North State Journal Vol. 11, Issue 22

Fayetteville native

ID’d as U.S. soldier killed in Iraq

Raleigh

A U.S. soldier killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone was a 30-year-old father from Fayetteville who had served for nearly a decade, according to a military statement Tuesday and his family. Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, who was stationed at Fort Bragg before his deployment, will receive a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, and will be promoted to sta sergeant. The Army said it was investigating the circumstances of his death Sunday at an air base in Irbil. He leaves behind a 6-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, his mother said. Two U.S. Army soldiers, including one from Fort Bragg, were also killed in Jordan last week while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. They were the rst U.S. troop deaths from direct Iranian re since the opening days of the war.

Vance welcomes baby boy, rst child born to sitting VP in 150-plus years

Washington, D.C. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, on Sunday announced the birth of their fourth child, the rst born to a sitting vice president in more than 150 years. Born Sunday, Alec Neel Vance joins older siblings Ewan, 9; Vivek, 6; and Mirabel, 4. The Republican vice president’s growing family is in keeping with his passionate advocacy for Americans to have more children.

Audit: Cary council

The Wake County town issued 828 Visa cards, which paid for pricey dinners and travel

By Jessica Taylor For North State Journal

RALEIGH — The North Carolina O ce of the State Auditor released an investigative audit on the Town of Cary, discovering that city o cials were making questionable purchas-

es with public funds after the issuance of an above-average number of city Visa cards.

“The spending exposed in the Town of Cary must be addressed with greater oversight and accountability,” said State Auditor Dave Boliek in the press release. “Public dollars being thrown around carelessly while taxes are being raised only creates distrust in government.

Q2 fundraising totals show the former governor with $14.8 million, nearly three times more than his opponent

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — Republican candidate for North Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat Michael Whatley wrapped up his tour of all 100 counties last week, while second quarter fundraising totals released showed his opponent, former Gov. Roy Cooper, signi cantly ahead.

“Career Politicians like Roy Cooper get lazy, or old, and don’t have the interest or the strength to hit all 100 coun-

ties in North Carolina but every county is important and has needs that can only be appreciated in person in the county,” Whatley said in a statement on his statewide tour.

“From Murphy to Manteo, I am proud to have had important conversations with North Carolinians across all 100 counties. As your Senator, I will ght for every family to make more and keep more, keep our communities safe and preserve the American Dream for generations to come.”

While Whatley hit every county in the state, Cooper only made stops in about 16 counties.

Based on campaign press releases and social media

The company will also pay $46.75 million in a class-action settlement to consumers directly a ected by a data breach

By Jessica Taylor For North State Journal

RALEIGH — North Carolina will receive more than $666,000 in response to an $18 million multistate settlement with 23andMe after a data breach in 2023. The breach compromised the genetic data of over 6.9 million customers worldwide, and some of the stolen information was later o ered for sale on the dark web. 23andMe will addition-

ally pay $46.75 million in a class-action settlement for U.S. customers who were affected by the breach and submitted claims in early 2026.

“Your genetic data is the most personal data you have. 23andMe failed to protect it for millions of people, and when the breach happened, they pointed the nger at their own customers,” said Attorney General Je Jackson in the press release. “So we held them accountable to make sure that data is safe even if the company no longer exists.”

Following the breach, an investigation was launched, which focused on concerns about the company’s safeguards and protections for

“23andMe failed to protect… millions of people, and when the breach happened, they pointed the nger at their own customers.”

Je Jackson, attorney general

PJ WARD-BROWN / NORTH STATE JOURNAL

U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley speaks during a campaign visit in Harrisburg in Cabarrus County on Friday.

the word | Follow in Christ’s steps

“Whoever claims to live in Him — must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6

Many have written ‘lives of Jesus’, setting forth the beauty, the grace, the wisdom, the gentleness, and the power of Him who was the chief among ten thousand, the altogether lovely one. But Paul tells us that in every Christian’s life — the life of Jesus is to be written, “That the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal esh.” 2

Corinthians 4:9. And it is these lives of Christ, written in men’s daily lives — which are needed in the world.

How is the life of Jesus to be manifested in His followers? It is not enough to merely talk about Him. There are those who, with silver tongue, can speak of Jesus eloquently and winsomely, in whom it cannot be said that His life is manifested in them. In this sense — it is not more preaching which is needed today — it is more gospels in the lives of Christians. It is only what we manifest of Christ in our own life — which is really witnessing for Him. We preach just as much of the gospel — as we get into disposition, character, deeds, life.

What was the secret of the life of Christ? You have read your New Testament and have been charmed by the matchless beauty of that life which is portrayed in the gospels. His great central feature was love — love full of compassion; love serving even to the humblest needs and at the greatest cost; love which was patient, forgiving, thoughtful, gentle; love unto the uttermost — which went to a cross to save sinners.

Every page reveals some new beauty in the character of Jesus,

and uncovers some new depth of His love. And the qualities of that blessed life — are to shine in our life. His disposition, His spirit, His compassion, His patience, His meekness, His peace, His joy, His humility — these are to reappear in us. It is not enough — let us again and again remind ourselves — to preach about these gracious things in Jesus, to talk about them in our conferences, to extol them in our

hymns — they must be manifested in our life. We must repeat in our own dispositions and lives — the story of Jesus.

“Leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps.” 1

Peter 2:21

J. R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.

Judge rejects request to release UNC Chapel Hill report

The school’s internal investigation of its newly independent School of Civic Life and Leadership has been shielded

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — An Orange County Superior Court judge has refused a request by the plainti s who are suing to force UNC Chapel Hill to release a report being withheld by school o cials involving its School of Civic Life and Leadership.

The case is headed to mediation July 16, but the plainti media coalition asked Judge Alyson Grine to “short circuit” that process and order the report’s immediate release. Grine declined in a June 30 hearing.

“It appears clear that the court lacks jurisdiction to decide merits,” Grine said during the hearing last month. “The defendants want to develop and have the opportunity to robustly present this argument that the entirety of the report may be subject to exception if it is found to be material developed for the purposes of litigation.”

WakeMed services will become nonpreferred

By Jessica Taylor For North State Journal

RALEIGH — Duke Health, recently announced as an Access provider in the North Carolina State Health Plan following premium and bene t changes, will begin o ering the Access tier beginning Jan. 1.

“Given the substantial number of patients who utilize Duke Health, their excellent quality and many complex services they o er for our sickest members and a signi cant discount o current rates we felt this partnership aligned perfectly with our commitment to quality, access and a ordability while minimizing patient disruption,” said State Health Plan Executive Administrator Tom Friedman in a statement.

Duke Health’s addition to the Access tier means care at its facilities in the Triangle will be

available next year at the same costs members are currently paying.

With Duke Health at Access tier, a majority of WakeMed services are now nonpreferred, meaning members receiving care from its locations will see higher out-of-pocket costs. Current individual primary care providers associated with WakeMed will remain preferred, according to o cials. WakeMed’s emergency room will remain as an Access provider as a Tier 1 trauma center.

According to an o cial at the O ce of the State Treasurer, a plan will be gured out to ensure a seamless experience for members who receive care from Duke Ob-Gyns who also deliver at WakeMed.

The State Health Plan provides coverage to nearly 750,000 teachers, state employees, retirees, current and former lawmakers, state university employees, community college personnel and their dependents. In 2025, State Health Plan mem-

Alyson Grine, Orange County Superior Court judge

Grine also said there are “probably factual questions that need to be heard and eshed out before that decision can be made” before stating she was letting the matter head to mediation.

Grine’s decision not to release the report was made

without prejudice, meaning if mediation talks fail, the plainti s can revisit their motion to force the release of the report.

The report being withheld delves into hiring, ring and other practices, as well as Jed Atkins, the dean of the School of Civic Life and Leadership (SCiLL) at UNC Chapel Hill.

UNC Chapel Hill general counsel Paul Newton told reporters ahead of the report’s internal release this past March that the report would remain con dential.

In May, UNC Chapel Hill named SCiLL its 15th independent school.

bers received care through Duke Health more than 253,000 times, according to Duke’s press release.

“To see this kind of dedication from a world class organization like Duke Health shows just how important our members, and their families, are,” said Treasurer Brad Briner,

Cross” by James Tissot (circa 1886)

Brooklyn Museum in New York.

Cooper’s emails: 569 days of stonewalling

The rst batch of the former governor’s emails included year one of his two terms

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — After 569 days of delays and nger-pointing between state agencies, some of former Gov. Roy Cooper’s o cial state emails have been obtained by North State Journal.

The records, sought by North State Journal (NSJ) starting in November 2024, cover his rst year in o ce during 2017. At the time of the request, Cooper’s ofce claimed it didn’t have custody of the governor’s emails and directed NSJ to the State Archives, which in turn claimed it didn’t have the records.

After NSJ issued a nal formal demand citing state records production laws, the rst set of records arrived in June. That production came only after the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), which houses the Archives, nally admitted there had been “confusion” and the emails had remained in the governor’s o ce custody the entire time.

With Cooper actively campaigning for the U.S. Senate, a complete view of his o cial correspondence and decision-making is in the public interest. As such, NSJ will continue to seek full production of the records.

Records shell game across agencies

After Cooper’s o ce failed to produce the records before leaving o ce and directed NSJ to the Archives, that agency insisted for more than 16 months that the emails were still “transitioning” from the governor’s o ce and the Department of Information Technology.

NSJ sent multiple follow-ups to both the Archives and DNCR, with every response following the same pattern: “We do not have these emails,” or “These records are not yet in the custody of State Archives.”

DNCR reports directly to the governor and its secretary, Reid Wilson, appointed by Gov. Josh Stein, was deputy secretary of that agency under Cooper.

Vague assurances were given that DNCR sta were “working with the Governor’s o ce and State DIT to transfer these

AUDIT from page A1

“This report brings spending to light and shows a true accounting of where tax dollars go in Cary,” said Boliek. “The public has a right to be frustrated, and hopefully this will result in much-needed nancial restraint and discipline in the future.”

The Town of Cary (Town) had a total of 828 town Visa cards, with transactions from the cards totaling $24.2 million. The audit noted the transactions lacked clear government business purpose or appeared excessive.

The town’s Visa cards, or procurement cards (P-Cards), are given to government employees for work-related expenses. P-Cards were issued to 62% of town employees, which is a steep hike compared to cities like Charlotte, where only 10% of employees have a P-Card.

The abundance of P-Cards contributed to the questionable expenses, according to the audit. From Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2025, there were 60,591 transactions. Many transactions were for food, travel, events or other questionable expenses.

Some purchases included:

• A dinner purchased for two in Atlanta, including two 20-ounce ribeye steaks that were $120 each and a $48 glass of wine.

• A $4,164 dinner for the town council and sta at Rey’s Restaurant, a ne-dining steakhouse in Raleigh.

• A $3,419 penthouse stay for former Town Manager Sean Stegall.

• An executive van costing $733 to transport town employees 12 miles to attend the Wake

BILL BARROW / AP PHOTO

Democratic Senate candidate Roy Cooper speaks during a March campaign stop in Greensboro.

records” and that it was “taking longer than anticipated.” No rm delivery timeline was ever given, and no one clearly identied the exact current custodian despite NSJ asking the question several times.

It was not until two months ago, May 26, that DNCR Communications Director Schorr Johnson responded to NSJ’s May 8 demand letter acknowledging “confusion” over the records transfer and stated the emails had remained in the custody of the governor’s o ce the entire time.

In that response to NSJ, Johnson copied the governor’s public records account. The governor’s team con rmed receipt the next day and said it was expediting processing, with the rst partial production arriving the next month, on June 19.

What the rst batch reveals

The initial production is 348 pages, spanning February–December 2017, with the heaviest volume of Cooper’s replies between August and October. Analysis of the production identi ed 65 unique email conversations in which Cooper personally replied.

His emails were brief responses sent from his iPhone consisting of short approvals such as “Good,” “Ok,” “Good to go” and minor edits to sta drafts.

There were only two instances of Cooper originating an email rather than replying to sta .

On page 102, Cooper emailed an external contact associated with Triangle Tyre Co. Ltd about a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) incentive approval.

“Public dollars being thrown around carelessly while taxes are being raised only creates distrust in government.”

Dave Boliek, state auditor

County Mayor’s Association Holiday Dinner.

• Ten pairs of Ray-Ban sunglasses for town council members, costing $1,600.

• A car allowance given to council members of $9,626 each year, or $802 a month.

• A video production for the town’s 2024 retreat in Wilmington, which cost $121,314. Costs included production for lming a performance at the retreat and a documentary about how the performance came to be.

• Other purchases included a ghostwriter to write a book about Stegall’s management style, two properties totaling more than $1 million purchased by Stegall and money paid for council member Lori Bush’s graduate school tuition. Bush later repaid the tuition. The N.C. O ce of the State Auditor (OSA) noted the town’s fund balance fell below its 33.33% minimum level in scal year (FY) 2023 and FY 2024. Spending was found to outpace revenue as property taxes increased.

Investigators included a full appendix in the audit listing all town sta purchasing card transactions.

According to the report, which is more than 2,600 pages, the OSA conducted the investigation after receiving several

Cooper emails timeline

NOV. 27, 2024

NSJ begins seeking all emails sent from Cooper’s o cial N.C. email account from Jan. 1, 2017, through Nov. 27, 2024. Initial request sent to the governor’s o ce.

JAN. 8-9, 2025

Cooper’s o ce refers the request to the State Archives. NSJ les a formal records request with the State Archives.

JAN. 10, 2025 – MAY 2026

More than 16 months-worth of follow-ups are made by NSJ. Archives/DNCR sta repeatedly state the emails are “not yet in custody” or “in the process of transitioning.” No timeline or clear custodian is ever identi ed.

MAY 8, 2026

348

Pages in the rst tranche of emails released from Roy Cooper’s time as governor.

On pages 128-130, Cooper emailed Alan Yeung, Foxconn’s director of U.S. Strategic Initiatives, thanking him for an invitation to visit Foxconn operations in Japan and bipartisan support for a project internally codenamed “Project Flying Eagle.”

Project Flying Eagle was an e ort to recruit Foxconn to build its proposed massive LCD/display panel manufacturing plant in North Carolina. The state offered an incentive package valued at $570 million in tax breaks and o sets, but the project went to Wisconsin, which o ered a much larger package reportedly in the $3 billion range.

Pattern of transparency issues

The prolonged stonewalling on the records request ts a broader pattern during Cooper’s time as attorney general and as governor.

The short iPhone-centric reply style and rarity of original emails from Cooper align with a 2016 WRAL investigation that found he left only a “faint email trail” during his 16 years as attorney general. A similar records request from the North Carolina Republican Party produced just 14 emails from Cooper himself.

tips about nancial misconduct in the town by Stegall.

Following the audit, the OSA recommended the town implement stronger town Visa card controls, improve nancial reporting, establish clearer reimbursement policies, implement better transparency and oversight, and create council approval thresholds for major purchases. The OSA also held a press conference to discuss the expenditures, lack of oversight and corrective actions to be taken.

In its response letter, the town cited questionable decisions made by Stegall. Stegall was placed on paid administrative leave in November 2025 following the discovery of the expenditures and resigned one month later. Following his resignation, Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton was named interim town manager.

The town stated that it is working to increase transparency, limit executive spending and strengthen public access to and input into the annual budget process. The town accepted recommendations from the OSA, with current and future plans to implement the recommendations.

“While many of the issues outlined in the report are significant, they do not represent who we are as a whole,” the town said in its response letter.

“Our former Town Manager is just that — former,” the town said. “As we move forward, we are rethinking how some things are done, rebuilding what was dismantled and taking concrete steps to strengthen oversight, improve transparency and ensure our systems and culture reect the standards our community and employees deserve.”

484 days after formal Archives request, NSJ sends a demand letter citing N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-6(a), “custodians must permit inspection and furnish copies as promptly as possible,” noting an unreasonable delay can be treated as a denial of records under the law. The letter highlights the signi cant public interest given Cooper’s then-active U.S. Senate candidacy and observes that the delay itself had become a story. It notes that both the governor’s o ce and archives had previously claimed they did not have the records.

MAY 26, 2026

Schorr Johnson responds for DNCR, acknowledges “confusion,” and states the emails “remained in the custody of the Governor’s O ce the entire time.”

MAY 27, 2026

The governor’s o ce public records team, now under Gov. Josh Stein, con rms receipt and states it is “expediting the processing” and will “produce responsive records as promptly as possible.”

JUNE 19, 2026

First partial production delivered and additional productions promised. The delivery of the 2017 emails arrived 569 days from initial request, 526 days from formal Archives request and 48 days after NSJ’s demand letter.

NSJ’s email inquiries, calls and other records requests routinely went unanswered by Cooper’s o ce during his two terms as governor.

The former governor was also well known for traveling out of the state and failing to notify the lieutenant governor, who would be acting governor in his absence. Cooper’s daily schedule regularly gave scant details on his movement, typically stating he was holding “meetings” and conducting “other business.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cooper’s o ce used Maestro Conference software during daily press brie ngs to screen and select which news outlets would be allowed to ask questions, e ectively shutting out some media organizations — including NSJ.

SETTLEMENT from page A1

people’s personal information such as health and genetic data. Jackson had recommended North Carolinians delete their accounts and information from 23andMe following the investigation.

“As 23andMe’s bankruptcy proceedings play out, it’s possible that North Carolinians’ private genetic and other health data could be sold to other companies,” Jackson said. “You have the power to delete your data now — please act quickly.”

The investigation discovered that 23andMe took months to detect the breach after the personal information of customers had been compromised and exposed online. 23andMe had attributed the breach to customers’ passwords and account settings, which were exposed in the data breach.

Following 23andMe’s claim for why the breach occurred, it was found the company failed to protect customer data. It did not take earlier steps to prevent data breaches, install tools to monitor data breaches, investigate unusual login

Cooper’s unilateral actions during the pandemic, including a statewide emergency order he refused to rescind for 888 days, resulted in the legislature reining in his emergency powers. In the 2023 budget, lawmakers included a provision speci cally aimed at curtailing prolonged statewide orders without input from the Council of State or legislature.

Cooper’s Department of Administration slow-walked and withheld information from North State Journal regarding more than $4.1 million in repairs to the Executive Mansion. Similarly, for four years Cooper’s Department of Transportation stonewalled NSJ’s questions about the removal of statues from the Capitol grounds after the 2020 riots in Raleigh.

patterns or x gaps in its security practices.

The data breach was a credential-stu ng breach, which is where hackers use stolen usernames and passwords from one data breach to log into unrelated accounts. It exploits individuals who reuse passwords, emphasizing the importance of unique passwords across accounts.

23andMe led for bankruptcy in 2025 and intended to sell the genetic data it had collected. A lawsuit prevented it from selling the data, which allowed customers’ information to stay with TTAM Research Institute. The lawsuit’s settlement meant data did not go to a for-pro t third party.

TTAM is a nonpro t organization cofounded almost 20 years ago by Anne Wojcicki. TTAM purchased nearly all of 23andMe’s assets for $305 million and a rmed its commitment to existing policies around consumer data, allowing users to delete their data and opt out of research. Additional safeguards were created following the settlement to ensure stronger data security requirements, regular risk assessments and the creation of an advisory board.

North Carolina will receive more than $666,000 in a settlement over a 23andMe data breach.

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

EDITORIAL | FRANK HILL

Interpreting the Constitution in two seconds

The U.S. Supreme Court has 6 months to read and interpret the U.S. Constitution. YOU have 2 seconds.

The single most important function of government is to provide adequate public safety for every citizen. People have been forming tribes, clans, communities, states and nations to provide for their common defense since the dawn of civilization.

Which is why it is so troubling to hear leaders of the Democratic Socialist Party of America blithely say police o cers should not be funded as part of the local, state and federal government we all depend upon daily for safety and protection — including them.

“Defund the Police” is a political chant by the left that diminishes the crucial role our police have in our daily lives. Police o cers deserve our praise and thanks, not our denigration or disdain, and they certainly deserve to be fully funded.

I had the opportunity to participate in a public service internship with the Minneapolis Police Department during college in the summer of 1975. The experience was invaluable in many ways, but the most impactful thing I saw was a sign over the top of the door to the men’s locker room. It read in bold black letters: “Remember — the U.S. Supreme Court has 6 months to read and interpret the US Constitution. YOU have 2 seconds.”

Imagine the enormity of responsibility assumed by each police o cer on a daily basis. Not only do they apprehend people intent on doing harm to innocent men, women and children, but they also have to do so while abiding by laws passed by at least three layers of government and make

split-second constitutional decisions under extreme personal duress and stress.

The absurdity of trying to imagine living in a society where there was absolutely no law enforcement is too hard for the modern mind to fathom. Imagine calling 911 in a time of distress and nding out the line no longer exists.

The only analogy that comes to mind is the days of the Wild West where everyone not only owned a gun but knew how to use it — and did so on a regular basis to settle disputes outside of courts of law. Talk about triggering a mass stampede for more Americans to exercise their Second Amendment right to own a rearm — abolish all police departments, and gun ownership in America will escalate from about 500 million owned by civilians to twice that number overnight.

Hollywood movies and video games have a way of desensitizing viewers, especially children and teenagers, to the violence that takes place daily in every incident around the country. Crime reports tend to sanitize the truth, such as this one lifted from globalstatistics.com, which said this about crime in Minneapolis in 2025: “Despite a rise in homicides in 2024, early 2025 data indicates a dramatic reduction in violent crime, with estimates suggesting around 50-60 homicides for the year, down from 76 in 2024. This marks a signi cant improvement and re ects ongoing e orts to address serious violent crimes.”

But in each case, it was a real, live person being assaulted or murdered, not a mere

statistic. That fact was driven home to me during a late-night patrol I was able to go on with two police o cers that was alternately one of the most enlightening or enervating experiences I have had in life.

Those o cers, one white and one black, went bravely into the darkened alleys and streets of downtown Minneapolis because it was their sworn duty to protect innocent and helpless people. They were required not only to subdue the perpetrator but also to make myriad crucial decisions to follow the law and protect the rights of not only the victim but also any suspect.

They were called to investigate a shooting at a local bar that sure seemed to be true based on the blood on the oor we saw upon entering. Immediately, they took o to try to overcome the assailant. They had to make split-second decisions on who to pursue or, if faced with a deadly weapon, whether to re rst or risk being killed themselves.

They didn’t have the luxury of being able to engage in thoughtful discourse for six months like Supreme Court justices, political advisers or talk show hosts about whether someone posed a threat or not.

None of this is to say that law enforcement o cers shouldn’t be trained well to respect the rights of every person, but any candidate for elective o ce who has advocated to defund the police should be disquali ed from earning your vote in any election.

Maybe they should all go on a ride-along program with their local police before ling to run for o ce.

EDITORIAL | STACEY MATTHEWS

There’s no place like home

I still missed the creature comforts of being at Mom and Dad’s house.

MOST PEOPLE, when they are in their teens and early 20s, can’t wait to leave home and start out on their own. Sometimes it’s by way of going to college several hundred miles away. In other cases, the person moved out to go ahead and nd their way in the world, whether independently or once they got married.

I was one of those people. I loved my mom and dad dearly and appreciated the love and the home they provided, but I couldn’t wait to live an independent life. Unfortunately, I wasn’t so good with money in my younger years, and I left the nest later than most.

But once I did, I kept telling myself that I should have been wiser with my nancial decisions as a young adult because I had really been missing out on the freedom associated with having your own place and being able to work o your own timeline and without having to answer to anyone else in the house.

Even with having that freedom and my own home, I still missed the creature comforts of being at Mom and Dad’s house, where there was love all around, endless amounts of home cooking to enjoy and so many life lessons still to learn. I’ve talked to married friends of mine about this, and they, too, told me about similar

feelings they’d had throughout their lives.

Though they had their own lives and created a family, the road back to Mom and Dad’s was one eagerly traveled when time and circumstances permitted.

After about 15 years of home ownership, I made the trek back to Mom and Dad’s in what would turn out to be a permanent move. My dad’s health decline had become more pronounced, and Mom’s health issues, which to some extent had been put on the back burner to care for my dad, were starting to become more noticeable. Two months after that trek home to Mom and Dad’s, my dad passed away. And four months later, we learned Mom had colon cancer.

I had never envisioned my life as a caregiver, but then again, caregiving usually chooses you more so than you choose it. But along with becoming a full-time caregiver, Mom more or less turned over the reins of the house and the decision-making to me.

We’ve had a lot of work done to it since then — extensive crawlspace work and, more recently, roof work, the things a near-50-year-old home needs at some point.

After the latest round of contractor work was done, we were sitting in the living room catching our breath from it all. Even though

we weren’t the ones doing the actual work, the emotional and mental toll it can take on you can drain you, whether it’s the worries over if it will be done right, if more problems will be uncovered or, in the long run, if it will have been worth it.

My goal has been to do the things Mom and Dad wanted to do with the house in later years but couldn’t.

The crawlspace work was worth it. The roo ng work was worth it. The plumbing and electrical work we’ve had done was worth it. They’ve all made our home safer, more solid and stable, and we can sleep better at night knowing this was all done in the place we’ve called home and made so many memories in for the last 30 years.

All those years ago, I wanted to be on my own, but now that I’m back, I never want to leave.

There truly is no place like home, and it, along with precious time spent with family, is something that should never be taken for granted.

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.

Sound money in the age of debt, war and bitcoin

AMERICA’S MONEY problem is no longer theoretical. It appears on grocery receipts, mortgage statements, shipping maps and the national debt clock. The Congressional Budget O ce projects federal debt held by the public at 101% of GDP in 2026 and 120% by 2036. Debt this large tightens like a ratchet. Interest crowds out priorities, and tomorrow’s prosperity pays for yesterday’s politics. The republic will endure. But endurance is not health, and national strength cannot be nanced forever by sending the bill forward.

Sound money, then, is no antique obsession. It is constitutional, economic and moral. It promises workers, entrepreneurs, retirees and soldiers that value earned today will not be quietly con scated for political convenience.

For most of American history, that promise was tied to gold and silver. The Coinage Act of 1792 xed weight and purity standards. It treated deliberate debasement by Mint o cers as a capital crime. In 1865, the Secret Service was created to suppress counterfeiting. The lesson was blunt: Corrupted money corrupts self-government.

Yes, paper currency was familiar to the Founders. Colonial bills circulated. Congress issued Continentals. And British commerce ran on banknotes. The question was not whether paper could exist. It was whether political authorities could create unlimited claims on wealth without destroying public trust.

The Founders answered cautiously. Article I, Section 10 bars states from coining money, emitting bills of credit, or making anything but gold and silver coin tender for debts. Federal Reserve notes remain legal tender. Still, the constitutional instinct is clear. Money and political power will not oat free of restraint.

Fiat systems tempt government to spend rst and explain later. Taxes are visible, and borrowing requires creditors. In ation is stealthier. It shifts wealth from savers to debtors, wage earners to asset owners and the weak to the connected.

We need not be apocalyptic. America is not Weimar Germany. The dollar has outlived many collapse predictions, and reserve status re ects genuine con dence in American power and institutions. That durability is real. It is also dangerous. Reserve status can hide decay for decades. Rome did not fall in an afternoon. And a great power may su er no cinematic currency collapse — only costlier homes, weaker families, lower trust, more speculation and less investment. The nightmare may be a 60-year grind while o cials call everything normal.

What is exciting is that states are reopening the argument. Texas enacted House Bill 1056, recognizing qualifying gold and silver specie as legal tender and directing the state to build a bullion-backed transactional currency. Participation is voluntary. The legal-tender provision begins Sept. 1; the broader system follows May 1, 2027.

North Carolina has taken a smaller step. Since 2017,

COLUMN | MICHAEL BARONE

Lindsey

Graham,

it has exempted qualifying coins and bullion from sales tax. In 2025, lawmakers introduced a measure that would recognize certain gold and silver as legal tender and reduce tax barriers. It reached House Finance, though it did not become law. Meaning: North Carolina has not enacted Texas-style legal tender or bullion-backed payment infrastructure. Not yet. That leaves room for leadership.

And then there is bitcoin.

Some gold advocates dismiss it as a mathematical hallucination. Skepticism about hype, leverage, fraud and volatility is warranted. Bitcoin is neither metal nor constitutional coin. Yet its persistence proves something important: Millions want an asset politicians cannot print.

War makes that desire concrete. Roughly one- fth of global oil and petroleum-product consumption normally moves through the Strait of Hormuz. When chokepoints close, sanctions tighten or payment rails become weapons, money stops looking abstract. Gold is surely the ancient refuge. But bitcoin is the modern protest.

Michael Saylor pushed that protest into the corporate treasury. Through Strategy, he has forced executives and investors to confront bitcoin not merely as a trading token but as a reserve asset. The scale is consequential. So is the risk.

Bitcoin’s basic architecture is straightforward. Transactions enter a public blockchain, miners validate blocks through computing power, and network consensus makes recorded history di cult to rewrite. A central bank cannot create bitcoin by press release. Scarcity does not guarantee value. It does challenge at discretion.

Gold and bitcoin are not twins. Gold has weight, industrial uses, monetary history and constitutional pedigree. Bitcoin o ers portability, divisibility, censorship resistance and global settlement. If gold is nature’s money, bitcoin is engineered scarcity. Both vote no con dence in unlimited paper.

The American tradition is not pure laissez-faire. It includes Hamiltonian statecraft, the voluntary compassion chronicled by Marvin Olasky and the institution-building studied by Stephen Skowronek. More precisely, it is antidebasement. It demands accountability, not panic.

We hold this truth to be self-evident: Fiat currency can let governments defraud sovereign citizens. Sound money supplies discipline. On America’s 250th anniversary, let us celebrate its promise — and build its momentum.

Boleslaw “Bo” Z. Kabala is an assistant professor of political science at Tarleton State University and a research associate at the Augustinian Institute of Villanova University.

Sieg Mayer is a project manager, independent solar contractor and thought leader in Central Texas.

politician and Churchillian

STILL BOYISH, ENERGETIC, enthusiastic, Lindsey Graham died suddenly July 11 at the age of 71. Once upon a time, death at such an age was not unexpected. The two Presidents Roosevelt died aged 60 and 63, and in the summer of 1949, two Supreme Court justices in their 50s died of heart attacks.

But advances in medicine and pharmacology have increased not only Americans’ lifespans but also the professional careers of many notable gures, while the nation, which never had a president over age 70 until the 1980s, now, in the 2020s, has had two over 80.

Graham had a long political career in his own right. He was the last still serving in Congress of the Republicans of the class of 1994, whose election in November gave the party its rst House majority in 40 years — a majority it has mostly maintained ever since.

That was 32 years ago — a longer interval than that between Franklin Roosevelt’s rst victory and John F. Kennedy’s — and closer in time and spirit to Ronald Reagan’s years in the White House than President Donald Trump’s. And Graham’s positions on major issues, such as foreign policy and immigration, have remained closer to Reagan’s than Trump’s.

But politics is more than a listing of issue positions or committee appointments or even election victories. It is also a matter of personal relationships and the skill of maintaining your principles and working with those who don’t share them without renouncing one or antagonizing the other.

With political instincts honed while running the family’s upcountry South Carolina bar, Graham excelled at this. He was open, even brash, about his views on issues while working with others who disagreed.

That was apparent in the ood of commentary that came out of his unexpected death, which came one day after he returned from his 10th trip to Ukraine and a day before he was scheduled to appear on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Especially moving, in my view, were the extended comments — heartfelt remembrances — of Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and White House deputy chief of sta Stephen Miller. Klobuchar, as a partisan Democrat, and Miller, as an advocate of Trump’s immigration policies, have had strong and principled disagreements with Graham over the years, and neither is known as a sentimentalist. But both were writing out of grief and in appreciation of their sometime antagonist.

All of this was accomplished with a sometimes self-deprecating frankness and with a sense of humor that Democratic colleague Al Franken, a onetime professional comedian, said was the best in the Senate. When he encountered a conservative pundit who had just pummeled him, Graham’s rst comment was, “Everyone has opinions.”

It is in that manner that Graham became friends with and an ally of Trump. On foreign policy, they looked like opposites. Trump campaigned against and ridiculed the war in Iraq. Graham, with his close friends John McCain and Joe Lieberman, was a strong supporter of the war in Iraq and of former President George W. Bush’s 2007 “surge,”

which converted what many considered a defeat into what at this stage is looking like a success.

Whether out of his 30 years’ service in the Air Force Reserve or his background in a state long known for its hawkishness, Graham was a believer in what I have called a Churchillian foreign policy. That is the idea that the leading Anglosphere nation has a responsibility to oppose hegemonic dictatorial powers emerging in the landmass of Eurasia.

That tradition goes back to the Dutch William, Prince of Orange, and the 1688-89 Glorious Revolution he engineered, which made him King William III and joined England to his lifelong opposition to the absolutist Louis XIV of France, who sought to dominate all Europe. It was carried on after William’s death by John Churchill, rst Duke of Marlborough, and later in the struggles of William Pitt the Younger and his heirs against Revolutionary and Napoleonic France.

Often, the British elite and public are tired of the fearsome cost in money and lives in this enterprise. But in the 20th century, it was renewed against Adolf Hitler and Nazism by Marlborough’s descendant Winston Churchill and by the scion of a Dutch patron, Franklin Roosevelt, and then against Soviet communism, led by American presidents from Harry Truman to Reagan and the rst George Bush.

Trump came to o ce with a di erent view, with an admiration of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a strong leader — and seeming ignorance of his cold-blooded willingness to kill — and with a contempt for European allies. Earlier presidents had urged them to spend more on their own defense. Trump made that a major policy, with advocacy that verged on contempt.

Graham set about trying to in uence the 45th and 47th president — and, with di erent tactics, drawing on their years as Senate colleagues, the 46th. Using humor as much as exhortation, agreement more than confrontation, he was able to point out that Putin was not, as Trump initially supposed, seeking peace in Ukraine, and that Ukraine, with an ingenuity typical of a free society, was developing weaponry and tactics to turn the tide.

And when Trump, together with Israel, attacked Iran in June 2025 and again in February this year, he watched as events proved that Iran’s government was not willing to honor any agreement. As a Churchillian, he understood that Putin and the Iranian mullahs were no more willing to live peaceably with others than Louis XIV or the French Revolutionaries, or Hitler or Stalin, had been in times past.

Whether Graham saw his role in this historic perspective, I don’t know, and I never thought to ask him in our (usually humorous) interchanges over the many years of his career. That he belongs in that long historical chain, and not just in a subordinate position, I am certain.

Michael Barone is a senior political analyst for the Washington Examiner, resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and longtime co-author of “The Almanac of American Politics.” (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Erasing Little Italy

is about more than a map

NEW YORK CITY has long been celebrated as a city of immigrant neighborhoods. Little Italy, Chinatown, Harlem, Washington Heights, Brighton Beach — these communities tell the story of generations of newcomers who helped build America’s largest city while gradually becoming part of it.

That history makes one omission from Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s recently released map of immigrant communities particularly striking. Little Italy wasn’t there.

Instead, the map highlighted a series of neighborhoods identi ed as “Little Pakistan,” “Little Senegal,” “Little Yemen” and even “Little Palestine.” City Hall defended the project by saying it was never intended to identify religious enclaves but rather neighborhoods with substantial foreign-born populations from around the world.

That explanation raises an obvious question: If the goal was to recognize immigrant communities, how does one leave out perhaps the most iconic immigrant neighborhood in New York City?

Little Italy is more than a tourist destination. It represents one of the de ning chapters in the city’s history — a reminder of the millions of Italian immigrants who arrived in America, endured discrimination, built businesses and eventually became woven into the fabric of American life. Omitting it while highlighting far newer and, in some cases, uno cial neighborhood designations sends a message, whether intended or not, about which immigrant stories deserve recognition.

The omission also ts a broader pattern.

During the protests of 2020, Mamdani posted a photograph of himself making an obscene gesture toward a statue of Christopher Columbus, accompanied by the caption, “Take it down.” Columbus has become a lightning rod in America’s culture wars, but for many Italian Americans, his monuments represent more than one historical gure. They symbolize a community that fought for acceptance in a country where Italians were once treated as outsiders.

Seen through that lens, leaving Little Italy o the map appears less like an oversight than another step in distancing the city from parts of its own heritage.

Questions about Mamdani’s priorities extend beyond symbolism.

According to reporting by City Journal, New York City’s O ce for International A airs recently scheduled a meeting between Commissioner Ana Maria Archila and Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations. The meeting was reportedly canceled after intervention from higher authorities, and the State Department reminded city o cials that foreign policy is conducted by the federal government, not municipal governments.

The same reporting also alleged that sta within the mayor’s international a airs o ce were instructed to “prioritize diplomatic engagement” with governments viewed as politically aligned with the administration. Among the examples cited were e orts to engage o cials connected to Iran and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, as well as participation in conferences hosted by the Party of European Socialists.

Whether one agrees with those priorities or not, they raise legitimate questions about the role a city government should play on the international stage. New York has every reason to maintain relationships with foreign governments and international institutions, particularly as host to the United Nations. But conducting diplomacy based primarily on ideological a nity rather than municipal interests risks blurring the line between city governance and foreign policy.

Supporters dismiss these concerns by arguing that a mayor’s authority is limited. They contend that campaign rhetoric often exceeds what any municipal executive can realistically accomplish.

History, however, o ers plenty of examples of political leaders using local o ces to reshape institutions, in uence public culture and redirect investment long before they gain broader power.

Indeed, some investors have already expressed concern about New York’s political direction. If businesses and property owners begin viewing the city as increasingly hostile to investment or economic growth, those perceptions alone can in uence where capital ows.

Ultimately, the controversy over Little Italy is not simply about a map. It re ects competing visions of what New York represents.

One vision sees the city as the culmination of generations of immigrants who arrived from around the world and gradually forged a common American identity. The other places greater emphasis on preserving distinct identities and highlighting newer communities while giving less attention to older ones that have largely assimilated.

A map tells a story about what matters, what deserves recognition and what belongs in a city’s collective memory. When one of New York’s most historic immigrant neighborhoods disappears from that story, people are right to ask why. Whether intentional or accidental, erasing Little Italy from the city’s o cial narrative risks erasing part of New York’s own history. And if history is any guide, today’s symbolic omissions often foreshadow tomorrow’s political priorities.

Ben Shapiro is a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, host of “The Ben Shapiro Show” and co-founder of Daily Wire+. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Second person dies from Legionnaires’ disease in New York

New York

A second person has died in connection with an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in New York, the New York City Health Department announced Saturday. The outbreak on Manhattan’s Upper East Side has infected 72 people, according to health o cials. Two people have died. The rst death was announced Friday, and the second was announced Saturday. Legionnaires’ disease is a form of severe pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria that thrives in warm, stagnant water. Health o cials did not pinpoint a source for the current outbreak but said there has been a sustained decline in new cases.

Flash ood kills 5 in Utah

Bicknell, Utah

Five family members who had set out for a day of hiking were killed after a ash ood swept through canyons of southern Utah last Friday, law enforcement o cials said. The victims were a captain in the Provo, Utah, re department, his wife and their sons, according to re o cials. A daughter who was not on the trip survived. Although the sheri ’s o ce did not identify the victims, the Provo Fire Department con rmed in a social media post that a re captain, Spencer Long, and his family members were killed.

Dozens missing after ferry capsizes o coast of Guyana

Georgetown, Guyana

A government ferry carrying 133 passengers and crew capsized in Guyana as a massive search-and-rescue operation tried to nd the dozens of people still missing. The MV Barima was sailing from the capital, Georgetown, along the North Atlantic coast to Port Kaituma, said Guyanese Prime Minister Mark Phillips. Phillips said the group that had been rescued included 41 men, 11 women and 15 children. He did not say whether authorities feared the missing passengers were dead or not. Helicopters, planes and shing vessels are scanning a 1,000-square-mile area in search e orts.

6 dead after 5.5-magnitude earthquake hits Peru

Lima, Peru

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake shook the Andes region of Peru, killing at least six people, injuring more than 30 and displacing 300, authorities said Sunday. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake struck Saturday at 9:24 p.m., with its epicenter located just over a mile west-southwest of the city of Sicaya in Huancayo province. It was more than six miles deep. Several buildings collapsed or su ered structural damage, including the historic “Santiago de León” church and former convent in Chongos Bajo, which was built in 1565 and designated as a national heritage site.

Education Department tackles ‘pass the trash’ in K-12 schools NATION & WORLD

The Trump administration is taking on the practice of teachers accused of allegations being allowed to move to other schools or districts

By A.P. Dillon North State Journal

RALEIGH — The U.S. Department of Education announced an initiative to hold accountable states and districts engaging in a practice known as “pass the trash.” Pass the trash is when a teacher is allowed to keep teaching or teachers are permitted to transfer to another school or district despite allegations of sexual misconduct with students.

“Our schools must protect America’s children. Parents should never have to wonder whether their kids’ school employs and protects sexual predators,” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a press release.

“Schools that receive federal funding have a duty to protect students, report sexual misconduct honestly, and follow the law. Through this initiative, we are holding school districts accountable because every child deserves to learn in a safe environment free from sexual abuse and harassment.”

According to the press release, the Education Department’s Ofce of Civil Rights has opened 20 investigations into districts based on 2023-24 Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) submissions where sta conduct may not have been appropriately addressed.

The Education Department provided the list of districts to North State Journal: Arizona — Fredonia-Moccasin Unied District; California — Tulare City, Wilsona; Connecticut — Connecticut Technical Education and Career System; Georgia — DeKalb County, Richmond County, Savannah-Chatham County; Kentucky — Perry County; Michigan — Detroit Public Schools Community District, Pontiac City School District, Taylor School District; Missouri — Spring eld R-XII; New Hamp-

SENATE from page A1

posts, Cooper stopped multiple times in some of the counties he visited: three trips to Charlotte (Mecklenburg County) and Greensboro (Guilford County), as well as two visits each to Asheville (Buncombe County), Greenville (Pitt County) and Raleigh (Wake County).

Cooper also made one visit each to Bolivia, Durham, Fayetteville, Graham, Kinston, Leland, Rocky Mount, Smith eld, Wadesboro, Wilmington and Winston-Salem.

While Whatley was far ahead in the county visits, Cooper remained ahead in fundraising, with his campaign announcing a second quarter (Q2) total of more than $14.8 million.

“Roy Cooper is running to make stu cost less, while Big Oil and utility company lobbyist and DC insider Michael Whatley is only looking out for himself and his well-connected friends,” said Je Allen, Cooper for North Carolina campaign manager.

“Our campaign’s strong grassroots fundraising from folks who know Roy Cooper will put the people rst is more important than ever now that the Supreme Court has allowed the RNC to spend virtually unlimited amounts to bail out their former Chairman Michael Whatley,” Allen said.

Cooper’s campaign pulled in $13.8 million for the rst quarter of 2026.

Whatley’s campaign said it raised $5 million in Q2 of 2026, bringing the campaign’s

shire — Manchester School District; New Jersey — Gloucester Township Public Schools; Pennsylvania — Cheltenham School District; South Carolina — Marion 10; Tennessee — Marion County; Texas — North East ISD; Virginia — Campbell County Public Schools; Washington — Battle Ground School District.

McMahon’s press release included a Dear Colleague letter sent to K-12 institutions receiving federal funding, outlining “legal obligations to safeguard children and appropriately respond to incidents of sexual misconduct under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX).”

The legal obligations pertain to the “Prohibition on Aiding and Abetting Sexual Abuse,” which is a funding condition enacted in 2015 as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Research cited in the letter says, “In 2003, it was estimated that 9.6 percent of 8th to 11th grade students had reported sexual misconduct by their educators.”

It is unclear if the data cited in the letter is the same as a Department of Justice commissioned report released in 2017, which revealed “an estimated 10% of K–12 students will experience sexual misconduct by a school employee by the time

“Career Politicians like Roy Cooper get lazy, or old, and don’t have the interest or the strength to hit all 100 counties in North Carolina but every county is important and has needs that can only be appreciated in person in the county.”

Michael Whatley, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate

total to more than $21 million since Whatley announced his bid last July.

“This announcement shows the momentum of the campaign and demonstrates the backing Whatley has from the people of North Carolina,” said Whatley Spokesman DJ Gri n.

“The support for our campaign is a clear rebuke of Governor Cooper’s failed liberal agenda,” Gri n said. “North Carolinians deserve a senator who will ght for our families and communities by bringing down costs and keeping our communities safe. That clear choice is Michael Whatley.”

As of the period ending June 30, data posted by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) shows Cooper with nearly $35 million in receipts and more than $20.7 million cash on hand.

within a state — including North Carolina, which received an “F” for screening teachers by USA Today in 2016.

North Carolina has several laws that aim to address sexual abuse of students and to end pass the trash.

During the 2015-16 legislative session, the Protect Our Students Act (House Bill 113) was signed into law. That bill raised penalties for sex acts involving students from misdemeanors to felonies.

In 2017, laws around teacher resignations were tightened, requiring district o cials to report to the State Board of Education whenever a teacher resigned without the required approval from a superintendent. That statute, however, had no enforcement teeth.

Former State Superintendent Catherine Truitt ran an agency bill in 2023, called The Protect Our Students Act (House Bill 142), which changed the penalty for crimes of sexual activity with a student and taking indecent liberties with a student to Class G felony instead of Class I.

“Parents should never have to wonder whether their kids’ school employs and protects sexual predators.”

Linda McMahon, Education secretary

they graduate from high school.”

The Dear Colleague letter also underscored that districts need to ensure they are collecting and submitting accurate CRDC data or face penalties.

North State Journal requested comment on the letter from the North Carolina State Board of Education. A communications sta er with the N.C. Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) said they received the letter and “will be reviewing the federal request across our leadership team early next week.”

The NCDPI sta er also said the department will be “sending guidance” for all districts and asked for more time to review the letter before giving an additional statement.

Unaddressed in McMahon’s announcement is the patchwork of background-check systems for K-12 teachers, with di erent systems often used from state to state and even between districts

FEC gures for Whatley for the same ending period include receipts of more than $8.4 million and cash on hand of nearly $2.6 million. The same day Cooper’s campaign posted its Q2 fundraising haul, Whatley launched a seven- gure digital ad campaign with an ad called “Miles,” which spotlights Whatley backing aspects of President Donald Trump’s Working Family Tax Cuts bene ting senior citizens while attacking Cooper for “siding with radical far-left Democrats who want to raise taxes” on families.

“Career politician Roy Cooper has spent the last 40 years taking in a taxpayer funded salary while raising costs for North Carolina families and seniors,” said DJ Gri n, Whatley campaign spokesman.

“While opposing legislation that would put more money in the pockets of 1.9 million North Carolina seniors, Cooper’s family made more than a million dollars a year on a sweetheart solar deal,” Gri n said, adding Whatley “will always ght for our seniors and families across North Carolina to make more and keep more of their money.”

Cooper’s fundraising is higher for Q2 than that of North Carolina’s Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd during their last election cycles.

Tillis raised about $2.6 million in Q2 of 2020. Tillis’ opponent, Cal Cunningham, raised $7.4 million in the same period, a Q2 haul which was a state record at the time. Cunningham

The bill also addressed grooming tactics by predators and strengthened the 2017 resignations reporting law, making it a Class I felony for failing to report teacher misconduct to the State Board of Education.

In 2024, the State Board of Education took up proposals to tighten up language on teacher license disciplinary actions, including giving the state superintendent more latitude in suspending or revoking a license for a teacher accused of serious misconduct.

North Carolina is not immune to pass the trash tactics.

Between 2016 and 2024, there were 456 teacher arrests logged in North Carolina, with some cases involving a pass the trash situation.

There are likely more cases, as the data was self-compiled from court records, arrest reports, tips and media reporting. North Carolina currently has no tracking mechanism for these types of crimes.

Of the arrests logged, 320 involved a sex crime, typically involving a student or multiple students. Out of the 456, 423 were employed by a public school and 26 by a private school, and 256 held a valid state teaching license at the time of arrest.

While many cases are still unresolved in the courts, data so far shows 254 convictions and 86 required to register as a sex o ender.

far outraised Tillis in that race, bringing in more than $51.2 million compared to Tillis’ more than $22.5 million, according to Open Secrets data.

Budd raised $2.1 million in Q2 of the 2022 cycle. His opponent, former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, raised $7.42 million in the same period. Overall, Budd raised more than $14.2 million to Beasley’s over $38.4 million in the 2022 race.

Despite the fundraising decits, both Tillis and Budd won their elections.

Senate races in North Carolina have become increasingly expensive, with the 2020 cycle topping $290 million. The current race is expected to easily surpass that number, with Politico reporting estimated spending between $650 million and $800 million.

Beyond the campaigns themselves, PACs and outside groups are dropping hefty amounts into the race.

The Senate Leadership Fund is spending $71 million to support Whatley, with $36 million already set aside for broadcast ads to begin in early September. More than $8 million has been pledged by Americans for Prosperity, mainly on digital and streaming ads backing Whatley.

In May, New York Sen. Chuck Schumer’s Senate Majority PAC announced $31.4 million to back Cooper. The Democrat-aligned WinSenate PAC promised $27 million in ads to back Cooper this fall, according to Politico.

JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP PHOTO

Education Secretary Linda McMahon, pictured in March in Washington, D.C., announced a new initiative to confront “pass the trash” tactics.

Murphy to Manteo Jones & Blount

Sweetest summer season

July is peak watermelon season in North Carolina, where the crop is both an agricultural staple and a celebrated summer tradition.

Grown primarily in the Coastal Plain and southeastern counties such as Columbus, Hertford, Sampson, Duplin and Bladen, watermelons contribute millions of dollars annually to the state’s farm economy. North Carolina consistently ranks among the nation’s leading watermelon-producing states thanks to its warm climate, sandy soils and long growing season.

Communities across the state celebrate the harvest with festivals, contests, and family-friendly events throughout July. The Fair

Blu Watermelon Festival in Columbus County, which honors local growers with competitions for the largest and best-tasting melons, will be held on Saturday. Farmers markets in Raleigh, Charlotte and the Piedmont Triad also host Watermelon Day celebrations that include tastings, educational exhibits and opportunities to meet local growers.

Some of the leading watermelon-producing areas

These events showcase the importance of watermelon farming to N.C.’s economy and culture, bringing together farmers, families and visitors to enjoy one of the state’s most iconic summer crops.

PIEDMONT

EMS responds to partial ceiling collapse at restaurant

Forsyth County Winston-Salem Fire o cials said part of the ceiling collapsed at Arigato Japanese Steakhouse on Sunday evening. The re department got a medical call to the restaurant on Bethesda Place shortly after 4 p.m. to assist a woman who was dining inside the restaurant. O cials said she was struck by the particles that fell from the ceiling but was conscious. The restaurant was closed for repairs during the day Monday but reopened that evening.

WFMY

Woman struck, killed by car in Raleigh

By Jessica Taylor For North State Journal

“Despite tax dollars supporting a program meant to investigate these sites, 78% haven’t been examined.”

service has strained the church’s existing residential-grade kitchen equipment, highlighting the critical need for more robust infrastructure. O cials say the grant will enable Clyde Central UMC to purchase commercial-grade equipment, expand its kitchen and support food purchases for its vital community meal program. Construction and installation of the new kitchen facilities are currently underway in phases to ensure the meal service can continue daily, and the upgraded kitchen is expected to be fully functional within two weeks.

WNC NEWS

Boa constrictor rescued from city street, o cials searching for owner

Guilford County A boa constrictor was safely captured after it was spotted crossing Brentwood Street in High Point, according to the High Point Police Department. An animal control o cer responded to a call about the snake last week and secured it without incident, police said. The boa constrictor was then taken to a local reptile zoo. O cials believe the snake is someone’s escaped pet. While its owner has not been identi ed, the animal control o cer has given the snake a temporary name: Ramen Noodle.

WXII

Wake County A pedestrian was struck and killed early Tuesday on South Saunders Street in Raleigh, prompting a lengthy road closure. Raleigh police received the call around 4:40 a.m. from the area just south of Interstate 40. Responding o cers found the scene near I-40, and WRAL reported seeing numerous police cruisers on site. Crews observed a body covered with a white sheet before it was placed in a bag; the Wake County medical examiner’s o ce arrived around 6:30 a.m. to remove the body. Police con rmed the victim was a woman but have not yet o cially con rmed the death. South Saunders Street remained closed for several hours while the investigation continued. It’s unclear whether police are pursuing any suspects, and further details on the circumstances of the crash have not been released.

WRAL

EAST

Kinston teen arrested after breaking into same home twice

Lenoir County

A 19-year-old was arrested after police said he broke into a Kinston residence twice in the same day. The Kinston Police Department said they responded to a breaking and entering in progress on Monday at the 2200 block of Briar eld Road. O cers said the victim identi ed the suspect, who had ed the scene, as Alexandru Artis. Artis then allegedly returned and broke into the home a second time and assaulted the victim before eeing the area again. He was found riding a bicycle nearby and arrested.

WNCT

Sea turtle hatchlings make rst appearance of season

Pender County

Sea turtle hatching season is o cially underway on Topsail Island. The Topsail Turtle Project said the island’s rst nest of the season hatched over the weekend. The relocated nest hatched on day 56. The project said several healthy hatchlings safely made their way to the ocean. One early-morning hatchling also made the journey to the water on its own. The sea turtle conservation work on Topsail Island is authorized by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. WITN

Goldsboro man faces charges after tra cking meth in ip- op shipment

Wayne County A Wayne County man will serve three decades in federal prison for attempting to sell more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, the O ce of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina said last week. According to federal prosecutors, an investigation into Fernando Chaidez began in 2023 after Customs and Border Protection intercepted a shipment that contained about 2.2 pounds of meth hidden inside ip - ops from Mexico destined for Duplin County. Law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery of the package at the Duplin County home of Stephen Darden and arrested him after he took the package, according to federal prosecutors. Shortly after Darden was taken into custody, according to federal prosecutors, Chaidez arrived at the home and picked up the package, leading to his own arrest. A search warrant was executed at Chaidez’s home and car in Wayne County, revealing several ip- ops that were cut open and appeared to have previously contained drugs.

NSJ

charged with identifying, assessing and remediating the sites that accepted waste prior to 1983. The land lls lack modern liners and leachate collection systems, meaning hazardous chemicals can seep into surrounding soil and groundwater. The sites’ proximity to residential areas and drinking water poses health and environmental risks of contamination. Sites may contain hazardous, medical or asbestos-containing materials. Contaminants identi ed around the sites include trichloroethylene, 1,4-dioxane, lead and methane. Investigations that had been conducted found some of the listed hazards. There were 23 of 97 sites that reached the investigation stage that had methane concentrations exceeding the lower explosive limit of 5%.

According to the audit, identifying and cleaning up each site would take 99 years to complete. Costs would reach as high as $1 billion, or about $1.9 million per site, if work costs re ect the land ll program’s historical average cost. The

Dave Boliek, state auditor

features

Phish turns Walnut Creek show into instant legend

The band’s Raleigh return shows why fans follow

By Dan Reeves North State Journal

RALEIGH — To many, Phish, the four-piece Vermont jam band, is little more than the second coming of the Grateful Dead — one that, as my father-inlaw put it, “attracts do-nothings who just follow them around the country.”

When I announced my plans to see Phish at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre on Friday night, he asked two questions: “How many times have you seen them?” The answer: 42. His follow-up: “Why that many?”

Objectively speaking, my explanation is simple. I discovered Phish at a time when my mind was still developing and my heart remained open to the fantasy and silliness that ll the band’s lyrics.

In sixth grade, my older brother gave me a copy of Phish’s rst full-length studio album, “Junta.” Its songs featured weasels, a little girl named Esther who ies away with her doll, scienti c terms such as lysosome and Golgi apparatus — terminology that would pay o later in biology class — and an assortment of nonsensical characters and settings. At the same time, the album’s sophisticated compositions, jazz- and funk-leaning arrangements, and guitar playing unlike anything I knew existed sparked a fascination that has lasted about 34 years.

Incidentally, my rst Phish concert was at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre, then called Hardee’s Walnut Creek Amphitheatre — the name I will always use — and now known as Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. I was 14, and what virtuoso guitarist Trey Anastasio, keyboardist Page McConnell, bass-

ist Mike Gordon and drummer Jon Fishman concocted onstage blew my teenage mind. The rest, as they say, is history.

Subjectively speaking, my adoration and devotion stem from the unpredictable directions Phish takes its songs.

My return to Walnut Creek on Friday night, alongside more than 14,000 other fans, o ered an answer both to my father-inlaw’s question and to the broader question of why hordes of people follow Phish around the country, much as fans once followed the Grateful Dead.

What Anastasio, Gordon, Fishman and McConnell deliver onstage is never exactly the same twice. For me, that unpredictability lies at the heart of Phish’s appeal. It explains why I have returned to see the band 42 times and why thousands of fans have followed it from city to city for more than three decades.

That is part of what separates

Phish from most touring acts.

Anastasio does not approach a song simply as a guitarist waiting for his turn to solo. He thinks like a composer. He studied composition before Phish became his full-time career, and that training is evident in the way he develops themes, builds tension and listens for where the other musicians might take an idea.

The result is less like one musician leading three others and more like four people composing in real time. Gordon may shift the direction with a bass line. Fishman can alter the mood with a change in rhythm. McConnell can introduce a chord that opens an entirely di erent path. Anastasio may guide the process, but he does not dictate every turn. That real-time conversation extends to longtime lighting designer Chris Kuroda, often referred to by fans as Phish’s unofcial fth member. Kuroda has

worked with the band since 1989 and responds to its improvisation as it happens, shifting colors, patterns and movement as the music changes direction. On Friday, his ability to anticipate the band’s turns made the lighting feel less like stage decoration and more like another instrument in the performance.

At the risk of sounding like a JamBase writer — and with no shade intended toward anyone who writes about music — I will refrain from using words such as “killer,” “gnarly” and “sick” to describe Phish’s performance July 17 at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.

Phish rst played Raleigh on May 24, 1990, at The Brewery, a small Hillsborough Street club that has since closed. Friday’s concert marked the band’s 14th Raleigh appearance and its 12th at Walnut Creek. Its only other Raleigh venue was Reynolds Coliseum, where the band performed in 1999 — a show that has taken on near-mythic status in the world of “phandom” and one I was fortunate to attend in college.

Friday’s performance provided a compelling answer to anyone who wonders what could possibly remain fresh after so many Phish concerts. Rather than relying on rarities alone, the band repeatedly took familiar songs in unfamiliar directions, stretching material that has traditionally remained within fairly predictable boundaries.

After opening with the instrumental “Buried Alive,” Phish moved into “Character Zero,” normally a concise blast of arena rock often used as an encore or set closer. This time, the song opened into an extended improvisation that moved from an easygoing, major-key groove toward darker terrain before circling back to its familiar conclusion. Later, “Sample in a Jar” followed a similar path, moving beyond its radio-friendly structure as Gordon and Fishman established hypnotic rhythms that McConnell and Anastasio built around.

The rst set’s greatest surprise came during “Golgi Apparatus,” among the oldest songs in the band’s repertoire and one

that has rarely served as an improvisational vehicle. Just as the song headed toward its customary nish, the four musicians pushed beyond the arrangement into an extended passage. The departure drew one of the evening’s loudest reactions when Phish returned to the chorus, “I saw you with a ticket stub in your hand,” reinforcing the sense that any song — no matter how familiar — could suddenly become a di erent animal.

The second set, reminiscent of those from the mid-1990s, contained only four songs, but none felt abbreviated. “Harry Hood” opened the set for the rst time in roughly 30 years. For nearly 20 minutes, Phish demonstrated its capacity to stun before returning to the song’s familiar, soaring conclusion. The nearly 22-minute “Fuego” followed, shifting through several moods without losing its sense of direction. Then came “The Lizards,” a whimsical early composition tied to the ctional world of Gamehendge and one of the songs that helped pull me into Phish as a teenager. Instead of simply playing the beloved rarity, the band extended it into a nearly 19-minute performance before slipping almost imperceptibly into “A Wave of Hope.” It was the evening’s clearest example of what keeps Phish compelling: Nostalgia may draw an initial roar from the audience, but the band remains more interested in discovering where an old song can go next.

A four-song encore maintained the old-school character of the evening. Anastasio began “Fee” with the megaphone traditionally used during the song, then discarded it when it malfunctioned. “Meatstick” owed into “The Mango Song” before Jimi Hendrix’s “Izabella” closed the night.

Nearly 3½ hours after the opening notes, Phish had answered my father-in-law’s question without ever addressing it directly. Forty-two shows may sound excessive, but no two have o ered the same experience. I believe Friday night’s performance will take its place in the lofty reaches of Phish mythology as one for the ages.

Homer’s epic checks all big-screen technical boxes

Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ delivers, but ine ciently

By Bob Garver The Sun

FEW FILM adaptations require more ambition than Homer’s “The Odyssey,” the quintessential epic. And perhaps no lmmaker is more ambitious than Christopher Nolan, the man who told an entire story backward with “Memento,” conquered the superhero genre with his “Dark Knight” trilogy, and dominated the Oscars three years ago with “Oppenheimer.” If anyone can handle a challenge as vast as “The Odyssey,” it’s Nolan. Basically, the movie splits its

time between King Odysseus (Matt Damon) of Ithaca taking 20 years to ght and then return home from the Trojan War and his family toward the end of that 20 years needing to do something about vacant throne and the glut of scheming suitors squatting in the castle. Can Queen Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and Prince Telemachus (Tom Holland) hold onto their kingdom for just a little longer when they don’t even know if Odysseus is still alive?

Technically, Nolan is at the top of his game here. The visuals are impressive, and the soundtrack is pulse-pounding. He even provides some insight into Odysseus’s internal struggle that I’ve been told most versions of the story do not. So I’m recommend-

ing the movie, no worries there.

But while I am recommending “The Odyssey,” I can’t help but also relay disappointment. It’s not just that my expectations for this lmmaker with this source material were unreasonably high. I felt there were stretches — especially toward the end — where Nolan was intentionally padding the lm, as if he couldn’t stand to have it labelled as “e cient.” The result is a lm that I can’t label as anything but “ine cient,” even knowing that “The Odyssey” is famously long.

Grade: B-

“The Odyssey” is rated R for violence and some language. Its running time is 172 minutes.

PHOTOS BY ICCULUS SMITH

Top left, from left, keyboardist Page McConnell, guitarist Trey Anastasio, bassist Mike Gordon and drummer Jon Fishman perform with Phish at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek on July 17. Top right, Trey Anastasio performs during Phish’s show in Raleigh last Friday. Bottom , The concert was Phish’s 14th time playing in Raleigh, with a dozen coming at Walnut Creek.

EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Matt Damon, who portrays Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s lm adaptation of Homer’s “The Odyssey,” arrives at the lm’s premiere at AMC Lincoln Square on July 14 in New York.

Executor, Khris Yong Na Taylor, 4331 Mill Branch Dr., Prosper, TX 75078 on or before the 24th 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.

for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: July 23, July 30, August 6 and August 13, 2026.

Notice to Creditors State of North Carolina County of Cumberland The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Elsie Olean Bedsole Brewington, 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 23th day of October 2026, (which date is one month 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 payment to the undersigned. This 23th day of July 2026 Poshia Bell Administrator/Executor 902 Axis Circle Hope Mills, NC 28348

NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION ESTATE FILE #25E001790-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Richard Allen Butler II, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina the undersigned does have hereby notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at 237 Parkgate Drive, Cary, NC, 27519 on or before the 9th day of October 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, corporations indebted to the said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This 9th day of July, 2026 Autumn Butler 237 Parkgate Drive Cary, NC, 27519 of the Estate of Richard Allen Butler II, Deceased NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Ernest Stacy Grooms, Sr. a/k/a Ernest S. Grooms, Sr. a/k/a E. Stacy Grooms, Sr. a/k/a E. Stacy Grooms a/k/a Ernest Stacy Grooms Cumberland County Estate File No. 26E001101-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Ernest Stacy Grooms, Sr. a/k/a Ernest S. Grooms, Sr. a/k/a E. Stacy Grooms, Sr. a/k/a E. Stacy Grooms a/k/a Ernest Stacy Grooms, Deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to Ernest Stacy Grooms, Jr., Executor of the Estate of Ernest Stacy Grooms, Sr. a/k/a Ernest S. Grooms, Sr. a/k/a E. Stacy Grooms, Sr. a/k/a E. Stacy Grooms a/k/a Ernest Stacy Grooms, at 5429 Labrador Drive, Hope Mills, NC 28348, on or before the 23rd day of October, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. Debtors of Ernest Stacy Grooms, Sr. a/k/a Ernest S. Grooms, Sr. a/k/a E. Stacy Grooms, Sr. a/k/a E. Stacy Grooms a/k/a Ernest Stacy Grooms are requested to make immediate payment to the Executor named above. This the 23rd day of July, 2026. Ernest Stacy Grooms, Jr., Executor of the Estate of Ernest Stacy Grooms, Sr. a/k/a Ernest S. Grooms, Sr. a/k/a E. Stacy Grooms, Sr. a/k/a E. Stacy Grooms a/k/a Ernest Stacy Grooms Williford McCauley - Attorney for the Estate of Ernest Stacy Grooms, Sr. a/k/a Ernest S. Grooms, Sr. a/k/a E. Stacy Grooms, Sr. a/k/a E. Stacy Grooms a/k/a Ernest Stacy Grooms Mailing address: P. O. Box 53606 Fayetteville, NC 28305 Physical address: 235 Green Street Fayetteville, NC 28301

ADMINISTRATOR’S/EXECUTOR’S NOTICE

The undersigned, having quali ed as the Administrator of the Estate of Jennifer LaFern Haulcy, deceased, late of Cumberland County, herby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claim to the undersigned on or before the 16th day of October, 2026, (which 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 16th day of July, 2026. Ja’kendria Martin 3524 Coupure Way Fayetteville, NC 28312 Of the Estate of Jennifer LaFern Haulcy, Deceased

ADMINISTRATOR’S NOTICE

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of John Ira Haynes, deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 23rd 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 are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This 15th day of July, 2026. Andrea’ Haynes Administrator 1408 Valmead Ct. Fayetteville, NC 28312 Of the Estate of John Ira Haynes, Deceased NOTICE

In The General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #26E000979-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Raymond Chester Hedges, 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 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

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division County: Cumberland Estate File No. 26E000538-250 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having quali ed as the Executor of the Estate of Barbara J. Hill, deceased, of Cumberland County, North Carolina, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before October 23, 2026, which date is three months after the rst publication of this notice, 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. This 17th day of July, 2026. Pamela Ray Executor 2405 Vestal Avenue Fayetteville, NC 28301 Executor of the Estate of Barbara Jean Hill, Deceased. Dates of Publication: July 23, 2026 July 30, 2026 August 6.2026 August 13, 2026

NOTICE IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK ESTATE FILE #26E001076-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND ADMINISTRATOR’S/EXECUTOR’S NOTICE Ther undersigned, having quali ed as the Administrator of the Estate of Tina M. Estle-Jewell, 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 9th day of October, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All Debtors of the decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 2nd day of July, 2026. John R. Estle-Jewell 281 Kinlaw Road Fayetteville, NC 28311 07/09/26; 07/16/26; 07/23/26; 07/30/26

NOTICE

In The General Court of Justice

Superior Court Division Before the Clerk Estate File #26E001070-250

State of North Carolina

Cumberland County Administrator Notice

The undersigned having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Linda Horrell Johnson, 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 16th 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 8th day of July, 2026. Christopher G. Johnson 105 Ohara Court Cary, NC 27513 Administrator of the Estate of Linda Horrell Johnson

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA

CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E001117-250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Natasha Danada Johnson, 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 23rd day of October 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This is the 23rd day of July 2026. Eric Woods, Administrator of the Natasha Danada Johnson Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600

Publish: 07/23, 07/30, 08/06, 08/13

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Sheila Kirkley deceased, late of Cumberland County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to present them to the undersigned at the address listed below on or before October 9, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment. This the 8th day of July, 2026. Richard Mott Administrator of the Estate of Sheila Kirkley 405 Letterfearn Dr, Fayetteville NC, 28311 contactrichmott@gmail.com

Administrator’s/ Executors Notice

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Rossie E. Kirkley, 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 23rd day of October, 2026 (which date is 3 months after the date 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 17th day of July 2026. Administrator/Executor: Simon M Truitt

Address: 2003 Rocky Stream Ct. Fayetteville, NC 2830623rd

Of the Estate of Rossie E. Kirkley, Deceased

NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

In the General Court of Justice County of Cumberland Superior Court Division Administrator’s/Executor’s Notice Estate File # 26E000413-250

The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator CTA, of the Estate of William Courtney Norman, deceased, late of the County of Cumberland, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the 16th day of October 2026, 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 13th day of July 2026 David Aaron Norman Administrator/Executor Address: 530 Shelton Drive City, State, Zip: Aberdeen, NC 28315

Of the Estate of William Courtney Norman, Deceased

Notice to Creditors

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Felix Eloy Perez, deceased, late of Cumberland County, hereby noti es all persons, rms, and corporations having claims against said estate to present their claims to the undersigned on or before the 10th day of October 9th, 2026, (which 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 9th day of July, 2026. Roman Perez 6447 Freeport Road Fayetteville, NC 28303 Of the Estate of Felix Eloy Perez, deceased 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS July 9, 2026 Having quali ed as Executrix of the Estate of Zenora Jean Roberts, 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 at the address shown below on or before October 9, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. All persons indebted to said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 9th day of July, 2026. Constance Roberts, Executrix Estate of Zenora Jean Roberts 804 Isley St Fayetteville, NC 28305

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 JAMES MICHAEL RUFF

CUMBERLAND County Estate File No. 26E001063-250 All persons, rms and corporations having claims against James Michael Ru of Cumberland County, North Carolina, are noti ed to present their claims to the Executor, Angela Ru Forsyth, at 154 Berry Patch Ln, Pittsboro, NC 27312 on or before the 24th 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. Debtors of the Decedent are requested to make immediate payment to the Administrator named above. This the 16th day of July, 2026. Angela Ru Forsyth Executor of the Estate of James Michael Ru Davis W. Puryear Hutchens Law Firm Attorneys for the Estate 4317 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28311 Run dates: July 23, July 30, August 6, and August 13, 2026

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E001096-250 The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Christopher Allon Ryan, 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 16th 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 16th day of July 2026. Neva Chapman, Administrator of the Christopher Allon Ryan Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone:(910) 672-4600

Publish: 07/16, 07/23, 07/30, 08/06

NOTICE

NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION Administrator’s Notice 26E000885-250

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Roland S. Smalls, 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 9th 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 9th day of July 2026. Melody Devine, Executor of the Roland S. Smalls Estate Haymount Law Attorneys for the Estate 1008 Hay Street Fayetteville, NC 28305 Telephone: (910) 672-4600 Publish: 07/09, 07/16, 07/23, 07/30

NOTICE

In the General Court of Justice Superior Court Division Before The Clerk Estate File #26E000917-250 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA CUMBERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE NOTICE

The undersigned having quali ed as the Executor of the estate of Eleanor Kay Smith, 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 (which is three months after the rst publication of this notice) or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

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

NOTICE

of Nancy Patricia Barbic (26E000740640), 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

will please make immediate payment to the undersigned at the address set out below. This the 8h day of July, 2026.

