trying to shoot down parental choice in education even when we now have so many examples of these programs working?

Choice and competition are two of the hallmarks of the American economy. When stores compete, customers win. Turns out this is also true for schools. That’s an inviolable law of economics. A corollary is that monopolies tend to put customers last.

This is all happening at a time when public monopoly schools are showing at or negative performance despite more funding than ever before.

This is one reason why so many states are turning to the new model of school choice, with public funds going to scholarships and charter schools, and tax incentives for charitable donations to private and Catholic schools.

About 23 mostly red states are experimenting with such programs, and so far the results in test scores and parental satisfaction are mostly positive.

Today about 1.5 million kids are taking advantage of these programs. In Florida, the biggest program of all, with more than 1 million kids enrolled in these school choice voucher programs, the kids are racking up better test scores than their peers in the public schools. This is incentivizing public schools to up THEIR game.

That’s the idea. But Democrats, acting as if school choice is the bubonic plague, are trying to shoot it down across the country.

No one has been more of a disappointment than Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, whose 2027 budget would slash $500 million from charter schools and gut education tax credits.

This could put 30,000 kids at risk of losing their scholarships. Already there are about 70,000 kids who want to go to a private school, but the scholarship money isn’t available because of program caps. Once again, a prominent Democrat places the unions ahead of the kids.

Then there is Arizona: Dems and teachers unions have put an initiative on the November ballot to roll back one of the nation’s largest school voucher programs, which has exploded to more than 100,000 students. Parents can get $7,000 per student to use for private and charter school tuition and homeschooling.

Even worse is the Florida Education Association, which has led a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s school choice and charter school programs, which provide education for 1.4 million kids. The Florida Constitution guarantees a “uniform” system of free public schools but does not prohibit the legislature from expanding educational options beyond the traditional public school model.

In Rhode Island, Democratic Gov. Dan McKee wants to cap funding for popular charter schools even as the school budgets expand.

Why the barriers to these educational opportunities?

Let me be loud and clear on this point: The Dems and their union puppet masters don’t want to get rid of these programs because they are failing the kids. They want to abolish them because they are getting better results than the public schools. Florida’s public charter sector maintains an aggregate grade of “A,” outperforming traditional public school counterparts in 55 of 77 metrics.

Maybe the unions de ne a “uniform education

system” as one that is uniformly bad.

What is sad is that even with a robust school choice program, probably two of three kids will still be enrolled in public schools for the foreseeable future. But with alternatives, school boards, teachers and principals will have to prove their value to the customers — the parents.

Even worse is that kids already attending charter, Catholic or special ed schools may have to return to the very classrooms that didn’t work for them in the rst place. It used to be that unions could claim to parents that alternative schools would be WORSE for their children. But that’s proven not to be the case for these new private choice schools. I know rsthand that in private schools, kids are challenged, disciplined and taught to learn that failure is not an option. In public school, you get kicked into the next grade through social promotion, and the learning de cits are allowed to linger.

The Trump tax cuts will allow potentially millions of disadvantaged kids to get scholarships from tax lers who put money in the schools. It costs the states NOTHING to allow kids into the program. Amazingly, more than half the states with Democratic governors are passing up the FREE money to the parents in their states.

That’s just plain dumb. Maybe these politicians and school administrators have had too much social promotion.

Stephen Moore is a former Trump senior economic adviser and the cofounder of Unleash Prosperity, which advocates for education freedom for all children. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

COLUMN | STEPHEN MOORE

COLUMN

Venezuelans search more earthquake ruins as attention turns to humanitarian crisis

A cash-strapped government faces questions about coordinating relief for thousands now homeless

By Juan Pablo Arraez and Isabel Debre The Associated Press

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela — With the window for nding survivors shrinking fast, Venezuelans combed Monday through more ruins of buildings toppled by last week’s powerful back-toback earthquakes, and attention turned to the country’s humanitarian crisis that could persist for years.

Relief organizations say the rst 72 hours after a natural disaster is the most crucial time period for rescues, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water. Five days after the twin quakes, questions loomed about whether the cash-strapped government will be able to coordinate the e ort needed to care for thousands of people who have been left homeless.

In other developments, a 4.6 magnitude aftershock rumbled through the disaster zone in the northern state of La Guaira.

The death toll stood at more than 1,700 people, according to the government, which has long retained tight control over news media.

Venezuelan government promotes its e orts

Facing criticism that authorities have done too little, too slowly, government o cials aggressively promoted their recovery and rescue e orts. Police and military o cers on Monday handed out cans of tuna and crackers to hungry displaced people in La Guaira.

In a speech, Jorge Rodríguez, the leader of the Venezuelan National Assembly and brother of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, said electricity had been restored to 90% of the hardest-hit state of La Guaira. He said authorities were racing to evaluate damaged buildings that still posed a danger and had set up 15 temporary displacement camps.

Many Venezuelan news reports have avoided politically delicate questions related to the earthquake, such as the widespread collapse of buildings, sticking instead to safer stories about heroic rescues. Delcy Rodríguez, who came to power in January after U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration seized former President Nicolás Maduro, shared footage Monday of emergency workers lifting a man out of the ruins to applause after a 43-hour search e ort.