BERNARD A MAGUIRE Executor OF ESTATE OF JOYCE ELAINE MAGUIRE c/o ROBERT H. HOCHULI, JR. 219 RACINE DR., SUITE #A6 Wilmington, NC 28405 NOTICE NORTH CAROLINA NEW HANOVER COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED, Linda L. Geraci, having quali ed on the 1st day of July, 2026, as Executor of the Estate of Frank Ross Geraci (26E000798-640), 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 12th 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 9th day of July 2026. Linda L. Geraci Executor ESTATE OF FRANK ROSS GERACI David Anderson Attorney at Law 9111 Market St, Ste A Wilmington, NC 28411 Publish: July 9, 2026 July 16, 2026

July 23, 2026 July 30, 2026

and by

of sale contained in a

of the

Deed of

made by Adam Lazzari (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Adam Lazzari) to Costner Law, Trustee(s), dated September 22, 2023, and recorded in Book No. 16657, at Page 0149 in Cabarrus 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 Cabarrus 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 Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, or the customary

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

Notice to Creditors

Raeford Glenn Smith passed away on May 15, 2026. An estate has been opened in New Hanover County, North Carolina, Estate File No. [26E000683-640]. I am Margaret Herring Smith, the personal representative/executor of the estate. Pursuant to North Carolina law, any person, rm, or corporation having a claim against the estate must present the claim to me at the mailing address below on or before October 09, 2026, or the claim may be barred.

Claims should be mailed to:

Margaret Herring Smith 8689 Orchard Loop Road Leland North Carolina 28451 Phone Number: 910-371-6762

This notice is being provided July 09, 2026 regarding any unpaid claim or balance that may be owed by the decedent or the estate.

Sincerely, Margaret Herring Smith Personal Representative/Executor of the Estate of Raeford Glen Smith July 09, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Cornelius Gri n, Jr. aka Cornelius Neal Gri n, 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 October 23, 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 23rd day of July 2026. CORNELIUS GRIFFIN, III aka CORNELIUS NEAL GRIFFIN EXECUTOR of the Estate of Cornelius Gri n, Jr. aka Cornelius Neal Gri n, Jr. S. SCOTT EGGLESTON, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES: 07/23/26 07/30/26 08/06/26 08/13/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of

ELIZABETH WALL GRIFFIN aka ELIZABETH

FAYE WALL GRIFFIN aka ELIZABETH

GRIFFIN aka ELIZABETH W. GRIFFIN, 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 October 23, 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 23rd day of July 2026.

CORNELIUS GRIFFIN, III aka CORNELIUS

NEAL GRIFFIN

EXECUTOR of the Estate of ELIZABETH WALL GRIFFIN aka ELIZABETH

FAYE WALL GRIFFIN aka ELIZABETH

GRIFFIN aka ELIZABETH W. GRIFFIN

S. SCOTT EGGLESTON, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043

PUBL/DATES: 07/23/26, 07/30/26, 08/06/26, 08/13/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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 TO CREDITORS

FILE No. 26E000544-750

Dale Kirby Murray - Notice to Creditors

This notice is hereby given to all individuals, rms, or corporations with claims against the estate of the deceased, Dale Kirby Murray, formerly of Randolph County, North Carolina. Please present your claims to the undersigned no later than October 21, 2026; failure to do so will result in the barring of recovery. Additionally, any persons indebted to the estate are kindly requested to make prompt payment to the undersigned.

This is the 17th day of July 2026

Amber Lael Patterson 420 Sanders Road

Sanford, NC 27332

Publish dates: July 23; July 30; and August 6; August 13, 2026.

location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on July 27, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Kannapolis in the County of Cabarrus, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being Lot 97 as shown on plat of Pennant Square, Phase 2, Map 1 recorded in Map Book 92, Pages 58-61, in the Cabarrus County, North Carolina Public Registry, reference to said plat is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 3150 Baines Court, Kannapolis, 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.

Lying and being in the City of Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina and being more particularly described as follows: Lying and being in Number TWO (2) Township, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and being Lot Number ONE (1) of the Minor Plat of PINECREST, a map of said property being on le in Map Book 38, Page 80, Cabarrus County Registry, to which reference is hereby made for a complete description thereof

ingress and egress from Pitts School Road to both lots, all of which is shown on the plat of Pinecrest Subdivision, recorded in Map Book 38, Page 80, Cabarrus County Registry. This conveyance is made and accepted SUBJECT TO AND TOGETHER WITH a joint driveway easement which is hereby established for the common use of said Lots One (1) and Two (2) referred to above, as located and shown on the subdivision plat. Said driveway easement shall be a perpetual right and easement of egress, ingress, and regress over and upon said driveway

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of KAREN DALE RICH PRESNELL aka KAREN

PRESNELL aka KAREN R. PRESNELL aka KAREN RICH PRESNELL, 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 October 16, 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 16th day of July 2026. NICHOLAS RYAN PRESNELL aka NICHOLAS PRESNELL Executor of the Estate of KAREN DALE RICH PRESNELL aka KAREN PRESNELL aka KAREN R. PRESNELL aka KAREN RICH PRESNELL MADISON C. HILDEBRANDT, Attorney IVEY & EGGLESTON, ATTORNEYS AT LAW 111 Worth Street Asheboro, NC 27203 (336) 625-3043 PUBL/DATES: 07/16/26, 07/23/26, 07/30/26, 08/04/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Administrator CTA of the Estate of ANNA MITCHELL TAYLOR aka ANNA MARIE TAYLOR aka ANNA M. TAYLOR aka ANNA TAYLOR, 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 195 Dove eld Dr. Summer eld, NC 27358, on or before October 23, 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 23rd day of July 2026. HAYLEY MARIE HOOVER aka HAYLEY MARIE CONNER Administrator CTA of the Estate of ANNA MITCHELL TAYLOR aka ANNA MARIE TAYLOR aka ANNA M. TAYLOR aka ANNA TAYLOR HAYLEY MARIE HOOVER aka HAYLEY MARIE CONNER, Administrator CTA 195 Dove eld Dr. Summer eld, NC 27358 (336) 465-9397 PUBL/DATES: 07/23/26 07/30/26 08/06/26 08/13/26

NOTICE

Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of TIMOTHY JAMES KLIPFEL aka TIMOTHY J. KLIPFEL, 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 23, 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 23rd day of July, 2026 Karen T. Klipfel, Executor of the Estate of Timothy James Klipfel aka Timothy J. Klipfel, deceased TAYLOR B. CALLICUTT ATTORNEY AT LAW PO Box 2445 Asheboro, NC 27204 (336) 308-0354 PUBL/DATES: 07/23/26 07/30/26 08/06/26 08/13/26

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

RANDOLPH

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

26SP000582-250

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Samuel Casiano, Jr. (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Samuel Casiano, Jr.) to O’Grady Law, PLLC, Trustee(s), dated May 22, 2024, and recorded in Book No. 11976, at Page 0612 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,

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

26SP000574-250

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Jaira-Mirykal Renee Moore and Deliann Victoria Moore (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Jaira-Mirykal Moore and Deliann Victoria Moore) to Phillip R. Mahoney, Trustee(s), dated November 1, 2023, and recorded in Book No. 11850, at Page 0762 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 27, 2026 and will sell to

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

26SP000531-250

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Sibyl C. Ackin and Fletcher E. Taylor (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Sibyl Ackin and Fletcher Taylor) to John B. Third, Trustee(s), dated August 29, 2022, and recorded in Book No. 11559, at Page 0419 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 27, 2026 and will sell to the

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

26SP000280-250 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by William Joseph Barnes (Deceased) (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): William Barnes) to Frances Jones, Trustee(s), dated October 30, 2008, and recorded in Book No. 08015, at Page 0574 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 27, 2026 and will sell to the

North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on August 3, 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 Unit No. 8, Phase VI (Building VI), Stewart’s Creek Condominiums, as shown on a map or plat thereof recorded in Condominium Plat Bok 1, Page 124-135, Cumberland County Resigtry. Including the Unit located thereon; said Unit being located at 6768 Willowbrook Drive, Apartment 5, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Parcel ID: 9498-52-8316-202

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

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: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in or near the City of Fayetteville, SeventyFirst Township, Cumberland County, North Carolina and more Particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 98 as shown on a plat entitled “LAKE RIM NORTH, SECTION ONE” duly recorded in Plat Book 97, Page 117, Cumberland County, North Carolina Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 9505 Gooden 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

highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 54 in a Subdivision known as ELK RUN, SECTION TWO, according to a plat recorded in Plat Book 83, Page 69, Cumberland County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 712 Alexwood Drive, Hope Mills, Norh 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

highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Hope Mills in the County of Cumberland, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot No. 8, in a Subdivision known as PAPER MILL SUBDIVISION, according to a plat of same duly recorded in Book of Plats 16, Page 59, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 4504 Cameron Road, Hope Mills, 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

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

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

Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to

releases. Said property is also being sold subject to applicable Federal and State laws. A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the purchase price,

property pursuant to a

the purchase price, or seven hundred fty

dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the ling of a bankruptcy petition prior to the con rmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in its sole discretion, if it believes the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

Additional Notice for Residential Property with Less than 15 rental units, including Single-Family Residential Real Property

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

Kimberly S. Smith) to Joel S. Jenkins, Jr., Trustee(s), dated April 29, 2024, and recorded in Book No. 11958, at Page 0896 in Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Cumberland County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 12:00 PM on August 3, 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 1, in a subdivision known as Addition to Brettonwood Hills, Section One, and the same being duly recorded in Plat Book 43, Page 21, Cumberland County Registry, North Carolina. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 101 Bienville Drive, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Parcel Id: 0542-47-8694 Property Address: 101 Bienville Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28311

HEIRS OF CYNTHIA D. ASHFORD; SHERRY

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

SIMPSON-BAGGETT; SHELIA SIMMONS; ALEX C. ASHFORD; SHELIA SIMMONS, AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF CYNTHIA DENISE ASHFORD; EVANGELINE ASHFORD DEMPS; SHARON R. HEMINGWAY; CARRIE J. ASHFORD SIMPSON; STONE CREEK OF EASTOVER HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; THE SECRETARY OF VETERAN AFFAIRS C/O THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS;

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.

GODDARD & PETERSON, PLLC; Docket 25CV013246-250 Party to be served: Sharon Hemingway, Evangeline Ashford Demps and Sherry Simpson-Baggett Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the aboveentitled special proceeding. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Plainti

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

is seeking the foreclosure of real property at 1708 ROCK ROSE DR. FAYETTEVILE, NC 28312

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than Monday, August 31, 2026, and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.

This, the 17th day of July, 2026

Gregory P. Cowan NC Bar #39608

Attorney for Petitioner Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 13010 Morris Road, Suite 450 Alpharetta, GA 30004

Window World 450 in photos, B4

Fans at North Wilkesboro Speedway get ready to watch the start of the rst

the Thursday SIDELINE REPORT

PGA

Fox wins British Open with birdie on nal hole

Southport, England

Ryan Fox won the British Open with a 12-foot birdie putt on the nal hole. The 39-year- old from New Zealand shot a 68 to capture his rst major championship, with a one -shot victory over hard-luck Cameron Young. The American shot a 64 and waited more than two hours to see if it would hold up. Fox kept bouncing back from bogeys and nished with a birdie.

NWSL

Lema’s brace leads

Bay FC past Courage

San Jose, Calif.

Karlie Lema scored a rst-half brace as visiting Bay FC (5 - 6 -3) cruised to a 3-0 win over the North Carolina Courage. Lema has now scored in three consecutive games with four goals in that span. Racheal Kundananji intercepted a Courage pass and slotted it home for the nal tally.

Goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz made ve saves for her second consecutive clean sheet. The Courage (6-5-3) have dropped consecutive matches.

NFL

Titans to honor ALS- diagnosed Johnson by inducting him into Ring of Honor

Nashville

The Tennessee Titans will induct Chris Johnson, the sixth man in NFL history to run for 2,000 yards in a season, into their Ring of Honor during halftime of their regular-season opener Sept. 13. The Titans announced the honor Friday following Johnson’s announcement that he was diagnosed with ALS. Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said Johnson holds a special place in the hearts of the organization and fans.

Logano hopes win at North Wilkesboro propels him back into Cup title hunt

His 15th straight season with a win came in dominating fashion

By Steve Reed The Associated Press NORTH WILKESBORO

— It was always in the back of Joey Logano’s mind: the streak. The three-time season champion had won at least one race in each of his previous 14 seasons racing in the NASCAR Cup Series entering this past weekend, the longest such streak among active drivers and just ve behind the late Kyle Busch’s record of 19. He desperately wanted it to continue.

But as the weeks passed and the races came and went, Loga-

no and the Team Penske No. 22 Ford team found themselves in search of speed — and their rst victory of the 2026 season.

Twenty races, no wins.

Logano said doubt was beginning to creep in, as he found himself outside the cutline in the Chase for the Championship. (Only 16 drivers qualify for the playo s, and he was 17th.)

As for winning a race? Well

“You start to wonder, ‘Am I going to have a chance this year to capitalize and (win) one?’”

Logano said.

It turns out all Logano needed to regain his swagger was a trip to what he calls his “best track.”

Logano dominated the eld Sunday night to extend his streak to 15 straight seasons

“I mean, when you have a car that fast, you kind of just make sure you don’t screw it up, right?”

Joey Logano

with a win, nishing rst at North Wilkesboro Speedway, where he destroyed the competition in the All-Star race two years ago. It ended a brutal drought of 45 starts without a win. He was so unstoppable at the 0.625-mile track that all second-place nisher Denny Hamlin could do following the race was dap up Logano and congratulate him for

Banner raising, Finland games highlight Hurricanes’ schedule

The NHL released the 2026-27 schedule, which opens Sept. 29 in Raleigh

By Cory Lavalette North State Journal

RALEIGH — The Hurricanes will open the 2026-27 NHL season by raising the franchise’s second Stanley Cup banner Sept. 29. The league unveiled next season’s schedule — up to 84 games and beginning in September for the rst time since 2007 — last week, and there are several dates worth circling and trends worth noting as Carolina starts defense of its title.

Battle of champions

The winners of the last three Stanley Cups will open the season in Raleigh on Sept. 29. The Hurricanes will hoist their banner ahead of the season opener against the Panthers, the team that won the previous two championships and twice elim-

Hurricanes left wing Taylor Hall, left, is

to play his 1,000th career regular season during the 2026-27 campaign, and Carolina will face William Karlsson and the Golden Knights in a rematch of the Stanley Cup nal twice during the season.

inated Carolina in the Eastern Conference nal.

There’s an added wrinkle in the upcoming season: Brady Tkachuk, who notably opened the postseason with a

ght against Hurricanes cap-

tain Jordan Staal in Game 1 of the Round 1 series between Carolina and Ottawa, is now with the Panthers after being traded to Florida to play

masterfully navigating his way through lapped tra c.

Logano led 323 of 450 laps.

“It’s wildly impressive what he did,” Hamlin said.

Logano won every restart and simply pulled away from the pack, sometimes leading by more than ve seconds. Hamlin o ered a challenge late in the race, but the Cup points leader could never run Logano down.

Logano acknowledged it’s been a tough year.

“Any time you kind of lack in speed, you start to question a lot of things around you, what the process is, what we’re doing, (even) yourself,” Logano said. “All those things come to mind on why there’s not speed.”

alongside his brother, Matthew. The already truculent Panthers, on top of adding a second Tkachuk, brought back Radko Gudas and acquired Garnet Hathaway. Fans can expect pregame emotions — it’s a 5 p.m. start time on a Tuesday, so get your PTO in now — and in-game intensity at a playo level.

9 of 13 times 2

With the season starting earlier than recent years, the Hurricanes will t in three home games before departing for their annual North Carolina State Fair road trip. Still, Carolina will be road warriors to start the season — and end it.

The Hurricanes’ start and conclusion to the regular season are very similar — nine of the team’s rst 13 games, starting at home against the Panthers, are on the road, as are nine of the last 13 games, including the regular seasonnale at Florida.

Game 11 of the season, Oct. 20 at Vancouver, could also hold signi cance. With 989 regular season games played, Taylor Hall is in line to play his 1,000th career game against the Canucks during the road trip.

See CUP, page B2 See CANES, page B4

KARL DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

poised

JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

NASCAR Cup Series points race there in 30 years.

THURSDAY 7.23.26

TRENDING

Jennifer Belichick:

The wife of UNC defensive coordinator Steve Belichick and daughter-in-law of Tar Heels’ head coach Bill reportedly faces an arrest order after allegedly failing to appear in court over a speeding ticket. She is charged with driving 88 mph in a 70-mph zone in Brunswick County in May. When she did not appear, the judge issued an order for arrest.

Wander Franco:

The former Tampa Bay Rays All-Star and 2021-22 Durham Bull is attempting a comeback. Franco has been on the Rays’ restricted list since 2024 and has not played in a game since August 2023 after facing charges of sexually abusing a minor. The Dominican Baseball Federation wants to add him to the roster for the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games. Since he wasn’t included on a list of prospects for the roster, it’s likely he’ll be ruled ineligible.

Clairey Lin:

The 16-year-old Canadian native won the U.S. Girls’ Junior golf tournament, beating 17-year-old Wake Forest recruit Amelie Zalsman of St. Petersburg, Florida, 5 and 4 in the 36-hole nal at Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham. Lin is the second straight Canadian winner. Aphrodite Deng won last year in Georgia.

Beyond the box score

POTENT QUOTABLES

“Sadly, it’s a broken place right now.”

Dustin Swinehart, the rst hired employee of Charlotte FC, led a discrimination lawsuit against Tepper Sports, owner of Charlotte FC and the Carolina Panthers.

“It’s still coming down to a fashion show or a beauty pageant.”

Duke coach Manny Diaz on the ACC’s changes to tiebreaker rules, presumably as a reaction to the Blue Devils getting selected for last year’s conference title game.

PRIME NUMBER

Bryce Young’s ranking among NFL starting quarterbacks, according to Sports Illustrated’s preseason list. Only Cleveland’s Shedeur Sanders (32nd among the 32 teams) and NC State’s Jacoby Brissett, Arizona, (31) ranked below the fourth-year Panthers starter.

MLB

The ball from current Cubs rst baseman Michael Busch’s solo homer was recovered in Wrigley Field’s right- eld bleachers by former Chicago rst baseman Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo didn’t catch it on the y but picked the ball up o the concrete after it landed. He held it high in the air. Rizzo played 10 seasons with Chicago and took part in the 10th anniversary of the 2016 World Series title.

Tommy White made his MLB debut for the Athletics. White hit 27 home runs for NC State in 2022, setting a school record for most homers in a season and the NCAA mark for most by a freshman. He transferred to LSU and was a second-round pick in 2024.

British runner Josh Kerr ran 3 minutes, 42.66 seconds to break the men’s mile world record. Kerr, the 2023 world champion, broke a mark set in 1999. Kerr was so dominant that he nished just more than three seconds clear of American Yared Nuguse in 3:45.69.

The Carolina Panthers resigned o ensive lineman Brady Christensen. The 29-year-old has spent all ve seasons with the Panthers starting 34 games. He started four games in 2025 at guard before a torn Achilles tendon ended his season. The 6-foot-6, 300-pound Christensen, a third-round draft pick out of BYU in 2021, is able to play every position on the o ensive line.

But he has been around the pits long enough to know that stock car racing has its ebbs and ows given the changes to the cars and to the rules. Sometimes it feels like you’re in a rocket ship and can’t lose; other times you’re stuck in the mud and can’t buy a checkered ag.

This year — and for that matter, most of last year — it felt more like quicksand.

But Logano said his team never panicked and focused on nding a solution to its speed problem.

The strategy at North Wilkesboro: Don’t screw up Logano was thrilled when NASCAR announced last year that North Wilkesboro would be added as a points race for the rst time in 30 years.

And why not? Nobody runs better here than him.

His crew seems to have mastered how to set up the car through plenty of testing at the track, making things easier for him as a driver.

a car that fast, you kind of just make sure you don’t screw it up, right?” Logano said.

win will serve as a springboard with ve races left before the playo s.

His focus is always on the next race.

“You just keep grinding. I can’t say I’ve ever felt like, because of the things I did in the past, it’s going to guarantee success in the future,” Logano said. “I don’t think that’s the right way to look at it.”

Crew chief Paul Wolfe knows the team’s strength is short-track racing, and that’s where Logano currently feels most comfortable in the No. 22.

Two of the next ve races are at short tracks, so that’s a bonus.

But in order to compete for a fourth championship, Wolfe acknowledged, he needs to gure out how to pick up speed at the mile-and-a-half ovals.

“We still have a lot of work to do to get the other style racetracks where they need to be, the ones we’ve obviously struggled on this year,” Wolfe said. “I think the rst thing we need to do is make sure we execute on these weekends here leading up to the end of the regular season and score those points to at least give ourselves a shot.” CUP from page B1

“I mean, when you have

“Don’t do anything dumb on pit road. Restarts, a little more conservative.” Now safely inside the playo cutline, Logano hopes Sunday’s

“The job’s not done,” Logano said. “We still want to win the championship. We got some great tracks coming up ahead of us, so there’s de nitely a lot of

con dence in that. That’s denitely real, that we feel like we can capitalize on it. We capitalized on it today.” Logano isn’t one to spend much time looking in the rearview mirror, re ecting on the trophies he’s won.

MLB

TRACK & FIELD

ROSS D. FRANKLIN / AP PHOTO

DUSTIN SWINEHART / LINKEDIN

NAM Y. HUH / AP PHOTO

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

JACOB KUPFERMAN / AP PHOTO

JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Joey Logano completes one of the 323 laps he led in Sunday’s win at North Wilkesboro

The NASCAR Cup Series returned to North Wilkesboro with its rst points race on the historic track since 1996. Joey Logano (22) dominated the night, leading 323 of the 450 laps to beat second-place Denny Hamlin (11) and third-place Chase

Briscoe (19).

Wolfpack hoping defensive improvements lead to better results

NC State is entering its second season under defensive coordinator DJ Eliot

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

THE NC STATE football team has high hopes heading into its 2026 season.

As of late, the Wolfpack have found themselves as a bit of a middling team, with a combined seven conference wins in the last two seasons.

However, Dave Doeren is hoping to turn those fates around in his 14th season as head coach in Raleigh.

“I’m sick of being second,” Doeren said at the ACC Kicko . “These guys know that. We’re here to do more. That’s what drives us. It’s the competitive spirit of winning and the brotherhood that comes along with that is so special.”

Last year, the Wolfpack nished with a 4-4 record in conference play and 8-5 overall.

It was an up-and-down season overall, but the season was essentially punted away midway through, with the team going 2-5 from Sept. 20 to Nov. 15.

While the team was fairly good o ensively, averaging 391.2 yards and 30.2 points per game, the defense was just not up to the usual standard seen in past Wolfpack teams, allowing the sixth-most points and fourth-most yards per game in the conference.

“We want to be the backbone.”

Isaiah Shirley, senior defensive tackle

“Last year, I think we went into a lot of games thinking we were going to have to outscore people,” Doeren said. “That’s not normal for us. This has been a program that’s played really, really good defense over the years. Getting back to where we’re not just outscoring people but we’re stopping people and when we need to lean on a stop, we can.”

It was the rst year of a new regime for the Wolfpack on the defensive side of the ball, as D.J. Eliot and Charlton Warren took over for Tony Gibson, and with that came quite a few bumps in the road — some expected, some unexpected.

“It’s one thing when you change schemes from a 3-3 to a 3-4, have a new coordinator, new language, new players, but then to go through what we did with Coach Eliot and his family and his loss, it was very challenging,” Doeren said, referencing the death of Eliot’s daughter Drue. “Then to have nine defensive starters injured throughout

the season, very challenging.”

The bottom line is if the Wolfpack want to improve their fortunes this season, they must get better results from the defense, especially on the pass-rushing side of things.

“We recruited well on that side of the football,” Doeren said. “I’m super excited about the returners we have and the additions. The biggest area of improvement defensively is our pass rush. We have to get quarterbacks getting rid of the football before they want to, we’ve got to have more sacks, more forced fumbles and more interceptions because of pass rush.”

Spain wins World Cup, beating Argentina 1-0

Ferran Torres’ goal in extra time gave Spain its rst Cup since 2010

By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.

— This is how good Spain was at the World Cup: Not even Lionel Messi had any answers.

And when it was over, Spain walked o with the trophy. Messi simply walked o in tears.

Spain is back atop the soccer world for a second time, after Ferran Torres’ rst goal of this year’s World Cup — unquestionably the goal of his life — gave his country a 1-0 win over now-dethroned champion Argentina in the nal Sunday.

“It was a goal scored by 47 million people,” Torres said, referring to Spain’s population.

Maybe not by them — but certainly for them.

The goal came with Argentina down to 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent o late in regulation following a reckless tackle. Tempers ared then and ared again after the nal whistle with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and players from both sides engaging in what appeared to be some pushing and shoving.

In the end, Spain denied Messi a second straight title in what he has indicated was hisnal World Cup match. Torres, a second-half substitute, pounced on a bouncing ball in the box and used his left foot to bury a shot just under the crossbar in the 106th minute.

CANES from page B1

Ovechkin’s farewell?

There’s no telling whether Alexander Ovechkin intends to play beyond this season, but if he doesn’t, the Capitals superstar will play his nal regular season game in Raleigh in mid-October.

Carolina will host Washington and Ovechkin in the second game of the season, Oct. 2, and then the Capitals will play their nal road game against the Hurricanes just over two weeks later on Oct. 13. Carolina plays in D.C. on Jan. 14 and March 3. The 84-game schedule, up from 82,

From there, the airtight defense that dominated opponents throughout the tournament came through one nal time. Spain — which also won the title in 2010 — allowed only one goal in eight matches in this World Cup run, setting a record for fewest goals allowed by a champion.

“I feel pride, to be honest,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, who at 65 is now the oldest man to lead a team to a World Cup title. “Accompanying them on this journey is an honor.”

In the streets of Madrid — probably many other places in Spain as well — countless people spilled into the streets, celebrating Sunday’s victory long into the wee hours of Monday morning.

The score indicated this

means each team will face its divisional foes four times this coming season. Of course, the two teams could see each other in the playo s after the Capitals brought in reinforcements in the o season.

Finland in November

Carolina will play two games in Helsinki against the Kraken on Nov. 12 and Nov. 14, just over 16 years after the Hurricanes beat the Wild twice in the same building — now called Veikkaus Arena. Sebastian Aho attended those games against Minnesota as a teenager in 2010, and he

“It was a goal scored by 47 million people.” Ferran Torres

match was close, but only one team was in command.

Spain took the game’s rst 20 shots on goal before Argentina — desperate for an equalizer — got its rst attempt o in the second half of extra time. Spain took nine of the game’s rst 10 corner kicks, and only a World Cup nal-record 12 saves by Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez gave the 2022 champions a shot at going back to back.

“Dibu was nothing short of exceptional,” de la Fuente said, referring to Argentina’s keeper by his nickname.

will return to play in his home country as a Stanley Cup champion in his 11th NHL season. The games will count as one home game each for the Hurricanes and Kraken.

Welcome back, Freddie

Goalie Frederik Andersen, who ranks third in franchise history in combined regular season and playo wins, will return to Raleigh with his new team Nov. 21. Andersen signed a one-year contract with the Oilers during the o season that could be worth as much as $2.8 million

“We want to be the backbone,” said senior defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley. “We want to get back to playing our brand of hard, tough, together defense. That’s the mentality we’re trying to get back to. I think we have the right guys on the defensive side of the ball from the D-line to the linebackers to the DBs that have that mentality of wanting to be the reason that we stop guys and win games.” On the other side of the ball, the Wolfpack lost a lot of talent to the transfer portal this oseason, especially in the receiver room, leading to a lot of new faces on o ense.

“This is a team that has a lot of new parts,” Doeren said. “There’s 50 new players. When you lose good players, you have an opportunity as a coach to go recruit good players.”

But while the team lost quite a bit, they still retained plenty of talent too, most notably at running back and quarterback.

The biggest thing NC State will be leaning on this upcoming season is the experience of third-year starter CJ Bailey.

“We’re one of two schools in the ACC that can say they have a third-year starter at quarterback,” Doeren said. “As rare as it is to have a head coach for 14 years, it’s just as rare now to have a quarterback for three. It says a lot about this young man. I think it also says a lot about our culture.”

“NC State is a di erent place,” Bailey said. “It’s a di erent place for me. It’s home for me. They were loyal to me. Coach Doeren was loyal to me, Coach (Kurt) Rupert, and they poured into me. It’s only right I give it back to those guys. I’m ready to win with those guys.”

NC State’s season will begin Aug. 29 when it takes on Virginia in a Week 0 matchup.

Golden Ball winner as the tournament’s best player.

Spain is now unbeaten in its last 38 matches — 29 wins, nine draws — and is the outright holder of the longest such streak by any European men’s team ever.

And for the last two-plus years, nobody has beaten Spain. Not even Messi. An Argentina team that was the kings of the late-game rally in this tournament had no answer this time.

“We lost the game, and we accept that,” Scaloni said. “That doesn’t mean that we will forget everything we’ve done so far, so I’d like to thank my people, my players and the country. I can tell them that we played our hearts out.”

Messi took a corner kick with about four minutes left before the nal whistle and the ball took a fortunate skip toward substitute Giuliano Simeone — who sent it high and over the crossbar, holding his head in disbelief afterward.

“When you have Messi on the other side, well, you are nervous,” Torres said. “At the end of the day, we always depended on us. We always come up with our football, and we showed it again.”

After the post-match scu es, they also paid tribute to the former champions. Spain’s players lined up to form an honor guard of sorts for Argentina’s squad to walk through on its way to the stage for the runner-up medals from President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“I think now I’m in a cloud,” said Spain mid elder Rodri, the

with incentives. He will be 38 in October and attempting to help Edmonton, two-time losers in the Cup nal to Florida, over the hump as he did with the Hurricanes. Expect a hero’s welcome for the goalie who played ve seasons with Carolina.

Home stands

The Hurricanes will twice play ve straight games at Lenovo Center. From Dec. 3-13, Carolina will host Columbus, Toronto, the Rangers, the Islanders and Boston. The other ve-game home stand is divided by the AllStar break, which will be Feb.

Argentina was forced to nish the match down a man after Fernandez was sent o in second-half stoppage time after getting his second yellow card. Fernandez was whistled for a collision that sent Spain defender Pau Cubarsi cartwheeling into the air, and the card came out immediately. It was the 104th and last match of the biggest World Cup ever, a 48-team event that played out over the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Because there were more matches than any previous World Cup, it was no surprise that there were more goals than all other editions — more than 300, nearly three per match.

Except, of course, when Spain was involved. Spain’s plan was simple and awless: Hold the ball as much as possible, denying opponents any hint of chances.

It worked, all the way to the end.

Messi is 39 and the math certainly suggests that the Inter Miami star is at the end of his international career. There have been hints — such as Messi himself declaring that a home World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela last year would be his nal competitive contest for Argentina on his nation’s soil.

“I experienced a lot of things on this pitch, good and not so good,” Messi said that night. “I’ll take the good with me.”

He’s a legend within the game and on all corners of the globe. But Spain was better Sunday.

“I spoke to my players, and they said: ‘Look, we’ve won everything, coach. We’ve won everything,’” de la Fuente said. “And that is beautiful.”

5-6 on Long Island, from Jan. 28 through Feb. 13. That will start against the Islanders followed by three Western Conference contenders — Los Angeles, Colorado and Minnesota — before ending against Bu alo.

Final rematch

The Golden Knights will host the Hurricanes on Dec. 21 in Las Vegas, Carolina’s nal game before Christmas and rst against the team it defeated on its home ice in Game 6 of last month’s Stanley Cup nal. Vegas then comes to Raleigh a few weeks later, on Jan. 17.

KARL DEBLAKER / AP PHOTO

JULIO CORTEZ / AP PHOTO

Spain’s Ferran Torres (7) celebrates scoring the lone goal of the World Cup nal.

NC State quarterback CJ Bailey (11) prepares to pass against Campbell in a game last October.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Under and by virtue

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 August 3, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Thomasville in the County

26SP000379-310

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, DURHAM COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale

contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Jesse J Doles. Jr. and Debbie Doles to Trste, Inc., Trustee(s), which was dated April 15, 2004 and recorded on April 20, 2004 in Book 4355 at Page 704, Durham County Registry, North Carolina.

of Davidson, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situated in Thomasville Township, Davidson County, North Carolina and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at an iron stake on the East side of Jacobs Street, Southwest corner of Theo Bowers’ lot; running thence with his line South 89 deg. 04’ East 176 feet to an iron stake, John Brinkley’s corner on Theo Bower’s line; thence with Brinkley’s line South 3 deg. 46’ West 100 feet to an iron stake, new corner; thence North 66 deg. 56’ West 163.1 feet to an iron stake on the east right of way of Jacobs Street; thence with said right of way North 3 deg. 26’ West 100 feet to the point of beginning, containing 16,950 square feet, more or less. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 705 Martin Luther King Drive, Thomasville, North Carolina. Tax ID#: 1602900000003 Parcel ID#: Property Address: 705 Martin Luther King Drive, Thomasville, NC, 27360 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, may request

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DURHAM COUNTY 26 SP 000511-310

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Leann Mertins and Betty S. Mertins, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $115,400.00, to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Mortgagee, dated September 13th, 2012 and recorded on September 25th, 2012 in Book 7077, Page 391, Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham County, North Carolina, at 2:00 PM on July 30th, 2026, and will sell to the highest

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF DURHAM IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION 26SP000258-310 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY CHRISTOPHER R WILCOX AND TIFFANY J WILCOX DATED FEBRUARY 22, 2021 RECORDED IN BOOK NO. 9246, AT PAGE 444 IN THE DURHAM 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 therein contained and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE 26SP000155-330 Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust made by Erick S. Sanchez (PRESENT RECORD OWNER(S): Erick Sanchez) to Laurel A. Meyer, Trustee(s), dated May 30, 2014, and recorded in Book No. RE 3181, at Page 1844 in Forsyth 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 Forsyth 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 Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North

BEING all of Lot 147 of Buckwater Creek Subdivision, Section 7, a Portion of Fieldstone, Area III, Phase 3, as per plat and survey thereof now on le in the O ce of the Register of Deeds of Durham County in Plat Book 128 at Page 179, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same.

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

Said property is commonly known as 3113 Wilderness Rd, Durham, NC 27712.

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.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on August 6, 2026 at 11:30 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Durham County, North Carolina, to wit:

bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: All that parcel of land in Durham County, State of North Carolina, Being known and designated as Lot 13B Property of Randall Douglas Roberts, led in Plat Book 154, Page 286. By fee simple Deed from Deborah B Roberts and Bryant B Roberts as set forth in Book 3443, Page 153 dated 05/02/2002 and recorded 05/14/2002, Durham County records, State of North Carolina.

Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 2713 Woodmont Drive, Durham, NC 27705 Tax ID: 126466 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

debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Durham County courthouse at 10:00 AM on August 6, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Durham County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Christopher R Wilcox; Ti any J Wilcox, dated February 22, 2021 to secure the original principal amount of $2,730,000.00, and recorded in Book No. 9246, at Page 444 of the Durham 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: 12660 Boyce Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613

Tax Parcel ID: 195283 & 0438084

Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 1:15 PM on August 5, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Winston Salem in the County of Forsyth, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 65 of Salem Woods, Section No. 1-B Subdivision as shown on map thereof recorded in Map Book 21, Page 114 of the Forsyth County Public Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 231 Foxcroft Drive, Winston Salem, North Carolina. Parcel ID Number: 6804-41-3826.00

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

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 Debbie R. Doles.

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,

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 LeAnn Mertins. 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

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Christopher R Wilcox and Ti any J Wilcox.

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.

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

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

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 §4521.16A(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 loan without the knowledge of the trustee.

If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the Substitute Trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Anchor Trustee Services, LLC Substitute Trustee By: January N. Taylor, NCSB #33512 David Neill, NCSB #23396 Olivia S. Sings, NCSB# 54991 McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC Attorney for Anchor Trustee Services, LLC 3550 Engineering Drive, Suite 260 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 404-474-7149 (phone) 404-745-8121 (fax) jtaylor@mtglaw.com dneill@mtglaw.com osings@mtglaw.com 26-001518-01

A deposit of ve percent (5%) of the amount of the bid or seven hundred fty dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, is required from the highest bidder and must be tendered in the form of certi ed funds at the time of the sale. This sale will be held open ten days for upset bids as required by law. After the expiration of the upset period, all remaining amounts are IMMEDIATELY DUE AND OWING. Failure to remit funds in a timely manner will result in a Declaration of Default and any deposit will be frozen pending the outcome of any re-sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Substitute Trustee or the attorney of any of the foregoing. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR LEASEHOLD TENANTS residing at the property: be advised that an Order for Possession of the property may be issued in favor of the purchaser. Also, if your lease began or was renewed on or after October 1, 2007, be advised that you may terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days written notice to the landlord. You may be liable for rent due under the agreement prorated to the e ective date of the termination. The date of this Notice is 23rd day of June, 2026.

“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

Grady I. Ingle, Attorney for Substitute Trustee Ingle Law Firm, PA

door in Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 11:00 AM on July 30, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Troutman in the County of Iredell, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: The Land is described as follows: Being all of Lot 30 of Wiltshire Creek Subdivision as platted, planned and recorded in Plat Book 36, Pages 106-108, in the Iredell County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 178 East Panther Creek Road, Troutman, North Carolina. Also known as 178 E. Panther Creek Road, Troutman, NC 28166 Parcel ID: 4740401724.000

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).

at the courthouse

22-113217 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION IREDELL COUNTY 25SP000030-480 IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF A DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY JAMES P. KRUPSKY AND STEPHANIE N. KRUPSKY DATED NOVEMBER 20, 2020 AND RECORDED IN BOOK 2756 AT PAGE 1088 IN THE IREDELL COUNTY PUBLIC REGISTRY, NORTH CAROLINA NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder

recorded in Book 82, Pages 15 and 16, in the Iredell County Public Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 594 Vaughn Mill Rd, Statesville, NC 28625.

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

of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Iredell County courthouse at 11:00AM on August 6, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Iredell County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed James P. Krupsky and Stephanie N. Krupsky, dated November 20, 2020 to secure the original principal amount of $212,054.00, and recorded in Book 2756 at Page 1088 of the Iredell 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: 140 Silvermere Drive, Statesville, NC 28625 Tax Parcel ID: 3793599912.000

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

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 Awa Aminata Ndao, a married woman.

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,

Present Record Owners: Stephanie N. Krupsky

The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Stephanie N. Krupsky. 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

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 §

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

700 and Book 3812, Page 837 (Tract 4), Johnston County Registry. LESS AND EXCEPT THE FOLLOWING TRACT All of the property which is included in the above referenced tract and which is situated EAST OR SOUTH of the right-of-way of US Interstate 40. The purpose of instrument is to convey all the Grantor’s interest in the above described tract which lies WEST or NORTH of the margin of the right-of-way of US Interstate 40 to the above named Grantees.

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 Moore 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 Carthage, Moore County, North Carolina, or the customary location designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on August 6, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Vass in the County of Moore, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: All that certain lot or parcel of land situate in the City of Vass, County of Moore, State of North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: LOT NO. 512, SECTION SEVEN (7), WOODLAKE COUNTRY CLUB, (formerly Lake Surf Subdivision), as shown on a map entitled “Lake Surf, Section Seven, Page Eight, Property of Lake Surf, Inc.”, dated January 27, 1976, prepared by C. H. Blue and Associates, Registered Land Surveyors, of Southern Pines, North Carolina, and recorded in Plat Cabinet 1, at Slide 69-B, of the Moore County Public Registry, to which map and its recordation reference is hereby made for a more complete, accurate and particular description of said lot. HOWEVER, this conveyance is made subject to that certain Declaration of Protective Covenants made by Lake Surf, Incorporated, dated January 25, 1976 and recorded in Deed Book 404, at Page 135 of the Moore County Public Registry, which Protective Covenants run with this land and are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 252 Chickory Place, Vass, North Carolina. The property hereinabove described was acquired by Grantor by instrument recorded in Deed Book 405, page 804, of the Moore County Registry. Plat Map # 00045124

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

Said property is commonly known as 7099 Meadowbrook Rd, Benson, NC 27504. 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,

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

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 Camellia Faith Wise.

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

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

MOORE

JOHNSTON

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,

26SP000063-620

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NORTH CAROLINA, MOORE COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale

contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Amy D. Carter to Cristina Zorrilla And Fred Quick, Trustee(s), which was dated May 5, 2025 and recorded on May 6, 2025 in Book 6340 at Page 276, Moore County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Moore County, North Carolina, to wit:

26-124873 IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE OF NORTH CAROLINA SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION MOORE COUNTY 26SP000085-620 IN

OF SALE

or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Moore County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 13, Southbury Subdivision, Phase 2, as recorded in Plat Cabinet 19, Slide 353, Moore County Registry, to which plat reference is hereby made for a more particular description of same.

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

Said property is commonly known as 290 Robert Place, Carthage, NC 28327.

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.

Being Lot No. 7 as shown on a map entitled “Division of Charles’ property, Pineblu , N.C.” made by C.H. Blue, Registered Surveyor, March 16, 1962, and duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Moore County, North Carolina in Map Book 7, at Page 39, to which map reference is hereby made for a more particular description of said lot, and being a portion of property conveyed from E.H. Mills and wife, Virginia B Mills, to Madeleine Gl. Michel (now Madeleine Michel Charles), dated January 30, 1948, and recorded in the Moore County Registry in Book 155 at Page 538. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 410 N Currant St, Pineblu , NC 28373.

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

Under and by virtue of the power and authority contained in the above-referenced deed of trust and because of default in payment of the secured debt and failure to perform the agreements contained therein and, pursuant to demand of the holder of the secured debt, the undersigned will expose for sale at public auction at the usual place of sale at the Moore County courthouse at 11:00AM on July 30, 2026, the following described real estate and any improvements situated thereon, in Moore County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Charles Frum, dated April 12, 2022 to secure the original principal amount of $191,468.00, and recorded in Book 5830 at Page 514 of the Moore 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: 165 Jingle Bell Lane, Carthage, NC 28327 Tax Parcel ID: 20010390 Present Record Owners:

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

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

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 Amy Danielle Carter.

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

Charles Frum The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are Charles Frum. 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

Tax Parcel ID: R02611-006-046-000

being more particularly described in that certain Deed of Trust executed Kevin Scott Murphy, dated September 11, 2025 to secure the original principal amount of $267,000.00, and recorded in Book 6799 at Page 2311 of the New Hanover County Public Registry. The terms of the said Deed of Trust may be modi ed by other instruments appearing in the public record. Additional identifying information regarding the collateral property is below and is believed to be accurate, but no representation or warranty is intended. Address of property: 3232 Belmont Circle, Wilmington, NC 28405

AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, NEW HANOVER COUNTY 25 SP 001434-640 Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Christopher Ray Gurganious and Billy R. Gurganious and Brenda Gurganious, Mortgagor(s), in the original amount of $96,780.00, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as bene ciary, as nominee for Dover Mortgage Company, Mortgagee, dated October 19th, 2001 and recorded on October 19th, 2001 in Book 3077, Page 496, and subsequently modi ed by Loan Modi cation recorded on February 17th, 2023 in Book 6622 at Page 1644, New Hanover 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 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 or other usual place of sale in New Hanover County, North Carolina, at 10:00 AM on July 30th, 2026, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property, to wit: Being all of Lot 106, Section 2B, of Silva Terra Subdivision, as the same appears in Map Book 12, at Page 8 of the New Hanover County Registry, reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. Together with improvements located hereon; said property being located at 4801 Salix Drive, Wilmington, NC 28412 Tax ID: 55003 Third party purchasers must pay the recording costs of the trustee’s deed, any land transfer taxes, the excise tax, pursuant North Carolina General Statutes §105228.30, in the amount of One Dollar ($1.00) per each Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or fractional part thereof, and the Clerk of Courts fee, pursuant to North Carolina

Present Record Owners: The Heirs of Kevin Scott Murphy The record owner(s) of the property, according to the records of the Register of Deeds, is/are The Heirs of Kevin Scott Murphy. 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

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 Christopher Ray Gurganious and The Heirs

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

dated September 19, 2024, and recorded in Book No. 6224, at Page 9 in Onslow County Registry, North Carolina, default having been made in the payment of the promissory note secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Substitute Trustee Services, Inc. having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust by an instrument duly recorded in the O ce of the Register of Deeds Onslow County, North Carolina and the holder of the note evidencing said indebtedness having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door in Jacksonville, Onslow County, North Carolina, or the customary location

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

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

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

of Billy R. Gurganious. 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 §4521.16A(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

designated for foreclosure sales, at 10:00 AM on July 29, 2026 and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following real estate situated in Jacksonville in the County of Onslow, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows: Being all of Lot 87, as shown on that plat, “804 & 806 Maynard Blvd Recombination Survey for: Walter Lyons Heirs, Cory E. Stermer, Marissa Minocchi, Jacksonville Township, Onslow County, North Carolina, prepared by Gairy Canady Land Surveying,” and recorded in Map Book 85, Page 217, Onslow County Registry. Together with improvements located thereon; said property being located at 804 Maynard Boulevard, Jacksonville, 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 ve percent (5%) of the purchase price, or seven

NEW HANOVER

Game on

Pittsboro’s Brandon Crabtree arrives safely at third during a game for Catawba last season. Crabtree was drafted by the Texas Rangers last week in the MLB Draft.

the BRIEF this week

Trump imposes 50% tari s on Canadian goods, citing disputes over autos, alcohol, cheese

President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tari s on most Canadian goods, declaring that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products. The move, announced Monday, could unleash a new wave of economic chaos, with risks of higher in ation and further fraying of relations between two nations that had been closely woven together before Trump’s return to the White House. The administration o cial previewing the action said that Canada was one of the only nations other than China that retaliated against Trump’s previous tari s and must be held accountable.

Trump opens investigation into Harvard’s aid to international students

The Justice Department is investigating whether Harvard University is allowing Chinese donors to create scholarships that exclude American students. The inquiry adds to a barrage of federal probes the Trump administration has opened in its battle against the Ivy League campus.

Justice Department o cials announced the new review Monday, saying Harvard’s foreign funding disclosures “raised concerns” about possible discrimination against U.S. students. The agency did not specify which scholarship programs are being targeted and emphasized it “has not reached any conclusions.”

$2.00

Siler City commissioners nix event center proposal

The proposed development would have been located on Old U.S. 421 South

By Ryan Henkel Chatham News & Record

SILER CITY — The Town of Siler City Board of Commissioners has rejected a proposal for a new event center space.

approved back in 2002 in order for the property to be utilized for a trucking business, which is no longer there.

The plan would be to utilize the space for a multifaceted event and cultural resource center with multiple buildings.

The surrounding property is all zoned as Agricultural Residential with single-family residential uses.

The reason for the modi cation was to change the permitted uses to allow for an event venue and community center. The original zoning change was

At the board’s July 20 meeting, it held a public hearing for a major modification to an existing Highway Commercial Conditional Zoning District for approximately four acres of property located at 1311 Old U.S. 421 South.

US soldier killed in Iraq was 30-year-old from Fayetteville

He leaves behind a wife, two young children and a legacy of sel ess service

By Allen G. Breed and Dave Collins The Associated Press

RALEIGH — A U.S. soldier killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone

“I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey. I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be di cult?

Yes.”

Darline Graham, U.S. senator

was a 30-year-old father from Fayetteville who had served for nearly a decade, according to a military statement Tuesday and his family.

Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton will receive a Bronze

The senator is transforming a temporary appointment into a campaign for the full term

By Meg Kinnard

The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Sen. Darline Graham said Monday she’s running for a full term to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat.

“I’ve made a decision,” Darline Graham told Fox News

Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, and will be promoted to sta sergeant. The Army said it was investigating the circumstances of his death Sunday at an air base in Irbil. He leaves behind a 6-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, his mother said.

Channel host Sean Hannity, according to a clip released of an interview set to air later Monday. “I’m in.”

The entrance of Darline Graham — sworn in last week to ful ll the remaining months of her late brother’s term, which expires in January — into the Republican scramble to select a new Senate nominee further complicates an already rushed process following Lindsey Graham’s death earlier this month.

A weeklong ling period

The proposal stated that the construction would be carried out in three phases, eventually leading to the development of several facilities:

• 1,200-square-foot restroom facility

• Adaptive reuse of the already existing 3,600 square foot multipurpose building for

THE CHATHAM COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton

CRIME LOG

July 13

• Pfunandre Rischel White, 44, was arrested for assault by strangulation, eeing and eluding arrest with a motor vehicle and driving while impaired, and other charges.

• Dwayne Maurice Nettles, 34, was arrested for rst-degree kidnapping, assault by strangulation and assault on a female, and other charges.

• Charlie Loyd Pickard, 46, was arrested for driving while impaired.

• Anthony Lamont Sanders, 61, was arrested for larceny by removing, destroying or deactivating a component; and misdemeanor larceny.

July 14

• Damos Montell Alston, 30, was arrested for felony possession of cocaine and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

• Raekwon Tyrieck Gray, 28, was arrested for felony possession of cocaine and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

• Martavelin Paul Witherspoon, 24, was arrested for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver marijuana; domestic violence protective order violation; and possession of marijuana, and other charges.

• Jeremy Lamont Edwards, 40, was arrested for breaking or entering, larceny after breaking and entering and possession of stolen goods or property, and other charges.

• Billy Farrell Kiser, 58, was arrested for second-degree trespass.

July 15

• Timothy James Gordon, 39, was arrested for injury to personal property; reckless driving with wanton disregard; and ctitious or altered title, registration card or tag, and other charges.

July 16

• John Jeremy Williams, 30, was arrested for possession of a rearm by a felon, felony possession of cocaine and carrying a concealed gun, and other charges.

• Kristin Gray Vanravestein, 41, was arrested for felony probation violation.

• David Alan Brady, 60, was arrested for driving while impaired.

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

July 17

• Kenneth Marvell Reaves, 48, was arrested for felony possession of cocaine, breaking or entering and simple assault, and other charges.

• Sabrina Marie Blossom, 48, was arrested for breaking or entering, possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor larceny, and other charges.

Appeals court rejects Biden’s bid to block release of recordings of ghostwriter interviews

A divided appeals court found public interest outweighs the former president’s privacy claims

By Michael Kunzelman

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal appeals court has rejected a request by Joe Biden to block the release of audio recordings and transcripts of his interviews with a memoir ghostwriter before he was elected president.

A divided three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit suspended its decision until Aug. 3 to allow more time for Biden to consider another appeal.

The panel’s 2-1 ruling late Monday found there is a “substantial” public interest in disclosing the material that Biden wants to keep under wraps. Redactions to the recordings would help protect Biden’s privacy, the majority noted.

“We conclude that any remaining incursion on personal privacy from disclosure of the now-redacted materials likely does not outweigh the public interest in disclosure,” the ruling says.

Judge Florence Pan, who was nominated by Biden, a Democrat, wrote a dissenting opinion in which she said Biden has shown a “substantial

“The conversations at issue took place in Biden’s home, and the recordings of them were obtained by the government in the course of a criminal investigation that did not lead to an indictment.”

Florence Pan, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit judge

privacy interest” in keeping the material hidden.

“The conversations at issue took place in Biden’s home, and the recordings of them were obtained by the government in the course of a criminal investigation that did not lead to an indictment,” she wrote.

The appeal also was heard by D.C. Circuit Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan and Judge Gregory Katsas. Srinivasan was nominated by President Barack Obama, a Democrat who chose Biden as his vice president. Katsas was nominated by President Donald Trump, a Republican who lost to Biden in 2020 but was elected again to the White House in 2024.

Mark Zwonitzer, who worked with Biden on two memoirs, 2007’s “Promises to Keep” and 2017’s “Promise Me, Dad,” interviewed him at his home in 2016 and 2017. Biden’s lawyers say the conversations were candid, personal and intended to remain private.

The recordings were obtained by special counsel Robert Hur, who investigat-

ed Biden’s handling of classied documents from his time as a senator from Delaware and as Obama’s vice president. Republicans in Congress demanded the material after Hur declined to le charges against the then-president. Biden sued and sought an injunction to prevent the Justice Department under Trump from releasing the recordings to Congress and the conservative Heritage Foundation. The department previously argued that the recordings were exempt from disclosure under public records law.

Biden appealed after U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, who was nominated by Trump, ruled in June that the public interest in the material outweighed whatever privacy rights Biden had.

Pan noted that the majority is e ectively ruling in favor of immediately disclosing the material by denying Biden’s request for an injunction pending appeal.

“That, of course, will moot this case,” she wrote.

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.

CHATHAM happening

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

July 24

The Bulltown Strutters 7–8:30 p.m.

The Durham-based New Orleans-style brass band performs in the Bynum Front Porch Summer Music Series, blending jazz standards, funk and Second Line parade traditions. The show is free, with donations welcome; a food truck will be on site.

Bynum Front Porch 950 Bynum Road Bynum

July 25

Just Peachy Festival 2-9 p.m.

The celebration of peach season features local food, handcrafted beverages, artisan vendors, hourly garden tours and a peach cobbler competition at 5 p.m. Thousand Ways performs the afternoon set; The Radio takes the stage at 6 p.m.

The Plant 220 Lorax Lane Pittsboro

Sonic Blues

7:30-9:30 p.m.

The Triangle-based band performs a fusion of blues, rock, jazz, soul and rhythm and blues. No cover charge.

The City Tap 89 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro

July 26

Wildlife Wonder: The Ins and Outs of Nature Photography 10–11 a.m.

Bates Whitaker, creative content manager with the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, covers ethics in nature photography, composition techniques and tips for sharing images responsibly. The free program is presented in partnership with Friends of the Lower Haw.

Chatham Community Library, Holmes Family Meeting Room 197 N.C. Highway 87 N Pittsboro

July 31

Fuzzy Cat sh Band

7:30–9:30 p.m.

Live music at the downtown Pittsboro taproom. No cover charge.

The City Tap 89 Hillsboro St. Pittsboro

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!

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks during a Department of Defense commander in chief farewell ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 16, 2025.

Ocials sought phone records of NYT journalists, relatives in e ort to unmask sources

The subpoenas sought records from a reporter’s mother and journalists’ spouses

By Eric Tucker and Jocelyn Noveck

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Donald Trump’s administration sought phone records of several New York Times journalists and even those of some of their relatives, according to a motion unsealed Monday — an unusually aggressive attempt to unmask the condential sources of reporters who wrote about Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet.

The e orts by the Republican president’s administration to compel the identity of sources in the form of additional subpoenas come at a time when the executive branch’s relationship with the press is increasingly contentious. The e orts, described in a letter-motion led by the Times over the weekend, were more expansive than previously known, the newspaper noted. They also covered a time frame that exceeded the news articles in question.

“Two of the subpoenas seek records beginning on January 1, 2026, long before the events that are purportedly the basis for the Department’s investigation,” lawyers for the Times wrote in the letter. “That timeframe strongly suggests that the Department is using this investigation not to focus on any purported concerns arising from the July 8 and 9 articles, but instead to forage for information about the Journalists’ source relationships more broadly.”

Government says reporters aren’t target

The Justice Department has justi ed the subpoenas by saying that “to be clear, reporters are not the targets, those leaking classi ed information are.”

The additional subpoenas included a request for phone records of one reporter’s mother and two of the journalists’ spouses. The motion noted that the mother in question is a men-

ty concerns involving the jet.

“To be clear, reporters are not the targets, those leaking classi ed information are.”

U.S. Justice Department

tal health professional with con dential client relationships and that one of the two spouses is the general counsel of a law rm.

“The disclosure of additional subpoenas for con dential newsgathering information of the Journalists is deeply concerning, revealing yet another instance of the alarming pattern of conduct detailed in the Motion to Quash,” the news organization’s lawyers wrote.

“These actions demonstrate abuse of the grand jury process, continued bad faith attacks on the Journalists, violations of the Department’s own internal regulations and disregard for the law in this Circuit intended to protect critical First Amendment interests,” the motion stated.

Part of ongoing legal challenge

The Times revealed the government’s actions as part of an ongoing legal challenge to quash subpoenas that the Justice Department served on three journalists who reported on securi-

The original subpoenas, delivered to reporters at their homes, marked a dramatic escalation of the Trump administration’s crackdown on media leaks that free press advocates swiftly condemned as a government e ort to intimidate news organizations. It followed an FBI search earlier this year of a Washington Post reporter’s home and the seizure of her electronic devices.

The new jet in question, a present from Qatar that Trump’s administration spent $400 million to retro t and upgrade, recently entered service. But Trump used an older model Air Force One jet to leave a NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month.

The Times, citing anonymous sources, reported that the switch had come at the urging of the Secret Service and that the newer plane lacked some of the advanced security features of the older Air Force One aircraft, including antimissile capabilities. On social media, Trump denied security concerns.

Trump’s administration has clashed with the press, from newspapers to TV networks to the Voice of America, on multiple fronts since he returned to o ce last year. The methods include lawsuits, administrative actions and public threats.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the press’ ability to operate free of governmental restrictions.

Alaska wants to seize pilot’s plane over 6-pack of beer; Supreme Court will hear his case

The case questions whether property seizure is proportional punishment for a misdemeanor

By Michael Kunzelman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court agreed Monday to review an Alaska bush pilot’s claims that state authorities have tried to illegally seize his $95,000 airplane after a passenger brought a six-pack of beer on a ight bound for a dry village.

The pilot, Kenneth Jouppi, sued to block his plane’s seizure after he was convicted of an alcohol-related misdemeanor charge. The Alaska Supreme Court ruled in the state’s favor that Jouppi’s plane was subject to criminal forfeiture laws.

On Monday, however, the nation’s highest court agreed to hear Jouppi’s case. He argues that taking his 1969 Cessna would violate the Eighth Amendment’s “Excessive Fines Clause.” Arguments are expected in the fall.

“I’m in my 80s now, and I’ve been ghting this for over a decade because I see it as my duty to ensure that the Bill of Rights actually means something in protecting against government overreach,” Jouppi said in a statement released by his attor-

“The Excessive Fines Clause was built for cases like this.”

Institute for Justice, attorneys for Kenneth Jouppi

neys at the Institute for Justice.

In April 2012, Jouppi was preparing to y a passenger from Fairbanks to a remote village, Beaver, where alcohol was banned. The passenger had packed beer with other groceries in her luggage. State Police troopers searched Jouppi’s plane before it departed and spotted a six-pack of Budweiser in a shopping bag.

Jouppi, his company and the passenger were charged with a misdemeanor o ense of knowingly transporting an alcoholic beverage into a dry community. The passenger pleaded guilty. A jury convicted Jouppi and the company after a trial. A judge sentenced him to three days in jail.

Jouppi’s attorneys say Alaska’s high court examined his conduct “purely in abstract terms” and didn’t evaluate whether it was part of a broader pattern of criminal activity. And they say it wasn’t.

“Few excessive nes cases will present the issue so sharply; a decision upholding the forfeiture

Church News

OAKLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

As Oakley Baptist Church (2300 Siler City-Glendon Road, Siler City) seeks to begin its next chapter, we are enjoying hearing a word from the Lord with Dr. McCollough. 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!

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.

HOUSE OF PRAYER FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

The House of Prayer Fellowship Church at 549 Horton Road in Goldston warmly invites you to join us for the 20th annual Ronald B. Rainey Memorial Scholarship program on Sunday, July 26 at 3 p.m. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Jackie Goldston, pastor of Christ Church of Deliverance in Sanford. We welcome everyone to come and participate in this special celebration!

CENTER from page A1

small gatherings, classes and community events

• 12,800-square-foot indoor sports center and beauty spa

• 2,400 square feet of covered seating for recreational programming

• Sports eld improvements

• 11,250-square-foot, twostory, multipurpose building

• Parking improvements In addition, the applicants had proposed setting limitations on the hours of operation with hard cuto s at 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends, as well as requiring on-site management to be present for all events. However, the request was recommended for denial 7-0 by the town’s planning board due to concerns with increased tra c, noise, worries

over potential alcohol use and security.

“By statute, we have a planning board, and they recommended rejection before it came to us,” said Mayor Donald Matthews. “We’ve also heard the community say that they did not want it in their community. Those are the two things that hold precedent right now in my mind.”

Following the hearing, the request was eventually denied, with only Commissioners Alec Hauser and Michael Feezor being in favor of the request.

“I have good faith in others to not break the law,” Hauser said. “And in the event they do break the law, we have a sheri to address any of those needs.”

The Town of Siler City Board of Commissioners will next meet Aug. 3.

Share with your community!

Send your birth, death, marriage, graduation and other announcements to community@ chathamnewsrecord.com.

of an airplane for a six-pack is a self-recommending candidate for review,” lawyers from the Institute for Justice wrote in their appeal.

In response, lawyers from the Alaska Attorney General’s o ce argued that the state Supreme Court’s “fact-bound decision” should be allowed to stand.

“Courts across the country apply a multi-factor test to determine whether a ne or forfeiture is grossly disproportional to the gravity of the o ense,” they wrote. “Jouppi does not claim that the four-part standard applied by the Alaska Supreme Court is wrong, only that the court misapplied settled law by giving too much weight to some factors and not enough weight to others.”

Jouppi’s attorneys argue that the ruling from the state’s highest court con icts with case law established in other courts, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent.

“The Excessive Fines Clause was built for cases like this,” they said.

Alaska’s attorneys said Jouppi hasn’t shown how punishing him with forfeiture of his plane is “grossly disproportional to the gravity of his o ense.”

“Alcohol abuse is a serious problem in rural Alaska, and airplanes are sometimes the only realistic means to commit the crime of alcohol importation,” they wrote.

Bible study: Revelation 21:5-8. Church of Living Water; Preacher: James Mitchell.

Warnings! Democrats, fake/lying news media, activist judges, radical Muslims, socialists, communists, haters of Israel, haters of America, haters of Christians, haters of our ICE law enforcement, and supporters of this evil. “All liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with

enforcement and our Department of War! American citizens, we have an invasion of illegals and criminals killing/raping our citizens. Obama, Biden, and Harris did all this evil to America and its citizens for power and votes. Thank God for President Trump knees! Republicans, get our elections secure and dismantle the corrupt International Criminal Court. America, can’t you understand and hear what God’s Word said? You are of your father the devil. Satan was a murderer from the beginning and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When and the father of it. He who is of God hears God’s words! Therefore, you don’t hear because you are see God’s truth, in Jesus’ name.

JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP PHOTO

President Donald Trump exits Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, after attending the World Cup nal soccer match Sunday.

THE CONVERSATION

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

Modern day parables

Jesus also told stories of ordinary things, like mustard seeds and yeast, that are about the ways God’s kingdom begins small and personal but reveals itself over time.

IT WAS SATURDAY afternoon and blazing hot, plus menacing storm clouds darkened the horizon. My two sons and I headed to the trampoline park for some indoor fun. We were only a mile away when the car started to shake, and I quickly pulled to the side of Highway 64. We had blown a tire.

As cars raced past on the road, the boys helped me unload the car jack and spare tire, then I instructed them to stand back while I tugged at the lug nuts with the hand tool. I was sweating profusely from straining against the bolts and from the pressure of the situation. I wanted to install the spare as quickly as possible and return safely to the road before the thunderstorm broke.

That’s when I heard someone say, “Can I give you some help?”

His name was Lewis. He had stopped his truck upon seeing us, but due to the noise from the highway and my attention to my task, I did not notice until he approached me. He might as well have fallen from the sky like an angel — an angel with cordless power tools. He had the tire installed in what felt like the blink of an eye. Lewis also noticed that the spare was a little at. He had an air compressor in his truck and in ated the tire. By now, the storm clouds were right above us. I shook his hand and thanked him, yet my simple gratitude seemed a pittance compared to what he had done for us. Lewis was all smiles and wished us a great day.

While the Good Samaritan parable comes readily

COLUMN | JAN HUTTON

to mind through my story, I know that Jesus also told stories of ordinary things, like mustard seeds and yeast, that are about the ways God’s kingdom begins small and personal but reveals itself over time as impacting more and more people. I agree with poet Christian Wiman that “no collective consciousness can occur unless and until it is rmly rooted in many, many coherent and vital individual minds.”

There are many problems in our society, yet transformative change most often unfolds slowly and steadily rather than instantly and completely. Hearts soften over time through acts of service to someone in need, and love spreads from person to person. It is like a tiny mustard seed that grows to a large plant or yeast that, though hidden, works from the inside to transform everything.

Once safely on the road, my sons and I agreed that we would remember Lewis. Then they excitedly brainstormed ways that they might help other people. It began to rain, and I turned on the windshield wipers. Their desire to pay it forward left me a little teary. Wiping my eyes, I smiled and whispered a prayer of gratitude.

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.

The Dr. Alan Grant/Sam Neill cascade

What is it about Dr. Alan Grant/Sam Neill that triggered this incredible cascade of condolences?

THERE IT WAS! Childlike wonder, shock and human vulnerability. I mean, literally, he collapsed on the ground in awe. All occurring during the rst few minutes of that iconic lm, “Jurassic Park.” Dr. Alan Grant (actor Sam Neill) had just seen a dinosaur!

Sam Neill died last week, but his 1995 personi cation of Grant in “Jurassic Park” has lived on and on and on and on. For heaven’s sake, I’m not making fun of Neill, or even his beloved, alter ego who, by now, is an international cinematic icon. No way.

Yet here I sit, pondering and pondering the sheer cascade of RIP Sam (or Alan Grant) digital and traditional media posts, falling like heavy rain during hurricane season. In my mind, I’ve compared the volume of RIP Sam Neill versus RIP Robert Redford messaging and have come to the conclusion that Sam’s winning. Wow, versus Robert Redford, of all people. Pretty amazing! What is it about Grant/Neill that triggered this incredible cascade of condolences? Oh my, I can’t forget to mention that now-classic “Jurassic Park” musical overture, part and parcel of the RIP outpourings. Here’s my nonevidence-based theory regarding all the emotional adulation pouring down. It’s the guilelessness of a child, passing over Alan/Sam’s face when seeing his rst dinosaur. Allowing his body to collapse at the sheer enormity of nding there’s actually a Tyrannosaurus rex in Jurassic Park. Completely unembarrassed in fully displaying the panoply of his feelings, some quite childlike, including stumbling over his words. ’Tis Dr. Grant/Neill in his human fullness. Childlike wonder expressed by an adult, however, can be downright embarrassing. There are times when I have a tendency to mask my explicit childlike reactions. Collapsing on the ground in absolute wonder? Ummm, don’t think so. For heaven’s sake, I’m an adult! Whoa, whoa! Yes, I’m an adult, but still in possession

EVAN AGOSTINI / INVISION / AP

Actor Sam Neill, pictured in 2024, died July 13 at 78.

of my own treasure trove of childlike reactions regarding the appearance of wonder. Why shouldn’t I express my feelings, aside from cultural embarrassment? (Eeek! She’s doing … what?) So, y’all, here’s to Dr. Alan Grant/Sam Neill for allowing the “Jurassic Park” character to express the full range of his human light. No embarrassment, just wholly human, like the rest of us.

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

Tempus really does fugit

I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around 55 years.

YOU KNOW without me saying it that it’s been hot lately.

Reminds me of another hot July day. It was hot the afternoon of that day, some 55 years ago.

But then, it should have been. July 24. Right in the heart of a North Carolina summer.

On that day back then, I was sweating. My Right Guard had not only surrendered, it had gone over to the enemy. And my dad’s Old Spice after-shave? Long gone to the sun, that great evaporator in the sky. But the temperature wasn’t the only reason I was in a lather.

In a few moments, the young lady who caught my eye when she rst came into my o ce about 14 months earlier was going to walk down the left aisle as a single woman and then leave out the right one as a “Mrs.”

The previous year she was a summer replacement for a Pittsboro lawyer’s secretary who wanted to be at home with her children while they were out of school.

One day she came into the one-room Pittsboro o ce of this newspaper asking for a copy of an estate notice that had been printed in the legal section for the required four weeks. As I lled out the necessary form, I noticed her looking around at the mess that was my o ce — stacks of newspapers on the oor and desk, the scattered notes on legal pads, crumpled papers falling from a trash can onto the oor, the boxes piled on top of one another here and there, the empty Coke cans, the ashtray full of smoked cigarettes and the vacationing bug family in the corner. In other words, it was all the things that made up newspaper o ces of long ago. So, of course, the next words out of her mouth were, “I really like your ling system.”

“Thanks,” I shot back. “I did it myself.”

As she left the building, I followed behind, discreetly, of course. When she went out the door, I said to a fellow in an adjacent o ce, “Earl, who was that?”

“Don’t you know?” was his reply.

“No. If I did, I wouldn’t have asked you.”

“She works next door for lawyer Billy Smith.”

Fortunately for me, I knew where next door was. And I also knew Billy Smith. In time, I wound up spending considerable time there in the following days, so much so that one day Mr. Smith came in from the courthouse, saw me in my customary chair in front of the desk of the object of my a ection and said, “You’re here so much I think I’ll just put you on the payroll.”

On that special day at the church back that hot summer day, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to go through with things. Far from it. Rather, truth be told, it was that deep down inside I knew it was the awareness that although I was a pretty sharp guy, I thought, I was still a babe and was about to take a giant leap into the unknown. After all, I hadn’t had any experience doing this.

However, I did have experience in the art of dating, especially this young lady. We went to lots of movies, mostly at the Varsity and Carolina on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. After we’d been married a short while, she told me sometimes during those days she had wondered if I knew how to do anything other than going to movies. But I submit to you, who wouldn’t want to see “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” six times?

Usually after the movie, we’d go to Amber Alley to the Rathskeller for as much pizza as I could hold. Sometimes we went to the Triple R Fish House in Ramseur with her folks. Not only was I trying to make points with the whole family but I genuinely liked them — and the food. We made ice cream on Sunday afternoons. I sent her owers — about every two weeks — and rode in the back of

the delivery van to her house to show the driver where she lived.

We went out once in July and then pretty much every night in August before she went back to UNC Greensboro for her senior year. I went to see her occasionally during the weeks of that year, but I paced myself. I never went more than three or four times during any one of those sevenday spans and went only on days ending in “y”. She came home on weekends, which made things convenient. We’d go to her grandma’s, go to the mall, go here, go there, go anywhere or stay home and play Rummy. It didn’t matter. I just wanted to be where she was. We even went to UNC football games on glorious autumn Saturdays, sometimes with my dad, who once told me if I didn’t try to win her heart there was something wrong with me.

There wasn’t.

And I did … try, that is.

And then there came the time when I thought I had done that but, also being a sometimes-dense guy, I wasn’t really, really, really sure, and I didn’t want to get shot down. So I devised a plan to nd out her thoughts but to save face in case I had misread the signals. Sitting in her driveway late one December night in my 1970 Mustang with the big V-8, the oormounted transmission and the heavy-duty suspension with the Michelin steel-belted radials — the car that could take a curve above the posted limit and stay on the road — I posed what I thought was the ultimate smooth question.

We’d been listening to mood music for a while when I said to her, “What would you say if I were to ask you to marry me?” See, I reasoned by saying it that way, I hadn’t really asked her if the answer wasn’t going to turn out good for me. Without missing a beat, she replied, “Why don’t you try it and nd out?”

So I did. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Lately, I’ve been trying to wrap my mind around 55 years. See, 55 is how old my dad was when I thought he was ancient. Fiftyve years is how long other people have been married. I’m not even old enough to be 55, much less be married that long. But although my mind says I’m 37, the body says, “Whoa! Not so fast.”

Those years have brought us much happiness, some sadness but little regret, two children — the 50-somethings who used to be teenagers who lived at my house — and eight grands. And now I know why they’re called “grand”; it’s because they are. Remind me to show you my pictures the next time I see you.

Along the way, we’ve buried our parents and other family folk, lost some good friends, endured many surgeries, lived in a number of places and had several careers. And, again as they say (whoever “they” are), “it’s all good.” In short, I’d do it all over again. She didn’t know it that day when she came into my o ce, but she was seeing a foretaste of her future. Today, in my study, there are stacks of newspapers, books here and there, assorted piles of notes, memorabilia on the shelves. But no bugs, Coke cans — I’ve switched to tea — and no cigarette butts or ashes. I quit shortly after we wed.

So as Bob Hope often said, “Thanks for the memories.” It was a good day for me, both of them, that day she came into my o ce and that hot Chatham County summer day of ’71.

Did I mention I’d do it all over again if she would?

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

On the Iran war, NATO chief agrees with Trump the media buried the lede

WHY DO SO MANY Americans oppose the war against Iran?

The biggest reason is that they do not believe Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon. If Iran was nowhere near a bomb, President Donald Trump’s decision to use military force looks unnecessary, even reckless. But if Iran was close, as Trump claims, the debate changes dramatically. That is why NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s recent assessment should have been a major news story.

During his June 24 Oval O ce meeting with Trump, Rutte said: “This is, rst of all, about the nuclear capability Iran was basically getting its hands on — and that would have been a threat to the region. It would’ve been a threat to the whole world.” The next day, Rutte was even more direct. “We know they were close,” he said, while commending the United States “for making sure that the world stays safe from Iran with a nuclear capability.”

Rutte’s statement does not, of course, establish as a matter of fact that Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon, let alone how close. But it is unquestionably newsworthy that the secretary general of NATO assessed Iran’s nuclear progress substantially the same way Trump did.

Rutte’s statement did not merely express the view that Iran should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Nearly everyone says that. He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

Rutte is not a member of the Trump administration. His agreement therefore carried independent weight, even if critics believed his praise was tactical. The media need not endorse his judgment. They merely had to report it prominently and scrutinize it as they would any other signi cant claim. But they did not.

The Associated Press focused heavily on Rutte’s e orts to atter and reassure Trump because he threatened to reduce America’s military commitment to Europe. Reuters likewise described Rutte as using “ attery” to ease tensions over Iran and NATO. Those were legitimate news angles. But where was the comparable emphasis on Rutte’s nuclear assessment?

CBS reported on how Rutte praised Trump for setting back Iran’s nuclear capabilities but did not highlight Rutte’s far more consequential assessment that Iran was “basically getting its hands on” that capability. Similarly, a review of coverage by NBC, ABC, NPR, PBS, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times found no prominent treatment of Rutte’s explicit agreement with Trump on Iran’s nuclear proximity.

Suppose Rutte said Iran was nowhere close to obtaining nuclear capability, that Trump exaggerated the threat and that the war was unnecessary. It would have led broadcasts and been cited as independent proof that Trump misled the country.

Imagine the headlines: “NATO Head Disputes Trump’s Claim on Iran’s Proximity to Acquiring a Nuclear Weapon”; “NATO Secretary General Undercuts Trump’s Rationale for the Iran War”; or “NATO Leader Sides With Americans Who Question the Iran War.”

Instead, Rutte’s assessment was overshadowed by stories about Trump’s grievances with NATO and Rutte’s conspicuous praise of the president. Was Rutte attering Trump? Quite possibly. After all, Trump angrily criticized European allies for failing to join the military operation against Iran and raised the possibility of pulling American troops out of Europe.

But that does not render Rutte’s nuclear assessment unimportant.

Whatever many in the media think about Trump’s veracity, Rutte’s comment is most certainly newsworthy and merited far more attention. Skeptical journalists could have quoted Rutte, o ered evidence against his assessment and questioned whether he was merely currying favor.

What they should not have done was treat the statement as though it barely mattered. And, days later, after Iran violated the cease re memorandum, Rutte again backed Trump by calling the renewed U.S. strikes “absolutely necessary.”

The war has damaged Trump’s approval ratings. It has become increasingly likely that this con ict may drag on for some time, drive gas prices higher and risk more military casualties. The question remains: Is this a war worth ghting?

Iran has shown time and again it is willing to kill its own people and allow them to su er to allow its regime to remain in power. What would this regime do with nuclear weapons? Again, as to Iran’s proximity to obtaining this nuclear capability, the NATO secretary general agrees with Trump.

The public deserves to know about it.

obituaries

Duane Ward, former Blue Jays pitcher and World Series champion, dead at 62

Ward holds the franchise record with 121 career saves

By Ian Harrison The Associated Press

TORONTO — Duane

Ward, a two-time World Series champion and one of the most accomplished relievers in Toronto Blue Jays history, has died of natural causes, the team announced Sunday. He was 62.

The team said Ward arrived in Toronto last Friday with several former teammates from the 1992 and 1993 championship teams but was absent from Saturday’s pregame ceremony celebrating those victories with a statue unveiling.

More than two dozen players, coaches and executives from those teams took part in the event inside and outside the Rogers Centre.

“Duane will always be a cherished part of the Blue Jays

family, and we will be forever grateful for his contributions to our organization and to baseball in Canada,” the team said in a statement.

Before their game Sunday against the Chicago White Sox, the Blue Jays paid tribute to Ward with a scoreboard montage and a brief moment of silence.

They declined further comment on the circumstances of Ward’s death.

Ward appeared in 452 games for Toronto between 1986 and 1995. His 121 career saves are the most in franchise history.

Ward earned his lone All- Star appearance in 1993, going on to lead the American League with 45 saves. That total remains the Blue Jays’ single-season record.

Ward was the winning pitcher in the Game 6 of the 1993 World Series against Philadelphia, which was decided by Joe Carter’s series-winning home run.

Kaylee Hottle, deaf ‘Godzilla’ actor, killed in car crash at 18

Her father publicly forgave the 19-year-old driver involved in the fatal crash

By Rebecca Boone and Larry Lage

The Associated Press

KAYLEE HOTTLE, a deaf actor best known for her starring role in two “Godzilla” lms, died in a car crash in Maryland early Tuesday morning, the Frederick County Sheri ’s Ofce said. She was 18.

Hottle was one of two passengers in the car when it went o the road and hit a culvert in Ijamsville before 3 a.m. The driver was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the other passenger declined medical treatment, according to a news release from the sheri ’s o ce. Excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, which is under investigation, the sheri ’s o ce said.

Hottle was a native signer of American Sign Language, and her family members are also deaf. Her parents, Joshua and Ketsi Hottle, shared emotional video statements about her death on social media sites.

“Kaylee’s mom and four siblings are crushed,” her father said in ASL in a post from an airport. “They are together at home, grieving. I am on my way to Maryland to bring Kaylee’s body back home.”

Hottle’s heart stopped before she arrived at a hospital, transported by air from the scene of the accident, her father said. “Very grateful for the 18 years we had together — and wish we had more,” he said.

Joshua Hottle also reached out to the driver, described by the sheri ’s o ce as a 19-year-old Frederick man.

“I have forgiven you,” her fa-

ther said. “Don’t let this incident ruin the rest of your life.”

“I still feel Kaylee is with us,” her mother said in ASL in a post.

In “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” Hottle played an orphaned girl named Jia who sees beyond Kong’s threatening appearance and forms a special bond with the monster, communicating with him using sign language.

“I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee,” her “Godzilla” co-star Millie Bobby Brown posted on Instagram.

Co-star Alexander Skarsgård, who learned ASL to communicate with Hottle, told the pop culture website Junkee in 2021 that he and others were impressed by the young ingenue’s professionalism and her ability to quickly incorporate the director’s notes into her acting.

In a 2024 interview with The Associated Press, Hottle said through an interpreter that she hadn’t watched monster movies before she was cast in “Godzil-

la,” so her father helped her understand the genre.

“I look up to a lot of people, but the one person I look up to, the few people I look up to mostly, are my parents and my sisters,” Hottle said.

Hottle said that when she was working on the rst lm, she was a bit concerned about whether she would be able to return to her “normal life,” afterward.

“People do recognize me at school, yes, but it’s not as bad as I thought it would be,” Hottle said.

Hottle previously appeared in a 2021 television episode of “Magnum P.I.” She was listed as appearing in the upcoming lm “What Doesn’t Kill Us.”

“I’m so heartbroken. My heart goes out to her family during this unimaginable time,” Alaqua Cox, her co-star in that lm and fellow deaf actor, wrote on Instagram.

Other prominent deaf actors also shared messages of grief online.

“I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity,” Oscar winner Marlee Matlin wrote on Instagram.

Fellow Oscar winner Troy Kotsur, who starred in the lm “Coda,” wrote that Hottle’s death made him think of his own daughter, and reminded him not to take time for granted.

“I have no words to express on what happened this morning,” Kotsur wrote, o ering his “deepest condolences” to the Hottle family.

O cials with Texas School for the Deaf in Austin also announced Hottle’s death on Facebook, writing that counseling and support services would be available to her classmates and friends.

Celebrate the life of your loved

JON BLACKER / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

Players and coaches of the Toronto Blue Jays recognize a moment of silence on the announcement of the death of former Blue Jays pitcher Duane Ward prior to the start of their game against the Chicago White Sox in in Toronto on Sunday.

RICHARD SHOTWELL / AP PHOTO

Kaylee Hottle appears at the premiere of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” in Los Angeles on March 25, 2024.

WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT VIA AP

Kaylee Hottle, pictured in a scene from “Godzilla vs. Kong,” died in a car accident on Tuesday in Maryland.

Tates ght extradition to UK where brothers face rape, sex tra cking charges

The new allegations involve four victims spanning 2010 to 2017

By David Fischer The Associated Press

MIAMI — Social media in-

uencers Andrew and Tristan Tate will ght extradition to the United Kingdom where the brothers are accused of rape and sex tra cking, their lawyer said Monday, suggesting their arrest in Miami was politically motivated.

The Tates appeared in federal court Monday for the rst time since their arrest on Saturday and are being held in federal detention. In the coming weeks, a U.S. district judge will consider whether they meet the conditions for extradition. U.S. Magistrate Lauren Louis set another hearing for Monday.

The brothers, normally photographed in tailored suits and tted shirts, wore tan jail uniforms and handcu s during the brief hearing.

An attorney for the brothers, Joseph McBride, insisted they should remain in the U.S.

“We are of course objecting to extradition because Andrew and Tristan are innocent, McBride said after the heading. “They’ve never done nothing wrong. They shouldn’t be ex-

tradited for crimes they did not commit.”

The brothers were surprised when they were arrested, McBride said, adding that the attempt to have them extradited was politically motivated.

“There’s no question about it,” he told reporters.

He suggested the Tates case

“had a lot to do with” former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to step down and said it was no coincidence that the brothers were arrested after meeting “friends in Washington, D.C.”

“We went to see our Congress people in D.C., and now we’re getting arrested. This

feels political,” McBride said.

On Sunday, McBride said he was con dent the extradition request would be denied.

Prosecutors in Britain said the new charges relate to four new victims and were brought after authorities received evidence from Bedfordshire Police in southeastern England.

SOLIDER from page A1

“I will never recover from this,” his wife, Mia Gonzalez-Swinton, posted Monday on Facebook. “We had so many plans for when you got back, I’m sick to my stomach.” She said she was noti ed Sunday that he had been killed.

Two U.S. Army soldiers were also killed in Jordan last week while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. They were the rst U.S. troop deaths from direct Iranian re since the opening days of the war.

Swinton’s wife and kids were the center of his world, his mother, Christel Swinton Andujar, told The Associated Press.

“His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the laughter he shared, the strength he gave others, and the unconditional love he poured into his family,” she said via text message. “He will forever be missed, forever honored, and forever our hero.”

Swinton enlisted in the Army in 2017 and was assigned to the 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, out of Fort Bragg.

He lived in Spring Lake, a popular o -base location for Fort Bragg families, according to public records. The military gave his hometown as nearby Fayetteville.

“Sgt. Swinton was an experienced noncommissioned ocer who took great pride in his work and the people around him,” said Brig. Gen. John L. Dawber, commanding general of the Army Air and Missile Defense Command. “He answered the call to duty with courage, honor, and sel ess dedication.”

Renewed ghting between the U.S. and Iran is ongoing, with both sides launching barrages of strikes. Iran has attacked U.S. allies in the region, and American soldiers are stationed across the Middle East.

The allegations, spanning 2010 to 2017, include rape, assault, tra cking and o enses relating to “indecent images of a child and extreme pornography.”

The brothers are already charged with rape, bodily harm, human tra cking and controlling prostitution for gain relating to three other alleged victims in the U.K. between 2012 and 2015.

Their lawyer said in a statement Saturday that he believed the arrests were “greenlighted by a low-level functionary” at the Justice Department without input from leadership.

But the Justice Department told The Associated Press that the arrests were approved by leadership of its Criminal Division.

The new allegations are the latest in a long-running international legal saga involving the Tates that has spanned the U.S., Britain and Romania. The brothers have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Their social media empire promoting wealth, male dominance and misogyny has made them among the world’s most polarizing internet personalities.

The dual U.S. and British citizens moved to Romania in 2016. They were arrested there in 2022, accused of participating in schemes to lure women for sexual exploitation. They denied those allegations, and the Romanian case hasn’t gone forward because of legal and procedural problems.

Last year, they were allowed to leave Romania and ew to Florida.

The Defense Department identi ed the soldiers killed in Jordan as 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas. They were also with Army Air and Missile Defense Command units.

A third service member was reported missing after the attack. U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said “unidenti ed remains” have been found and were being examined.

Iranian authorities say U.S. strikes in just the past three weeks have killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 500 others.

Both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure relied on by millions of people. Workers on ships, as well as foreign workers and others in Gulf nations, Israel and Lebanon have also died in the con ict.

The U.S. State Department said in a new warning to Americans that “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has said the war is necessary to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Trump, a Republican, now faces political pressure to bring the war to a close and avoid the kind of prolonged Middle East con ict he had campaigned against. The escalation has pushed oil prices higher in recent weeks.

Swinton Andujar said her son was the kind of person who could light up a room with his humor and contagious laugh.

“Michael had a remarkable ability to excel at whatever he set his mind to,” she said. “He knew when it was time to laugh and when it was time to be serious. Whether serving his country, supporting his family, or helping a friend, he gave his whole heart and expected nothing in return.”

JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON / AP PHOTO

Fayetteville native Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton was killed Sunday in Iraq.

JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON, POOL / AP PHOTO

Andrew Tate, right, and his brother Tristan arrive at an event April 11 in Miami.

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Co-Executors of the Will of Jacqueleene Bowen Dobbins, a/k/a Jacqueleene B. Dobbins, Jacqueleene Dobbins, and Jackie Dobbins, late of Chapel Hill, Chatham County, North Carolina, the undersigned do hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate of said decedent to exhibit them to the undersigned at One West Fourth Street, Suite 1200, WinstonSalem, NC 27101, on or before the 23rd day of October, 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.

This the 23rd day of July, 2026.

JAMES TALMAGE DOBBINS, III, and STEVEN EARL DOBBINS, CO-

EXECUTORS OF THE WILL OF JACQUELEENE BOWEN DOBBINS Kimberly H. Stogner Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP One West Fourth Street – 12th Floor Winston-Salem, NC 27101 July 23rd, 30th, August 6th and 13th, 2026

NOTICE

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 NORTH CAROLINA FILE NO: 26E000346-180 CHATHAM COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK ESTATE OF DONETTA JANE DELISLE

EXECUTORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS THE UNDERSIGNED having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Donetta Jane Delisle, Deceased, in the O ce of the Clerk of Superior Court of Chatham County, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the said Decedent to present the same to the undersigned on or before October 16, 2026, said date being at least three months from the date of the rst publication or posting of this Notice as indicated below, or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons indebted to said Estate, please make immediate payment. This Notice is given pursuant to the provisions of G.S. 28A-14-1.

This 7th day of July, 2026. Name and Address of Executor Brian Gordon 1460 Brentwood Way Earlysville MD 22936 Name and Address of Attorney: Steven Lundberg 1155 Kildaire Farm Rd, Ste. 204 Cary, NC 27511

Date of Publication: July 16, 23, 30, and August 6, 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

Notice to Creditors

ALL PERSONS, rms and corporations having claims against Robert Aloysius Messemer Jr., deceased, of Chatham County, NC, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before October 9th, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 9th day of July, 2026. Lyn Messemer, Executor, c/o Bagwell Holt Smith P.A., 111 Cloister Court, STE 200, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The undersigned, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of William Norman Sharpe, Jr., Deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the estate to exhibit them to the undersigned at the o ces of Tillman, Whichard & Cagle, PLLC, 501 Eastowne Drive, Suite 130, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, on or before the 9th 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 9th day of July, 2026. SARAH ELIZABETH TILLMAN, EXECUTOR ESTATE OF WILLIAM NORMAN SHARPE, JR.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Silk Hope Volunteer Fire Department will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at: Silk Hope Volunteer Fire Department 8110 Silk Hope-Gum Springs Road Siler City, NC 27344 The public is invited to attend.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

26E000323-180 ALL persons having claims against MARGARET HELEN PEARSON, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Oct 09 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 9th day of July, 2026.

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

JOSHUA S. BARTON, Attorney LOCKAMY LAW FIRM, P.A. 3130 Hope Valley Road Durham, North Carolina 27707

NOTICE

Estate of Dwane Edward Porter AKA Dwane E. Porter, Chatham County Estate File No. 26E000401-180:

All persons, rms and corporations having claims against Dwane Edward Porter AKA Dwane E. Porter, deceased, of Travis County, TX. with an estate in Chatham County, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before October 16, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 16th of July, 2026. Rebecca Marie King, Ancillary Executor C/O Elizabeth Boyette, Boyette Law, PLLC 4509 Creedmoor Road Suite 201 Raleigh, NC 27612

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Celine Danielle Levine Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Celine Danielle Levine, late of Chatham 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 5842 Fayetteville Road, Suite 113, Durham, NC 27713, on or before the 24th day of October, 2026 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, rms, corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This is the 17th day of July, 2026 Shani Levine Cohen, Executor of the Estate of Celine Danielle Levine Dori J. Dixon Southpoint Estate Planning Attorney for the Estate 5842 Fayetteville Road, Suite 113 Durham, North Carolina, 27713 FOR PUBLICATION: 07/23/2026, 07/30/26, 08/06/26, 08/13/26

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

26E000285-180 ALL persons having claims against STEPHEN RAY THOMAS, deceased, late of Chatham County, North Carolina, are noti ed to exhibit the same to the undersigned on or before Oct 16 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Debtors of the decedent are asked to make immediate payment. This the 16th day of July, 2026. LAURA THOMAS LUTTERLOH, CoExecutor THOMAS E LAYTON, Co-Executor C/O LAYTON & CARRAWAY, PA 680 Lutterloh Road Pittsboro, NC 27312 J16, 23, 30 and 6

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000410-180 The undersigned, TERRI TALBOTT GUNTER, having quali ed on the 7TH Day of JULY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of CAROLYN MCDUFFIE TALBOTT, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD Day of October 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 23RD Day of July 2026. TERRI TALBOTT GUNTER, EXECUTOR 179 ASHBURY CHURCH RD. SANFORD, NC 27330 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000294-180 The undersigned, SHEREESE R. MYERS, having quali ed on the 19TH Day of MAY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of CLARISSA T. NEAL, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD Day of October 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 23RD Day of July 2026. SHEREESE R. MYERS, ADMINISTRATOR 2012 RAJ DR. DURHAM, NC 27703 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000418-180 The undersigned, EMEILIA WICKER ELLIS, having quali ed on the 14TH Day of July 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of DANA L. WICKER, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD Day of October 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 23RD Day of July 2026. EMEILIA WICKER ELLIS, ADMINISTRATOR 7695 SILER CITY SNOW CAMP RD SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000409-180 The undersigned, JILL POPE CAGLE, having quali ed on the 7TH Day of JULY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of DORIS POPE TANT, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD Day of October 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 23RD Day of July 2026. JILL POPE CAGLE, EXECUTOR 145 CEDAR RUN PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000421-180 The undersigned, CAROL A. CHESLAK, having quali ed on the 14TH Day of JULY 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of EDWARD ALAN BARNES, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD Day of October 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 23RD Day of July 2026. CAROL A. CHESLAK, EXECUTOR 2326 VALENCIA TERR CHARLOTTE, NC 28226 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000412-180 The undersigned Audrey Diane May Braswell, having quali ed on the 9th Day of July 2026 as Executor of the Estate of John H. May, 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 16TH 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 16TH Day of July 2026. AUDREY DIANE MAY BRASWELL 1837 MONCURE PITTSBORO RD. MONCURE, NC 27559 Run dates: Jy16,23,30,A6p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000390-180 The undersigned Antoinette DiBenedetto having quali ed on the 30th Day of June 2026 as Executor of the Estate of Libby Ann Capaldi 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 16th 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 16th Day of July 2026. ANTOINETTE DIBENEDETTO, EXECUTOR 517 OAKWOOD AVE. RALEIGH, NC 27601 Run dates: Jy16,23,30,A6p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000414-180 The undersigned MARY COX, having quali ed on the 13TH Day of July 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of SUSAN FRANCES REA, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD Day of October 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 23RD Day of July 2026. MARY COX, EXECUTOR 84 LITTLE CREEK LANE SILER CITY, NC

27344 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000424-180 The undersigned, WALTER CALVIN WRENN, having quali ed on the 16TH Day of JULY 2026 as ADMINISTRATOR of the Estate of TABITHA H. WRENN, deceased, of Chatham County, North Carolina, does hereby notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against said Estate to exhibit them on or before the 23RD Day of October 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This, the 23RD Day of July 2026. WALTER CALVIN WRENN, ADMINISTRATOR 1183 EDDIE PERRY ROAD

PITTSBORO, NC

27312 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000174-180

The undersigned Victoria Wyatt Partin, having quali ed on the 2nd Day of July 2026 as Administrator of the Estate of Kathleen V.Wyatt, 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 16TH 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 16TH Day of July 2026. Victoria Wyatt Partin, Administrator 520 Rocky Hills Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312 Run dates: Jy16,23,30,A6p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000381-180

The undersigned ROSS D. THRAILKILL, having quali ed on the 1ST Day of July 2026 as EXECUTOR of the Estate of WILLIAM BENTON THRAILKILL, 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 16TH 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 16TH Day of July 2026. ROSS D. THRAILKILL, EXECUTOR 220 THRAILKILL LANE PITTSBORO, NC 27312 Run dates: Jy16,23,30,A6p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY FILE#26E000411-180

The undersigned Gwendolyn Jones York having quali ed on the 8th Day of July 2026 as Executor of the Estate of William Mike York, 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 16TH 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 16TH Day of July 2026.

GWENDOLYN JONES YORK, EXECUTOR 41 OAKMONT LANE SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: Jy16,23,30,A6p NOTICE

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#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#26E000404-180

The undersigned TARA GAINES BURNS AND BEN PHILIP GAINES, JR., having quali ed on the 7TH Day of JULY 2026 as Co-Executors of the Estate of BEN PHILIP GAINES, SR., 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 16TH 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 16TH DAY OF JULY 2026. TARA GAINES BURNS, CO-EXECUTOR 4456 THOMPSON MILL RD. GRAHAM, NC 27253

MAIL TO: BEN PHILIP GAINES, JR., CO-EXECUTOR PO BOX 56 GOLDSTON, NC 27252 Run dates: Jy16,23,30,A6p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY

FILE#26E000380-180

The undersigned ROBERT LYNN HARGROVE, having quali ed on the 26TH Day of JUNE 2026 as Executor of the Estate of PEARL FAYE HARGROVE, 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 9TH 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 9TH DAY OF JULY 2026. ROBERT LYNN HARGROVE, EXECUTOR 906 N. GARDEN AVE. SILER CITY, NC 27344 Run dates: Jy9,16,23,30p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

26E000374-180 NORTH CAROLINA CHATHAM COUNTY The undersigned, Oceanna Sha er, having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Michael Hunter Sha er, deceased, late of Chatham County, this is to notify all persons having claims against said estate to present them to the undersigned on or before the day of October 7, 2026 or this notice will

NOTICE

JESSE SEAGROVES, EXECUTOR 3800 MCLAURIN ROAD BEAR CREEK, NC 27207 Run dates: Jy23,30,A6,13p

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Mae Geraldine Stats, 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 23rd day of October, 2026, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the estate will please make immediate payment. This 23rd day of July, 2026. CHRISTOPHER K. SMITH, ADMINISTRATOR ESTATE OF MAE GERALDINE STATS Public Notice

North Carolina Environmental Management Commission/NPDES Unit 1617 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Notice of Intent to Issue an NPDES Wastewater Permit NC0039471 Bennett Elementary School WWTP The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission proposes to issue a NPDES wastewater discharge permit to the person(s) listed below. Written comments regarding the proposed

Granddaughter’s code word o ers lesson in ego, age, empathy

Stand tall above “tall poppy syndrome”

By Erika Ho man For Chatham News & Record

WHEN YOU VISIT Europe, millions of scarlet poppies greet you, especially in Provence, France. They bend in the wind, droop with the rain and sway continually as though greeting you with a wave of their petals. Impressionist artists of the late 19th century featured these beauties in their landscape paintings. Think Van Gogh.

I’ve always enjoyed the popping prettiness of red poppies. Also, when I hear the word “poppies,” I recall a poem by John McCrae, a Canadian physician, who penned “In Flanders Fields” after witnessing the devastation caused by artillery during trench warfare in World War I. Dormant poppy seeds sprouted in the roughed-up land where missiles and men

“In Flanders elds the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row.”

John McCrae

had fallen. Though the famous poem evokes sadness, it is about rebirth, too. Until recently, I’d never heard of the “tall poppy syndrome.” Now, knowing the meaning of this idiom, I think I’ll use it more. It will be a clandestine method of denoting what I perceive as arrogant, egocentric behavior or, worse, narcissism. I guess this expression, referring to someone who thinks himself better than ordinary poppies (people), is a clever way of pointing out nonempathetic behavior without directly saying, “Watch out for that jerk.” Instead, say, “Over there’s a tall poppy.” Perchance, the narcissist overhears you. Of course, he’ll surmise you

are complimenting his height.

(LOL) I never thought about “code words” much until recently, when taking care of my 5½-year-old granddaughter for a week. Last Thursday, we entered the parking lot of Harris Teeter, a grocery store that awards a senior discount every Thursday. An elderly couple, gazing down at their next steps, crossed in front of my car. I braked fast.

Heidi said to me, “Jeezh! Those grasshoppers didn’t look both ways.”

“What?” I asked my granddaughter.

“The grasshoppers!” she said, pointing at the twosome crossing the street slowly.

“The older people?”

“My mom says not to call people ‘old.’ Just call them ‘grasshoppers,’” said my serious granddaughter, who looked surprised I didn’t know this rule.

I laughed. “I’ll have to remember that,” I replied. “And Heidi, when we enter this grocery store, you must stay by my side or hold my hand at all times. Understand? No running about. Especially no darting around the produce.”

“Why, Ama?”

“Too many grasshoppers on the loose!”

opened Tuesday for the special Republican primary, which will be Aug. 11. On Friday, President Donald Trump said that Darline Graham had his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to seek the nomination, adding, “RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”

Last week, Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to serve the remainder of her brother’s term. In his announcement, McMaster made no reference to Darline Graham as a placeholder or symbolic appointment, although a person familiar with McMaster’s thinking but unautho -

rized to speak publicly said the governor, in selecting Darline Graham, had never contemplated that she would run for the seat herself.

Before the emergence of Darline Graham — and their Oval O ce meeting after she was sworn in — Trump had previously suggested he could back a potential candidacy from Rep. Russell Fry, who said Monday he would o cially enter the special primary. Several other noteworthy politicians, including Rep. Ralph Norman, have already gotten in, and others like Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette have been eyeing a run. Rep. Nancy Mace announced Monday

she would not enter the contest.

Darline Graham told Hannity she had been “praying a lot” about how to navigate her new role.

“It is a tremendous amount of pressure,” she said.

“I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey,” Darline Graham said. “I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be dicult? Yes.”

Funeral services for Lindsey Graham are scheduled to be held next week in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina. A preliminary report from the medical examiner said he suffered a tear in his aorta.

The millions in Lindsey Gra-

ham’s campaign account aren’t funds that Darline Graham could directly access in a run of her own, according to Bradley A. Smith, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission.

Under federal rules, Lindsey Graham’s campaign would be limited to transferring just $2,000 to a potential Darline Graham candidacy. However, Smith said there is no limit on how much it could transfer to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which could — thanks to a Supreme Court decision last month — “spend an unlimited amount in coordination with Darline’s campaign.”

ERIKA HOFFMAN FOR CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Red poppies bloom in Chatham County.

GRAHAM from page A1

SEAN RAYFORD / AP PHOTO

Darline Graham speaks to the press after being appointed to ll the vacancy created by the death of her brother, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R- S.C.).

CHATHAM SPORTS

Lin wins U.S. Girls’ Juniors in Durham

The Canadian topped Wake Forest recruit Amelie Zalsman to win

Chatham News & Record sta

DURHAM — Clairey Lin of Canada won the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, beating Amelie Zalsman of St. Petersburg, Florida, 5 and 4 in the 36-hole nal at Durham’s Old Chatham Golf Club.

The 16-year-old Lin, the stroke-play medalist, is the second straight Canadian winner.

Aphrodite Deng won last year in Georgia.

“I’ve always wanted to be on the big stage and inspire some people and work hard and see it pay o ,” Lin said. “To be able to do that today is amazing.”

The 17-year-old Zalsman is set to play for Wake Forest in 2027.

“I’ve played so much golf the past two weeks,” Zalsman said. “I’m just really proud of myself for making it this far and my body, honestly, just sticking with me.”

Deng skipped her title defense to play in the Evian Championship last week in France.

“I’ve always wanted to be on the big stage and inspire some people and work hard and see it pay o .”

Clairey Lin

The event combined two days of stroke play to determine the eld of 64 for elimination match play, which occupied the rest of the week. Lin shot a 66 on Monday and

Pittsboro native chosen in MLB Draft

Brandon Crabtree was an All-American at Catawba

Chatham News & Record sta

PITTSBORO native Brandon Crabtree was selected in the 2026 MLB Draft in Philadelphia earlier this month. Crabtree, who played in high school for Grace Christian in Raleigh, was an All-American at Catawba last season, hitting .413 with 24 doubles, 18 home runs and 73 RBIs. He

played rst base for the Indians. He’s the rst Catawba player drafted since 2019 and the rst position player from the school since 2017.

Crabtree was drafted by the Texas Rangers with the 14th pick of round 16, No. 477 overall. He’s the earliest Catawba player selected since 2015 and the highest for a position player from the school since 2008.

Crabtree was named the 2026 South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year last

season as well as a Division II rst-team All-American. He led Catawba to the national semi nals of the NCAA Division II College World Series. The selection marks a high point for what has been a well-traveled college career for Crabtree, who was one of the state’s top baseball recruits in the class of 2023. He ranked as high as No. 37 on some evaluations and was committed to play at NC State. He was sidelined with injuries for a year, however, and transferred to Gaston College for his freshman year. He hit .331 with .962 OPS that year and .397, 1.158 as a sophomore. He then transferred to Catawba where, in addition to his other honors, he

See CRABTREE, page B3

65 on Tuesday to win the medal as the top scorer in stroke play. She missed the 21-year-old tournament record low score by one stroke. Zalsman nished in a tie for seventh after stroke play, shooting 67-72 to nish eight shots back.

Southern Pines’ Maria Isabella Errichetto shot 73-68 to qualify for match play in a tie for 17th.

Pikeville’s Ella June Hannant was part of the tie at 17th after shooting 69-72.

Wake Forest signee Vidhi Lakhawala tied for 28th at 72-70. Raleigh’s Jenna Kim shot

72-74 to qualify for match play, making the cut with one stroke to spare. Cary’s Victoria Davis missed the cut by one shot, shooting 70 -78. Pinehurst’s Riley Grimm shot 73-77 to miss. Among other future players at North Carolina colleges to miss the cut, UNC Wilmington signee Kanchana Duangsam Rudd shot 74 -78. Campbell’s Miah Rivas shot 75-76. Gardner-Webb recruit Ellie Benson shot 78-77. App State’s Addison Douglass shot 80 -87.

Chatham County’s season ended with a Tuesday doubleheader

Chatham News & Record sta THE CHATHAM County Yardbirds closed their regular season with a doubleheader on Tuesday, after press time.

Heading into that nal night, the Birds had continued to turn around a slow start, playing .500 ball over their previous six games. Chatham split a wild doubleheader against the Sanford Spinners that saw 53 runners cross the plate. Chatham won

See GOLF, page B2 See YARDBIRDS, page B3

LOGAN WHITTON / USGA

Clairey Lin poses with the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championships trophy.

COURTESY CATAWBA ATHLETICS

Pittsboro’s Brandon Crabtree starred at Catawba before getting drafted by the Texas Rangers earlier this month.

WARD-BROWN / CHATHAM NEWS & RECORD

Landon Parker, of Burlington, had a two-homer game during a week that was full of o ense for the Yardbirds and their opponents.

Simon Schreiber

Simon Schreiber is a Chapel Hill native and will play baseball for USC Sumter next season. He’s currently an out elder for the Chatham County Yardbirds in the Old North State League summer collegiate wood bat season.

As the season hits the home stretch, Schreiber is red hot. He went 6 for 9 with three doubles in a doubleheader against Sanford. He then walked and drove in a run against Wake Forest, followed by two runs and a stolen base in a 1-for-3 day against Danville. He wrapped up the week by going 2 for 2 with a double, run scored and RBI against Clayton.

GOLF from page B1

Hannant won her opening match over Savera Sandhu, who conceded due to illness. Hannant was leading the match at the time. She then topped Keya Naik, 4 and 3, to move to the round of 16. It took 22 holes for her to top Japan’s Anna Iwanga to move to the quarter nals, where Anna Bell eliminated her, 2 and 1. Errichetto beat Korea’s Yisoo Min 4 and 3 to advance in the rst round and topped Puerto Rico’s So a Rivera 4 and 2 to make the nal 16. Her run then ended, 4 and 3, to Bell. Lakhawala lost to Canada’s Shauna Liu in the round of 64, 2 and 1. Kim fell to Jude Lee in the rst round, 3 and 2.

Fox makes birdie on nal hole to claim British Open title

The 39-year-old wins his rst major

By Doug Ferguson The Associated Press

SOUTHPORT, England —

The hard work for Ryan Fox was just getting to the 18th hole in the British Open with a share of the lead. Still to come was the toughest hole at Royal Birkdale, which had yielded only four birdies to the 76 players who had already come through Sunday.

For a 39 -year-old from New Zealand, the son of an All Blacks rugby star who once only dreamed of having a card on any tour, this was no time to back down.

“I did say to my caddie Dean (Smith) that we were going to take it on, that I was going to try to win the tournament, and I’d live with the consequences if I stu ed it up,” Fox said.

It turned out to be the stu of major champions.

The drive was powerful and pure. The 9 -iron from 175 yards looked good in the air and even better on the ground when it settled 12 feet below the hole. The birdie putt was the biggest of his life.

Fox closed with four birdies over his last six holes — and one bogey that felt equally important — for a 2-under 68 and a one-shot victory over hard-luck Cameron Young for his rst major title.

“I was going to try to win the tournament, and I’d live with the consequences if I stu ed it up.”

Ryan Fox

This was pure theater to cap o a week of so much drama — three record-tying rounds of 62, Bryson DeChambeau’s animated protest over a two -shot penalty, Tommy Fleetwood thrilling and teasing his hometown crowd to massive ovations on every hole.

Four players had a share of the lead at some point in thenal round. Young was atop the leaderboard for two hours without hitting a shot anywhere but the range because he nished his astonishing 6 -under 64 as the last few groups were on the front nine.

Young was on the range when he heard the massive roar and knew it was over. He bowed his head, lifted his driver and tapped the ground before packing up when Fox made his nal birdie.

“Everyone practices on the green — you’ve got a putt to win a major championship, to win The Open. It’s not like that in real life. It’s not a very comfortable feeling,” Fox said. “It’s certainly very

enjoyable when you see it go in.”

He thrust those powerful arms into the air and on the phone with his family moments later. He was heard telling them, “You asked me to bring a trophy home, and I am, aren’t I?”

Sam Burns, the 54 -hole leader, lost a two -shot lead and didn’t make birdie over the last 12 holes to nish two shots behind.

Defending champion Scottie Sche er somehow managed to stick around until the end. He closed with a 67 and shared fourth with Fleetwood.

Fox won for the 10th time worldwide. He is the oldest rst-time major champion since Henrik Stenson was 40 at Royal Troon 10 years ago. Fox nished at 10 -under 270.

“I’m not quite sure how I hit that putt on 18. Look, it is a dream come true,” Fox said. “Looking at that trophy now, it’s the rst time I’ve seen it up close. So it’s pretty amazing.”

Fox was a late bloomer, a European tour rookie at age 30 and a PGA Tour rookie when he was 37. His goal when he started was to have a tour card. Now he’s a major champion.

“I said to my team last night at dinner, if you’d have given me my career up until yesterday when I turned pro, I’d have jumped at that,” Fox said, speaking with the claret jug at his side. “I don’t know what to think now.”

SIMON_SCHREIBER711 / INSTAGRAM

DAVID GOLDMAN / AP PHOTO

Ryan Fox of New Zealand poses with the Claret Jug trophy after winning the British Open.

How Italian sculptor created World Cup trophy that became iconic soccer prize

This year’s cup was the 14th to use the current design

By Niccolò Lupone

The Associated Press

MILAN — The Italian sculptor who designed the FIFA World Cup trophy wanted to capture three sporting emotions in a single spiraling form: the athlete’s struggle, the fan’s jubilation and the moment of victory.

On Sunday, Spain lifted the trophy after the 2026 World Cup nal.

Here’s what to know about the most coveted prize in soccer. World Cup trophy designed in Milan

Silvio Gazzaniga designed the trophy in his studio in Milan’s Brera neighborhood after FIFA issued an open competition for a new design when Brazil took permanent possession of the original trophy by winning its third World Cup in 1970.

The design, now familiar to generations of World Cup fans, features two gures swirling up toward an orb representing the Earth.

“When he started to design the cup, he was sketching a huge number of drawings and nally started to develop the idea to have the world and this symbol that it is like a two DNA spirals, that are moving up,” said Giorgio Gazzaniga, the designer’s son who was a teenager at the time.

The elder Gazzaniga, a sculptor and trophy designer who died in 2016, worked for G.D.E. Bertoni Srl and created some of the most prestigious trophies in the world, including the UEFA Cup and European Super- Cup.

Previous trophy stolen, never recovered

The rst World Cup Trophy,

CRABTREE from page B1

was rst-team all- defense at rst base.

At Grace Christian, he helped lead the Crusaders to the 1A N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association state title in 2022, and the championship game in 2021 and 2023. He hit .613 with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs as a senior and was named rst-team all-state.

introduced for the inaugural tournament in in 1930, depicted the Greek goddess Nike and was known as the Jules Rimet Trophy, for the tournament’s founder. FIFA commissioned a replacement after Brazil earned permanent possession of the original after becoming the rst nation to win three World Cups.

The Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen twice — rst in 1966 while on public display in England, before being recovered by a dog named Pickles beneath a hedge in south London, according to FIFA. It was stolen again from the Brazilian Football Confederation headquarters in 1983 after Brazil had taken permanent possession. It has never been re-

YARDBIRDS from page B1

the opener by a 20 -17 score then fell 11-5 in the nightcap.

Cary’s Gabriel Ferrell drove in four runs and scored four, Durham’s Andrew Riedel plated three in a ve-hit night, and Greensboro’s Nick Papciak went deep in the win.

The Yardbirds stayed hot at the plate and got back on the winning side of the ledger with a 6 -1 win over Sanford in

covered and is widely believed to have been melted down.

More than 50 proposals were submitted, but only Gazzaniga presented a full model — which permitted the jury to appreciate both the form and the story it conveyed, his son said.

“There is the world, which stands above all else, there is the athlete’s exertion, there is the athlete’s movement within the metal, and the athlete’s body is rough, rugged, for it has su ered, had to ght, and struggled for victory,’’ the younger Gazzaniga said.

“That victory is expressed through arms that resemble the wings of Victory, capturing not only the athlete’s triumph but

the third game of their series.

The opponent changed but runs continued to cross the plate as Chatham fell to the Wake Forest Fungo 13-3.

Durham’s Jack Bolte went 3 for 3 in the loss, scoring two of the team’s three runs.

Chatham then exploded against the Danville Dairy Daddies, winning 16 -7. Danville, in the midst of a double- digit losing streak that put them behind the Yard-

also the jubilation of the fan,” he said.

Gazzaniga’s family has preserved his o ce at a new location on the outskirts of Milan, including drawings, the original prototype submitted to FIFA and a wax cast.

The o cial World Cup trophy hoisted by the winning captain at the end of the nal is 14 inches tall cast in 18- carat gold, sitting on a base featuring two rings of green malachite, symbolizing the playing elds.

After the tournament, the original trophy goes back to FIFA, which keeps it at its Swiss headquarters between World Cups. The winning team brings home a gold-plated replica.

birds in the standings, served up a half-dozen home runs to the Birds. Chatham Charter’s Aidan Allred went deep in a 1-for-3 day. Ferrell homered and drove in two. Burlington’s Landon Parker went yard twice, driving in four. Papciak and Riedel rounded out the longball parade. The week closed with another slugfest as the Clayton Clovers got the better of Chatham, 14 -2.

FIFA no longer lets threetime winners keep the original.

This is the 14th World Cup to use Gazzaniga’s design, and FIFA has decided to keep the trophy in use at least through the 2038 tournament, according to Gazzaniga’s website.

The younger Gazzaniga still vividly remembers watching the 1974 World Cup nal at home with his family as West Germany faced the Netherlands. It was the rst time his father’s trophy was presented at the World Cup.

“The real explosion of joy came when the German team raised the cup in Munich and the whole stadium erupted,” he said. “That was the moment an object became an icon.”

a

LUCA BRUNO / AP PHOTO

Giorgio Gazzaniga, son of the late sculptor Silvio Gazzaniga, inserts the original plaster World Cup trophy sculpture into a wooden case.

Home runs for the Yardbirds in

16-7 win over Danville, including two by Landon Parker

Young waited and waited some more, but another British

The former Demon Deacon is still searching for his rst major

By Steve Douglas

The Associated Press

SOUTHPORT, England — Cameron Young was waiting on the range at Royal Birkdale, driver in hand, when a huge roar came that he didn’t want to hear.

Just a stone’s throw away on the 18th green, Ryan Fox had holed a 12-foot birdie putt to win the British Open.

There’d be no playo for Young.

No chance to end his wait for a rst major championship title.

The American and former Wake Forest golfer bowed his head, swung his driver gently over his shoulder then back onto the ground, and trudged o .

Some 2½ hours earlier, Young had been on that 18th hole himself, getting up-and-down from a greenside bunker — he actually nearly holed it — to salvage bogey and shoot 64 for what would remain the lowest score of the nal round.

Then came the long, agonizing wait to discover whether his 9 -under 271 total would be enough to win.

Young had some food, cleared out his locker — “for e ciency’s sake,” he said — and spent some time in the players’ lounge.

By 6 p.m., he was practicing on the putting green.

And around half an hour later, the spectators in the huge grandstands lining one of the most famous walks in golf gave him the bad news.

Add Birkdale to the 29 -year-old Young’s close calls

Open slipped from his grasp

“I had a chance to win with not everything I’ve got. So I think that’s a good takeaway.”

Cameron Young

at the majors, following a runner-up nish at the British Open in 2022 — he made eagle on the nal hole to be one stroke back from Cameron Smith at St. Andrews — and a tie for third at the Masters this

year after sharing the 54 -hole lead. Now up to No. 4 in the world, the widespread belief in gol ng circles is that Young’s time will come. That’s because he has risen to elite company this year with wins at The Players Championship in March and the Cadillac Championship at Doral, in front of President Donald Trump, a couple of months later.

Young says his score “could have been 60”

Speaking after his round, Young said he thought 10 -un-

der par would have a “decent chance” of victory. So it proved.

And he would have got there — or maybe better — had he not found a fairway bunker on No. 18 after choosing to hit driver. He barely got out of the sand with his second shot that struck the top of the bunker wall and spilled out 20 yards forward, and went on to scramble for a bogey.

A par there would have seen him match the lowestnal-round score in a major.

A birdie? Well, that would have won him the whole thing.

Flight hours, miles of World Cup travels of FIFA head Infantino in

The FIFA president saw games in all 16 venues

By Rio Yamat

The Associated Press

MULTIPLE FLIGHTS in a single day. Nearly 60,000 miles.

More than 100 hours aloft.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino got some serious air time over the course of the 2026 World Cup, the tournament’s most far- ung edition ever. He crisscrossed North America for matches, meetings and other appearances during the competition, which took place in three countries, 16 cities and four time zones, and ended with Sunday’s nal in New Jersey.

To track his travels, The Associated Press analyzed ight logs for a private business jet used by Infantino in recent years, along with photos taken by AP photographers and images posted on Instagram by FIFA and the head of world soccer’s governing body himself. The analysis shows that by the time Spain emerged as champion, he had have own far enough to circle the planet almost 21⁄2 times.

Access to a Gulfstream G650 jet from the eet of the Qatari government made Infantino’s prodigious jet-setting possible. The aircraft is operated by the private charter division of Qatar Airways, a World Cup sponsor.

Since a June 9 ight from Los Angeles to Mexico City ahead of the tournament’s opening match, the aircraft averaged more than one ight a day and on multiple days made more than three, according to ight-tracking site FlightAware.

Along with attending matches, Infantino’s itinerary included stops in New York for an interview on “Fox & Friends” and in Miami for a FIFA summit attended by representatives from the organization’s 211 member associations. He also ew to Doha to attend the funeral of

numbers

Qatar’s former emir before returning to the U.S. in time for the World Cup semi nals. FIFA did not respond to an emailed request for comment about Infantino’s travel schedule and arrangements.

Here’s a look at some of the numbers racked up by the person overseeing the tournament that featured a record 104 matches spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the largest geographic footprint in World Cup history.

44 MATCHES

The number of World Cup matches Infantino attended. FlightAware showed the Gulfstream originally was scheduled to y from New Jersey to Miami in time for the third-place match between England and France but never

took o . Thunderstorms caused ight delays at New York City area airports on Saturday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

16 STADIUMS

Infantino saw at least one match at all 16 World Cup venues. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, where he attended ve games, is the venue he visited the most.

13

The number of days Infantino attended two matches, often at stadiums located hundreds of miles apart.

21 AIRPORTS

The Gulfstream mostly used the host cities’ main international airports during the tour-

nament but sometimes relied on smaller general and business aviation airports, including Atlanta’s Fulton County Executive Airport and Miami’s Opa Locka Executive Airport.

23 The number of international border crossings the jet made within North America through the semi nals.

115 FLIGHT HOURS

The ight time the Gulfstream amassed during the tournament, not including repositioning ights and 29 hours of travel for the funeral in Qatar, equaling nearly ve full days in the air and enough for a commercial plane traveling at typical cruising speed to y from New York to Los Angeles 20 times.

“It could have been 60,” Young said of his round that included a front-nine 29.

“I played a great round of golf,” he added, “and I did it in a really good way.”

Young’s thoughts after Fox completed victory are a mystery because he declined to talk to the media.

He surely will regret his 3- over 73 on Saturday that came after two 67s and dropped him to a tie for 20th overnight.

“I had a chance to win with not everything I’ve got,” he said. “So I think that’s a good takeaway.”

13

Number of times during the World Cup that FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended games in two di erent cities on the same day

5 HOURS AND 44 MINUTES

Excluding the journey to Qatar, the ight that took the longest lasted 344 minutes and went from Miami to Seattle, where Infantino attended the Belgium-Egypt match June 15. The ight time is the same length as three full World Cup matches from kicko to nal whistle.

28 MINUTES

The shortest ight time, excluding repositioning ights, was a 28-minute hop from Seattle to Vancouver on July 6 — about the length of a network TV sitcom like “Friends” with commercials. Infantino attended the United States-Belgium match in Seattle that day before watching Switzerland face Colombia in Vancouver the following day.

59,281 MILES

The distance the jet traveled during the tournament, excluding the journey to Qatar and back for the funeral, according to the AP analysis. That’s more than round-trip ights between New York and Singapore, Los Angeles and Doha, Qatar, and London and the Australian city of Perth combined.

5,772 MILES

The most miles covered in a single day’s itinerary was on June 26, which started with a morning ight from Miami to Dallas. From there, the plane went to Seattle, where Infantino attended the Egypt-Iran match. The nal leg departed Seattle late that night and landed the next morning in Miami. Infantino watched Colombia face Portugal there.

GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends the World Cup quarter nal match between Norway and England in Miami.

PETER MORRISON / AP PHOTO

Cameron Young tosses his club after missing a putt on the 7th green during the nal day of the British Open.

SIDELINE REPORT

MLB Japanese slugger Sasaki to sign with Marlins, forgo professional career in home country

Hanamaki, Japan Japanese slugger Rintaro Sasaki will sign with the Miami Marlins and forgo a professional career in his home country. The Marlins selected Sasaki out of Stanford in the eighth round of the MLB Draft, but the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks also selected him in the rst round of the Nippon Professional Baseball draft, setting up a di cult decision. Sasaki played under Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani’s father, Toru, and is Japan’s all-time high school home run leader with 140. He opted out of the Nippon league’s draft to play at Stanford.

NBA

NBA “continuing to look into” circumstances regarding Bucks’ signing of Trent Milwaukee The NBA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks’ signing of Gary Trent Jr. Reportedly, the NBA was investigating the signing for possible circumvention of the salary cap. Trent received a four-year, $64 million deal while he’s coming o one of his least productive seasons. The concerns over salary cap circumvention involve whether there was a prior agreement that Trent would be rewarded now if he signed below-market deals each of the last two years.

NHL Yzerman abruptly steps down as Red Wings general manager

Detroit Steve Yzerman has abruptly stepped down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. Yzerman’s resignation to move to an advisory role to CEO Chris Ilitch comes several weeks after captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request. The Red Wings say their search for a new head of hockey operations is already underway. Yzerman spent his entire 22 -year Hall of Fame playing career with Detroit from 1983 -2006, captaining it to the Stanley Cup three times. He was a successful GM in Tampa Bay before returning to Detroit in 2019.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Kicko Game announces NIL deal with Auburn before opener against Baylor

Atlanta The A ac Kicko Game has announced a name, image and likeness deal with Auburn leading up to the Tigers’ game against Baylor on Sept. 5. The Peach Bowl and Kicko Game said the multimillion dollar deal marks the rst time a neutral- site college football game has incorporated NIL compensation for student athletes. The NIL agreement also will involve third-party entities. As many as two dozen Auburn studentathletes will promote the game through social media posts, public appearances, advertisements, in-game promotions, branding opportunities and interviews.

Wolves believe Ball’s pure point guard play, joyful style will ‘elevate’

entire team

The former Hornets standout will team with

Anthony Edwards

By Dave Campbell

The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — LaMe-

lo Ball came to Minnesota at a steep price.

The opportunity with a cost of two proven power forwards and multiple draft picks was deemed worthwhile by the Timberwolves in their ongoing attempt to make the last and most di cult step toward an NBA title.

“I think he’ll elevate us,” president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said, “and our environment will be conducive to his continued growth as well.”

Eager to gain one of the league’s true point guards and lessen the ballhandling and playmaking burden on superstar Anthony Edwards, the Wolves had to swallow hard and surrender valuable assets.

Completing a complicated four-team trade with Brooklyn, Charlotte and Chicago, Minnesota acquired Ball and guard Josh Green and sent fan favorite Naz Reid and a package of draft picks — a 2033 unprotected rst-rounder, rst-round swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030, and second-rounders in 2029, 2032 and 2033 — to the Hornets.

Second-leading scorer Julius Randle went to the Nets, who swapped the 28th overall selection in the draft last month for No. 33 that landed the Wolves guard Isaiah Evans. That rst part of the trade also created the salary cap space necessary for the Wolves to re-sign guard Ayo Dosunmu.

“He enjoys life. He enjoys playing. You don’t want to make this anything but where it’s a joyous atmosphere.”

Tim

Connelly, Wolves president of basketball operations

Edwards was the rst overall pick in the 2020 draft. Ball went third. Green was the 18th selection by Dallas and McDaniels was 28th, giving the Wolves four rst-round picks from that year.

“Well, we have none for the next 10 years,” Connelly quipped at the introductory news conference for Ball and Green last Tuesday at Target Center. “It’s all about quality, not quantity, right?”

All four of those 2020 draftees are still 25 and younger, giving the Wolves con dence they’ll continue to contend — “bites at the apple” is Connelly’s description — as long

as Edwards is on their roster.

“I’ve known Ant for a minute, so we’ve been talking,” Ball said. “Everybody’s excited, and we’re ready to get to work.”

Ball played in only 43% of the games over a three-year stretch from 2022-25 before a promising 2025-26 season that helped propel the Hornets into the play-in games. He has shown a recklessness on and o the court at times too. But the Wolves will give him a stronger team around him than he ever had with the Hornets, and six years into his NBA career the 6 -foot-7 Ball is still just 24.

“You’ve got to have a big backcourt. We learned that through the playo s this year,” Wolves coach Chris Finch said.

The ip side of Ball’s penchant for undisciplined or ashy plays is a carefree style the Wolves could use. One of the undercurrents of their underachieving season that ended with a second-round loss to San Antonio was a moodiness that became part of their collective personality. Too many players took too long to shake o un-

productive games or frustrating stretches.

“This is supposed to be fun,” Connelly said. “He enjoys life. He enjoys playing. You don’t want to make this anything but where it’s a joyous atmosphere.”

The void left by the departure of Randle and Reid could be lled rather neatly by a certain free agent who has included the Wolves on his list of teams worth considering. Meet Minneapolis, the city’s tourism arm, even took out digital billboards in Los Angeles to add a light-hearted element to the pitch for LeBron James.

“This is a place where you’re going to have a lot of fun and win a lot of games,” ,” Connelly said. “We’re trying to change the narrative of how this organization is viewed. We’re kind of proud of who we are, and certainly, wherever LeBron ends up, he’s going to make that place much, much better. I like who we are and we’re pretty proud of who we are. Hopefully that’s appealing, not just to LeBron, but to any free agent.”

ACC looks to corporate sponsorships as way to boost bottom line of league revenue

Commissioner Jim Phillips continues to search for new sources

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — Jim Phillips has spent his ve-plus-year tenure as Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner trying to generate more revenue for a league facing nancial pressures even with yearly record hauls.

For his league — and across the national landscape in the revenue-sharing era, for that matter — that has included more emphasis on corporate sponsorships.

Finding event sponsors for naming rights. Securing deals for advertisements on conference TV networks. It’s all about looking for ways to sell those options and supplement the media rights payouts and earnings from postseason success that stand as core engines of the college nancial system.

And stacking every bit helps in a time when schools are allowed to pay athletes directly.

“I don’t know if it’s pressure, but it’s the reality,” Phillips said during the league’s preseason football media days. “To me, it’s the reality of this role and it’s reality of our league. We have to continue to nd incremental dollars each and every year that continue to grow.”

That’s been a particular focus for Phillips, too, in dealing with a signi cant revenue gap behind the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference since his spring 2021 arrival.

The league reported about $826.5 million in total revenue in tax lings covering the 2024 -25 sports season, with schools earning a full distribution share getting an average of $47.1 million.

That continued the ACC’s

upward trajectory; the league reported $617 million for 2021-22 in Phillips’ rst full season, good for a full-share average of $39.4 million. And Phillips said the league would crack $900 million in total revenue for the just- completed 2025-26 season.

By comparison, the Big Ten and SEC both crossed the $1 billion mark in total revenue in their 2024 -25 lings, with the Big Ten paying an average of nearly $79.9 million to full-share members while the SEC came in at nearly $72.4 million. The biggest way to move the needle for a league looking to change its nancial picture typically is media rights contracts. The ACC is locked into a deal with ESPN — both for its base TV rights and the August 2019 launch of the ACC Network — through the 2035-36 season. The TV revenue continues to increase, but Phillips said at least some gains have come through corporate sponsorships, such as investment management rm T. Rowe Price putting its name on the

“You can’t wait around, you can’t just kind of sit on your hands as it relates to some of these other areas and not fully explore and commit to nding those additional dollars.”

Jim Phillips, ACC commissioner

men’s basketball tournament. The ACC has doubled its list of corporate sponsorships to nine in the past ve years, a list that includes Apple, Dr Pepper, Gatorade and Allstate. The league announced a deal with AI cybersecurity rm ReliaQuest, which includes advertising through ESPN, ESPN parent company Disney and the ACC Network. That goes with other adjustments such as changes to the league’s revenue- distribution model to reward programs that generate higher TV viewership

and the “success initiative” that allows schools to keep money generated by their own postseason success.

“You can’t wait around, you can’t just kind of sit on your hands as it relates to some of these other areas and not fully explore and commit to nding those additional dollars,” Phillips said. “All of that stu adds up incrementally.” In its most recent report, SponsorUnited estimated that Power Four schools generated about $1 billion in corporate sponsorship revenue across roughly 6,300 deals for the 2025-26 season.

That equated to about $9.7 million per school in the ACC and $11.2 million for the Big 12. The SEC ($21.5 million) and Big Ten ($16.1 million) led the way, with the Big 12 as the only league lacking its own TV channel.

“There’s not a lot of places where you can go to an AD and say, ‘Look, I think we could potentially generate $5-10 -20 million annually if we think di erently about this side of the business and we can control it,’” Lynch said. “So it becomes a really intriguing space to look and say if we invest there, we could potentially extract a lot of dollars and generate a lot that we weren’t doing before.”

In the ACC’s case, that meant hiring Anthony Macri last September as its rst chief revenue o cer.

He’s helping schools in determining their own options on anything from patches on jerseys to arena signage. And unlike selling a nite number of tickets for an event, corporate sponsorships could o er layers of revenue options.

“We have a chance to really grow that area,” Macri said. “It’s been an underleveraged opportunity that has unlimited growth potential, so that gives us a lot of room to push on.”

KORMANN / MINNESOTA STAR TRIBUNE VIA AP

AARON BEARD / AP PHOTO

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips speaks during ACC Kicko preseason football media days on July 15 in Charlotte.

Minnesota Timberwolves’ newly acquired point guard LaMelo Ball is introduced at a press conference.

this week in history

Winehouse dead at 27, Tuskegee experiment exposed, Hitler leads Nazi Party

The Associated Press

JULY 23

1903: The Ford Motor Company sold its rst car, a Model A, for $850.

1997: The search for Andrew Cunanan, the suspected killer of designer Gianni Versace and others, ended as police found his body on a houseboat in Miami Beach, dead from an apparent suicide.

2011: Singer Amy Winehouse, 27, was found dead in her London home from accidental alcohol poisoning.

JULY 24

1567: Mary, Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate her throne to her 1-year-old son James.

1847: Mormon leader Brigham Young and his followers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah.

1969: The Apollo 11 astronauts — two of whom were the rst humans to set foot on the moon — splashed down safely in the Paci c.

JULY 25

1866: Ulysses S. Grant was named general of the Army of the United States, the rst ocer to hold the rank.

1898: U.S. military forces landed in Guánica, Puerto Rico, during the Spanish-American War; Puerto Rico would become a self-governing U.S. commonwealth with the adoption of a constitution.

1972: The Tuskegee syphilis study was exposed, revealing that federal health o cials had denied treatment to hundreds

Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh died at 37 in Auvers-sur-Oise, France, on July 29, 1890, two days after su ering a gunshot wound believed to have been self-in icted.

of black men with the disease for decades, even after penicillin became widely available as an e ective cure in 1947.

JULY 26

1775: The Continental Congress established an independent postal system and appointed Benjamin Franklin its postmaster general.

1847: The western African country of Liberia, founded by freed American slaves, declared its independence.

1863: Sam Houston, former president of the Republic of Texas, died in Huntsville at age 70.

JULY 27

1789: President George Washington signed a measure establishing the Department of Foreign A airs, forerunner of the Department of State.

1866: Cyrus W. Field nished laying out the rst successful underwater telegraph cable between North America and Europe.

“The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant.”

Maximilien Robespierre

1953: The Korean Armistice Agreement was signed at Panmunjom, ending three years of ghting on the Korean peninsula that killed an estimated 4 million people.

JULY 28

1794: Maximilien Robespierre and Louis Antoine de Saint-Just were executed by guillotine during the French Revolution.

1914: World War I began as Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

1965: President Lyndon B. Johnson announced he was increasing the number of American troops in South Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000.

JULY 29

1836: The newly completed Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated in Paris.

1858: The United States and Japan signed the Harris Treaty, formalizing diplomatic relations and trading rights between the two countries.

1890: Artist Vincent van Gogh, 37, died of an apparent self-in icted gunshot wound in Auvers-sur-Oise, France.

1914: Transcontinental telephone service in the U.S. became operational with the rst test conversation between New York and San Francisco.

1921: Adolf Hitler became the leader of the National Socialist German Workers’ (Nazi) Party.

On July 25, 1972, news reports exposed the Tuskegee syphilis study, revealing that federal health o cials had withheld treatment from hundreds of black men for decades, even after penicillin became the standard cure in 1947.

VINCENT VAN GOGH VIA WIKIPEDIA

NATIONAL ARCHIVES VIA AP

Biden will publish ‘Promise Me, America’ memoir after November midterms

Reports of the book have circulated for more than a year

By Hillel Italie The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Former

President Joe Biden will publish a memoir, “Promise Me, America,” which he says will touch upon everything from the economy to his decision to drop his bid for reelection. The memoir is scheduled to come out Nov. 17, publisher Little, Brown and Company told The Associated Press. The timing of the book — two weeks after midterm elections in which Democrats seek to regain control of Congress — could raise concerns within Biden’s party by putting him back into the spotlight.

Democrats remain divided on Biden’s legacy, with many blaming his ill-fated determination to seek a second term for Republican President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Leaders hope to keep the fall campaign focused on Trump and his re -

Shakira, Madonna, Muppets take World Cup stage with BTS, Bieber

Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone and Tom Cruise opened the closing ceremony

By Andrew Dalton

The Associated Press

MADONNA, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira each brought a bit of one of their hits to the World Cup’s rst halftime show in a whirlwind performance Sunday that also squeezed in Burna Boy, Ted Lasso and many Muppets. The show at what’s otherwise known as MetLife Stadium, outside New York, was an attempt to bring Super Bowl vibes to the World Cup, but the 11-minute performance was considerably more packed than the usual one-headliner, 13-minute American football counterpart.

Madonna opened the show with her 2000 dance-pop hit “Music,” joined by star Brazilian soccer players of yesteryear, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. It started with an apparently prerecorded piece in a roller rink

before she rode into the stadium on a dune buggy, singing, “Music, makes the people come together.”

Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel led an orchestra through the White Stripes’ sports anthem “Seven Nation Army,” while the Muppets house band — including drummer Animal in lieu of Meg White — provided furry shakes in the background.

K-pop sensations BTS took to the eld in variations of red and black moments later singing “Dynamite” following a nod to Norway’s Viking row.

Promoting the upcoming season of “Ted Lasso,” Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, in character, pumped up Justin Bieber, who changed the tempo with “Everything Hallelujah,” performed with an acoustic guitar.

“All right young man, let’s go! It’s your big shot!” Sudeikis said to Bieber. “Go out there, don’t be nervous, nobody’s watching.”

Shakira and Burna Boy followed with their o cial World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” heard before all 104 kicko s during this tournament. The

cord, and any leaks or promotional e orts before votes are cast could draw frustration.

“‘Promise Me, America’ is about the challenges we faced as a nation. It’s about the decisions I made and why I made them,” Biden said in a video statement accompanying last week’s announcement. “It’s about why I chose to run for reelection and why I chose to step aside.”

The former president has referred to the possibility of publishing a memoir during public remarks, appearing to suggest at one point that it would be released before November’s election.

Vowing as a candidate to “restore the soul” of his country, Biden was sworn into o ce in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters seeking to stop his certi cation as president. Biden’s term was de ned by a wide range of con icts and achievements, from his handling of wars in Ukraine and the Middle East to the passage of ambitious infrastruc-

“Promise

ture and economic aid bills.

But many readers will likely want to know more about his health while president, including the disastrous debate in June 2024 against Trump that led to his giving up his reelection bid. Biden was the oldest man

to serve as president, and his health was a source of speculation for much of his term; Biden and his White House advisers have faced intense criticism from Democrats and Republicans for allegedly concealing the extent of his problems. A notable book release from 2025, Jake Tapper’s and Alex Thompson’s “Original Sin,” was subtitled “President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.”

That year, Biden announced he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

A Little, Brown spokesperson said that Biden plans to tour on behalf of the book and give interviews. In his video announcement, Biden said that many people had been asking him how he was doing.

“I’ve been spending a lot of time with my family. I’m dealing with a cancer diagnosis, been getting treatment, and it’s going really well,” he said. “I want to thank all those who have o ered their prayers and support and well-wishes. It’s meant the world to me and to Jill.”

Colombian superstar was barefoot, wearing a dress of yellow and pink feathers and surrounded by similarly clad dancers — including a group of children — before the Afrobeats icon joined her in the song whose refrain is an Italian version of “Let’s go!”

The show wrapped with the PS22 Chorus of elementary-school students from Staten Island, backed by Dudamel and joined by Chris Martin — the Coldplay singer who curated the performance — along with Shakira and many more Muppets and “Sesame Street” characters, including Kermit, Miss Piggy, Count

von Count and Cookie Monster. Dudamel and about 40 musicians — about half from the New York Philharmonic and half from Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra — were on the eld.

Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams and others performed a slew of anthems, Post Malone brought an old hit and a new tune, and Tom Cruise gave an earnest hype -’em-up speech in the prematch closing ceremony.

British singer and former Take That member Williams performed his FIFA anthem “Desire” wearing a blue bedazzled track suit. He was joined by Pussycat Dolls member Ni-

Korean boy band

perform during the halftime show of the World Cup nal soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday.

cole Scherzinger and Italian singer Laura Pausini in blue spangled gowns. Next was Post Malone, who walked on to the New York/ New Jersey Stadium pitch covered with a tarp showing the New York skyline.

Cruise, who was also part of the Paris Olympics’ closing ceremony, followed them with a speech delivered in polo shirt and jeans.

“Today only two teams remain: España!” Cruise said, pausing for cheers before adding, “y Argentina!” “Let us celebrate a tournament that brought the world together,” he said.

ASHLEY LANDIS / AP PHOTO

LITTLE, BROWN AND CO. VIA AP

Me, America” by Joe Biden is set to be published in November by Little, Brown and Co.

South

BTS

famous birthdays this week

Woody Harrelson is 65, Jennifer Lopez turns 57, Elizabeth H. Dole is 90

The Associated Press

THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

JULY 23

Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy is 90. Actor Ronny Cox is 88. Rock singer David Essex is 79. Actor Woody Harrelson is 65. Rock musician Slash is 61. Actor Charisma Carpenter is 56. Singer Alison Krauss is 55. Actor Daniel Radcli e is 37.

JULY 24

Actor Dan Hedaya is 86. Actor Robert Hays is 79. Actor Michael Richards is 77. Actor Lynda Carter is 75. Movie director Gus Van Sant is 74. Basketball Hall of Famer Karl Malone is 63. Retired MLB All-Star Barry Bonds is 62. Actor-singer Kristin Chenoweth is 58. Actor-singer Jennifer Lopez is 57.

JULY 25

Folk-pop singer-musician Bruce Woodley (The Seekers) is 84. Rock musician Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds) is 83. Model-actor Iman is 71. Rock musician Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) is 68. Actor Matt LeBlanc is 59.

JULY 26

Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard is 87. Football Hall of Famer Bob Lilly is 87. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love is 85. The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger is 83. Actor Helen Mirren is 81. Actor Sandra Bullock is 62.

JULY 27

Singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry is 84. Actor-director Betty Thomas is 79. Olympic gold medal gure skater Peggy Fleming is 78. Singer Maureen McGovern is 77. Comedian Bill Engvall is 69. Comedian Maya Rudolph is 54.

JULY 28

Music conductor Riccardo Muti is 85. Former sena-

Barry

tor and NBA Hall of Famer Bill Bradley is 83. “Gar eld” creator Jim Davis is 81. TV producer Dick Ebersol is 79. Actor Sally Struthers is 79. Architect Santiago Calatrava is 75.

JULY 29

Former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum-Baker is 94. Former Sen. Elizabeth H. Dole is 90. Artist Jenny Holzer is 76. Documentary lmmaker Ken Burns is 73. Style guru Tim Gunn is 73. Rock singer-musician Geddy Lee (Rush) is 73. Country singer Martina McBride is 60. Actor Wil Wheaton is 54.

ANDY KROPA / INVISION VIA AP

Actor Daniel Radcli e turns 37 Thursday.

ANDY KROPA / INVISION / AP PHOTO Supermodel Iman turns 71 Saturday.

JEFF CHIU / AP PHOTO

Former slugger

Bonds turns 62 Friday.

the stream

Charli xcx, ‘The Dink,’ ‘Stuart

Fails to Save

the Universe,’ ‘72 Hours,’ ‘Splatoon

“Ransom Canyon” returns for its second season

The Associated Press

CHARLI XCX’S NEW album and a pickleball movie starring Jake Johnson 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, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: the “Big Bang Theory” spin-o “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” “72 Hours” and the Nintendo game “Splatoon Raiders.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

Pickleball is the target of the new Apple TV comedy “The Dink,” starring Jake Johnson as a tennis pro who “almost beat Andy Roddick” and reluctantly takes up the popular sport while recovering from an injury. The movie, streaming Friday, co -stars Ben Stiller, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris and Patton Oswalt.

Kevin Hart goes on a bachelor party trip with some 20-somethings after being accidentally included in the group chat in the new Net ix comedy “72 Hours,” streaming Friday. Said 20-somethings are played by “SNL” cast members Marcello Hernández, Kam Patterson and Ben Marshall and Mason Gooding as the groom-to-be.

“Blue Heron,” now streaming on the Criterion Channel, made The Associated Press’s list for best movies of the year so far. Film writer Jake Coyle wrote, “Sophy Romvari’s exquisite and soulful directorial debut melds documentary and ction, past and present. It’s based on her own childhood, when her Hungarian parents moved their family of six to Vancouver Island in British Columbia. … It’s an aching, probing memory piece.”

Another movie that made our list, “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie,” has a quite di erent tone. This silly, loindie about two slacker buddies (Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol) who concoct crackpot schemes to land a gig at the To -

“Sophy Romvari’s exquisite and soulful directorial debut melds documentary and ction, past and present.”

Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer

ronto music venue, the Rivoli, is a gem that begins streaming on Hulu on Friday. I wrote that I’m proof that no prior knowledge is needed to get on their goofy wavelength and enjoy the ride — and all the “Back to the Future” references.

MUSIC TO STREAM

Charli xcx performs at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England in 2025. Her new album, “Music, Fashion, Film,” drops Friday.

Raiders’

have only continued to skyrocket in the time since, and Tyla has proven to be no one-hit wonder. She’s paved her own path. On Friday, she will release her sophomore album, “A*POP.” It’s the next evolution of her sound, which features a dancehall collaboration with Zara Larsson, “She Did It Again,” the amapiano-pop “Chanel” and so much more.

SERIES TO STREAM

The socially awkward comic bookstore owner Stuart from “The Big Bang Theory” leads a new spino called “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.” Played by Kevin Sussman, Stuart fumbles a physics project created by “Big Bang” OG characters Sheldon and Leonard that leads to chaos he must undo. Other cast members Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie reprise their roles from the original series. It premieres Tuesday on HBO Max. Minka Kelly and Josh Duhamel return for Season 2 of Net ix’s “Ransom Canyon.” The romantic drama follows two longtime friends, Quinn O’Grady and Staten Kirkland, who nally got together in Season 1 after years of teetering on a relationship. The happy couple is challenged as Kelly’s Quinn questions whether small town life is enough for her. This while Duhamel’s Staten is trying to stake his claim in the family ranch. The new season premieres Tuesday.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

“BRAT” summer came and stayed and eventually went — and what would be built in its absence? Charli xcx claims the dance oor is dead on her latest album, “Music, Fashion, Film,” out Friday. She’s making “Rock Music” this time around, at least, her version of it: a bit troll-y, a bit sincere, full of distorted guitars and processed vocals. But her pop heart remains intact, like on the depressed and dreamy “SS26.” If that’s not enough to inspire curiosity, perhaps this is: The album’s sole feature credit is Canadian auteur and beloved horror lmmaker David Cronenberg on its closer, “No One Lasts Forever.”

Grammy-winning South African artist Tyla burst onto the

mainstream with her 2023 global hit “Water.” It married R&B, pop and amapiano — a style of music which translates to “the pianos” in the Zulu language, a fusion of Kwaito house music and jazz, often driven by log drums. And it did so at a time where hunger and curiosity for African music were at an all-time high. Afrobeats

Nintendo’s Splatoon franchise brought a vivid twist to the multiplayer combat arena, mostly by replacing bullets with multicolored ink. “Splatoon Raiders” takes you out of the arena entirely with a treasure hunt across an exotic archipelago. Don’t expect a mellow vacation, though — these islands are lled with hostile wildlife known as Salmonids. Naturally, collecting more treasure lets you beef up the gear you need to defeat the monsters. “Raiders” aims to provide a satisfying solo experience for Splatologists, but you can also play co-op with up to three friends. Start squirting Thursday on Switch 2.

Mary Steenburgen attends the photo call for

Dink” at CityPickle Hudson Yards on July 14 in New York.

Duplin Journal

the BRIEF

this week

Shooting investigations continue

Duplin County

The Duplin County Sheri ’s O ce says multiple agencies continue to investigate a series of shootings into occupied homes in Duplin and Sampson counties. Investigators have executed several search warrants, seized rearms and other evidence, and identi ed multiple suspects. The investigations remain active, and additional charges are expected. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the sheri ’s o ce or their local law enforcement agency. Information may also be submitted anonymously by contacting Duplin County Crime Stoppers at 910 -372-9202.

Public input sought for Wallace PD assessment

Wallace The Wallace Police Department will undergo an on-site assessment Aug. 11 as part of its pursuit of accreditation through the North Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation (NCLEA) program. The public is invited to submit comments about the department’s compliance with NCLEA standards by Aug. 10. Email NCaccred@ncdoj.gov with “Wallace Police Department” in the subject line or mail comments to the NCLEA Program Manager, P.O. Drawer 149, Raleigh, NC 27602.

Fraud alert

Magnolia

The Magnolia Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam involving someone claiming to represent T-Mobile. O cials say there is no T-Mobile o ce in Duplin County. A resident who provided banking information after being directed to a fake Magnolia address later reported fraudulent activity on their account. Residents are urged to verify requests for personal or nancial information before providing it.

Volunteers needed

Wallace The Wallace Police Department is seeking volunteers to serve as role players during Active Threat Training on July 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. Those interested should contact the Wallace Police Department at policeinfo@wallacenc.gov or by calling 910-285-2126.

Precinct o cials wanted

The Duplin County Board of Elections is seeking individuals interested in serving as precinct o cials. Anyone interested in serving their community is encouraged to apply. Training opportunities will be available soon.

$2.00

Cardboard vessels set sail at Cabin Lake

Cardboard boats became vessels of teamwork, creativity and competition as Royal Rangers from across the area gathered for the 2026 Cardboard Boat Regatta at Cabin Lake on Saturday. Turn to A6 for more.

Warsaw town attorney resigns

He claims political dysfunction, personal attacks and withheld information a ected his ability to serve

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Just ve days after the Warsaw Board of Commissioners approved a new one-year, $35,000 legal services contract with Thompson & Thompson Law Firm, Town

Attorney Kennedy L. Thompson submitted his resignation, saying the town’s governing environment had become so dysfunctional that he could no longer e ectively serve as its legal counsel.

In a July 18 resignation letter addressed to Mayor Wes-

ley Boykin, the Board of Commissioners, and Town Manager Lea Turner, Thompson said he had concluded he could no longer e ectively serve in the position despite recently agreeing to a one-year contract running through June 30, 2027. He stated he would refund the unearned prorated portion of any compensation paid under the agreement.

“This decision has not been

made lightly,” Thompson wrote. “Warsaw is my hometown. My family has served this community for more than 50 years, and I accepted this position because I wanted to use my legal experience to help move the Town forward — not to become entangled in political dysfunction.” Thompson said his role as town attorney required him to

Questions remain after Mount Olive Housing Authority director resigns

The housing board declined to discuss the meeting that preceded the director’s resignation

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

DURING A RECENT meeting of the Mount Olive Board of Commissioners, Mayor Jerome Newton used his closing comments to reveal he had received

numerous calls regarding conditions at low-income housing units being administered by the Mount Olive Housing Authority.

The same state rules require the mayor to appoint a local board for the housing authority.

In a recent interview with Duplin Journal, Newton said the complaints were varied.

Under state statutes, the mayor acts as a local liaison between the town and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which is responsible for the housing authority’s operation.

“Issues (included) the grass had not been cut, the air conditioning not working, and ramps for wheelchairs were breaking,” Newton said. “When they tried to call the o ce, they couldn’t get the local housing authority to respond to them.”

Health director launches write-in campaign for county commissioner

Tracey Simmons Kornegay

will challenge longtime incumbent Dexter Edwards

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

BEULAVILLE — Duplin County Health Director Tracey Simmons Kornegay has launched an unconventional campaign for the District 2 commissioner seat, entering the race as a certi ed write-in candidate against incumbent Dexter Edwards, who has served nearly 12 years. Kornegay said her leader-

ship philosophy was shaped by years in healthcare, including leading the Duplin County Health Department through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Throughout my healthcare career, the importance of teamwork, inclusion and being attentive have remained at the forefront of my values,” Kornegay said.

Kornegay said she believes the best decisions come from bringing together people with di erent experiences and viewpoints. She likened that approach to “a box of crayons,” saying, “Each crayon has its own unique col-

“Those long days in the elds reinforced the lessons of responsibility, perseverance and teamwork.”

Tracey Simmons Kornegay

According to Newton, HUD sent a letter to the town commissioners advising them they could not reach the local housing authority director, which

THE DUPLIN COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE 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

County sends setback ordinance back for review

Commissioners delayed action on proposed ordinance changes after extensive public comment

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

KENANSVILLE — A proposed amendment to Duplin County’s Uni ed Development Ordinance recently drew signi cant public comment during a meeting of the Duplin County Board of Commissioners, with residents challenging a 1,000-foot setback requirement between homes and livestock facilities.

Residents argued the requirement limits property use, a ects inheritance rights and reduces land values, while county o cials considered changes that would provide some exemptions and reduce certain setback requirements.

The most contentious portion of the meeting involved proposed amendments to the Uni ed Development Ordinance presented by Planning Director Chris Hatcher. The changes addressed the setback requirement between new residential dwellings and existing livestock facilities, including poultry and swine operations.

The proposed changes included allowing immediate family members to subdivide land and build within the 1,000-foot setback if the property is not sold for 60 months. The amendments also included reducing the setback to 500 feet for certain expedited minor divisions and removing setback requirements if a livestock facility has been out of production for 18 months.

Many residents spoke against the current 1,000-foot requirement, arguing it restricts property owners’ ability to use or transfer their land.

“You are interfering with neighbors being neighbors and denying families of their homes. ... On their deeds, it does not list Duplin County as a co-owner.”

Marie Turner

Vivian Brown said the rule “impedes free land trade” and that “a landowner’s right should supersede.”

Marie Turner told commissioners, “You are interfering with neighbors being neighbors and denying families of their homes. ... On their deeds, it does not list Duplin County as a co-owner.”

Jiren Kennedy, a sixth-generation farmer, said the setback requirement made 80% of his 40-acre property unusable for his children’s future homes.

Chris Jar said the family exemption did not address the larger issue because property should be usable regardless of who purchases it.

“I should be able to sell to her and for her to be able to build on it. And if she can’t, then it’s not working,” Jar said.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the 60-month restriction and the overall setback requirements. Commissioner Jesse Dowe made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Wayne Branch, to send the ordinance back to the planning board for further review. The board scheduled a new public hearing for Aug. 3 to consider revised options.

The board also approved several technology and service contracts.

The Information Technology Department received approval for contracts with RingCentral, which will replace outdated fax and phone systems; Concise Networks for routers used in emergency vehicles; and SHI International for a consolidated help desk system.

Greenevers board reviews water concerns, budget changes

The board discussed rising bills, hydrant repairs and recovery housing requirements

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

GREENEVERS — Water infrastructure concerns, budget amendments and a proposed recovery housing zoning change dominated the Greenevers Town Board’s July meeting, as o cials reviewed nancial reports, discussed rising water bills and considered steps needed to move forward with zoning changes.

The presentation of thenancial report involved two distinct parts: the nal results for June 2026 and a series of budget amendments that prompted questions from Mayor Diane Brown.

The board reviewed the closing gures for the previous month, showing positive net income across both major funds.

For June 2026, the General Fund reported $34,348.42 in revenue and $25,826.57 in expenses, resulting in a net income of $8,521.85. The Water and Sewer Fund reported $47,639.62 in revenue and $36,858.03 in expenses, resulting in a net income of $10,781.59.

A signi cant portion of thenancial discussion focused on clarifying budget amendments from the 2025-26 scal year.

“It doesn’t make any sense how you got to these numbers,” Brown said, asking Town Clerk Emma Brinson to explain. Brinson explained the amendments were made to “make the 2025-26 budget balanced.”

The board discussed a $41,415 increase to the Water and Sewer budget, bringing the revised total to $479,015. The board also discussed a new amendment for

the 2026-27 scal year to account for the $40,000 received in tap fees.

“The town received $40,000 for the waterline extension project to cover the tap fee for 16 connections. I would suggest using this toward the re hydrants we are repairing,” Brinson said.

The board agreed to use the tap fee revenue for re hydrant repairs. O cials discussed prioritizing repairs to inoperable hydrants, including those on Jerry Ruth Road. The town also plans to install posts near hydrants to increase visibility and prevent damage from wide farming equipment.

Jackie Wilson, a local resident and nurse, addressed the board about concerns with a signicant increase in her water bill.

Wilson said her typical high water bill was $75, but her most recent bill increased to $212 despite her living alone and not increasing her water usage.

“Seventy- ve dollars is my normal high water bill, but my last bill was $212,” Wilson said.

“My water’s just as high as my electric now. How can you expect people to a ord what you are charging? Something is o about why there is such a drastic change, and we need to do some-

Emergency Services received authorization to purchase powered ambulance cots and track systems intended to provide consistency across the county’s ambulance eet.

The board also approved a memorandum of understanding presented by Transportation Director Dawn Strickland for a partnership with Sampson County to provide coordinated transportation services for residents traveling to Fayetteville for $16 per trip.

In economic development and airport matters, commissioners approved clearing and grading contracts for AirPark Phase 2 with F&S Grading Company and a master planning agreement for WestPark with Thomas & Hutton. A proposal for a ber internet contract with Spectrum at the airport was tabled for further information about costs.

The board also addressed a billing issue involving a scrap tire disposal contract with Central Carolina Holdings LLC, also known as Liberty Tire. The county discovered two versions of the same contract existed with di erent rates, leading to overcharges. The county negotiated a $13,770 credit and entered a new three-year agreement.

During announcements, Interim County Manager Lisa Hughes informed commissioners that the state budget did not include requested funding for a new roof at the Cooperative Extension building but did include $500,000 for re departments.

ty Development Block Grant Neighborhood Revitalization program. O cials said they need to identify 10 eligible homeowners living in stick-built homes or double-wide homes with permanent foundations to participate in the initial survey this month.

The board also discussed a zoning ordinance change related to recovery housing.

The town attorney informed the board that recovery housing is not currently a permitted use in any zoning district. To allow recovery housing, the town would rst need to amend its zoning ordinance, a process requiring public hearings and a recommendation from the Planning Board.

thing di erent to gure it out.”

Wilson also questioned how residents could a ord high bills when they are using limited amounts of water.

“What is absolutely beyond understandable is 3,000 or less gallons. ... How can you expect people to a ord that?” she said.

Board members suggested a leak between the meter and the home could be the cause.

“Even a slow leak could amount to a lot of gallons in a month’s time,” Commissioner Timothy Murphy said.

The board scheduled a maintenance worker to visit Wilson’s property to investigate the issue.

“You don’t want to have a high-priced bill, and you want to get to the bottom of it,” Brown said. “That’s understandable. We want to accommodate you as much as we can.”

Brinson also updated the board on infrastructure projects.

Testing is ongoing for the waterline extension on Pass Ranch Road, with new customer connections expected to begin within a month. Brinson also reported that the oor of Well No. 2’s well house has been poured as the project continues.

The board discussed a new application for the Communi-

Brinson said the town attorney would need to be hired outside the existing agreement for the matter. The board discussed how to use the attorney without exceeding the existing retainer and ways to encourage public participation through signs and phone calls to “make sure the town’s voices are heard” on the issue.

“I have no problem doing what the town wants, but if we don’t hear some voices, we don’t know what the town wants,” Murphy said.

Board members emphasized the importance of hearing from residents, particularly those who live on the a ected block.

Brinson said the Planning Board would make its advisory decision during its July meeting and a public hearing could be scheduled afterward.

The board discussed a request from Gemstone regarding a development on Wilson Drive, where the developer currently has one unit and wants to add three more. The developer is seeking septic permits from Environmental Health and asked the town to approve installation of the septic tanks. Rather than taking action during the open meeting, a board member suggested moving the matter to closed session for further discussion.

The board o cially scheduled Greenevers Community Day for Oct. 24.

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

Aug. 1

Backstreet Music Festival

10 a.m.

The Backstreet Music Festival will bring a full day of entertainment for all ages, featuring live performances spanning R&B, gospel, go-go and Southern soul music, along with dance groups, local vendors and family-friendly activities. Attendees can enjoy arts and crafts, a fashion show, cornhole and volleyball tournaments, and music by DJ Flash from 2-8 p.m. For more information, call 910-616-7173.

208 SW Railroad St.

Wallace

Historical society to host State Archives speaker

noon

The Duplin County Historical Society will hold its quarterly meeting at the Rose Hill Library. The featured speaker will be Brice Bongiovanni, imaging operations coordinator with the North Carolina State Archives in Raleigh. Bongiovanni will discuss the archives’ current work, including the digitization of historical records, the role of arti cial intelligence in preservation e orts, and new opportunities these technologies create for historians and researchers. For more information, call 910-296-3676 or 910-296-7414.

113 South Walnut St., Rose Hill

Level Up Summer Fest

9 a.m. to noon

The Union Missionary Baptist Church’s Level Up Summer Fest will bring together fun, wellness and community resources with activities for all ages. The event will feature face painting, bounce houses, food, games, music, mental health conversations, community resources and more.

147 Rock Bottom Road Wallace

Aug. 8

In ataFest comes to Duplin

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In ataFest, an event featuring bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses, is coming to the Duplin Events Center. The event will include in atable attractions, family activities and concessions. Admission is $20 for children ages 3 and older, while adults are admitted free. Groups of 20 or more children can purchase tickets for $15 each.

195 Fairgrounds Drive Kenansville

REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Jackie Wilson, left, addresses the Greenevers Town Board about a sharp increase in her water bill during the board’s July meeting.

Rose Hill seeks $50K after ber installation damages sewer line

O cials say contractors involved in the project disagree over responsibility for the damage

By Mark Grady For Duplin Journal

ROSE HILL — Whenber optic cable for Focus Broadband service was being installed in Rose Hill, one line was apparently installed into a sewer line. The action resulted in approximately $50,000 in repairs to the sewer line in that area, according to Rose Hill Town Attorney Ken Thompson, who updated the town board at its July 14 meeting. Thompson indicated the contractors involved in the installation of the cable seemed to be passing the buck as far as who is responsible for the damage.

“We led a claim against MasTec,” Thompson said. “They are trying to put it o on the subcontractor.”

Tammy Jones of Adams Company, the rm contracted to complete work under a Community Development Block Grant the town received to repair or rebuild homes belonging to citizens who do not have the economic resources to make the repairs.

Jones said work on the homes involved is ahead of schedule. One of the parties is expected to be moved to another location Aug. 1 so work can begin on her home. The cost of the repairs or rebuilding, as well as temporary housing while the work is being completed, is all paid for under the grant.

Mayor Pro Tem Billy Wilson, who also serves as chief of the Rose Hill Fire Department, reported on the wild re in the area of Pope Road, Corinth Church Road and Earl Davis Road. He said the re originally a ected 525 acres and resulted in a large response from area re ghters, both local and state.

MasTec, based in Coral Gables, Florida, specializes in cable installation and telecommunications services. Thompson said he had heard from a claims adjuster from the insurance company representing MasTec just prior to the meeting.

The adjuster told Thompson that MasTec had subcontracted the ber optic cable installation in Rose Hill to another contractor.

“She said at the very end, ‘Please contact them directly for any future correspondence regarding your claim.’” Thompson said.

Thompson told the board he did not like the tone of the response, which indicated MasTec or the insurance adjuster did not want to discuss the damage any longer. He suggested the board give the company and adjuster a timeline for a response and that further action could be taken if they did not. He added that

Industrial upgrades help Warsaw wastewater plant rebound

O cials say the town’s treatment plant has largely returned to compliance, but stronger enforcement is still required

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

WARSAW — Warsaw’s wastewater treatment plant has mostly returned to compliance with fecal coliform limits following improvements by the town’s major industrial users, but state o cials are withholding further consideration of the town’s Special Order by Consent (SOC) until local leaders strengthen enforcement of wastewater regulations.

Much of Warsaw’s July 13 town board meeting centered on the town’s industrial pretreatment program and its SOC with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Cecil Madden of McDavid Associates updated commissioners on the town’s progress, saying DEQ has conditionally approved Warsaw’s pretreatment program but expects stronger enforcement against industries that violate wastewater regulations.

Madden told the board the state will not move forward with discussions until Warsaw begins issuing civil penalties rather than relying solely on surcharges. If the town fails to issue these penalties to the industries, it remains liable for heavy nes from the state, which would eventually impact user rates.

“The state o ce that reviews Warsaw’s industrial pretreatment program has expressed many times that Warsaw must comply with its enforcement response plan, including issuing and collecting civil penalties,” Madden said.

He said improvements at the Villari and C2NC facilities have helped bring the town’s treatment plant back into compliance with fecal coliform limits, though additional work remains.

Villari recently installed a new wastewater treatment system and is expected to meet compliance standards by the end of July. An additional treatment component to remove chlorides and certain metals is expected by year’s end.

To address the state’s concerns, the town is developing a point-based civil penalty system that would assign predetermined nes based on the severity of industrial violations, eliminating what Madden called “nebulous judgment calls.”

Town Manager Lea Turner said the town is developing a more detailed penalty schedule modeled after the town of Clinton and that regulators know the town is working on the issue.

Commissioners also approved several budget amendments for the 2025-26 scal year, including moving wastewater funds to cover sludge hauling and permit fees associated with industrial overages. The amendment

Focus Broadband is the originator of the cable installation and could also be held responsible for the damage. He said if there was no resolution soon, he would contact all the parties involved in the installation.

“Hopefully, this will all be washed out in the weeds,” Thompson said.

In other business, the town board received an update from

moved $684,540 from the fund balance to cover overages for sludge hauling and state nes.

Turner explained that while the town is billing the industries to recoup these costs, payments are delayed.

The board debated whether money recovered from industries should be classi ed as “ nes” or “reimbursements.”

Madden and attorney Ken Thompson said labeling the payments as civil penalties could require them to be sent to the state school system, so they recommended describing them as reimbursements for nes.

Additional budget amendments approved by the board included moving $37,933 from administrative repairs to cover sanitation contract overages due to increased garbage tonnage; accepting $25,355 in excess revenue from DreamWorks memberships to cover roof repairs and utilities; and authorizing $100,000 from the sale of surplus police vehicles to decrease lease payments on new police cars.

The board approved a written legal services contract with Thompson and Thompson Law O ces establishing a $35,000 annual retainer.

“This is the rst contract we’ve had for legal services … at least in the last ve or six decades,” said Mayor Wesley Boykin.

Thompson con rmed, “There’s been no written contract. None required by state statute. Many towns, particularly small towns, don’t have written contracts.”

The contract replaces a verbal $15,000 retainer that had been in place.

“You suggested when you became mayor that we have a written contract. I agreed with you. I thought it was a good idea,” said Thompson. “This makes it clearer and I think a better un-

“Nine departments, 12 forestry tractors, two helicopters and two airplanes (responded),” Wilson said, adding that as of the meeting, the re was 50% contained.

Despite the intensity and size of the re, while there was a loss in forest land, some fence lines and crops, Wilson said other property was spared.

“Nobody lost a home. Nobody lost a vehicle. Nobody lost an animal. So, great teamwork by the departments,” Wilson said.

derstanding between my rm and town.”

Thompson said the increase re ects that the retainer had not changed in nearly 20 years. Budget records show the town budgeted $15,000 for the retainer but paid $50,000 because of additional legal fees. Boykin also questioned whether the contract had received the required preaudit certi cation under North Carolina law. He explained that state law requires municipalities to certify they have the revenue streams to cover any contract that commits public dollars. Turner also announced the Warsaw Police Department is now fully sta ed. She said the town is continuing its search for a pretreatment coordinator to bring industrial compliance oversight back in-house.

The meeting concluded with discussion about the town’s public image.

Commissioner Tommy Jones pushed back against what he described as negative perceptions of Warsaw, citing a $7 million grant e ort that he believes proves Warsaw is on the upward road.

“Warsaw is not so bad,” Jones said. “The state’s not messing with us about our budget. I don’t care what nobody tells you, but we’re in good shape with our budget this year.”

Commissioner Ebony Wells contributed to the image discussion by emphasizing transparency as a way to build public trust. While acknowledging progress, she also reminded the board and citizens that there are still two open cases with the North Carolina state auditor.

Since this meeting, Thompson resigned e ective July 31, citing concerns about the town’s governing environment. See the related story on Page 1 for complete coverage.

PHOTOS BY MARK GRADY FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, members of the Rose Hill Board of Commissioners discuss town business during their July 14 meeting. Right, Tammy Jones of The Adams Company updates the Rose Hill Board of Commissioners on progress made in repairing or rebuilding homes under a Community Development Block Grant the town received.

COURTESY PHOTO

Mayor Wesley Boykin speaks during the July 13 town board meeting in Warsaw.

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

What Americans can learn from World Cup fans

National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history.

THE WORLD CUP showed why you shouldn’t be ashamed of America’s heroes and heritage.

While only Argentina and Spain made Sunday’s World Cup nal, citizens of many countries enthusiastically cheered on their teams. Norwegian fans became an internet phenomenon for their “Viking Row” cheer.

Sitting like they were in a longboat, fans moved their bodies backward and forward in unison while pretending to row. To complete the cheer, they chanted, “Ro!”

They rowed in stadiums and Times Square.

The Norwegian soccer team rowed after defeating Senegal. The cheer spread throughout Norway — from classrooms, nursing homes and even the country’s Parliament.

Norway’s soccer team embraced the Viking imagery. They took an epic team photo with players dressed as Vikings — complete with spears, swords and shields.

The propaganda press couldn’t get enough.

“Good Morning America” had Norwegian soccer fans on and had them row. The chant “captured the American imagination,” The Athletic wrote. Yahoo Sports asked if it was “the best chant in sports.”

“Norway’s soccer fans have rowed through this World Cup like Viking conquerors piloting a longboat a thousand years ago,” The New York Times gushed.

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

On the Iran war,

Twelve hundred years ago, seeing a Viking longboat would have inspired terror, not delight. Vikings used their seafaring prowess to raid and pillage towns on the coast of Europe. They raided monasteries, burned villages and took slaves. Vikings routinely abused their slaves. In some cases, it was a Viking custom to kill a master’s slaves so that they could serve him in the afterlife.

This wasn’t the only team with a connection to extreme violence. Mexico played its nal game of the World Cup at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Before losing to England, Mexico had a remarkable record there — 70 victories, 17 draws and just two losses. One reason for its success was the passion of its home fans.

Aztecs believed that one of their gods, Huitzilopochtli, killed his siblings after being born. Their bodies became the stars, serving as a nightly reminder of the importance of warfare. They believed that this god feasted on human blood and hearts. As a result, they routinely practiced human sacri ce. Aztecs may have sacri ced 20,000 people annually — and perhaps many more.

Japan’s soccer team is called the Samurai Blue. The samurai were erce and disciplined warriors who trained in swordsmanship and horsemanship. They were also brutal, slaughtering those they defeated in battle and

NATO

burning villages. European visitors were shocked to see samurai behead commoners to test the sharpness of their swords.

Norway, Mexico and Japan didn’t spend the tournament embarrassed about these historical realities. Fans proudly displayed their nations’ ags. Players didn’t apologize for their country’s past sins. What’s more telling is that the propaganda press didn’t even bring this up. Contrast that with how the left treats America. The New York Times’ 1619 Project sought to reframe America’s founding to make slavery the center of the American story. Despite its many historical inaccuracies, school districts around the country adopted curricula based on it. Leftists denigrate George Washington and Thomas Je erson for owning slaves. In many places, they’ve replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They push land acknowledgements, which imply that America stands on an illegitimate foundation. Even the Smithsonian has spent years pushing a negative view of America’s story.

Citizens in countries around the world understand something that was once obvious. National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history. You can even pull out admirable traits from a group of people who also did horrible things. If Norwegians can celebrate Vikings, Americans can unashamedly celebrate our founders and history.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

chief agrees with Trump the media buried the lede

He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

WHY DO SO MANY Americans oppose the war against Iran?

The biggest reason is that they do not believe Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon. If Iran was nowhere near a bomb, President Donald Trump’s decision to use military force looks unnecessary, even reckless. But if Iran was close, as Trump claims, the debate changes dramatically.

That is why NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s recent assessment should have been a major news story.

During his June 24 Oval O ce meeting with Trump, Rutte said: “This is, rst of all, about the nuclear capability Iran was basically getting its hands on — and that would have been a threat to the region. It would’ve been a threat to the whole world.” The next day, Rutte was even more direct. “We know they were close,” he said, while commending the United States “for making sure that the world stays safe from Iran with a nuclear capability.”

Rutte’s statement does not, of course, establish as a matter of fact that Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon, let alone how close. But it is unquestionably newsworthy that the secretary general of NATO assessed Iran’s nuclear progress substantially the same way Trump did.

Rutte’s statement did not merely express the view that Iran should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Nearly everyone says that. He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

Rutte is not a member of the Trump administration. His agreement therefore carried independent weight, even if critics believed his praise was tactical. The media need

not endorse his judgment. They merely had to report it prominently and scrutinize it as they would any other signi cant claim. But they did not.

The Associated Press focused heavily on Rutte’s e orts to atter and reassure Trump because he threatened to reduce America’s military commitment to Europe. Reuters likewise described Rutte as using “ attery” to ease tensions over Iran and NATO. Those were legitimate news angles.

But where was the comparable emphasis on Rutte’s nuclear assessment?

CBS reported on how Rutte praised Trump for setting back Iran’s nuclear capabilities but did not highlight Rutte’s far more consequential assessment that Iran was “basically getting its hands on” that capability. Similarly, a review of coverage by NBC, ABC, NPR, PBS, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times found no prominent treatment of Rutte’s explicit agreement with Trump on Iran’s nuclear proximity.

Suppose Rutte said Iran was nowhere close to obtaining nuclear capability, that Trump exaggerated the threat and that the war was unnecessary. It would have led broadcasts and been cited as independent proof that Trump misled the country.

Imagine the headlines: “NATO Head Disputes Trump’s Claim on Iran’s Proximity to Acquiring a Nuclear Weapon”; “NATO Secretary General Undercuts Trump’s Rationale for the Iran War”; or “NATO Leader Sides With Americans Who Question the Iran War.”

Instead, Rutte’s assessment was overshadowed by stories about Trump’s grievances with NATO and Rutte’s conspicuous

praise of the president. Was Rutte attering Trump? Quite possibly. After all, Trump angrily criticized European allies for failing to join the military operation against Iran and raised the possibility of pulling American troops out of Europe. But that does not render Rutte’s nuclear assessment unimportant.

Whatever many in the media think about Trump’s veracity, Rutte’s comment is most certainly newsworthy and merited far more attention. Skeptical journalists could have quoted Rutte, o ered evidence against his assessment and questioned whether he was merely currying favor.

What they should not have done was treat the statement as though it barely mattered. And, days later, after Iran violated the cease re memorandum, Rutte again backed Trump by calling the renewed U.S. strikes “absolutely necessary.”

The war has damaged Trump’s approval ratings. It has become increasingly likely that this con ict may drag on for some time, drive gas prices higher and risk more military casualties. The question remains: Is this a war worth ghting?

Iran has shown time and again it is willing to kill its own people and allow them to su er to allow its regime to remain in power. What would this regime do with nuclear weapons? Again, as to Iran’s proximity to obtaining this nuclear capability, the NATO secretary general agrees with Trump.

The public deserves to know about it.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Repairs underway at Boney Mill Pond, dam

Workers are replacing eroded material to reduce leaks beneath the dam

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

WALLACE — The Boney Mill Pond and Dam are undergoing repairs to address water leaking beneath the dam structure, which has caused concerns about erosion and the stability of the historic site.

Town o cials said the seepage was discovered last fall and had prevented the pond from reaching its normal water level. The pond was drained July 1 to allow crews access to the dam foundation as the leaking water created erosion beneath the dam structure, raising concerns about potential impacts to the stability of the dam and historic grist mill.

Councilman Glenn Price, who recently visited the mill

“The drought has helped with getting this work done. As little rain as we’ve had, there is only a trickle of water that’s made it across the pond and near the dam.”

Glenn Price

and documented the work, said an excavator is removing organic material that has accumulated at the base of the dam over years of storms and hurricanes. The material will be removed until the remaining original clay foundation is reached.

To reduce seepage and prevent future problems, workers will place bentonite, a type of clay that expands when wet, in front of the dam. The material will then be covered with local clay sourced from re department construction. The concrete dam will also receive repairs to ll cracks and

voids created by the seepage. Price said the cracks have also shown historical changes to the structure, including an increase in the dam’s height.

Price said the current drought has helped crews access the area.

“The drought has helped with getting this work done. As little rain as we’ve had, there is only a trickle of water that’s made it across the pond and near the dam,” he explained.

Once the clay and concrete repairs are complete, the pond is expected to re ll naturally through rainfall.

It’s a year already, yet it feels like yesterday. Oh, how we love and miss you dearly. The pain in the lessons you taught us, the values you lived by, your words of wisdom, and your passionate love for forever live on in our hearts.

God is good, and to Him Be

provide “objective legal advice based on the law, not politics, personalities, or agendas.”

Thompson said his decision stemmed from what he described as an environment marked by “personal attacks, social media theatrics, rumor and unnecessary drama,” as well as the withholding of important town information from employees, legal counsel and elected o cials.

“The current environment no longer allows me to e ectively perform my duties as legal counsel in the manner the position requires,” said Thompson.

“Municipal government should be conducted openly, honestly, and professionally. It should not be driven by innuendo.”

Thompson said he will continue serving through July 31 and will assist with transitioning the town’s legal matters to successor counsel.

He concluded his letter by expressing hope that “the town can move beyond the current discord and return its focus to

“I

accepted this position because I wanted to use my legal experience to help move the town forward — not to become entangled in political dysfunction.”

Attorney Kennedy L. Thompson

transparent, lawful, and e ective governance,” adding, “The citizens of Warsaw deserve nothing less.”

Boykin said Thompson’s resignation came without prior discussion, but that he respects the town attorney’s decision to step down.

“Change is a necessary part of the science of improvement,”

Boykin told Duplin Journal.

“I have great respect for the town’s attorney. I wish I had the opportunity to speak with him before receiving his letter of resignation; however, that was not part of his plan. As such, I have to respect his decision.”

Boykin said the town council, which is responsible for hiring the town attorney, is already moving to secure interim legal guidance while

beginning the search for a permanent replacement.

“On Monday, I asked the manager to schedule a special called meeting for closed and public sessions on either July 28, 29 or 30,” Boykin said. “By these advanced optional dates, I hope to maximize attendance.”

He said he expects to hear from Turner soon regarding the scheduling of the meeting in accordance with the North Carolina Open Meetings Act.

Looking ahead, Boykin said he hopes the transition will ultimately strengthen the town’s leadership.

“It is our job to make this change a pathway to improving the Warsaw governing body and administrative leadership,” Boykin said.

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

Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

WARSAW from page A1

COURTESY COUNCILMAN GLENN PRICE

A view from the backside of Boney Mill shows the exposed pond bed where crews are removing eroded material from the base of the dam as part of the repair project.

Young racers take to Cabin Lake in annual cardboard boat regatta

A 14-year tradition gives Royal Rangers a chance to compete, connect and serve

By Rebecca Whitman Cooke For Duplin Journal

THEY WERE BUILT from cardboard, strengthened with duct tape and tested against the waters of Cabin Lake. But for the young racers taking part in the 2026 Royal Rangers Cardboard Boat Regatta on Saturday, the event was about much more than seeing whose boat crossed the nish line rst — it

was about teamwork, faith and a tradition that has brought local churches together for more than a decade.

Royal Rangers is a faith-based boys program that mixes outdoor activities with skill-building and discipleship at outposts throughout the country. The Cardboard Boat Regatta was the idea of Sheldon Rowser, commander of Outpost 5 at Pathway Church in Beulaville.

“I was brainstorming with another commander about what we could do to bring another event to the calendar, and the idea for this just came to me,” Rowser said. “A lot of Roy-

al Rangers outposts take the summer months o , but I don’t know why. The kids don’t have school, and they are more pliable in their schedules to do stu like this.”

Over the course of 14 years, the regatta has grown to include multiple churches. This year’s race included 10 boats and participants represented Gum Branch, Spring eld, Piney Grove and Pathways Pentecostal Freewill Baptist churches. Many of the children who raced at young ages still race today and mentor younger racers. While children pilot the cardboard boats, their parents build them. One parent ex-

plained that they nd ideas online and spend months building the boats.

“One cardboard boat can have anywhere from six to eight rolls of duct tape on it,” one parent explained. Though the boats take months to build, they rarely last past race day.

“They will get out in it a few more times after the race, but once it gets water in it and starts getting waterlogged, it’s done for,” another parent said.

The Pink Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department provided safety throughout the event. The regatta started around 9 a.m. with a modest crowd gathering, includ-

ing parents, friends and locals.

Rowser reminded the children of their route and rules, then started the race with some quick advice.

“It doesn’t matter how fast you get to the water, it’s how fast you get to the nish line,” Rowser said.

Children were put in life jackets, given paddles and paired up into boats. Most of the younger racers were in the rst heat, and two more young racers paired with teenagers went in a second heat. As the racers fought to balance their oars and steer their courses, their speed increased around the two buoys halfway into the lake and to the nish line at the boat dock. Both parents and racers cheered on other racers from the nish line: “Keep going, don’t give up!”

Racers won trophies, second-place ribbons and patches. Families stayed for lunch and fellowship after the race.

DIRECTOR from page A1

was the same complaint residents had. He added that HUD was coming to Mount Olive, at his request, to train the new housing authority board members he had appointed.

In the meantime, Newton asked Commissioner Gena Knode to meet with the housing authority sta . While town commissioners have no direct control over the agency, Newton told Knode he hoped her experience in real estate could help.

Duplin Journal spoke with Knode last Friday. She said her recent meeting with Mount Ol-

CAMPAIGN from page A1 or, purpose and perspective, but together, more meaningful and impactful decisions can be made than anyone alone.”

She said that collaborative approach would guide her if elected commissioner.

“I believe that our strength to solving problems, supporting one another and achieving the best possible outcomes for all is through collaboration, innovation and trust,” Kornegay said.

A lifelong resident of the Beulaville area, Kornegay said her connection to agriculture began long before her healthcare career. As a school-aged child, she spent summers helping her grandparents on their farm, working in chicken houses, tending gardens and learning to drive a tractor. As a teenager, she spent summers working in tobacco elds alongside members of her extended family.

ive Housing Authority Director Erin Lambert revealed that problems were much bigger than resident complaints.

“Erin Lambert told me verbatim she had not been paid since February, but she loved her job and loved the people of Mount Olive, and she would work without pay,” Knode said. During that meeting, Lambert told Knode that approximately 20 to 22 housing units were out of commission. Both Knode and Newton told the Duplin Journal they were concerned about having those units remain unoccupied for such a long period of time considering the number of people seeking

“Those long days in the elds reinforced the lessons of responsibility, perseverance and teamwork that I learned, and gave me a deep appreciation for the farmers and their families who help support and feed our communities,” Kornegay told Duplin Journal.

Kornegay also said her family’s experience has given her an understanding of the risks farmers face.

“Learning of my mom’s farming accident on a tobacco harvester during one of her high school summers gives me a deeper appreciation for the potential risks associated with farming,” she said. “It shows the importance of farm safety, education and access to healthcare for farming families.”

She said rural residents often face unique healthcare challenges because of long work hours, seasonal demands and limited access to medical services.

housing. Not only are the units empty, but no one could reach housing authority sta to inquire about a vacancy.

Knode’s meeting with Lambert came prior to HUD’s meeting with the newly appointed housing authority board in Mount Olive. Following HUD’s meeting with the newly appointed housing authority board, Lambert resigned her position.

Knode said she did not hear what speci cally happened at the meeting with HUD, but the reason for the meeting was, to her knowledge, simply to ful ll the mayor’s request that they provide training

“Duplin County has opportunities to better support our farming community by expanding access to healthcare through telehealth, mobile clinics and local services that meet people where they are while also continuing to strengthen community partnerships,” Kornegay said. “When healthcare is accessible, practical and built around the needs of our farm families, we help create a healthier

to the housing authority board.

“My understanding is HUD came for the training the mayor had requested,” Knode said. “To my knowledge, that was truly the reason HUD came last week.”

As far as details of the meeting with HUD, Knode said, “I cannot tell you who was there. I cannot tell you what training took place. All I can tell you is that during that time frame, (Lambert) resigned.”

Duplin Journal reached out to two members of the Mount Olive Housing Authority Board and asked what had transpired at the meeting with HUD.

The chairperson of that

and stronger Duplin County for all.”

Looking ahead, Kornegay said she hopes Duplin County preserves its agricultural heritage while embracing innovation.

“Agriculture is a way of life, supporting families, local businesses and our economy,” she said. “I hope future generations continue to value the hard work, stewardship of the land and commitment to producing food that has de ned Duplin County for generations while embracing new technologies and practices that help farming remain sustainable and environmentally friendly.”

Running under the slogan “Beyond the Pharm,” Kornegay said the listening, problem-solving and collaborative skills she developed throughout her healthcare career have prepared her for public service.

She said her priorities include strengthening public safety, in-

board, Annette Kirby, replied, “No comment,” and refused to answer any more questions.

Ed Fennell, a member of the housing authority board, said, “It’s con dential for right now, OK?”

When asked if he believed the public should be aware of a public issue like what happened at the meeting, Fennell said, “You don’t need to, in my opinion, get one-on-one information from a commissioner, or so forth. One on one with you is not my job.”

As of press deadline, a message requesting comment from the HUD regional o ce in Greensboro had not received a response.

vesting in education, improving infrastructure, expanding access to physical and mental health services, and increasing public involvement in county government through greater transparency and open communication.

Kornegay earned a doctorate in pharmacy from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and has worked as a pharmacist, healthcare leader and clinical program developer, helping develop healthcare programs that served a 27-county region.

Kornegay said her campaign is rooted in the values of faith, hard work and service, adding that she wants county decisions to re ect the needs of families, seniors, farmers and business owners.

“I hope Duplin County never loses its family farming roots, the pride people take in working and the uniqueness created by our close-knit agricultural community,” Kornegay said.

COURTESY

Tracey Simmons Kornegay

PHOTOS BY REBECCA WHITMAN COOKE FOR DUPLIN JOURNAL

DUPLIN SPORTS

Deja vu in Port City

Beulaville Post 511 upended perennial power Wilmington Post 10 Red again for a top-four seed in American Legion State Tournament

Runs scored in the seventh inning by Beulaville Post 511 in its 6-5 win over Wilmington Post 10 Red

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

WILMINGTON — The Beulaville Post 511 baseball team saved its best for perennial power Wilmginton Post 10 Red in an Area II nal for the No. 1 seed in the American Legion Sr. State Tournament.

It was deja vu for head coach Brandon Thigpen and his “veteran” players, who seemed to emerge from the sky last season to nip Post 10 Blue 1-0 for one of the top four seeds.

The shutdown July 20 at Buck Hardy Field was perhaps even more exciting as Post 511 rallied for four seventh-inning runs to win 6-5.

Up 6-3 with three outs left to play with, the Wilmington gang’s rally fell short in

the home half of the seventh.

Eli Avent drove in a run and scored twice, while Blayden Pridgen added an RBI and Jaxson Smith scattered four hits, ve strikeouts and three walks over four innings.

Wilmington’s o ense was limited to two players. Owen Gore had three hits and drove in three runs, and Camden Croom laced four hits in four plate appearances.

Cole Jarman, Reed Davis and Austin Clements whacked their way to hits for Post 511.

Post 10 Red blasted Beulaville 15-6 on July 6 and also won a 6-1 a air June 22.

A sweet sweep of Blue

Post 511 swept Post 10 Blue in three games in its semi nal series.

Wilmington Post 10 Blue manager Daniel Weninger said Beulaville Post 511’s lineup is lled with college players.

“They can manufacture runs, that’s for sure, and move runners around and get clutch hits and at-bats,” Weninger

said after being swept in a three-game sweep in the best- of- ve Area II semi nals.

Post 511 scored 32 times and used 17 walks to advance to the eight-team American Legion Sr. nals in Gastonia on July 24-29 at Sims Park.

“They have a lot of lefty hitters, and that’s a bene t as well as the experience they have,” Weninger said. “It showed.”

Sta ace Smith’s 10-0 shutout win in the opener was followed by a 12-8 triumph and then a 10-9 walk-o win on the home diamond of East Duplin on July 15.

Post 10 Red got to the nals in a similar and more impressive fashion, outscoring Post 507 out of Tabor City 39-0 for its sweep.

Post 511 upended Post 10 Red 1-0 last season to earn the top seed from Area II. While it was considered an upset, both teams advanced to the state tournament, as they will this summer to join seven other teams in the double-elimination tourney.

Beulaville lost to Post 39 of Pitt County 9-6 and Post 342 of Rowan County 17-1 at last summer’s gathering in Cherryville.

See POST 511, page B3

Rebels’ Martin enters 25th season as head football coach

Hugh Martin led ND to a 29-6 mark the last three seasons to raise the Rebels’ all-time winning mark to nearly 60%

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CALYPSO — Hugh Martin has been around the game of football so long that it’s easy to talk about the wins and career marks he’s accomplished at North Duplin.

And it’s so not about stats for the coach who is entering his 25th season as the head man on

the sidelines on Friday nights.

“Early on I had to learn the game and how to teach it as efciently as possible, and that factor seems to be there every year,” said Martin, who is only the sixth coach at ND since 1955. “It’s been a joy and a challenge. There are things that are di erent, but it’s still about young men who want to learn the game and coaches with the opportunity to learn and excel at teaching the game.”

Martin, who retired as a history teacher a few seasons ago, said connecting and staying

See MARTIN, page B2

Duplin’s 14U Dixie baseball team on re at World Series

The all-star team is two wins from capturing the title

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

STERLINGTON, La. – The Duplin County 14U baseball team is in the semi nals at the Dixie Boys World Series in Sterlington, Louisiana. Duplin su ered its rst loss July 20 after three wins to open the double-elimination tournament. The host team beat Duplin 12-2 following wins over teams from Florida, Mississippi and South Carolina.

Duplin needs three consecutive wins to capture the title. A loss in any game sends them home. The tournament ends July 21 or July 22 if Duplin is still in the championship mix. Duplin County takes on Hartsville, South Carolina, in its fth game at 10 p.m. on July 20. Unbeaten Sterlington and one-loss Florida square o in the other semi nal matchup.

All three teams will have to whip the host school twice to claim the crown.

Rally for two runs to topple Florida

Duplin County looked defeat in the eye in its third game. It trailed Florida 3-2 with three outs remaining.

Leado hitter Braylan Gomez walked to start the rally, was bunted to second base by Aibel James and got to third via a stolen base.

David Smith’s single tied it, but Duplin wasn’t nished as Noah Bass’ grounder moved Smith to third base.

Marshall Rumbold’s second RBI hit of the day was the game-winner.

Duplin jumped to a 2-0 lead with single runs in the rst and third innings.

Florida tacked up two in the top of the seventh to grab the lead and set up the North Carolina team for the walk-o win.

Rumbold drove Noah Bass in the rst run, while Bass’ single to center eld knocked in Hampton Bass.

Meanwhile, Hatch Becher struck out eight

See 14U, page B2

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Hampton Bass pitched Dupin to a key win in the Dixie World Series.

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, Noah Rouse settles in on a y ball during Post 511 win that sent the Belleville team to the American Legion Sr. State Tournament. Right, leado hitter Eli Avent makes things happen on the bases.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Hugh Martin’s career coaching record is 159-125. He’s 141-102 at North Duplin.

Young waited and waited some more, but another British Open slipped from his grasp

The former Demon Deacon is still searching for his rst major

By Steve Douglas The Associated Press

SOUTHPORT, England — Cameron Young was waiting on the range at Royal Birkdale, driver in hand, when a huge roar came that he didn’t want to hear.

Just a stone’s throw away on the 18th green, Ryan Fox had holed a 12-foot birdie putt to win the British Open.

There’d be no playo for Young.

No chance to end his wait for a rst major championship title.

The American and former Wake Forest golfer bowed his

head, swung his driver gently over his shoulder then back onto the ground, and trudged o .

Some 2½ hours earlier, Young had been on that 18th hole himself, getting up -and- down from a greenside bunker — he actually nearly holed it — to salvage bogey and shoot 64 for what would remain the lowest score of the nal round.

Then came the long, agonizing wait to discover whether his 9-under 271 total would be enough to win.

Young had some food, cleared out his locker — “for e ciency’s sake,” he said — and spent some time in the players’ lounge. By 6 p.m., he was practicing on the putting green.

And around half an hour later, the spectators in the huge grandstands lining one of the

“I had a chance to win with not everything I’ve got. So I think that’s a good takeaway.”

Cameron Young

most famous walks in golf gave him the bad news.

Add Birkdale to the 29-year- old Young’s close calls at the majors, following a runner-up nish at the British Open in 2022 — he made eagle on the nal hole to be one stroke back from Cameron Smith at St. Andrews — and a tie for third at the Masters this year after sharing the 54-hole lead.

Now up to No. 4 in the world, the widespread belief in gol ng

circles is that Young’s time will come. That’s because he has risen to elite company this year with wins at The Players Championship in March and the Cadillac Championship at Doral, in front of President Donald Trump, a couple of months later.

Young says his score “could have been 60”

Speaking after his round, Young said he thought 10-under par would have a “decent chance” of victory.

So it proved. And he would have got there — or maybe better — had he not found a fairway bunker on No. 18 after choosing to hit driver. He barely got out of the sand with his second shot that struck the top of the bunker wall and spilled out 20 yards forward,

and went on to scramble for a bogey.

A par there would have seen him match the lowestnal-round score in a major.

A birdie? Well, that would have won him the whole thing.

“It could have been 60,”

Young said of his round that included a front-nine 29.

“I played a great round of golf,” he added, “and I did it in a really good way.”

Young’s thoughts after Fox completed victory are a mystery because he declined to talk to the media.

He surely will regret his 3-over 73 on Saturday that came after two 67s and dropped him to a tie for 20th overnight.

“I had a chance to win with not everything I’ve got,” he said. “So I think that’s a good takeaway.”

with players until they graduate is key for his Rebels.

“We spend more time with them in the weight room than with football, so that’s a pretty important piece of the pie. The messages we convey about the total student athlete are as important as anything we do, and really is the basis for what is done.”

Martin, who is respected in the halls, classroom and on the practice eld, has one of the toughest football jobs in the state.

ND was 10 students shy of being a 1A school, and Martin must constantly work on keeping up his roster numbers.

And talent isn’t always a blessing for a given class at ND.

So football is a full-time venture that starts nearly as soon as it ends.

ND went 29-5 the past three seasons, but this fall looks as if Martin and ND coaching grads — Brad Rhodes, Daniel Cates and Wilfredo Puac — will be in a familiar rebuilding mode.

Martin took his 2007 (15-1) and 2017 (14-1) teams to the state nals but then struggled following title runs.

ND was 16-23 from 2008 to 2010 and 16-25 from 2018 to 2021.

“It takes the right combination of classes coming through with us,” Martin said. “It’s not one class for us most of the time but two or having a class with contributing sophomores who do that for three seasons.”

Martin’s graduating seniors, led by UNC recruit and defenseman Trashawn Ru n and Carell Phillips, who ran for 4,686 yards and 70 touchdowns the past four seasons, is an example of a loaded class. And it included several longtime starters — Garris Warren, Ethan Turnage, Quan Stevens, Noa Quantanilla, Lucas Dail and Holden Williams.

“When we have young talent it has to be on the eld and

14U from page B1

MARTIN from page B1 in 61⁄3 innings for the mound win.

Bass boys, Rumbold, Woodard power the way

Nioah Bass was in the spotlight in Game 2 as he whi ed nine and yielded three hits in 62⁄3 innings during a 1-0 win in eight innings over Hattiesburg.

Noah Bass threw the nal 11⁄3 frames and did not allow a hit.

Rumbold and Dan Wilson cracked hits in the nail biter.

Duplin opened the tournament with a rousing 7-4 triumph over Florence, South Carolina.

Rumbold and Jase Woodard each had a double, single, two RBIs and two runs scored. Noah Bass singled, walked twice and scored.

Wilson, Gomez and Konnor Sholar each added a hit.

Woodard whi ed eight in 42⁄3 innings.

Left, Hugh Martin, who guided North Duplin to two state title games, is

Martin has in uenced hundreds of athletes at ND as well as grandchildren

Rylie Mello.

performing,” Martin said. “And we can’t take for granted what they know (about the game). We have to both play them and teach them all the little steps necessary. We need game experience on the eld.”

Martin, a ND grad in 1978, is entering his 31st football season as a coach.

He spent four seasons at the head coach of East Duplin, going 18-23 from 1990-93 before leading the Rebels to an 11-3 mark when he returned to North Duplin in 2006.

Martin’s four seasons with the Panthers was a bu er between assignments for Brian Aldridge, who turned the program around by going 35-20 from 1985-89 and 160-57 from 1995-2010.

Battle Holley (164-65, 2A title in 2022) took over the next season, and the rest is history.

He was an assistant under Aldridge before taking over.

“He knew the lay of the land and did a great job for us,” said

Aldridge, who went to Whiteville before returning to Beulaville. “He has a love of the game and knowledge. He took what he learned and has done a great job over there. There’s a lot of tradition at North Duplin, and he’s maintained what (Richard) Kaleel and (Ken) Avent Sr. left. And maintaining a program is harder than making the climb toward the top.”

Martin’s career record is 159-125, and he’s 141-102 in Calypso through 20 seasons at ND. Avent Sr. (172-105) is the all-time leader, though Martin has passed Kaleel (113-77-5 in 19 seasons). Kaleel led ND to its lone state title in 1972.

Martin will tie Avent in years as a head coach this fall, and though still behind Aldridge, he’s the dean of active coaches in terms of years of service.

And more than anything, that is a measuring stick for Martin. His consistency and longevity have earned him a spot

in the heart of players and fans.

“I’ve often coached my players’ grandfathers, dads and brothers,” Martin said. “That’s special. We’re constantly ghting the numbers game with our roster, and for me, truly the hardest time is when we lose a senior class like the last one.”

John Bert Avent, who coached at both ND and James Kenan, has the highest admiration for Martin.

“He’s as good and solid as any coach to come through Duplin County,” Avent said. “What he accomplishes and has accomplished is nothing short of outstanding.”

One day Martin will hang up his whistle and most football fans are expecting Rhodes to take his spot.

When it is time that would make an excellent transition.

Until then, Martin runs the defense and is the nal word and Rhodes is the o ensive coordinator.

Martin was an assistant coach in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas in 2023 and East-West NC Coaches Association’s All-Star game in 2018.

The quiet leader behind the Rebels’ success remains a student of the game and a teacher of all things to his players.

“It’s more than about football here,” he said.

ND opens its season Aug. 21 when Southside-Chocowinity visits H.E. Grubbs Field. Look for the Rebels to be 4-0 heading into a war with longtime Carolina Conference rival Lakewood on Sept. 18. East Bladen and Hobbton are major roadblocks in October.

In the past three seasons, Martin has taken ND from a .588 winning percentage (431301-5) to a .595 (469-301-5) mark.

The veteran coach and his wife Donna, a retired teacher’s assistant, have two daughters and ve grandchildren.

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Left, Jase Woodard’s hits to all elds with a level swing. Right, Braylen Gomez moves a runner to second with a bunt.

PHOTOS BY EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

among the state’s all-time leaders in wins. Right,

Edward, Jase and Ethan Canterbury and Owen and

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY BILL CARONE

Arnette seeking to bring new light to proud Dark Horse program

Jason Arnette is hoping to return his former school to its glory years

By Michael Jaenicke Duplin Journal

CLINTON — A small number of football teams play successful programs such as East Duplin, Wallace-Rose Hill, Whiteville during the regular season and add James Kenan to its mix in 2027.

Welcome to the Dark Horse gridiron world of Clinton, a ve-time state champion looking to recover from the after-effects its 2A nals appearance in 2024 and coming o a ho-hum 6-6 campaign last fall.

And that ho-hum-ness wasn’t just from over-zealous fans, angry parents and longtime armchair quarterbacks.

At Clinton, the bar was set by Bob Lewis (333-153-6), who won four state titles with the Dark Horses, another with East Bladen and an eight-man championship with Harrells Christian Academy.

While Cory Johnson brought four seasons of winning (61-12 in six seasons), he departed to Marlboro County High (S.C.) with coaches and players like a hero turned villain in a Marvel movie script.

Johnny Boykin was left to pick up the pieces. Boykin, a member of Clinton’s 1990 2A title team who had a 26-46 record as the top man at Ragsdale, guided the depleted Horses to two wins in 10 games in his rst season.

He was replaced by Jason Arnette, another former Dark Horse player and assistant under Lewis. Going 8-14 and a lack of direction, Clinton and Boykin parted ways.

Arnette returned as an assistant last season after going 45-31 at HCA and taking the Crusaders to the NCISAA’s 2A nals in 2020 and 2021.

Arnette and his brother, the late Shane Arnette, are both former Clinton players.

Plenty of light in Clinton’s 2025 highlights

While there were plenty of blown assignments and penal-

Weninger must have felt the series would go to a fourth game against Post 10 Blue as his club had leads of 7-1 and 10-3 in Game 3. But Post 511 rallied for three runs in the sixth and walked o the win with four in the seventh.

Beulaville coach Brandon Thigpen wasn’t thrilled with his team’s early lackluster e ort yet championed the comeback.

Henry Bass ripped three hits and knocked in three runs, and Cole Jarman and Reed Davis each drove in a run. Post 511 got on base four times via being hit by a pitch and waited out seven

ty ags, Clinton still presented teams with challenges last fall.

In fact, East Duplin (20 -13), WRH (22-18) and Pender (50 - 45) were one-score losses, though setbacks to East Bladen (26-20) and Midway (55-39) were harder to explain.

Clinton’s biggest hurrah came in a 37-36 conquest of Whiteville, who struggled to go 7-4 out of the weak Southeastern 3A/4A/5A Conference.

Yet the Dark Horses still only needed two touchdowns and a 2-point conversion to win the ECC.

All of this and being able to run the program his way has Arnette excited about Clinton’s future.

“When I took over in January, we started hitting it hard in the weight room,” Arnette said. “We are in there four days a week, and we practice three days. We’re getting stronger. We’ve got 60 players out now, will probably have 70 when we start, and I’d love to see it go to 80.

“We’ve got to get it back to where it was to give our players that unique high school experience.

“But we know the expecta-

walks from Wilmington hurlers. Southpaw Mason Murphy threw the nal three innings, whi ng four and allowing a hit.

Shawn Marshburn and Noah Rouse each contributed a hit for the winners. Christian Atkinson had three hits and ve RBIs for Post 10.

A day earlier, Post 511 broke a 6-6 tie by scoring three times in the sixth and seventh innings.

Braden Barnett singled twice, doubled and drove in three runs. Gage Howard likewise knocked in three runs with a double. Marshburn had two hits in three trips to the plate and an RBI, while Rouse contributed a run-scoring single.

tions are high. Last year we didn’t nish. Some of that is within our players. Some of it is mental.”

Clinton has back-to-back road games against Midway and WRH in Week 2 and 3, respectively, and will likewise travel to 2025 league-winner East Duplin on Oct. 16. It also won’t be a picnic when the Dark Horses host Whiteville, Pender and East Bladen in succession.

The Dark Horses are slated to scrimmage James Kenan at the Sampson County Jamboree on Aug. 14 at Midway High School.

“We’ve got a small senior class and a big sophomore class, and I think we need to work on really developing a winning mentality,” Arnette said. “Right now it’s about what goes on each day and not about anything else.”

Yet Arnette and company saw rising senior quarterback Miles McCallop (1,971 yards, 22 touchdowns passing, 283 yards, 4 TDs rushing) and wide receiver/athlete Zaire Strickland transfer out of Clinton.

Arnette is also without a solid senior class from 2025.

Reed added two of Beulaville’s 14 hits.

Henry Bass struck out two in the seventh to earn the save after Austin Clements went four frames and Jarman two.

Atkinson had two hits and drove in three for Post 10 Blue, which is made up largely of players from 8A Hoggard High School.

Winners of the 2026 American Legion Senior Sr. state tournaments advance to one of eight regional tournaments., which run from Aug. 5-9. North Carolina’s representative will play in the Southeast region in Cherryville.

The American Legion World Series is Aug. 13-18 at Keeter Stadium in Shelby on Aug. 13-18.

Henry Bass

Beulaville Post 511

Beulaville Post 511’s Henry Bass made his at-bats count during a three-game sweep of American Legion Post 10 Blue last week in the semi nals of the Area II playo s. Bass went 6 of 9 with four RBIs and scored four times to send his team into the state tournament for the second consecutive summer. The Clinton grad, who will play for Lenoir Community College next fall, hit .440 in the nal season for the Dark Horses. He had 33 hits, 33 runs and drove in 22. He also had a 2.09 ERA in 501⁄3 innings of work, striking out 50 and walking 20 for 15-9 Clinton. Post 511 will play in the state tournament July 24-29 at Sims Park in Gastonia.

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

EDWARDO PUAC / DUPLIN JOURNAL

Clinton grad Jason Annette went 45-31 at Harrells Christian Academy. He replaces Johnny Boykin, who stayed for two seasons.

ACC looks to corporate sponsorships as way to boost bottom line of league revenue

Commissioner Jim Phillips continues to search for new sources

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — Jim Phillips has spent his ve-plus-year tenure as Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner trying to generate more revenue for a league facing nancial pressures even with yearly record hauls.

For his league — and across the national landscape in the revenue-sharing era, for that matter — that has included more emphasis on corporate sponsorships. Finding event sponsors for naming rights. Securing deals for advertisements on conference TV networks. It’s all about looking for ways to sell those options and supplement the media rights payouts and earnings from postseason success that stand as core engines of the college nancial system.

And stacking every bit helps in a time when schools are allowed to pay athletes directly.

“I don’t know if it’s pressure, but it’s the reality,” Phillips said during the league’s preseason football media days. “To me, it’s the reality of this role and it’s reality of our league. We have to continue to nd incremental dollars each and every year that continue to grow.”

That’s been a particular focus for Phillips, too, in dealing with a signi cant revenue gap behind the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference since his spring 2021 arrival.

The league reported about $826.5 million in total revenue in tax lings covering the 2024-25 sports season, with schools earning a full distribution share getting an average of $47.1 million.

That continued the ACC’s upward trajectory; the league reported $617 million for 2021-22 in Phillips’ rst full season, good

23SP000123-300 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DUPLIN COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by James K Clendenin and Deborah R Morgan to Ruth W Garner, Trustee(s), which was dated May 11, 2022 and recorded on May 12, 2022 in Book 1996 at Page 22, Duplin County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Duplin County, North Carolina, to wit: All that certain lot or parcel of land located in Cypress Creek Township, Duplin County, North Carolina and being more particularly described as follows:

Beginning at a stake in the Southern margin of the road leading from E. J. Whaley’s store to Eneas Lanier’s Store, at Dewey Halso’s, Ellis Maready, E.J. Whaley and Berry Maready’s corner in the old line, and runs thence with the Southern margin of said road South 61 degrees 15 minutes West-40 poles to a stake in the Southern margin of said road, Ida Whaley’s corner; thence as Ida Whaley’s line South 78 poles to a stake in Halso Creek, an old corner; thence with the run of Halso Creek about East about 60 poles to a stake in the old line, the old James G. Halso corner; thence with the old

K. Halso etux,

28, 1956, to Clifton

in

et ais,

from

of the Duplin

to Deed

June 18,

A. Halso to Gerald J. Futreal and wife, Dorothy H. Futreal, as recorded in Book 582, Page 109, and also being the same property conveyed to Gerald J. Futreal and Dorothy H. Futreal in Book 658, Page 445 and Book 613, Page 47, of the Duplin County Registry. THERE IS SPECIFICALLY EXCEPTED FROM THE ABOVE DESCRIBED 16 ACRE TRACT ALL OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED LAND: FIRST EXCEPTION: BEGINNING at a

in the Southern margin of the old

the Northwest corner of the 16

“You can’t wait around, you can’t just kind of sit on your hands as it relates to some of these other areas and not fully explore and commit to nding those additional dollars.”

Jim Phillips, ACC commissioner

for a full-share average of $39.4 million. And Phillips said the league would crack $900 million in total revenue for the just-completed 2025-26 season.

By comparison, the Big Ten and SEC both crossed the $1 billion mark in total revenue in their 2024-25 lings, with the Big Ten paying an average of nearly $79.9 million to full-share members while the SEC came in at nearly $72.4 million.

The biggest way to move the needle for a league looking to change its nancial picture typically is media rights contracts.

The ACC is locked into a deal with ESPN — both for its base TV rights and the August 2019 launch of the ACC Network — through the 2035-36 season.

The TV revenue continues to increase, but Phillips said at least some gains have come through corporate sponsorships, such as investment management rm T. Rowe Price putting its name on the men’s basketball tournament.

The ACC has doubled its list of corporate sponsorships to nine in the past ve years, a list that includes Apple, Dr Pepper, Gatorade and Allstate. The league announced a deal with AI cybersecurity rm ReliaQuest, which includes advertising through ESPN, ESPN parent company Disney and the ACC Network.

That goes with other adjustments such as changes to the league’s revenue-distribution

thence a new line North about 400 feet to a stake in the Southern margin of the aforesaid road; thence with the Southern margin of the aforesaid road South 61 degrees 15 minutes West 105 feet to the point of beginning, CONTAINING .96 OF AN ACRE, more or less. And being the Second Tract and Exception conveyed by Deed dated January 14, 1969, from Dorothy H. Futreal and husband, Gerald J. Futreal, to Gerald J. Futreal and wife, Dorothy FL Entreat, and recorded in Book 658, Page 486, of the Duplin County Registry.

SECOND EXCEPTION: BEGINNING at an iron pipe in Arnold A. Halso’s line on the right-of-way line of Secondary Road No. 1715, said beginning being located South 02 degrees 00 minutes West 5.00 feet from an old iron stake at Arnold A. Halso’s corner, said beginning being also located South 07 degrees 36 minutes West 94.50 feet from Four County Electric Membership Corporation Power Pole No. 21276; running thence from said beginning with the right-of-way line of said road said right-of-way being 30 feet as measured at right angles from the center of same, North 62 degrees 56 minutes East 100.00 feet to an iron pipe, a new corner; thence South 02 degrees 00 minutes West 300.00 feet to an iron pipe, a new corner; thence South 62 degrees 56 minutes West 100.00 feet to an iron pipe in Arnold Halso’s line, a new corner; thence with Arnold A. Halso’s line North 02 degrees 00 minutes East 300.00 feet to the beginning, CONTAINING 0.60 ACRES, more or less as surveyed during September 1968 by A. Robert J. Salmon, Jr. The above described lot or parcel of land being a portion of the land which was conveyed to Gerald Futreal and wife, Dorothy H. Futreal, by a Deed recorded in Book 613, Page 47, Duplin County Registry.

LESS AND EXCEPTING FROM THIS CONVEYANCE 1.93 acres as shown on a map entitled “ Survey for Reggie Thigpen and wife, Glenda Thigpen” recorded in Map Book 33, page 168 of the Duplin County Register of Deeds.

Being the same property described in a deed dated November 7, 2021, recorded in Book 1978, Page 462 of the Duplin County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record.

Said property is commonly known as 3621 Fountaintown Rd, Chinquapin, NC 28521.

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,

model to reward programs that generate higher TV viewership and the “success initiative” that allows schools to keep money generated by their own postseason success.

“You can’t wait around, you can’t just kind of sit on your hands as it relates to some of these other areas and not fully explore and commit to nding those additional dollars,” Phillips said. “All of that stu adds up incrementally.”

In its most recent report, SponsorUnited estimated that Power Four schools generated about $1 billion in corporate sponsorship revenue across roughly 6,300 deals for the 2025-26 season.

That equated to about $9.7 million per school in the ACC and $11.2 million for the Big 12. The SEC ($21.5 million) and Big Ten ($16.1 million) led the way, with the Big 12 as the only league lacking its own TV channel.

“There’s not a lot of places where you can go to an AD and say, ‘Look, I think we could potentially generate $5-10-20 million annually if we think differently about this side of the business and we can control it,’” Lynch said. “So it becomes a really intriguing space to look and say if we invest there, we could potentially extract a lot of dollars and generate a lot that we weren’t doing before.”

In the ACC’s case, that meant hiring Anthony Macri last September as its rst chief revenue o cer. He’s helping schools in determining their own options on anything from patches on jerseys to arena signage. And unlike selling a nite number of tickets for an event, corporate sponsorships could o er layers of revenue options.

“We have a chance to really grow that area,” Macri said. “It’s been an underleveraged opportunity that has unlimited growth potential, so that gives us a lot of room to push on.”

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 James K Clendenin (unmarried) and Deborah R. Morgan (unmarried).

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 their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy.

If the transaction is subject to the FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (“RRE”) issued pursuant to the Bank Secrecy Act, information necessary to comply with the RRE Rule must be obtained and

Bermuda Run Apartments

1, 2 & 3 bedroom units, conveniently located in Warsaw, with handicap accessible units available. Section 8 assistance available. Opportunity. Corporation

Income Restrictions Apply

PUBLIC HEARING

The Duplin County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026 in the Duplin County Administrative Building, Commissioners Meeting Room located at 224 Seminary St, Kenansville, NC to consider public input on the naming of the following private roads:

Location Proposed Name NC 111 4472 R and S LN NC 111 1271 Padrick PL

Only those roads listed will be considered at this time.

Duplin County Board of Commissioners Jaime Carr, Clerk to the Board

26SP000037-300

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, DUPLIN COUNTY

Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Eric N. Pabone to Fidelity National Title Company, LLC, Trustee(s), which was dated January 4, 2021 and recorded on January 4, 2021 in Book 1940 at Page 863, Duplin County Registry, North Carolina.

Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, Trustee Services of Carolina, LLC, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will o er for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on July 28, 2026 at 12:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Duplin County, North Carolina, to wit: BEGINNING AT AN IRON STAKE LOCATED ON THE EASTERN RIGHT OF WAY OF KENNEDY DRIVE IN THE TOWN OF BEULAVILLE, WHICH LINE MAY BE LOCATED BY LEAVING THE INTERSECTION OF THE CENTERLINE OF STATE ROAD #1961 AND KENNEDY DRIVE AND RUNNING WITH THE CENTERLINE OF KENNEDY DRIVE IN A NORTHERN DIRECTION 387 FEET TO A NAIL, THENCE SOUTH 72 DEGREES 30 MINUTES EAST 22.5 FEET TO THE BEGINNING CORNER OF THE HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED LOT. AND FROM SAID BEGINNING CORNER SO LOCATED RUNNING WITH THE EASTERN RIGHT OF WAY OF KENNEDY DRIVE NORTH 14 DEGREES 50 MINUTES EAST 75 FEET TO THE PARKER LINE; THENCE WITH THE PARKER LINE SOUTH 72 DEGREES 30 MINUTES EAST 142 FEET TO A STAKE; THENCE SOUTH 14 DEGREES 50 MINUTES WEST 75 FEET TO A STAKE; THENCE NORTH 72 DEGREES 30 MINUTES WEST 142 FEET TO THE BEGINNING.

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

Said property is commonly known as 309 S Kennedy Street, Beulaville, NC 28518.

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

being

ered for sale. Substitute Trustee does not

and

possession of the

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 Eric N. Pabone, a

obituaries

Peggy Tyndall Alexander

Dec. 1, 1945 – July 4, 2026

Peggy Tyndall Alexander passed away Saturday evening, July 4, 2026, at the age of 80.

Peggy, a native of the Pleasant Grove area near Mount Olive, had made her home in Palmyra, Virginia for many years. In recent months, she relocated back to North Carolina to be near her sister and brother due to health issues.

Peggy attended B. F. Grady School and graduated in 1964 from East Duplin High School. She had been employed as a public relations agent with Lake Monticello Homeowners Association in Virginia, where she used her photography skills for the public good. She was also a talented artist and had painted many scenes and works of art which brought her awards, ribbons, and accolades.