“Each life saved is a victory for hope,” she wrote on X.

Such bright spots are rare at the quake’s epicenter, where families keep vigil at search sites.

“We have to stay strong, even without food, without sleep,” said Ana Rada, watching as civil defense workers looked for her brother. “Until I see the body, I still have hope.”

Aftershock rattles rescuers

After what the government said were more than 600 aftershocks since Wednesday’s quakes, a moderate temblor on Monday struck 17 miles north of Caraballeda on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and measured 4.6 magnitude, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Jorge Rodríguez said there were no reports of damage, but the shock sent residents in the capital of Caracas screaming into the streets.

“Here we are again, back in the street. I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace,” said Concepción Hernández, 51, evacuating her apartment in the Chacao municipality of Caracas.

Questions over extent of U.S. help

Dozens of countries have offered assistance. But the disaster has raised expectations for the Trump administration after its takeover of Venezuela’s oil industry earlier this year.

In a brie ng with reporters, a senior State Department o cial said 300 rst responders sent from the U.S. are working on the ground and two dozen C-17 military transport planes arrive every day with supplies. Financial support from the U.S. now exceeds $300 million.

The U.S. military is also assisting with repairs at the port in La Guaira to allow an in ux of

relief supplies by sea and manage air tra c after the quakes destroyed part of the control tower at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, said the ocial, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. It seemed unlikely, however, that the Trump administration would grant temporary humanitarian protections to Venezuelans as previous administrations have done for people from disaster-stricken countries already in the U.S. Such action was taken after earthquakes in 2010 in Haiti and 2001 in El Salvador. Venezuelans have been a major focus of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. More than 100 Venezuelans recently deported from the U.S. were being held at a hotel in the country when the quake hit, and many are now missing, survivors say.

Rescuers included a miner deported from the US

Among the rescuers digging through the rubble Monday was 31-year-old miner Jean Sosa, who said he was deported from the U.S. in January over a missed immigration court hearing and returned to Caracas last month, dazed by an odyssey that began in shackles at an Arizona immigration detention center.

He had built a new life in New York City over the past four years, he said, working at a taco stand near Penn Station, before Department of Homeland Security o cials detained him. They ultimately shuttled him between immigration detention centers across the U.S. before leaving him and a busload of other deportees in southern Mexico without his passport, phone or wallet. He then paid his way back to

Venezuela.

Since arriving Wednesday in La Guaira, Sosa has scrambled to pull people from the rubble with his old mining pickaxe in the absence of national rescue teams.

“Many people could have been saved if there had been equipment and support from top authorities from the very beginning,” he told The Associated Press, wearing a helmet and a black T-shirt splotched with dust in the port city where he said he had already rescued 20 people.

Those rescues heartened him, he said, despite the lack of supplies. “We’re working without gloves, without equipment, borrowing supplies, improvising bandages and whatever else we can.”

The full scale of damage remains unclear

Experts are struggling to assess the scope of damage, but they generally agree that the government’s gures are a vast undercount.

Many Venezuelans are skeptical of o cial pronouncements, particularly since Maduro’s government claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election despite a vote count showing he had lost to the opposition movement led by María Corina Machado.

The now-exiled opposition leader has criticized the government response to the earthquake and on Monday accused it of temporarily closing the airspace to prevent her from returning to the country. She did not o er evidence.

Jorge Rodríguez said that as of Monday, the earthquake had a ected a total of 15,866 people.

The United Nations, meanwhile, says that up to 6.8 million of Venezuela’s nearly 30 million residents may be a ected — which

A rescuer carries a girl pulled from the rubble four days after twin earthquakes struck La Guaira, Venezuela, Sunday, June 28, 2026.

could mean being displaced or losing access to electricity and water. The Venezuelan Red Cross said it expected to address the needs of at least 300,000 people for the next two years.

While Rodríguez said the number of damaged or collapsed buildings had reached 855, a preliminary assessment by NASA put that number at 58,870 buildings. The assessment relied on radar imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1 satellites, which can detect changes to infrastructure.

The updates to government gures are given in brief televised announcements where journalists have no opportunity to ask questions or request more details. In another obstacle to coverage, the Venezuelan press union said Monday that the Ministry of Communication was blocking access to La Guaira for at least some foreign reporters for 48 hours. It said the ministry cited the need “to reduce noise during rescue operations.” The union urged the government to drop the restriction: “As hours pass, the health situation may worsen, and the country needs veried and timely information.”

Because of the chaos and poor phone service, many Venezuelans have turned to non-governmental digital databases to report their loved ones as missing. More than 50,000 people were reported missing on one such database, though it is unclear how many have been found.

Fire ghter Kleider Carrillo said nothing prepared him for the destruction in La Guaira.

“When you study for this profession, you’re trained for situations like this,” he said. “But what’s in textbooks is one thing. Reality is another.”

PEDRO MATTEY / AP PHOTO

MOORE SPORTS

Sportsbooks say World Cup betting has surged past expectations

US hype is driving much of the action

By Mark Anderson

The Associated Press

LAS VEGAS — Sportsbook operators anticipated this year’s World Cup would set betting records because the major elements were aligned.