Peggy’s life was remembered on Wednesday, July 8, with funeral services at 3 p.m. at Snow Hill Original Free Will Baptist Church, the home church of her and her family. O ciating was the Rev. Mark S. Hobbs. Committal rites with burial followed in the church cemetery. Immediately following the committal, friends greeted and fellowshipped with the family in the church.

For those who wish to make a memorial donation, please consider Snow Hill Church, 1224 Red Hill Road, Mount Olive, NC 28365.

Preceded in death by her parents, William Claudell and Lettie McCullen Tyndall; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Kenneth Ray and Doloris Tyndall, and Henry Delano “Speck” Tyndall, she leaves behind a sister and brother-in-law, Carol Tyndall Messick and Gene Messick of Kinston and Mount Olive; a brother and sister-in-law, William Earl and Joyce Outlaw Tyndall of Kinston; another sisterin-law, Rosemond Outlaw Tyndall, of Mount Olive; four nephews and a niece, Wyatt King, Barbara Tyndall, Greg Tyndall, Barry Tyndall, and Brian Tyndall, along with their families.

Gwendolyn

“Bethea” Vann

Dec. 2, 1940 – July 20, 2026

Ms. Gwendolyn Terrell Bethea Vann, age 85, of Magnolia, NC, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Wallace Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Wallace, NC.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at noon at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel, 472 Wells Town Road in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Funeral Home Cemetery, Hwy 903 in Magnolia, NC.

Left to cherish her precious memories are two sons: Norwood Vann, Jr. and Norman Vann, both of Magnolia, NC; one daughter, Tomiko Vann of Atlanta, GA; three siblings: Ronald Bethea, Eric Bethea (Crystal) and Carolyn DeRiggs, all of Maryland; one grandchild, Warmis G. Vann; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.

Julius Monk

July 30, 1950 – July 10, 2026

Mr. Julius Monk, age 75, of Warsaw, NC, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at ECU Health Duplin Hospital in Kenansville, NC.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Rose Hill Funeral Home in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow at Monk Family Cemetery in Magnolia, NC.

Left to cherish his precious memories are two sons: William Earl Lawson, II of Charlotte, NC and Julius Monk in Durham, NC; one daughter, Jillian Monk of Charlotte, NC; one brother, Harry Lee Monk of Warsaw, NC and one sister, E.B. Boney of Fayetteville, NC; six grandchildren, one greatgrandchild; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Michael Alderman

Sept. 24, 1955 – July 14, 2026

Mr. Michael Alderman, age 71, of Rose Hill, NC, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Lower Cape Fear Life Care in Wilmington, NC.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Rose Hill Funeral Home Chapel in Rose Hill, NC. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Funeral Home Cemetery in Magnolia, NC.

Left to cherish his precious memories are his sister, Yvonne Alderman Graham (Dewey) of Bolton, NC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Melissa Turner Register

June 4, 1974 – July 17, 2026

Warsaw- Melissa Dawn Turner Register, 52, of Warsaw passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro. Melissa was born June 4, 1974, in Sampson County to Brenda Quinn Turner and the late Donald Ray Turner.

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Brenda Turner of Warsaw; son, William Register of Warsaw; daughter, Katlyn Register of Warsaw; brothers, Donald Ray Turner, Jr., and Michael Paul Turner of Warsaw; grandchild, Elijah Lee Register; and niece, Hannah Jane Turner of Warsaw.

A funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Community Funeral Home Chapel, Warsaw, NC, with burial to follow in Matthew-Quinn Cemetery on Bowden Rd, Turkey, NC.

Christine S. Espin

April 30, 1945 –June 29, 2026

Mrs. Lucy Christine Summerlin Espin, age 81, passed away Monday afternoon, June 29, 2026, at ECU Medical Center in Greenville.

Mrs. Espin was a long-time employee of the Lundy Packing Company. After retirement, she had held several other jobs on a short-term basis.

Funeral services were held Thursday, July 2, at 11:00 a.m. by the graveside at Devotional Gardens at Warsaw. Presiding was the Rev. James DeLuca. Her family received friends at the cemetery.

Mrs. Espin is survived by her husband, David P. Espin; her three sons and their wives, Larry and Beverly Summerlin of Turkey, Gary and Shannan Batchelor of Turkey, and Thomas and Martha Batchelor of Kenansville; seven grandchildren, Brody Batchelor, Sam Batchelor, Abigail Batchelor, Logan Batchelor, Leslie Batchelor, Je rey Summerlin, and Jessica Summerlin; a greatgrandson, Brantley Summerlin; two sisters, Mavis Summerlin and Joyce Sage; and several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, Leslie Summerlin and Lucy Taylor Summerlin, as well as several siblings, Debbie Jean Summerlin, Lois S. Allen, Milton Summerlin, Mary S. Outlaw and Hubert Summerlin, preceded Christine in death.

Donnie Ray Register

Feb. 24, 1940 – July 14, 2026

Warsaw - Donnie Ray Register, 86, of Warsaw passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at WakeMed in Raleigh. Mr. Register was born February 24, 1940, in Sampson County to the late Hallie Davis Register and Reda Williams Register. A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at Calvary Baptist Church in Warsaw. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Register Family Cemetery in Turkey, NC.

Left to cherish his memory, Mr. Register is survived by wife, Jewel W. Register of the home; sons, Steven Ray Register and wife, Donna of Clinton, Kenneth Wayne Register and wife, Kathleen of Warsaw, Kevin Lee Register and wife Jennie of Clinton; brother, Bobby Register of Kenansville, Cathy Carter and husband, Charles of Clinton; grandchildren, Kelly Williams and husband, Clint, Stephen Lee Register and wife Courtney, Brittany Drew and husband Aaron, Kenneth Wayne Register, Jr. and wife, Catherine, Brett Casey Register and wife, Amanda Hope Ashley Myrick and husband, Kevin, and Tyler Strickland and wife Hannah; great grandchildren, Autumn Williams, Kylee Register, Brody Hinson, Rylan Register, Carter Register, Connor Register, Paisley Drew, Levi Drew, Breanna Thomas, Hannah Register, Adyson Register, Reagan Register, Anna Myrick, Carson Myrick, Emalyn Myrick, Tatum Register, Jack Strickland and Ele Strickland.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Register was preceded in death by his brother, Ellis Register.

James Allen Jones

Nov. 6, 1956 – July 14, 2026

James Allen Jones, 69, of Wallace, NC, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. James was born November 6, 1956, in Rose Hill to the late W.R. and Susie Jones. He is survived by his wife, Blanche Jones; children - Sarah, Jessica (Billy), Amanda (Ronnie); brothers – Glenn (Robin) and Billy Jones (Winnie); and 7 grandchildren. He graduated in 1975 from Wallace Rose Hill. He served in the United States Army where he received his infantry awards. He met the love of his life, Blanche Trimble Jones, while James was away. He stayed in close contact with his parents and brothers. They talked on a weekly basis.

James was a quiet man. He loved his whole family. He always showed up for everyone and never expected anyone to show up for him. He was close with his family. James’s daughters knew no matter what he would show up. Everyone knew that if they called or texted, he would be there anytime. James got his CDL the day that he turned 18. James loved being out on the open road. He would take his daughter Jessica on the truck with him when she was little. He drove for independent contractors. Then he decided to come o the road and work for Smith eld Foods which later became Murphy Brown. James loved to cook and watch movies with his daughter. Sarah and James would sit up late at night enjoying each other’s company. He would call his children and grandchildren daily. He enjoyed his weekly trips with his son-in-law Billy. He was very close to his brothers Glenn and Billy Jones. He was very proud of his grandsons Mason and Sam and all their achievements. He enjoyed taking them to football games and wrestling matches. They have a lifetime of memories of just the three of them. Each of his granddaughters has a lifetime of memories themselves. Their Pa would cook breakfast every Sunday morning. He would cook each one of them their eggs just how they wanted and whatever they wanted with them. Whether it was pancakes or French toast. He would take Genna, Ally, Miranda, Gabby and Abby to Wilmington for brunch during their summers out of school. He would also take them to school and pick them up. He was such a family man that even his nieces and nephews knew if they called and needed him, he was there.

A Celebration of Life/ Visitation is set for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the Trans guration Catholic Church of Wallace, NC. There will be a truck procession at 2:15 p.m. from Jones’s home to the church.

Shirley Batchelor Dail

April 9, 1942 – July 14, 2026

Shirley Batchelor Dail, 84, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at her home.

The graveside service is Monday, July 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Oak Memorial Park in Pink Hill, NC. There will be visitation at the graveside She is survived by nephews Billy Murphy, Johnny Batchelor, Jerry Batchelor and Rusty Batchelor; and nieces Brenda Basden, Patricia King, Judy Garriss, Gail Heath and Martha Foy.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jane White. Mr. White is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy White Rundell and Tom Rundell of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Janet White Jensen and Gene Jensen of Mays Landing, New Jersey; a brother, David White of Radnor, Pennsylvania; and a sister-in-law, Dannie Andrews of Columbus, Georgia. Additionally, he has ve nephews, one niece, and their spouses, Clayton and Meghan Rundell of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, David Jensen of Rocky Mount, Virginia, Stephen and Lisa Jensen of Mays Landing, New Jersey, Elizabeth and Garry Graham of Cataula, Georgia, Russell Andrews of Columbus, Georgia, and David Andrews and Kelley O’Brien of Carrboro, North Carolina. Last but not least, he leaves behind his two four-legged “kids,” Hannah, the doggie, and Charlotte, the cat.

Mr. White was very proud of his military service. He graduated from the United States Army Aviation School in November of 1969 as a helicopter pilot after training at Fort Wolters, Texas, and Fort Rucker, Alabama. He served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam from 1969-1970, in a time when others in his generation would not. He was a member of the 282nd Assault Helicopter Company stationed near Marble Mountain in Vietnam. He also served as an instructor pilot at Fort Stewart, Georgia after his service in Vietnam.

He went to Penn State University and graduated from Wo ord College in 1975 with a degree in economics. He worked in the textile industry, beginning with Milliken and Company in South Carolina, then with Guilford Mills in Kenansville, North Carolina, and ending his career with Glen Raven Mills in Burlington, North Carolina.

Traveling and cruising were favorite pastimes for John and Jane. They spent four decades traveling all over the world with family and friends. They enjoyed traveling to so many di erent places and especially enjoyed meeting many wonderful friends along the way. Some became lifelong friends who meant the world to them.

A service to remember and celebrate the life of Mr. John White will be held Friday, July 24, at 11:00 a.m. by the graveside at Devotional Gardens, Warsaw, North Carolina. Military honors will be rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard from Fort Bragg, Fayetteville, North Carolina. At the conclusion of the service, Mrs. White and family will convene at Duplin Country Club to receive friends and relatives, at which a bu et luncheon will be o ered to all.

Memorial gifts in Mr. White’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

Carolyn Marie Jenkins

March 21, 1933 –July 15, 2026

Carolyn Marie Jenkins, 93, of Leland, NC, passed away July 15, 2026, at her residence. A funeral service to celebrate Mrs. Jenkins’ life will be at noon on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Hoopers’ Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Leland. Public viewing is from 11:00 a.m. to noon (one hour prior to the service). Interment follows the service at Jenkins McClearn Cemetery.

Robert Wesley Sipper

Jan. 22, 1945 – July 18, 2026

Robert Wesley Sipper, 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

He was born January 22, 1945, in Wake County, the son of Harvey Sipper and Dorothy Ruth Alford Sipper.

Robert is survived by his sons, Wesley Sipper and Greg Sipper (Patricia); his daughter, Winter Harlow (Ben Stanton); grandchildren, Dylan Sipper and Kinsley Stanton; greatgrandchildren, Lilly Sipper and Gracie Sipper; brother, Mike Piner (Wanda); many extended family members and friends.

Robert served proudly in the US Navy.

Robert will be remembered for his easygoing spirit, his love of spending time with friends, and the many memories he created throughout his life. He especially enjoyed shooting pool at Harvey’s, where he shared countless laughs and conversations, and playing poker with his many friends. One of his favorite daily traditions was enjoying breakfast at Olde Carolina Eatery, where he looked forward to good food, familiar faces, and friendly conversations.

Robert treasured the friendships he built over the years and found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Whether around the pool table, the poker table, or over breakfast with friends, he was happiest in the company of those he cared about.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The wonderful memories of Robert will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched.

May Robert rest in peace. A service of Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel.

Seeds of service grow in Wallace

The project brings together local business leadership and agricultural education to create a community space in Wallace

By Ena Sellers Duplin Journal

A NEW COMMUNITY

project is taking root in the historic district of Wallace, bringing together local business leadership, agricultural education and student service.

Local business owner Felix Herring has partnered with the Wallace-Rose Hill FFA chapter to establish a new community garden designed to create a welcoming green space while helping revitalize Wallace.

Herring, a lifelong Wallace resident, said the project reects his desire to give back and invest in the future of his hometown.

The garden project provides an opportunity to transform an unused space into a place where residents can gather, learn and connect. Through the partnership, Wallace-Rose Hill FFA students are helping turn Herring’s vision into reality while gaining hands-on experience in agriculture, leadership and community service.

Members of the WRH FFA o cer team and chapter students have embraced the opportunity to contribute to the

project. Applying skills learned in the classroom, students have assisted with planning, preparation and development of the garden site. They have also helped clear debris, organize the area and prepare the site for planting.

As the garden continues to develop, FFA members are taking ownership of individual raised beds, managing each space from soil preparation through harvest. The hands-on approach allows students to apply agricultural knowledge while learning valuable lessons about responsibility, teamwork and stewardship.

The partnership also includes plans to expand the garden’s impact beyond traditional planting areas and is exploring future opportunities, including the addition of a beekeeping area to support pollinators and the possibility of connecting the site with a local farmers market.

The potential farmers market would provide an opportunity for local growers to share their products directly with residents while encouraging community engagement and supporting agriculture in the area.

PHOTOS COURTESY WALLACE-ROSE HILL HIGH SCHOOL

The Chinquapin High School Class of 1957 celebrated its 69th reunion June 13 at Rose Hill Restaurant. Twelve graduates and four spouses attended. Standing, from left, are Billy Pickett, Bobby Bar eld, Emily Batchelor Bar eld, Jimmie Bostic, Bobby Ray Lanier, Marie Whaley, Terry Whaley, Judy Sholar and Jimmy Sholar. Seated, from left, are Pat Manning Sanderson, Berena Sholar Austin, Eloise Sholar Register, Marie James Hinton, Mary Sue Gurganus Sanderson, Anita Swinson Pickett and Joanne Sanderson Lasseter. Image courtesy Emily Bar eld Chinquapin Class of 1957 gathers for 69th reunion

Stanly NewS Journal

Norwood starts work on streetscape improvement project

Trump imposes 50% tari s on Canadian goods, citing disputes over autos, alcohol, cheese

President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tari s on most Canadian goods, declaring that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products. The move, announced Monday, could unleash a new wave of economic chaos, with risks of higher in ation and further fraying of relations.

Trump opens investigation into Harvard’s aid to international students

The Justice Department is investigating whether Harvard University is allowing Chinese donors to create scholarships that exclude American students. The inquiry adds to a barrage of federal probes the Trump administration has opened in its battle against the Ivy League school. Justice Department o cials announced the new review Monday, saying Harvard’s foreign funding disclosures “raised concerns” about possible discrimination against U.S. students.

Funding will replace aging sidewalks and streetlights

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

NORWOOD — The town of Norwood has begun work on a downtown streetscape project supported by a $787,500 grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division.

The project covers North Main Street between Pee Dee Avenue and Whitley Street. Plans call for aging sidewalks and streetlights to be replaced with decorative sidewalks and lighting intended to improve the downtown corridor.

Grant funding will also pay for cast-iron tree grates, allowing Norwood to plant street trees in the center of downtown for the rst time. The upgrades are expected to improve the experience for visi-

tors, customers and businesses. Construction is currently underway, with an estimated completion date set before the end of October. Crews are starting on the west side of North Main Street and will nish that section before moving to the east side.

Norwood o cials said they will work to reduce disruptions during construction, although some inconvenience is expected. “Every e ort will be made

Locust concert series continues with Gump Fiction

The music series will span from June to September

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

LOCUST — The second installment in Locust’s free 2026 Summer Concert Series will bring a 1990s-themed party to the backyard of Locust City Hall this weekend.

Charlotte-based cover band

Gump Fiction is scheduled to take the stage at 7 p.m. on Saturday with a setlist featuring a variety of rock and pop hits from the decade.

“Don’t miss our next nostalgia-packed show coming up on July 25 in Locust,” the band announced last week.

Gump Fiction has toured nationally since 2012, branding itself as “the ultimate ’90s experience.” The group includes vocalists Natalie Lacy and Nick Loder, guitarist Doug Kush, bassist Ken Shufelt and drummer Sean Hartis.

The band has performed at festivals, corporate gatherings and sporting events, including Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte Knights games, as well as citywide festivals attended by more than 25,000 people.

Its repertoire includes than 100 songs, ranging from rock acts such as Nirvana and Oasis to pop performers including Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys.

to lessen any impacts on businesses and customers,” the town said in a statement. “The town asks for patience and understanding during construction since some inconvenience is unavoidable.”

The N.C. Department of Commerce originally announced Norwood’s grant on June 20, 2024, as part of a funding package approved by the N.C. Rural Infrastructure

THE STANLY COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton’s family includes two young children

By Dave Collins The Associated Press

A U.S. soldier killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone was a 30-year-old father from Fayetteville who had served for nearly a decade, according to a military statement Tuesday and his family.

Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton will receive a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, and will be promoted posthumously to sta sergeant. The Army said it was investigating the circumstances of his death Sunday at an air base in Irbil.

He leaves behind a 6-yearold son and a 4-year-old daughter, his mother said.

“I will never recover from this, you should be home,” his wife, Mia Gonzalez-Swinton, posted Monday on Facebook.

“We had so many plans for when you got back, I’m sick to my stomach.”

She said she was notied Sunday that he had been killed.

Two U.S. Army soldiers were also killed in Jordan last week while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. They were the rst U.S. troop deaths from direct Iranian re since the opening days of the war.

Swinton’s mother, Chris-

tel Swinton Andujar, told WRAL -T V on Tuesday that her son’s family was “the center of his world.”

“Every decision he made and every sacri ce he endured was with them in his heart,” she told the television station from her home near Fort Bragg.

Swinton enlisted in the Army in 2017 and was assigned to the 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, out of Fort Bragg.

“Sgt. Swinton was an experienced noncommissioned o cer who took great pride in his work and the people around him,” said Brig. Gen. John L. Dawber, commanding general of the Army Air and Missile Defense Command. “He answered the call to duty with courage, honor, and selfless dedication.”

Renewed ghting between the U.S. and Iran is now in its 10th day, with both sides launching barrages of strikes. Iran has attacked U.S. allies in the region, and American soldiers are stationed across the Middle East.

The Defense Department identi ed the soldiers who

were killed in Jordan as 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas. They were also with Army Air and Missile Defense Command units.

A third service member was reported missing after the attack. U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said “unidenti ed remains” have been found and were being examined.

Iranian authorities say U.S. strikes in just the past three weeks have killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 500 others.

Both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure relied on by millions of people. Workers on ships, as well as foreign workers and others in Gulf nations, Israel and Lebanon have also died in the con ict.

The U.S. State Department said in a new warning to Americans that “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has said the war is necessary to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Trump, a Republican, now faces political pressure to bring the war to a close and avoid the kind of prolonged Middle East con ict he had campaigned against. The escalation has pushed oil prices higher in recent weeks.

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Stanly County.

July 24

Uwharrie Players: “Footloose: The Musical” 7:30 p.m.

The

July 25

City

The

July 26

Presidential Connections to Stanly County 4 p.m.

The Stanly County Historical Society presents a program on presidential history connections to the Stanly County region, led by local historian Lewis Bramlett. Central United Methodist Church Fellowship Center 172 N. 2nd St. Albemarle

Presidential Connections: Lewis Bramlett

3 p.m.

The Stanly County Historical Society presents a historical program on Lewis Bramlett and his connections to the United States presidency.

Central United Methodist Church Fellowship Center 172 N. 2nd St.

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

What Americans can learn from World Cup fans

National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history.

THE WORLD CUP showed why you shouldn’t be ashamed of America’s heroes and heritage.

While only Argentina and Spain made Sunday’s World Cup nal, citizens of many countries enthusiastically cheered on their teams. Norwegian fans became an internet phenomenon for their “Viking Row” cheer.

Sitting like they were in a longboat, fans moved their bodies backward and forward in unison while pretending to row. To complete the cheer, they chanted, “Ro!”

They rowed in stadiums and Times Square.

The Norwegian soccer team rowed after defeating Senegal. The cheer spread throughout Norway — from classrooms, nursing homes and even the country’s Parliament.

Norway’s soccer team embraced the Viking imagery. They took an epic team photo with players dressed as Vikings — complete with spears, swords and shields.

The propaganda press couldn’t get enough.

“Good Morning America” had Norwegian soccer fans on and had them row. The chant “captured the American imagination,” The Athletic wrote. Yahoo Sports asked if it was “the best chant in sports.”

“Norway’s soccer fans have rowed through this World Cup like Viking conquerors piloting a longboat a thousand years ago,” The New York Times gushed.

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

Twelve hundred years ago, seeing a Viking longboat would have inspired terror, not delight. Vikings used their seafaring prowess to raid and pillage towns on the coast of Europe. They raided monasteries, burned villages and took slaves. Vikings routinely abused their slaves. In some cases, it was a Viking custom to kill a master’s slaves so that they could serve him in the afterlife.

This wasn’t the only team with a connection to extreme violence. Mexico played its nal game of the World Cup at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Before losing to England, Mexico had a remarkable record there — 70 victories, 17 draws and just two losses. One reason for its success was the passion of its home fans.

Aztecs believed that one of their gods, Huitzilopochtli, killed his siblings after being born. Their bodies became the stars, serving as a nightly reminder of the importance of warfare. They believed that this god feasted on human blood and hearts. As a result, they routinely practiced human sacri ce. Aztecs may have sacri ced 20,000 people annually — and perhaps many more.

Japan’s soccer team is called the Samurai Blue. The samurai were erce and disciplined warriors who trained in swordsmanship and horsemanship. They were also brutal, slaughtering those they defeated in battle and

burning villages. European visitors were shocked to see samurai behead commoners to test the sharpness of their swords.

Norway, Mexico and Japan didn’t spend the tournament embarrassed about these historical realities. Fans proudly displayed their nations’ ags. Players didn’t apologize for their country’s past sins. What’s more telling is that the propaganda press didn’t even bring this up. Contrast that with how the left treats America. The New York Times’ 1619 Project sought to reframe America’s founding to make slavery the center of the American story. Despite its many historical inaccuracies, school districts around the country adopted curricula based on it. Leftists denigrate George Washington and Thomas Je erson for owning slaves. In many places, they’ve replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They push land acknowledgements, which imply that America stands on an illegitimate foundation. Even the Smithsonian has spent years pushing a negative view of America’s story.

Citizens in countries around the world understand something that was once obvious. National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history. You can even pull out admirable traits from a group of people who also did horrible things. If Norwegians can celebrate Vikings, Americans can unashamedly celebrate our founders and history.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

On the Iran war, NATO chief agrees with Trump the media buried the lede

He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

WHY DO SO MANY Americans oppose the war against Iran?

The biggest reason is that they do not believe Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon. If Iran was nowhere near a bomb, President Donald Trump’s decision to use military force looks unnecessary, even reckless. But if Iran was close, as Trump claims, the debate changes dramatically.

That is why NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s recent assessment should have been a major news story.

During his June 24 Oval O ce meeting with Trump, Rutte said: “This is, rst of all, about the nuclear capability Iran was basically getting its hands on — and that would have been a threat to the region. It would’ve been a threat to the whole world.” The next day, Rutte was even more direct. “We know they were close,” he said, while commending the United States “for making sure that the world stays safe from Iran with a nuclear capability.”

Rutte’s statement does not, of course, establish as a matter of fact that Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon, let alone how close. But it is unquestionably newsworthy that the secretary general of NATO assessed Iran’s nuclear progress substantially the same way Trump did.

Rutte’s statement did not merely express the view that Iran should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Nearly everyone says that. He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

Rutte is not a member of the Trump administration. His agreement therefore carried independent weight, even if critics believed his praise was tactical. The media need

not endorse his judgment. They merely had to report it prominently and scrutinize it as they would any other signi cant claim. But they did not.

The Associated Press focused heavily on Rutte’s e orts to atter and reassure Trump because he threatened to reduce America’s military commitment to Europe. Reuters likewise described Rutte as using “ attery” to ease tensions over Iran and NATO. Those were legitimate news angles.

But where was the comparable emphasis on Rutte’s nuclear assessment?

CBS reported on how Rutte praised Trump for setting back Iran’s nuclear capabilities but did not highlight Rutte’s far more consequential assessment that Iran was “basically getting its hands on” that capability. Similarly, a review of coverage by NBC, ABC, NPR, PBS, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times found no prominent treatment of Rutte’s explicit agreement with Trump on Iran’s nuclear proximity.

Suppose Rutte said Iran was nowhere close to obtaining nuclear capability, that Trump exaggerated the threat and that the war was unnecessary. It would have led broadcasts and been cited as independent proof that Trump misled the country.

Imagine the headlines: “NATO Head Disputes Trump’s Claim on Iran’s Proximity to Acquiring a Nuclear Weapon”; “NATO Secretary General Undercuts Trump’s Rationale for the Iran War”; or “NATO Leader Sides With Americans Who Question the Iran War.”

Instead, Rutte’s assessment was overshadowed by stories about Trump’s grievances with NATO and Rutte’s conspicuous

praise of the president. Was Rutte attering Trump? Quite possibly. After all, Trump angrily criticized European allies for failing to join the military operation against Iran and raised the possibility of pulling American troops out of Europe.

But that does not render Rutte’s nuclear assessment unimportant.

Whatever many in the media think about Trump’s veracity, Rutte’s comment is most certainly newsworthy and merited far more attention. Skeptical journalists could have quoted Rutte, o ered evidence against his assessment and questioned whether he was merely currying favor.

What they should not have done was treat the statement as though it barely mattered. And, days later, after Iran violated the cease re memorandum, Rutte again backed Trump by calling the renewed U.S. strikes “absolutely necessary.”

The war has damaged Trump’s approval ratings. It has become increasingly likely that this con ict may drag on for some time, drive gas prices higher and risk more military casualties. The question remains: Is this a war worth ghting?

Iran has shown time and again it is willing to kill its own people and allow them to su er to allow its regime to remain in power. What would this regime do with nuclear weapons? Again, as to Iran’s proximity to obtaining this nuclear capability, the NATO secretary general agrees with Trump.

The public deserves to know about it.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

Jerry Dunlap (Dunlap Brothers)

Tates ght extradition to UK where brothers face rape, sex tra cking charges

The new allegations involve four victims spanning 2010 to 2017

By David Fischer The Associated Press

MIAMI — Social media in-

uencers Andrew and Tristan Tate will ght extradition to the United Kingdom where the brothers are accused of rape and sex tra cking, their lawyer said Monday, suggesting their arrest in Miami was politically motivated.

The Tates appeared in federal court Monday for the rst time since their arrest on Saturday and are being held in federal detention. In the coming weeks, a U.S. district judge will consider whether they meet the conditions for extradition. U.S. Magistrate Lauren Louis set another hearing for Monday.

The brothers, normally photographed in tailored suits and tted shirts, wore tan jail uniforms and handcu s during the brief hearing.

An attorney for the brothers, Joseph McBride, insisted they should remain in the U.S.

“We are of course objecting to extradition because Andrew and Tristan are innocent, McBride said after the hearing. “They’ve never done nothing wrong. They shouldn’t be extradited for crimes they did not commit.”

The brothers were surprised

“We went to see our Congress people in D.C. and now we’re getting arrested. This feels political.”

Joseph McBride, Tate brothers attorney

when they were arrested, McBride said, adding that the attempt to have them extradited was politically motivated. “There’s no question about it,” he told reporters. He suggested the Tates case “had a lot to do with” former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to step down and said it was no coincidence that the brothers were arrested after meeting “friends in Washington, D.C.”

“We went to see our Congress people in D.C., and now we’re getting arrested. This feels political,” McBride said. On Sunday, McBride said he was con dent the extradition request would be denied.

Prosecutors in Britain said the new charges relate to four new victims and were brought after authorities received evidence from Bedfordshire Police in southeastern England. The allegations, spanning 2010 to 2017, include rape, assault, tra cking and o enses relating to “indecent images of a child

and extreme pornography.”

The brothers are already charged with rape, bodily harm, human tra cking and controlling prostitution for gain relating to three other alleged victims in the U.K. between 2012 and 2015.

Their lawyer said in a statement Saturday that he believed the arrests were “greenlighted by a low-level functionary” at the Justice Department without input from leadership.

But the Justice Department told The Associated Press that the arrests were approved by leadership of its Criminal Division.

The new allegations are the latest in a long-running international legal saga involving the Tates that has spanned the U.S., Britain and Romania. The brothers have repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

Their social media empire promoting wealth, male dominance and misogyny has made them among the world’s most polarizing internet personalities.

The dual U.S. and British citizens moved to Romania in 2016. They were arrested there in 2022, accused of participating in schemes to lure women for sexual exploitation. They denied those allegations, and the Romanian case hasn’t gone forward because of legal and procedural problems.

Last year, they were allowed to leave Romania and ew to Florida.

Alaska wants to seize pilot’s plane over 6-pack of beer; Supreme Court will hear his case

The case originated from a 2012 incident

By Michael Kunzelman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court agreed Monday to review an Alaska bush pilot’s claims that state authorities have tried to illegally seize his $95,000 airplane after a passenger brought a six-pack of beer on a ight bound for a dry village.

The pilot, Kenneth Jouppi, sued to block his plane’s seizure after he was convicted of an alcohol-related misdemeanor charge. The Alaska Supreme Court ruled in the state’s favor that Jouppi’s plane was subject to criminal forfeiture laws.

On Monday, however, the nation’s highest court agreed to hear Jouppi’s case. He argues that taking his 1969 Cessna would violate the Eighth Amendment’s “Excessive Fines Clause.” Arguments are expected in the fall.

“I’m in my 80s now, and I’ve been ghting this for over a decade because I see it as my duty to ensure that the Bill of Rights actually means something in protecting against government overreach,” Jouppi said

Authority. The

the

the

was

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in a statement released by his attorneys at the Institute for Justice.

In April 2012, Jouppi was preparing to y a passenger from Fairbanks to a remote village, Beaver, where alcohol was banned. The passenger had packed beer with other groceries in her luggage. State Police troopers searched Jouppi’s plane before it departed and spotted a six-pack of Budweiser in a shopping bag.

Jouppi, his company and the passenger were charged with a misdemeanor o ense of knowingly transporting an alcoholic beverage into a dry community. The passenger pleaded guilty. A jury convicted Jouppi and the company after a trial. A judge sentenced him to three days in jail.

Jouppi’s attorneys say Alaska’s high court examined his conduct “purely in abstract terms” and didn’t evaluate whether it was part of a broader pattern of criminal activity. And they say it wasn’t.

“Few excessive nes cases will present the issue so sharply; a decision upholding the forfeiture of an airplane for a six-pack is a self-recommending candidate for review,” lawyers from the Institute for Justice wrote in their appeal.

“The town asks for patience and understanding during construction since some inconvenience is unavoidable.”

In response, lawyers from the Alaska Attorney General’s o ce argued that the state Supreme Court’s “fact-bound decision” should be allowed to stand.

“Courts across the country apply a multi-factor test to determine whether a ne or forfeiture is grossly disproportional to the gravity of the o ense,” they wrote. “Jouppi does not claim that the four-part standard applied by the Alaska Supreme Court is wrong, only that the court misapplied settled law by giving too much weight to some factors and not enough weight to others.”

Jouppi’s attorneys argue that the ruling from the state’s highest court con icts with case law established in other courts, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent.

“The Excessive Fines Clause was built for cases like this,” they said.

Alaska’s attorneys said Jouppi hasn’t shown how punishing him with forfeiture of his plane is “grossly disproportional to the gravity of his o ense.”

“Alcohol abuse is a serious problem in rural Alaska, and airplanes are sometimes the only realistic means to commit the crime of alcohol importation,” they wrote.

is to strengthen downtown districts through public improvements that help retain businesses, encourage investment and expand community use of Main Street areas.

“I appreciate the collaboration that our Rural Economic Development Division and the RIA does to help local leaders spur growth in their communities,” former N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders said when the grant was announced. “This work improves our economic conditions and competitiveness as a state and creates additional jobs and investments for a more inclusive future.”

COURTESY TOWN OF NORWOOD Work

Town of Norwood

Graham says she will run for full term in brother’s South Carolina

The senator is transforming a temporary appointment into a campaign for the full term

By Meg Kinnard

The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Sen. Darline Graham said Monday she’s running for a full term to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat.

“I’ve made a decision,” Darline Graham told Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity, according to a clip released of an interview set to air later Monday. “I’m in.”

The entrance of Darline Graham — sworn in last week to ful ll the remaining months of her late brother’s term, which expires in January — into the Republican scramble to select a new Senate nominee further complicates an already rushed process following Lindsey Graham’s death earlier this month.

A weeklong ling period opened Tuesday for the special Republican primary, which will be Aug. 11. On Friday, President Donald Trump said that Darline Graham had his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to seek the nomination, adding, “RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”

Last week, Gov. Henry Mc-

Senate seat

“I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey. I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about

it. Will it be di cult? Yes.”

Darline

Graham, U.S. senator

Master appointed Darline Graham to serve the remainder of her brother’s term. In his announcement, McMaster made no reference to Darline Graham as a placeholder or symbolic appointment, although a person familiar with McMaster’s thinking but unauthorized to speak publicly said the governor, in selecting Darline Graham, had never contemplated that she would run for the seat herself.

Before the emergence of Darline Graham — and their Oval O ce meeting after she was sworn in — Trump had previously suggested he could back a potential candidacy from Rep. Russell Fry, who said Monday he would o cially enter the special primary.

Several other noteworthy politicians, including Rep. Ralph Norman, have already gotten in, and others like Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette have been eyeing a run. Rep. Nancy Mace

announced Monday she would not enter the contest.

Darline Graham told Hannity she had been “praying a lot” about how to navigate her new role.

“It is a tremendous amount of pressure,” she said.

“I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey,” Darline Graham said. “I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be dicult? Yes.”

Funeral services for Lindsey Graham are scheduled to be held next week in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina. A preliminary report from the medical examiner said he suffered a tear in his aorta.

The millions in Lindsey Graham’s campaign account aren’t funds that Darline Graham could directly access in a run of her own, according to Bradley A. Smith, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission.

Under federal rules, Lindsey Graham’s campaign would be limited to transferring just $2,000 to a potential Darline Graham candidacy. However, Smith said there is no limit on how much it could transfer to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which could — thanks to a Supreme Court decision last month — “spend an unlimited amount in coordination with Darline’s campaign.”

CONCERT from page A1

“The soundtrack of the ’90s is coming to Locust,” Locust Parks and Recreation said in a statement. “Get ready for an unforgettable summer evening with Gump Fiction as we return to our City of Locust Summer Concert Series. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, family and friends for a free night of live music and fun.”

Locust’s annual concert series is held on the nal Saturday of each month from June through September, o ering live music and family-friendly activities throughout the

summer. Saturday’s event will also include craft and business vendors, bounce houses, rock wall climbing and other free activities for children. Scheduled food and beverage vendors include Spudwings, Popp Belly Soul Food, Papa Smoke BBQ, Four Sisters Sugar Co. and Uwharrie Brewing. The 2026 concert series is sponsored by Whitley Automotive, Ready Mix of the Carolinas, M/I Homes, Visit Stanly, Taylor Morrison, Rock Therapy and Union Power Cooperative, and others. Two additional shows are

Appeals court rejects Biden’s bid to block release of recordings of ghostwriter interviews

A divided appeals court found public interest outweighs the former president’s privacy claims

By Michael Kunzelman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal appeals court has rejected a request by Joe Biden to block the release of audio recordings and transcripts of his interviews with a memoir ghostwriter before he was elected president.

A divided three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit suspended its decision until Aug. 3 to allow more time for Biden to consider another appeal.

The panel’s 2-1 ruling late Monday found there is a “substantial” public interest in disclosing the material that Biden wants to keep under wraps. Redactions to the recordings would help protect Biden’s privacy, the majority noted.

“We conclude that any remaining incursion on personal privacy from disclosure of the now-redacted materials likely does not outweigh the public interest in disclosure,” the ruling says.

Judge Florence Pan, who was nominated by Biden, a Democrat, wrote a dissenting opinion in which she said Biden has shown a “substantial privacy interest” in keeping the material hidden.

“The conversations at issue took place in Biden’s home, and the recordings of them were obtained by the government in the course of a criminal investigation that did not lead to an indictment,” she wrote.

The appeal also was heard by D.C. Circuit Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan and Judge Gregory Katsas. Srinivasan was nominated by President Barack Obama, a Democrat who chose Biden as his vice president. Katsas was nominated by President Donald Trump, a Republican who lost to Biden in 2020 but was elected again to the White House in 2024.

“The conversations at issue took place in Biden’s home, and the recordings of them were obtained by the government in the course of a criminal investigation that did not lead to an indictment.”

Florence Pan, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit judge

Mark Zwonitzer, who worked with Biden on two memoirs, 2007’s “Promises to Keep” and 2017’s “Promise Me, Dad,” interviewed him at his home in 2016 and 2017. Biden’s lawyers say the conversations were candid, personal and intended to remain private.

The recordings were obtained by special counsel Robert Hur, who investigated Biden’s handling of classi ed documents from his time as a senator from Delaware and as Obama’s vice president. Republicans in Congress demanded the material after Hur declined to le charges against the then-president.

Biden sued and sought an injunction to prevent the Justice Department under Trump from releasing the recordings to Congress and the conservative Heritage Foundation. The department previously argued that the recordings were exempt from disclosure under public records law.

Biden appealed after U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, who was nominated by Trump, ruled in June that the public interest in the material outweighed whatever privacy rights Biden had.

Pan noted that the majority is e ectively ruling in favor of immediately disclosing the material by denying Biden’s request for an injunction pending appeal.

“That, of course, will moot this case,” she wrote.

scheduled before the series concludes.

The Party Parrot Band, another Charlotte-based act, will perform Aug. 29. The group specializes in beach music and bills itself as an East Coast tribute to Jimmy Bu ett, with tropical and “Margaritaville”-style songs forming the core of its performances.

The series will close Sept. 26 with the Michael Christopher Band and a season- nale reworks show. Christopher, a Pennsylvania-based country rock artist, released his third full-length album, “Coastal Country,” in November.

COURTESY GUMP FICTION

Charlotte band Gump Fiction has toured nationally since 2012.

SEAN RAYFORD / AP PHOTO

Newly appointed U.S. interim Sen. Darline Graham speaks to members of the press after being appointed to ll the vacancy created by the passing of her brother, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, at the statehouse July 13 in Columbia, South Carolina.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks during a Department of Defense commander in chief farewell ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 16, 2025.

OBITUARIES

TERESA STRICKLAND SMITH

MARCH 25, 1966 – JULY 15, 2026

Teresa Yvette Strickland Smith, of Albemarle, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Atrium Health Cabarrus in Concord, surrounded by the love of her family.

A graveside service to celebrate Teresa’s life will be held at Palestine Cemetery on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Boyd Joyce o ciating.

Born on March 25, 1966, in Stanly County, Teresa was the beloved daughter of the late William Harold Strickland and Frances Yvonne Dyson Strickland. She dedicated many years of service as the o ce manager at the Albemarle Women’s Clinic, where she was known for her kindness, professionalism, and caring spirit. Teresa was also a faithful member of Palestine Community Church.

Teresa had a heart that over owed with compassion, not only for her family and friends but for animals as well. She especially loved dogs and found great joy volunteering with Paws of Piedmont, where she devoted countless hours caring for and advocating for her beloved furry friends. Her own beloved companions; dogs Maxwell, Harley, Katie Ann, Luna, Molly, and her cherished cat, Sally Mae; held a special place in her heart and brought her endless comfort, companionship, and joy. Her gentle nature, generous heart, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

More than anything, Teresa cherished the time she spent with her family. She looked forward to family gatherings, where her warm smile, delicious home-cooked meals, and welcoming spirit made every occasion special. She also had a love for shopping and delighted in nding the perfect gift or treating herself to a fun day of browsing with those she loved. Whether she was cooking for family, lending a helping hand, caring for animals, or enjoying an afternoon of shopping, Teresa found joy in life’s simple blessings and in making others happy. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, faithful sister, and loyal friend whose life was de ned by compassion, generosity, and unwavering love.

Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband, Donald Glenn Smith of the home; her daughter, Holly Smith Hambrick and husband, Casey, of Albemarle; her sister, Lisa Strickland Hathcock and husband, Tony, of Oakboro; and her cherished grand dogs, Birkley, Kya, and Koby, who held a very special place in her heart.

CARL BRENT NEWTON

JUNE 17, 1939 – JULY 17, 2026

Carl Brent Newton, 87, of Mt. Gilead passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Hamer Creek Baptist Church. Rev. Rupert Medford will o ciate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Mt. Gilead.

Brent was born on June 17, 1939, in Anson County to the late Ernest Bennet and Callie Mae Polk Newton. He retired from the textile industry as a loader.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Wanda N Hoover; his brothers, Frank Bennet Newton and Harold Thomas Newton; and his sister, Beulah Newton Biles. He is survived by his loving wife, Janie Byrd Newton, of the home; his son, Carl Emerson Newton; his daughter, Pamela N. Richie; 5 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Elouise Newton Burris.

SHELBY JEAN CURLEE

JUNE 26, 1938 – JULY 17, 2026

Shelby Jean Curlee, 88, of Albemarle, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Stanly Manor in Albemarle.

Shelby was born June 26, 1938, in Stanly County, to the late Clyde James Hinson and the late Fronia Ramelle Hinson. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Cecil Kent Curlee; her brother, Keith Hinson; and her sister, Virginia Smith.

A Faithful member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Shelby was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose greatest joy was her family. She retired from the Stanly County Tax Assessor’s o ce after many years of dedicated service. Shelby had a remarkable talent for sewing and lovingly made clothing for her family. She also enjoyed painting, crafting and home decorating, always adding beauty and warmth wherever she went.

To her great-grandchildren, she was simply MawMaw SheShe. They loved visiting her, knowing they would be greeted with one of her warm hugs, a smile, a dollar tucked into their pockets, and the candy bowl that faithfully sat by the door. Those simple traditions became treasured memories that will stay with them forever.

Shelby was known for her quick wit, gentle spirit, and her incredible ability to make everyone feel welcomed and deeply loved. Whether through a warm embrace, a thoughtful conversation or a simple act of kindness, she had a way of making people feel like they belonged. Her love was steady, genuine, and freely given, leaving a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Hartsell Funeral Home in the Le er Memorial Chapel, o ciated by Dr. Shad Hicks and Rev. Jerry Mabry. Burial will follow at the Union Grove Baptist Church Cemetery at 20741 Union Grove Road, Albemarle. Following the burial, the family will receive friends at the Union Grove Fellowship Hall.

Survivors include daughter, Pamela Jeanine Curlee (Je Branch), her son, Jody Kent Curlee (Tara), her grandsons, Matthew Treece (Stephanie), Cody Treece (Chelsea), Darrian Huneycutt (Stephanie); her cherished great-grandchildren, Whitley Treece, Hollis Treece, Pierson Treece, Daxton Huneycutt and Ayla Huneycutt and her special grand dog Scooter. Also her (special daughter) Tina Morris.

ALEXANDER NAPLES JR.

JUNE 5, 1992 – JULY 18, 2026

Alexander Naples Jr., 34, of Stan eld, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Greater Life ChurchLocust. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. prior to the service. Please come as you are. Your presence is the greatest gift you can give our family as we gather to honor and celebrate Alex’s life.

Born on June 5, 1992, in Tampa, Florida, Alex is, and will always be, the beloved son of Alexander and Carol Naples. Even as a toddler, Alex would proudly proclaim that he was Batman; a playful re ection of the childlike wonder, imagination, and joy that remained with him throughout his life. Fittingly, he named his faithful canine companion Harley Quinn, whose unwavering loyalty brought him comfort, love, and happiness through his last days.

Alex was a spirited, fun-loving man whose larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and adventurous spirit brought laughter and joy to family and friends. Full of energy and known for his endearing clumsiness, Alex was an avid gamer who also enjoyed soccer and football. Many may not know that he was a talented trombone player and proudly marched with the Myers Park High School Mustangs marching band.

He had a passion for cooking and found joy in preparing meals for those he loved. Above all, Alex cherished his family. From the very beginning, he adored his older brother, Brandon. In fact, Alex took his rst steps at just eight months old because he was determined to keep up with his sibling. Those left to cherish his memory include his loving parents, Alexander and Carol Naples; his brother, Brandon Naples, and wife, Mariza; his treasured niece, Eleanor; his maternal aunt, Jennifer Miller, and husband, Jimmy; his cousins, Corina and Cheyenne; his aunts, Tina, Michelle, and Karen; his cousins, Laetitia, Dennis, and Yannick; his paternal grandparents, Alfred and Shirley Naples; his paternal aunts, Rachel, and Monica and husband, Terry; his paternal uncles, Steve and wife, Ginger, and David and wife, Ammie.

Alex will be remembered for his infectious laugh, playful sarcasm, kind heart, adventurous spirit, and the joy he brought to everyone fortunate enough to know him. Although his time with us was far too brief, the memories he created and the love he shared will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends. May those memories bring comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead.

Duane Ward, former Blue Jays pitcher and World Series champion, dead at 62

Ward holds the franchise record with 121 career saves

By Ian Harrison The Associated Press

TORONTO — Duane

Ward, a two-time World Series champion and one of the most accomplished relievers in Toronto Blue Jays history, has died of natural causes, the team announced Sunday. He was 62.

The team said Ward arrived in Toronto last Friday with several former teammates from the 1992 and 1993 championship teams but was absent from Saturday’s pregame ceremony celebrating those victories with a statue unveiling.

More than two dozen players, coaches and executives from those teams took part in the event inside and outside the Rogers Centre.

“Duane will always be a cherished part of the Blue Jays

family, and we will be forever grateful for his contributions to our organization and to baseball in Canada,” the team said in a statement.

Before their game Sunday against the Chicago White Sox, the Blue Jays paid tribute to Ward with a scoreboard montage and a brief moment of silence.

They declined further comment on the circumstances of Ward’s death.

Ward appeared in 452 games for Toronto between 1986 and 1995. His 121 career saves are the most in franchise history.

Ward earned his lone All- Star appearance in 1993, going on to lead the American League with 45 saves. That total remains the Blue Jays’ single-season record.

Ward was the winning pitcher in the Game 6 of the 1993 World Series against Philadelphia, which was decided by Joe Carter’s series-winning home run.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Stanly News Journal at obits@ stanlynewsjournal.com

JON BLACKER / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

Players and coaches of the Toronto Blue Jays recognize a moment of silence on the announcement of the death of former Blue Jays pitcher Duane Ward prior to the start of their game against the Chicago White Sox in in Toronto on Sunday.

STANLY SPORTS

Lowder struggles in return to Reds’ starting rotation

The Albemarle native allowed eight runs following a bullpen stint

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

ALBEMARLE — Former North Stanly pitcher Rhett Lowder returned to Cincinnati’s starting rotation Saturday afternoon, but he endured one of the roughest outings of his young career in the Reds’ 10-3 road loss to the Colorado Rockies.

Looking for his rst victory since April 20, the Albemarle native allowed eight runs on 11 hits in 21⁄3 innings. He struck

out two and threw 48 pitches before Cincinnati turned to its bullpen with one out in the third inning.

Colorado’s aggressive approach created problems for Lowder from the beginning, as the Rockies scored at least twice in each of the three innings in which the right-hander appeared. “They were just being ultra-aggressive, and I was probably leaving too many pitches thick for them to be as aggressive as they were,” Lowder said. “This is a tough place to pitch. Everybody kind of knows that. The ball doesn’t do what it usually does — weird stu — but I still have to

Jewell E rd memorial softball tournament returns to Oakboro

The one-pitch softball event will bene t children with hearing disabilities

By Jesse Deal Stanly News Journal

OAKBORO — Members of the community are invited to take the eld Saturday in Oakboro for a fast-paced softball tournament honoring Jewell Anslee E rd and raising money for children with hearing disabilities.

The third annual Jewell E rd Memorial One Pitch Tournament is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. at Oakboro District Park at 423 S. Main St. The event will celebrate what would have been Jewell’s seventh birthday while bene ting the Butter y Wings Jewell Foundation.

Unlike a traditional slow-pitch softball game, each batter in the one-pitch format receives only one o ering to put into play. The rule speeds up games and puts added pressure on every plate appearance, al-

“Every dollar raised helps us continue our mission of helping kids hear the world, one wing at a time.”

Butter y Wings Jewell Foundation

lowing organizers to stage a full day of tournament action.

Softball will serve as the centerpiece, but the fundraiser will also include all-day concessions, vendors, ra es for adults and children and free birthday cake. A free children’s area will feature in atables, relay games, activities and a kid-friendly ra e.

“This special day is about more than softball — it’s about celebrating Jewell’s life, sharing her legacy and helping children with hearing disabilities through the Butter y Wings Jewell Foundation,” the organization said in a statement at-

“They were just being ultra-aggressive, and I was probably leaving too many pitches thick for them to be as aggressive as they were.”

Rhett Lowder

make better pitches than that.”

The eight runs and 11 hits both matched career highs that he gave up earlier this season, dropping the 24-year-old to 3-7 with a 5.75 ERA through 72 innings this year.

Saturday marked Lowder’s

rst start following a three-appearance stint in the Cincinnati bullpen. He returned to the rotation after the Reds placed left-hander Nick Lodolo on the 15-day injured list July 12.

Lowder had been moved out of the rotation after Cincinnati activated Hunter Greene for his rst start of the season. Reds manager Terry Francona described the bullpen assignment as a short-term adjustment designed to help the club navigate the nal stretch before the All- Star break. Before the move to the bullpen, Lowder had made 19 starts during his major league career.

His rst relief appearance came July 4, when he pitched three scoreless innings in Cincinnati’s 8-5 home loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Lowder worked around three walks without allowing a hit.

He next appeared July 8 in an 11-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing three

hits, including a home run, across two innings. He struck out two and did not issue a walk.

Lowder made his nal bullpen appearance before the break July 12 in an 8-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs. He held Chicago hitless over two innings while recording one strikeout and two walks.

The former Wake Forest standout and No. 7 overall selection in the 2023 MLB Draft earned a place in Cincinnati’s rotation during spring training after missing the entire 2025 season with oblique and forearm injuries.

Lowder began this season 3-1 with a 3.18 ERA through six starts before his momentum slowed in May. He later missed a month because of discomfort in his right shoulder.

If Cincinnati gives Lowder another turn in the rotation, he is tentatively lined up to face the St. Louis Cardinals on the road next weekend.

tributed to Jewell’s parents, Melissa and Daniel E rd, and sister, Cheyenne. Jewell, who was hard of hearing, died May 22, 2024. Her family created the foundation in her memory after experiencing the nancial burden associated with hearing aids and other auditory devices. The foundation’s name reects Jewell’s love of butteries; its mission is to purchase

hearing aids and other equipment for children whose families may face nancial barriers to obtaining them. The organization said it has assisted three children and their families with hearing-related needs so far.

All proceeds from Saturday’s tournament will support additional children in need.

“Every dollar raised helps us continue our mission of helping kids hear the world, one wing at a time,” the family said. “Bring your family, invite your friends, and spend the day with us as we celebrate Jewell’s birthday with love, laughter, softball and giving back.” Those interested in sponsorships or donations can email butter ywingsjewellfoundation@gmail.com or visit g220ministry.com/butterywings.html for additional information.

DAVID ZALUBOWSKI / AP PHOTO

Cincinnati pitcher Rhett Lowder works against the Colorado Rockies in the rst inning of Saturday’s game in Denver, Colorado

The third annual Jewell E rd Memorial One Pitch Tournament is scheduled for Saturday at Oakboro District Park.

MLB Japanese slugger Sasaki to sign with Marlins, forgo professional career in home country

Hanamaki, Japan

Japanese slugger Rintaro Sasaki will sign with the Miami Marlins and forgo a professional career in his home country. The Marlins selected Sasaki out of Stanford in the eighth round of the MLB Draft, but the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks also selected him in the rst round of the Nippon Professional Baseball draft, setting up a di cult decision. Sasaki played under Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani’s father, Toru, and is Japan’s all-time high school home run leader with 140. He opted out of the Nippon league’s draft to play at Stanford.

Burns reportedly agrees to $105 million, 7-year deal with Reds for 2027-33

Cincinnati

Pitcher Chase Burns reportedly agreed to a $105 million, seven-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds that covers 2027-33. Burns, a former Wake Forest Demon Deacon, has a $785,000 salary while in the major leagues this year. Burns’ deal would run through the 2033 season and under the current labor contract covers three seasons of arbitration eligibility and the rst two years after he would have been eligible for free agency. It does not include options or deferrals.

NBA

NBA “continuing to look into” circumstances regarding Bucks’ signing of Trent

Milwaukee

The NBA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks’ signing of Gary Trent Jr. Reportedly, the NBA was investigating the signing for possible circumvention of the salary cap. Trent received a four-year, $64 million deal while he’s coming o one of his least productive seasons. The concerns over salary cap circumvention involve whether there was a prior agreement that Trent would be rewarded now if he signed below-market deals each of the last two years.

NHL Yzerman abruptly steps down as Red Wings general manager

Detroit Steve Yzerman has abruptly stepped down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. Yzerman’s resignation to move to an advisory role to CEO Chris Ilitch comes several weeks after captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request. The Red Wings say their search for a new head of hockey operations is already underway. Yzerman spent his entire 22-year Hall of Fame playing career with Detroit from 1983-2006, captaining it to the Stanley Cup three times. He was a successful GM in Tampa Bay before returning to Detroit in 2019.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Kicko Game announces NIL deal with Auburn before opener against Baylor

Atlanta

The A ac Kicko Game has announced a name, image and likeness deal with Auburn leading up to the Tigers’ game against Baylor on Sept. 5. The Peach Bowl and Kicko Game said the multimillion deal marks the rst time a neutral-site college football game has incorporated NIL compensation for student athletes. The NIL agreement also will involve third-party entities. As many as two dozen Auburn student athletes will promote the game through social media posts, public appearances, advertisements, in-game promotions, branding opportunities and interviews.

Share with your community! Send us your births, deaths, marriages, graduations and other announcements: community@stanlynewsjournal.com Weekly deadline is Monday at noon

Young waited and waited some more, but another British Open slipped from his grasp

The former Demon Deacon is still searching for his rst major

By Steve Douglas The Associated Press

SOUTHPORT, England —

Cameron Young was waiting on the range at Royal Birkdale, driver in hand, when a huge roar came that he didn’t want to hear.

Just a stone’s throw away on the 18th green, Ryan Fox had holed a 12-foot birdie putt to win the British Open.

There’d be no playo for Young.

No chance to end his wait for a rst major championship title.

The American and former Wake Forest golfer bowed his head, swung his driver gently over his shoulder then back onto the ground, and trudged o .

on the nal hole to be one stroke back from Cameron Smith at St. Andrews — and a tie for third at the Masters this year after sharing the 54-hole lead.

Now up to No. 4 in the world, the widespread belief in gol ng circles is that Young’s time will come. That’s because he has risen to elite company this year with wins at The Players Championship in March and the Cadillac Championship at Doral, in front of President Donald Trump, a couple of months later.

Young says his score “could have been 60”

Speaking after his round, Young said he thought 10-under par would have a “decent chance” of victory.

“I had a chance to win with not everything I’ve got. So I think that’s a good takeaway.”

Cameron Young

A par there would have seen him match the lowestnal-round score in a major.

A birdie? Well, that would have won him the whole thing.

“It could have been 60,” Young said of his round that included a front-nine 29.

“I played a great round of golf,” he added, “and I did it in a really good way.”

Young had some food, cleared out his locker — “for e ciency’s sake,” he said — and spent some time in the players’ lounge.

By 6 p.m., he was prac-

Some 2½ hours earlier, Young had been on that 18th hole himself, getting up -and- down from a greenside bunker — he actually nearly holed it — to salvage bogey and shoot 64 for what would remain the lowest score of the nal round. Then came the long, agonizing wait to discover whether his 9-under 271 total would be enough to win.

ticing on the putting green.

And around half an hour later, the spectators in the huge grandstands lining one of the most famous walks in golf gave him the bad news.

Add Birkdale to the 29-year- old Young’s close calls at the majors, following a runner-up nish at the British Open in 2022 — he made eagle

So it proved.

And he would have got there — or maybe better — had he not found a fairway bunker on No. 18 after choosing to hit driver. He barely got out of the sand with his second shot that struck the top of the bunker wall and spilled out 20 yards forward, and went on to scramble for a bogey.

Young’s thoughts after Fox completed victory are a mystery because he declined to talk to the media.

He surely will regret his 3-over 73 on Saturday that came after two 67s and dropped him to a tie for 20th overnight.

“I had a chance to win with not everything I’ve got,” he said. “So I think that’s a good takeaway.”

PETER MORRISON / AP PHOTO

Cameron Young tosses his club after missing a putt on the 7th green during the nal day of the British Open.

PETER MORRISON / AP PHOTO

Cameron Young reacts after he played out of a bunker on the 18th hole during the nal day of the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, on Sunday.

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NOTICE

Having quali ed as Administrator of the Estate of Alyssa Nicole Schoenewerk, late of 9749 Bethel Church Road, Locust, Stanly 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 c/o attorney Kelly Rains Jesson at 5821 Fairview Road, Suite 218, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28209, on or before October 1, 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.

This the 1st day of July, 2026

Francine Everett, Administrator of the Estate of Alyssa Nicole Schoenewerk Kelly Rains Jesson, Esq. Jesson & Rains, PLLC 5821 Fairview Road, Suite 218 Charlotte, NC 28209

26E000304-830

(For Publication: Dates 07/01/2026, 07/08/2026, 07/15/2026, 07/22/2026)

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NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY

Having quali ed as Co-Administrators of the Estate of the late, MICHAEL TODD HOWELL, deceased, late of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, rms and corporations having claims against the Estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before October 1, 2026, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This the 1st day of July, 2026.

Brandon Todd Howell 213 Kelty Ave. Norwood, NC 28128

Brandi Howell Talbert 1355 Hwy 109N Troy, NC 27371

Scarborough Law, PLLC Whitney T. Scarborough 107 A East Wade Street Wadesboro , NC 28170

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STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000315-830

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Having quali ed as Executor of the Estate of Rex Allen deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Rex Allen to present them to the undersigned on or before October 9, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment.

This the 8th day of July 2026

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NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000082-830

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Having quali ed as Administratrix of the Estate of Walter Louis Blalock deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Walter Louis Blalock to present them to the undersigned on or before October 9, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 8th day of July 2026 Alice Fay Allen Blalock 40481 Mt. Zion Church Road Norwood, NC 28128 Administratrix

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STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 25E000331-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Having quali ed as Executrix of the estate of Charles David Booth, Sr. deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Charles David Booth, Sr. to present them to the undersigned on or before October 24, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to said Estate please make immediate payment. This the 22nd day of July 2026. Heather Renee Booth Edwards 8045 Rocky River Road Oakboro, NC 28129 Executrix

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NORTH CAROLINA STANLY COUNTY IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 26E000318-830 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Having quali ed as Administratrix of the Estate of James Ellis Covington deceased, of Stanly County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of said Jame Ellis Covington to present them to the undersigned on or before October 9, 2026 or the same will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons

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NOTICE

Charli xcx, ‘The Dink,’ ‘Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,’ ‘72 Hours,’ ‘Splatoon Raiders’

“Ransom Canyon” returns for its second season

The Associated Press

CHARLI XCX’S NEW album and a pickleball movie starring Jake Johnson 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, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: the “Big Bang Theory” spin-o “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” “72 Hours” and the Nintendo game “Splatoon Raiders.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

Pickleball is the target of the new Apple TV comedy “The Dink,” starring Jake Johnson as a tennis pro who “almost beat Andy Roddick” and reluctantly takes up the popular sport while recovering from an injury. The movie, streaming Friday, co -stars Ben Stiller, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris and Patton Oswalt.

Kevin Hart goes on a bachelor party trip with some 20-somethings after being accidentally included in the group chat in the new Net ix comedy “72 Hours,” streaming Friday. Said 20-somethings are played by “SNL” cast members Marcello Hernández, Kam Patterson and Ben Marshall and Mason Gooding as the groom-to-be.

“Blue Heron,” now streaming on the Criterion Channel, made The Associated Press’s list for best movies of the year so far. Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote, “Sophy Romvari’s exquisite and soulful directorial debut melds documentary and ction, past and present. It’s based on her own childhood, when her Hungarian parents moved their family of six to Vancouver Island in British Columbia. … It’s an aching, probing memory piece.”

Another movie that made our list, “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie,” has a quite di erent tone. This silly, loindie about two slacker buddies (Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol) who concoct crackpot schemes to land a gig at the To -

SALE

Fesperman

Fesperman

“Sophy Romvari’s exquisite and soulful directorial debut melds documentary and ction, past and present.”

Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer

ronto music venue, the Rivoli, is a gem that begins streaming on Hulu on Friday. I wrote that I’m proof that no prior knowledge is needed to get on their goofy wavelength and enjoy the ride — and all the “Back to the Future” references.

MUSIC TO STREAM

“BRAT” summer came and stayed and eventually went — and what would be built in its absence? Charli xcx claims the dance oor is dead on her latest album, “Music, Fashion, Film,” out Friday. She’s making “Rock Music” this time around, at least, her version of it: a bit troll-y, a bit sincere, full of distorted guitars and processed vocals. But her pop heart remains

described property situated in Stanly County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING all of Lot 26 as shown on that certain plat entitled “Major Subdivision - Final Plat Morgan Meadows Subdivision” recorded in Plat Book 28, Pages 98-99 in the O ce of the Register of Deeds for Stanly County, North Carolina. APN #: 5576-03-32-3233

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

Said property is commonly known as 214 Wild ower Drive, Locust, NC 28097.

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.

intact, like on the depressed and dreamy “SS26.” If that’s not enough to inspire curiosity, perhaps this is: The album’s sole feature credit is Canadian auteur and beloved horror lmmaker David Cronenberg on its closer, “No One Lasts Forever.”

Grammy-winning South African artist Tyla burst onto the

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 Joe Glenn Fesperman and spouse, April Burleson Fesperman.

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

mainstream with her 2023 global hit “Water.” It married R&B, pop and amapiano — a style of music which translates to “the pianos” in the Zulu language, a fusion of Kwaito house music and jazz, often driven by log drums. And it did so at a time when hunger and curiosity for African music were at an all-time high. Afrobeats

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

have only continued to skyrocket in the time since, and Tyla has proven to be no one-hit wonder. She’s paved her own path. On Friday, she will release her sophomore album, “A*POP.” It’s the next evolution of her sound, which features a dancehall collaboration with Zara Larsson, “She Did It Again,” the amapiano-pop “Chanel” and so much more.

SERIES TO STREAM

The socially awkward comic bookstore owner Stuart from “The Big Bang Theory” leads a new spino called “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.” Played by Kevin Sussman, Stuart fumbles a physics project created by “Big Bang” OG characters Sheldon and Leonard that leads to chaos he must undo. Other cast members Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie reprise their roles from the original series. It premieres Tuesday on HBO Max.

Minka Kelly and Josh Duhamel return for Season 2 of Net ix’s “Ransom Canyon.” The romantic drama follows two longtime friends, Quinn O’Grady and Staten Kirkland, who nally got together in Season 1 after years of teetering on a relationship. The happy couple is challenged as Kelly’s Quinn questions whether small town life is enough for her. This while Duhamel’s Staten is trying to stake his claim in the family ranch. The new season premieres Tuesday.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Nintendo’s Splatoon franchise brought a vivid twist to the multiplayer combat arena, mostly by replacing bullets with multicolored ink. “Splatoon Raiders” takes you out of the arena entirely with a treasure hunt across an exotic archipelago. Don’t expect a mellow vacation, though — these islands are lled with hostile wildlife known as Salmonids. Naturally, collecting more treasure lets you beef up the gear you need to defeat the monsters. “Raiders” aims to provide a satisfying solo experience for Splatologists, but you can also play co-op with up to three friends. Start squirting Thursday on Switch 2.

JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT / KEYSTONE / AP PHOTO

South African singer Tyla performs on the Auditorium Stravinski stage during the 60th Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland, on July 8.

SCOTT A GARFITT / INVISION / AP PHOTO

Charli xcx performs at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England in 2025. Her new album, “Music, Fashion, Film,” drops Friday.

Solution to last issue’s puzzle

Solution to this issue’s puzzles

OLIVE

‘A good walk spoiled’

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump imposes 50% tari s on Canadian goods, citing disputes over autos, alcohol, cheese

President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tari s on most Canadian goods, declaring that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products. The move, announced Monday, could unleash a new wave of economic chaos, with risks of higher in ation and further fraying of relations between two nations that had been closely woven together before Trump’s return to the White House. The administration o cial previewing the action said that Canada was one of the only nations other than China that retaliated against Trump’s previous tari s and must be held accountable.

Trump opens investigation into Harvard’s aid to international students

The Justice Department is investigating whether Harvard University is allowing Chinese donors to create scholarships that exclude American students. The inquiry adds to a barrage of federal probes the Trump administration has opened in its battle against the Ivy League campus. Justice Department o cials announced the new review Monday, saying Harvard’s foreign funding disclosures “raised concerns” about possible discrimination against U.S. students. The agency did not specify which scholarship programs are being targeted and emphasized it “has not reached any conclusions.”

$2.00

US soldier killed in Iraq was 30-year-old from Fayetteville

By Allen G. Breed and Dave Collins The Associated Press

RALEIGH — A U.S. soldier killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone was a 30-year-old father from Fayetteville who had served for nearly a decade, according to a military statement Tuesday and his family.

Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton will receive a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, and will be

promoted to sta sergeant. The Army said it was investigating the circumstances of his death Sunday at an air base in Irbil.

He leaves behind a 6-year- old son and a 4-year-old daughter, his mother said.

“I will never recover from this,” his wife, Mia Gonzalez-Swinton, posted Monday on Facebook. “We had so many plans for when you got back, I’m sick to my stomach.” She said she was noti ed Sunday that he had been killed.

Two U.S. Army soldiers were

also killed in Jordan last week while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. They were the rst U.S. troop deaths from direct Iranian re since the opening days of the war.

Swinton’s wife and kids were the center of his world, his mother, Christel Swinton Andujar, told The Associated Press.

“His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the laughter he shared, the strength he gave others, and the unconditional love he poured into his family,” she said via text message. “He will forever be missed, forever honored, and forever our hero.” Swinton enlisted in the Army in 2017 and was assigned to the 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, out of Fort Bragg.

See SOLDIER, page A2

Graham says she will run for full term in brother’s South Carolina Senate seat

The senator is transforming a temporary appointment into a campaign for the full term

By Meg Kinnard The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Sen. Darline Graham said Monday she’s running for a full term to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat.

“I’ve made a decision,” Darline Graham told Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity, according to a clip released of an interview set to air later Monday. “I’m in.”

The entrance of Darline Graham — sworn in last week to ful ll the remaining months of her late brother’s term, which expires in January — into the Republican scramble to select a new Senate nominee further complicates an already rushed process following Lindsey Graham’s death earlier this month.

“I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey. I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be di cult? Yes.”

Darline Graham, U.S. senator

A weeklong ling period opened Tuesday for the special Republican primary, which will be Aug. 11. On Friday, President Donald Trump said that Dar-

line Graham had his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to seek the nomination, adding, “RUN, DARLINE, RUN!” Last week, Gov. Henry Mc-

Master appointed Darline Graham to serve the remainder of her brother’s term. In his announcement, McMaster made no reference to Darline Graham as a placeholder or symbolic appointment, although a person familiar with McMaster’s thinking but unauthorized to speak publicly said the governor, in selecting Darline Graham, had never contemplated that she would run for the seat herself.

Before the emergence of

See GRAHAM, page A2

COURTESY LOGAN WHITTON / USGA

Wake Forest 2027 recruit Amelie Zalsman walks to her next hole during the nal round of the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championships in Durham last week. Zalsman nished second, earning an exemption into next year’s Girls’ Juniors.

Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton

SEAN RAYFORD / AP PHOTO

Newly appointed U.S. interim Sen. Darline Graham speaks to members of the press after being appointed to ll the vacancy created by the passing of her brother, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, at the statehouse July 13 in Columbia, South Carolina.

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Appeals court rejects Biden’s bid to block release of recordings of ghostwriter interviews

A divided appeals court found public interest outweighs the former president’s privacy claims

By Michael Kunzelman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal appeals court has rejected a request by Joe Biden to block the release of audio recordings and transcripts of his interviews with a memoir ghostwriter before he was elected president.

A divided three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit suspended its decision until Aug. 3 to allow more time for Biden to consider another appeal.

The panel’s 2-1 ruling late Monday found there is a “substantial” public interest in disclosing the material that Biden wants to keep under wraps. Redactions to the recordings would help protect Biden’s privacy, the majority noted.

“We conclude that any remaining incursion on personal privacy from disclosure of the now-redacted materials likely does not outweigh the public interest in disclosure,” the ruling says.

Judge Florence Pan, who was nominated by Biden, a Democrat, wrote a dissenting opinion in which she said Biden has shown a “substantial privacy interest” in keeping the material hidden.

“The conversations at issue took place in Biden’s home, and the recordings of them were obtained by the government in the course of a criminal investigation that did not lead to an indictment,” she wrote.

The appeal also was heard by D.C. Circuit Chief Judge Sri Sri-

nivasan and Judge Gregory Katsas. Srinivasan was nominated by President Barack Obama, a Democrat who chose Biden as his vice president. Katsas was nominated by President Donald Trump, a Republican who lost to Biden in 2020 but was elected again to the White House in 2024. Mark Zwonitzer, who worked with Biden on two memoirs, 2007’s “Promises to Keep” and 2017’s “Promise Me, Dad,” interviewed him at his home in 2016 and 2017. Biden’s lawyers say the

conversations were candid, personal and intended to remain private.

The recordings were obtained by special counsel Robert Hur, who investigated Biden’s handling of classi ed documents from his time as a senator from Delaware and as Obama’s vice president. Republicans in Congress demanded the material after Hur declined to le charges against the then-president.

Biden sued and sought an injunction to prevent the Justice Department under Trump from releasing the recordings to Congress and the conservative Heritage Foundation. The department previously argued that the recordings were exempt from disclosure under public records law.

Biden appealed after U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, who was nominated by Trump, ruled in June that the public interest in the material outweighed whatever privacy rights Biden had.

Pan noted that the majority is e ectively ruling in favor of immediately disclosing the material by denying Biden’s request for an injunction pending appeal.

“That, of course, will moot this case,” she wrote.

Road deaths have declined globally since 1990 except in poorer countries, study nds

Yet 90% of road deaths still occur in low-income countries

By Mike Stobbe The Associated Press

Darline Graham — and their Oval O ce meeting after she was sworn in — Trump had previously suggested he could back a potential candidacy from Rep. Russell Fry, who said Monday he would o cially enter the special primary.

Several other noteworthy politicians, including Rep. Ralph Norman, have already gotten in, and others like Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette have been eyeing a run. Rep. Nancy Mace announced Monday she would not enter the contest.

Darline Graham told Hannity she had been “praying a lot” about how to navigate her new role.

“It is a tremendous amount of pressure,” she said.

“I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey,” Darline Graham said. “I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be di cult? Yes.”

Funeral services for Lindsey Graham are scheduled to be held next week in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina. A preliminary report from the medical examiner said he su ered a tear in his aorta.

The millions in Lindsey Graham’s campaign account aren’t funds that Darline Graham could directly access in a run of her own, according to Bradley A. Smith, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission.

Under federal rules, Lindsey Graham’s campaign would be limited to transferring just $2,000 to a potential Darline Graham candidacy. However, Smith said there is no limit on how much it could transfer to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which could — thanks to a Supreme Court decision last month — “spend an unlimited amount in coordination with Darline’s campaign.”

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

NEW YORK — Road deaths are declining in the U.S. and worldwide, but lower-income countries aren’t experiencing much of the improvement, according to a study published Monday.

Global rates of road injuries and deaths each fell more than 30% between 1990 and 2023, according to the study published in Lancet Public Health, which noted the progress varied from country to country.

Pedestrian and vehicle occupant deaths rose over that time in six countries — including the United States. However, more recent data shows road deaths fell in the U.S. in 2024 and 2025.

The World Health Organization put out its own numbers Monday, nding that road trafc deaths declined by 21% between 2011 and 2025. However, tra c crashes still claimed more than 1.1 million lives last year, and they remain the leading cause of death among children and youth aged 5 to 29 years, the WHO said.

from page A1

He lived in Spring Lake, a popular o -base location for Fort Bragg families, according to pubic records. The military gave his hometown as nearby Fayetteville.

“Sgt. Swinton was an experienced noncommissioned o cer who took great pride in his work and the people around him,” said Brig. Gen. John L. Dawber, commanding general of the Army Air and Missile Defense Command. “He answered the call to duty with courage, honor, and sel ess dedication.”

MATT ROURKE / AP PHOTO

Tra c drives on Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia in May 2022.

Road deaths involve fatal injuries that happen to pedestrians, cyclists and people riding in cars, trucks and other vehicles. Complete data is lacking in some countries, so the researchers behind the new report made estimates based on what data is available.

The researchers, from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, found that road injury rates are higher in high-income countries, but 90% of road deaths occur in low-income countries.

In many low-income countries, safety measures have not kept up with rapid growth in cities and use of motorized vehicles. For example, seat belt mandates are more common in high-income countries, as are car safety features such as air bags.

“Road injury outcomes are shaped not only by crashes, but by the systems designed to prevent them and protect people when they occur,” said Liane Ong, the new paper’s senior author, in a statement. However, there have been

con icting trends in the U.S., including the proliferation of taller and larger passenger vehicles, the authors wrote. U.S. o cials also have said thousands of deaths each year can be attributed to “distracted driving,” including drivers looking at their phones.

In the U.S., motor vehicle tra c fatalities rose in the last decade and peaked at more than 43,000 in 2021 before beginning to decline, according to the National Highway Trafc Safety Administration. The agency estimated the count fell to about 36,600 last year.

Meanwhile, the Governors Highway Safety Association recently reported that U.S. drivers hit and killed 7% fewer people walking on U.S. roads in 2025 compared with the year before. It was the largest annual reduction since pedestrian deaths began falling three years ago, but it was still higher than what the numbers were before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WHO identi ed road safety as an international public health priority more than two decades ago. The Lancet report’s release coincides with the start of a two-day United Nations high-level meeting on improving global road safety, being held in New York City.

said in a new warning to Americans that “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world.”

A third service member was reported missing after the attack. U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said “unidenti ed remains” have been found and were being examined.

Iranian authorities say U.S. strikes in just the past three

Renewed ghting between the U.S. and Iran is ongoing, with both sides launching barrages of strikes. Iran has attacked U.S. allies in the region, and American soldiers are stationed across the Middle East. The Defense Department identi ed the soldiers killed in Jordan as 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas. They were also with Army Air and Missile Defense Command units.

weeks have killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 500 others. Both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure relied on by millions of people. Workers on ships, as well as foreign workers and others in Gulf nations, Israel and Lebanon have also died in the con ict.

The U.S. State Department

U.S. President Donald Trump has said the war is necessary to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Trump, a Republican, now faces political pressure to bring the war to a close and avoid the kind of prolonged Middle East con ict he had campaigned against. The escalation has pushed oil prices higher in recent weeks. Swinton Andujar said her son was the kind of person who could light up a room with his humor and contagious laugh.

“Michael had a remarkable ability to excel at whatever he set his mind to,” she said. “He knew when it was time to laugh and when it was time to be serious. Whether serving his country, supporting his family, or helping a friend, he gave his whole heart and expected nothing in return.”

GRAHAM from page A1

SOLDIER

JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON / AP PHOTO

Fayetteville native Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton was killed Sunday in Iraq.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

President Joe Biden speaks during a Department of Defense commander in chief farewell ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 16, 2025.

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Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

What Americans can learn from World Cup fans

National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history.

THE WORLD CUP showed why you shouldn’t be ashamed of America’s heroes and heritage.

While only Argentina and Spain made Sunday’s World Cup nal, citizens of many countries enthusiastically cheered on their teams. Norwegian fans became an internet phenomenon for their “Viking Row” cheer.

Sitting like they were in a longboat, fans moved their bodies backward and forward in unison while pretending to row. To complete the cheer, they chanted, “Ro!”

They rowed in stadiums and Times Square.

The Norwegian soccer team rowed after defeating Senegal. The cheer spread throughout Norway — from classrooms, nursing homes and even the country’s Parliament.

Norway’s soccer team embraced the Viking imagery. They took an epic team photo with players dressed as Vikings — complete with spears, swords and shields.

The propaganda press couldn’t get enough.

“Good Morning America” had Norwegian soccer fans on and had them row. The chant “captured the American imagination,” The Athletic wrote. Yahoo Sports asked if it was “the best chant in sports.”

“Norway’s soccer fans have rowed through this World Cup like Viking conquerors piloting a longboat a thousand years ago,” The New York Times gushed.

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

On the Iran war,

Twelve hundred years ago, seeing a Viking longboat would have inspired terror, not delight. Vikings used their seafaring prowess to raid and pillage towns on the coast of Europe. They raided monasteries, burned villages and took slaves. Vikings routinely abused their slaves. In some cases, it was a Viking custom to kill a master’s slaves so that they could serve him in the afterlife.

This wasn’t the only team with a connection to extreme violence. Mexico played its nal game of the World Cup at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Before losing to England, Mexico had a remarkable record there — 70 victories, 17 draws and just two losses. One reason for its success was the passion of its home fans.

Aztecs believed that one of their gods, Huitzilopochtli, killed his siblings after being born. Their bodies became the stars, serving as a nightly reminder of the importance of warfare. They believed that this god feasted on human blood and hearts. As a result, they routinely practiced human sacri ce. Aztecs may have sacri ced 20,000 people annually — and perhaps many more.

Japan’s soccer team is called the Samurai Blue. The samurai were erce and disciplined warriors who trained in swordsmanship and horsemanship. They were also brutal, slaughtering those they defeated in battle and

NATO

burning villages. European visitors were shocked to see samurai behead commoners to test the sharpness of their swords.

Norway, Mexico and Japan didn’t spend the tournament embarrassed about these historical realities. Fans proudly displayed their nations’ ags. Players didn’t apologize for their country’s past sins. What’s more telling is that the propaganda press didn’t even bring this up. Contrast that with how the left treats America. The New York Times’ 1619 Project sought to reframe America’s founding to make slavery the center of the American story. Despite its many historical inaccuracies, school districts around the country adopted curricula based on it. Leftists denigrate George Washington and Thomas Je erson for owning slaves. In many places, they’ve replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They push land acknowledgements, which imply that America stands on an illegitimate foundation. Even the Smithsonian has spent years pushing a negative view of America’s story.

Citizens in countries around the world understand something that was once obvious. National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history. You can even pull out admirable traits from a group of people who also did horrible things. If Norwegians can celebrate Vikings, Americans can unashamedly celebrate our founders and history.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

chief agrees with Trump the media buried the lede

He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

WHY DO SO MANY Americans oppose the war against Iran?

The biggest reason is that they do not believe Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon. If Iran was nowhere near a bomb, President Donald Trump’s decision to use military force looks unnecessary, even reckless. But if Iran was close, as Trump claims, the debate changes dramatically.

That is why NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s recent assessment should have been a major news story.

During his June 24 Oval O ce meeting with Trump, Rutte said: “This is, rst of all, about the nuclear capability Iran was basically getting its hands on — and that would have been a threat to the region. It would’ve been a threat to the whole world.” The next day, Rutte was even more direct. “We know they were close,” he said, while commending the United States “for making sure that the world stays safe from Iran with a nuclear capability.”

Rutte’s statement does not, of course, establish as a matter of fact that Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon, let alone how close. But it is unquestionably newsworthy that the secretary general of NATO assessed Iran’s nuclear progress substantially the same way Trump did.

Rutte’s statement did not merely express the view that Iran should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Nearly everyone says that. He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

Rutte is not a member of the Trump administration. His agreement therefore carried independent weight, even if critics believed his praise was tactical. The media need

not endorse his judgment. They merely had to report it prominently and scrutinize it as they would any other signi cant claim. But they did not.

The Associated Press focused heavily on Rutte’s e orts to atter and reassure Trump because he threatened to reduce America’s military commitment to Europe. Reuters likewise described Rutte as using “ attery” to ease tensions over Iran and NATO. Those were legitimate news angles.

But where was the comparable emphasis on Rutte’s nuclear assessment?

CBS reported on how Rutte praised Trump for setting back Iran’s nuclear capabilities but did not highlight Rutte’s far more consequential assessment that Iran was “basically getting its hands on” that capability. Similarly, a review of coverage by NBC, ABC, NPR, PBS, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times found no prominent treatment of Rutte’s explicit agreement with Trump on Iran’s nuclear proximity.

Suppose Rutte said Iran was nowhere close to obtaining nuclear capability, that Trump exaggerated the threat and that the war was unnecessary. It would have led broadcasts and been cited as independent proof that Trump misled the country.

Imagine the headlines: “NATO Head Disputes Trump’s Claim on Iran’s Proximity to Acquiring a Nuclear Weapon”; “NATO Secretary General Undercuts Trump’s Rationale for the Iran War”; or “NATO Leader Sides With Americans Who Question the Iran War.”

Instead, Rutte’s assessment was overshadowed by stories about Trump’s grievances with NATO and Rutte’s conspicuous

praise of the president. Was Rutte attering Trump? Quite possibly. After all, Trump angrily criticized European allies for failing to join the military operation against Iran and raised the possibility of pulling American troops out of Europe. But that does not render Rutte’s nuclear assessment unimportant.

Whatever many in the media think about Trump’s veracity, Rutte’s comment is most certainly newsworthy and merited far more attention. Skeptical journalists could have quoted Rutte, o ered evidence against his assessment and questioned whether he was merely currying favor.

What they should not have done was treat the statement as though it barely mattered. And, days later, after Iran violated the cease re memorandum, Rutte again backed Trump by calling the renewed U.S. strikes “absolutely necessary.”

The war has damaged Trump’s approval ratings. It has become increasingly likely that this con ict may drag on for some time, drive gas prices higher and risk more military casualties. The question remains: Is this a war worth ghting?

Iran has shown time and again it is willing to kill its own people and allow them to su er to allow its regime to remain in power. What would this regime do with nuclear weapons? Again, as to Iran’s proximity to obtaining this nuclear capability, the NATO secretary general agrees with Trump.

The public deserves to know about it.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

O cials sought phone records of New York

Times journalists,

The subpoenas sought records from a reporter’s mother and journalists’ spouses

By Eric Tucker and Jocelyn Noveck

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Donald Trump’s administration sought phone records of several New York Times journalists and even those of some of their relatives, according to a motion unsealed Monday — an unusually aggressive attempt to unmask the condential sources of reporters who wrote about Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet.

The e orts by the Republican president’s administration to compel the identity of sources in the form of additional subpoenas come at a time when the executive branch’s relationship with the press is increasingly contentious. The e orts, described in a letter-motion led by the Times over the weekend, were more expansive than previously known, the newspaper noted. They also covered a time frame that exceeded the news articles in question.

“Two of the subpoenas seek records beginning on January 1, 2026, long before the events that are purportedly the basis for the Department’s investigation,” lawyers for the Times wrote in the letter. “That timeframe strongly suggests that the Department is using this investigation not to focus on any purported concerns arising from the July 8 and 9 articles, but instead to forage for information about the Journalists’ source relationships more broadly.”

Government says reporters aren’t target

The Justice Department has justi ed the subpoenas by saying that “to be clear, reporters are not the targets, those leaking classi ed information are.”

The additional subpoenas included a request for phone records of one reporter’s mother and two of the journalists’ spouses. The motion noted

relatives in e ort to unmask

sources

that the mother in question is a mental health professional with con dential client relationships and that one of the two spouses is the general counsel of a law rm.

“The disclosure of additional subpoenas for con dential newsgathering information of the Journalists is deeply concerning, revealing yet another instance of the alarming pattern of conduct detailed in the Motion to Quash,” the news organization’s lawyers wrote.

“These actions demonstrate abuse of the grand jury process, continued bad faith attacks on the Journalists, violations of the Department’s own internal regulations and disregard for the law in this Circuit intended to protect critical First

Amendment interests,” the motion stated.

Part of ongoing legal challenge

The Times revealed the government’s actions as part of an ongoing legal challenge to quash subpoenas that the Justice Department served on three journalists who reported on security concerns involving the jet.

The original subpoenas, delivered to reporters at their homes, marked a dramatic escalation of the Trump administration’s crackdown on media leaks that free press advocates swiftly condemned as a government e ort to intimidate news organizations. It followed an FBI search earlier this year

“To be clear, reporters are not the targets, those leaking classi ed information are.”

U.S. Justice Department

of a Washington Post reporter’s home and the seizure of her electronic devices.

The new jet in question, a present from Qatar that Trump’s administration spent $400 million to retrot and upgrade, recently entered service. But Trump used an older model Air Force One jet to leave a NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month.

The Times, citing anonymous sources, reported that the switch had come at the urging of the Secret Service and that the newer plane lacked some of the advanced security features of the older Air Force One aircraft, including antimissile capabilities. On social media, Trump denied security concerns.

Trump’s administration has clashed with the press, from newspapers to TV networks to the Voice of America, on multiple fronts since he returned to o ce last year. The methods include lawsuits, administrative actions and public threats. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the press’ ability to operate free of governmental restrictions.

Alaska wants to seize pilot’s plane over 6-pack of beer; Supreme Court will hear his case

The case questions whether property seizure is proportional punishment for a misdemeanor

By Michael Kunzelman The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court agreed Monday to review an Alaska bush pilot’s claims that state authorities have tried to illegally seize his $95,000 airplane after a passenger brought a six-pack of beer on a ight bound for a dry village.

The pilot, Kenneth Jouppi, sued to block his plane’s seizure after he was convicted of an alcohol-related misdemeanor charge. The Alaska Supreme Court ruled in the state’s favor that Jouppi’s plane was subject to criminal forfeiture laws.

On Monday, however, the nation’s highest court agreed to hear Jouppi’s case. He argues that taking his 1969 Cessna would violate the Eighth Amendment’s “Excessive Fines Clause.” Arguments are expected in the fall.

“I’m in my 80s now, and I’ve been ghting this for over a decade because I see it as my duty to ensure that the Bill of Rights actually means something in protecting against government overreach,” Jouppi said in a statement released by his attorneys at the Institute for Justice.

The Supreme Court will hear Kenneth Jouppi’s case against Alaska.

MARIAM ZUHAIB / AP PHOTO

“The Excessive Fines Clause was built for cases like this.”

Institute for Justice, attorneys for Kenneth Jouppi

argued that the state Supreme Court’s “fact-bound decision” should be allowed to stand.

“Courts across the country apply a multi-factor test to determine whether a ne or forfeiture is grossly disproportional to the gravity of the o ense,” they wrote. “Jouppi does not claim that the four-part standard applied by the Alaska Supreme Court is wrong, only that the court misapplied settled law by giving too much weight to some factors and not enough weight to others.”

Jouppi’s attorneys argue that the ruling from the state’s highest court con icts with case law established in other courts, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent.

In April 2012, Jouppi was preparing to y a passenger from Fairbanks to a remote village, Beaver, where alcohol was banned. The passenger had packed beer with other groceries in her luggage. State Police troopers searched Jouppi’s plane before it departed and spotted a six-pack of Budweiser in a shopping bag.

knowingly transporting an alcoholic beverage into a dry community. The passenger pleaded guilty. A jury convicted Jouppi and the company after a trial. A judge sentenced him to three days in jail.

Jouppi, his company and the passenger were charged with a misdemeanor o ense of

Jouppi’s attorneys say Alaska’s high court examined his conduct “purely in abstract terms” and didn’t evaluate whether it was part of a broad-

er pattern of criminal activity. And they say it wasn’t.

“Few excessive nes cases will present the issue so sharply; a decision upholding the forfeiture of an airplane for a six-pack is a self-recommending candidate for review,” lawyers from the Institute for Justice wrote in their appeal.

In response, lawyers from the Alaska Attorney General’s o ce

“The Excessive Fines Clause was built for cases like this,” they said.

Alaska’s attorneys said Jouppi hasn’t shown how punishing him with forfeiture of his plane is “grossly disproportional to the gravity of his o ense.”

“Alcohol abuse is a serious problem in rural Alaska, and airplanes are sometimes the only realistic means to commit the crime of alcohol importation,” they wrote.

JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP PHOTO

President Donald Trump exits Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, after attending the World Cup nal soccer match Sunday.

Forsyth SPORTS

Lin wins U.S. Girls’ Juniors in Durham

DURHAM — Clairey Lin of Canada won the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, beating Amelie Zalsman of St. Petersburg, Florida, 5 and 4 in the 36 -hole nal at Durham’s Old Chatham Golf Club.

The 16-year-old Lin, the stroke-play medalist, is the second straight Canadian winner. Aphrodite Deng won last year in Georgia.

“I’ve always wanted to be on the big stage and inspire some people and work hard and see it pay o ,” Lin said. “To be able to do that today is amazing.”

The 17-year-old Zalsman is set to play for Wake Forest in 2027.

“I’ve played so much golf the past two weeks,” Zalsman said. “I’m just really proud of myself for making it this far and my body, honestly, just sticking with me.”

Deng skipped her title defense

“I’ve always wanted to be on the big stage and inspire some people and work hard and see it pay o .”

Clairey Lin

to play in the Evian Championship last week in France.

The event combined two days of stroke play to determine the eld of 64 for elimination match play, which occupied the rest of the week.

Lin shot a 66 on Monday and 65 on Tuesday to win the medal as the top scorer in stroke play. She missed the 21-year-old tournament record low score by one stroke.

Zalsman nished in a tie for seventh after stroke play, shooting 67-72 to nish eight shots back.

Southern Pines’ Maria Isabella Errichetto shot 73-68 to qualify for match play in a tie for 17th. Pikeville’s Ella June Hannant was part of the

tie at 17th after shooting 69-72. Wake Forest signee Vidhi Lakhawala tied for 28th at 72-70. Raleigh’s Jenna Kim shot 72-74 to qualify for match play, making the cut with one stroke to spare.

Cary’s Victoria Davis missed the cut by one shot, shooting 70-78. Pinehurst’s Riley Grimm shot 73-77 to miss.

Among other future players at North Carolina colleges to miss the cut, UNC Wilmington signee Kanchana Duangsam Rudd shot 74-78. Campbell’s Miah Rivas shot 75-76. Gardner-Webb recruit Ellie Benson shot 78-77. App State’s Addison Douglass shot 80-87.

Hannant won her opening match over Savera Sandhu, who conceded due to illness. Hannant was leading the match at the time. She then topped Keya Naik, 4 and 3, to move to the round of 16. It took 22 holes for her to top Japan’s Anna Iwanga to move to the quarter nals, where Anna Bell eliminated her, 2 and 1.

Errichetto beat Korea’s Yisoo Min 4 and 3 to advance in the rst round and topped Puerto Rico’s So a Rivera 4 and 2 to make the nal 16. Her run then ended, 4 and 3, to Bell.

Lakhawala lost to Canada’s Shauna Liu in the round of 64, 2 and 1. Kim fell to Jude Lee in the rst round, 3 and 2.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Ethan Norby

Ethan Norby is a Kernersville native and 2023 graduate of East Forsyth, where he was two-time all-conference as the Eagles won back-to-back league titles. Norby then played three seasons at East Carolina, earning freshman All-America, third-team All-America and three-time All-Conference honors, while being chosen as Preseason American Conference Pitcher of the Year in 2026.

Norby set a single-season school record for strikeouts this past season and also holds the school’s single-game strikeout mark. The southpaw pitcher was selected in the MLB Draft earlier this month, going to the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth round, No. 122 overall. He signed with the Reds for a reported $630,000 bonus.

Flight hours, miles of World Cup travels of FIFA head Infantino in numbers

The FIFA president saw games in all 16 venues

By Rio Yamat

The Associated Press

MULTIPLE FLIGHTS in a single day. Nearly 60,000 miles. More than 100 hours aloft.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino got some serious air time over the course of the 2026 World Cup, the tournament’s most far- ung edition ever. He crisscrossed North America for matches, meetings and other appearances during the competition, which took place in three countries, 16 cities and four time zones, and ended with Sunday’s nal in New Jersey. To track his travels, The Associated Press analyzed ight logs for a private business jet used by Infantino in recent years, along with photos taken by AP photographers and images posted on Instagram by FIFA and the head of world soccer’s governing body himself. The analysis shows that by the time Spain emerged as champion, he had have own far enough to circle the planet almost 21⁄2 times.

Access to a Gulfstream G650 jet from the eet of the Qatari government made Infantino’s prodigious jet-setting possible. The aircraft is operated by the private charter division of Qatar Airways, a World Cup sponsor.

Since a June 9 ight from Los Angeles to Mexico City ahead of the tournament’s opening match, the aircraft averaged more than one ight a day and on multiple days made more than three, according to ight-tracking site FlightAware. Along with attending match-

Number of times during the World Cup that FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended games in two di erent cities on the same day

es, Infantino’s itinerary included stops in New York for an interview on “Fox & Friends” and in Miami for a FIFA summit attended by representatives from the organization’s 211 member associations. He also ew to Doha to attend the funeral of Qatar’s former emir before returning to the U.S. in time for the World Cup semi nals.

FIFA did not respond to an emailed request for comment about Infantino’s travel schedule and arrangements. Here’s a look at some of the numbers racked up by the person overseeing the tournament that featured a record 104 matches spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the largest geographic footprint in World Cup history.

44 MATCHES

The number of World Cup matches Infantino attended. FlightAware showed the Gulfstream originally was scheduled to y from New Jersey to Miami in time for the third-place match between England and France but never took o . Thunderstorms caused ight delays at New York City area airports on Saturday, ac-

cording to the Federal Aviation Administration.

16 STADIUMS

Infantino saw at least one match at all 16 World Cup venues. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, where he attended ve games, is the venue he visited the most.

13

The number of days Infantino attended two matches, often at stadiums located hundreds of miles apart.

21 AIRPORTS

The Gulfstream mostly used the host cities’ main international airports during the tour-

nament but sometimes relied on smaller general and business aviation airports, including Atlanta’s Fulton County Executive Airport and Miami’s Opa Locka Executive Airport.

23

The number of international border crossings the jet made within North America through the semi nals.

115 FLIGHT HOURS

The ight time the Gulfstream amassed during the tournament, not including repositioning ights and 29 hours of travel for the funeral in Qatar, equaling nearly ve full days in the air and enough for a commercial plane traveling at typ -

ical cruising speed to y from New York to Los Angeles 20 times.

5 HOURS AND 44 MINUTES

Excluding the journey to Qatar, the ight that took the longest lasted 344 minutes and went from Miami to Seattle, where Infantino attended the Belgium-Egypt match June 15. The ight time is the same length as three full World Cup matches from kicko tonal whistle.

28 MINUTES

The shortest ight time, excluding repositioning ights, was a 28-minute hop from Seattle to Vancouver on July 6 — about the length of a network TV sitcom like “Friends” with commercials. Infantino attended the United States-Belgium match in Seattle that day before watching Switzerland face Colombia in Vancouver the following day.

59,281 MILES

The distance the jet traveled during the tournament, excluding the journey to Qatar and back for the funeral, according to the AP analysis. That’s more than round-trip ights between New York and Singapore, Los Angeles and Doha, Qatar, and London and the Australian city of Perth combined.

5,772 MILES

The most miles covered in a single day’s itinerary was on June 26, which started with a morning ight from Miami to Dallas. From there, the plane went to Seattle, where Infantino attended the Egypt-Iran match. The nal leg departed Seattle late that night and landed the next morning in Miami. Infantino watched Colombia face Portugal there.

COURTESY

GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends the World Cup quarter nal match between Norway and England in Miami.

The Canadian topped Wake Forest recruit Amelie Zalsman to win North State Journal sta

LOGAN WHITTON / USGA

Clairey Lin poses with the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championships trophy.

SIDELINE REPORT

MLB Japanese slugger Sasaki to sign with Marlins, forgo professional career in home country

Hanamaki, Japan Japanese slugger Rintaro Sasaki will sign with the Miami Marlins and forgo a professional career in his home country. The Marlins selected Sasaki out of Stanford in the eighth round of the MLB Draft, but the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks also selected him in the rst round of the Nippon Professional Baseball draft, setting up a di cult decision. Sasaki played under Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani’s father, Toru, and is Japan’s all-time high school home run leader with 140. He opted out of the Nippon league’s draft to play at Stanford.

NBA

NBA “continuing to look into” circumstances regarding Bucks’ signing of Trent Milwaukee

The NBA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks’ signing of Gary Trent Jr.. Reportedly, the NBA was investigating the signing for possible circumvention of the salary cap. Trent received a four-year, $64 million deal while he’s coming o one of his least productive seasons. The concerns over salary cap circumvention involve whether there was a prior agreement that Trent would be rewarded now if he signed below-market deals each of the last two years.

NHL

Yzerman abruptly steps down as Red Wings general manager

Detroit Steve Yzerman has abruptly stepped down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. Yzerman’s resignation to move to an advisory role to CEO Chris Ilitch comes several weeks after captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request. The Red Wings say their search for a new head of hockey operations is already underway. Yzerman spent his entire 22-year Hall of Fame playing career with Detroit from 1983-2006, captaining it to the Stanley Cup three times. He was a successful GM in Tampa Bay before returning to Detroit in 2019.

NCAA FOOTBALL Kicko Game announces NIL deal with Auburn before opener against Baylor

Atlanta The A ac Kicko Game has announced a name, image and likeness deal with Auburn leading up to the Tigers’ game against Baylor on Sept. 5. The Peach Bowl and Kicko Game said the multimillion deal marks the rst time a neutral-site college football game has incorporated NIL compensation for student athletes. The NIL agreement also will involve third-party entities. As many as two dozen Auburn student athletes will promote the game through social media posts, public appearances, advertisements, in-game promotions, branding opportunities and interviews.

Wolves believe Ball’s pure point guard play, joyful style will ‘elevate’

entire team

The former Hornets standout will team with

Anthony Edwards

By Dave Campbell

The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — LaMe-

lo Ball came to Minnesota at a steep price.

The opportunity with a cost of two proven power forwards and multiple draft picks was deemed worthwhile by the Timberwolves in their ongoing attempt to make the last and most di cult step toward an NBA title.

“I think he’ll elevate us,” president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said, “and our environment will be conducive to his continued growth as well.”

Eager to gain one of the league’s true point guards and lessen the ballhandling and playmaking burden on superstar Anthony Edwards, the Wolves had to swallow hard and surrender valuable assets.

Completing a complicated four-team trade with Brooklyn, Charlotte and Chicago, Minnesota acquired Ball and guard Josh Green and sent fan favorite Naz Reid and a package of draft picks — a 2033 unprotected rst-rounder, rst-round swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030, and second-rounders in 2029, 2032 and 2033 — to the Hornets.

Second-leading scorer Julius Randle went to the Nets, who swapped the 28th overall selection in the draft last month for No. 33 that landed the Wolves guard Isaiah Evans. That rst part of the trade also created the salary cap space necessary for the Wolves to re-sign guard Ayo Dosunmu.

“He enjoys life. He enjoys playing. You don’t want to make this anything but where it’s a joyous atmosphere.”

Tim Connelly, Wolves president of basketball operations

Edwards was the rst overall pick in the 2020 draft. Ball went third. Green was the 18th selection by Dallas and McDaniels was 28th, giving the Wolves four rst-round picks from that year.

“Well, we have none for the next 10 years,” Connelly quipped at the introductory news conference for Ball and Green last Tuesday at Target Center. “It’s all about quality, not quantity, right?”

All four of those 2020 draftees are still 25 and younger, giving the Wolves con dence they’ll continue to contend — “bites at the apple” is Connelly’s description — as long

as Edwards is on their roster.

“I’ve known Ant for a minute, so we’ve been talking,” Ball said. “Everybody’s excited, and we’re ready to get to work.”

Ball played in only 43% of the games over a three-year stretch from 2022-25 before a promising 2025-26 season that helped propel the Hornets into the play-in games. He has shown a recklessness on and o the court at times too. But the Wolves will give him a stronger team around him than he ever had with the Hornets, and six years into his NBA career the 6-foot-7 Ball is still just 24.

“You’ve got to have a big backcourt. We learned that through the playo s this year,” Wolves coach Chris Finch said.

The ip side of Ball’s penchant for undisciplined or ashy plays is a carefree style the Wolves could use. One of the undercurrents of their underachieving season that ended with a second-round loss to San Antonio was a moodiness that became part of their collective personality. Too many players took too long to shake o un-

productive games or frustrating stretches.

“This is supposed to be fun,” Connelly said. “He enjoys life. He enjoys playing. You don’t want to make this anything but where it’s a joyous atmosphere.”

The void left by the departure of Randle and Reid could be lled rather neatly by a certain free agent who has included the Wolves on his list of teams worth considering. Meet Minneapolis, the city’s tourism arm, even took out digital billboards in Los Angeles to add a light-hearted element to the pitch for LeBron James.

“This is a place where you’re going to have a lot of fun and win a lot of games,” ,” Connelly said. “We’re trying to change the narrative of how this organization is viewed. We’re kind of proud of who we are, and certainly, wherever LeBron ends up, he’s going to make that place much, much better. I like who we are and we’re pretty proud of who we are. Hopefully that’s appealing, not just to LeBron, but to any free agent.”

ACC looks to corporate sponsorships as way to boost bottom line of league revenue

Commissioner Jim Phillips continues to search for new sources

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — Jim Phillips has spent his ve-plus-year tenure as Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner trying to generate more revenue for a league facing nancial pressures even with yearly record hauls.

For his league — and across the national landscape in the revenue-sharing era, for that matter — that has included more emphasis on corporate sponsorships.

Finding event sponsors for naming rights. Securing deals for advertisements on conference TV networks. It’s all about looking for ways to sell those options and supplement the media rights payouts and earnings from postseason success that stand as core engines of the college nancial system.

And stacking every bit helps in a time when schools are allowed to pay athletes directly.

“I don’t know if it’s pressure, but it’s the reality,” Phillips said during the league’s preseason football media days. “To me, it’s the reality of this role and it’s reality of our league. We have to continue to nd incremental dollars each and every year that continue to grow.”

That’s been a particular focus for Phillips, too, in dealing with a signi cant revenue gap behind the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference since his spring 2021 arrival.

The league reported about $826.5 million in total revenue in tax lings covering the 2024-25 sports season, with schools earning a full distribution share getting an average of $47.1 million.

That continued the ACC’s

upward trajectory; the league reported $617 million for 2021-22 in Phillips’ rst full season, good for a full-share average of $39.4 million. And Phillips said the league would crack $900 million in total revenue for the just-completed 2025-26 season.

By comparison, the Big Ten and SEC both crossed the $1 billion mark in total revenue in their 2024-25 lings, with the Big Ten paying an average of nearly $79.9 million to full-share members while the SEC came in at nearly $72.4 million. The biggest way to move the needle for a league looking to change its nancial picture typically is media rights contracts. The ACC is locked into a deal with ESPN — both for its base TV rights and the August 2019 launch of the ACC Network — through the 2035-36 season. The TV revenue continues to increase, but Phillips said at least some gains have come through corporate sponsorships, such as investment management rm T. Rowe Price putting its name on the

“You can’t wait around, you can’t just kind of sit on your hands as it relates to some of these other areas and not fully explore and commit to nding those additional dollars.”

Jim Phillips, ACC commissioner

men’s basketball tournament. The ACC has doubled its list of corporate sponsorships to nine in the past ve years, a list that includes Apple, Dr Pepper, Gatorade and Allstate. The league announced a deal with AI cybersecurity rm ReliaQuest, which includes advertising through ESPN, ESPN parent company Disney and the ACC Network. That goes with other adjustments such as changes to the league’s revenue-distribution model to reward programs that generate higher TV viewership

and the “success initiative” that allows schools to keep money generated by their own postseason success.

“You can’t wait around, you can’t just kind of sit on your hands as it relates to some of these other areas and not fully explore and commit to nding those additional dollars,” Phillips said. “All of that stu adds up incrementally.” In its most recent report, SponsorUnited estimated that Power Four schools generated about $1 billion in corporate sponsorship revenue across roughly 6,300 deals for the 2025-26 season.

That equated to about $9.7 million per school in the ACC and $11.2 million for the Big 12. The SEC ($21.5 million) and Big Ten ($16.1 million) led the way, with the Big 12 as the only league lacking its own TV channel.

“There’s not a lot of places where you can go to an AD and say, ‘Look, I think we could potentially generate $5-10-20 million annually if we think di erently about this side of the business and we can control it,’” Lynch said. “So it becomes a really intriguing space to look and say if we invest there, we could potentially extract a lot of dollars and generate a lot that we weren’t doing before.”

In the ACC’s case, that meant hiring Anthony Macri last September as its rst chief revenue o cer.

He’s helping schools in determining their own options on anything from patches on jerseys to arena signage. And unlike selling a nite number of tickets for an event, corporate sponsorships could o er layers of revenue options.

“We have a chance to really grow that area,” Macri said. “It’s been an underleveraged opportunity that has unlimited growth potential, so that gives us a lot of room to push on.”

ALEX KORMANN / MINNESOTA STAR TRIBUNE VIA AP

AARON BEARD / AP PHOTO

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips speaks during ACC Kicko preseason football media days on July 15, in Charlotte.

Minnesota Timberwolves’ newly acquired point guard LaMelo Ball is introduced at a press conference.

the stream

Charli xcx, ‘The Dink,’ ‘Stuart

Fails to Save

the Universe,’ ‘72 Hours,’ ‘Splatoon

“Ransom Canyon” returns for its second season

The Associated Press

CHARLI XCX’S NEW album and a pickleball movie starring Jake Johnson 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, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: the “Big Bang Theory” spin-o “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” “72 Hours” and the Nintendo game “Splatoon Raiders.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

Pickleball is the target of the new Apple TV comedy “The Dink,” starring Jake Johnson as a tennis pro who “almost beat Andy Roddick” and reluctantly takes up the popular sport while recovering from an injury. The movie, streaming Friday, co -stars Ben Stiller, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris and Patton Oswalt.

Kevin Hart goes on a bachelor party trip with some 20-somethings after being accidentally included in the group chat in the new Net ix comedy “72 Hours,” streaming Friday. Said 20-somethings are played by “SNL” cast members Marcello Hernández, Kam Patterson and Ben Marshall and Mason Gooding as the groom-to-be.

“Blue Heron,” now streaming on the Criterion Channel, made The Associated Press’s list for best movies of the year so far. Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote, “Sophy Romvari’s exquisite and soulful directorial debut melds documentary and ction, past and present. It’s based on her own childhood, when her Hungarian parents moved their family of six to Vancouver Island in British Columbia. … It’s an aching, probing memory piece.” Another movie that made our list, “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie,” has a quite di erent tone. This silly, loindie about two slacker buddies (Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol) who concoct crackpot schemes to land a gig at the To -

“Sophy Romvari’s exquisite and soulful directorial debut melds documentary and ction, past and present.”

Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer

ronto music venue, the Rivoli, is a gem that begins streaming on Hulu on Friday. I wrote that I’m proof that no prior knowledge is needed to get on their goofy wavelength and enjoy the ride — and all the “Back to the Future” references.

MUSIC TO STREAM

“BRAT” summer came and stayed and eventually went — and what would be built in its absence? Charli xcx claims the dance oor is dead on her latest album, “Music, Fashion, Film,” out Friday. She’s making “Rock Music” this time around, at least, her version of it: a bit troll-y, a bit sincere, full of distorted guitars and processed vocals. But her pop heart remains

Charli xcx performs at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England in 2025. Her new album, “Music, Fashion, Film,” drops Friday.

intact, like on the depressed and dreamy “SS26.” If that’s not enough to inspire curiosity, perhaps this is: The album’s sole feature credit is Canadian auteur and beloved horror lmmaker David Cronenberg on its closer, “No One Lasts Forever.” Grammy-winning South African artist Tyla burst onto the

mainstream with her 2023 global hit “Water.” It married R&B, pop and amapiano — a style of music which translates to “the pianos” in the Zulu language, a fusion of Kwaito house music and jazz, often driven by log drums. And it did so at a time where hunger and curiosity for African music were at an all-time high. Afrobeats

Raiders’

have only continued to skyrocket in the time since, and Tyla has proven to be no one-hit wonder. She’s paved her own path. On Friday, she will release her sophomore album, “A(asterisks)POP.” It’s the next evolution of her sound, which features a dancehall collaboration with Zara Larsson, “She Did It Again,” the amapiano-pop “Chanel” and so much more.

SERIES TO STREAM

The socially awkward comic bookstore owner Stuart from “The Big Bang Theory” leads a new spino called “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.” Played by Kevin Sussman, Stuart fumbles a physics project created by “Big Bang” OG characters Sheldon and Leonard that leads to chaos he must undo. Other cast members Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie reprise their roles from the original series. It premieres Tuesday on HBO Max. Minka Kelly and Josh Duhamel return for Season 2 of Net ix’s “Ransom Canyon.”

The romantic drama follows two longtime friends, Quinn O’Grady and Staten Kirkland, who nally got together in Season 1 after years of teetering on a relationship. The happy couple is challenged as Kelly’s Quinn questions whether small town life is enough for her. This while Duhamel’s Staten is trying to stake his claim in the family ranch. The new season premieres Tuesday.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Nintendo’s Splatoon franchise brought a vivid twist to the multiplayer combat arena, mostly by replacing bullets with multicolored ink. “Splatoon Raiders” takes you out of the arena entirely with a treasure hunt across an exotic archipelago. Don’t expect a mellow vacation, though — these islands are lled with hostile wildlife known as Salmonids. Naturally, collecting more treasure lets you beef up the gear you need to defeat the monsters. “Raiders” aims to provide a satisfying solo experience for Splatologists, but you can also play co-op with up to three friends. Start squirting Thursday on Switch 2.

Mary Steenburgen attends the photo call for Apple

Dink” at CityPickle Hudson Yards on July 14 in New York.

STATE & NATION

Oystercatchers, known for sharp bills and beady eyes, making a comeback thanks to conservation

A coordinated e ort spanning 16 states has increased oystercatcher populations by 45%

By Michael Casey The Associated Press

SOUTH KINGSTOWN,

R.I.

— On a pristine Rhode Island beach teeming with noisy seabirds, a group of biologists armed with nets sneak up on a pair of American oystercatcher chicks.

But just as they move in to capture them, one of the football-size birds, with bright-orange bills and long legs, scampers into a coastal salt pond. The other brie y takes to the air, sending the team running across the mile-and-a-half-long beach in pursuit.

“There is a problem. They can y,” Alan Kneidel, a senior conservation biologist with the environmental group Manomet Conservation Sciences, said as he watched the team go after the chicks.

Eventually, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists tracked down both birds. They bundled them each into white pillow cases and gingerly carried them to a sand dune where body measurements were taken and bands clipped onto their long, peach-colored legs.

Birds starting to recover

The banding in the 787-acre Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge is part of a nationwide e ort to restore the oystercatcher’s population along the coasts of the Americas. The birds were largely wiped out in New England by the turn of the 20th century due to hunting and egg collecting, but their numbers are rising.

About $10 million was raised over a decade, and 35 coastal organizations in 16 states joined in the e ort. Much of the campaign focused on educating beachgoers about the presence of the quirky birds known for their piercing calls and habit of using their razor-sharp bills to crack open oysters and mussels. Measures were also implemented to protect their ground nesting sites from predators and pets on beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes or tide wrack deposits.

From 2008 to 2023, oystercatcher numbers increased by 45% along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Their recovery is especially signi cant given a 2023 study found that most shorebird populations in North America were declining.

“It’s amazing, and it’s a great conservation success story,” said Maureen Durkin, a federal wildlife biologist who led the banding e ort and works at the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

“It does really demonstrate how much you can accomplish when there is a dedicated group of partners that can come together and identify the needs

“With a little bit of focused e ort and attention on this really charismatic bird, you can teach the public how to share the shore.”

Luanne Johnson, BiodiversityWorks wildlife biologist

of the species and implement conservation actions,” she said, adding that it also showed conserving imperiled species “is not easy and takes a sustained and committed e ort.”

Targeting threats

Kneidel said a critical part of the conservation plan was determining that “chick survival was the big thing driving the declines.” Then, individually-tailored plans were drawn up from organizations in the American Oystercatcher Working Group, which was led by Manomet’s Shiloh Schulte, a conservation biologist and eld scientist who died last year in a helicopter crash in Alaska while on a mission to protect shorebirds. His initial aerial survey showed their numbers had declined by double-digits.

“At one site, it might be recreational disturbance, at another site it might be predators, at another site it might be sea level rise or loss of dune structure that’s causing overwash events that are causing nest failure,”

Kneidel said as he walked along the rocky Moonstone Beach, the sky lled with squeaking, least terns.

On Martha’s Vineyard, a low-lying fence with chicken wire is installed seasonally at the entrance of a key breeding site for oystercatchers and other seabirds and shorebirds, which

Wildlife Refuge.

has kept skunks and raccoons that eat their eggs o the beach. Colorful signs have also been installed educating the public about oystercatchers.

Focused attention on oystercatchers

The birds also bene t from federal protections given to piping plovers, a threatened shorebird that nests in some of the same areas. During the nesting season of piping plovers,

vehicles and dogs are limited or banned near beach nesting sites.

“With a little bit of focused e ort and attention on this really charismatic bird, you can teach the public how to share the shore,” said Luanne Johnson, a wildlife biologist who founded the nonpro t BiodiversityWorks, one of the groups working on the oystercatcher’s recovery. The island was the rst place to have nesting oystercatchers in Massachusetts when they began to recover and has seen the numbers of breeding pairs increase 77% since 2009.

In South Carolina, nearly 30 breeding sites are roped o to protect nesting habitat. Georgia and North Carolina also rope o breeding sites along with trapping and euthanizing predators like foxes, raccoons and coyotes during breeding season.

“If you focus conservation efforts on a species, especially before it becomes endangered to

the point that you’re considering listing, you can actually sort of head o trouble at the pass,” said Lindsay Addison, a coastal biologist with Audubon North Carolina, adding the state’s breeding pairs have increased nearly 20% to 403. Some birds, like Dark Green 06 and Yellow 25, were banded as far back as 2004 and have become minor celebrities.

Ted Simons, a retired emeritus professor at NC State who began studying the birds on North Carolina’s Outer Banks in 1995, said their recovery was a testament to the species’ resilience. He noted American oystercatchers have been found nesting on rooftops in the United States, and other oystercatcher species in Europe are nesting in pastures and eating worms. One pair, he recalled, was found nesting in a bus station pothole in Iceland.

“If these were really highly specialized birds that needed an exact prescription for survival, that would have been harder,” Simons said. “But what we found is that these birds are incredibly adaptive.”

Climate change, weakened protections pose dangers

Despite their strong recovery, threats remain.

Chief among the dangers is climate change that has led to rising seas and erosion washing out oystercatcher nests. That has prompted states such as Georgia to build elevated nesting platforms of oystershells for the birds and use dredged material from shipping channels to create and maintain nesting islands. Along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina, Audubon is replenishing shell rakes — beds of old oyster shells where the oystercatchers nest.

“Climate change, sea level rise — it’s a big challenge not only for oystercatchers but for all kinds of interests on the coast,” Addison said. “There’s going to be loss of habitat due to sea level rise, so we have to make sure that we do what we can to provide the habitat that we can so they can get through this next bottleneck.”

There are also concerns that changes this month to the Endangered Species Act could impact nesting sites, especially where state protections are weak. Environmental groups, which sued Tuesday to block the changes, fear breeding grounds could be disturbed by everything from vehicle tra c to unchecked development.

The changes would allow oil and gas drilling, mining, logging and other development on critical wildlife habitats so long as the animals themselves aren’t killed or injured. Environmentalists warned the move could cause some species to go extinct by opening the door to habitat destruction.

“It’s a direct attack on the protections that have allowed many of these shorebird species to recover,” Kneidel said.

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

Shorebird Crew Lead Mary Bertschi of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service tracks down a juvenile oystercatcher that took o running at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, on Sunday.

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

United States Fish and Wildlife Service Shorebird Monitor Allison Ruhl carries an adult oystercatcher at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge.

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

An adult oystercatcher is held at Trustom Pond National

Randolph record

Tee-d o

Asheboro Municipal Golf Course became a topic for some attendees of an Asheboro City Council meeting earlier this month. Rates have been raised at the course this summer among other changes being implemented. Concerns about available tee times also were shared.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump imposes 50% tari s on Canadian goods, citing disputes over autos, alcohol, cheese

President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tari s on most Canadian goods, declaring that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products. The move, announced Monday, could unleash a new wave of economic chaos, with risks of higher in ation and further fraying of relations between the two nations.

The administration o cial previewing the action said that Canada was one of the only nations other than China that retaliated against Trump’s previous tari s and must be held accountable.

Trump opens investigation into Harvard’s aid to international students

The Justice Department is investigating whether Harvard University is allowing Chinese donors to create scholarships that exclude American students.

The inquiry adds to a barrage of federal probes the Trump administration has opened in its battle against the Ivy League campus. O cials announced the new review Monday, saying Harvard’s foreign funding disclosures “raised concerns” about possible discrimination against U.S. students.

Seagrove musician makes Opry debut with Uptown Troubadours

Kevin Richardson’s return to Nashville is di erent this time

By Dan Reeves Randolph Record

SEAGROVE — Kevin Richardson had played the Grand Ole Opry before, but his appearance July 15 came with an important distinction.

On this occasion, the Seagrove guitarist and singer was there as a member of Daniel Grindsta & The Uptown Troubadours, making the group’s o cial debut under its own name.

For Richardson, who has spent decades performing in bluegrass bands, leading his own group and later stepping away from touring, the appearance represented a new chapter rather than the beginning of a career.

“We don’t take it for granted,” Richardson said before the show. “I’m speechless and still trying to process it.”

The Uptown Troubadours appeared during an Opry 100 program that also included Priscilla Block, Drew Baldridge, Chayce Beckham, the Gatlin Brothers, Charlie McCoy, The Last Revel and comedian Dusty Slay.

Richardson began playing music at age 5 and developed his skills at ddlers’ conventions, where young musicians could learn by watching, competing and playing alongside more experienced performers.

He eventually became known as both a vocalist and guitarist, working with Lou Reid & Carolina and The Larry Stephenson Band. He later formed Kevin Richardson & Cuttin’ Edge, commonly

See DEBUT, page A2

Trinity’s mayor to face challengers

The latest ling period ended, and there’s only one contested race in Archdale

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

TWO CHALLENGERS have led to run against Trinity mayor Richard McNabb in the fall elections.

The ling period closed Friday, and Je rey Mullins and Jack Carico will be on the ballot along with McNabb. But there will be city council races in Trinity in addition to mayor. McNabb has been mayor since February 2020 follow-

ing the death of Jesse Hill. McNabb won a special election for mayor in 2021 with 70% of the votes.

Carico will try to return to city government after he lost his Ward 3 seat on the City Council as an incumbent in 2021 in a race with Barry Allison. That contest went to a recount requested by Carico.

For Trinity’s City Council, Eddie Eaton and incumbent Ed Lohr will face o for the Ward 2 seat. In Ward 4, the candidates ling were Lori Bass and incumbent Robbie Walker.

• In Archdale, mayor Lewis Dorsett will be unopposed. He also didn’t face opposition in 2022 or 2024.

Early voting: Oct. 15-31

Election Day: Nov. 3

Dorsett has been Archdale’s mayor since July 2021 when he was appointed to ll the mayor’s term when the position was vacated by retiring Bert Stone. For Archdale’s City Council, mayor pro-tem Kelly Grooms is running unopposed to retain his at-large seat. Incumbent Herb Andrews III doesn’t face opposition in Ward 1. In Ward 4, there’s a contested race between incumbent

John Glass and Laura Hel n.

• For Randolph County’s Soil and Water Conservation district supervisor, the ballot will include Kristina May Hare of Pleasant Garden and incumbent Carrie Guess-Slatosky of Randleman.

For this race, the ling period closed earlier in July. Guess-Slatosky, who gained her board seat in 2022, serves as the board’s treasurer. Guess-Slatosky ran unsuccessfully against incumbent Randolph County commissioner in March’s Republication primary for a spot on that governing body.

Early voting will be held Oct. 15-31. Election Day is Nov. 3.

Seagrove musician Kevin Richardson performs July 15 at the Grand Ole Opry with Daniel Grindsta & The Uptown Troubadours, marking the group’s rst appearance there under its own name.

COURTESY DANIEL GRINDSTAFF & THE UPTOWN TROUBADOURS VIA FACEBOOK

THURSDAY

7.23.26

(USPS 20451) (ISSN 2471-1365)

Trip Ho end,

Asheboro addresses water main breaks

More than a half-dozen locations were identi ed with leaks before the system was stabilized

Randolph Record sta

ASHEBORO — It took nearly a week for all the issues to be resolved regarding multiple water main breaks in Asheboro earlier this month.

Fixing the problems kept city crews busy for several days.

There were no known public health risks associated with the water system stemming

CRIME LOG

July 13

• Jeremy Deane Maness, 49, of Randleman, was arrested by Randleman PD for domestic violence protective order violation.

from the breaks, according to information from the city.

The breaks were identi ed July 7. City o cials said repair e orts continued late into that night that day. About 10 leaks were identi ed, with some service restored later that day with emphasis placed on the larger mains.

City o cials said all necessary personnel and resources were used to address the problems.

Initial water main breaks occurred in several areas. Those were Commerce Street, Scarboro Street, Tremont Drive, South High Street, Clay

Street, the 1100 block of South Fayetteville Street and the 1900 block of North Fayetteville Street. The system was fully stabilized by July 10, according to information from the water resources department last week.

Based on the city’s assessment, preliminary ndings indicate the breaks resulted from unexpected pressure imbalances that occurred during regularly scheduled maintenance activities on a water storage tank. Protocols and procedures are being revised to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, the city announced. Residents or businesses experiencing water service issues or observing suspected leaks are encouraged to contact the City of Asheboro’s Public Works Department at 336-626-1234.

Randolph Guide

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

July 24

Rock’n the Park — Black Pearl Party Band (Yacht Rock Experience)

6:30 p.m.

The free concert series presents Black Pearl Party Band performing a Yacht Rock Experience.

Local opener at 6:30 p.m., headliner at 8 p.m. Food trucks on site.

Bicentennial Park 135 Sunset Ave. Asheboro

David

THURSDAY JULY 23

FRIDAY JULY 24

• Tony Dwayne Mashburn, 26, of High Point, was arrested by RCSO for misdemeanor larceny.

• Derek Charles Raeford, 35, of Greensboro, was arrested by Archdale PD for habitual larceny, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting a public o cer.

• Charles Lee Seech, 30, of Randleman, was arrested by NC P&P for larceny of a motor vehicle.

July 14

• Ender Y. Contreras Delgado, 36, of Randleman, was arrested by NCHP for driving while impaired, no operator’s license and possession of an open container of alcohol in a passenger area, and other charges.

• Ezequiel Tejeda, 33, of Randleman, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a revoked license, and other charges.

• Frankie Leon Bowman, 50, of Thomasville, was arrested by RCSO for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

• Steven Matthew Glass, 44, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for cyberstalking and injuring or tampering with a vehicle.

• Mannie James Graham, 38, of Asheboro, was arrested by NC P&P for interference with an electronic monitoring device, simple possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.

DEBUT from page A1

known as KRACE, which released a self-titled album through Mountain Fever Records in 2012.

Richardson announced in 2017 that he was stepping away from regular touring to spend more time with his family.

• Steven Chao Hui, 41, of Columbia, was arrested by High Point PD for tra cking in marijuana.

• Bruce Lee Lineberry, 37, of Randleman, was arrested by RCSO for larceny of a motor vehicle, obtaining property by false pretense and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

• Kelly Howell Piguerra, 42, of Liberty, was arrested by NC P&P for defrauding a drug or alcohol test.

• Robin Frances Small, 55, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for larceny of a motor vehicle and felony conspiracy.

July 15

• Michael Devin Saunders, 27, of Archdale, was arrested by RCSO for misuse of the 911 system.

• Tyson Alford, 52, of High Point, was arrested by RCSO for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

• Cera Marie Johnson, 35, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for communicating threats.

• Jaime Manuel Sosa-Dixon, 29, of Graham, was arrested by Liberty PD for driving on a revoked license, resisting a public o cer and possession of an open container of alcohol in a passenger area, and other charges.

July 16

• Michael Lindsey Allen, 42, of Trinity, was arrested by NC P&P for being a registered sex o ender on child premises.

• Diana Isabel Arauz Rios, 36, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for simple assault.

• Isaac Scott Hargett, 18, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for assault on a child under 12.

includes Grindsta on banjo, Derek Deakins on ddle and vocals, and Kent Blanton on bass.

The band released its self-titled debut album in March.

• Krystal Martin O’Connor, 43, of York, was arrested by RCSO for felony worthless check.

• Nathanael Padua Rodriguez, 37, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for kidnapping, assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and other charges.

• Jessica Nicole Welch, 28, of Asheboro, was arrested by RCSO for possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver heroin; felony conspiracy; and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, and other charges.

July 17

• Yarilin Salinas-Sanchez, 24, of Willow Spring, was arrested by Asheboro PD for driving while impaired, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, and other charges.

July 18

• Jonathan Gage Laprad, 25, of Asheboro, was arrested by Asheboro PD for possession of stolen goods or property, misdemeanor breaking and entering and misdemeanor larceny, and other charges.

• Richard Kevin Price, 64, of Trinity, was arrested by RCSO for rstdegree trespass and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Maurice Wallace, 50, of Liberty, was arrested by Liberty PD for driving while impaired, resisting a public o cer and failure to heed a light or siren, and other charges.

Asheboro Zookeepers vs. High Point –Thomasville HiToms

6:30-9 p.m.

Two regional minor league baseball teams will meet and play at historic McCrary Park in Asheboro.

138 Southway Road Asheboro

July 25

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.

Highway 705, Pottery Highway

Asheboro Summer Cruise Series: Grounded Elegance Cruise-In

6-10 p.m.

Family-friendly event featuring a vintage car and vehicle display and a parade down the main downtown drag. Free event.

1128 N. Fayetteville St. Asheboro

SATURDAY JULY 25

SUNDAY JULY 26

MONDAY JULY 27

TUESDAY JULY 28

WEDNESDAY JULY 29

“My family needs me and my granddaughter needs me,” he said at the time.

The retirement did not mean he had stopped playing. Richardson later performed with his wife, banjo player Crystal Richardson, as part of the Raleigh-based group Sweet Potato Pie.

His return to a touring band came when he joined Daniel Grindsta & The Uptown Troubadours, a group that also

The project has produced three No. 1 bluegrass singles: “Angel Dream,” “The Death of John Henry” and “We See Love.” Richardson sings lead and plays guitar on “Angel Dream,” a bluegrass treatment of the Tom Petty song, and “The Death of John Henry,” which features country and bluegrass musician Marty Stuart.

The Grand Ole Opry appearance was also signicant for Grindsta , who had performed there numerous times as a sideman with established bluegrass acts, including Jim & Jesse McReyn-

olds and the Osborne Brothers. Like Richardson, Grindsta had never appeared on the Opry as part of his own featured group. The Opry regularly brings together established stars, rising performers and veteran musicians who may spend years playing behind someone else before receiving an invitation under their own band’s name. Richardson’s career has followed a similarly indirect route. He has been a sideman, bandleader, recording artist and family man who decided the touring life could wait. His latest opportunity came not from starting over but from returning to the work with decades of experience behind him.

Aug. 1-2

North Carolina 7v7 Cup Youth Soccer Tournament

A two-day statewide youth soccer tournament for U9-U19 boys and girls, with girls competing Saturday and boys Sunday. The event features 7v7 play across all age groups on the sportsplex’s eight turf elds.

Cone Health ZooCity Sportsplex 2981 Zoo Parkway Asheboro

Aug, 7

Randleman Market a Music Concert Series featuring: North Tower 7-10 p.m.

Fresh produce and plant market with live music from North Tower, a band that’s been playing beach music, Top 40, funk, disco and rock for the last 40 years. Food trucks on-site. Contact the Randleman Parks and Recreation Department at 336-495-7525 for more info. Commerce Square Park 128 Commerce Square Randleman

THE CONVERSATION

Trip

Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

What Americans can learn from World Cup fans

National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history.

THE WORLD CUP showed why you shouldn’t be ashamed of America’s heroes and heritage.

While only Argentina and Spain made Sunday’s World Cup nal, citizens of many countries enthusiastically cheered on their teams. Norwegian fans became an internet phenomenon for their “Viking Row” cheer.

Sitting like they were in a longboat, fans moved their bodies backward and forward in unison while pretending to row. To complete the cheer, they chanted, “Ro!”

They rowed in stadiums and Times Square.

The Norwegian soccer team rowed after defeating Senegal. The cheer spread throughout Norway — from classrooms, nursing homes and even the country’s Parliament.

Norway’s soccer team embraced the Viking imagery. They took an epic team photo with players dressed as Vikings — complete with spears, swords and shields.

The propaganda press couldn’t get enough.

“Good Morning America” had Norwegian soccer fans on and had them row. The chant “captured the American imagination,” The Athletic wrote. Yahoo Sports asked if it was “the best chant in sports.”

“Norway’s soccer fans have rowed through this World Cup like Viking conquerors piloting a longboat a thousand years ago,” The New York Times gushed.

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

On the Iran war,

Twelve hundred years ago, seeing a Viking longboat would have inspired terror, not delight. Vikings used their seafaring prowess to raid and pillage towns on the coast of Europe. They raided monasteries, burned villages and took slaves. Vikings routinely abused their slaves. In some cases, it was a Viking custom to kill a master’s slaves so that they could serve him in the afterlife.

This wasn’t the only team with a connection to extreme violence. Mexico played its nal game of the World Cup at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Before losing to England, Mexico had a remarkable record there — 70 victories, 17 draws and just two losses. One reason for its success was the passion of its home fans.

Aztecs believed that one of their gods, Huitzilopochtli, killed his siblings after being born. Their bodies became the stars, serving as a nightly reminder of the importance of warfare. They believed that this god feasted on human blood and hearts. As a result, they routinely practiced human sacri ce. Aztecs may have sacri ced 20,000 people annually — and perhaps many more.

Japan’s soccer team is called the Samurai Blue. The samurai were erce and disciplined warriors who trained in swordsmanship and horsemanship. They were also brutal, slaughtering those they defeated in battle and

NATO

burning villages. European visitors were shocked to see samurai behead commoners to test the sharpness of their swords.

Norway, Mexico and Japan didn’t spend the tournament embarrassed about these historical realities. Fans proudly displayed their nations’ ags. Players didn’t apologize for their country’s past sins. What’s more telling is that the propaganda press didn’t even bring this up. Contrast that with how the left treats America. The New York Times’ 1619 Project sought to reframe America’s founding to make slavery the center of the American story. Despite its many historical inaccuracies, school districts around the country adopted curricula based on it. Leftists denigrate George Washington and Thomas Je erson for owning slaves. In many places, they’ve replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They push land acknowledgements, which imply that America stands on an illegitimate foundation. Even the Smithsonian has spent years pushing a negative view of America’s story.

Citizens in countries around the world understand something that was once obvious. National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history. You can even pull out admirable traits from a group of people who also did horrible things. If Norwegians can celebrate Vikings, Americans can unashamedly celebrate our founders and history.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

chief agrees with Trump the media buried the lede

He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

WHY DO SO MANY Americans oppose the war against Iran?

The biggest reason is that they do not believe Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon. If Iran was nowhere near a bomb, President Donald Trump’s decision to use military force looks unnecessary, even reckless. But if Iran was close, as Trump claims, the debate changes dramatically.

That is why NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s recent assessment should have been a major news story.

During his June 24 Oval O ce meeting with Trump, Rutte said: “This is, rst of all, about the nuclear capability Iran was basically getting its hands on — and that would have been a threat to the region. It would’ve been a threat to the whole world.” The next day, Rutte was even more direct. “We know they were close,” he said, while commending the United States “for making sure that the world stays safe from Iran with a nuclear capability.”

Rutte’s statement does not, of course, establish as a matter of fact that Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon, let alone how close. But it is unquestionably newsworthy that the secretary general of NATO assessed Iran’s nuclear progress substantially the same way Trump did.

Rutte’s statement did not merely express the view that Iran should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Nearly everyone says that. He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

Rutte is not a member of the Trump administration. His agreement therefore carried independent weight, even if critics believed his praise was tactical. The media need

not endorse his judgment. They merely had to report it prominently and scrutinize it as they would any other signi cant claim. But they did not.

The Associated Press focused heavily on Rutte’s e orts to atter and reassure Trump because he threatened to reduce America’s military commitment to Europe. Reuters likewise described Rutte as using “ attery” to ease tensions over Iran and NATO. Those were legitimate news angles.

But where was the comparable emphasis on Rutte’s nuclear assessment?

CBS reported on how Rutte praised Trump for setting back Iran’s nuclear capabilities but did not highlight Rutte’s far more consequential assessment that Iran was “basically getting its hands on” that capability. Similarly, a review of coverage by NBC, ABC, NPR, PBS, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times found no prominent treatment of Rutte’s explicit agreement with Trump on Iran’s nuclear proximity.

Suppose Rutte said Iran was nowhere close to obtaining nuclear capability, that Trump exaggerated the threat and that the war was unnecessary. It would have led broadcasts and been cited as independent proof that Trump misled the country.

Imagine the headlines: “NATO Head Disputes Trump’s Claim on Iran’s Proximity to Acquiring a Nuclear Weapon”; “NATO Secretary General Undercuts Trump’s Rationale for the Iran War”; or “NATO Leader Sides With Americans Who Question the Iran War.”

Instead, Rutte’s assessment was overshadowed by stories about Trump’s grievances with NATO and Rutte’s conspicuous

praise of the president. Was Rutte attering Trump? Quite possibly. After all, Trump angrily criticized European allies for failing to join the military operation against Iran and raised the possibility of pulling American troops out of Europe.

But that does not render Rutte’s nuclear assessment unimportant.

Whatever many in the media think about Trump’s veracity, Rutte’s comment is most certainly newsworthy and merited far more attention. Skeptical journalists could have quoted Rutte, o ered evidence against his assessment and questioned whether he was merely currying favor.

What they should not have done was treat the statement as though it barely mattered. And, days later, after Iran violated the cease re memorandum, Rutte again backed Trump by calling the renewed U.S. strikes “absolutely necessary.”

The war has damaged Trump’s approval ratings. It has become increasingly likely that this con ict may drag on for some time, drive gas prices higher and risk more military casualties. The question remains: Is this a war worth ghting?

Iran has shown time and again it is willing to kill its own people and allow them to su er to allow its regime to remain in power. What would this regime do with nuclear weapons? Again, as to Iran’s proximity to obtaining this nuclear capability, the NATO secretary general agrees with Trump.

The public deserves to know about it.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

O

cials sought phone records of NYT journalists, relatives in e ort to unmask sources

The subpoenas sought records from a reporter’s mother and journalists’ spouses

By Eric Tucker and Jocelyn Noveck

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C.

—

President Donald Trump’s administration sought phone records of several New York Times journalists and even those of some of their relatives, according to a motion unsealed Monday — an unusually aggressive attempt to unmask the condential sources of reporters who wrote about Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet.

The e orts by the Republican president’s administration to compel the identity of sources in the form of additional subpoenas come at a time when the executive branch’s relationship with the press is increasingly contentious. The e orts, described in a letter-motion led by the Times over the weekend, were more expansive than pre-

viously known, the newspaper noted. They also covered a time frame that exceeded the news articles in question.

“Two of the subpoenas seek records beginning on January 1, 2026, long before the events that are purportedly the basis for the Department’s investigation,” lawyers for the Times wrote in the letter. “That timeframe strongly suggests that the Department is using this investigation not to focus on any purported concerns arising from the July 8 and 9 articles, but instead to forage for information about the Journalists’ source relationships more broadly.”

Government says reporters aren’t target

The Justice Department has justi ed the subpoenas by saying that “to be clear, reporters are not the targets, those leaking classi ed information are.”

The additional subpoenas included a request for phone records of one reporter’s mother and two of the journalists’ spouses. The motion noted that the mother in question is a

mental health professional with con dential client relationships and that one of the two spouses is the general counsel of a law rm.

“The disclosure of additional subpoenas for con dential newsgathering information of the Journalists is deeply concerning, revealing yet another instance of the alarming pattern of conduct detailed in the Motion to Quash,” the news organization’s lawyers wrote.

“These actions demonstrate abuse of the grand jury process, continued bad faith attacks on the Journalists, violations of the Department’s own internal regulations and disregard for the law in this Circuit intended to protect critical First Amendment interests,” the motion stated.

Part of ongoing legal challenge

The Times revealed the government’s actions as part of an ongoing legal challenge to quash subpoenas that the Justice Department served on three journalists who reported on securi-

ty concerns involving the jet.

The original subpoenas, delivered to reporters at their homes, marked a dramatic escalation of the Trump administration’s crackdown on media leaks that free press advocates swiftly condemned as a government e ort to intimidate news organizations. It followed an FBI search earlier this year of a Washington Post reporter’s home and the seizure of her electronic devices.

The new jet in question, a present from Qatar that Trump’s administration spent $400 million to retro t and upgrade, recently entered service. But Trump used an older model Air Force One jet to leave a NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month.

The Times, citing anonymous sources, reported that the switch had come at the urging of the Secret Service and that the newer plane lacked some of the advanced security features of the older Air Force One aircraft, including antimissile capabilities. On social media, Trump denied security concerns.

Trump’s administration has clashed with the press, from newspapers to TV networks to the Voice of America, on multiple fronts since he returned to o ce last year. The methods include lawsuits, administrative actions and public threats.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the press’ ability to operate free of governmental restrictions.

Alaska wants to seize pilot’s plane over 6-pack of beer; Supreme Court will hear his case

The case questions whether property seizure is proportional punishment for a misdemeanor

By Michael Kunzelman

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court agreed Monday to review an Alaska bush pilot’s claims that state authorities have tried to illegally seize his $95,000 airplane after a passenger brought a six-pack of beer on a ight bound for a dry village.

The pilot, Kenneth Jouppi, sued to block his plane’s seizure after he was convicted of an alcohol-related misdemeanor charge. The Alaska Supreme Court ruled in the state’s favor that Jouppi’s plane was subject to criminal forfeiture laws.

On Monday, however, the nation’s highest court agreed to hear Jouppi’s case. He argues that taking his 1969 Cessna would violate

the Eighth Amendment’s “Excessive Fines Clause.” Arguments are expected in the fall.

“I’m in my 80s now, and I’ve been ghting this for over a decade because I see it as my duty to ensure that the Bill of Rights actually means something in protecting against government overreach,” Jouppi said in a

statement released by his attorneys at the Institute for Justice.

In April 2012, Jouppi was preparing to y a passenger from Fairbanks to a remote village, Beaver, where alcohol was banned. The passenger had packed beer with other groceries in her luggage. State Police troopers searched Jouppi’s

plane before it departed and spotted a six-pack of Budweiser in a shopping bag.

Jouppi, his company and the passenger were charged with a misdemeanor o ense of knowingly transporting an alcoholic beverage into a dry community. The passenger pleaded guilty. A jury convicted Jouppi and the company after a trial.

A judge sentenced him to three days in jail.

Jouppi’s attorneys say Alaska’s high court examined his conduct “purely in abstract terms” and didn’t evaluate whether it was part of a broader pattern of criminal activity. And they say it wasn’t.

“Few excessive nes cases will present the issue so sharply; a decision upholding the forfeiture of an airplane for a sixpack is a self-recommending candidate for review,” lawyers from the Institute for Justice wrote in their appeal.

In response, lawyers from the Alaska Attorney General’s o ce argued that the state Supreme Court’s “fact-bound decision” should be allowed to stand.

“Courts across the country apply a multi-factor test to determine whether a ne or forfeiture is grossly disproportional to the gravity of the o ense,” they wrote. “Jouppi does not claim that the four-part standard applied by the Alaska Supreme Court is wrong, only that the court misapplied settled law by giving too much weight to some factors and not enough weight to others.”

Jouppi’s attorneys argue that the ruling from the state’s highest court con icts with case law established in other courts, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent.

“The Excessive Fines Clause was built for cases like this,” they said.

Alaska’s attorneys said Jouppi hasn’t shown how punishing him with forfeiture of his plane is “grossly disproportional to the gravity of his o ense.”

“Alcohol abuse is a serious problem in rural Alaska, and airplanes are sometimes the only realistic means to commit the crime of alcohol importation,” they wrote.

MARIAM ZUHAIB / AP PHOTO

The Supreme Court will hear Kenneth Jouppi’s case against Alaska.

JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP PHOTO

President Donald Trump exits Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, after attending the World Cup nal soccer match Sunday.

obituaries

William Ronald Pierce

Aug. 26, 1940 – July 17, 2026

William Ronald Pierce, 85, of Denton, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026, at The Randolph Hospice House in Asheboro. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Monday, July 20, 2026, at Old Fashion Baptist Church, 3823 Richey Road, Denton, with Pastor Frankie Royal o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, with military honors by the Randolph County Honor Guard.