The world’s most popular sporting event is being played in North America, so U.S. audiences can see the games live while the sun is out or in the early evening. The U.S. also has a team that may be its most talented in history.

And then the U.S. went out and won its rst two matches to capture its group.

“I think it has exceeded our expectations,” said Mark Bickerdike, Caesars Sportsbook’s head of soccer trading, of the money being bet.

DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello said the wagering on the 48-team World Cup, now in the knockout stage, is putting itself in the same company as the always popular NCAA Tournament in college basketball.

“It could be the biggest event of the year when it’s all said and done,” Avello said. “March Madness takes place over the course of three weeks, and it rakes quite a bit of money. This is getting there.

“It blows the Super Bowl away. One game, one day. This thing here is way bigger than that.”

Christian Cipollini, BetMGM Sportsbook’s trading manager, said the enormous interest in the U.S. team has only grown. The Americans opened the single-elimination phase

United States’ Sebastian

Turkey

match.

“It blows the Super Bowl away. One game, one day. This thing here is way bigger than that.”

DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello

of the tournament on Wednesday night against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California.

“I expect that to be BetMGM’s most bet-on soccer game of all time,” Cipollini said.

“In this World Cup, all three of our most bet-on games have been the three USA games. This game is leading up to be a perfect storm where the USA looks very good. There’s a lot of hype around the team.”

The three sportsbooks listed Kylian Mbappé-led France as the favorite to win it all,

with Lionel Messi and defending champion Argentina not far behind as knockout play began. They are on opposite sides of the bracket, so if they face each other, it would be in the nal, a rematch of four years ago.

At BetMGM, 15.3% of tickets have been on France, the most of any country, and it has received 20.4% of the money. That is slightly below Spain, which has taken in 20.5% of the handle, much if not most of it before the tournament.

Americans like a good underdog story, and wagers are coming in on some teams with exceptionally long odds.

“Bettors like to take a shot for a small amount of money and put it on those teams,” Avello said. “Of course, that risk is high for us because it doesn’t take much. A $5 bet on Congo, it’s $5,000 (in a payout). You take quite a few of those and the liability gets up pretty high on them.”

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Heather Watkins

Moore County Special Olympics, swimming

Heather Watkins is a swimmer on the Moore County Special Olympics team. Watkins competed in the Special Olympics of North Carolina Summer Games in Raleigh in several events.

Heather came home with three medals. She won silver in both the 25-yard backstroke and the 25-yard freestyle. She then nished her successful weekend in the pool with a bronze in the 50-yard backstroke

Van Gisbergen is NASCAR’s leading active winner on road and street courses with Sonoma victory

With eight wins, he’s one o the all-time record

The Associated Press

SONOMA, Calif. — Shane van Gisbergen continued his remarkable run on the twistiest tracks in NASCAR, but this was no easy Sunday drive.

The Trackhouse Racing driver became the winningest active Cup Series driver on road and street courses with his second consecutive victory at Sonoma Raceway. Though he led 74 of the nal 83 laps after starting sixth on the 1.99-mile road course north of San Francisco, van Gisbergen had to fend o a charge by runner-up Chase Briscoe with a No. 97 Chevrolet that hadn’t been entirely to his liking since practice a day earlier.

“We were really bad yesterday, and these guys did an amazing job turning this car into a winner,” said van Gisbergen, who celebrated with a massive burnout for the grandstands. “(Briscoe) was coming. He was really, really good, and I ran out at the end. Yeah, a couple more laps, we would have had some problems.”

Finishing second to van Gisbergen at Sonoma for the second consecutive year, Briscoe came up 0.357 seconds short and was left lamenting a mistake in getting his No. 19 Toyota into Turn 1 with four laps remaining.

“Not very many people get that close to him at the end of one of these road course races,” Briscoe said. “Just frustrated with myself. I felt like I de nitely had the better car. I didn’t do as good of a job as he did driving. I was having to push so hard, and that was where I would make up my ground. It was just such a razor’s edge, and I about crashed. If I don’t make that mistake, I’m probably ahead of him at the end.

“Just bummed that it was my fault we didn’t win with the best car. Against that guy, you’ve got to be absolutely perfect.”

Van Gisbergen notched the eighth victory of his career on the tracks that require left and right turns, breaking a tie with 2020 Cup champion Chase Elliott. With his second win this season, van Gisbergen improved three spots to 14th in the points standings, moving back into a provisional spot in the Chase. But there are no road or street courses remaining over thenal 18 races of the season, so the

New Zealand native will need to diversify his skillset after entering NASCAR three years ago with no experience on ovals.

“I need to really step it up on the ovals,” he said. “This is an oval championship, and I need to keep getting better at them.”

Pole-sitter Ty Gibbs nished third, and Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell rounded out the top ve.

In-Season Challenge upset

For the second year in a row, the top seed was knocked o in the opening race of the In-Season Challenge, the bracket-style tournament that pits 32 drivers

head to head with the top nisher advancing. Tyler Reddick nished four laps down in 36th because of a power steering problem. That turned his rst-round matchup into a walkover for 10thplace nisher Alex Bowman, who nabbed the 32nd and nal seed in the In-Season Challenge despite missing four races with vertigo.

“It’s just a very odd issue,” Reddick said. “Everything seemed ne when we left the pit stall, and then the steering just really got notchy with the power steering going in and out. It was

just really really hard to make any kind of lap time with it.”

The 23XI Racing driver salvaged a point by setting the race’s fastest lap after the team made repairs. After leading the Chase standings since winning the Daytona 500 season opener, Reddick fell one point behind Denny Hamlin with eight races remaining in the regular season.

“I’d say we got pretty fortunate,” Reddick said. “All things considered, for the issues that we had, we were very fortunate to only lose nine points to Denny while nishing last.”

ANDRE PENNER / AP PHOTO

Berhalter (14) celebrates scoring a goal against

during the World Cup Group D soccer

JEFF CHIU / AP PHOTO

Shane van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma.

SIDELINE REPORT

NFL

Parents of former player Martin allege excessive police force led to his wrongful death

The parents of former NFL running back Doug Martin have led a wrongful death lawsuit against Oakland, California, police o cers and an ambulance company, claiming excessive force and delayed medical care led to Martin’s death last year. The lawsuit states Martin was experiencing a mental health crisis in October when police used excessive force to subdue him. The 36-year-old was a standout player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

FOOTBALL

CFL won’t allow QB Sorsby to sign with teams or be added to negotiation lists

Toronto The CFL said it won’t allow 22-year-old quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was permanently ruled ineligible by the NCAA for sports betting to sign with any of its teams or be placed on their negotiation lists. Sorsby admitted to placing thousands of bets totaling nearly $90,000. After being ruled permanently ineligible by the NCAA, Sorsby attempted to join the NFL’s supplemental draft, but that league told him it wouldn’t hold one this year. The CFL said in a statement “upholding the integrity of the league and ensuring fair competition” was paramount.

MLB White Sox chairman Reinsdorf o ciates wedding of former Rookie of Year Kittle during game

As the White Sox were slugging their way to a 22-1 victory over the Royals, former player Ron Kittle was getting married in a ballpark suite with Chicago chairman Jerry Reinsdorf o ciating. Kittle tied the knot with his girlfriend, Barbara, in Reinsdorf’s suite during Chicago’s 10-run third inning. The White Sox went on to score their most runs since May 1970. Harold Baines and Greg Walker, Kittle’s teammates on the 1983 White Sox squad, and their spouses also attended the quick ceremony.

WNBA

Parker, Delle Donne lead Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class

Knoxville, Tenn. Candace Parker’s basketball journey has come full circle. It started at the University of Tennessee in 2004. It included two national titles, three WNBA crowns, two WNBA MVP awards and two Olympic gold medals. Saturday night, Parker was one of eight inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville. Others included players Elena Delle Donne, Amaya Valdemoro and Isabelle Fijalkowski; coaches Cheryl Reeve and Kim Muhl; television analyst Doris Burke; and posthumous veteran honoree Barbara Kennedy-Dixon.

Stokes, Holt, Smith headline early list of lottery candidates for 2027 NBA draft

Duke, UNC also have players to watch

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

High-end freshman talent teemed through the last two NBA draft classes.

The 2027 class lacks that same lofty status. Paul Biancardi, ESPN’s national recruiting director for high school basketball, said it was long clear the past two classes would “be special.” So much so that the NBA recently changed its draft rules due to widespread tanking by teams angling for those top prospects.

“Unfairly they’re going to be compared to the last two classes,” Biancardi said of 2027. “That’s never going to be helpful for them because whether it was a bulk of talent or just tremendous talent at the top the last two drafts were the best we’ve seen in decades.

“So now we look ahead and this class ended up being very good.”

One-and-done freshmen claimed 11 of 14 lottery spots (78.6%) in both 2025 and 2026, while NIL rules make it enticing and lucrative for prospects to stay longer in college.

With that in mind, here’s a look at next summer’s top lottery candidates:

Tyran Stokes, Kansas

The 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward is a McDonald’s All-American topping recruiting rankings.

Caleb Holt, Arizona

The guard signed with the Wildcats in April. He shared MVP honors of the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Jordan Smith Jr., Arkansas

The McDonald’s All-American was named the Naismith national high school player of the year in March.

Bruce Branch III, BYU

Branch was the No. 2 recruit in the 2027 recruiting class before reclassifying to this year.

Alijah Arenas, USC

The 6-6, 199-pound guard and son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has recovered from a truck accident and knee injury.

Braylon Mullins, UConn

The 6-6 freshman guard hit one of the biggest shots in March Madness lore with his last-second 3-pointer to beat Duke in the Elite Eight.

Thomas Haugh, Florida

The 6-9, 215-pound versatile forward and third-team All-American was already a lottery candidate before returning for his senior season.

Luigi Suigo, Villanova

The 7-3, 289-pound teenager who played in Serbia had the third-biggest wingspan measured at the combine (better than 7-5).

Motiejus Krivas, Arizona

The 7-2, 260-pound center was a frontcourt anchor for a 36-win Final Four team as a junior.

Cameron Williams, Duke

The 7-0, 210-pound forward headlines the nation’s No. 2-ranked recruiting class.

Coach Jon Scheyer has praised his versatility to defend all ve positions to go with athleticism, ballhandling and shooting range.