Born on August 26, 1940, in Randolph County, NC, Ronald was the son of the late Walter Farris and Mary Tew Pierce. Ronald retired after 30 years as a truck driver and was a member of Old Fashion Baptist Church. He was a board member with the Farmer Fire Department. Ronald proudly served in the US Army.

In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his son, William Patrick Pierce; grandson, Chase Benten Killingsworth; sister and brotherin-law, Ruth Pierce Yates and Jim Yates; and mother-in-law, Beatrice H. Harris.

Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Nettie Harris Pierce; children, Daphne A. Pierce (Rollin), Dwayne A. Pierce (Rhonda), Stacey E. Rider (Curtis), Tami H. Quick; grandchildren, Katie Dixon (Bryan), Brittany Stillwell (Tyler), Desiree Illar, Brandon Quick (Heather), Staci Talbott (Dusty), Aaron Rider (Haley), Brian Rider (Brittany), Bradley Rider (Haley), Colby Rider (Jenna); 19 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 12:45-1:45 p.m., Monday, prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of owers, memorials may be made to Old Fashion Baptist Church, 3823 Richey Road, Denton, NC 27239; Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Dr., Asheboro, NC 27203; or to Farmer Fire Department, 6881 Old NC Hwy 49, Denton, NC 27239.

Daniel “Dan” Webster E rd Jr.

Sept. 30, 1946 – July 17, 2026

Daniel “Dan” Webster E rd Jr., 79, of Asheboro, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 17, 2026.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Born on September 30, 1946, in Guilford County, North Carolina, Dan was the son of the late Daniel Webster E rd, Sr. and Muriel Josephine “Jodie” Stiles E rd. Dan honorably served his country in the United States Army for 26 years. During his distinguished military career, he completed three tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star for his courage and service.

Following his retirement from the Army, he continued serving others through his career with the North Carolina Department of Corrections, where he also retired. Dan found great enjoyment in shing, watching auto races, and traveling. A man devoted to service, he volunteered with the Randolph County Honor Guard and Special Olympics. He also served as a director for Save the Montagnard People (STMP) and as treasurer for Special Forces 57, faithfully supporting fellow veterans and the causes that were close to his heart.

Above all, Dan’s greatest joy was his family. He loved his wife and family unconditionally, and they meant everything to him. His unwavering love, strength, and devotion will be cherished forever, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his sister, Frances Dawn Dawson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Mary G. E rd; his daughter, Donna L. Brown and husband, Kenneth Brown, Sr.; his sons, Daniel Webster E rd III, James D. Jones, and Charles S. Alden and wife, Christina; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to the Randolph County Honor Guard, P.O. Box 1672, Asheboro, NC 27204, or to Hospice of Randolph, 416 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Gramel

“Richard” Lee Gayness

Oct. 3, 1957 – July 17, 2026

Gramel “Richard” Lee Gayness, 68, of Randleman, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday night, July 17, 2026, at Moses Cone Hospital.

Richard was born on October 3, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, to Elmer and Betty Woods, who preceded him in death. Richard was married to the love of his life, Linda Gayness, for fortysix amazing years. Richard was a member of North Asheboro Church of God, and he loved his church dearly. Richard loved telling people about God and his love for them. Richard also loved spending his free time working in his yard and his garden. One of his favorite pastimes was shing with his family. He also enjoyed working on old cars and going to classic car shows. He loved talking to his girls about the Ford Fairlane that he had when he was young.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Eastridge and her husband Michael, and his brother Fred Gayness and his wife Mary.

Richard is survived by his loving wife Linda. He is also survived by his two daughters, Alicia Sanseverino (Chris) of Randleman, and Danielle Gayness of Randleman. He is also survived by his grandchildren Emily Sanseverino, Christopher Sanseverino Jr, and Dakota Gayness. Richard is survived by his siblings, Harliss Ray Gayness of Texas, David Woods (Joanne) of Moyock, North Carolina, William Woods (Loretta) of Bishop, Virginia, and Patricia Brown (Kevin) of Palm Coast, Florida. Richard is also survived by his sister-in-law, Phyllis West (Keith). Richard is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins which he loved dearly.

There will be a visitation held for Richard from 6– 8 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Ave, Asheboro, NC 27203, on Thursday, July 23, 2026. The funeral service will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 1 p.m. at North Asheboro Church of God, 1373 Randolph Tabernacle Rd., Asheboro, NC 27203. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Jimmy William Pruitt

Oct, 12, 1952 – June 14, 2026

Mr. Jimmy William Pruitt, 73, of Ramseur passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at his home. Mr. Pruitt was proud of his service to his country, having served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division. After his service in the Army, he worked his entire work career in the textile industry. He raised 4 boys whom he was very proud of. He loved spending time not only with his sons but with his 4 grandchildren and 4 greatgrandchildren. Jimmy loved watching western shows on TV and loved going outside and shooting his guns. Mr. Pruitt is survived by 3 sons, Michael Pruitt of Asheboro, Jody Pruitt of Asheboro, and David Pruitt of Bennett. One brother, William Malford Pruitt of Apex; 4 grandchildren, Samantha Pruitt, Kady Pruitt, Jordan Pruitt, and Elizabeth Pruitt; and 4 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jacob Pruitt. A “Celebration of Life” in memory of Mr. Pruitt will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. at the Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in Randolph Record at obits@ randolphrecord.com

Duane Ward, former Blue Jays pitcher and World Series champion, dead at 62

Ward holds the franchise record with 121 career saves

By Ian Harrison The Associated Press

TORONTO — Duane Ward, a two-time World Series champion and one of the most accomplished relievers in Toronto Blue Jays history, has died of natural causes, the team announced Sunday. He was 62.

The team said Ward arrived in Toronto last Friday with several former teammates from the 1992 and 1993 championship teams but was absent from Saturday’s pregame ceremony celebrating those victories with a statue unveiling.

More than two dozen players, coaches and executives from those teams took part in the event inside and outside the Rogers Centre.

“Duane will always be a cherished part of the Blue Jays family, and we will be forever grateful for his contributions to our

organization and to baseball in Canada,” the team said in a statement. Before their game Sunday against the Chicago White Sox, the Blue Jays paid tribute to Ward with a scoreboard montage and a brief moment of silence.

Players and coaches of the Toronto Blue Jays recognize a moment of silence on the announcement of the death of former Blue Jays pitcher Duane Ward prior to the start of their game against the Chicago White Sox in in Toronto on Sunday.

JON BLACKER / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP

They declined further comment on the circumstances of Ward’s death. Ward appeared in 452 games for Toronto between 1986 and 1995. His 121 career saves are the most in franchise history. Ward earned his lone All- Star appearance in 1993, going on to

lead the American League with 45 saves. That total remains the Blue Jays’ single-season record. Ward was the winning pitcher in the Game 6 of the 1993 World Series against Philadelphia, which was decided by Joe Carter’s series-winning home run.

STATE & NATION

Oystercatchers, known for sharp bills and beady eyes, making a comeback thanks to conservation

A coordinated e ort spanning 16 states has increased oystercatcher populations by 45%

By Michael Casey The Associated Press

SOUTH KINGSTOWN,

R.I. — On a pristine Rhode Island beach teeming with noisy seabirds, a group of biologists armed with nets sneak up on a pair of American oystercatcher chicks.

But just as they move in to capture them, one of the football-size birds, with bright-orange bills and long legs, scampers into a coastal salt pond. The other brie y takes to the air, sending the team running across the mile-and-a-half-long beach in pursuit.

“There is a problem. They can y,” Alan Kneidel, a senior conservation biologist with the environmental group Manomet Conservation Sciences, said as he watched the team go after the chicks.

Eventually, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists tracked down both birds. They bundled them each into white pillow cases and gingerly carried them to a sand dune where body measurements were taken and bands clipped onto their long, peach-colored legs.

Birds starting to recover

The banding in the 787-acre Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge is part of a nationwide e ort to restore the oystercatcher’s population along the coasts of the Americas. The birds were largely wiped out in New England by the turn of the 20th century due to hunting and egg collecting, but their numbers are rising.

About $10 million was raised over a decade, and 35 coastal organizations in 16 states joined in the e ort. Much of the campaign focused on educating beachgoers about the presence of the quirky birds known for their piercing calls and habit of using their razor-sharp bills to crack open oysters and mussels. Measures were also implemented to protect their ground nesting sites from predators and pets on beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes or tide wrack deposits.

From 2008 to 2023, oystercatcher numbers increased by 45% along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Their recovery is especially signi cant given a 2023 study found that most shorebird populations in North America were declining.

“It’s amazing, and it’s a great conservation success story,” said Maureen Durkin, a federal wildlife biologist who led the banding e ort and works at the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

“It does really demonstrate how much you can accomplish when there is a dedicated group of partners that can come together and identify the needs

“With a little bit of focused e ort and attention on this really charismatic bird, you can teach the public how to share the shore.”

Luanne Johnson, BiodiversityWorks wildlife biologist

of the species and implement conservation actions,” she said, adding that it also showed conserving imperiled species “is not easy and takes a sustained and committed e ort.”

Targeting threats

Kneidel said a critical part of the conservation plan was determining that “chick survival was the big thing driving the declines.” Then, individually-tailored plans were drawn up from organizations in the American Oystercatcher Working Group, which was led by Manomet’s Shiloh Schulte, a conservation biologist and eld scientist who died last year in a helicopter crash in Alaska while on a mission to protect shorebirds. His initial aerial survey showed their numbers had declined by double-digits.

“At one site, it might be recreational disturbance, at another site it might be predators, at another site it might be sea level rise or loss of dune structure that’s causing overwash events that are causing nest failure,”

Kneidel said as he walked along the rocky Moonstone Beach, the sky lled with squeaking, least terns.

On Martha’s Vineyard, a low-lying fence with chicken wire is installed seasonally at the entrance of a key breeding site for oystercatchers and other seabirds and shorebirds, which

Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge.

has kept skunks and raccoons that eat their eggs o the beach. Colorful signs have also been installed educating the public about oystercatchers.

Focused attention on oystercatchers

The birds also bene t from federal protections given to piping plovers, a threatened shorebird that nests in some of the same areas. During the nesting season of piping plovers,

vehicles and dogs are limited or banned near beach nesting sites.

“With a little bit of focused e ort and attention on this really charismatic bird, you can teach the public how to share the shore,” said Luanne Johnson, a wildlife biologist who founded the nonpro t BiodiversityWorks, one of the groups working on the oystercatcher’s recovery. The island was the rst place to have nesting oystercatchers in Massachusetts when they began to recover and has seen the numbers of breeding pairs increase 77% since 2009.

In South Carolina, nearly 30 breeding sites are roped o to protect nesting habitat. Georgia and North Carolina also rope o breeding sites along with trapping and euthanizing predators like foxes, raccoons and coyotes during breeding season.

“If you focus conservation efforts on a species, especially before it becomes endangered to

the point that you’re considering listing, you can actually sort of head o trouble at the pass,” said Lindsay Addison, a coastal biologist with Audubon North Carolina, adding the state’s breeding pairs have increased nearly 20% to 403. Some birds, like Dark Green 06 and Yellow 25, were banded as far back as 2004 and have become minor celebrities.

Ted Simons, a retired emeritus professor at NC State who began studying the birds on North Carolina’s Outer Banks in 1995, said their recovery was a testament to the species’ resilience. He noted American oystercatchers have been found nesting on rooftops in the United States, and other oystercatcher species in Europe are nesting in pastures and eating worms. One pair, he recalled, was found nesting in a bus station pothole in Iceland.

“If these were really highly specialized birds that needed an exact prescription for survival, that would have been harder,” Simons said. “But what we found is that these birds are incredibly adaptive.”

Climate change, weakened protections pose dangers

Despite their strong recovery, threats remain.

Chief among the dangers is climate change that has led to rising seas and erosion washing out oystercatcher nests. That has prompted states such as Georgia to build elevated nesting platforms of oystershells for the birds and use dredged material from shipping channels to create and maintain nesting islands. Along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina, Audubon is replenishing shell rakes — beds of old oyster shells where the oystercatchers nest.

“Climate change, sea level rise — it’s a big challenge not only for oystercatchers but for all kinds of interests on the coast,” Addison said. “There’s going to be loss of habitat due to sea level rise, so we have to make sure that we do what we can to provide the habitat that we can so they can get through this next bottleneck.”

There are also concerns that changes this month to the Endangered Species Act could impact nesting sites, especially where state protections are weak. Environmental groups, which sued Tuesday to block the changes, fear breeding grounds could be disturbed by everything from vehicle tra c to unchecked development.

The changes would allow oil and gas drilling, mining, logging and other development on critical wildlife habitats so long as the animals themselves aren’t killed or injured. Environmentalists warned the move could cause some species to go extinct by opening the door to habitat destruction.

“It’s a direct attack on the protections that have allowed many of these shorebird species to recover,” Kneidel said.

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

Shorebird Crew Lead Mary Bertschi of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service tracks down a juvenile oystercatcher that took o running at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, on Sunday.

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

United States Fish and Wildlife Service Shorebird Monitor Allison Ruhl carries an adult oystercatcher at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge.

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

An adult oystercatcher is held at

RandolpH SPORTS

Season ends for Post 45

The American Legion team from Randolph County was bounced in the Area 3 semi nals again

Randolph Record sta

THREE CONSECUTIVE losses for the rst time this year marked the end of the season for Randolph County Post 45 last week.

The American Legion baseball team lost in the semi nal

round of the Area 3 playo s to Union County Post 535.

Union County won the best-of- ve series in four games following a comeback victory by Post 45 in the series opener. Post 45’s season concluded with a 19-6 record.

Union County eliminated Randolph County for the second year in a row in the seminal round, needing four games in both years. Post 45 hasn’t reached the Area 3 nals since 2022.

Until last week’s series, Post 45 had gone more than month with only one loss. Randolph County won 10-9 at home before Union County prevailed the next night by 8-2 — also at McCrary Park — as the tone of the series shifted. Post 535 then captured home victories in Games 3 and 4 at Wingate University. The scores of thenal two games were 1-0 and 5-3.

Post 45 overcame a 7-1 de cit in the series opener, sparked by Sam Gore’s three-run home run

Eastern Randolph monitors ailing QB in preseason

Cade McCallum is going into his senior season after receiving top league honors last year

By Bob Sutton Randolph Record

RISING SENIOR quarterback Cade McCallum of state power Eastern Randolph is working to be ready for the beginning of the football season after shutting down preseason workouts.

McCallum has been dealing with a back injury and has sought treatments for what have become recurring ailments for the multisport athlete.

“I’ve been in pain for a good bit, like last football season,” he said. “Then it went away because I didn’t play basketball. I took a little break.”

But it came back again, and so after a long baseball season for the Wildcats and then on the American Legion level for Liberty Post 81, he said he needed a break to address his ailing back.

He took more than a week o from regular summer football activity and then received re-

sults last week from X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging.

“I’ve taken a week o so far,” McCallum said last week of the layo . “Give my back a break, my whole body basically. Hopefully not too long. Thinking about a month, so not too bad.”

Eastern Randolph coach

Burton Cates said the quarterback might be inactive for three to ve weeks leading up to the start of the season next month.

“He’s (going to be) a three-year starter,” Cates said. “We’re going to make sure he’s 100% healthy.”

By the end of his sophomore high school baseball season, McCallum had reported back discomfort. His full load of sports activity didn’t give it much time to heal. He’s a pitcher and shortstop on the diamond, earning all-conference status in football and baseball.

“Just doing too much at once,” McCallum said. “Overusing that muscle in the back.”

McCallum said there’s not one incident he can refer to as causing the discomfort.

“We really got on top of it about a month ago,” Cates said. “And we really needed to get on top of it. Everything was precautionary.”

McCallum was the Four Rivers Conference’s O ensive Player of the Year in 2025.

Eastern Randolph’s two-year record with McCallum at quarterback is 22-4, including 10-3 last year when the Wildcats reached the fourth round of the Class 3A state playo s.

The Wildcats open the season Aug. 21 against visiting Southern Alamance.

in the third inning. A six-run fth inning came in part because of Tate Andrews’ two-run double. John Kirkpatrick was the winning pitcher with 32⁄3 innings of relief.

Union County built a 4-0 lead in the second game, and Post 45 never caught up, with Ashton Poe’s single the only run-producing hit for Randolph County. Jake Riddle took the pitching loss.

Randolph County hasn’t reached the state tournament since 2022

Union County’s Austin Martinez threw a no-hitter in Game 3. Post 45’s two batters to reach base got aboard via errors. Keaton Hill threw a two-hitter with three walks for Randolph County. Post 45 was unable to force a fth game, which would have been held Saturday in Asheboro, when dropping a 5-3 decision in Friday night’s Game 4. Post 535 led 4-0 until Hudson Deel’s run-scoring double in the third inning. Riddle rapped a two-run single in the sixth. Starting pitcher Price Kidd was saddled with the loss for his three-inning stint. Kyle Dillow worked three scoreless innings in relief for Post 45.

Thomas Cano-Piszel received a CPL honor.

Cano-Piszel’s bat gives boost to ZooKeepers

Asheboro’s team is holding a rst-place spot in the Coastal Plain League

Randolph Record sta ASHEBORO — Team success for the Asheboro ZooKeepers is corresponding to personal accolades for members of the Coastal Plain League baseball team.

The CLP’s West Division leader has maintained strong stretches of play into the latter half of July.

First baseman Thomas Cano-Piszel received Hitter of the Week honors in the Coastal Plain League, which were announced earlier this month. With the ZooKeepers going 4-0 across that span, Cano-Piszel batted .556 with two home runs.

See BOOST, page B2

PJ WARD-BROWN / RANDOLPH RECORD

Union County Post 535 catcher Spencer Powell tags out Randolph County Post 45’s Caleb Coggins at the plate during Game 1 of the Area 3 semi nals.

ASHEBORO ZOOKEEPERS PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Cade McCallum

Alexis Vaughn

Randleman, volleyball/track and eld

She excelled in a pair of sports for the Tigers.

She was a force at the net in volleyball, helping the Tigers reach the Class 4A East Region nals during the postseason of her senior year. She was a selection for the All-Piedmont Athletic Conference team.

She’s committed to play volleyball at Sandhills Community College.

In track and eld, she placed fourth in the Class 4A state meet in the shot put. That came on top of regular top-three nishes in area meets across multiple seasons.

During the summer, we recognize seniors from the past school year.

Flight hours, miles of World Cup travels of FIFA head Infantino in numbers

The FIFA president saw games in all 16 venues

By Rio Yamat

The Associated Press

MULTIPLE FLIGHTS in a single day. Nearly 60,000 miles. More than 100 hours aloft.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino got some serious air time over the course of the 2026 World Cup, the tournament’s most far- ung edition ever. He crisscrossed North America for matches, meetings and other appearances during the competition, which took place in three countries, 16 cities and four time zones, and ended with Sunday’s nal in New Jersey.

To track his travels, The Associated Press analyzed ight logs for a private business jet used by Infantino in recent years, along with photos taken by AP photographers and images posted on Instagram by FIFA and the head of world soccer’s governing body himself. The analysis shows that by the time Spain emerged as champion, he had have own far enough to circle the planet almost 21⁄2 times.

Access to a Gulfstream G650 jet from the eet of the Qatari government made Infantino’s prodigious jet-setting possible. The aircraft is operated by the private charter division of Qatar Airways, a World Cup sponsor.

Since a June 9 ight from Los Angeles to Mexico City ahead of the tournament’s opening match, the aircraft averaged more than one ight a day and on multiple days made more than three, according to ight-tracking site FlightAware.

Along with attending matches, Infantino’s itinerary included stops in New York for an interview on “Fox & Friends” and in Miami for a FIFA summit attended by representatives from the organization’s 211 member associations. He also ew to Doha to attend the funeral of Qatar’s former emir before returning to the U.S. in time for the World Cup semi nals.

FIFA did not respond to an emailed request for comment about Infantino’s travel schedule and arrangements.

Here’s a look at some of the numbers racked up by the person overseeing the tournament that featured a record 104 matches spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the largest geographic footprint in World Cup history.

44 MATCHES

The number of World Cup matches Infantino attended. FlightAware showed the Gulfstream originally was scheduled to y from New Jersey to Miami in time for the third-place match between England and France but never took o . Thunderstorms caused ight delays at New York City area airports on Saturday, accord-

BOOST from page B1

Cano-Piszel was a late addition to the Asheboro roster.

Cano-Piszel played the past college season as a sophomore for Division II Shippensburg, leading the team with a .415 batting average and 11 home runs. As a transfer, he has joined the Delaware Blue Hens program. He’s from Buckingham, Pennsylvania.

The ZooKeepers are home again Friday night against the High Point-Thomasville HiToms and Sunday night vs. the Forest City Owls.

• Asheboro’s string of strong results came to a halt with Sunday night’s 11-5 home loss to Martinsville Mustangs at McCrary Park. AJ

ing to the Federal Aviation Administration.

16 STADIUMS

Infantino saw at least one match at all 16 World Cup venues. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, where he attended ve games, is the venue he visited the most.

13

The number of days Infantino attended two matches, often at stadiums located hundreds of miles apart.

21 AIRPORTS

The Gulfstream mostly used the host cities’ main international airports during the tournament but sometimes relied on smaller general and business aviation airports, including Atlanta’s Fulton County Executive Airport and Miami’s Opa Locka Executive Airport.

23

The number of international border crossings the jet made within North America through the semi nals.

115 FLIGHT HOURS

The ight time the Gulfstream amassed during the tournament, not including repositioning ights and 29 hours of travel for the funeral in Qatar, equaling nearly ve full days in the air and enough for a commercial plane traveling at typical cruising speed to y from New York to Los Angeles 20 times.

5 HOURS AND 44 MINUTES

Excluding the journey to Qatar, the ight that took the longest lasted 344 minutes and went from Miami to Seattle, where Infantino attended the Belgium-Egypt match June 15. The ight time is

Malzone homered and Cano-Piszel added two hits for the ZooKeepers.

• Saturday night’s 7-5 victory against visiting Zebulon Devil Dogz came without an extra-base hit. Chazz Grossington scored two runs and had two hits. Nathan McKissick was the winning pitcher without giving up an earned run in four innings of relief.

• It was much di erent for a game last week when Grossington’s grand slam was one of the highlights in 15-run eighth inning when the visiting ZooKeepers hammered High Point-Thomasville 19-2 at Finch Field. Drue Saenz and Wyatt Bush both swatted two-run homers. Grossington ended up with

13

Number of times during the World Cup that FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended games in two di erent cities on the same day

the same length as three full World Cup matches from kicko to nal whistle.

28 MINUTES

The shortest ight time, excluding repositioning ights, was a 28-minute hop from Seattle to Vancouver on July 6 — about the length of a network TV sitcom like “Friends” with commercials. Infantino attended the United States-Belgium match in Seattle that day before watching Switzerland face Colombia in Vancouver the following day.

59,281 MILES

The distance the jet traveled during the tournament, excluding the journey to Qatar and back for the funeral, according to the AP analysis. That’s more than round-trip ights between New York and Singapore, Los Angeles and Doha, Qatar, and London and the Australian city of Perth combined.

5,772 MILES

The most miles covered in a single day’s itinerary was on June 26, which started with a morning ight from Miami to Dallas. From there, the plane went to Seattle, where Infantino attended the Egypt-Iran match. The nal leg departed Seattle late that night and landed the next morning in Miami. Infantino watched Colombia face Portugal there.

six runs batted in. Takuma Sato threw ve shutout innings for the victory.

• The ZooKeepers went on the road and scored in seven di erent innings in a 9-3 trouncing of the Holly Springs Salamanders. Brady McGuire and Wilmis Castro each homered. Starting pitcher Ricky Montalvo worked ve innings, allowing one run for the victory.

• In a 5-2 home triumph against the HiToms, Asheboro scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. The ZooKeepers won despite collecting on six hits, including two by McGuire.

Caydon Laird nished on the mound with three shutout innings for the victory.

COURTESY PHOTO

GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends the World Cup quarter nal match between Norway and England in Miami.

pen & paper pursuits

this week in history

Winehouse dead at 27, Tuskegee experiment exposed, Hitler leads Nazi Party

The Associated Press

JULY 23

1903: The Ford Motor Company sold its rst car, a Model A, for $850.

1997: The search for Andrew Cunanan, the suspected killer of designer Gianni Versace and others, ended as police found his body on a houseboat in Miami Beach, dead from an apparent suicide.

2011: Singer Amy Winehouse, 27, was found dead in her London home from accidental alcohol poisoning.

JULY 24

1567: Mary, Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate her throne to her 1-year-old son James.

1847: Mormon leader Brigham Young and his followers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah.

1969: The Apollo 11 astronauts — two of whom were the rst humans to set foot on the moon — splashed down safely in the Paci c.

JULY 25

1866: Ulysses S. Grant was named general of the Army of the United States, the rst ofcer to hold the rank.

1898: U.S. military forces landed in Guánica, Puerto Rico, during the Spanish-American War; Puerto Rico would become a self-governing U.S. commonwealth with the adoption of a constitution.

1972: The Tuskegee syphilis study was exposed, revealing that federal health ocials had denied treatment to

On July 25, 1972, news reports exposed the Tuskegee syphilis study, revealing that federal health o cials had withheld treatment from hundreds of black men for decades, even after penicillin became the standard cure in 1947.

Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh died at 37 in Auvers-sur-Oise, France, on July 29, 1890, two days after su ering a gunshot wound believed to have been self-in icted.

hundreds of black men with the disease for decades, even after penicillin became widely available as an e ective cure in 1947.

JULY 26

1775: The Continental Congress established an independent postal system and appointed Benjamin Franklin its postmaster general.

1847: The western African country of Liberia, founded by freed American slaves, declared its independence.

1863: Sam Houston, former president of the Republic of Texas, died in Huntsville at age 70.

JULY 27

1789: President George Washington signed a measure establishing the Department of Foreign A airs, forerunner of the Department of State.

1866: Cyrus W. Field nished laying out the rst successful underwater telegraph cable between North America and Europe.

“The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant.”

Maximilien Robespierre

1953: The Korean Armistice Agreement was signed at Panmunjom, ending three years of ghting on the Korean peninsula that killed an estimated 4 million people.

JULY 28

1794: Maximilien Robespierre and Louis Antoine de Saint-Just were executed by guillotine during the French Revolution.

1914: World War I began as Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia.

1965: President Lyndon B. Johnson announced he was increasing the number of American troops in South Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000.

JULY 29

1836: The newly completed Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated in Paris.

1858: The United States and Japan signed the Harris Treaty, formalizing diplomatic relations and trading rights between the two countries.

1890: Artist Vincent van Gogh, 37, died of an apparent self-in icted gunshot wound in Auvers-sur-Oise, France.

1914: Transcontinental telephone service in the U.S. became operational with the rst test conversation between New York and San Francisco.

1921: Adolf Hitler became the leader of the National Socialist German Workers’ (Nazi) Party.

VINCENT VAN GOGH VIA WIKIPEDIA

NATIONAL ARCHIVES VIA AP

Biden will publish ‘Promise Me, America’ memoir after November midterms

Reports of the book have circulated for more than a year

By Hillel Italie

The Associated Press

NEW YORK — Former President Joe Biden will publish a memoir, “Promise Me, America,” which he says will touch upon everything from the economy to his decision to drop his bid for reelection.

The memoir is scheduled to come out Nov. 17, publisher Little, Brown and Company told The Associated Press. The timing of the book — two weeks after midterm elections in which Democrats seek to regain control of Congress — could raise concerns within Biden’s party by putting him back into the spotlight.

Democrats remain divided on Biden’s legacy, with many blaming his ill-fated determination to seek a second term for Republican President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Leaders hope to keep the fall campaign focused on Trump and his record, and any leaks or promotional efforts before votes are cast could draw frustration.

“‘Promise Me, America’ is about the challenges we faced as a nation. It’s about the decisions I made and why I made them,” Biden said in a video statement accompanying last week’s announcement. “It’s about why I chose to run for reelection and why I chose to step aside.”

The former president has referred to the possibility of pub-

“Promise

lishing a memoir during public remarks, appearing to suggest at one point that it would be released before November’s election.

Vowing as a candidate to “restore the soul” of his country, Biden was sworn into o ce in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters seeking to stop his certi cation as president. Biden’s term was de ned by a wide range of con icts and achievements, from his handling of wars in Ukraine and the Middle East to the passage of ambitious infrastructure and economic aid bills. But many readers will likely want to know more about his health while president, including the

“It’s about why I chose to run for reelection and why I chose to step aside.”

Former President Joe Biden

disastrous debate in June 2024 against Trump that led to his giving up his reelection bid.

Biden was the oldest man to serve as president, and his health was a source of speculation for much of his term; Biden and his White House advisers have faced intense criticism from Democrats and Republicans for allegedly concealing the extent of his problems. A notable book release from 2025, Jake Tapper’s and Alex Thompson’s “Original Sin,” was subtitled “President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again.”

That year, Biden announced he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

A Little, Brown spokesperson said that Biden plans to tour on behalf of the book and give interviews. In his video announcement, Biden said that many people had been asking him how he was doing.

“I’ve been spending a lot of time with my family. I’m dealing with a cancer diagnosis, been getting treatment, and it’s going really well,” he said. “I want to thank all those who have o ered their prayers and support and well-wishes. It’s meant the world to me and to Jill.”

Shakira, Madonna, Muppets take World Cup stage with BTS, Bieber

Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone and Tom Cruise opened the closing ceremony

By Andrew Dalton

The Associated Press

MADONNA, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira each brought a bit of one of their hits to the World Cup’s rst halftime show in a whirlwind performance Sunday that also squeezed in Burna Boy, Ted Lasso and many Muppets.

The show at what’s otherwise known as MetLife Stadium, outside New York, was an attempt to bring Super Bowl vibes to the World Cup, but the 11-minute performance was considerably more packed than the usual one-headliner, 13-minute American football counterpart.

Madonna opened the show with her 2000 dance-pop hit “Music,” joined by star Brazilian soccer players of yesteryear, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. It started with an apparently prerecorded piece in a roller rink before she rode into the stadium on a dune buggy, singing, “Music, makes the people come together.”

Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel led an orchestra through the White Stripes’ sports anthem “Seven Nation Army,” while the Muppets house band — including drummer Animal in lieu of Meg White — provided furry shakes in the background.

K-pop sensations BTS took to the eld in variations of red and black moments later singing “Dynamite” following a nod to Norway’s Viking row. Promoting the upcoming season of “Ted Lasso,” Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, in character, pumped up Justin Bieber, who changed the tempo with “Everything Hallelujah,” performed with an acoustic guitar.

“All right young man, let’s go! It’s your big shot!”

Sudeikis said to Bieber. “Go out there, don’t be nervous, nobody’s watching.”

Shakira and Burna Boy followed with their o cial World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” heard before all 104 kicko s during this tournament. The Colombian superstar was barefoot, wearing a dress of yellow and pink feathers and surrounded by similarly clad dancers — including a group of children — before the Afrobeats icon joined her in the song whose refrain is an Italian version of “Let’s go!”

The show wrapped with the PS22 Chorus of elementary-school students from Staten Island, backed by Dudamel and joined by Chris Martin — the Coldplay singer who curated the performance — along with Shakira and many more Muppets and “Sesame Street” characters, including Kermit, Miss Piggy, Count von Count and Cookie Monster. Dudamel and about 40 musicians — about half from the New York Philharmonic and half from Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar Symphony Or -

chestra — were on the eld.

Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams and others performed a slew of anthems, Post Malone brought an old hit and a new tune, and Tom Cruise gave an earnest hype -’em-up speech in the prematch closing ceremony.

British singer and former Take That member Williams performed his FIFA anthem “Desire” wearing a blue bedazzled track suit. He was joined by Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer Laura Pausini in blue spangled gowns.

Next was Post Malone, who walked on to the New York/ New Jersey Stadium pitch covered with a tarp showing the New York skyline.

Cruise, who was also part of the Paris Olympics’ closing ceremony, followed them with a speech delivered in polo shirt and jeans.

“Today only two teams remain: España!” Cruise said, pausing for cheers before adding, “y Argentina!”

“Let us celebrate a tournament that brought the world together,” he said.

LITTLE, BROWN AND CO. VIA AP

Me, America” by Joe Biden is set to be published in November by Little, Brown and Co.

ASHLEY LANDIS / AP PHOTO

South Korean boy band BTS perform during the halftime show of the World Cup nal soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday.

famous birthdays this week

The Associated Press THESE CELEBRITIES have birthdays this week.

JULY 23

Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy is 90. Actor Ronny Cox is 88. Rock singer David Essex is 79. Actor Woody Harrelson is 65. Rock musician Slash is 61. Actor Charisma Carpenter is 56. Singer Alison Krauss is 55. Actor Daniel Radcli e is 37.

JULY 24

Actor Dan Hedaya is 86. Actor Robert Hays is 79. Actor Michael Richards is 77. Actor Lynda Carter is 75. Movie director Gus Van Sant is 74. Basketball Hall of Famer Karl Malone is 63. Retired MLB All-Star Barry Bonds is 62. Actor-singer Kristin Chenoweth is 58. Actor-singer Jennifer Lopez is 57.

JULY 25

Folk-pop singer-musician Bruce Woodley (The Seekers) is 84. Rock musician Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds) is 83. Model-actor Iman is 71. Rock musician Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) is 68. Actor Matt LeBlanc is 59.

JULY 26

Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard is 87. Football Hall of Famer Bob Lilly is 87. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love is 85. The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger is 83. Actor Helen Mirren is 81. Actor Sandra Bullock is 62.

JULY 27

Singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry is 84. Actor-director Betty Thomas is 79. Olympic gold medal gure skater Peggy Fleming is 78. Singer Maureen McGovern is 77. Comedian Bill Engvall is 69. Comedian Maya Rudolph is 54.

JULY 28

Music conductor Riccardo Muti is 85. Former senator and NBA Hall of Famer Bill Bradley is 83. “Gar

creator Jim Davis is 81. TV producer

JULY

Sen. Nancy

eld”

Dick Ebersol is 79. Actor Sally Struthers is 79. Architect Santiago Calatrava is 75.

29

Former

Kassebaum-Baker is 94. Former Sen. Elizabeth H. Dole is 90. Artist Jenny Holzer is 76. Documentary lmmaker Ken Burns is 73. Style guru Tim Gunn is 73. Rock singer-musician Geddy Lee (Rush) is 73. Country singer Martina McBride is 60. Actor Wil Wheaton is 54.

ANDY KROPA / INVISION VIA AP Actor Daniel Radcli e turns 37 Thursday.

ANDY KROPA / INVISION / AP PHOTO Supermodel Iman turns 71 Saturday.

JEFF CHIU / AP PHOTO Former slugger Barry Bonds turns 62 Friday.

the stream

Charli xcx, ‘The Dink,’ ‘Stuart

Fails to Save

the Universe,’ ‘72 Hours,’ ‘Splatoon

“Ransom Canyon” returns for its second season

The Associated Press

CHARLI XCX’S NEW album and a pickleball movie starring Jake Johnson 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, as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: the “Big Bang Theory” spin-o “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” “72 Hours” and the Nintendo game “Splatoon Raiders.”

MOVIES TO STREAM

Pickleball is the target of the new Apple TV comedy “The Dink,” starring Jake Johnson as a tennis pro who “almost beat Andy Roddick” and reluctantly takes up the popular sport while recovering from an injury. The movie, streaming Friday, co -stars Ben Stiller, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris and Patton Oswalt.

Kevin Hart goes on a bachelor party trip with some 20-somethings after being accidentally included in the group chat in the new Net ix comedy “72 Hours,” streaming Friday. Said 20-somethings are played by “SNL” cast members Marcello Hernández, Kam Patterson and Ben Marshall and Mason Gooding as the groom-to-be.

“Blue Heron,” now streaming on the Criterion Channel, made The Associated Press’s list for best movies of the year so far. Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote, “Sophy Romvari’s exquisite and soulful directorial debut melds documentary and ction, past and present. It’s based on her own childhood, when her Hungarian parents moved their family of six to Vancouver Island in British Columbia. … It’s an aching, probing memory piece.” Another movie that made our list, “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie,” has a quite di erent tone. This silly, loindie about two slacker buddies (Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol) who concoct crackpot schemes to land a gig at the To -

“Sophy Romvari’s exquisite and soulful directorial debut melds documentary and ction, past and present.”

Jake Coyle, AP Film Writer

ronto music venue, the Rivoli, is a gem that begins streaming on Hulu on Friday. I wrote that I’m proof that no prior knowledge is needed to get on their goofy wavelength and enjoy the ride — and all the “Back to the Future” references.

MUSIC TO STREAM

“BRAT” summer came and stayed and eventually went — and what would be built in its absence? Charli xcx claims the dance oor is dead on her latest album, “Music, Fashion, Film,” out Friday. She’s making “Rock Music” this time around, at least, her version of it: a bit troll-y, a bit sincere, full of distorted guitars and processed vocals. But her pop heart remains

Charli xcx performs at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England in 2025. Her new album, “Music, Fashion, Film,” drops Friday.

intact, like on the depressed and dreamy “SS26.” If that’s not enough to inspire curiosity, perhaps this is: The album’s sole feature credit is Canadian auteur and beloved horror lmmaker David Cronenberg on its closer, “No One Lasts Forever.” Grammy-winning South African artist Tyla burst onto the

mainstream with her 2023 global hit “Water.” It married R&B, pop and amapiano — a style of music which translates to “the pianos” in the Zulu language, a fusion of Kwaito house music and jazz, often driven by log drums. And it did so at a time where hunger and curiosity for African music were at an all-time high. Afrobeats

Raiders’

have only continued to skyrocket in the time since, and Tyla has proven to be no one-hit wonder. She’s paved her own path. On Friday, she will release her sophomore album, “A(asterisks)POP.” It’s the next evolution of her sound, which features a dancehall collaboration with Zara Larsson, “She Did It Again,” the amapiano-pop “Chanel” and so much more.

SERIES TO STREAM

The socially awkward comic bookstore owner Stuart from “The Big Bang Theory” leads a new spino called “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.” Played by Kevin Sussman, Stuart fumbles a physics project created by “Big Bang” OG characters Sheldon and Leonard that leads to chaos he must undo. Other cast members Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie reprise their roles from the original series. It premieres Tuesday on HBO Max. Minka Kelly and Josh Duhamel return for Season 2 of Net ix’s “Ransom Canyon.”

The romantic drama follows two longtime friends, Quinn O’Grady and Staten Kirkland, who nally got together in Season 1 after years of teetering on a relationship. The happy couple is challenged as Kelly’s Quinn questions whether small town life is enough for her. This while Duhamel’s Staten is trying to stake his claim in the family ranch. The new season premieres Tuesday.

VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY

Nintendo’s Splatoon franchise brought a vivid twist to the multiplayer combat arena, mostly by replacing bullets with multicolored ink. “Splatoon Raiders” takes you out of the arena entirely with a treasure hunt across an exotic archipelago. Don’t expect a mellow vacation, though — these islands are lled with hostile wildlife known as Salmonids. Naturally, collecting more treasure lets you beef up the gear you need to defeat the monsters. “Raiders” aims to provide a satisfying solo experience for Splatologists, but you can also play co-op with up to three friends. Start squirting Thursday on Switch 2.

Mary Steenburgen attends the photo call for Apple TV’s

Dink” at CityPickle Hudson Yards on July 14 in New York.

HOKE COUNTY

Turnin’ and burnin’

In commanding fashion, Joey Logano won the rst NASCAR Cup Series points race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in 30 years.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump imposes 50% tari s on Canadian goods, citing disputes over autos, alcohol, cheese

President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tari s on most Canadian goods, declaring that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products. The move, announced Monday, could unleash a new wave of economic chaos, with risks of higher in ation and further fraying of relations between two nations that had been closely woven together before Trump’s return to the White House. The administration o cial previewing the action said that Canada was one of the only nations other than China that retaliated against Trump’s previous tari s and must be held accountable.

Trump opens investigation into Harvard’s aid to international students

The Justice Department is investigating whether Harvard University is allowing Chinese donors to create scholarships that exclude American students. The inquiry adds to a barrage of federal probes the Trump administration has opened in its battle against the Ivy League campus. Justice Department o cials announced the new review Monday, saying Harvard’s foreign funding disclosures “raised concerns” about possible discrimination against U.S. students. The agency did not specify which scholarship programs are being targeted and emphasized it “has not reached any conclusions.”

US soldier killed in Iraq was 30-year-old from Fayetteville

By Allen G. Breed and Dave Collins

The Associated Press

RALEIGH — A U.S. soldier killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone was a 30-year-old father from Fayetteville who had served for nearly a decade, according to a military statement Tuesday and his family.

Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton will receive a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, and will be

promoted to sta sergeant. The Army said it was investigating the circumstances of his death Sunday at an air base in Irbil.

He leaves behind a 6-yearold son and a 4-year-old daughter, his mother said.

“I will never recover from this,” his wife, Mia Gonzalez-Swinton, posted Monday on Facebook. “We had so many plans for when you got back, I’m sick to my stomach.” She said she was noti ed Sunday that he had been killed.

Two U.S. Army soldiers were

also killed in Jordan last week while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. They were the rst U.S. troop deaths from direct Iranian re since the opening days of the war.

Swinton’s wife and kids were the center of his world, his mother, Christel Swinton Andujar, told The Associated Press.

“His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the laughter he shared, the strength he gave others, and the unconditional love he poured into his family,” she said via text message. “He will forever be missed, forever honored, and forever our hero.”

Swinton enlisted in the Army in 2017 and was assigned to the 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, out of Fort Bragg. He lived in Spring Lake, a

See SOLDIER, page A2

Graham says she will run for full term in brother’s South Carolina Senate seat

The senator is transforming a temporary appointment into a campaign for the full term

By Meg Kinnard The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Sen. Darline Graham said Monday she’s running for a full term to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat.

“I’ve made a decision,” Darline Graham told Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity, according to a clip released of an interview set to air later Monday. “I’m in.”

The entrance of Darline Graham — sworn in last week to ful ll the remaining months of her late brother’s term, which expires in January — into the Republican scramble to select a new Senate nominee further complicates an already rushed process following Lindsey Graham’s death earlier this month.

“I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey. I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be di cult? Yes.”

Darline Graham, U.S. senator

A weeklong ling period opened Tuesday for the special Republican primary, which will be Aug. 11. On Friday, President Donald Trump said

that Darline Graham had his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to seek the nomination, adding, “RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”

Last week, Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to serve the remainder of her brother’s term. In his announcement, McMaster made no reference to Darline Graham as a placeholder or symbolic appointment, although a person familiar with McMaster’s thinking but unauthorized to speak publicly said the governor, in selecting Darline Graham, had never contemplated that she would run for the seat herself.

THE HOKE COUNTY EDITION OF NORTH STATE JOURNAL

JASON JACKSON FOR NORTH STATE JOURNAL

SEAN RAYFORD / AP PHOTO

Newly appointed U.S. interim Sen. Darline Graham speaks to members of the press after being appointed to ll the vacancy created by the passing of her brother, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, at the statehouse July 13 in Columbia, South Carolina.

GRAHAM from page A1

Before the emergence of Darline Graham — and their Oval O ce meeting after she was sworn in — Trump had previously suggested he could back a potential candidacy from Rep. Russell Fry, who said Monday he would o cially enter the special primary. Several other noteworthy politicians, including Rep. Ralph Norman, have already gotten in, and others like Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette have been eyeing a run. Rep. Nancy Mace announced Monday she would not enter the contest.

Darline Graham told Hannity she had been “praying a lot” about how to navigate her new role.

“It is a tremendous amount of pressure,” she said.

“I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey,” Darline Graham said. “I feel like I can do it. I feel an in-

Appeals court rejects Biden’s bid to block release of recordings of ghostwriter interviews

A divided appeals court found public interest outweighs the former president’s privacy claims

By Michael Kunzelman

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal appeals court has rejected a request by Joe Biden to block the release of audio recordings and transcripts of his interviews with a memoir ghostwriter before he was elected president.

A divided three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit suspended its decision until Aug. 3 to allow more time for Biden to consider another appeal.

The panel’s 2-1 ruling late Monday found there is a “substantial” public interest in disclosing the material that Biden wants to keep under wraps.

Redactions to the recordings would help protect Biden’s privacy, the majority noted.

“We conclude that any remaining incursion on personal privacy from disclosure of the now-redacted materials likely does not outweigh the public interest in disclosure,” the ruling says.

Judge Florence Pan, who was nominated by Biden, a Democrat, wrote a dissenting opinion in which she said Biden has shown a “substantial privacy interest” in keeping the material hidden.

“The conversations at issue took place in Biden’s home, and the recordings of them were obtained by the government in

ner peace about it. Will it be di cult? Yes.”

Funeral services for Lindsey Graham are scheduled to be held next week in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina.

A preliminary report from the medical examiner said he suffered a tear in his aorta.

The millions in Lindsey Graham’s campaign account aren’t funds that Darline Graham could directly access in a run of her own, according to Bradley A. Smith, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission.

Under federal rules, Lindsey Graham’s campaign would be limited to transferring just $2,000 to a potential Darline Graham candidacy. However, Smith said there is no limit on how much it could transfer to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which could — thanks to a Supreme Court decision last month — “spend an unlimited amount in coordination with Darline’s campaign.”

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President Joe Biden speaks during a Department of Defense commander in chief farewell ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, on Jan. 16, 2025.

the course of a criminal investigation that did not lead to an indictment,” she wrote.

The appeal also was heard by D.C. Circuit Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan and Judge Gregory Katsas. Srinivasan was nominated by President Barack Obama, a Democrat who chose Biden as his vice president. Katsas was nominated by President Donald Trump, a Republican who lost to Biden in 2020 but was elected again to the White House in 2024.

Mark Zwonitzer, who worked with Biden on two memoirs, 2007’s “Promises to Keep” and 2017’s “Promise Me, Dad,” interviewed him at his

SOLDIER from page A1

popular o -base location for Fort Bragg families, according to pubic records. The military gave his hometown as nearby Fayetteville.

“Sgt. Swinton was an experienced noncommissioned ocer who took great pride in his work and the people around him,” said Brig. Gen. John L. Dawber, commanding general of the Army Air and Missile Defense Command. “He answered the call to duty with courage, honor, and sel ess dedication.”

Renewed ghting between the U.S. and Iran is ongoing, with both sides launching barrages of strikes. Iran has attacked U.S. allies in the region, and American soldiers are stationed across the Middle East.

The Defense Department identi ed the soldiers killed in Jordan as 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Ha-

home in 2016 and 2017. Biden’s lawyers say the conversations were candid, personal and intended to remain private.

The recordings were obtained by special counsel Robert Hur, who investigated Biden’s handling of classi ed documents from his time as a senator from Delaware and as Obama’s vice president. Republicans in Congress demanded the material after Hur declined to le charges against the then-president.

Biden sued and sought an injunction to prevent the Justice Department under Trump from releasing the recordings to Congress and the conser-

waii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas. They were also with Army Air and Missile Defense Command units.

A third service member was reported missing after the attack. U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said “unidenti ed remains” have been found and were being examined.

Iranian authorities say U.S. strikes in just the past three weeks have killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 500 others.

Both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure relied on by millions of people. Workers on ships, as well as foreign workers and others in Gulf nations, Israel and Lebanon have also died in the con ict.

The U.S. State Department said in a new warning to Americans that “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or

vative Heritage Foundation. The department previously argued that the recordings were exempt from disclosure under public records law.

Biden appealed after U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, who was nominated by Trump, ruled in June that the public interest in the material outweighed whatever privacy rights Biden had.

Pan noted that the majority is e ectively ruling in favor of immediately disclosing the material by denying Biden’s request for an injunction pending appeal.

“That, of course, will moot this case,” she wrote.

at locations associated with the United States and Americans throughout the world.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has said the war is necessary to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Trump, a Republican, now faces political pressure to bring the war to a close and avoid the kind of prolonged Middle East con ict he had campaigned against. The escalation has pushed oil prices higher in recent weeks. Swinton Andujar said her son was the kind of person who could light up a room with his humor and contagious laugh.

“Michael had a remarkable ability to excel at whatever he set his mind to,” she said. “He knew when it was time to laugh and when it was time to be serious. Whether serving his country, supporting his family, or helping a friend, he gave his whole heart and expected nothing in return.”

A podcast local to Hoke-Raeford, NC, with Ruben Castellon and Chris Holland.

EVAN VUCCI / AP PHOTO

THE CONVERSATION

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

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

What Americans can learn from World Cup fans

National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history.

THE WORLD CUP showed why you shouldn’t be ashamed of America’s heroes and heritage.

While only Argentina and Spain made Sunday’s World Cup nal, citizens of many countries enthusiastically cheered on their teams. Norwegian fans became an internet phenomenon for their “Viking Row” cheer.

Sitting like they were in a longboat, fans moved their bodies backward and forward in unison while pretending to row. To complete the cheer, they chanted, “Ro!”

They rowed in stadiums and Times Square.

The Norwegian soccer team rowed after defeating Senegal. The cheer spread throughout Norway — from classrooms, nursing homes and even the country’s Parliament.

Norway’s soccer team embraced the Viking imagery. They took an epic team photo with players dressed as Vikings — complete with spears, swords and shields.

The propaganda press couldn’t get enough.

“Good Morning America” had Norwegian soccer fans on and had them row. The chant “captured the American imagination,” The Athletic wrote. Yahoo Sports asked if it was “the best chant in sports.”

“Norway’s soccer fans have rowed through this World Cup like Viking conquerors piloting a longboat a thousand years ago,” The New York Times gushed.

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

On the Iran war,

Twelve hundred years ago, seeing a Viking longboat would have inspired terror, not delight. Vikings used their seafaring prowess to raid and pillage towns on the coast of Europe. They raided monasteries, burned villages and took slaves. Vikings routinely abused their slaves. In some cases, it was a Viking custom to kill a master’s slaves so that they could serve him in the afterlife.

This wasn’t the only team with a connection to extreme violence. Mexico played its nal game of the World Cup at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Before losing to England, Mexico had a remarkable record there — 70 victories, 17 draws and just two losses. One reason for its success was the passion of its home fans.

Aztecs believed that one of their gods, Huitzilopochtli, killed his siblings after being born. Their bodies became the stars, serving as a nightly reminder of the importance of warfare. They believed that this god feasted on human blood and hearts. As a result, they routinely practiced human sacri ce. Aztecs may have sacri ced 20,000 people annually — and perhaps many more.

Japan’s soccer team is called the Samurai Blue. The samurai were erce and disciplined warriors who trained in swordsmanship and horsemanship. They were also brutal, slaughtering those they defeated in battle and

NATO

burning villages. European visitors were shocked to see samurai behead commoners to test the sharpness of their swords.

Norway, Mexico and Japan didn’t spend the tournament embarrassed about these historical realities. Fans proudly displayed their nations’ ags. Players didn’t apologize for their country’s past sins. What’s more telling is that the propaganda press didn’t even bring this up. Contrast that with how the left treats America. The New York Times’ 1619 Project sought to reframe America’s founding to make slavery the center of the American story. Despite its many historical inaccuracies, school districts around the country adopted curricula based on it. Leftists denigrate George Washington and Thomas Je erson for owning slaves. In many places, they’ve replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They push land acknowledgements, which imply that America stands on an illegitimate foundation. Even the Smithsonian has spent years pushing a negative view of America’s story.

Citizens in countries around the world understand something that was once obvious. National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history. You can even pull out admirable traits from a group of people who also did horrible things. If Norwegians can celebrate Vikings, Americans can unashamedly celebrate our founders and history.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

chief agrees with Trump the media buried the lede

He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

WHY DO SO MANY Americans oppose the war against Iran?

The biggest reason is that they do not believe Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon. If Iran was nowhere near a bomb, President Donald Trump’s decision to use military force looks unnecessary, even reckless. But if Iran was close, as Trump claims, the debate changes dramatically.

That is why NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s recent assessment should have been a major news story.

During his June 24 Oval O ce meeting with Trump, Rutte said: “This is, rst of all, about the nuclear capability Iran was basically getting its hands on — and that would have been a threat to the region. It would’ve been a threat to the whole world.” The next day, Rutte was even more direct. “We know they were close,” he said, while commending the United States “for making sure that the world stays safe from Iran with a nuclear capability.”

Rutte’s statement does not, of course, establish as a matter of fact that Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon, let alone how close. But it is unquestionably newsworthy that the secretary general of NATO assessed Iran’s nuclear progress substantially the same way Trump did.

Rutte’s statement did not merely express the view that Iran should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Nearly everyone says that. He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

Rutte is not a member of the Trump administration. His agreement therefore carried independent weight, even if critics believed his praise was tactical. The media need

not endorse his judgment. They merely had to report it prominently and scrutinize it as they would any other signi cant claim. But they did not.

The Associated Press focused heavily on Rutte’s e orts to atter and reassure Trump because he threatened to reduce America’s military commitment to Europe. Reuters likewise described Rutte as using “ attery” to ease tensions over Iran and NATO. Those were legitimate news angles.

But where was the comparable emphasis on Rutte’s nuclear assessment?

CBS reported on how Rutte praised Trump for setting back Iran’s nuclear capabilities but did not highlight Rutte’s far more consequential assessment that Iran was “basically getting its hands on” that capability. Similarly, a review of coverage by NBC, ABC, NPR, PBS, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times found no prominent treatment of Rutte’s explicit agreement with Trump on Iran’s nuclear proximity.

Suppose Rutte said Iran was nowhere close to obtaining nuclear capability, that Trump exaggerated the threat and that the war was unnecessary. It would have led broadcasts and been cited as independent proof that Trump misled the country.

Imagine the headlines: “NATO Head Disputes Trump’s Claim on Iran’s Proximity to Acquiring a Nuclear Weapon”; “NATO Secretary General Undercuts Trump’s Rationale for the Iran War”; or “NATO Leader Sides With Americans Who Question the Iran War.”

Instead, Rutte’s assessment was overshadowed by stories about Trump’s grievances with NATO and Rutte’s conspicuous

praise of the president. Was Rutte attering Trump? Quite possibly. After all, Trump angrily criticized European allies for failing to join the military operation against Iran and raised the possibility of pulling American troops out of Europe. But that does not render Rutte’s nuclear assessment unimportant.

Whatever many in the media think about Trump’s veracity, Rutte’s comment is most certainly newsworthy and merited far more attention. Skeptical journalists could have quoted Rutte, o ered evidence against his assessment and questioned whether he was merely currying favor.

What they should not have done was treat the statement as though it barely mattered. And, days later, after Iran violated the cease re memorandum, Rutte again backed Trump by calling the renewed U.S. strikes “absolutely necessary.”

The war has damaged Trump’s approval ratings. It has become increasingly likely that this con ict may drag on for some time, drive gas prices higher and risk more military casualties. The question remains: Is this a war worth ghting?

Iran has shown time and again it is willing to kill its own people and allow them to su er to allow its regime to remain in power. What would this regime do with nuclear weapons? Again, as to Iran’s proximity to obtaining this nuclear capability, the NATO secretary general agrees with Trump.

The public deserves to know about it.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

O cials sought phone records of NYT journalists, relatives in e ort to unmask sources

The subpoenas sought records from a reporter’s mother and journalists’ spouses

By Eric Tucker and Jocelyn Noveck

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

President Donald Trump’s administration sought phone records of several New York Times journalists and even those of some of their relatives, according to a motion unsealed Monday — an unusually aggressive attempt to unmask the condential sources of reporters who wrote about Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet.

The e orts by the Republican president’s administration to compel the identity of sources in the form of additional subpoenas come at a time when the executive branch’s relationship with the press is increasingly contentious. The e orts, described in a letter-motion led by the Times over the weekend, were more expansive than previously known, the newspaper noted. They also covered a time frame that exceed-

ed the news articles in question.

“Two of the subpoenas seek records beginning on January 1, 2026, long before the events that are purportedly the basis for the Department’s investigation,” lawyers for the Times wrote in the letter. “That timeframe strongly suggests that the Department is using this investigation not to focus on any purported concerns arising from the July 8 and 9 articles, but instead to forage for information about the Journalists’ source relationships more broadly.”

Government says reporters aren’t target

The Justice Department has justi ed the subpoenas by saying that “to be clear, reporters are not the targets, those leaking classi ed information are.”

The additional subpoenas included a request for phone records of one reporter’s mother and two of the journalists’ spouses. The motion noted that the mother in question is a mental health professional with con dential client relationships and that one of the two spouses is the general counsel of a law rm.

“The disclosure of addition-

“To be clear, reporters are not the targets, those leaking classi ed information are.”

U.S. Justice Department

al subpoenas for con dential newsgathering information of the Journalists is deeply concerning, revealing yet another instance of the alarming pattern of conduct detailed in the Motion to Quash,” the news organization’s lawyers wrote.

“These actions demonstrate abuse of the grand jury process, continued bad faith attacks on the Journalists, violations of the Department’s own internal regulations and disregard for the law in this Circuit intended to protect critical First Amendment interests,” the motion stated.

Part of ongoing legal challenge

The Times revealed the government’s actions as part of an ongoing legal challenge to quash subpoenas that the Justice De-

partment served on three journalists who reported on security concerns involving the jet.

The original subpoenas, delivered to reporters at their homes, marked a dramatic escalation of the Trump administration’s crackdown on media leaks that free press advocates swiftly condemned as a government e ort to intimidate news organizations. It followed an FBI search earlier this year of a Washington Post reporter’s home and the seizure of her electronic devices.

The new jet in question, a present from Qatar that Trump’s administration spent $400 million to retrot and upgrade, recently entered service. But Trump used an older model Air Force One jet to leave a NATO summit

in Turkey earlier this month.

The Times, citing anonymous sources, reported that the switch had come at the urging of the Secret Service and that the newer plane lacked some of the advanced security features of the older Air Force One aircraft, including antimissile capabilities. On social media, Trump denied security concerns.

Trump’s administration has clashed with the press, from newspapers to TV networks to the Voice of America, on multiple fronts since he returned to o ce last year. The methods include lawsuits, administrative actions and public threats. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the press’ ability to operate free of governmental restrictions.

Alaska wants to seize pilot’s plane over 6-pack of beer; Supreme Court will hear his case

The case questions whether property seizure is proportional punishment for a misdemeanor

By Michael Kunzelman

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court agreed Monday to review an Alaska bush pilot’s claims that state authorities have tried to illegally seize his $95,000 airplane after a passenger brought a six-pack of beer on a ight bound for a dry village.

The pilot, Kenneth Jouppi, sued to block his plane’s seizure after he was convicted of an alcohol-related misdemeanor charge. The Alaska Supreme Court ruled in the state’s favor that Jouppi’s plane was subject to criminal forfeiture laws.

On Monday, however, the nation’s highest court agreed to hear Jouppi’s case. He argues that taking his 1969 Cessna would violate the Eighth Amendment’s “Excessive Fines Clause.” Arguments are expected in the fall.

“I’m in my 80s now, and I’ve been ghting this for over a decade because I see it as my duty to ensure that the Bill of Rights actually means something in protecting against government overreach,” Jouppi said in a statement released by his attorneys at the Institute for Justice. In April 2012, Jouppi was preparing to y a passenger

She

from Fairbanks to a remote village, Beaver, where alcohol was banned. The passenger had packed beer with other groceries in her luggage. State Police troopers searched Jouppi’s plane before it departed and spotted a six-pack of Budweiser in a shopping bag.

Jouppi, his company and the passenger were charged

“The

Excessive Fines Clause was built for cases like this.”

Institute for Justice, attorneys for Kenneth Jouppi

with a misdemeanor o ense of knowingly transporting an alcoholic beverage into a dry community. The passenger pleaded guilty. A jury convicted Jouppi and the company after a trial.

A judge sentenced him to three days in jail.

Jouppi’s attorneys say Alaska’s high court examined his conduct “purely in abstract terms” and didn’t evaluate whether it was part of a broader pattern of criminal activity. And they say it wasn’t.

“Few excessive nes cases will present the issue so sharply; a decision upholding the forfeiture of an airplane for a sixpack is a self-recommending candidate for review,” lawyers from the Institute for Justice wrote in their appeal.

In response, lawyers from the Alaska Attorney General’s o ce

argued that the state Supreme Court’s “fact-bound decision” should be allowed to stand.

“Courts across the country apply a multi-factor test to determine whether a ne or forfeiture is grossly disproportional to the gravity of the o ense,” they wrote. “Jouppi does not claim that the four-part standard applied by the Alaska Supreme Court is wrong, only that the court misapplied settled law by giving too much weight to some factors and not enough weight to others.”

Jouppi’s attorneys argue that the ruling from the state’s highest court con icts with case law established in other courts, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent.

“The Excessive Fines Clause was built for cases like this,” they said.

Alaska’s attorneys said Jouppi hasn’t shown how punishing him with forfeiture of his plane is “grossly disproportional to the gravity of his o ense.”

“Alcohol abuse is a serious problem in rural Alaska, and airplanes are sometimes the only realistic means to commit the crime of alcohol importation,” they wrote.

Besides being the mother of two, she worked for many years at Burlington Mills. Betty enjoys church, watching youtube and doing word searches.

MARIAM ZUHAIB / AP PHOTO

The Supreme Court will hear Kenneth Jouppi’s case against Alaska.

JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP PHOTO

President Donald Trump exits Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, after attending the World Cup nal soccer match Sunday.

HOKE SPORTS

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Finley Spicer

St. Scholastica, baseball

Finley Spicer is an Aberdeen native and a rising senior on the St. Scholastica, where he’s an out elder and captain on the baseball team. He’s also a member of the Sandhills Bogeys summer wood bat team.

Sandhills won all six games last week, and Spicer has been leading the o ensive attack. He went 7 for 17, .412 over the week with a home run, seven runs scored, ve RBIs, a home run and six stolen bases. For the summer, he’s hitting .370 with 1.132 OPS. His 44 hits, 49 RBIs and 10 homers all lead the team.

Young waited and waited some more, but another British Open slipped from his grasp

The former Demon Deacon is still searching for his rst major

By Steve Douglas The Associated Press

SOUTHPORT, England —

Cameron Young was waiting on the range at Royal Birkdale, driver in hand, when a huge roar came that he didn’t want to hear.

Just a stone’s throw away on the 18th green, Ryan Fox had holed a 12-foot birdie putt to win the British Open.

There’d be no playo for Young.

No chance to end his wait for a rst major championship title.

The American and former Wake Forest golfer bowed his head, swung his driver gently over his shoulder then back onto the ground, and trudged o .

Some 2½ hours earlier, Young had been on that 18th hole himself, getting up-and-down from a greenside bunker — he actually nearly holed it — to salvage bogey and shoot 64 for what would remain the lowest score of thenal round.

Then came the long, agonizing wait to discover whether his 9-under 271 total would be enough to win.

Young had some food, cleared out his locker — “for e ciency’s sake,” he said — and spent some time in the players’ lounge.

By 6 p.m., he was practicing on the putting green.

And around half an hour later, the spectators in the huge grandstands lining one of the most famous walks in golf gave him the bad news.

Add Birkdale to the 29-year-old Young’s close calls

at the majors, following a runner-up nish at the British Open in 2022 — he made eagle on the nal hole to be one stroke back from Cameron Smith at St. Andrews — and a tie for third at the Masters this year after sharing the 54-hole lead.

Now up to No. 4 in the world, the widespread belief in gol ng circles is that Young’s time will come. That’s because he has risen to elite company this year with wins at The Players Championship in March and the Cadillac Championship at Doral, in front of President Donald Trump, a couple of months later.

Young says his score “could have been 60”

Speaking after his round, Young said he thought 10-under par would have a “decent chance” of victory.

So it proved.

And he would have got there — or maybe better — had he not

found a fairway bunker on No. 18 after choosing to hit driver. He barely got out of the sand with his second shot that struck the top of the bunker wall and spilled out 20 yards forward, and went on to scramble for a bogey.

A par there would have seen him match the lowest nal-round score in a major.

A birdie? Well, that would have won him the whole thing.

“It could have been 60,” Young said of his round that included a front-nine 29.

“I played a great round of golf,” he added, “and I did it in a really good way.”

Young’s thoughts after Fox completed victory are a mystery because he declined to talk to the media.

He surely will regret his 3-over 73 on Saturday that came after two 67s and dropped him to a tie for 20th overnight.

“I had a chance to win with not everything I’ve got,” he said. “So I think that’s a good takeaway.”

Lin wins U.S. Girls’ Juniors in Durham

The Canadian topped Wake Forest recruit Amelie Zalsman to win

Chatham News & Record sta

DURHAM — Clairey Lin of Canada won the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, beating Amelie Zalsman of St. Petersburg, Florida, 5 and 4 in the 36 -hole nal at Durham’s Old Chatham Golf Club.

The 16-year-old Lin, the stroke-play medalist, is the second straight Canadian winner. Aphrodite Deng won last year in Georgia.

“I’ve always wanted to be on the big stage and inspire some people and work hard and see it pay o ,” Lin said. “To be able to do that today is amazing.”

The 17-year-old Zalsman is set to play for Wake Forest in 2027.

“I’ve played so much golf the past two weeks,” Zalsman said. “I’m just really proud of myself for making it this far and my body, honestly, just sticking with me.”

Deng skipped her title defense to play in the Evian Championship last week in France. The event combined two days of stroke play to determine the eld of 64 for elimination match play, which occupied the rest of the week. Lin shot a 66 on Monday and 65 on Tuesday to win the medal as the top scorer in stroke play. She missed the 21-year-old tournament record low score by one stroke.

Zalsman nished in a tie for seventh after stroke play, shooting 67-72 to nish eight shots back.

Southern Pines’ Maria Isabella Errichetto shot 73-68 to qualify for match play in a tie for 17th. Pikeville’s Ella June Hannant was part of the tie at 17th after shooting 69-72. Wake Forest signee Vidhi Lakhawala tied for 28th at 72-70. Raleigh’s Jenna Kim shot

72-74 to qualify for match play, making the cut with one stroke to spare.

Cary’s Victoria Davis missed the cut by one shot, shooting 70-78. Pinehurst’s Riley Grimm shot 73-77 to miss.

Among other future players at North Carolina colleges to miss the cut, UNC Wilmington signee Kanchana Duangsam Rudd shot 74-78. Campbell’s Miah Rivas shot 75-76. Gardner-Webb recruit Ellie Benson shot 78-77. App State’s Addison Douglass shot 80-87. Hannant won her opening match over Savera Sandhu, who conceded due to illness. Hannant was leading the match at the time. She then topped Keya Naik, 4 and 3, to move to the round of 16. It took 22 holes for her to top Japan’s Anna Iwanga to move to the quarter nals, where Anna Bell eliminated her, 2 and 1. Errichetto beat Korea’s Yisoo Min 4 and 3 to advance in the rst round and topped Puerto Rico’s So a Rivera 4 and 2 to make the nal 16. Her run then ended, 4 and 3, to Bell.

Lakhawala lost to Canada’s Shauna Liu in the round of 64, 2 and 1. Kim fell to Jude Lee in the rst round, 3 and 2.

PETER MORRISON / AP PHOTO

Cameron Young tosses his club after missing a putt on the 7th green during the nal day of the British Open.

COURTESY ST. SCHOLASTICA ATHLETICS

LOGAN WHITTON / USGA

Clairey Lin poses with the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championships trophy.

MLB Japanese slugger Sasaki to sign with Marlins, forgo professional career in home country

Hanamaki, Japan Japanese slugger Rintaro Sasaki will sign with the Miami Marlins and forgo a professional career in his home country. The Marlins selected Sasaki out of Stanford in the eighth round of the MLB Draft, but the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks also selected him in the rst round of the Nippon Professional Baseball draft, setting up a di cult decision. Sasaki played under Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani’s father, Toru, and is Japan’s all-time high school home run leader with 140. He opted out of the Nippon league’s draft to play at Stanford.

Burns reportedly agrees to $105 million, 7-year deal with Reds for 2027-33

Cincinnati Pitcher Chase Burns reportedly agreed to a $105 million, seven-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds that covers 2027-33. Burns, a former Wake Forest Demon Deacon, has a $785,000 salary while in the major leagues this year. Burns’ deal would run through the 2033 season and under the current labor contract covers three seasons of arbitration eligibility and the rst two years after he would have been eligible for free agency. It does not include options or deferrals.

NBA

NBA “continuing to look into” circumstances regarding Bucks’ signing of Trent

Milwaukee

The NBA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks’ signing of Gary Trent Jr. Reportedly, the NBA was investigating the signing for possible circumvention of the salary cap. Trent received a four-year, $64 million deal while he’s coming o one of his least productive seasons. The concerns over salary cap circumvention involve whether there was a prior agreement that Trent would be rewarded now if he signed below-market deals each of the last two years.

NHL Yzerman abruptly steps down as Red Wings general manager

Detroit Steve Yzerman has abruptly stepped down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. Yzerman’s resignation to move to an advisory role to CEO Chris Ilitch comes several weeks after captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request. The Red Wings say their search for a new head of hockey operations is already underway. Yzerman spent his entire 22-year Hall of Fame playing career with Detroit from 1983-2006, captaining it to the Stanley Cup three times. He was a successful GM in Tampa Bay before returning to Detroit in 2019.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Kicko Game announces NIL deal with Auburn before opener against Baylor

Atlanta

The A ac Kicko Game has announced a name, image and likeness deal with Auburn leading up to the Tigers’ game against Baylor on Sept. 5. The Peach Bowl and Kicko Game said the multimillion deal marks the rst time a neutral-site college football game has incorporated NIL compensation for student athletes. The NIL agreement also will involve third-party entities. As many as two dozen Auburn student-athletes will promote the game through social media posts, public appearances, advertisements, in-game promotions, branding opportunities and interviews.

Flight hours, miles of World Cup travels of FIFA head Infantino in numbers

The FIFA president saw games in all 16 venues

By Rio Yamat

The Associated Press

MULTIPLE FLIGHTS in a single day. Nearly 60,000 miles. More than 100 hours aloft.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino got some serious air time over the course of the 2026 World Cup, the tournament’s most far- ung edition ever. He crisscrossed North America for matches, meetings and other appearances during the competition, which took place in three countries, 16 cities and four time zones, and ended with Sunday’s nal in New Jersey.

To track his travels, The Associated Press analyzed ight logs for a private business jet used by Infantino in recent years, along with photos taken by AP photographers and images posted on Instagram by FIFA and the head of world soccer’s governing body himself. The analysis shows that by the time Spain emerged as champion, he had have own far enough to circle the planet almost 21⁄2 times.

Access to a Gulfstream G650 jet from the eet of the Qatari government made Infantino’s prodigious jet-setting possible. The aircraft is operated by the private charter division of Qatar Airways, a World Cup sponsor.

Since a June 9 ight from Los Angeles to Mexico City ahead of the tournament’s opening match, the aircraft averaged more than one ight a day and on multiple days made more than three, according to ight-tracking site FlightAware.

Along with attending matches, Infantino’s itinerary included stops in New York for an interview on “Fox & Friends” and in Miami for a FIFA summit attended by representatives from the organization’s 211 member associations. He also ew to Doha to attend the funeral of Qatar’s former emir before returning to the U.S. in time for the World Cup semi nals.

FIFA did not respond to an emailed request for comment about Infantino’s travel schedule and arrangements.

Here’s a look at some of the numbers racked up by the person overseeing the tournament that featured a record 104 matches spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the largest geographic footprint in World Cup history.