Amari Allen, Alabama

The 6-8, 205-pound forward withdrew from the draft to return for his sophomore season.

Patrick Ngongba II, Duke

The 6-11, 250-pound center upped his production (10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds) as a sophomore with rim-protecting length (1.1 blocks). He showed the rst glimpses of improved range (8 of 31 from 3) to go with his passing touch (2.0 assists).

Jason Crowe Jr., Missouri

The 6-foot-3, 170-pound combo guard shared McDonald’s All-American Game MVP honors.

Matt Able, North Carolina

The 6-6 freshman guard averaged 8.8 points at N.C. State while showing with quality range (two games with ve 3s). He performed well at the combine before withdrawing to play under former NBA championship-winner Michael Malone at UNC.

Others to watch (in alphabetical order):

“Unfairly

they’re going to be compared to the last two classes.”

Recruiting expert Paul Biancardi on the 2027 class

Juke Harris: The 6-7 guard is set for a starring role at Tennessee after averaging 21.4 points as a Wake Forest sophomore.

Sayon Keita: The lean 7-footer from Mali committed to UNC after playing in Spain. He has length, athleticism and still-developing upside as a rim protector and lob threat.

Dame Sarr: Duke’s 6-8 wing from Italy o ers high-end defensive potential and length. He averaged 6.4 points as a freshman but showed growth from outside (34.9% on 3s after Feb. 4).

Tyler Tanner: Vanderbilt’s 6-0, 173-pound guard withdrew from the draft to return as a junior.

JT Toppin: Texas Tech’s 6-9, 230-pound junior forward was a rst-team AP All-American despite su ering a season-ending knee injury (torn ACL).

Tounde Yessoufou: The 6-5 wing averaged 17.8 points as a freshman at Baylor, then withdrew from the draft to join St. John’s as 247Sports’ No. 4 transfer.

MLB’s draft overhaul would limit choices for teen players — and be a boon for colleges

High schoolers may not be eligible to be drafted if a new proposal passes

By David Brandt The Associated Press

PHOENIX — James Clark is a young man with enticing options on his baseball horizon. The promising 18-yearold shortstop was taking ineld practice during the MLB draft combine at Chase Field, uidly handling ground balls before ring to rst base. It’s one of many reasons the California native has a chance to be selected in the rst round of next month’s draft.

But if he decides he’s not ready to start his professional baseball career, he’s committed to play college ball at Duke, which has a successful baseball program and an elite academic reputation.

“It’s going to be a di cult decision,” Clark said. “But it’s a good one to have.”

If MLB gets it’s way, it’s a decision that future baseball prospects won’t get to make.

Owners recently proposed banning high school players from signing with major league teams, raising the age for international amateurs and slashing the money spent on signing bonuses in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

If the league gets its way, starting in 2028, a prospect

for the amateur draft would have to be at least 20 years old by the Sept. 1 of his signing year and two years removed from the graduating year of his high school class — a restriction that also would eliminate players who completed their rst year of junior college.

There are dozens of current MLB stars who signed as teenagers, including Pete Crow-Armstrong, Mike Trout and Bobby Witt Jr. Even more recently, Pirates phenom Konnor Gri n made his MLB debut at 19 years old.

Shortstop Roch Cholowsky was a highly-rated recruit coming out of a high school in Arizona in 2023 but instead played at UCLA for three seasons. Now he could be the No. 1 selection in next month’s MLB draft after a standout career with the Bruins.

Still, he had plenty of friends who went straight to

the pros out of high school.

“It’s di erent for everybody — whatever is best for you,” Cholowsky said. “A guy like myself needed to go to college. I got to play three years of unbelievable baseball at UCLA, learn a lot and really grow up.”

College baseball has grown rapidly in recent years for many reasons, including that NCAA programs can now offer 34 scholarships instead of the old cap of 11.7. There’s also some NIL money available at the top programs, though it’s usually not like the high-dollar deals for their football or basketball counterparts.

In the 2025 MLB draft, 56 college players were selected in the top 90 picks. Thanks to a variety of factors — especially money and technology — the MLB and NCAA versions of baseball have never been more similar.

Athletics slugger Nick Kurtz was last year’s AL

Rookie of the Year after playing in college at Wake Forest, needing just 210 plate appearances in the minors before dominating MLB pitching. Pittsburgh Pirates righthander Paul Skenes was a star pitcher at LSU before being drafted in 2023 and needed just 34 innings in the minors before making it to the big leagues. He was obviously ready — winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and the Cy Young award in 2025.

From the MLB perspective, it’s become advantageous to let prospects develop in college instead of drafting them as teenagers, paying large signing bonuses, and then trying to project their growth. Currently, each MLB team runs ve levels of domestic minor leagues, which can get expensive.

Streamlining that process is enticing. The minors are already shrinking — MLB cut 40 minor league a liates back in 2020. MLB has said it will not seek to reduce the 120 minor league teams in the top four levels when it negotiates new professional development licenses in 2030 to replace expiring 10-year deals.

“These guys trust (college) programs,” Arizona State coach Willie Bloomquist said earlier this spring. “They say, ‘We’ll just watch them in college in three years at a Power 4 program, see how they development and then we’ll go get them.’”

GREGORY PAYAN / AP PHOTO

Duke recruit Cameron Williams (1) shoots during the Hoophall Classic.

James Clark, a shortstop from St. John Bosco High School, gathers his gear in the dugout at the MLB baseball combine.

ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO

obituaries

Moses Lambe Snipes, Jr.

May 5, 1944 – June 23, 2026

Moses Lambe Snipes, Jr., a man of quiet strength and independent spirit, went to join our Lord on June 23, 2026, at the age of 82. He found his greatest joy and contentment in the simple life he lived in his later years on his family farm in Carthage, NC. He was born on May 5, 1944, to Moses Lambe Snipes, Sr. and Frances Diggs Snipes in Missouri. He was the oldest of three children. He spent his early years in NC, where his deep love for nature and the outdoors began to grow. He was an avid hunter, and his exceptional marksmanship earned him a spot on an Army competitive pistol team.

After serving several years in the US Army, Moses returned to NC. He attended undergraduate school at Campbell and went on to get his MBA from Western Carolina in 1973. Along the way, he married and became a proud father to his only son, Travis Palmer Snipes. After living in NC and Virginia for several years, Moses settled in Pinehurst. He worked in real estate among the premier golf courses where he loved to play; it was on these same greens that Moses shared his passion for golf with Travis, who has since proudly passed the love of the game down to his own two sons.

Moses treasured the outdoors – nature is where he found peace and joy. Hiking trails, sitting in a duck blind, riding a Tennessee Walking Horse at a eld trial, shing in a trout stream with ies he tied, or just walking in the woods to listen, see and “observe” – these were his best moments, many spent with cherished friends, with Travis by his side, or just in solitude. One of his favorite “bucket list” trips was to the Colorado mountains with a friend and their horses. He was a survivor – always ready and prepared. Moses loved to have an indepth conversation about things he was passionate about. He was a great teacher; his specialties were hunting, shing, dogs, shooting & marksmanship, and all things nature.

Moses was preceded in death by his parents, Moses and Frances Snipes. He is survived by his devoted son, Travis Snipes and his wife Tina; his cherished grandsons Gavin and Parker; his sister Nancy Lovvorn and her husband Lee Lovvorn; and his sister, Jill Woodlief.

A memorial service will be held at Apex Baptist Church at 11 a.m. on July 1, 2026.

Ella Talbert

Sept. 28, 1939 –June 23, 2026

Ella Blondell Lewis Talbert passed away peacefully at the First Health Hospice House in Pinehurst. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Jimmy Talbert; parents, Bert and Eura Lee Lewis; son-in-law, Richard Smith; and grandson, Spencer Fletcher. Ella is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Williams (Rick) of Lake Waccamaw NC, Joyce Smith of Siler City NC, Donna Silva (Carlos) of Sanford, NC, and Amy Talbert of Sanford, NC; grandchildren, Brooke Horn (Chris) of Wilmington, NC, Zachary Smith (Salena) of Siler City, NC, Ashley Ritch (Austin) of Sylva, NC, Autumn Smith of Siler City, NC, Cassie Kinney (Philip) of Pittsboro NC, Sophia Dixon (Adam) of Little River, SC, and Preston Fletcher of Sanford, NC; brothers, AJ Lewis (Becky) of Siler City, NC, Mario Lewis (Barbara) of Troy, NC, and Horace Lewis of Wilmington, NC; many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Ella found joy in the simple and beautiful things of life. She loved owers and delighted in their beauty, whether growing in her garden or blooming in the wild. She enjoyed tending her vegetable garden, nding satisfaction in nurturing things from seed to harvest. Ella was also gifted with her hands, spending many happy hours sewing and quilting, creating pieces that re ected her creativity, patience, and love. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines with Pastors Mark Hicks and Jadon Olesen o ciating the service. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will follow the service at Beulah Hill Baptist Church cemetery, 7400 Beulah Hill Church Road, West End, NC 27376. At all other times, the family will be gathering at the home of Joyce Smith, 561 Melvin Clark Road, Siler City, NC 27344. Family appreciates owers; please send to Boles Funeral Home, Southern Pines, 425 W. Pennsylvania Ave. Southern Pines, NC 28387.

Donald Braddy

Aug. 1, 1973 – June 22, 2026

Donald L. Braddy, 52, of Laurinburg departed this life on June 22, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Kenneth M. Purcell Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow in the Piney Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery. A viewing and visitation will be held from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Purcell Funeral Home.

Joseph Henry Owen, Jr.

Jan. 30, 1946 – June 27, 2026

Joe was born in Elgin, IL to Lorraine Bauer Owen and Joseph Henry Owen Sr. The Jr. was always an important part of his name. The family relocated to Florida shortly after his birth and remained there for six years before moving back to Elgin, where Joe spent his childhood. He received his B.S. from Illinois Institute of Technology and met his wife Marilyn at his rst job out of college, at Western Electric. Joe’s career was in information technology and spanned several companies in the Chicago and northern Virginia areas until he retired from performance tuning at Verizon. He came to Pinehurst for golf school in 1980 and immediately decided that this was where he wanted to retire.