MATCHES

44

The number of World Cup matches Infantino attended. FlightAware showed the Gulfst-

ream originally was scheduled to y from New Jersey to Miami in time for the third-place match between England and France but never took o . Thunderstorms caused ight delays at New York City area airports on Saturday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

16 STADIUMS

Infantino saw at least one match at all 16 World Cup venues. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, where he attended ve games, is the venue he visited the most.

13

The number of days Infantino attended two matches, often at stadiums located hundreds of miles apart.

21 AIRPORTS

The Gulfstream mostly used the host cities’ main international airports during the tournament but sometimes relied on smaller general and business aviation airports, including Atlanta’s Fulton County Executive Airport and Miami’s Opa Locka Executive Airport.

23

The number of international border crossings the jet made within North America through the semi nals.

115 FLIGHT HOURS

The ight time the Gulfstream amassed during the tournament, not including repositioning ights and 29 hours of travel for the funeral in Qatar, equaling nearly ve full days in the air and enough for a commercial plane traveling at typical

cruising speed to y from New York to Los Angeles 20 times.

5 HOURS AND 44 MINUTES

Excluding the journey to Qatar, the ight that took the longest lasted 344 minutes and went from Miami to Seattle, where Infantino attended the Belgium-Egypt match June 15. The ight time is the same length as three full World Cup matches from kicko to nal whistle.

28 MINUTES

The shortest ight time, excluding repositioning ights, was a 28-minute hop from Seattle to Vancouver on July 6 — about the length of a network TV sitcom like “Friends” with commercials. Infantino attended the United States-Belgium match in Seattle that day before watching Switzerland face Colombia in Vancouver the following day.

59,281 MILES

The distance the jet traveled during the tournament, excluding the journey to Qatar and back for the funeral, according to the AP analysis. That’s more than round-trip ights between New York and Singapore, Los Angeles and Doha, Qatar, and London and the Australian city of Perth combined.

5,772 MILES

The most miles covered in a single day’s itinerary was on June 26, which started with a morning ight from Miami to Dallas. From there, the plane went to Seattle, where Infantino attended the Egypt-Iran match. Thenal leg departed Seattle late that night and landed the next morning in Miami. Infantino watched Colombia face Portugal there.

GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends the World Cup quarter nal match between Norway and England in Miami.

Rosa Edwards

Dec. 16, 1949 – July 11, 2026

Rosa Lee Guin Edwards, 76, of Raeford, North Carolina, passed peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Born on December 16, 1949, in Raeford, NC, Rosa was the daughter of the late Mamie Conoly Guin and Robert Lee Guin.

She was raised on N. Stewart Street in Raeford and attended Raeford Presbyterian Church during her childhood. At the tender age of nine, Rosa experienced the heartbreaking loss of her mother. She and her younger sister, Diane, were then cared for at Barium Springs Home for Children in Statesville, where she developed the resilience, strength, and compassion that would characterize her life.

Rosa graduated from high school in 1968 and married her teenage sweetheart, Richard Mont Edwards, on August 16, 1969. Together, they built a loving home and raised two sons, Scott and Walter, a ectionately known as “Wally.”

She began her career with Burlington Mills before joining the Hoke County Schools Child Nutrition Department. Rosa faithfully served the students of Hoke County for many years and was the cafeteria manager at Scurlock Elementary School for more than 15 years. She took great pride in caring for the children she served and was known for her dedication, kindness, and strong work ethic.

Following retirement, Rosa enjoyed traveling with her beloved husband, tending to her ower gardens, and, most of all, spending precious time with her six grandchildren, who brought her endless joy.

In addition to her parents, Rosa was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Richard Mont Edwards; her youngest son, Walter “Wally” Edwards; and her brother, Sgt. William Archie Guin, USAF.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Scott Edwards and wife, Melody, of Raeford; six grandchildren, Brittany, Taylor, Cheyanne, Riley, Raley and Ryan Edwards; two great-granddaughters, Khloe and Lorelei; her sister, Diane Chandler (P.G.) of Fayetteville; her sister-inlaw, Lona Dees (Allen) of Fayetteville, and several beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

The Edwards family extends heartfelt gratitude to Brittany Edwards, Rosa’s oldest grandchild, and Alicia Locklear, home health aide, for their unwavering love, dedication and compassionate care during Rosa’s illness. The family also sincerely thanks the caregivers of PruittHealth Hospice for their exceptional support, kindness and comfort.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Raeford Cemetery, East Central Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376.

In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Hope Alliance, 194 Barium Springs Drive, Statesville, NC 28677, in honor of Rosa’s childhood home, or through their website at Children’s Hope Alliance, North Carolina Child Services, Foster a Child.

obituaries

Cecil W. Harvey Jr.

Nov. 20, 1953 – July 19, 2026

Cecil W. Harvey Jr. passed on July 19, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on November 20, 1953, Cecil was a resident of Raeford, North Carolina. He is survived by his son, Cecil W. Harvey III. No services are scheduled at this time.

Bryan McNeill

July 28, 1971 – July 11, 2026

Mr. Bryan McNeill, age 54, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Bu alo Springs Missionary Baptist Church. Bryan will be greatly missed.

Kaylee Hottle, deaf ‘Godzilla’ actor, killed in car crash at 18

Her father publicly forgave the 19-year-old driver involved in the fatal crash

By Rebecca Boone and Larry Lage The Associated Press

KAYLEE HOTTLE, a deaf actor best known for her starring role in two “Godzilla” lms, died in a car crash in Maryland early Tuesday morning, the Frederick County Sheri ’s O ce said. She was 18.

Hottle was one of two passengers in the car when it went o the road and hit a culvert in Ijamsville before 3 a.m. The driver was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the other passenger declined medical treatment, according to a news release from the sheri ’s o ce. Excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, which is under investigation, the sheri ’s o ce said.

Hottle was a native signer of American Sign Language, and her family members are also deaf. Her parents, Joshua and Ketsi Hottle, shared emotional video statements about her death on social media sites.

“Kaylee’s mom and four siblings are crushed,” her father said in ASL in a post from an airport. “They are together at home, grieving. I am on my way to Maryland to bring Kaylee’s body back home.”

Hottle’s heart stopped before she arrived at a hospital, transported by air from the scene of the accident, her father said. “Very grateful for the 18 years we had together — and wish we had more,” he said.

Joshua Hottle also reached out to the driver, described by the sheri ’s o ce as a 19-year-old Frederick man.

“I have forgiven you,” her father said. “Don’t let this incident ruin the rest of your life.”

“I still feel Kaylee is with us,” her mother said in ASL in a post.

In “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” Hottle

Duane

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@ northstatejournal.com

played an orphaned girl named Jia who sees beyond Kong’s threatening appearance and forms a special bond with the monster, communicating with him using sign language.

“I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee,” her “Godzilla” co-star Millie Bobby Brown posted on Instagram. Co-star Alexander Skarsgård, who learned ASL to communicate with Hottle, told the pop culture website Junkee in 2021 that he and others were impressed by the young ingenue’s professionalism and her ability to quickly incorporate the director’s notes into her acting. In a 2024 interview with The Associated Press, Hottle said through an interpreter that she hadn’t watched monster movies before she was cast in “Godzilla,” so her father helped her understand the genre.

“I look up to a lot of people, but the one person I look up to, the few people I look up to mostly, are my parents and my sisters,” Hottle said.

Hottle said that when she was working on the rst lm, she was a bit concerned about whether she would be able to return to her “normal life,” afterward.

“People do recognize me at school, yes, but it’s not as bad

as I thought it would be,” Hottle said.

Hottle previously appeared in a 2021 television episode of “Magnum P.I.” She was listed as appearing in the upcoming lm “What Doesn’t Kill Us.”

“I’m so heartbroken. My heart goes out to her family during this unimaginable time,” Alaqua Cox, her co-star in that lm and fellow deaf actor, wrote on Instagram.

Other prominent deaf actors also shared messages of grief online.

“I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity,” Oscar winner Marlee Matlin wrote on Instagram.

Fellow Oscar winner Troy Kotsur, who starred in the lm “Coda,” wrote that Hottle’s death made him think of his own daughter, and reminded him not to take time for granted.

“I have no words to express on what happened this morning,” Kotsur wrote, o ering his “deepest condolences” to the Hottle family.

O cials with Texas School for the Deaf in Austin also announced Hottle’s death on Facebook, writing that counseling and support services would be available to her classmates and friends.

Ward, former Blue Jays pitcher and World Series

champion, dead at 62

Ward

By Ian Harrison The Associated Press

TORONTO — Duane Ward, a two-time World Series champion and one of the most accomplished relievers in Toronto Blue Jays history, has died of natural causes, the team announced Sunday. He was 62.

The team said Ward arrived in Toronto last Friday with several former teammates from the 1992 and 1993 championship teams but was absent from Saturday’s pregame ceremony celebrating those victories with a statue unveiling.

More than two dozen players, coaches and executives from those teams took part in the event inside and outside the Rogers Centre.

“Duane will always be a cherished part of the Blue Jays family, and we will be forever grateful for his contributions to our organization and to baseball in Canada,” the team said in a statement.

Before their game Sunday against the Chicago White Sox, the Blue Jays paid tribute to Ward with a scoreboard montage and a brief moment of silence. They declined further comment on the circumstances of Ward’s death. Ward appeared in 452 games for Toronto between 1986 and 1995. His 121 career saves are the most in franchise history.

Ward earned his lone All- Star appearance in 1993, going on to lead the American League with 45 saves. That total remains the Blue Jays’

gle-season record. Ward was the

holds the franchise record with 121 career saves

sin-

winning pitcher in the Game 6 of the 1993 World Series against Philadelphia, which was decided by Joe Carter’s series-winning home run.

JON BLACKER / THE CANADIAN PRESS VIA AP Players and coaches of the Toronto Blue Jays recognize a moment of silence on the announcement of the death of former Blue Jays pitcher Duane Ward prior to the start of their game against the Chicago White Sox in in Toronto on Sunday.

RICHARD SHOTWELL / AP PHOTO

Kaylee Hottle appears at the premiere of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” in Los Angeles on March 25, 2024.

STATE & NATION

Oystercatchers, known for sharp bills and beady eyes, making a comeback thanks to conservation

A coordinated e ort spanning 16 states has increased oystercatcher populations by 45%

By Michael Casey The Associated Press

SOUTH KINGSTOWN,

R.I.

— On a pristine Rhode Island beach teeming with noisy seabirds, a group of biologists armed with nets sneak up on a pair of American oystercatcher chicks.

But just as they move in to capture them, one of the football-size birds, with bright-orange bills and long legs, scampers into a coastal salt pond. The other brie y takes to the air, sending the team running across the mile-and-a-half-long beach in pursuit.

“There is a problem. They can y,” Alan Kneidel, a senior conservation biologist with the environmental group Manomet Conservation Sciences, said as he watched the team go after the chicks.

Eventually, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists tracked down both birds. They bundled them each into white pillow cases and gingerly carried them to a sand dune where body measurements were taken and bands clipped onto their long, peach-colored legs.

Birds starting to recover

The banding in the 787-acre Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge is part of a nationwide e ort to restore the oystercatcher’s population along the coasts of the Americas. The birds were largely wiped out in New England by the turn of the 20th century due to hunting and egg collecting, but their numbers are rising.

About $10 million was raised over a decade, and 35 coastal organizations in 16 states joined in the e ort. Much of the campaign focused on educating beachgoers about the presence of the quirky birds known for their piercing calls and habit of using their razor-sharp bills to crack open oysters and mussels. Measures were also implemented to protect their ground nesting sites from predators and pets on beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes or tide wrack deposits.

From 2008 to 2023, oystercatcher numbers increased by 45% along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Their recovery is especially signi cant given a 2023 study found that most shorebird populations in North America were declining.

“It’s amazing, and it’s a great conservation success story,” said Maureen Durkin, a federal wildlife biologist who led the banding e ort and works at the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

“It does really demonstrate how much you can accomplish when there is a dedicated group of partners that can come together and identify the needs

“With a little bit of focused e ort and attention on this really charismatic bird, you can teach the public how to share the shore.”

Luanne Johnson, BiodiversityWorks wildlife biologist

of the species and implement conservation actions,” she said, adding that it also showed conserving imperiled species “is not easy and takes a sustained and committed e ort.”

Targeting threats

Kneidel said a critical part of the conservation plan was determining that “chick survival was the big thing driving the declines.” Then, individually-tailored plans were drawn up from organizations in the American Oystercatcher Working Group, which was led by Manomet’s Shiloh Schulte, a conservation biologist and eld scientist who died last year in a helicopter crash in Alaska while on a mission to protect shorebirds. His initial aerial survey showed their numbers had declined by double-digits.

“At one site, it might be recreational disturbance, at another site it might be predators, at another site it might be sea level rise or loss of dune structure that’s causing overwash events that are causing nest failure,”

Kneidel said as he walked along the rocky Moonstone Beach, the sky lled with squeaking, least terns.

On Martha’s Vineyard, a low-lying fence with chicken wire is installed seasonally at the entrance of a key breeding site for oystercatchers and other seabirds and shorebirds, which

has kept skunks and raccoons that eat their eggs o the beach. Colorful signs have also been installed educating the public about oystercatchers.

Focused attention on oystercatchers

The birds also bene t from federal protections given to piping plovers, a threatened shorebird that nests in some of the same areas. During the nesting season of piping plovers,

vehicles and dogs are limited or banned near beach nesting sites.

“With a little bit of focused e ort and attention on this really charismatic bird, you can teach the public how to share the shore,” said Luanne Johnson, a wildlife biologist who founded the nonpro t BiodiversityWorks, one of the groups working on the oystercatcher’s recovery. The island was the rst place to have nesting oystercatchers in Massachusetts when they began to recover and has seen the numbers of breeding pairs increase 77% since 2009.

In South Carolina, nearly 30 breeding sites are roped o to protect nesting habitat. Georgia and North Carolina also rope o breeding sites along with trapping and euthanizing predators like foxes, raccoons and coyotes during breeding season.

“If you focus conservation efforts on a species, especially before it becomes endangered to

the point that you’re considering listing, you can actually sort of head o trouble at the pass,” said Lindsay Addison, a coastal biologist with Audubon North Carolina, adding the state’s breeding pairs have increased nearly 20% to 403. Some birds, like Dark Green 06 and Yellow 25, were banded as far back as 2004 and have become minor celebrities.

Ted Simons, a retired emeritus professor at NC State who began studying the birds on North Carolina’s Outer Banks in 1995, said their recovery was a testament to the species’ resilience. He noted American oystercatchers have been found nesting on rooftops in the United States, and other oystercatcher species in Europe are nesting in pastures and eating worms. One pair, he recalled, was found nesting in a bus station pothole in Iceland.

“If these were really highly specialized birds that needed an exact prescription for survival, that would have been harder,” Simons said. “But what we found is that these birds are incredibly adaptive.”

Climate change, weakened protections pose dangers

Despite their strong recovery, threats remain.

Chief among the dangers is climate change that has led to rising seas and erosion washing out oystercatcher nests. That has prompted states such as Georgia to build elevated nesting platforms of oystershells for the birds and use dredged material from shipping channels to create and maintain nesting islands. Along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina, Audubon is replenishing shell rakes — beds of old oyster shells where the oystercatchers nest.

“Climate change, sea level rise — it’s a big challenge not only for oystercatchers but for all kinds of interests on the coast,” Addison said. “There’s going to be loss of habitat due to sea level rise, so we have to make sure that we do what we can to provide the habitat that we can so they can get through this next bottleneck.”

There are also concerns that changes this month to the Endangered Species Act could impact nesting sites, especially where state protections are weak. Environmental groups, which sued Tuesday to block the changes, fear breeding grounds could be disturbed by everything from vehicle tra c to unchecked development.

The changes would allow oil and gas drilling, mining, logging and other development on critical wildlife habitats so long as the animals themselves aren’t killed or injured. Environmentalists warned the move could cause some species to go extinct by opening the door to habitat destruction.

“It’s a direct attack on the protections that have allowed many of these shorebird species to recover,” Kneidel said.

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

Shorebird Crew Lead Mary Bertschi of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service tracks down a juvenile oystercatcher that took o running at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, on Sunday.

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

United States Fish and Wildlife Service Shorebird Monitor Allison Ruhl carries an adult oystercatcher at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge.

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

An adult oystercatcher is held at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge.

MOORE COUNTY

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Trump imposes 50% tari s on Canadian goods, citing disputes over autos, alcohol, cheese

President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tari s on most Canadian goods, declaring that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products. The move, announced Monday, could unleash a new wave of economic chaos, with risks of higher in ation and further fraying of relations between two nations that had been closely woven together before Trump’s return to the White House. The administration o cial previewing the action said that Canada was one of the only nations other than China that retaliated against Trump’s previous tari s and must be held accountable.

Trump opens investigation into Harvard’s aid to international students

The Justice Department is investigating whether Harvard University is allowing Chinese donors to create scholarships that exclude American students. The inquiry adds to a barrage of federal probes the Trump administration has opened in its battle against the Ivy League campus. Justice Department o cials announced the new review Monday, saying Harvard’s foreign funding disclosures “raised concerns” about possible discrimination against U.S. students. The agency did not specify which scholarship programs are being targeted and emphasized it “has not reached any conclusions.”

$2.00

‘A

good walk spoiled’

Southern Pines’ native Maria Isabella Errichetto tees o in the shadow of the championship trophy during last week’s U.S. Girls’ Junior Championships in Durham. Errichetto nished 17th in stroke play, qualifying for the match-play portion of the tournament, where she advanced to the round of 16.

Commissioners approve funding for new re station

The Eagle Springs satellite station will help expand the county’s re coverage

By Ryan Henkel North State Journal

CARTHAGE — Moore County is moving toward expanding its re coverage.

At the Moore County Board of Commissioners’ July 21 meeting, the board approved the reallocation of funds in an amount not to exceed $1.756 million for the construction of the Eagle Springs Fire Department Satellite Station that will be located on Fire Tower Road.

“As we’ve continued on with improving our level of rural re protection service, one of the

underserved areas of the county continues to be out in the Eagle Springs area, and so we have an opportunity to build a satellite station,” said County Manager Wayne Vest.

The new station will help cover most of the remaining area that was previously outside of the recommended range and should help those local property owners with insurance costs.

“Once this station goes online, we’ll go through a 9S inspection, and once that is completed, that area will automatically assume the 4 rating that we currently have,” said Fire Chief Mike St. Onge. “Ten is the rating that is there now, which is the highest and worst.”

The construction will be done by D.R. Reynolds Company, and it will be responsible for furnishing the labor, mate-

“One of the underserved areas of the county continues to be out in the Eagle Springs area.” County Manager Wayne Vest.

rial and equipment required to complete the work.

The board also approved the purchase of a Toyne Pumper Engine for the Eastwood Fire Department at a price of about $700,000.

The new engine will replace a 1993 vehicle with approximately 45,000 miles on it and is anticipated to be delivered between September and December of this year.

The board then approved

US soldier killed in Iraq was 30-year-old from

He leaves behind a wife, two young children and a legacy of sel ess service

By Allen G. Breed and Dave Collins The Associated Press

RALEIGH — A U.S. soldier killed in Iraq during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone was a 30-year-old father from Fayetteville who had served for nearly a decade, according to a military statement Tuesday and his family. Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton will receive a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge, and will be promoted to sta sergeant. The Army said it was investi-

gating the circumstances of his death Sunday at an air base in Irbil.

He leaves behind a 6-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, his mother said.

“I will never recover from this,” his wife, Mia Gonzalez-Swinton, posted Monday on Facebook. “We had so many plans for when you got back, I’m sick to my stomach.” She said she was noti ed Sunday that he had been killed.

Two U.S. Army soldiers were also killed in Jordan last week while defending against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. They were the rst U.S. troop deaths from direct Iranian re since the opening days of the war.

Swinton’s wife and kids were the center of his world, his mother, Christel Swinton

Andujar, told The Associated Press.

“His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the laughter he

changes to the county’s position classi cation and pay plan in order to move social services employees up two pay grade classi cations and income maintenance positions up one grade.

“As we went through the budget process, we noticed that there were several vacancies on both the income maintenance side and the social work side, so we want to make sure that those positions will be lled to turn those tax dollars into service delivery,” Vest said. “We think with these moves, we’ll strengthen our position to bring in quality employees and reward the people who have been here delivering the services throughout the vacancies.”

shared, the strength he gave others, and the unconditional love he poured into his family,” she said via text message. “He will forever be missed, forever honored, and forever our hero.” Swinton enlisted in the Army in 2017 and was assigned to the 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, out of Fort Bragg.

He lived in Spring Lake, a popular o -base location for Fort Bragg families, according to pubic records. The military gave his hometown as nearby Fayetteville.

“Sgt. Swinton was an experienced noncommissioned o cer who took great pride in his work and the people around him,” said Brig. Gen. John L. Dawber, commanding general of the Army Air and Missile Defense Command. “He answered the call to duty with courage, honor, and selfless dedication.”

Renewed ghting between the U.S. and Iran is ongoing, with both sides launching

See SOLDIER, page A2

COURTESY LOGAN WHITTON

THURSDAY

7.23.26

Graham says she will run for full term in brother’s South Carolina Senate seat

moore happening

Here’s a quick look at what’s coming up in and around Moore County.

“Join the conversation”

North State Journal

(USPS 20451)

(ISSN 2471-1365)

Trip Ho end, Publisher

Jim Sills, VP of Local Newspapers

Cory Lavalette, Senior Editor

Jordan Golson, Local News Editor

Shawn Krest, Sports Editor

Dan Reeves, Features Editor

Ryan Henkel, Reporter PJ Ward-Brown, Photographer

1201

We stand corrected To report an error or a suspected error, please email: corrections@nsjonline.com with “Correction request” in the subject line.

FUNDING from page A1

Finally, the board approved an approximately $140,000 contract with United Rentals for emergency bypass pumps for the Water Pollution Control Plant.

“This was actually for an emergency we had down at the wastewater plant back in April,” said Public Works Director Brian Patnode. According to Patnode, electrical issues caused problems at the plant, and the county needed to set up a bypass system until those were resolved.

The Moore County Board of Commissioners will next meet Aug. 4.

The senator is transforming a temporary appointment into a campaign for the full term

By Meg Kinnard The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Sen. Darline Graham said Monday she’s running for a full term to replace her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat.

“I’ve made a decision,” Darline Graham told Fox News Channel host Sean Hannity, according to a clip released of an interview set to air later Monday. “I’m in.”

The entrance of Darline Graham — sworn in last week to ful ll the remaining months of her late brother’s term, which expires in January — into the Republican scramble to select a new Senate nominee further complicates an already rushed process following Lindsey Graham’s death earlier this month.

A weeklong ling period opened Tuesday for the special Republican primary, which will be Aug. 11. On Friday, President Donald Trump said that Darline Graham had his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to seek the nomination, adding, “RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”

Last week, Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to serve the remainder of her brother’s term. In his announcement, McMaster made no reference to Darline Graham as a placeholder or symbolic appointment, although a person familiar with McMaster’s thinking but unauthorized to speak publicly said the governor, in selecting Darline Graham, had never contemplated that she would run for the seat herself.

Newly appointed U.S. interim Sen. Darline Graham speaks to members of the press after being appointed to ll the vacancy created by the passing of her brother, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, at the statehouse July 13 in Columbia, South Carolina.

Before the emergence of Darline Graham — and their Oval O ce meeting after she was sworn in — Trump had previously suggested he could back a potential candidacy from Rep. Russell Fry, who said Monday he would o cially enter the special primary.

Several other noteworthy politicians, including Rep. Ralph Norman, have already gotten in, and others like Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette have been eyeing a run. Rep. Nancy Mace announced Monday she would not enter the contest.

Darline Graham told Hannity she had been “praying a lot” about how to navigate her new role.

“It is a tremendous amount of pressure,” she said.

“I know I’m a hard worker. I learned that from Lindsey,” Darline Graham said. “I feel like I can do it. I feel an inner peace about it. Will it be di cult? Yes.”

Funeral services for Lind-

LOG

July 13

• Danielle Marie Hatcher, 47, of Carthage, was arrested by Carthage PD for assault and battery.

• Steven Richard Pellerino, 37, of West End, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a revoked license.

• Ronald Floyd Sanders, 74, of Robbins, was arrested by MCSO for second-degree trespass.

July 14

• Domonique Shantel Edgerson, 33, of Fayetteville, was arrested by MCSO for possession of stolen goods and misdemeanor larceny.

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

SOLDIER from page A1

Weekly deadline is Monday at Noon barrages of strikes. Iran has attacked U.S. allies in the region, and American soldiers are stationed across the Middle East.

The Defense Department identi ed the soldiers killed in Jordan as 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas. They were also with Army Air

• Donald Wayne English, 43, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for resisting a public o cer, driving on a revoked license and driving with registration plate not displayed, and other charges.

• Richard Emmett McGraw, 40, of West End, was arrested by MCSO for violating a domestic violence protection order.

• Michael Thomas Tyner, 55, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for interfering with emergency communication.

July 15

• Mario Zamora, 30, of Aberdeen,

and Missile Defense Command units. A third service member was reported missing after the attack. U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said “unidenti ed remains” have been found and were being examined. Iranian authorities say U.S. strikes in just the past three weeks have killed at least 50 people and wounded more than 500 others.

was arrested by Southern Pines PD for driving while impaired, no operator’s license and failure to maintain lane control, and other charges.

• Jimmy Eugene Parker, 48, of West End, was arrested by MCSO for possession of a rearm by a felon, violating a protective order and simple possession of a controlled substance, and other charges.

July 16

• Albert Lee Caddell, 57, of Mt. Gilead, was arrested by MCSO for felony possession of cocaine, possession of heroin and possession of methamphetamine, and other charges.

• Anthony Brock Duncan, 39, of Robbins, was arrested by MCSO for second-degree kidnapping, assault by strangulation and assault on a female, and other charges.

• Tyshad Xavier Moore, 24, of Cameron, was arrested by MCSO for violating a domestic violence protection order.

July 17

• Andrew Michael Ball, 21, of Aberdeen, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for assault on a female, misdemeanor child abuse and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and other charges.

Both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure relied on by millions of people. Workers on ships, as well as foreign workers and others in Gulf nations, Israel and Lebanon have also died in the con ict.

The U.S. State Department said in a new warning to Americans that “Iran and groups supportive of Iran may target other U.S. interests overseas or at locations associated with the

sey Graham are scheduled to be held next week in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina. A preliminary report from the medical examiner said he su ered a tear in his aorta.

The millions in Lindsey Graham’s campaign account aren’t funds that Darline Graham could directly access in a run of her own, according to Bradley A. Smith, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission. Under federal rules, Lindsey Graham’s campaign would be limited to transferring just $2,000 to a potential Darline Graham candidacy. However, Smith said there is no limit on how much it could transfer to the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which could — thanks to a Supreme Court decision last month — “spend an unlimited amount in coordination with Darline’s campaign.”

July 23

Mamma Mania! The Live ABBA Tribute

7-9 p.m.

New York City’s premier ABBA tribute band delivers period-authentic costumes, tight harmonies and electrifying renditions of “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo” and other classics. Tickets range from $42.50 for general admission to $67 for premium seats, with VIP dinner packages available.

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St. Southern Pines

July 24

“11 Days”

7 p.m.

Task Force Pineapple presents a theatrical solo performance in which one actor portrays more than 20 characters from across the globe to tell the story of veterans launching a daring rescue mission during the nal days of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. All proceeds bene t Sam Portnoy’s recovery following a recent health crisis. Tickets are $25-$30.

Sunrise Theater 250 NW Broad St. Southern Pines

Life’s a Peach Cook O Noon to 6 p.m.

• Justin Bailey Freeman, 42, of Eagle Springs, was arrested by MCSO for child support.

• Anthony Chad Lackey, 46, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Aberdeen PD for false imprisonment and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

July 18

• Josef Mack Barnes, 41, of Southern Pines, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for felony possession of cocaine.

• Robert Scott Ebert, 35, of Carthage, was arrested by MCSO for assault on a pregnant woman, assault on a female and misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

• James Travis Stidham, 39, of Carthage, was arrested by Carthage PD for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

July 19

• Scott Theodore Grote, 72, of Pinehurst, was arrested by Southern Pines PD for driving while impaired, aggressive driving and open container alcohol violation, and other charges.

• Gustavo Adolfo Bustamante Preciado, 34, of Pineblu , was arrested by MCSO for resisting a public o cer.

United States and Americans throughout the world.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has said the war is necessary to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Trump, a Republican, now faces political pressure to bring the war to a close and avoid the kind of prolonged Middle East con ict he had campaigned against.

The escalation has pushed oil prices higher in recent weeks.

Swinton Andujar said her

Part of the fourth annual Peach Week celebration, vendors including The Soapy Goat & Gifts, DeLucia Bakery and others compete in a peachy cook-o inside the historic downtown Carthage event space. Visitors sample entries and vote for their favorites via QR code.

Tyson Sinclair Building 105 McReynolds St. Carthage

July 24 -25

A Journey in Time: An Enchanting Evening on the Rails

6-8:30 p.m.

A Peach Week dinner train experience aboard historic cars of the Aberdeen, Carolina and Western Railway, with cocktails and a savory meal served as the train winds through the Sandhills.

Aberdeen, Carolina and Western Railway 140 S. Sycamore St. Aberdeen

son was the kind of person who could light up a room with his humor and contagious laugh.

“Michael had a remarkable ability to excel at whatever he set his mind to,” she said. “He knew when it was time to laugh and when it was time to be serious. Whether serving his country, supporting his family, or helping a friend, he gave his whole heart and expected nothing in return.”

SEAN RAYFORD / AP PHOTO

CRIME

THE CONVERSATION

Trip

Ho end, publisher | Frank Hill, senior opinion editor

VISUAL VOICES

COLUMN | VICTOR JOECKS

What Americans can learn from World Cup fans

National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history.

THE WORLD CUP showed why you shouldn’t be ashamed of America’s heroes and heritage.

While only Argentina and Spain made Sunday’s World Cup nal, citizens of many countries enthusiastically cheered on their teams. Norwegian fans became an internet phenomenon for their “Viking Row” cheer.

Sitting like they were in a longboat, fans moved their bodies backward and forward in unison while pretending to row. To complete the cheer, they chanted, “Ro!”

They rowed in stadiums and Times Square.

The Norwegian soccer team rowed after defeating Senegal. The cheer spread throughout Norway — from classrooms, nursing homes and even the country’s Parliament.

Norway’s soccer team embraced the Viking imagery. They took an epic team photo with players dressed as Vikings — complete with spears, swords and shields.

The propaganda press couldn’t get enough.

“Good Morning America” had Norwegian soccer fans on and had them row. The chant “captured the American imagination,” The Athletic wrote. Yahoo Sports asked if it was “the best chant in sports.”

“Norway’s soccer fans have rowed through this World Cup like Viking conquerors piloting a longboat a thousand years ago,” The New York Times gushed.

COLUMN | LARRY ELDER

On the Iran war,

Twelve hundred years ago, seeing a Viking longboat would have inspired terror, not delight. Vikings used their seafaring prowess to raid and pillage towns on the coast of Europe. They raided monasteries, burned villages and took slaves. Vikings routinely abused their slaves. In some cases, it was a Viking custom to kill a master’s slaves so that they could serve him in the afterlife.

This wasn’t the only team with a connection to extreme violence. Mexico played its nal game of the World Cup at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Before losing to England, Mexico had a remarkable record there — 70 victories, 17 draws and just two losses. One reason for its success was the passion of its home fans.

Aztecs believed that one of their gods, Huitzilopochtli, killed his siblings after being born. Their bodies became the stars, serving as a nightly reminder of the importance of warfare. They believed that this god feasted on human blood and hearts. As a result, they routinely practiced human sacri ce. Aztecs may have sacri ced 20,000 people annually — and perhaps many more.

Japan’s soccer team is called the Samurai Blue. The samurai were erce and disciplined warriors who trained in swordsmanship and horsemanship. They were also brutal, slaughtering those they defeated in battle and

NATO

burning villages. European visitors were shocked to see samurai behead commoners to test the sharpness of their swords.

Norway, Mexico and Japan didn’t spend the tournament embarrassed about these historical realities. Fans proudly displayed their nations’ ags. Players didn’t apologize for their country’s past sins. What’s more telling is that the propaganda press didn’t even bring this up. Contrast that with how the left treats America. The New York Times’ 1619 Project sought to reframe America’s founding to make slavery the center of the American story. Despite its many historical inaccuracies, school districts around the country adopted curricula based on it. Leftists denigrate George Washington and Thomas Je erson for owning slaves. In many places, they’ve replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They push land acknowledgements, which imply that America stands on an illegitimate foundation. Even the Smithsonian has spent years pushing a negative view of America’s story.

Citizens in countries around the world understand something that was once obvious. National pride doesn’t mean an endorsement of everything in your country’s history. You can even pull out admirable traits from a group of people who also did horrible things. If Norwegians can celebrate Vikings, Americans can unashamedly celebrate our founders and history.

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the “Sharpening Arrows” podcast. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

chief agrees with Trump the media buried the lede

He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

WHY DO SO MANY Americans oppose the war against Iran?

The biggest reason is that they do not believe Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon. If Iran was nowhere near a bomb, President Donald Trump’s decision to use military force looks unnecessary, even reckless. But if Iran was close, as Trump claims, the debate changes dramatically.

That is why NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s recent assessment should have been a major news story.

During his June 24 Oval O ce meeting with Trump, Rutte said: “This is, rst of all, about the nuclear capability Iran was basically getting its hands on — and that would have been a threat to the region. It would’ve been a threat to the whole world.” The next day, Rutte was even more direct. “We know they were close,” he said, while commending the United States “for making sure that the world stays safe from Iran with a nuclear capability.”

Rutte’s statement does not, of course, establish as a matter of fact that Iran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon, let alone how close. But it is unquestionably newsworthy that the secretary general of NATO assessed Iran’s nuclear progress substantially the same way Trump did.

Rutte’s statement did not merely express the view that Iran should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Nearly everyone says that. He o ered an assessment of how close Iran was to acquiring nuclear capability — and that assessment closely tracked Trump’s own.

Rutte is not a member of the Trump administration. His agreement therefore carried independent weight, even if critics believed his praise was tactical. The media need

not endorse his judgment. They merely had to report it prominently and scrutinize it as they would any other signi cant claim. But they did not.

The Associated Press focused heavily on Rutte’s e orts to atter and reassure Trump because he threatened to reduce America’s military commitment to Europe. Reuters likewise described Rutte as using “ attery” to ease tensions over Iran and NATO. Those were legitimate news angles.

But where was the comparable emphasis on Rutte’s nuclear assessment?

CBS reported on how Rutte praised Trump for setting back Iran’s nuclear capabilities but did not highlight Rutte’s far more consequential assessment that Iran was “basically getting its hands on” that capability. Similarly, a review of coverage by NBC, ABC, NPR, PBS, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times found no prominent treatment of Rutte’s explicit agreement with Trump on Iran’s nuclear proximity.

Suppose Rutte said Iran was nowhere close to obtaining nuclear capability, that Trump exaggerated the threat and that the war was unnecessary. It would have led broadcasts and been cited as independent proof that Trump misled the country.

Imagine the headlines: “NATO Head Disputes Trump’s Claim on Iran’s Proximity to Acquiring a Nuclear Weapon”; “NATO Secretary General Undercuts Trump’s Rationale for the Iran War”; or “NATO Leader Sides With Americans Who Question the Iran War.”

Instead, Rutte’s assessment was overshadowed by stories about Trump’s grievances with NATO and Rutte’s conspicuous

praise of the president. Was Rutte attering Trump? Quite possibly. After all, Trump angrily criticized European allies for failing to join the military operation against Iran and raised the possibility of pulling American troops out of Europe. But that does not render Rutte’s nuclear assessment unimportant.

Whatever many in the media think about Trump’s veracity, Rutte’s comment is most certainly newsworthy and merited far more attention. Skeptical journalists could have quoted Rutte, o ered evidence against his assessment and questioned whether he was merely currying favor.

What they should not have done was treat the statement as though it barely mattered. And, days later, after Iran violated the cease re memorandum, Rutte again backed Trump by calling the renewed U.S. strikes “absolutely necessary.”

The war has damaged Trump’s approval ratings. It has become increasingly likely that this con ict may drag on for some time, drive gas prices higher and risk more military casualties. The question remains: Is this a war worth ghting?

Iran has shown time and again it is willing to kill its own people and allow them to su er to allow its regime to remain in power. What would this regime do with nuclear weapons? Again, as to Iran’s proximity to obtaining this nuclear capability, the NATO secretary general agrees with Trump.

The public deserves to know about it.

Larry Elder is a bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. (Copyright 2026 Creators.com)

O

cials sought phone records of NYT journalists, relatives in e ort to unmask sources

The subpoenas sought records from a reporter’s mother and journalists’ spouses

By Eric Tucker and Jocelyn Noveck

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C.

—

President Donald Trump’s administration sought phone records of several New York Times journalists and even those of some of their relatives, according to a motion unsealed Monday — an unusually aggressive attempt to unmask the condential sources of reporters who wrote about Trump’s Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet.

The e orts by the Republican president’s administration to compel the identity of sources in the form of additional subpoenas come at a time when the executive branch’s relationship with the press is increasingly contentious. The e orts, described in a letter-motion led by the Times over the weekend, were more expansive than pre-

viously known, the newspaper noted. They also covered a time frame that exceeded the news articles in question.

“Two of the subpoenas seek records beginning on January 1, 2026, long before the events that are purportedly the basis for the Department’s investigation,” lawyers for the Times wrote in the letter. “That timeframe strongly suggests that the Department is using this investigation not to focus on any purported concerns arising from the July 8 and 9 articles, but instead to forage for information about the Journalists’ source relationships more broadly.”

Government says reporters aren’t target

The Justice Department has justi ed the subpoenas by saying that “to be clear, reporters are not the targets, those leaking classi ed information are.”

The additional subpoenas included a request for phone records of one reporter’s mother and two of the journalists’ spouses. The motion noted that the mother in question is a

mental health professional with con dential client relationships and that one of the two spouses is the general counsel of a law rm.

“The disclosure of additional subpoenas for con dential newsgathering information of the Journalists is deeply concerning, revealing yet another instance of the alarming pattern of conduct detailed in the Motion to Quash,” the news organization’s lawyers wrote.

“These actions demonstrate abuse of the grand jury process, continued bad faith attacks on the Journalists, violations of the Department’s own internal regulations and disregard for the law in this Circuit intended to protect critical First Amendment interests,” the motion stated.

Part of ongoing legal challenge

The Times revealed the government’s actions as part of an ongoing legal challenge to quash subpoenas that the Justice Department served on three journalists who reported on securi-

ty concerns involving the jet.

The original subpoenas, delivered to reporters at their homes, marked a dramatic escalation of the Trump administration’s crackdown on media leaks that free press advocates swiftly condemned as a government e ort to intimidate news organizations. It followed an FBI search earlier this year of a Washington Post reporter’s home and the seizure of her electronic devices.

The new jet in question, a present from Qatar that Trump’s administration spent $400 million to retro t and upgrade, recently entered service. But Trump used an older model Air Force One jet to leave a NATO summit in Turkey earlier this month.

The Times, citing anonymous sources, reported that the switch had come at the urging of the Secret Service and that the newer plane lacked some of the advanced security features of the older Air Force One aircraft, including antimissile capabilities. On social media, Trump denied security concerns.

Trump’s administration has clashed with the press, from newspapers to TV networks to the Voice of America, on multiple fronts since he returned to o ce last year. The methods include lawsuits, administrative actions and public threats.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the press’ ability to operate free of governmental restrictions.

Alaska wants to seize pilot’s plane over 6-pack of beer; Supreme Court will hear his case

The case questions whether property seizure is proportional punishment for a misdemeanor

By Michael Kunzelman

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court agreed Monday to review an Alaska bush pilot’s claims that state authorities have tried to illegally seize his $95,000 airplane after a passenger brought a six-pack of beer on a ight bound for a dry village.

The pilot, Kenneth Jouppi, sued to block his plane’s seizure after he was convicted of an alcohol-related misdemeanor charge. The Alaska Supreme Court ruled in the state’s favor that Jouppi’s plane was subject to criminal forfeiture laws.

On Monday, however, the nation’s highest court agreed to hear Jouppi’s case. He argues that taking his 1969 Cessna would violate

the Eighth Amendment’s “Excessive Fines Clause.” Arguments are expected in the fall.

“I’m in my 80s now, and I’ve been ghting this for over a decade because I see it as my duty to ensure that the Bill of Rights actually means something in protecting against government overreach,” Jouppi said in a

statement released by his attorneys at the Institute for Justice.

In April 2012, Jouppi was preparing to y a passenger from Fairbanks to a remote village, Beaver, where alcohol was banned. The passenger had packed beer with other groceries in her luggage. State Police troopers searched Jouppi’s

plane before it departed and spotted a six-pack of Budweiser in a shopping bag.

Jouppi, his company and the passenger were charged with a misdemeanor o ense of knowingly transporting an alcoholic beverage into a dry community. The passenger pleaded guilty. A jury convicted Jouppi and the company after a trial.

A judge sentenced him to three days in jail.

Jouppi’s attorneys say Alaska’s high court examined his conduct “purely in abstract terms” and didn’t evaluate whether it was part of a broader pattern of criminal activity. And they say it wasn’t.

“Few excessive nes cases will present the issue so sharply; a decision upholding the forfeiture of an airplane for a six-pack is a self-recommending candidate for review,” lawyers from the Institute for Justice wrote in their appeal.

In response, lawyers from the Alaska Attorney General’s o ce argued that the state Supreme Court’s “fact-bound decision” should be allowed to stand.

“Courts across the country apply a multi-factor test to determine whether a ne or forfeiture is grossly disproportional to the gravity of the o ense,” they wrote. “Jouppi does not claim that the four-part standard applied by the Alaska Supreme Court is wrong, only that the court misapplied settled law by giving too much weight to some factors and not enough weight to others.”

Jouppi’s attorneys argue that the ruling from the state’s highest court con icts with case law established in other courts, including U.S. Supreme Court precedent.

“The Excessive Fines Clause was built for cases like this,” they said.

Alaska’s attorneys said Jouppi hasn’t shown how punishing him with forfeiture of his plane is “grossly disproportional to the gravity of his o ense.”

“Alcohol abuse is a serious problem in rural Alaska, and airplanes are sometimes the only realistic means to commit the crime of alcohol importation,” they wrote.

MARIAM ZUHAIB / AP PHOTO

The Supreme Court will hear Kenneth Jouppi’s case against Alaska.

JACQUELYN MARTIN / AP PHOTO

President Donald Trump exits Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, after attending the World Cup nal soccer match Sunday.

MOORE SPORTS

Lin wins U.S. Girls’ Juniors in Durham

for making it this far and my body, honestly, just sticking with me.”

North State Journal sta

DURHAM — Clairey Lin of Canada won the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, beating Amelie Zalsman of St. Petersburg, Florida, 5 and 4 in the 36-hole nal at Durham’s Old Chatham Golf Club. The 16-year-old Lin, the stroke-play medalist, is the second straight Canadian winner. Aphrodite Deng won last year in Georgia.

“I’ve always wanted to be on the big stage and inspire some people and work hard and see it pay o ,” Lin said. “To be able to do that today is amazing.”

The 17-year-old Zalsman is set to play for Wake Forest in 2027.

“I’ve played so much golf the past two weeks,” Zalsman said. “I’m just really proud of myself

Deng skipped her title defense to play in the Evian Championship last week in France. The event combined two days of stroke play to determine the eld of 64 for elimination match play, which occupied the rest of the week.

Lin shot a 66 on Monday and 65 on Tuesday to win the medal as the top scorer in stroke play. She missed the 21-year-old tournament record low score by one stroke.

Zalsman nished in a tie for seventh after stroke play, shooting 67-72 to nish eight shots back.

Southern Pines’ Maria Isabella Errichetto shot 73-68 to qualify for match play in a tie for 17th. Pikeville’s Ella June Hannant was part of the tie at 17th after shooting 69-72.

Wake Forest signee Vidhi Lakhawala tied for 28th at 72-70.

Raleigh’s Jenna Kim shot

72-74 to qualify for match play, making the cut with one stroke to spare.

Cary’s Victoria Davis missed the cut by one shot, shooting 70 -78. Pinehurst’s Riley Grimm shot 73-77 to miss.

Among other future players at North Carolina colleges to miss the cut, UNC Wilmington signee Kanchana Duangsam Rudd shot 74 -78. Campbell’s Miah Rivas shot 75-76. Gardner-Webb recruit Ellie Benson shot 78-77. App State’s Addison Douglass shot 80 -87.

Hannant won her opening match over Savera Sandhu, who conceded due to illness. Hannant was leading the match at the time. She then topped Keya Naik, 4 and 3, to move to the round of 16. It took 22 holes for her to top Japan’s Anna Iwanga to move to the quarter nals, where Anna Bell eliminated her, 2 and 1.

Errichetto beat Korea’s Yisoo Min 4 and 3 to advance in the rst round and topped Puerto Rico’s So a Rivera 4 and 2 to make the nal 16. Her run then ended, 4 and 3, to Bell.

Lakhawala lost to Canada’s Shauna Liu in the round of 64, 2 and 1. Kim fell to Jude Lee in the rst round, 3 and 2.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Maria Isabella Errichetto

Maria Isabella Errichetto is a Southern Pines resident, UVA commit and member of the Columbian national team for girls’ golf. Errichetto entered last week’s U.S. Girls’ Junior Championships at Old Chatham Golf Club in Durham. The rst two days of the event were stroke play to determine the 64 entrants for the single-elimination match-play tournament. She shot 73-68, 141 to tie for 17th in stroke play and qualify for the tourney. She won her rst two matches, beating South Korean Yisoo Min 4 and 3 and Puerto Rico’s So a Rivera 4 and 2 to make the nal 16. She then fell, 4 and 3, to Anna Bell.

Flight hours, miles of World Cup travels of FIFA head Infantino in numbers

The FIFA president saw games in all 16 venues

By Rio Yamat

The Associated Press

MULTIPLE FLIGHTS in a single day. Nearly 60,000 miles. More than 100 hours aloft.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino got some serious air time over the course of the 2026 World Cup, the tournament’s most far- ung edition ever. He crisscrossed North America for matches, meetings and other appearances during the competition, which took place in three countries, 16 cities and four time zones, and ended with Sunday’s nal in New Jersey.

To track his travels, The Associated Press analyzed ight logs for a private business jet used by Infantino in recent years, along with photos taken by AP photographers and images posted on Instagram by FIFA and the head of world soccer’s governing body himself. The analysis shows that by the time Spain emerged as champion, he had have own far enough to circle the planet almost 21⁄2 times.

Access to a Gulfstream G650 jet from the eet of the Qatari government made Infantino’s prodigious jet-setting possible. The aircraft is operated by the private charter division of Qatar Airways, a World Cup sponsor.

Since a June 9 ight from Los Angeles to Mexico City ahead of the tournament’s opening match, the aircraft averaged more than one ight a day and on multiple days made more than three, according to ight-tracking site FlightAware. Along with attending match-

13

es, Infantino’s itinerary included stops in New York for an interview on “Fox & Friends” and in Miami for a FIFA summit attended by representatives from the organization’s 211 member associations. He also ew to Doha to attend the funeral of Qatar’s former emir before returning to the U.S. in time for the World Cup semi nals. FIFA did not respond to an emailed request for comment about Infantino’s travel schedule and arrangements. Here’s a look at some of the numbers racked up by the person overseeing the tournament that featured a record 104 matches spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the largest geographic footprint in World Cup history.

44 MATCHES

The number of World Cup matches Infantino attended. FlightAware showed the Gulfstream originally was scheduled to y from New Jersey to Miami in time for the third-place match between England and France but never took o . Thunderstorms caused ight delays at New York City area airports on Saturday, ac-

cording to the Federal Aviation Administration.

16 STADIUMS

Infantino saw at least one match at all 16 World Cup venues. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, where he attended ve games, is the venue he visited the most.

13

The number of days Infantino attended two matches, often at stadiums located hundreds of miles apart.

21 AIRPORTS

The Gulfstream mostly used the host cities’ main international airports during the tour-

nament but sometimes relied on smaller general and business aviation airports, including Atlanta’s Fulton County Executive Airport and Miami’s Opa Locka Executive Airport.

23

The number of international border crossings the jet made within North America through the semi nals.

115 FLIGHT HOURS

The ight time the Gulfstream amassed during the tournament, not including repositioning ights and 29 hours of travel for the funeral in Qatar, equaling nearly ve full days in the air and enough for a commercial plane traveling at typ -

ical cruising speed to y from New York to Los Angeles 20 times.

5 HOURS AND 44 MINUTES

Excluding the journey to Qatar, the ight that took the longest lasted 344 minutes and went from Miami to Seattle, where Infantino attended the Belgium-Egypt match June 15. The ight time is the same length as three full World Cup matches from kicko tonal whistle.

28 MINUTES

The shortest ight time, excluding repositioning ights, was a 28 -minute hop from Seattle to Vancouver on July 6 — about the length of a network TV sitcom like “Friends” with commercials. Infantino attended the United States-Belgium match in Seattle that day before watching Switzerland face Colombia in Vancouver the following day.

59,281 MILES

The distance the jet traveled during the tournament, excluding the journey to Qatar and back for the funeral, according to the AP analysis. That’s more than round-trip ights between New York and Singapore, Los Angeles and Doha, Qatar, and London and the Australian city of Perth combined.

5,772 MILES

The most miles covered in a single day’s itinerary was on June 26, which started with a morning ight from Miami to Dallas. From there, the plane went to Seattle, where Infantino attended the Egypt-Iran match. The nal leg departed Seattle late that night and landed the next morning in Miami. Infantino watched Colombia face Portugal there.

LOGAN WHITTON / USGA

The Canadian topped Wake Forest recruit Amelie Zalsman to win

GEORGE WALKER IV / AP PHOTO

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends the World Cup quarter nal match between Norway and England in Miami.

Number of times during the World Cup that FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended games in two di erent cities on the same day

LOGAN WHITTON / USGA

Clairey Lin poses with the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championships trophy.

SIDELINE REPORT

MLB Japanese slugger Sasaki to sign with Marlins, forgo professional career in home country

Hanamaki, Japan Japanese slugger Rintaro Sasaki will sign with the Miami Marlins and forgo a professional career in his home country. The Marlins selected Sasaki out of Stanford in the eighth round of the MLB Draft, but the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks also selected him in the rst round of the Nippon Professional Baseball draft, setting up a di cult decision. Sasaki played under Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani’s father, Toru, and is Japan’s all-time high school home run leader with 140. He opted out of the Nippon league’s draft to play at Stanford.

NBA

NBA “continuing to look into” circumstances regarding Bucks’ signing of Trent Milwaukee

The NBA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks’ signing of Gary Trent Jr.. Reportedly, the NBA was investigating the signing for possible circumvention of the salary cap. Trent received a four-year, $64 million deal while he’s coming o one of his least productive seasons. The concerns over salary cap circumvention involve whether there was a prior agreement that Trent would be rewarded now if he signed below-market deals each of the last two years.

NHL

Yzerman abruptly steps down as Red Wings general manager

Detroit Steve Yzerman has abruptly stepped down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings. Yzerman’s resignation to move to an advisory role to CEO Chris Ilitch comes several weeks after captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request. The Red Wings say their search for a new head of hockey operations is already underway. Yzerman spent his entire 22 -year Hall of Fame playing career with Detroit from 1983 -2006, captaining it to the Stanley Cup three times. He was a successful GM in Tampa Bay before returning to Detroit in 2019.

NCAA FOOTBALL

Kicko Game announces NIL deal with Auburn before opener against Baylor

Atlanta The A ac Kicko Game has announced a name, image and likeness deal with Auburn leading up to the Tigers’ game against Baylor on Sept. 5. The Peach Bowl and Kicko Game said the multimillion deal marks the rst time a neutral- site college football game has incorporated NIL compensation for student athletes. The NIL agreement also will involve thirdparty entities. As many as two dozen Auburn student athletes will promote the game through social media posts, public appearances, advertisements, in-game promotions, branding opportunities and interviews.

Wolves believe Ball’s pure point guard play, joyful style will ‘elevate’

The former Hornets standout will team with Anthony Edwards

By Dave Campbell

Associated Press

The

MINNEAPOLIS — LaMe-

lo Ball came to Minnesota at a steep price.

The opportunity with a cost of two proven power forwards and multiple draft picks was deemed worthwhile by the Timberwolves in their ongoing attempt to make the last and most di cult step toward an NBA title.

“I think he’ll elevate us,” president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said, “and our environment will be conducive to his continued growth as well.”

Eager to gain one of the league’s true point guards and lessen the ballhandling and playmaking burden on superstar Anthony Edwards, the Wolves had to swallow hard and surrender valuable assets.

Completing a complicated four-team trade with Brooklyn, Charlotte and Chicago, Minnesota acquired Ball and guard Josh Green and sent fan favorite Naz Reid and a package of draft picks — a 2033 unprotected rst-rounder, rst-round swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030, and second-rounders in 2029, 2032 and 2033 — to the Hornets.

Second-leading scorer Julius Randle went to the Nets, who swapped the 28th overall selection in the draft last month for No. 33 that landed the Wolves guard Isaiah Evans. That rst part of the trade also created the salary cap space necessary for the Wolves to re-sign guard Ayo Dosunmu.

entire team

“He enjoys life. He enjoys playing. You don’t want to make this anything but where it’s a joyous atmosphere.”

Tim

Connelly, Wolves president of basketball operations

Edwards was the rst overall pick in the 2020 draft. Ball went third. Green was the 18th selection by Dallas and McDaniels was 28th, giving the Wolves four rst-round picks from that year.

“Well, we have none for the next 10 years,” Connelly quipped at the introductory news conference for Ball and Green last Tuesday at Target Center. “It’s all about quality, not quantity, right?”

All four of those 2020 draftees are still 25 and younger, giving the Wolves con dence they’ll continue to contend — “bites at the apple” is Connelly’s description — as long

as Edwards is on their roster.

“I’ve known Ant for a minute, so we’ve been talking,” Ball said. “Everybody’s excited, and we’re ready to get to work.”

Ball played in only 43% of the games over a three-year stretch from 2022-25 before a promising 2025-26 season that helped propel the Hornets into the play-in games. He has shown a recklessness on and o the court at times too. But the Wolves will give him a stronger team around him than he ever had with the Hornets, and six years into his NBA career the 6 -foot-7 Ball is still just 24.

“You’ve got to have a big backcourt. We learned that through the playo s this year,” Wolves coach Chris Finch said.

The ip side of Ball’s penchant for undisciplined or ashy plays is a carefree style the Wolves could use. One of the undercurrents of their underachieving season that ended with a second-round loss to San Antonio was a moodiness that became part of their collective personality. Too many players took too long to shake o un-

productive games or frustrating stretches.

“This is supposed to be fun,” Connelly said. “He enjoys life. He enjoys playing. You don’t want to make this anything but where it’s a joyous atmosphere.”

The void left by the departure of Randle and Reid could be lled rather neatly by a certain free agent who has included the Wolves on his list of teams worth considering. Meet Minneapolis, the city’s tourism arm, even took out digital billboards in Los Angeles to add a light-hearted element to the pitch for LeBron James.

“This is a place where you’re going to have a lot of fun and win a lot of games,” ,” Connelly said. “We’re trying to change the narrative of how this organization is viewed. We’re kind of proud of who we are, and certainly, wherever LeBron ends up, he’s going to make that place much, much better. I like who we are and we’re pretty proud of who we are. Hopefully that’s appealing, not just to LeBron, but to any free agent.”

ACC looks to corporate sponsorships as way to boost bottom line of league revenue

Commissioner Jim Phillips continues to search for new sources

By Aaron Beard The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE — Jim Phillips has spent his ve-plus-year tenure as Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner trying to generate more revenue for a league facing nancial pressures even with yearly record hauls.

For his league — and across the national landscape in the revenue-sharing era, for that matter — that has included more emphasis on corporate sponsorships.

Finding event sponsors for naming rights. Securing deals for advertisements on conference TV networks. It’s all about looking for ways to sell those options and supplement the media rights payouts and earnings from postseason success that stand as core engines of the college nancial system.

And stacking every bit helps in a time when schools are allowed to pay athletes directly.

“I don’t know if it’s pressure, but it’s the reality,” Phillips said during the league’s preseason football media days. “To me, it’s the reality of this role and it’s reality of our league. We have to continue to nd incremental dollars each and every year that continue to grow.”

That’s been a particular focus for Phillips, too, in dealing with a signi cant revenue gap behind the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference since his spring 2021 arrival.

The league reported about $826.5 million in total revenue in tax lings covering the 2024 -25 sports season, with schools earning a full distribution share getting an average of $47.1 million.

That continued the ACC’s

upward trajectory; the league reported $617 million for 2021-22 in Phillips’ rst full season, good for a full-share average of $39.4 million. And Phillips said the league would crack $900 million in total revenue for the just- completed 2025-26 season. By comparison, the Big Ten and SEC both crossed the $1 billion mark in total revenue in their 2024 -25 lings, with the Big Ten paying an average of nearly $79.9 million to full-share members while the SEC came in at nearly $72.4 million.

The biggest way to move the needle for a league looking to change its nancial picture typically is media rights contracts. The ACC is locked into a deal with ESPN — both for its base TV rights and the August 2019 launch of the ACC Network — through the 2035-36 season. The TV revenue continues to increase, but Phillips said at least some gains have come through corporate sponsorships, such as investment management rm T. Rowe Price putting its name on the

“You can’t wait around, you can’t just kind of sit on your hands as it relates to some of these other areas and not fully explore and commit to nding those additional dollars.”

Jim

Phillips, ACC commissioner

men’s basketball tournament. The ACC has doubled its list of corporate sponsorships to nine in the past ve years, a list that includes Apple, Dr Pepper, Gatorade and Allstate. The league announced a deal with AI cybersecurity rm ReliaQuest, which includes advertising through ESPN, ESPN parent company Disney and the ACC Network. That goes with other adjustments such as changes to the league’s revenue- distribution model to reward programs that generate higher TV viewership

and the “success initiative” that allows schools to keep money generated by their own postseason success.

“You can’t wait around, you can’t just kind of sit on your hands as it relates to some of these other areas and not fully explore and commit to nding those additional dollars,” Phillips said. “All of that stu adds up incrementally.” In its most recent report, SponsorUnited estimated that Power Four schools generated about $1 billion in corporate sponsorship revenue across roughly 6,300 deals for the 2025-26 season.

That equated to about $9.7 million per school in the ACC and $11.2 million for the Big 12. The SEC ($21.5 million) and Big Ten ($16.1 million) led the way, with the Big 12 as the only league lacking its own TV channel.

“There’s not a lot of places where you can go to an AD and say, ‘Look, I think we could potentially generate $5-10 -20 million annually if we think di erently about this side of the business and we can control it,’” Lynch said. “So it becomes a really intriguing space to look and say if we invest there, we could potentially extract a lot of dollars and generate a lot that we weren’t doing before.”

In the ACC’s case, that meant hiring Anthony Macri last September as its rst chief revenue o cer.

He’s helping schools in determining their own options on anything from patches on jerseys to arena signage. And unlike selling a nite number of tickets for an event, corporate sponsorships could o er layers of revenue options.

“We have a chance to really grow that area,” Macri said. “It’s been an underleveraged opportunity that has unlimited growth potential, so that gives us a lot of room to push on.”

/ MINNESOTA STAR TRIBUNE VIA AP

AARON BEARD / AP PHOTO ACC commissioner Jim Phillips speaks during ACC Kicko preseason football media days on July 15, in Charlotte.

Minnesota Timberwolves’ newly acquired point guard LaMelo Ball is introduced at a press conference.

obituaries

Gregory “Greg” Alan Peterson

Aug. 14, 1952 – July 15, 2026

Gregory “Greg” Alan Peterson, age 73, of Carthage, passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with his wife by his side.

Greg was born in Bellingham, Washington, on August 14, 1952, to the late Robert Peterson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Lynne Reed Peterson; son, Je Peterson of Washington, and one grandson. No services are planned.

Yvonne Covington

June 12, 1954 – July 16, 2026

Mrs. Yvonne Godwin

Covington, 72, of Moore County, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Fred Hu ne West

Aug. 14, 1934 – July 15, 2026

On Wednesday, July 15, Fred Hu ne West, 91, of Sanford, NC, passed away surrounded by his loving family.

Fred was born in Hampton, Tennessee, to “Joke” and Nellie West. He graduated from Hampton High School and enlisted in the Air Force. After being honorably discharged, he went on to graduate from East Tennessee State University with degrees in physics and mathematics. He married the love of his life, Helen Jenkins, on August 18, 1962. Fred and Helen moved to Sanford after he took a job with Cornell Dubiller as an electrical engineer, where he worked until Cornell closed. At that time, Fred took a job teaching electronics at Triton High School.

Fred was a devoted husband, father, grandpa and greatgrandpa who cherished his family above all else. He found great joy in the outdoors, whether he was hunting, shing, tending to his yard, or working in his garden. A faithful member of Rocky Fork Christian Church, Fred dedicated countless hours serving his church family and living out his faith through acts of kindness and service. He will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love for nature, his unwavering faith, and the lasting impact he made on his family, friends, and community.

John Luke Grady Beard

July 16, 2026

John Luke Grady Beard, infant son of Jeremy and Sarah Doby Beard of Cameron, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.

John Luke is survived by his parents and loving brothers, Jesse Beard, Waylon Beard, Cayson Beard, and James Walker “JW” Beard of the home; maternal grandfather and grandmother, Donny and Carol Doby of Cameron; paternal grandfather and grandmother, Todd and Debbie Round of Pinehurst; and maternal greatgrandmother, Jo Paulus of Cameron. Paternal uncles and aunts, Derek and Megan Worthy of Southern Pines, Chris and Lauren Post of Vass. Maternal uncle and aunt, Eric and Rachel Doby of Cameron. Along with many family and friends who already loved him so much!

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Jerry Beard; paternal greatgrandmother, Carol Loving; and cousin, James Christopher Worthy.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Joe Bill “Joe” Johnson

Feb. 25, 1936 – July 17, 2026

Joe Bill “Joe” Johnson, age 90, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, with his family by his side.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Rocky Fork Christian Church with Rev. Phillip Hare o ciating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will receive friends following the burial in the church fellowship hall.

Celebrate the life of your loved ones. Submit obituaries and death notices to be published in NSJ at obits@ northstatejournal.com

Fred was preceded in death by his parents (“Joke” and Nellie West), his sister (Agnes “Sis” Lane), his brother (Jim West), and his son (Joe West). He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Helen West; son, John West and his wife Karen West; Daughter-in-law: Jeanne West; Nephew: Mitchell West (Marilyn); grandchildren: Brad Byrd (Jennifer), Brian Byrd (Dina), Jordan West, and Sammie Godfrey (Brent); greatgrandchildren: Dylan Byrd, Gracie Byrd, Aiden Byrd, Callie Byrd, Ethan Barefoot, Emma Barefoot, Olivia Byrd, Charli Byrd, and Paisley Godfrey.

The funeral will be at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Rocky Fork Christian Church, 4246 Rocky Fork Christian Church Rd. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors.

In lieu of owers, the family requests donations be made to the cemetery fund at Rocky Fork Christian Church.

Donald “Duke” Michael Jones

Feb. 28, 1958 – July 19, 2026

Mr. Donald “Duke” Michael Jones, of Aberdeen, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Dahlia Gardens Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Aberdeen, North Carolina. In lieu of owers, donations are preferred and to be distributed to organizations that provided excellent care/support for Duke during his nal years. Please make checks payable to: Brenda J. Travis and mail to: B.J. Travis 705 Cabazon Drive Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

Born in Surry County, North Carolina, into a farming family to parents Levi Johnson and Thelma Johnson Rickard, he spent a portion of his childhood and most of his adult life in Lee County. After graduating from Greenwood High School, he married Edna Holder of Cameron for 61 years, began a career in insurance sales, owned an agency in Sanford, NC, and nished his career working for the Insurance Commissioner for the state of North Carolina. An additional part-time career was in real estate with Century 21 and as an instructor for insurance courses at CCCC in Sanford, NC. Joe was an active member of Rocky Fork Christian Church, serving as treasurer and a term as Chairman of the Board; community member for both Lee and Chatham County participating in programs such as Highway to Healing, Lions Club, Lee County Fair, Board of Elections, Meals on Wheels and Chatham County Senior Games. He found joy in helping others and, late in life, learning to play the bass guitar, joining along with others in a band.

He is survived by his son, Michael Johnson of Sanford, daughter, Stephanie Johnson Henry (Mike) of Pittsboro, and grandchildren, Major Ashley Henry and Captain Joshua Henry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, George Ray Johnson and Roger Allen Johnson. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Rocky Fork Christian Church Cemetery Fund.

STATE & NATION

Oystercatchers, known for sharp bills and beady eyes, making a comeback thanks to conservation

A coordinated e ort spanning 16 states has increased oystercatcher populations by 45%

By Michael Casey The Associated Press

SOUTH KINGSTOWN,

R.I.

— On a pristine Rhode Island beach teeming with noisy seabirds, a group of biologists armed with nets sneak up on a pair of American oystercatcher chicks.

But just as they move in to capture them, one of the football-size birds, with bright- orange bills and long legs, scampers into a coastal salt pond. The other brie y takes to the air, sending the team running across the mile-and-a-half-long beach in pursuit.

“There is a problem. They can y,” Alan Kneidel, a senior conservation biologist with the environmental group Manomet Conservation Sciences, said as he watched the team go after the chicks.

Eventually, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists tracked down both birds. They bundled them each into white pillow cases and gingerly carried them to a sand dune where body measurements were taken and bands clipped onto their long, peach- colored legs.

Birds starting to recover

The banding in the 787-acre Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge is part of a nationwide e ort to restore the oystercatcher’s population along the coasts of the Americas. The birds were largely wiped out in New England by the turn of the 20th century due to hunting and egg collecting, but their numbers are rising.

About $10 million was raised over a decade, and 35 coastal organizations in 16 states joined in the e ort. Much of the campaign focused on educating beachgoers about the presence of the quirky birds known for their piercing calls and habit of using their razor-sharp bills to crack open oysters and mussels. Measures were also implemented to protect their ground nesting sites from predators and pets on beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes or tide wrack deposits.

From 2008 to 2023, oystercatcher numbers increased by 45% along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Their recovery is especially signi cant given a 2023 study found that most shorebird populations in North America were declining.

“It’s amazing, and it’s a great conservation success story,” said Maureen Durkin, a federal wildlife biologist who led the banding e ort and works at the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

“It does really demonstrate how much you can accomplish when there is a dedicated group of partners that can come together and identify the needs

“With a little bit of focused e ort and attention on this really charismatic bird, you can teach the public how to share the shore.”

Luanne Johnson, BiodiversityWorks wildlife biologist

of the species and implement conservation actions,” she said, adding that it also showed conserving imperiled species “is not easy and takes a sustained and committed e ort.”

Targeting threats

Kneidel said a critical part of the conservation plan was determining that “chick survival was the big thing driving the declines.” Then, individually-tailored plans were drawn up from organizations in the American Oystercatcher Working Group, which was led by Manomet’s Shiloh Schulte, a conservation biologist and eld scientist who died last year in a helicopter crash in Alaska while on a mission to protect shorebirds. His initial aerial survey showed their numbers had declined by double- digits.

“At one site, it might be recreational disturbance, at another site it might be predators, at another site it might be sea level rise or loss of dune structure that’s causing overwash events that are causing nest failure,”

Kneidel said as he walked along the rocky Moonstone Beach, the sky lled with squeaking, least terns.

On Martha’s Vineyard, a low-lying fence with chicken wire is installed seasonally at the entrance of a key breeding site for oystercatchers and other seabirds and shorebirds, which

Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge.

has kept skunks and raccoons that eat their eggs o the beach. Colorful signs have also been installed educating the public about oystercatchers.

Focused attention on oystercatchers

The birds also bene t from federal protections given to piping plovers, a threatened shorebird that nests in some of the same areas. During the nesting season of piping plovers,

vehicles and dogs are limited or banned near beach nesting sites.

“With a little bit of focused e ort and attention on this really charismatic bird, you can teach the public how to share the shore,” said Luanne Johnson, a wildlife biologist who founded the nonpro t BiodiversityWorks, one of the groups working on the oystercatcher’s recovery. The island was the rst place to have nesting oystercatchers in Massachusetts when they began to recover and has seen the numbers of breeding pairs increase 77% since 2009.

In South Carolina, nearly 30 breeding sites are roped o to protect nesting habitat. Georgia and North Carolina also rope o breeding sites along with trapping and euthanizing predators like foxes, raccoons and coyotes during breeding season.

“If you focus conservation efforts on a species, especially before it becomes endangered to

the point that you’re considering listing, you can actually sort of head o trouble at the pass,” said Lindsay Addison, a coastal biologist with Audubon North Carolina, adding the state’s breeding pairs have increased nearly 20% to 403. Some birds, like Dark Green 06 and Yellow 25, were banded as far back as 2004 and have become minor celebrities.

Ted Simons, a retired emeritus professor at NC State who began studying the birds on North Carolina’s Outer Banks in 1995, said their recovery was a testament to the species’ resilience. He noted American oystercatchers have been found nesting on rooftops in the United States, and other oystercatcher species in Europe are nesting in pastures and eating worms. One pair, he recalled, was found nesting in a bus station pothole in Iceland.

“If these were really highly specialized birds that needed an exact prescription for survival, that would have been harder,” Simons said. “But what we found is that these birds are incredibly adaptive.”

Climate change, weakened protections pose dangers

Despite their strong recovery, threats remain.

Chief among the dangers is climate change that has led to rising seas and erosion washing out oystercatcher nests. That has prompted states such as Georgia to build elevated nesting platforms of oystershells for the birds and use dredged material from shipping channels to create and maintain nesting islands. Along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina, Audubon is replenishing shell rakes — beds of old oyster shells where the oystercatchers nest.

“Climate change, sea level rise — it’s a big challenge not only for oystercatchers but for all kinds of interests on the coast,” Addison said. “There’s going to be loss of habitat due to sea level rise, so we have to make sure that we do what we can to provide the habitat that we can so they can get through this next bottleneck.”

There are also concerns that changes this month to the Endangered Species Act could impact nesting sites, especially where state protections are weak. Environmental groups, which sued Tuesday to block the changes, fear breeding grounds could be disturbed by everything from vehicle tra c to unchecked development.

The changes would allow oil and gas drilling, mining, logging and other development on critical wildlife habitats so long as the animals themselves aren’t killed or injured. Environmentalists warned the move could cause some species to go extinct by opening the door to habitat destruction.

“It’s a direct attack on the protections that have allowed many of these shorebird species to recover,” Kneidel said.

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

Shorebird Crew Lead Mary Bertschi of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service tracks down a juvenile oystercatcher that took o running at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, on Sunday.

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

United States Fish and Wildlife Service Shorebird Monitor Allison Ruhl carries an adult oystercatcher at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge.

JESSICA HILL / AP PHOTO

An adult oystercatcher is held at