Joe thoroughly enjoyed his golf and other activities here. He and his wife enjoyed traveling with their cameras in hand and were members of the Sandhills Photo Club for many years. Joe spent a lot of hours researching his family background and put together family trees for both himself and his wife. Joe also played chess, read avidly (largely history and science ction), and he and Marilyn enjoyed working di cult jigsaw puzzles together. He is survived by his wife Marilyn (nee Marotzke), his sister Kathleen Crane of Carpentersville, IL, his niece Penny Hernandez (Humberto) of Carpentersville, and his niece Penny Tate of Metropolis, IL and her children.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date.

If so inclined, please make a donation to your chosen charity in Joe’s memory.

I hold his limp hand

His breath becomes fast and shallow Now he is at peace

Gary Conroy Volk

Sept. 28, 1939 –June 26, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Conroy Volk, better known as “Grampy” to his loved ones, 86, of Carthage, NC. He found eternal peace on June 26, 2026, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Born on September 28, 1939, in West Falls, NY, he was the son of Arthur W. and Grace C. Volk of West Falls, NY.

Gary attended East Aurora High School and shortly after started a lifelong career in the Masonry profession. He was a master brick mason by trade, leaving behind a permanent legacy. His craftsmanship is evident throughout the local community and Fort Bragg, where visitors and residents alike can see many structures that he helped build from the ground up. He was also a recognized disabled Veteran who proudly served his Country.

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Danene Volk. Gary and Danene’s love story began when they rst met as teenagers at the local Erie County Fair in New York – one with a passion for showing livestock and the other showing horses. That chance encounter at the local fair blossomed into a 60-year marriage. During their marriage they were blessed with three sons: Gary Ross (Lisa) Volk, Greg Volk, and Geo (Sharon) Volk; and ve grandchildren: Megan (Daniel) Byrd, Caleb (Devin) Volk, Jeremy Volk, Cody Volk, and Logan Volk; as well as ve great-grandchildren: Gavin and Harper Byrd, Drake and Reed Volk, and Tucker Volk. The legacy continues with another great-grandson expected in October.

In addition to his parents, Arthur and Grace Volk, he was preceded in death by his sister, Irene Bush and brother, Edward Volk.

Beyond his career and military service, he loved spending time outdoors hunting and shing but was just as content relaxing inside with a cold beer, watching football or NASCAR. Above all else, Grampy loved his family. He was a constant and steady presence in everyone’s lives. He was always available to lend a helping hand no matter the time or place, even up until the onset of his illness. He could also be counted on to attend every family gathering and milestone celebration. While he will not be in his usual seat at our next family get-together, nor available to lend a helping hand, the memories we made with him will always be cherished.

Only a few days before his passing, he gave us comfort by saying, “It’s time to ride on”. He was ready to leave this world behind and go to heaven, leaving us with peace knowing that he is now on his nal, eternal journey.

Honoring Grampy’s wishes, a traditional service will not be held at this time. Instead, a joyful Celebration of Life will be arranged at a later date.

We love you, Grampy; you will always be in our hearts.

STATE & NATION

Supreme Court upholds state laws restricting girls’ athletic teams at schools to biological females only

State bans don’t violate Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education

By Mark Sherman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams, in another setback for transgender people.

The court’s six-justice conservative majority, which has repeatedly ruled against transgender Americans in the past year, ruled that state bans in Idaho and West Virginia don’t violate the Constitution. The court unanimously agreed that barring transgender girls and women also doesn’t run afoul of the federal law known as Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote for the court that, “states may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.”

More than two dozen other Republican-led states have ad-

opted bans on female transgender athletes, and the decision seems certain to extend to them as well.

Left unresolved by the outcome are lawsuits challenging state laws and regulations in Connecticut, California and elsewhere that permit transgender athletes to compete consistent with their gender identity.

Becky Pepper-Jackson, a 16-year-old high school sophomore in Bridgeport, West Virginia, has been taking puberty-blocking medication, has publicly identi ed as a girl since age 8 and has been issued a West Virginia birth certi cate recognizing her as female. She is the only transgender person who has sought to compete in girls sports in West Virginia.

Pepper-Jackson has progressed from a back-of-the-pack cross-country runner in middle school to statewide champion in the shot put. She beat the second-place nisher by two feet in last month’s West Virginia championship meet.

In the Idaho case, Lindsay Hecox sued over the state’s rstin-the-nation ban for the chance to try out for the women’s track

“States may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh

and cross-country teams at Boise State University in Idaho. She didn’t make either squad because “she was too slow,” her lawyer, Kathleen Hartnett, told the court during arguments in January, but she competed in club-level soccer and running.

Prominent women in sports have weighed in on both sides. Tennis champion Martina Navratilova, swimmers Summer Sanders and Donna de Varona and beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings are supporting the state bans. Soccer stars Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn and basketball players Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart back the transgender athletes.

In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled LGBTQ people are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace,

nding that “sex plays an unmistakable role” in employers’ decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate.

But last year, the six conservative justices on the nine-member court declined to apply the same sort of analysis when they upheld state bans on gender-a rming care for transgender minors.

The states supporting the prohibitions on transgender athletes argued there is no reason to extend the ruling barring workplace discrimination to Title IX.

Idaho’s law, state Solicitor General Alan Hurst said, is “necessary for fair competition because, where sports are concerned, men and women are obviously not the same.”

Lawyers for Pepper-Jackson argued that such distinctions generally make sense but that their client has none of those advantages because of the unique circumstances of her early transition. In Hecox’s case, her lawyers wanted the court to dismiss the case because she had forsworn trying to play on women’s teams.

NCAA president Charlie Baker told Congress in 2024 that he was aware of only 10 transgen-

Virginia to allow recreational marijuana to be sold in retail stores beginning in 2027

The law doubles the possession limit and creates a regulated market to undercut illicit sales

By Sarah Rankin

The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. — Five years after becoming the rst Southern state to legalize possession of marijuana, Virginia has approved a legal way to sell it to recreational users.

State budget legislation enacted Monday will allow up to 350 cannabis shops to open across Virginia beginning July 1, 2027. The move marks the latest expansion of access to the drug — which remains illegal at the federal level — through state-level policymaking.

“Virginia legalized adult possession years ago, but without a regulated retail market, we left the illicit market to ll the gap,” state Sen. Lashrecse Aird, a Democrat and legislative leader on the issue, said in a statement earlier this month. “This compromise gives us a smarter and safer path forward — one that protects consumers, keeps products tested and accurately labeled, and creates a legal marketplace that is a ordable and accessible enough to actually compete.”

Here’s what to know about Virginia’s new law, the long process of enabling retail sales and how the state’s changes t into

the national picture:

Virginia’s law allows new stores, higher possession limit

Virginia already had a medical marijuana program that allowed patients to purchase the drug through dispensaries. Now, state regulators will begin accepting applications for retail licenses on Feb. 1, ahead of the July 1, 2027, start date for recreational sales to adults 21 and older.

The law increases the state’s possession limit from 1 ounce to 2 ounces (28 grams to 57 grams) and it will continue to allow people to cultivate a small number of plants at home.

The state will levy an excise tax on top of its sales tax, and that mix is expected to generate about $51 million in revenue for the state in the program’s rst year, according to legislative budget documents.

Advocates of legalization are heralding the changes

Democrats have driven the state’s push toward legalization and recreational retail sales. They have cast the issue as a matter of equity after state data found Black Virginians were disproportionately policed and convicted of using marijuana. Only a sliver of the state’s Republican lawmakers have backed legaliza-

tion, and many have raised public safety and health concerns. Legalization advocates have generally cheered Virginia’s legislation, though many objected to a provision increasing the civil ne for public consumption, arguing it could again lead to disproportionate enforcement based on race.

Chelsea Higgs Wise, a grassroots organizer whose group Marijuana Justice was among those that called on Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger to rethink the increased ne, said the legislation was still an exciting development after years of uncertainty.

For the past ve years, “Adults that want to reasonably consume have been confused, rightfully so,” she said.

Virginia is an outlier in the South

Marijuana is legal in most U.S. states for either medicinal or recreational use, with about half allowing it for recreational use, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, which advocates for legalization and tracks policy developments around the country.

Virginia remains an outlier in the South for its permissive approach.

Federal laws are at odds with state changes

Despite the fact that nearly

der athletes out of more than half a million students on college teams. But despite the small numbers, the issue has taken on outsize importance.

Baker’s NCAA and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees banned transgender women from women’s sports after President Donald Trump, a Republican, signed an executive order aimed at barring their participation.

The public generally is supportive of the limits. An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public A airs Research poll conducted in October 2025 found that about 6 in 10 U.S. adults “strongly” or “somewhat” favored requiring transgender children and teenagers to compete only on sports teams that match the sex they were assigned at birth, not the gender they identify with, while about 2 in 10 were “strongly” or “somewhat” opposed and about one-quarter did not have an opinion. About 2.1 million adults, or 0.8%, and 724,000 people ages 13 to 17, or 3.3%, identify as transgender in the U.S., according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law.

all states permit some form of cannabis use, the U.S. government maintains its longstanding prohibition on the drug.

But in a major policy shift, the Trump administration in April announced it was reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as a less dangerous drug and accelerating the process for a broader reclassi cation.

How Virginia got here

During the 2010s, Virginia gradually expanded access to marijuana for medical treatment. Then, in 2021, Virginia became the rst Southern state to legalize marijuana with the passage of a law that allowed adults 21 and over to possess and cultivate the drug.

But lawmakers didn’t fully enact a framework for retail sales outside of the state’s medical marijuana program. Partisan control of Virginia government ipped in November 2021, and the issue stalled out for years. In 2024, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have established recreational retail sales.

Spanberger, who assumed o ce in January 2026, pledged support during her winning campaign for legislation setting up a retail market. While the governor did veto Democratic legislation that emerged from this year’s legislative session, she eventually worked out a compromise with lawmakers. Those provisions were rolled into a state budget bill that reached nal passage Monday and now becomes law, according to the governor’s o ce, after lawmakers accepted all of Spanberger’s amendments.

STEVE HELBER / AP PHOTO

A cannabis plant that is close to harvest grows in a grow room at the Greenleaf Medical Cannabis facility in Richmond, Va., June 17, 2021.